"You have a tremendous capacity to do good in the world"

Reflecting back on my life I can think of many times that my family and I have been the recipient of people providing service for us. I can also remember the times that I have provided service to those in need. I recall my gratitude and happiness that I had from others giving their time, talents and kindness to help me. I know that the times when I provide service to others, the feelings I have are of pure happiness and a sense of self worth.

I read an article in April issue of the Ensign titled Lasting Happiness. The article mentioned the use of our personal strengths for service. It said, “Happy people use their personal strengths to bless the lives of others. I believe that to be true.

President Gordon B Hinckley said, “Every one of you was endowed by your Father in Heaven with a tremendous capacity to do good in the world. Train your minds and your hands that you may be equipped to serve well in the society of which you are a part. Cultivate the art of being kind, of being thoughtful, of being helpful. Refine within you the quality of mercy which comes as a part of the divine attributes you have inherited” (“The Light within You,” Ensign, May 1995, p. 99).

 I know that when we are providing a service to someone that we are answering the needs and prayers of others. Whether is it being kind to someone, smiling at someone or giving service by other means, we are making a difference in the world. I know that as we serve others we are closer to our Heavenly Father. I testify, that I know that as we serve others and do what President Hinckley said, we can be closer to our Heavenly Father, and our hands can truly be Jesus’ hands. 

Love, Sister Smith

OPPORTUNITIES TO DO GOOD

This is a story about the trial of just one family, but hundreds of people of all ages were touched as they were able to help them through a particularly challenging time.

Think of the many people around you at school, home, church, work, your community, etc., that you can uplift or reach out to. Many of them, unlike the family in this video, are going through quiet, private struggles of their own and it is only through your prayers and inspiration that you can be led to them.

There is so much joy and happiness that comes from being able to reach someone, especially one who silently and desperately needs you...much more joy and happiness than Pinterest or Instagram can ever offer!  I have already had some tender experiences as I have been focusing specifically on serving others during this camp challenge. I hope that as you participate in this challenge you have been (and will be) inspired as to things that you can do and who to do them for.  It can be as simple as stepping outside of your comfort zone to sit by someone different each week at church or on the bus.  Small, yet significant and considerable for someone else who might need to feel they are special and cared about. 

"I tell you these things....that you may learn that when you are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).  As you do these things you will be able to work mighty miracles in the lives of others, including your own.

♥Sister Gibson

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Kindness-Part of God's Plan

Service doesn't have to be complex or time consuming,  It can be as simple as a small act of kindness.  Betty Jo Jepsen gave a wonderful talk about Kindness in General Conference Oct. 1990. She said :

 "Kindness has many synonyms—love, service, charity. But I like the word kindness because it implies action. It seems like something you and I can do. Kindness can be shown in so many ways. My favorite examples of kindness come from what Jesus did. He spent his ministry searching for the weary, the sick, the poor, and the lonely, that he might show kindness toward them."

So what can you do to show kindness?  It maybe as simple as saying "Hi" to someone in the hall or inviting someone sitting alone at lunch to join you to eat.  When you like what someone is wearing or how they did their hair that day...tell them.  You never know what a compliment can do for someone's self esteem.  I encourage you to try to be more aware of the people around you and do something to make their day better.  We can follow the example of Christ and search for those that need us. 

No act of kindness is ever wasted! Acting kindly can change the giver and the receiver.  Remember that you are the Savior's hands and continue to do his work!

Love,

Sister Boynton





We can change the world...

Hi everyone!  One day last week I was having a bit of a hard day.  And it put me in a bad mood.  I remember thinking that chocolate would be nice on a day like today!  Guess what, a wonderful friend brought a plate of chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes over to me!  That made my day!  I couldn't feel bad after that because I was very touched at my friend's act of service.  I know I have a Father in Heaven and a Savior who loves me and is aware of my needs, even my small ones.  I am also grateful for amazing friends who do so many acts of kindness for me and my family! 

I love this quote from Elder Holland's talk in the last General Conference when he talked about being disciples of Christ. "Friends, especially my young friends, take heart. Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world."

Here is the link to his talk, it was one of my very favorites!

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng  

It can be depressing to think of all of problems going on in the world right now.  But we can change the world if each of us tries to be more like our Savior every day! 

Love,

Sister Potter