Unfortunately "Help Wanted" signs are not too common in storefront windows in these times of economic stress. There are plenty of helpers with desire, but very few opportunities to contribute. However, this last week I have noticed different "Help Wanted" requests and it all started with a beautiful pink hat.
HELP WANTED: a prayer. I just happened to walk by our office foyer and noticed a client waiting for an appointment. The bright pink hat with a flower attached caught my attention immediately...combined with that "look" in her eyes. I knew that look and my heart ached for her. After her appointment, Steve confirmed my suspicions. She was in advanced stages of cancer and treatments. That night I offered a prayer on behalf of a total stranger. Quite often I express such prayers. I have asked for blessings on anyone who is having a chemo treatment that day, or anyone that has just heard the news of their condition. Through our faith, I think Heavenly Father blesses those we don't know just as much as the loved ones we constantly remember in our prayers.
HELP WANTED: a teeter-totter dad. My boss's son was in my office last week helping with computer glitches. He was explaining how his life was so busy and so stressful, but that he had decided to take last Wednesday off work. He told his staff that he had something important to do. (This is a perfect MormonAd.) His three-year old son was ecstatic when they arrived at the local Play World and saw the balls, the slides, the inflatables,...you name it, they had it. This man spent several hours playing with his little boy. I'm not sure who was happier that night as they were safely tucked in their beds. It was a memorable day for both.
HELP WANTED: someone to notice. We went visiting teaching this week. I will admit, we have had the name of a new sister on our list for several months. We didn't do anything in November. In December we made a stop-by visit and introduced ourselves through the screen door. I sent a note in January. But for February, we really made the effort. She was very nice. In fact, her fifteen-year old daughter was "visit taught" as well as her husband who is not a member. Sharon and I didn't have to worry about carrying on a conversation. They just took over and visited with us. They seemed so genuinely happy that someone had finally noticed their presence in our community. That's all we want, isn't it?
HELP WANTED: someone at the right time, at the right place. Another sister we visit teach is Sis. Burgess. She is one of the sweetest elderly sisters I know. Her husband has not been well for over a year. But last week, he insisted on going outside to rake some leaves. Yes...you can guess what happened. His legs lost their strength and he went down. Sis. Burgess saw him from her kitchen window and rushed out to help. But being the short, fragile woman she is, she didn't have the muscle to raise him to his feet. Just then, a Roy City police officer drove by, noticed their plight and stopped to render service. Thankfully, Bro. Burgess is no worse off because of his fall. I would like to think that anyone in an "unmarked" car would have taken time to offer aid... not just a cop on duty.
"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
I need to live more by those famous words because "help wanted" signs are everywhere. Too often I close my eyes to those that are blinking for attention. I may not be able to "cure" the world, but I certainly can pray for a pink hat lady...somewhere.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
FHE, Ann Style
For one of my Personal Progress goals, I need to plan and present a Family Home Evening lesson on the topic of how it requires faith to be obedient to a gospel principle. My house plants and I could hold our own FHE, but it would be much nicer to share it with you.
Opening Song: Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean the house, and we shop at the store, so we won't have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes. And we call it our get-the-work-done day. Then we trim our nails and shampoo our hair so we can be ready for Sunday.
Opening Prayer:....do I need to remind you to fold your arms, close your eyes and bow your heads?
Scripture: Isaiah 58:13-14 (I will paraphrase) If we turn aside from doing our "own" thing on the Sabbath day and call it a delight, then God will bless us.
Lesson on the Sabbath Day:
1. The weekend. Is this technically the last day of the week or the first day of the week?... actually both. It commemorates the 7th day of the creation when God rested from His labors. But after the time of Christ, it became the first day of the week in celebration of the resurrection. At the end of the week, I find it a wonderful time to think back on the previous six days and take inventory of what I have done, or haven't done...a nice ending to the week. It is also a good first day, to plan for upcoming activities and responsibilites, repent and promise to do better...a nice beginning to the week. I think of it as a time to empty the "garbage" and fill up the "tank".
2. The Sabbath. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning day of rest. It's purpose is to give us a certain day of the week to direct our thoughts and actions toward God. It is not just a day to rest our physical bodies from work. But it is a day to energize our spiritual bodies for work. God gives us six days to take care of our temporal needs. It's only fair that we show our devotion to Him by giving one day back. And selfishly, isn't it wonderful to have a day away from the concerns of the world?
3. The Sunday. I didn't take the time to google the word "Sunday", so I will tell you how I feel about the noun. Whenever I see the word or speak it, I immediately think of the color yellow...because of the sun. It's a sunny day even if the clouds cover the rays. A couple of years ago, Elder Wirthlin gave a beautiful Conference talk saying: "I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world's history, that Friday [Christ's crucifixion] was the darkest." But he went on to say "The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death." (Ensign November 2006 page 30). He ended by reminding us that no matter how dark our Friday is (or Tuesday or Wednesday...) Sunday will come. With Sunday comes the yellow rays of hope, spiritual energy, and renewal.
Testimony: It takes faith to observe the Sabbath day and to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). We are all busy and could use some extra time. And to spend three straight hours in church, when we could be accomplishing something more immediate? May I share my testimony that the blessings come from honoring God on His day. Most every year I am faced with the temptation to spend at least one Sunday at work during tax season. The little devils are convincing that I won't be able to meet the April 15th deadline unless I put in extra hours on Sunday. But I learned quite a few years ago that he who honors God, God will honor (1 Samuel 2:30). I remember very well a Sunday before the 15th. While coworkers were busily adding, subtracting and calculating refunds, I spent the day (in faith) watching General Conference. I held on to the promise found in Isaiah, hoping that God would perform a miracle on my behalf. The following week as we faced the deadline, clients came forward asking for extensions; coworkers asked if they could help; I was able to get more done in less time. I know that Heavenly Father blessed me to do what I needed to do because I obeyed in faith.
Games: There are many good things we can do on the Sabbath. Unscramble the words to determine proper activities for the day. (I hope I didn't leave out important vowels or consonants... I will give you the answers in the next blog...remind me).
ttedan cchruh eemtgnis
erda hte pstruciser
siivt fymali
slinte ot dogo suicm
ymflai styohir
mlafiy mohe negnive
wtrie tteerls
pferrom hcurch cisvree
sert
uojanrls
ymflai cncloui
Refreshments: No Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1 cube butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup milk
Step 1: Mix sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Remove from heat and add vanilla, cocoa, and peanut butter. Mix well.
Step 3: Add oats and coconut, and stir until completely combined.
Step 4: Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool.
Closing prayer:...Gather your family around you tonight. After you say "amen" give them loves and kisses from me.
Opening Song: Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean the house, and we shop at the store, so we won't have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes. And we call it our get-the-work-done day. Then we trim our nails and shampoo our hair so we can be ready for Sunday.
Opening Prayer:....do I need to remind you to fold your arms, close your eyes and bow your heads?
Scripture: Isaiah 58:13-14 (I will paraphrase) If we turn aside from doing our "own" thing on the Sabbath day and call it a delight, then God will bless us.
Lesson on the Sabbath Day:
1. The weekend. Is this technically the last day of the week or the first day of the week?... actually both. It commemorates the 7th day of the creation when God rested from His labors. But after the time of Christ, it became the first day of the week in celebration of the resurrection. At the end of the week, I find it a wonderful time to think back on the previous six days and take inventory of what I have done, or haven't done...a nice ending to the week. It is also a good first day, to plan for upcoming activities and responsibilites, repent and promise to do better...a nice beginning to the week. I think of it as a time to empty the "garbage" and fill up the "tank".
2. The Sabbath. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning day of rest. It's purpose is to give us a certain day of the week to direct our thoughts and actions toward God. It is not just a day to rest our physical bodies from work. But it is a day to energize our spiritual bodies for work. God gives us six days to take care of our temporal needs. It's only fair that we show our devotion to Him by giving one day back. And selfishly, isn't it wonderful to have a day away from the concerns of the world?
3. The Sunday. I didn't take the time to google the word "Sunday", so I will tell you how I feel about the noun. Whenever I see the word or speak it, I immediately think of the color yellow...because of the sun. It's a sunny day even if the clouds cover the rays. A couple of years ago, Elder Wirthlin gave a beautiful Conference talk saying: "I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world's history, that Friday [Christ's crucifixion] was the darkest." But he went on to say "The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death." (Ensign November 2006 page 30). He ended by reminding us that no matter how dark our Friday is (or Tuesday or Wednesday...) Sunday will come. With Sunday comes the yellow rays of hope, spiritual energy, and renewal.
Testimony: It takes faith to observe the Sabbath day and to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). We are all busy and could use some extra time. And to spend three straight hours in church, when we could be accomplishing something more immediate? May I share my testimony that the blessings come from honoring God on His day. Most every year I am faced with the temptation to spend at least one Sunday at work during tax season. The little devils are convincing that I won't be able to meet the April 15th deadline unless I put in extra hours on Sunday. But I learned quite a few years ago that he who honors God, God will honor (1 Samuel 2:30). I remember very well a Sunday before the 15th. While coworkers were busily adding, subtracting and calculating refunds, I spent the day (in faith) watching General Conference. I held on to the promise found in Isaiah, hoping that God would perform a miracle on my behalf. The following week as we faced the deadline, clients came forward asking for extensions; coworkers asked if they could help; I was able to get more done in less time. I know that Heavenly Father blessed me to do what I needed to do because I obeyed in faith.
Games: There are many good things we can do on the Sabbath. Unscramble the words to determine proper activities for the day. (I hope I didn't leave out important vowels or consonants... I will give you the answers in the next blog...remind me).
ttedan cchruh eemtgnis
erda hte pstruciser
siivt fymali
slinte ot dogo suicm
ymflai styohir
mlafiy mohe negnive
wtrie tteerls
pferrom hcurch cisvree
sert
uojanrls
ymflai cncloui
Refreshments: No Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1 cube butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup milk
Step 1: Mix sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Remove from heat and add vanilla, cocoa, and peanut butter. Mix well.
Step 3: Add oats and coconut, and stir until completely combined.
Step 4: Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool.
Closing prayer:...Gather your family around you tonight. After you say "amen" give them loves and kisses from me.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fumbles and Foibles
If you are a regular follower of my blog, you may have noticed I missed the weekly publishing deadline. The last few days have been somewhat of a struggle at work and my soul has longed to be with Alexander in Australia (...and his no-good, horrible, very bad day!) But life could be worse. My bet is there were a few football players who have not had the best of weeks either.
I admit I didn't pay much attention to the Super Bowl hype this year. I barely knew who the opposing teams were and saw only five minutes of the game. But in those five minutes, I did see the "interception" that some thought lost the game for the Colts. In the weeks leading up to the game, everyone believed Indianapolis was a sure bet. No one could beat Peyton Manning! And then he throws the ball to the other team. Although, was it really his fault? Of course not. But it reminded me of the Brett Favre interception a few weeks earlier that kept Minnesota out of Super Bowl contention. Even the greatest of players would like to push the rewind button and do it over again.
We are all human. We make mistakes constantly. Some are worth a few million dollars accompanied with Super Bowl fame and even a trip to Disneyland. Others are insignificant but cause us a lot of personal embarrassment.
Several years ago I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. I got there a few minutes early to be reverent. As I was sitting on the stand, I looked down and noticed I had on two different kinds of shoes. They were basically the same style, but definitely from different pairs. I was embarrassed and tried to keep my feet under my chair the best I could and hoped the bishopric wouldn't notice as I stood to speak. Dumb mistake, but not the end of the world. In fact, I laughed about it this week in remembering...you see, I almost did it again.
I was late in getting ready for work. Before leaving the house I ran to the closet in the dark and slipped my feet into what I thought was the only pair of dress shoes on the floor. As I walked away, I felt a slight limp, like one leg was shorter than the other. I turned on the light and sure enough, two different shoes.
Human foibles. They can be quite entertaining at times. I've got to learn that my life isn't over if I trip over the door mat going into church and lay splat on the floor. (No, that hasn't happened...but now that I write it, it will!) Or another example. Last Sunday night we had our last choir practice for Stake Conference. I was just about to sing a really good high note, but hesitated a nano second. (The choir angels must have had their hand over my mouth). It's a good thing I waited because no one else sang. Dead silence. I would have been the only one singing and that would have been the end of my singing career.
We need to give each other some slack. If the paperboy misses the porch, the man pulls out in front of you on Riverdale Road, the Sacrament prayer needs to be repeated, the Bishop rambles on and on, the Utah Jazz have an off night, the checker rings up your Fruit Loops twice...do I get upset? Well, I do. But I am working on being much more tolerant with others and myself. And that's maybe the hardest, to allow ourselves a fumble once in awhile.
It would be a pretty dull world if we were all perfect. (Now don't get me wrong. That is our ultimate goal.) But in the daily routine of oopses, please forgive me if I call you Cindy instead of Ethel, or if I snore during your lecture presentation...or if I accidentally forget to release the volume pedal for the sacrament hymn. It's all in being human.
I admit I didn't pay much attention to the Super Bowl hype this year. I barely knew who the opposing teams were and saw only five minutes of the game. But in those five minutes, I did see the "interception" that some thought lost the game for the Colts. In the weeks leading up to the game, everyone believed Indianapolis was a sure bet. No one could beat Peyton Manning! And then he throws the ball to the other team. Although, was it really his fault? Of course not. But it reminded me of the Brett Favre interception a few weeks earlier that kept Minnesota out of Super Bowl contention. Even the greatest of players would like to push the rewind button and do it over again.
We are all human. We make mistakes constantly. Some are worth a few million dollars accompanied with Super Bowl fame and even a trip to Disneyland. Others are insignificant but cause us a lot of personal embarrassment.
Several years ago I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. I got there a few minutes early to be reverent. As I was sitting on the stand, I looked down and noticed I had on two different kinds of shoes. They were basically the same style, but definitely from different pairs. I was embarrassed and tried to keep my feet under my chair the best I could and hoped the bishopric wouldn't notice as I stood to speak. Dumb mistake, but not the end of the world. In fact, I laughed about it this week in remembering...you see, I almost did it again.
I was late in getting ready for work. Before leaving the house I ran to the closet in the dark and slipped my feet into what I thought was the only pair of dress shoes on the floor. As I walked away, I felt a slight limp, like one leg was shorter than the other. I turned on the light and sure enough, two different shoes.
Human foibles. They can be quite entertaining at times. I've got to learn that my life isn't over if I trip over the door mat going into church and lay splat on the floor. (No, that hasn't happened...but now that I write it, it will!) Or another example. Last Sunday night we had our last choir practice for Stake Conference. I was just about to sing a really good high note, but hesitated a nano second. (The choir angels must have had their hand over my mouth). It's a good thing I waited because no one else sang. Dead silence. I would have been the only one singing and that would have been the end of my singing career.
We need to give each other some slack. If the paperboy misses the porch, the man pulls out in front of you on Riverdale Road, the Sacrament prayer needs to be repeated, the Bishop rambles on and on, the Utah Jazz have an off night, the checker rings up your Fruit Loops twice...do I get upset? Well, I do. But I am working on being much more tolerant with others and myself. And that's maybe the hardest, to allow ourselves a fumble once in awhile.
It would be a pretty dull world if we were all perfect. (Now don't get me wrong. That is our ultimate goal.) But in the daily routine of oopses, please forgive me if I call you Cindy instead of Ethel, or if I snore during your lecture presentation...or if I accidentally forget to release the volume pedal for the sacrament hymn. It's all in being human.
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