Serving others makes me HAPPY!

One of my favorite scriptures from this weeks reading is found in Mosiah 2: 17 it reads:

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

The part that I underlined is what I am going to focus on in this post. I love the opportunity to serve. I have had many neat experiences from doing so. 

I remember when I was in the sixth grade there was an older couple in our ward that lived in assisted living. My mother, being the perfect example of  service was the Sister's visiting teacher. My mom mentioned to the sister that she had daughters that would love to come help clean once a week. Mom came home from her visit and told us the great news. Only we didn't think that it was so great. Until mom told us that we would be paid. We jump all over it. Our first day on the job we were already thinking about what we were going to save up for. We got to the couples apartment and started working. We did the dishes and cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed. That was all we had to do and with 2 sometime 3 of us girls working together it was a breeze. Now was for our payment. The sister walked to her freezer and gave us each a Popsicle and thanked us for all we had done to make her day easier. I don't remember the look on my face when receiving the Popsicle. I knew that my shopping spree wasn't going to happen. We went home and told our mother that we didn't want to do this for Popsicle's. My mother with tears in her eyes taught me my first real lesson in serving others. My payment....blessings for seeing this elderly couple not having to do the work that was hard and sometimes painful. The next time we went over to their house we talked about what flavor we were going to choose. (Root-beer and Banana were my favorites!)

 

This happened in my neighborhood this week. What was so great about this tree falling was seeing neighbors instantly walking out to help each other get it out of the road. I don't think that it was more then an hour after it falling that it was all cleaned up and out of the way. Now just waiting for the maintenance guys to do their part.

Service has always been one of my favorite topics to talk about. I have seen it in my life for as long as I can remember. I have had it done for me since I was a kid. Seeing sister's help our family when my mom was so sick and not able to cook or clean and our dad working 2-3 jobs. We had great examples and I love being able to give back at every opportunity.
Our Savior Jesus Christ was the very best example of giving service. He healed people, he fed them, he taught them, he blessed them. Not only are we helping others, our brothers and sisters, we are helping our Father in Heaven by lifting the burdens and lightening their loads. Showing love, kindness, compassion, charity and so much more. It helps us each day to become more like Him and closer to Him.

When have you been served? How have you seen the blessings come from someone serving you?

Happy Thanksgiving

Compassion and Pumpkin Pie

During this semester in my Book of Mormon class we all had to choose a Christlike attribute that we would work on. Each week we set certain goals, find scriptures, pray, and work on this attribute. Become more Christlike. So my "Becoming Project" has been on Compassion. At first I started thinking that I needed to exercise more compassion toward my family, but as I started applying it more into my daily life I found that I should be showing Compassion everywhere. I found the Definition  of Compassion: to feel deep sympathy for another who is stricken with misfortune, accompanied by the desire to alleviate the suffering.

A lot of the synonyms stuck out to me: Warmth, Love, Tenderness, Mercy, Kindness, Caring, Humanity, Charity.  All of the Christlike attributes in one. So I have been working on all of them. Trying to serve others more, serve my family in a more loving way, AND also showing love and compassion to myself. I was questioned on this one..How does one show Compassion to self? Well, I feel that I can be hard on myself. If I don't have a  spotless house 24/7 (which I don't), and if I don't always have a perfect home-cooked meal (again lucky if we have 2-3 a week then leftovers on the other days), My kids aren't the perfect well-behaved and sparkling from head to toed kids. Trying to be the perfect mom in all things is not doable. So I need to take each day and live it to the fullest with my family. Learn and grow together and not fret the small stuff. 

Something that I did this last week was make pumpkin pies. Not the canned stuff either! Fresh from the pumpkin itself. My mother in law has this recipe that she got from an old restaurant cookbook. It just gives us the general idea and we adapt it along the way so I don't have a perfect recipe to share. But you could find some on the internet i'm sure. We start off by cleaning and roasting the pumpkins and then puree them in our blenders and then mix and cook away. We used 2 pumpkins this year and we were able to make 23 pumpkin pies!!!

It was an all day affair. To do something like this you need to be very committed!

Our family moved into the neighborhood that we are in almost two years ago. So I thought it would be nice to share with the neighbors. The First of November we went as a family each with a pie or 2 in hands and took them to each of our wonderful neighbors. (we delivered 8 out of the 23...My mother in law took the rest to other family members and her neighbors and friends as well)

During one of my assignments I mentioned this to my instructor and in his feedback he asked if I would show him compassion by explaining to him how it can be done....Well Bro Nixon, Here is proof it can be done! I will have to email you a recipe later...hope you have smell-a-vision because my house smelled yummy for a solid week after all the pies we made.

How are ways you show Compassion toward others?

I will see them again...

This weeks lesson is reading 2 Nephi Chapters 9-16. We had the opportunity to watch a few videos from a "Digging Deeper" section from the lesson. One that really had me on the edge of my seat was a Mormon Message called "We can Live with God Again"  If you have lost a love one this is a great video to watch. It is only about 4 mins long.

In the pictures below are two amazing members of my family (well, actually five, the three little ones are mine as well!) My mom is in the picture with my daughters. This is about 6 months before she passed away of Heart Failure. She outlived what every doctor expected her to. She bore 3 children when it was recommend her not to. Her health always tried to restrict her activity but she wouldn't let it. She loved her Children/Grandchildren to the fullest and dropped everything for them. She was so talented. Loved to sew and create anything off the top of her head. She loved the UT Jazz, (Karl Malone was her favorite), Michael Bolton, Sam Elliot, and she played Simon and Garfunkel just to drive us crazy. She would laugh and cry with you. She loved serving others and would never say "No!"
Toward the end of her earthly life she tried to prepare me. I didn't want to hear it. She even asked me what Christmas ornaments I wanted. Mom would share spiritual experiences that she was beginning to have and that she felt her time was near.
I remember her coming to visit after one of her Dr appointments.  (I lived in UT at the time and my parents in NV she went to the U for her Dr) She had ornaments with her and a few other odds and ends. She loved to sew and wanted to do some mending that I had before she went home. I knew at the time that I was pregnant with my 3rd but wanted to keep it a secret until she came up for her next appointment which would be the time that we found out what we would be having.
3 weeks after she was in our home she called me and was as lively as could be. I don't remember her acting so alive and she said she felt great. Mom then asked me "When you have your son, are you naming him...." Then said the name that we had been talking about. I started laughing and joking with her that it would be a while away. (I had a 2 year old and 7 month old already). The very next morning I called her and she wasn't feeling well. She also had a fall and was in bed and said she would call me later. That evening I was at the Relief Society Birthday dinner and for some reason I didn't take my cell phone with me. When I got home I had a ton of missed calls. Just as I went to check my messages my dad called with the news that she had passed.
A few months later we went in for the ultrasound and found out we were having a boy. At that second I knew that my mom was more in-tune and knew that we were having a boy without me even saying anything.
I am grateful for her example and her love and I have great memories that I share with my kids all the time. They didn't have the chance to be with her as much as her other grandchildren and I want to keep her memory alive so that they will know and love her the same.

Grandma "J" enjoying her grand-babies

The picture below is of my younger brother Anthony. He is holding our son just 7 days after he was born. I am so grateful that I was able to get a picture like this of him. Just 6 months later Anthony took his own life. Leaving behind his wife and two young boys. This tragic event was just 13 months after my mother's passing. I couldn't understand why our family was hit so hard. I was so mad at my brother for doing this to our family and especially his. I thought he was selfish for not standing up and taking on the world and all that we go through everyday. A neighbor that lived across the street from me saw me on the porch crying on the phone to my sister in law. When I got off the phone I told her what had happened and how mad I was. She ran home and found this talk by Elder M Russell Ballard I would encourage you to read it. It really helped me get pass the anger that I felt. Elder Ballard shared a quote from Elder Bruce R. McConkie "...he knows the thoughts, intents, and abilities of men; and he in his infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course."
 I loved my brother so much. I still do. I think about him and my mother all the time. My husband was able to do his temple work and I hope that when the time comes and I see him again that he will have accepted the work that was done for him.

Uncle Anthony

 I don't really know just how to put my feelings into the perfect words right now. But I do know that  I have gained a stronger testimony of the Atonement.
 2 Nephi 9 20-22 "O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.
                             And he commeth into the world that he may save all men if they  will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.
                             And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day."

I am grateful for the love that the Savior has for all of us. I cant even imagine how he felt in the Garden of Gethsemane as he bled from every pore and felt every single pain that we have felt. I love him more and more as I think about it. My heart is full. I want to become more like him.
In the closing remarks of Elder Ballard talk he says "I am grateful for the great plan of salvation our Father in Heaven has provided for us. It is a plan of great fairness and a plan of great love.
As I think about the worry and agony of those whose loved one has taken his of her own life, I find deep comfort and faith in the Lord's promise and blessing to us who remain in mortality: "Peace I leave with you , my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)"

My prayers are with you that you may feel comfort as well as knowing that you will be with your loved ones again.

Keeping the Torch Lit

Torch Burning Bright

The kids and I had the opportunity to go Home Teaching with my husband this week. Home Teaching is where a Couple of Brethren (we went as a family this time) from church go into families homes and share with them an uplifting message that comes from the Ensign (a magazine that is published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints) The First Presidency of the Church take turns in writing a message each month.

For the Month of Oct it was from President Dieter F Uchtdorf  2nd Counselor.  His message titled     "Finish with Your Torch Still Lit" was the one that my husband shared with the family that we went to.

I really loved the message that was taught. And I wondered to myself..."How am I keeping my torch lit and is it staying bright?" 

As I was reading this weeks lesson for my Book of Mormon class, it was from 1 Nephi chapters 15-22. I really started pondering in chapters 21-22. Talking about the Scattering and Gathering of Israel.

We were asked to discuss how knowing what is taught helps find understanding in current and future world events. 

The way that I understand it, is that it talks about the people being all gathered together and taught and then scattered like "Seed" to do a Marvelous work...Missionary work. As missionaries go out and teach the word then they are bringing everyone back together again to be blessed. I had the opportunity to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I served in Seattle WA. It was hard work. And in the beginning I wanted to go back home. We would knock on doors and walk all over trying to share a message and help others "Come, unto Him" It was then that I dropped to my knees and prayed to Heavenly Father and asked for guidance, knowledge, and love and compassion for the people in the areas that I served. I knew that by reading my scriptures and studying the word prayerfully that I could move forward and be more diligent in bringing others to Christ. My "Torch" became brighter. As Pres. Uchtdorf said: "This race of discipleship is not a sprint; it's a marathon. And it makes little difference how fast we go. In fact, the only way we can lose the race is by finally giving in or giving up."  I was NOT going to give in or give up. I knew that was what Satan would want. I loved my experiences in the mission field. Going door to door, baring my testimony, and strengthening my testimony

I am really enjoying my opportunity in PATHWAY. I have loved the gatherings that we have every Thursday. Last night we were taught a study skill to help us as we read the Scriptures. Called cause/effect. So we were given scriptures to read and we needed to find the cause and effect statements in the verses, I was given 1 Nephi Chapter 17. (in this Chapter Nephi has been commanded to build a ship and take the people to the promised land) I read v. 3 "....And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;.." 

SO in this scripture IF they keep the commandments THEN the lord will nourish them and make them strong so that they can fulfill the responsibilities that they have.  Have you ever studied using this method? Look for the cause/effect in your next reading. What must be down to gain or receive what blessing and understanding? 

How are you keeping your Torch lit? 

The Tree of Life

I love this story in the Book of Mormon. Read 1 Nephi Chapter 8

My favorite LDS Temple is the Las Vegas NV Temple. My husband and I were Sealed for Time and all Eternity in that one. This picture reminds me of the Story of The Tree of Life. You see the bright and beautiful Temple as the tree. We know that the tree represents the Love of God. If you look closely you can see a row of lights (just behind the middle spire) that looks just like the Iron Rod which would represent the Word of God. You can also see darkness and mist which would be Temptations of the devil. The tall and spacious buildings (casinos) just below would be Pride of the world.

When I lived in Las Vegas I would go up to the Temple grounds every Sunday and write in my journal. Or just walk around the grounds and ponder and pray. I loved being at the Temple. I have a desire to be an example to others especially my family. I want to help them get to the Temple as well.

This is the top of the St.Louis, MO LDS Temple. I love to go to the temple. It is so peaceful to go and unwind from the worldly things that are around us everyday. Its a relief to walk inside and feel the spirit surround you.
This last week we read 1 Nephi chapters 1-5. I love how Nephi starts off letting us know that he was born of Goodly Parents. I know that I was born of goodly parents. I have a very blended family. It involves my many marriages between my parents and 6 kids.  My mothers 3rd and very Eternal husband adopted me and 2 siblings. In their marriage they taught us to go to church. We had Family Home Evening. We had family prayer and family scriptures. We saw our parents go to the Temple often and serve in their callings. I knew that when I got older I would do the same. My parents were a great example to me. We were just like any family that has ups and downs it wasn't always perfect. I saw my parents strive to do what is right.
While dating my husband we went out to dinner one night and he asked me wanted I wanted in life. The one thing that I remember is BOLDY saying "I will be married in the Temple" about 10 months later we were married in the Las Vegas, NV LDS Temple. (my favorite)
In our assignments from Pathway we have a section called "Digging Deeper" which may contain additional reading materiel or video clips. I loved all the videos that I was able to watch Stan Kivett- Finishers Wanted I have my flaws and imperfections but I am striving to "Go and Do!"

Putting it all together

Welcome to Making the Pathway Brighter. My name is Cher and I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am happily married and a mother to 3 wonderful children. Now that my kids are all in school I have the opportunity to go back to school myself. Right now I think that I am just going for a general studies degree but we shall see what may come. I am attending Pathway which is a program started from BYU-Idaho
I am taking a class right now on the Book of Mormon. And one of the assignments is called "Putting it all together" Which means that from everything I have studied that week, or had from the local gathering, from the discussion boards, my own scripture study, or instructor and classmates. You share with others in a way such as writing a talk, making a podcast, preparing a Family Home Evening lesson and sharing it with your family. I chose to create a blog. Everything that I share will be from what I have been learning and how I will use those learnings to help me grow spiritually. This may be a great teaching tool as well. I will be sharing my testimony in everything I share.