Day 53

So really, no service done that I can think of. I seem to be going through a real dry patch in my commitment. Life gets busy...and then we come crashing down. I know that if I make service a priority it will keep my life from "needing" to crash and will assist me in remaining humble. Gotta work on that. And quick.

Day 52

I was able to go and do initiatories at the Salt Lake Temple today. One of the ordinance workers was the same one as last week when I went. She has a sweet sweet spirit and a strong Spanish accent, that I love. It was busy at The Temple today. It was nice to have the time to read my scriptures while I was there and to feel The Spirit so strongly. I could hardly contain my tears of joy and appreciation for the promises of that ordinance and the excitement I had for those that I was doing the work for.

My visiting teachers came over tonight to serve me. They spent far more time than is called for and I enjoyed every minute. I love my visiting teachers!

Day 51

Not much accomplished again today...I am not planning well.

Day 50

Today was my scheduled service, I taught Primary. It was really fulfilling. I was thinking about the kids and what they were learning the whole time. My mind was completely off of me and off of my concerns and sadness. Somehow I would love to be able to be in 24 hour service mode. I can see how keeping my mind on others makes such a massive difference in being happy myself. It is the key. Now, doing this 24 hrs a day may not be the answer. A good night's sleep is important but if I could be of service for others in every waking moment I know I would be feel far less sadness in my life.

Day 49

My Mom called this morning and things seemed to be going at least slightly better. I didn't ever hear from Jim, which was disappointing but I don't know if he may have just ended up going over to the house to see what my Mom needed. I guess I'll find that out when I talk to her next.

I went and got a card to send to Craig's niece. She will be returning from her mission on the 7th and be giving her talk in sacrament the next Sunday. I wish to send her words of encouragement and thanks.

I also got my Primary Lesson ready to go tonight and a bib part of why that went so well is because I talked with my friend from work and she gave me this great resource website. It helped out a lot and I look forward to using it more in the future.

Day 48

I took the treats I made last night into work today. Wow, I'm out of control...

I was planning to go dancing tonight but decided to stay home and get some things done instead. I'm glad I did because my Mom called really distressed about her trip up to my grandmother's house to finish cleaning it out and how her husband was so ill and things were not going as planned. I decided to call her neighbor to go in and check on her. I also ended up calling the Oakland Temple and putting in a message to have someone call me. It so happened the lady from the Temple called me back and said she would have Jim call me (another one of my Grandmother's long time neighbor who I knew growing up). Crazy, it certainly is a small world.

Day 47

Tonight I made rice crispie treats, to give away. They didn't get given away tonight...

Day 46

There is clearly, to me, a correlation between the very sad state I am in (quite possibly even self absorbed state) and the lack of service that was done on my part today. I started studying my Primary lesson (because I was supposed to). I took the kids to the park (so I could have some quiet time in the car to study). There was no real service that I can see that I did today, that was without motive of some sort. So here I sit quite melancholy. Is this directly related? I would say at least partially.

Day 45

We gave out the Valentine's and treats to the residents at work today. It was so fun. They loved it. We had one lady who has been generally depressed, just keep laughing during her whole treatment so that was awesome. It's so fun to see people happy! I think it really meant a lot to most of them that they got a little something special that they may have been hoping for but certainly weren't expecting. One of the patients came back around and gave her own little Valentine's to everyone.

After work I went and did Initiatories at the Temple. It was nice.

Day 44

Today I came home and made lasagna from scratch for my kids. If that's not service, I don't know what is. LOL. I also set some aside to take to my co-worker for lunch tomorrow. After all, it's not too frequently you get homemade gluten free lasagna. And it came out really good. :)

Day 43

I gave a talk at Stake Conference today. I realize that is indeed service. It is a bit nerve racking and takes much preparation. But what I receive in return is so worth it. The preparation it took to write the talk, the review of my experience brought me closer to the Lord and renewed my testimony. I am so grateful for that.

I spent some time with a friend this afternoon and talked with her. She continues to go through a rough time in her life but she is growing and I think she is beginning to pull through. I hope that my friendship can assist in giving her strength.

Day 42

I worked at length on my talk that I am giving tomorrow in Stake Conference. I was able to speak to a friend and get council on making it just a bit clearer and by the end I was feeling much better about it. For his service, I am very grateful.

I was also called by my ex-husband (from is girlfriend's phone) to see if I could drop of the extra key I have to his van (since he had locked his keys inside). I could have been mean and not done it, I could have gotten upset and nasty but instead, I delivered the key to his house and left it all alone. I really didn't even have the desire to be nasty about it, even though it did hurt. Heavenly Father is working in me.

Day 41

Today, we talked at work and decided to hand out Valentine's cards to our patients next Tuesday. Tonight I went and bought those cards, along with the cards my kids will be taking to school. I am really looking forward to doing that. I think it will lift the spirits of those feeling home sick or love sick, being away from their homes in a situation that is less than desirable.

Day 40

I bombed today. That's it.

Day 39

This morning I went back to the Salt Lake Temple after 3 weeks of being at other Temples because of their maintenance closure. I went and saw the old crew and did baptisms today. It was lovely. I also put some names on the prayer roll as I always do. It took a little longer at the Temple than usual, there were a lot of youth there doing baptisms. I enjoyed the peacefulness of being there and just sitting.

Day 38

Today the main thing I did that was of service was really working on my talk for Sunday at Stake Conference. Again, it doesn't feel like service. But there isn't anything else to report. I enjoy doing it because it has me see what brought me to the gospel although it is quite time consuming. I pray it will be a contribution to many people on Sunday and will really show up as service that day.

Day 37

Today we had to unexpectedly pack up our room a day early, for demolition. So that we can move to a larger therapy room later in the week. Really, the only service I did was being as helpful as I could (which really wasn't all that helpful) in getting a few critical things we needed for treatment down to the room we will be using this week.

That's about all I can come up with for today...

Day 36

Today was somewhat uneventful. I was in Primary but didn't teach. I went over to my boss' house to watch the SuperBowl with him and his family, I took chips, dip and root beer. That was my service for the day...I also called a friend to see how she was doing. I recognize thinking of others and calling them is a form of service. It's something I do at least weekly but it isn't often thought of as service. I think of it more as something I "should" do as a good friend. When I think of it though, and when my friends call to check on me, it makes a real difference for me. I feel loved and thought of and like I matter. I also don't expect people to call and check on me, so when they do, it really does serve me. It's a form of service that may take a little time but certainly isn't hard to do.

Today after church, a woman from my ward came and dropped off a couple of books for me to read. One to borrow and one to have. She is so thoughtful and she knows some of my pain, she has been through a divorce but now on the other end, has found a wonderful husband and had more children and created a family with him. She was so blessed.

Day 35

I woke up to the doorbell and fresh sticky buns, that was really great!

Today I threw a pizza/kinnect party for my last year's primary class celebrating their scripture memorization. I also made root beer floats for them. They had a great time and even though it was only supposed to last until 2pm, some of them stuck around until almost 4pm. We started before noon. It was fun!

Day 34

Today I knew I had plans for the day and all evening so I just brought some rice crispie treats to work to share with my co-workers as a surprise. This was my very simple act of service for today.

I received a call from that patient's daughter I took treats to last night, she asked if she could bring me some breakfast rolls she is practicing making tomorrow, for work next week. So I'll have some fresh rolls delivered in the morning between 8-9. How great is that?!

What's that saying??? Turn about is fair play...It's looking like service shows up like this quite a bit.

Day 33

Today I just made some rice crispie treats and swung by my patient's daughter's house to give her the treats and a card, say hello, and offer a helping hand and friendship if she needed anything. Hopefully I will make a new friend and she will feel welcome here in Salt Lake. :)

Day 32

Today I was supposed to stop by one of my patient's, daughter's homes and say hello....it didn't happen. I did text a couple of my friends to give them some moral support. Both of which are going through some pretty big trials right now.

I got a strong sense that one of the women I was texting with, needed a Priesthood Blessing, so I arranged it. I made the calls I needed to make, I had her come over...insisted she come over, and had her receive a blessing from my Home Teacher (who was just assigned to me and I got to meet for the first time). It was a good thing. :) I could see a peacefulness come over her. No, she wasn't pain free but there was a peace that had not been with her before.

Day 31

Today's service was me picking up a friend and taking her to the Bountiful Temple so we could do Initiatories. It was great. She is so inspiring to me, such an amazing spirit. It was nice to talk as we went up there and as we sat waiting to do the ordinances. I have to say, when it comes to going to the Temple, especially with a friend...I have a hard time calling it service. I LOVE IT! I get so much more out of it than what I put into it. I love feeling the Spirit and having the connection to Heavenly Father that I do when I am there. It's awesome.

Day 30

Today was NOT a day of service. It was a day of survival that I am barely surviving as of this very moment. I need sleep and am headed to bed now.

Day 29

I taught Primary today, for some reason it didn't feel like I kept the kids as engaged as I have the last couple of times. So I'm going to need to get more creative the next time I teach.

After church, Julie and I went around and delivered the visiting teaching message with the lotions I had got them for Christmas time. We just did door step delivery and Rachel wasn't there but we did at least get to touch base with Kelsey and Michelle. I am looking forward to going to the Bountiful Temple with Michelle on Tuesday night to do Initiatories.

I sent a text to a friend to have dinner together. I thought her husband was going to be out of town so I thought I could take something over and we could eat together. Turned out he was back in town and she ended up inviting me over and I didn't have to bring a thing. I just ended up helping her in the kitchen with preparations. She even sent me home with leftovers so I could have a salad for lunch tomorrow. This is a very good thing because I am totally out of lunches for work and plan to get some tomorrow night.

Day 28

Today was a difficult day for multiple reasons. One of which was the difficulty I had with my parenting skills. An act of humility, not so much service, although it served our family...was to take a step back, ask for forgiveness and start over with both of my children after several hours of yuckiness.

Aidyn had a birthday party to go to today and the young girl turning 10 was doing the service project I mentioned yesterday. Aidyn brought a hat to donate for the Road Home.

Another thing I did today, as an act of service was to complete preparing for my Primary Lesson. It is always so interesting to me that as I prepare for a lesson, I forget about my own problems and am able to focus on a lesson the Lord has given me not only to teach, but to teach me. It often times, will ease my own pain in the very circumstance I am troubled with. That is a blessing.

Day 27

Today I got donuts and went in on getting pizza for our boss. We had a special day for him. Don't know if you would consider it service or more of a joke. But we did try and make it enjoyable for him, regardless. He is a great boss.

Aidyn and I are to look for a couple of items to donate for her friend's birthday service project tomorrow. She is turning 10 and wanting to donate 10 hats, 10 coats, etc. to the Road Home. I think it's awesome that she has taken this on. I'm hoping we can find a couple things to assist her with, to take to her birthday party tomorrow.

Day 26

What a roller coaster ride. It seems if I have a day of decent service, I can't seem to follow it up with another.

Tonight my service project was one of a silly nature. We are having a "special day" for our supervisor/boss at work tomorrow. There is a prize to be given away and I made it tonight. I am not super proud of how it came out but most of my co-workers will get a good laugh from it.

Aside from that, not much on the agenda for today.

Day 25

Today was kind of an interesting day. I didn't really have anything planned as far as service goes but I ended up calling my friend to see if she would want to take a run/walk around the park when I normally would have just gone alone. She came and it was good for both of us to get some fresh air.

On my way home from the park, I was walking by the neighbors and I felt really strongly that I should stop in for a visit. I tried to ignore the idea because I wanted to get to a movie but there was a strong draw to stop. So I did. We had a nice visit and she said she was really glad I came. I still had time to get to my movie.

I guess you don't always have to plan something. Sometimes we just have to listen. Sometimes we just have to get out of our house.

Day 24

So, on the agenda for today was to go to the Temple with my friend from work. She had to cancel because she has a meeting on Tuesday night's for her new church calling. But I decided to go to the Draper Temple and do Initiatories anyway. It was pretty busy, probably because Salt Lake is closed right now. But it was wonderful. I felt the Spirit and really enjoyed my time there. I had some really difficult names (one was something like 7 words long), it was kind of fun trying to figure out how to best say them and serve these women from the 1800's.

This was my service for today.

Day 23

So here I am on the actual day. I've caught up...and really haven't much to share about today. Aside from the regular "Mom service" that is my responsibility...

Yeah, I got nothin'.

Day 22

Okay, so here I am again, on day 23 writing about day 22...I know I can back date my posts but I just want to be real about when I'm doing it and what is going on in reality.

Day 22 was spent in mostly "agreed upon" service. I was with the Primary, I also spoke in Sacrament, and I made dinner for Craig and the kids. I, then went to a singles fireside with a friend that's really hurting right now. (I guess we should say attempted to go because it ended up not happening and we left because the doors were locked and it had been cancelled) I did my best to listen to her and console her to whatever degree I could and encourage her to stand for herself in a way that she knows she needs to but has a difficult time doing.

I was the recipient of service today too....We had our handy dandy snow removers from down the street come and take care of our sidewalk and driveway. They are so awesome! Love it!

Day 21

This is the post for the 21st day BUT I'm catching up here on the 23rd day. Our electricity went out and I didn't have internet access.

So here on my 21st day I mostly spent the day preparing my talk for Sacrament meeting. Although here I am again saying it doesn't feel like service, I know that it actually is and I spent a few hours on it. I also know spending the time on articulating my conversion story is time well spent. It does serve others, as well as myself in building my testimony.

Day 20

This evening I finally got to follow through on something I've been trying to do for over a week. I had my previous neighbor over for dinner and we had some girl time to just talk. I wanted to hear about her life and all the stuff she has been going through. She was able to share so much with me. Maybe even stuff she didn't plan on sharing, and it was really a contribution to me. She is a woman of strength that I respect. She has been through things I could never even imagine having to deal with. She also has much hope in her life right now, I pray I was able to shed a little light on that. I told her I would start praying for her and her situation. She is doing all the right things, it seems. Now she just needs to reap the rewards.

I was hoping to hit a movie with her too but the evening started a little late and we didn't get to the one we had planned on. So, when she left I decided to go to a later movie myself and take some time to enjoy my free evening. It was kinda nice to do something kind for myself as well.

Day 19

Service??? What's that?

The funny thing is, I've been thinking about it all day. I had a couple of small incomplete ideas that sort of went out the window after I picked up the kids from school and started on homework. I did get my kitchen clean and the laundry done. So, service to my kids was happening but again...it was that natural mother's responsibility stuff that was going on. Nothing I can really look at as above and beyond the norm.

I am looking forward to tomorrow and what I have planned. I will of course share that when the time comes.

Day 18

I was really hoping to have my girlfriend over tonight for some girl time. I really want to know what has been going on in her life, I know it's been rough for a while now. She did call me to let me know she wouldn't be able to make it and we set up a more concrete plan for Friday evening. I'm looking forward to that. I plan to make her dinner and lend her a listening ear.

I sent some texts out to some ladies from my ward. I wanted to check in with them and see if there was any way I could assist them in their lives. One of them responded and we are planning to go to the Temple together at the end of the month. I'm excited to do that with her and have a some time to not only serve together but some time to talk on our way.

I worked on my Sacrament talk for a good while tonight as well. It's starting to come together. I continue to pray for inspiration in what to say that will most serve those that will hear it.

I continue to be served by wonderful friends. Friends that send uplifting quotes or friendly texts. They will never know how much that means to me.

Day 17

Got a lot done today...not much of it was service.

I did call my friend who spoke in church on Sunday and let her know the talk she gave was great. I just asked her about her life and how things are going. I just let her share. I think listening is one of the greatest gifts of service we can give. I believe everyone just wants to be heard and to feel understood. If I can give that to someone, I am happy. I know what a gift it is to me when someone takes the time to listen to me.

I also called and left a message to see if my friend was planning to come over tomorrow night for a girl's night of dinner and talking.

Day 16

Today was a holiday. I don't really get those in my line of work. They usually end up being a "harder day" because someone wants to take it off and whoever works has to make up for them being gone. Today my co-worker got to spend the day with her husband. And it worked out that those of us still working didn't have to work too incredibly hard to allow that to happen. I hope she had a wonderful day. I will find out tomorrow.

My neighbor cleared my snow, as he has done before. That is a huge service to me. I don't even own a snow shovel.

I called one of my girlfriends just to check up on her and let her know I'm praying for her and her husband. They have had a rough go of it the last few years and seem to finally be coming out of that. Miracles seem to have occurred in their lives and I pray things will continue to look up for them.

My visiting teachers came over tonight and it was so nice to have them. One of them mentioned that it's even service to allow others to do service for you (She's been reading my blog and had this epiphany). Love it! Can't wait for her to comment...:)

Day 15

Today was church. I gave the Primary lesson and I was very happy with how it went. It is a new class and only my second time teaching these children.

I also went to a second sacrament meeting in support of a friend giving a talk on prayer. I hate to say that was service at all because I was greatly blessed. However it's becoming clearer to me that as we do service with a joyful heart it becomes less and less like service. I'm starting to think I may not be able to recognize service by the end of this year. I may only see the activities that bring me joy and the blessings I receive....of course those will be things of service.

Still not feeling well, but I also started my talk for sacrament meeting in my ward next week. I pray that what I share will be beneficial and of service to those that hear it. My conversion has been an incredible experience and my testimony grows daily. I am thrilled with the opportunity to share my testimony and grow it by doing so.

Day 14

Still not feeling well but did get to the Temple to do a session. The first one since I received my endowments. My friend, who went with me, bought me dinner. We had a wonderful time. And I was surely served by her. Although I know going to the Temple is considered service it in no way feels like service to me. I love going. It is the biggest gift to me, to feel the Spirit and be in a holy place.

Day 13

Sick day....I am feeling pretty yucky and need to go to bed. I did have Seth make his card for Grandpa Michael and put his birthday envelope together to mail tomorrow. Aside from that, nada.

Of course it is Friday the 13th so what do you expect? Of course I feel yucky. ;0

Day 12

Here we go again...oh the good intentions. I was going to have Seth make a card for Grandpa tonight too but somehow that didn't ever have the chance of happening. Something to do with the Elder's Quarum Presidency coming to visit. So I've had two visits from the church in one week. Both a bit unexpected but both very nice and I will not deny the service it was to me. I enjoyed them both.

Aside from that I did not complete anything I had intended. I think this weekend may become list time so we have ideas to draw from each day. I think that may actually make a difference in getting something done daily.

I did get on Vista Print and attempted to order some pass along cards to give to people that would just say something like, "Just wanted you to know someone cares. Have an amazing day!!!" But for some reason the server was busy and my order didn't go through. That may end up being another project for the weekend.

Day 11

I had big plans for today. I was inviting a friend over that's going through a tough time in her life right now, to have dinner and a little girl time. It didn't quite work out. We may get together this weekend. I hope that's the case.

I did go to the Temple as I do every Wednesday (so here we go with my "planned" service again) but it's worth mentioning. There was a young lady there learning to be a Temple worker doing initiatorys. She was nervous and a little apprehensive. I told her she was doing a great job. A kind word now and then can make a difference. It seemed to lighten the mood and lift her up. And all it took, was to open my mouth and think about what I would want someone to say to me in that very situation.

I went and picked up my daughter early from school today because she wasn't feeling well. This may be more of a "responsibility" as a parent than service however it was a sacrifice. It felt good to go and get her and not rely on a neighbor or someone else to take care of her in a way that I wanted to. She mentioned to me, once we got home that she had intended to write her teacher a letter today (her service project for today) but that she hadn't had time. She brought that up on her own. I didn't even ask. I was impressed. She then made a birthday card for her Grandpa for me to send in a few days. She really has a sweet spirit. She loves doing things for others (at least when she's not asked or told to do it). Maybe that's how we all are to some degree, right?

I spoke to several friends tonight on the phone as well. I don't know if they saw my call as service but all 3 conversations were really great and contributed to me. I hope I was able to do the same for them. That certainly was my intention.

Day 10

I really bombed today. It seems as though there isn't enough time in the day (especially the days I go into work after I take the kids to school). The relief society presidency dropped by and visited me today, bringing cookies. So there's the service in my life today...done to me. I can't say I mind. I would just be great to be able to give more service than I receive. At this point that doesn't even seem possible. There are so many people serving me daily, it's incredible and really great to be able to see.

Day 9

Well, at least today we followed through with what we planned. Aidyn made a card and I made rice crispy treats for the Agbors. Seth and I delivered them. I don't know if it was so much service or a thank you for plowing our drive way and side walk but we planned it and followed through, so we are taking a step in the right direction.

Now....what to do tomorrow....

Day 8

I seem to be lagging. My intention with 365 Days of Service was to plan, or at least intentionally, serve daily. I find myself looking for where I served at the end of the day. No intention going on. This is not going to cut it. I know that what I have set out to learn and to create with my children is something of intentional service. Not service requested of us, although that is ok and great to do. This is service we look for, and create.

I haven't even followed up with Aidyn to see if she did an act of service the other day when I reminded her. I tend to remember when I'm writing here and she is either not here or in bed already.

Although there were a couple of things I did today, as I mentioned they were not intentional so I am not going to talk about them. Also, I agreed to do an act of service today, speaking at our Stake Conference. This is definitely an act of service to be carried out in about a month but it is one that is being asked of me. I willingly accept and I know I will receive a blessing from doing so.

Let's see if I can get it in gear this week and be intentional about serving. I know that my family and I will be blessed for doing so.

Day 7

Today my service was done in the wee hours of the morning when I woke up because, well...that's just what I do these days.

I sent a wonderful quote to a friend. Later in the morning I sent an article that was written that had that quote in it and really expanded on the idea of it. It was a blessing for me and it was also a blessing for my friend.

In the late morning I sent a resource for some genealogy info to my children's father that will assist him in following his father's line. Or at least that's the intention. I hope that works out for him.

Aside from that, my day was pretty isolated. I didn't really see anyone aside from my kids.

On the other hand, earlier today I received a call from a lady in my ward that wanted to know if I wanted any boy clothes that she was getting rid of. How great is that? Of course I said, "Sure! That would be great!" I received a call from a good friend that was checking on me. And I also received a text this evening from a friend that really lifted my spirits. It's amazing that once you start an intention of doing service, service comes right back at you. It's a wonderful thing. I am so grateful.

Day 6

We had our regular family tradition of 3 Kings Day this evening. We've done this for nearly 10 years now. This year I decided to invite 2 other families to come for dinner and another neighbor and her 2 boys to come "find the Baby Jesus" and have desert with us.

I felt like I was sort of scrambling to get things done in the afternoon. I even got a little annoyed when Aidyn who had offered to help, said I could just do it. As I was sitting there feeling a little resentful I recognized I was losing the joy in what this celebration was all about. I think this happens all too often. It can happen in any sort of activity that one has to prepare for ahead of time. We may get lost in the stress of "getting everything done in time" or to perfection.

In that moment, I chose to take a step back and really enjoy what I was doing. I then, re-invited Aidyn to assist me with one of the things I was doing and let go of the perfection, I so frequently get caught up in having to have. She gladly complied.

From that moment on, I wasn't getting everything done so it could be just right for the guests later that night. Or so that I could look like the perfect hostess. I was doing all I did in service, enjoying the moment I was in, enjoying the activity in which I was doing. When guests began to arrive I enjoyed them. I enjoyed their company. I enjoyed the whole evening and each activity we did without looking forward to the next and being concerned about it.

It was fun! And it was all service to others as well as the celebration of our Savior's birth.

Day 5

Today was uneventful in the world of service. As I've mentioned service is a very natural thing to do in my line of work, so there were those moments.

There was also talking to a friend on the phone about her problems, all while I was getting ready for another planned activity I had. So taking that time to talk was a little bit of a sacrifice. The thing is, as I notice my mindset to be in the spirit of service, things I do that may have otherwise been either annoying or bothersome because they get in the way of what I'm doing...no longer feel that way. It's just something that is naturally occurring that I WANT to do and thus no longer feels like service. Even when another may deem it as such. I think that rocks! Now, deciphering service may become more difficult, BUT I think I'm up for the challenge.

I did talk to Aidyn about looking for someone to be of service to, since I didn't talk to her tonight, I'll have to ask and add that in on a later date.

Day 4

This morning I did my planned weekly visit to The Temple. It was my first time back to do baptisms since my Endowment. It felt good to be back. I enjoyed the peace that The Temple brings, it seems in any sort of emotional storm. I am SO grateful for the service I can do at The Temple. It doesn't feel like service, it simply feels like a blessing to me.

Today was finally the day we got to go see our new neighbor. I didn't get the loaf of cinnaburst bread I wanted to get from Great Harvest so I went to this little local cupcake place and grabbed a couple of mini cupcakes and wrote a note to take over. Seth and Aidyn clamored to be the one to hand them the cupcakes. It ended up, only her daughter was there and so we introduced ourselves and gave her the items to pass on to her mom.

What I noticed about that today is that as nice as it is to give someone something, I think the gift of time is more rewarding for the giver. I can't say which is more important to the receiver except that time has been a valuable gift to me over the past couple of days. I truly appreciate someones gift of time and their listening ear.

Day 3

I suppose I can't be perfect, I may actually miss a day here or there. Right?

Well, I think that may be accurate as far as intentional acts of service. Missing service altogether would only happen if I don't look for the service that I do or look for that which is done in service of me, daily.

I had intentions of going to my patient's daughter's house today (I found out the correct street). However I got off work later than normal and I was slightly carried away with preparations for our upcoming 3 Kings Day celebration. I also had a woman come over and talk to me about some things I've been going through and had a wonderful, inspirational conversation with her which had me wait too long to go see my new neighbor.

So what there is to "report" today is that I was of service at work on a slightly different level than usual. I assisted a co-worker in doing something that wasn't really our job so it would get done and one of us wouldn't be there a whole lot longer than the other. I may have done this somewhat grudgingly in the past but today I saw it as an opportunity.

This woman that came over today, is from my ward and the wife of a gentleman I know. I had never really spoken to her before other than through text last night and she took the time to come over tonight. We had a really great conversation. She did say things I already knew but she also shed some light, or at least a different light on some things for me that lifted me up. That is some serious service on my behalf and I am SO grateful for it. I am just soaking it all in along with Alma 32. And tomorrow, I will plan to make that visit to my new neighbor.

Day 2

Today I was searching for a way to be of service outside of work. I feel like I am of service quite frequently at work. It's not that I have to be, I could work really hard to get everything done and ignore the small requests or choose not to notice the needs of those around me. But in most cases (not all) I really try to take the time because I realize the difference it makes to the patients that are there. It makes a much bigger difference to them than it does the time to do the small act of kindness.

I have a patient that just had his daughter move into my neighborhood. So I went looking for her tonight. He must've given me the wrong address because it doesn't exist. I was disappointed. I wanted to meet her and offer my assistance. I thought that is who I would be of service to today.

Turns out that sometimes being of service is just doing what you do (like making dinner for your family) when you think you can't, when you are in so much pain that you think you can't even function. It's just getting it done.

Then when someone offers you something, like some inspirational quotes, it's listening to the Spirit and sending them on to someone else who would benefit as well. Being a friend, listening and offering a reminder of what is good and right and what will make a difference for that person in their life. I can do that...check.

Day 1

Today is the first day of our quest of service. I'm guessing I'll get better at the actual service we do as well as the entries as time goes on. But for now this is what I did today.

I've put a lot of thought into service, both giving and receiving service are such blessings and I hope that I am able to not only notice the service we plan but acknowledge the daily service we do because it's in our nature, it's in my job description, it may even be an "obligation" AND I wish to recognize the service I receive from others.

I'm also thinking I may get better at my English skills or possibly just more used to the run on sentences I write.

I taught Primary today. The best part about teaching was that I didn't think about myself or my life the whole time. My focus and intention were all on the kids and attempting to get the message across in a way that would assist them in their growth in the Gospel. This was one of my "obligatory" service projects for the day. And I loved it. It made such a difference for me.

I also asked for some "inspirational quotes" from a friend. I was having a rough day. I received them which was helpful. However it wasn't like the freedom I got in losing myself in another's needs.

After church I went to visit a woman from work, one of my former patients. She is a beautiful, kind and graceful woman, even in her 90's. We talked of what life is like for her. She shared about outliving many of her friends and how she doesn't love that, but how it's not in her control. She spoke of family she is concerned about, about old neighbors and friends. I could see how the opportunity for her to share about her life was very meaningful to her and just having an ear to listen was something she valued. In return, she offered me a box of chocolates to take to my children.

Isn't it amazing, the spirit of service spurs on the spirit of service. As we serve, we too are served, not just through the giving of a box of candy but through the gift it is to lose ourselves and our concerns for the time it is to give all that attention to another. It brings joy. It eases out burdens. It lifts us up.