I have sat here a minute not knowing what to say or how to start this week's blog. There are many thoughts that I'm having that I'd like to share before I recount the acts of service I've been blessed to do this past week. But there have been mighty miracles in other parts of my life, and I'm not sure if I should share them here, right now, or not. Suffice it to say, I feel to "sing the song of redeeming" love as it stated in the scriptures about the great love of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is kind. So kind that He will let us make decisions for ourselves that He wouldn't necessarily have us make, for they will bring us greater heartache than if we didn't make those choices to begin with. Yet, He allows us to make them (even after prompting us not too) and we when come to Him, beat down and betrayed because of those choices, He doesn't hesitate to wrap us "eternally in the arms of His love" and heal us, heal our hearts, minds, and souls. He helps us become better than we were before and lets us go so we can, again, learn to make the choices HE WILL GUIDE US TO MAKE. His love is perfect and I have felt that fill me and restore me in many ways. When trust was shattered, He restored it. When completely deceived, He pointed me to Him who I can always trust. When blindsided, He picked me up and showed me there's so much more than I allowed myself to see.
I just felt to share what has so bountifully been poured out on me - as it can be so on each of us! Okay, service. I have such a short memory, I should at least write down on a sheet of paper what I do each day so I can remember when it comes time to post. Because let's face it, with working full-time, as well as teaching part-time, and being in a play, and training for races, I really don't sit down at this as often as I should.
I'll try and work backwards and see if that helps jog my memory. Yesterday I helped take out the trash before going to work in the morning. Tuesday I served by staying late after my Spanish class to help one of the students who isn't going to be at the last class. She will miss pretty vital stuff so I took some time to sit down and help jump start her in the right direction of understanding how to conjugate verbs in the present tense. :) Fun stuff, eh?! Well, nerdy enough, but I love it! Anyway, it made me later for my rehearsal, but I just felt so good to completely put my schedule and own needs aside to serve someone else who really needed it. Okay I'm not sure what happened when on these days so I'll clump them together. But believe that I did them! I just don't remember when. :) *clearing throat* I gave a friend a ride, I helped my little brother dig a trading card out from behind the fridge by me pulling the huge fridge out and him climbing into the dust bunnies to find it. Pretty awesome memories, right there. I unloaded the dishwasher for my fam, I helped clean up after the joint-ward party (which was awesome! Go U32! And U13... :)), I went to the temple!!! Oh I love love love that place! And I helped some of the other cast members in Footloose during rehearsal.
Happy serving!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Days #108-#132 The Recap of All Recaps is Here!!
Okay my most loved readers (meaning any who actually take time to read this... I heart you)!
How about I do a little recap goodness of the past few weeks, eh? First off, let's talk about how a running magazine suggested eating more almonds as part of eating healthy fats which will reduce the risk of injuries as you train (which I am in the process of training)... and how as a result of that little suggestion I've eaten half the bowl of almonds that was sitting out on the counter?! At least I'm getting my "healthy" fats! ... uh... right??
Okay let's start with the wonderful trip to Spain!! I sure made sure to do my service... the service I did before I left was spent on someone who didn't appreciate it as I had hoped and have since seen. But I don't regret the acts of service done!
While in Spain I was sure to do service each day - these consisted of the following things (we were there for 12 days - AND IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE TRIP!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!) *clearing throat and getting back on track* When we arrived to Barcelona (pronounced "Bar-th-elona" by native Barthelonians) our luggage did not arrive with us. Long story on that one! Somehow our carry on luggage became checked luggage and we went for three to four days without luggage. We spent the days serving each other as we borrowed and gave things to each other that some of us had/didn't have. My luggage arrived a day earlier than my two beloved traveling companions so I was excited to be able to help them out with items they didn't have but needed. (but no worries, no sharing of underclothing or toothbrushes was done... we didn't serve THAT much!) So those were some great days of service. Other than that - I bought fondu! (said with an exclamation point because I've never had cheese fondue before! How do you spell that, anyway?!) as an appetizer for my three Spain companions (which were Emily Bott, one of my best friends, Steph Long, my cute cousin!, and my great-aunt Margaret who lives in Spain), I picked up a piece of trash in a store we shopped in, I tried to give back some change to the worker in one of the street shops when he gave me one euro too many (he looked shocked that anyone would actually return it and told me to keep it - service blessing!), I paid for a couple taxi rides so my aunt didn't have to, I cleaned up the kitchen in one of our apartments we stayed in... only to find out the dishwasher actually worked and I didn't have to wash the dishes by hand (I'm convinced I'm a better person for the soapy hands anyway!), I bought a muffin for the Bottster on the plane ride home, and helped my cute aunt translate whenever she needed it (which was more like a service to me since I absolutely love any chance I can have to speak in Spanish)! What an amazing trip it was!
Since being home - I picked up a bunch of papers that fell in the credit union, I helped my mom prepare and clean up after a family gathering, I bought and gave a souvenir to a recipient that many questioned why I'd do it, I got cookies for my awesome coworkers, I was sure to wish my dad and brother happy birthday and buy them a gift (sometimes I forget the gift part... I just procrastinate and all of a sudden it's the person's birthday and I remembered that I STILL hadn't gone to get them anything... working on that one though!), I helped my brother and sister-in-law finish packing up their house in Vegas (but again, being in Las Vegas that day ended up being the BIGGEST blessing I could have asked for, so I was served more than they were... and it was bonus time with my niece... it was a win-win situation for all!), and I've helped clean up here at the casa.
I tell ya - life is so much better when there's service involved!! I'm grateful that the reminder of this blog keeps me on track!
Thanks so much if you're still reading!!
How about I do a little recap goodness of the past few weeks, eh? First off, let's talk about how a running magazine suggested eating more almonds as part of eating healthy fats which will reduce the risk of injuries as you train (which I am in the process of training)... and how as a result of that little suggestion I've eaten half the bowl of almonds that was sitting out on the counter?! At least I'm getting my "healthy" fats! ... uh... right??
Okay let's start with the wonderful trip to Spain!! I sure made sure to do my service... the service I did before I left was spent on someone who didn't appreciate it as I had hoped and have since seen. But I don't regret the acts of service done!
While in Spain I was sure to do service each day - these consisted of the following things (we were there for 12 days - AND IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE TRIP!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!) *clearing throat and getting back on track* When we arrived to Barcelona (pronounced "Bar-th-elona" by native Barthelonians) our luggage did not arrive with us. Long story on that one! Somehow our carry on luggage became checked luggage and we went for three to four days without luggage. We spent the days serving each other as we borrowed and gave things to each other that some of us had/didn't have. My luggage arrived a day earlier than my two beloved traveling companions so I was excited to be able to help them out with items they didn't have but needed. (but no worries, no sharing of underclothing or toothbrushes was done... we didn't serve THAT much!) So those were some great days of service. Other than that - I bought fondu! (said with an exclamation point because I've never had cheese fondue before! How do you spell that, anyway?!) as an appetizer for my three Spain companions (which were Emily Bott, one of my best friends, Steph Long, my cute cousin!, and my great-aunt Margaret who lives in Spain), I picked up a piece of trash in a store we shopped in, I tried to give back some change to the worker in one of the street shops when he gave me one euro too many (he looked shocked that anyone would actually return it and told me to keep it - service blessing!), I paid for a couple taxi rides so my aunt didn't have to, I cleaned up the kitchen in one of our apartments we stayed in... only to find out the dishwasher actually worked and I didn't have to wash the dishes by hand (I'm convinced I'm a better person for the soapy hands anyway!), I bought a muffin for the Bottster on the plane ride home, and helped my cute aunt translate whenever she needed it (which was more like a service to me since I absolutely love any chance I can have to speak in Spanish)! What an amazing trip it was!
Since being home - I picked up a bunch of papers that fell in the credit union, I helped my mom prepare and clean up after a family gathering, I bought and gave a souvenir to a recipient that many questioned why I'd do it, I got cookies for my awesome coworkers, I was sure to wish my dad and brother happy birthday and buy them a gift (sometimes I forget the gift part... I just procrastinate and all of a sudden it's the person's birthday and I remembered that I STILL hadn't gone to get them anything... working on that one though!), I helped my brother and sister-in-law finish packing up their house in Vegas (but again, being in Las Vegas that day ended up being the BIGGEST blessing I could have asked for, so I was served more than they were... and it was bonus time with my niece... it was a win-win situation for all!), and I've helped clean up here at the casa.
I tell ya - life is so much better when there's service involved!! I'm grateful that the reminder of this blog keeps me on track!
Thanks so much if you're still reading!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Days #108-127 STILL TO COME!
My dear friends!
I sure WILL get back in blogging mode - not to worry!! (if you were...) I've been on an incredible journey to Spain, but you best believe I made sure to do service while I was traveling, so the updates will come!!
Thank you so much if you're still reading!!
I sure WILL get back in blogging mode - not to worry!! (if you were...) I've been on an incredible journey to Spain, but you best believe I made sure to do service while I was traveling, so the updates will come!!
Thank you so much if you're still reading!!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day #107 Perfect Start to the Day!
I was so grateful and excited for the service today!!
Let me give you the background:
I got up earlier than I usually do for work and yet I STILL left so much later than I wanted to. I wasn't super stoked about that but I soon figured out one reason why that happened and I'm so grateful for it.
While I was driving to work I passed a girl standing at a bus stop... now not only was this the morning hours so it's a little cool anyway, but it was drizzly this morning AND she didn't have a coat! THEN I realized it was a cute girl from my neighborhood and home ward AND I taught her when I long-term subbed in history at Davis High. I couldn't remember her name and almost continued driving because I didn't know if she'd take the ride and I wouldn't be able to call her by her first name anyway... are those any kinds of excuses for NOT at least TRYING to help someone out?
I feel that so often we make up people's minds for them. WE decide what they will and won't do. WE decide FOR them if they do or don't want something. That's not how it works! We need to at least give other people the chance to accept or neglect the offer. At least we put forth the effort and looked outside ourselves and our schedules to help someone.
So thankfully the Spirit pressed on me until I got too much further and I turned around and asked if she wanted a ride. She at first declined saying she was going to Layton (the next city over which is really only about 5 minutes away) for work. I told her I didn't mind and that would be just fine and she gratefully accepted. I WAS SO SO SO EXCITED! We chatted and caught up while we drove and she didn't have to stand in the rain, pay for a bus ticket, or take a bus ride.
Always at least ask. That's what I learned today. Don't ever assume you know what the person will say. Isn't that what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about anyway?
Let me give you the background:
I got up earlier than I usually do for work and yet I STILL left so much later than I wanted to. I wasn't super stoked about that but I soon figured out one reason why that happened and I'm so grateful for it.
While I was driving to work I passed a girl standing at a bus stop... now not only was this the morning hours so it's a little cool anyway, but it was drizzly this morning AND she didn't have a coat! THEN I realized it was a cute girl from my neighborhood and home ward AND I taught her when I long-term subbed in history at Davis High. I couldn't remember her name and almost continued driving because I didn't know if she'd take the ride and I wouldn't be able to call her by her first name anyway... are those any kinds of excuses for NOT at least TRYING to help someone out?
I feel that so often we make up people's minds for them. WE decide what they will and won't do. WE decide FOR them if they do or don't want something. That's not how it works! We need to at least give other people the chance to accept or neglect the offer. At least we put forth the effort and looked outside ourselves and our schedules to help someone.
So thankfully the Spirit pressed on me until I got too much further and I turned around and asked if she wanted a ride. She at first declined saying she was going to Layton (the next city over which is really only about 5 minutes away) for work. I told her I didn't mind and that would be just fine and she gratefully accepted. I WAS SO SO SO EXCITED! We chatted and caught up while we drove and she didn't have to stand in the rain, pay for a bus ticket, or take a bus ride.
Always at least ask. That's what I learned today. Don't ever assume you know what the person will say. Isn't that what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about anyway?
Days #101-106
I know I said I'd update more frequently... and then life happens and schedule things... come... *clearing throat* anyway, on with the updates:
So last Saturday to serve I took my cute little brother to a play with Bryce and I. It was way fun and he seemed to enjoy himself. It was just nice to make time to be with one of my little brothers.
Sunday (Day #102) I helped my mom assemble some invitations for a 6th grade primary activity night. I could have easily slipped off to take a killer Sunday nap but there's no way I would feel okay leaving her there with 80 or so invitations to punch holes in, glue stuff on, and stick little decorations to by herself. I'm grateful for the nudgings of the Spirit.
Monday through Thursday is all kind of a blur with service activities as follows - picking up trash from the parking lot, getting in touch with a friend, buying a "I'm thinking of you" gift for a friend, taking the trash out, and holding the door for someone.
Yae for service! I keep feeling like, "if any of you are still reading and aren't sick of reading the same types of service over and over again BLESS YOU!" But then I got thinking that service IS so often small things that get you out of your own world into a world slightly less comfortable, involving more sacrifice, no matter the amount. It doesn't always have to cost money, take oodles of time, or be different every time. It all counts.
So last Saturday to serve I took my cute little brother to a play with Bryce and I. It was way fun and he seemed to enjoy himself. It was just nice to make time to be with one of my little brothers.
Sunday (Day #102) I helped my mom assemble some invitations for a 6th grade primary activity night. I could have easily slipped off to take a killer Sunday nap but there's no way I would feel okay leaving her there with 80 or so invitations to punch holes in, glue stuff on, and stick little decorations to by herself. I'm grateful for the nudgings of the Spirit.
Monday through Thursday is all kind of a blur with service activities as follows - picking up trash from the parking lot, getting in touch with a friend, buying a "I'm thinking of you" gift for a friend, taking the trash out, and holding the door for someone.
Yae for service! I keep feeling like, "if any of you are still reading and aren't sick of reading the same types of service over and over again BLESS YOU!" But then I got thinking that service IS so often small things that get you out of your own world into a world slightly less comfortable, involving more sacrifice, no matter the amount. It doesn't always have to cost money, take oodles of time, or be different every time. It all counts.
Friday, March 19, 2010
DAY #100 Monumental!!
Wow!! 100 days of service! This has been a great experience. Though some days have been similar in their service, it's taught me that service doesn't have to be extraordinary, huge, or cost anything. It can be small, daily acts of love, kindness, or thoughtfulness.
Today for service I bought my little brother a ticket to come to a play with me tomorrow night. I want and need to spend more time with my little brothers. They are studs and great blessings to me. I'd like to add that it was definitely inspiration to invite him to come along. I don't even remember what I was thinking about when the idea came and I'm so grateful it did. The Lord loves us and is so aware of each of us.
Let's look for ways to be answers to others' prayers. :) Happy day #100!
Today for service I bought my little brother a ticket to come to a play with me tomorrow night. I want and need to spend more time with my little brothers. They are studs and great blessings to me. I'd like to add that it was definitely inspiration to invite him to come along. I don't even remember what I was thinking about when the idea came and I'm so grateful it did. The Lord loves us and is so aware of each of us.
Let's look for ways to be answers to others' prayers. :) Happy day #100!
Day #99
Yesterday, Thursday, for service I baked some muffins for my fam to accompany dinner. My mom bought a muffin book that just so happened to be from Gibbs Smith, my place of work :), so I thought I'd try it out and see how my fam liked 'em. They were a hit!
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