mission: just serve

This week's mutual was a joined Young Women activity but it was still by class. I had so much fun and I know the youth did too, plus there's something about a good hearted competition that unites a team (or class in this case) like none other.

Each class competed as a team. Everyone had 7 "missions" to complete. They were all the same missions, but in different order so we weren't on top of each other, and some of the houses we were going to serve at requested we be there before a certain time. With each "mission" there was a scripture they needed to read before moving on to the directions.

• Dinner:  Mosiah 4:26. "26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants."

 We made a freezer meal for the compassionate services committee that they could use for an "immediate need" type of situation. Such an easy recipe- 2.5 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup of cream of mushroom, a bag of frozen veggies, and 1 cup of cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake @ 350 for 25-30 minutes.

• Yardwork: Genesis 3:17-18. "17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
   18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;" They needed to do a minimum of 5 minutes. We had a group take such pride in their work that they didn't want to quit until they were done and stayed for 20 minutes! They're so amazing!
• Letters to less active girls: Matthew 10:5-6. "5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
   6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

 Each team reached out to two girls that we would love to see at more activities and on Sunday, to let them know they are loved and missed.

• Vacuuming: D&C 109:8. " 8 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"

We went to three homes and helped them keep a "house of order" by vacuuming their great room.

• Bathrooms: D&C 42:41. "41 And let all things be done in cleanliness before me."

The Laurels took the women's, Mia Maids took the Men's, and the Beehives took the two Individual Bathrooms.

• Trash: 1 Thess. 4:7. "7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."

Each group had to pick up 5 pieces of garbage.

• Treat: D&C 107:15. " 15 The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same."

We found out from the wives of our bishopric what their favorite treats were and delivered it to them.

The rules were simple enough:

Obey the law: seat belts and speed limits.

Pray in the houses you serve.

Everyone participates.

Take a picture of every task.

Be back at the church by 8:15.

It was so fun to see the girls involved in a service activity- especially to hear the Beehives went above and beyond for one family's garden. Service is such a great way to show people that they are loved and thought of, not just by us, but by Heavenly Father.

I  didn't make this but it sums up the intentions for our activity quite well :)

2 babes, 5 years- reminiscing

In June of 2011 I made the decision I was going to be a Mormon. I knew fairly little about the church, but I felt like it was the correct thing to do. I had just gone on a trip to Nueva York and my husband had told me to "get it together or don't come home." While that seems harsh, it was truth. I needed to get it together, but I had no idea how. I said a prayer (an atheist with a hope that someone was listening), got an invitation via Facebook to go to a baby blessing, asked my friend if I could return the next Sunday, and the rest was history. On my 3rd Sunday my friend suggested I start meeting with the missionaries. I was totally a Golden Investigator. You're welcome, Elders. I just wanted to KNOW about what I believed in before I got baptized, so it took some time- 3 months.

I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the most amazing ward. Fellowship was critical- and they truly met the mark. I was 9 months pregnant, mind you. When I finally (42 weeks) had my babe I was so overwhelmed with the love and support I felt from my church members. I had gals bringing over meals, coming to check on me, sister missionaries getting my fussy babe to finally sleep, and folks offering to hold my babe, admiring ALL that hair! This is just the norm for Saints. They see a need and then step up!

We moved to Arizona and got a little lost in the shuffle. But that's ok, they made up for it eventually and now it's just as much "home" as our San Diego ward.

Today we're in Arizona, 5 years ago to the day, at another baby's blessing. I've been reminiscent, code word for weepy, about how far we've come as a family in 5 short years. My husband was baptized 2 years and 10 days after I was. So many people, near and far, previous missionaries and their family came out to support our family. They could see the potential our family had to make it to the temple, and were there to celebrate that with us. My husband was able to baptize my daughter when she turned 8. It was so sweet. We were sealed later that year, and just as many, if not more friends, definitely more Elders, were there to witness our covenant in the temple of the Lord, to be sealed as a family for time and all eternity. How AWESOME is that?

Now we hold callings that help prepare the youth to make and keep temple covenants and we take this charge to heart. We know that being a covenant keeping person is hard work. REALLY HARD WORK. It also means never giving up. Saying "I tried," doesn't cut it. Past tense means you are no longer trying. It means you gave up. Don't give up! Dust yourself off and keep at it. It is so worth every effort, every tear shed, every late night prayer.

I never thought one prayer would lead to so much goodness. I could have never imagined the love and peace I have been shown. I see miracles on the daily- one of our YW is going on a MISSION! WHAT?!?! There were so many new infants at church today that my baby fever came back in full force. Miracles, I tell you! There is so much good in the world, regardless of what the media is depicting- and it all comes from a loving Heavenly Father.


I hope you get the chance to feel the same type of love and joy that my family is experiencing through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. If you're interested, you can learn more at lds.org