Suffering

I'm at home with a newborn waiting out the scary flu season while you're all at church. Since I'm not getting my spiritual fill with you, I have taken to the internet and lds.org to create my own Sabbath "feast", and I found this quote that I can't stop reading. Thought I'd share:

"God loves us, so He makes us the gift of suffering. Through suffering, we release our hold on the toys of this world, and know our true good lies in another world. We're like blocks of stone, out of which the sculptor carves the forms of men. The blows of his chisel, which hurt us so much, are what make us perfect. The suffering in this world is not the failure of God's love for us; it is that love in action. For believe me, this world that seems to us so substantial is no more than the shadlowlands. Real life has not begun yet." ("Shadowlands," p. 1)

Women

Am I still allowed to post here?? I hope so, cause I know there are some of you who'd love this as much as I did...



Thank you for being the amazing women you are in my life.

Sunday will come...

Marriage and Divorce

A Father Indeed

Consider the lilies...

This has always been one of my very favorite church songs. The message is amazing, and the MoTab choir's delivery gives me serious chills.

(Click play, then pause it for a minute so it can load completely.)



The writer of the song tells of his inspiration here.

Alma 5:59-60

"For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? And behold, if a wolf enter his flock doth he not drive him out? Yea, and at the last, if he can, he will destroy him."

"And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed. "


Keep the faith.

Love you all.

Little note from one of our own...

Today during church we had a special Visiting Teaching/Home Teaching Conference of sorts. Today also happened to be the day I was released as Visiting Teaching Coordinator/Supervisor. I have had a Visiting Teaching calling in this ward for nearly 2 years and I am very sad to say that it has taken me this long to really truly appreciate my calling.

I would like to share with you a brief history of my experience as a Visiting Teacher thus far in my life. When I turned 18 I was just finishing my Jr. year of High School and decided to leave the Young Women's program and move into Relief Society. That meant that I began Visiting Teaching while I was a Sr. in High School, attended early morning seminary, weekly institute (45 minutes away), and working a three quarter-time job. In my home ward I was pretty much the designated babysitting and babysat for most of the children in the ward. My first companion took very literally the instructions that we only HAVE to visit the sisters once a quarter...not necessarily the best way for me to learn the true importance of Visiting Teaching. All the same we went, once a quarter (most of the time) basically just to get it done.

Then, I moved out to college and as most of us know, unfortunately, Visiting Teaching does not even rank on our list of priorities while we are going to school, socializing, working, etc. The next few wards I lived in I don't think I even had a Visiting Teaching assignment because we were only there for a short time and to be honest, I felt relief that I didn't have to worry about HAVING to visit anyone.

Then, three years ago, my husband and I moved into the Willow Springs Ward. I don't think any other ward can ever claim responsibility to "converting" me to Visiting Teaching. The first year we lived here I didn't know anybody, I worked full-time and only saw people at church. I had my assignment but could never get a hold of my companion, and she never tried to get a hold of me so I figured "whoops, I guess I can't go Visiting Teaching." Then I was called to be a Visiting Teaching Supervisor and I guess something clicked. I began to TRY to do my calling. If I couldn't get a hold of my companion, I would go by myself. If I couldn't get a hold of my sisters, I would drop a note off at their door each month with a message and my contact information. I still was/am not perfect but a joy for Visiting Teaching was beginning to spark.

After a few months as a Supervisor I was called to be the Coordinator. I can't begin to tell you what a difficult, time consuming, but wonderful calling this was. I truly developed a LOVE for each and every sister in this ward. Not only for the sisters that I personally was assigned to steward over, but for every single sister in this ward. I found myself thinking DAILY of the sisters. I found myself crying myself to sleep in pain knowing that Sister X was not being visited and that if we made a change then Sister Y would probably not be visited. I found my heart aching for all of the sisters struggling in one area of their lives or another. In short, I found a true and humble testimony of Visiting Teaching.

I find today that my heart aches even more knowing that I have had this wonderful calling released from me and that I didn't take enough opportunities to express my deep gratitude for each and ever sister in the ward. I know we all have struggles, I know we are all in different stages of our lives, I know we are all busy, but I know we all want to someday return and report to our Heavenly Father that we did everything in our power to bring that one sister along with us back into fellowship and to return to live with her Heavenly Father.

Sister Stice asked us all today to write down the name of every sister we visit and then under their name make a LIST of things that that sister may need. Something as simple as taking our her trash, or something more involved as taking her kids for the evening so her and her husband can attend the temple for the first time in months. Sister Stice then challenged us to offer help to those sisters. Instead of asking "is there anything we can do for you?" ask specifically "can I help take out your garbage as I leave today?" "can I take your kids to the park this afternoon?" I want to second that challenge and I accept it whole hearted myself.

Sister of the Willow Springs Ward. I have such a strong testimony of Visiting Teaching now that I wish I had from the very beginning. I wonder how many people fell through the cracks when I had an "excuse" not to do my Visiting Teaching and that inpowers me to not let that sister 5 years from now fall throughthe cracks. I know that our Heavenly Father and Mother love us so very much and that it is through them that the calling to be Visiting Teachers comes from. I love each and every one of you and I close this testimony in the name of our beloved brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

--
Jessica S Haworth
p. 801-380-9430
alt email: jessica.haworth@mail.com

Moses 6:31-34

I love when I read the scriptures and something stands out that I've never noticed before. Tonight I was reading and found such an awesome scripture that I thought I would share..

Moses 6

31 [Enoch] bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

Stand Ye in Holy Places, and Be Not Moved.

"I believe in myself. I do not mean to say this with egotism or arrogance, but I believe in my capacity and in your capacity to do good, to make some contribution to this society of which we are a part. I believe that I am a child of God endowed with a divine birthright. I believe that there is something of divinity within me and within each of you. I believe that we have a godly inheritance and that it is our responsibility, our obligation, and our opportunity to cultivate and nurture the very best of these qualities within us. I do not have to be a scrub, though my work may be menial. Though my contribution may be small, I can perform it with dignity and offer it with unselfishness. My talents may not be great, but I can use them to bless the lives of others. I can be one who does his work with pride in that which comes from his hand and mind. I can be one who works with respect for my associates, for their opinions, for their beliefs, with appreciation for their problems, and with a desire to help them should they stumble. I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world."

(Gordon B. Hinkley, "Articles of Belief," Bonneville International Corporation Management Seminar, February 10, 1991.)

None Were With Him.

One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.

-Jeffrey R Holland

Stand strong...

“The teachings of a living prophet are often contrary to the trends of the world. We, as Latter-day Saints and the holders of the priesthood of God, must understand that there is an expanding gulf between the standards of the world and those of the gospel and kingdom of God, and that living prophets will always teach the standards of God. As much as we may want the gospel to accommodate to the world, it can’t, it won’t, it never has, and it never will.

So much of our modern world is based on self-indulgence, immediate gain and satisfaction, and social acceptance at all cost. The gospel and kingdom of God are so much more than this. Among the characteristics God prizes are patience, long-suffering, endurance, kindness, and brotherly love, none of which is short term or developed in a moment.”

-Dennis B. Neuenschwander (“Living Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 40-42)

Why Proposition 8?

He Leads. He Guides.

"When tensions ran high in northern Missouri in the fall of 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith called for all the Saints to gather to Far West for protection. Many were on isolated farms or in scattered settlements. He specifically counseled Jacob Haun, founder of a small settlement called “Haun’s Mill.” A record of that time includes this: “Brother Joseph had sent word by Haun, who owned the mill, to inform the brethren who were living there to leave and come to Far West, but Mr. Haun did not deliver the message.”

Later, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “Up to this day God had given me wisdom to save the people who took counsel. None had ever been killed who [had abided] by my counsel.” Then the Prophet recorded the sad truth that innocent lives could have been saved from the mob’s attack at Haun’s Mill had his counsel been received and followed.

Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or have decided that I was an exception, I have come to know that I had put myself in harm’s way. Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety. Along the path, I have found that the way had been prepared for me and the rough places made smooth. God led me to safety along a path which was prepared with loving care."

-Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Friend, Aug. 1998

Hurtful words in marriage

"Language is divine. Some may know this but do not realize its implications in their daily family life. Love at home starts with a loving language. This need is so important that, without loving words, some become mentally unbalanced, others emotionally disturbed, and some may even die. No society can survive after its family life has deteriorated, and this deterioration has always started with one word. [Didier, "Language," 26]

And it is always a hurtful word.

Studies of couples who stay married for 30 or more years show that they are kind to each other. Their criticisms, when they come, are couched as exceptions in a nest of praise and love. I did a Google search on the term lasting marriage. The results? There were over a quarter of a million entries. I did not tally all the suggestions. I did page through the first 50 or so. The overriding theme was to be loving, resolve conflict, and be respectful of each other.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins wrote of Satan's efforts to destroy families:

He damages and often destroys families within the walls of their own homes. His strategy is to stir up anger between family members. Satan is the "father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another" (3 Ne. 11:29; emphasis added). The verb stir sounds like a recipe for disaster: Put tempers on medium heat, stir in a few choice words, and bring to a boil; continue stirring until thick; cool off; let feelings chill for several days; serve cold; lots of leftovers." ["Agency and Anger," Ensign, May 1998, 80; emphasis in original]

-Words of Hate, Words of Love
CONSTANCE K. LUNDBERG

What Heaven Sees in You...

Video Message

This video makes me cry every time. Such a simple message, but so powerful. It always brings me to think Why don't I do acts of kindness like that more often? The things that may require very little from us, can be valued so highly to others..

...let's just remember to not just think it but DO it.

CREATE

I was telling my mom just a few weeks ago that I am always thinking about creating something. Even when I have no ideas, I always have the desire to make something.. anything. It's very fulfilling. Then I ran across this video and loved it. I love that our church encourages us to use and cultivate talents to make this world a more beautiful place. Every one of you contribute to it... keep it up.

Visiting Teaching Changes

Hi Ladies!

There are lots of changes being made to the Visiting Teaching assignments. Stay tuned for an email from Jessica. If you don't get one but need a reminder of your partner and who you visit, please email her @ jessica.haworth(at)mail(dot)com.

Thanks!

Growth—A Process for Two

“Spiritual growth comes by solving problems together—not by running from them. Today’s inordinate emphasis on individualism brings egotism and separation. Two individuals becoming ‘one flesh’ is still the Lord’s standard. (See Gen. 2:24.)

“The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other. The goal of marriage is unity and oneness, as well as self-development. Paradoxically, the more we serve one another, the greater is our spiritual and emotional growth.”

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994),

“Salvation—a Family Affair,” Ensign, July 1992, 4.

Service Offer

On most days (M - F) I am available, along with my 3 kids, to come sit with with your kids between 2 and 6 (give or take a half hour) so that you can go to appoinments, meetings, errands, shopping, visiting teaching, etc. I prefer to schedule in advance, but much of the time I can be spontaneous and help in a pinch.

This is because of my husband's graveyard shift and how it sometimes helps to get my kids out of the house in the afternoons when he's sleeping. But my intention is NOT that this is a service "for me". I've just found that having him here so much I haven't BEEN SERVING as much as I'd like to, because I can't babysit, etc. in my own home for now. So if this can help anyone at all...

Call me to plan ahead: Evelyn Veylupek (G4) 362-8478

(Isn't this so nice?? Thank you for the offer Evelyn!)

Visiting Teaching

Visiting teaching is much more than a visit or sharing a thought with a sister. It is how we connect with one another. We share hearts and souls and extend charity, which is "the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love" (Bible Dictionary, "Charity," 632). Visiting teaching brings the love of the Lord to every home and to every sister. It is a sacred trust we have been given.

Why do sisters do visiting teaching? Mosiah describes it this way: "To bear one another's burdens, . . . to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" (Mosiah 18:8–9).

Visiting teaching is the heart and soul of Relief Society. The purposes of visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to offer support, comfort, and friendship. In visiting teaching, both the giver and the receiver are blessed and strengthened in their Church activity by their caring concern for one another.

This caring concern is described in Moroni 6:4: "And after they had been received unto baptism, . . . they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way."

To be named and numbered has special significance for those in need. Elder Henry B. Eyring describes it beautifully:

"You are called to represent the Savior. Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands. . . . Your calling is to bless lives. That will be true even in the most ordinary tasks you are assigned. . . . You see, there are no small callings to represent the Lord" ("Rise to Your Call," Ensign, Nov. 2002, 76).

(copied from the church website: http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4691-1,00.html)



We have made all changes for February Visiting Teaching and if anyone has questions they can email me (jessica.haworth@gmail.com).
-- Jessica S Haworth


*Thanks Jessica, for your contribution and reminders to keep us going!

So good.

http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=snAjZ8mfoYw&rel=1&eurl=&iurl=http

Get your FOOD STORAGE on

Lately I've been feeling a bit of urgency in this matter, and a special awareness of it's importance. I know it's hard financially to get everything into place, but you can definately build up your supply slowly but surely. If you can, try to pick up an extra can of beans here, an extra bag of rice there.. etc.

Last week when I was driving home from getting some soup for food storage, I was feeling good as I always do when I have hit a good deal. I felt more at ease with our food supply, and was comforted. Then all the sudden I had a huge revelation pop into my mind:

Make a 72 hour kit for your baby. It hit me like a ton of bricks. At first I wanted to slap myself for not having thought of that yet (we already had them for me and my husband), but it came so sure so specifically that as soon as I got inside, I was focused on getting it done. Thankfully we had an old backpack and some random free samples of formula and whatnots, but I also thought about all the other things he'd need: diapers, wipes, CLOTHES, blanket, binky (comfort item), etc. I'm a fan of the Target clearance racks, so I ventured out and found some sweatpants for $1.79 and a sweatshirt for $2. I can't explain the peace I felt when it was all packed and ready to go. After all, caring for my child would be the most important thing to me in an emergency situation. So, I thought I'd get the discussion up and running for the rest of you.. let's get some ideas out there to help eachother, whether it be good deals or storage advice. Who knows? Maybe there's a bunch of us out there who have never thought of an idea that you think is common sense. Comment away! We can all help eachother here.

Some advice from me and my family (my mom is the food storage guru!):

• Have water (bottles or a couple gallons) and a bag or backpack of emergency food in the car for when you're on the go. Also a blanket or two for the trunk.
• Have a warm and a cool outfit for each child packed away in their 72 hour kits.
• If you have no room for storage, get creative. When my sister was in a small apartment, she made coffee/sidetables with stacks of boxes and storage cylinders. Drape some fabric over it, top it with a piece of round glass, and WALLA! I NEVER knew about this til she lifted up the fabric and showed me. It looked SO nice and was completely functional for a small living space. Genius. Also, take advantage of the room under your beds. Water bottles, cans, bags of oats, wheat, rice.. whatever you can muster to squeeze in without hurting the dust bunnies.
• Only stock what you will eat. I've thrown away so many canned goods because they've expired. I never would've eaten them UNLESS there was an absolute emergency - they were gaggy - so make sure you have things that you can cycle through in your cooking. That way nothing goes to waste, and you won't make a bad situation worse by having to choke down those lima beans.
• Protein. Peanut butter, tuna, chili, etc. Don't underestimate it's importance.
• Don't get it all at once. Watch for good sales. You can end up getting twice the amount of storage for the same amount of money if you're smart about it.

And lastly, a couple good resources for all things storage:

http://myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com/ -->amounts to store, how to, what to, deals, etc.

http://weeklyshoppingguide.blogspot.com/ --> save the time of searching all the ads and check out what she's found! Updated almost daily.

http://grocerysmarts.com/utah/lists/splashg84csg.php -->COUPONS!



Remember: "The Lord has said, 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear' (D&C 38:30)."

Please leave additional tips for the rest of us!

Death and Resurrection

"I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption (Alma 11:45). "
"And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death (Mosiah 16: 7-9). "

As a child I was SO scared of death. And I'd be lying if I said it didn't still shake me. I think for the most part the reason death scares me is the thought of the mourning and pain I'd have to go through here on earth. But as my understanding of the Atonement grows, I realize that the sealing power gives us hope to be with our loved ones for ETERNITY. And as hard as our grief may be now, our time here on earth is "but a moment". And if we can endure this and live as Christ did, keeping our covenants as we go, we will be with our families forever. Eternity. I can't think of a better gift than that. Definately worth the work to get there, don't you think?

My favorite scripture:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21: 4)."


Tomorrow's lesson is Chapter 26: Elijah and the Restoration of the Sealing Keys.
Click HERE to read. It is always great to have some time to ponder about the lesson so that we can receive it well, as well as bring our own thoughts to the room. I know our teachers appreciate it when we do!

Love you all.

Thought from Cameo

"We are women now, not children, and we are expected to pray with maturity. The words most often used to describe urgent, prayerful labor are wrestle, plead, cry, and hunger. In some sense, prayer may be the hardest work we will ever engage in, and perhaps it should be."

-Patricia T. Holland

I know I need to hear this because my prayers can get pretty careless sometimes and I know when I have kids I will really want my prayers to matter.

(Thank you so much Cameo!!)

Fear not, little flock..

"These are difficult times. The economy is struggling. There is conflict in the world. But the Almighty is keeping His promise that He will bless those who walk in faith and righteousness before Him.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way of peace. To the extent we follow it and incorporate it in our lives, to this extent will we be blessed and prospered. What a wonderful thing it is to be involved in this glorious work. Let us rejoice in our great opportunity. Let us serve with gladness."

May heaven’s richest blessings rest upon you, my beloved associates. May faith grow in your hearts. May there be love and peace in your homes. May there be food upon your tables and clothing on your backs. May the smiles of heaven warm your hearts and bring comfort in times of trial.
-Gordon B. Hinckley (“The Condition of the Church,” Ensign, May 2003)

________________________________________

The Lord has said to us:

"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. . . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:34, 36).

-President Gordon B. Hinckley (CR October, 2003)

Home is a Haven

Our Homes Should Be Sanctuaries Filled with Love and Kindness

“May we . . . demonstrate kindness and love within our own families. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.”

-Thomas S. Monson (“Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 90)

It's A Work in Progress

.. for ALL of us:

http://lds.about.com/od/1/tp/marriagearticle.htm

"A false notion about marriage is a too-common belief in the fairy tale phrase, 'They married and lived happily ever after.' To achieve marital happiness, it is necessary that couples work together to overcome difficulties and temptations, and they must show a willingness to meet the other challenges that will always be a part of their married life together"

-Dale F. Pearson ("Love Conquers All'... And Other Fanciful Notions," Ensign, Jun 1973, 14).

First comes first...

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith–and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.”

Thomas S. Monson ( “The Call to Serve,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 48–49.)

You don't need money...

... to have a blast. Get creative!!

Go here for some ideas for fun with the family.

The Promise

"It takes great faith and courage to pray to our Heavenly Father, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.” The faith to believe in the Lord and endure brings great strength. Some may say if we have enough faith, we can sometimes change the circumstances that are causing our trials and tribulations. Is our faith to change circumstances, or is it to endure them? Faithful prayers may be offered to change or moderate events in our life, but we must always remember that when concluding each prayer, there is an understanding: “Thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Faith in the Lord includes trust in the Lord. The faith to endure well is faith based upon accepting the Lord’s will and the lessons learned in the events that transpire.

As we put our faith in the Lord and keep our focus on the eternities, we will be blessed to be able to accept whatever trial we are given, for life on earth, as we know it, is only temporary, and, if we endure it well, the Lord has promised us: “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7)."

- Elder Robert D. Hales
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Found here.

Stand and Lift

Who could use a good lift right now? I mean I could, cause getting out of this monstrous Love Sac is borderline impossible after a good meal... but what about an emotional lift? Spiritual maybe? The skies are gray for what- 98% of the day?- and the post holiday funk seems to be settling in the fog around our beloved (not to mention beautiful) snow-packed condos. Some are sick, some are stressing, and some are just waiting for that spring day full of sunshine that right now seems a little too far away.

So, naturally, we're starting a little bloggidy-blog. We're hoping to keep this a place of warm thoughts, heart-felt encouragement, and a gathering place for friends. We could all use a little cheer. Let's make the clouds open if not for just a minute to let the sun shine on our neighborhood and make our homes all a little warmer.

I was walking around my house today and couldn't get the phrase "Stand and Lift" out of my head. I was saying it over and over and over again until I realized I was singing it to the tune of the the Little People toy my son was playing with. It wasn't until I caught myself belting it out in such sweet (yet cursed- you know how those toys with sound get) melody that I stopped to ask myself why it the phrase was running through my mind.

When my husband got back from the last Priesthood Session of Conference back in October, I asked how it went. I usually got a "good" and a quick sum-up of the themes of the talks and that was about all I got until the next Ensign came out. But this time I listened for minutes as he went on and on and on about President Uchtdorf and his talk. He told me the stories and relayed the message so well- I couldn't wait to read it myself. To this day he uses examples from that talk, and it has stayed with me. So if you don't mind I'm going to share a couple of my favorite things he said:

"When we seek to serve others, we are motivated not by selfishness but by charity. This is the way Jesus Christ lived His life and the way a holder of the priesthood must live his. The Savior did not care for the honors of men; Satan offered Him all the kingdoms and glory of the world, and Jesus rejected the offer immediately and completely. Throughout His life, the Savior must have often felt tired and pressed upon, with scarcely a moment to Himself; yet He always made time for the sick, the sorrowful, and the overlooked."

I find it SO easy to pity myself when there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. That is pathetic of me, because I'm sure I spend a lot more time in my pajamas than anyone else around here, yet I always seem to find an excuse or a way to justify why I don't have the time to Visit Teach or to go check in on so-and-so. When the truth is- every time I do go I leave thinking "I wish I didn't have to wait a month to come back." I always feel good once I've gone, and I always stop and question myself about why I don't do it more often. There isn't much out there that is more satisfying than a good relationship with a good friend. Nope, not even those rice krispies staring me down over there. And that is saying something!

President Uchtdorf also tells an example of a man named John Rowe Moyle...

"This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Rowe Moyle. John was a convert to the Church who left his home in England and traveled to the Salt Lake Valley as part of a handcart company. He built a home for his family in a small town a valley away from Salt Lake City. John was an accomplished stonecutter and, because of this skill, was asked to work on the Salt Lake Temple.
Every Monday John left home at two o’clock in the morning and walked six hours in order to be at his post on time. On Friday he would leave his work at five o’clock in the evening and walk almost until midnight before arriving home. He did this year after year.
One day, while he was doing his chores at home, a cow kicked him in the leg, causing a compound fracture. With limited medical resources, the only option was to amputate the broken leg. So John’s family and friends strapped him onto a door and, with a bucksaw, cut off his leg a few inches from the knee.
In spite of the crude surgery, the leg started to heal. Once John could sit up in bed, he began carving a wooden leg with an ingenious joint that served as an ankle to an artificial foot. Walking on this device was extremely painful, but John did not give up, building up his endurance until he could make the 22-mile (35-km) journey to the Salt Lake Temple each week, where he continued his work.
His hands carved the words “Holiness to the Lord” that stand today as a golden marker to all who visit the Salt Lake Temple.
John did not do this for the praise of man. Neither did he shirk his duty, even though he had every reason to do so. He knew what the Lord expected him to do.
Years later, John’s grandson Henry D. Moyle was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and, eventually, served in the First Presidency of the Church. President Moyle’s service in these callings was honorable, but his grandfather John’s service, though somewhat less public, is just as pleasing to the Lord. John’s character, his legacy of sacrifice, serves as a banner of faithfulness and an ensign of duty to his family and to the Church. John Rowe Moyle understood the meaning of “lift where you stand.”'

We can not only make another's day brighter by service or even a quick smile and wave in the parking lot, but our own by feeling the Savior work through us. As we realize how much our Father and the Savior love others, we also realize how much they love us.

I think we could all use a good lift. And I think we can do it together...

Let's start with trying to get me out of this dang bean bag.