Embark in service

This year the theme for the youth is Embark in the service of God. I have been listening and trying to study this theme and how I can put it into my own life. First of all I love how the youth have been taught to come unto Christ, Arise and Shine Forth, Stand in Holy places, and now Embark in Service. 

If you are wondering what it means to Embark, it means to start a journey. What an awesome idea to start of journey of serving others this year. Think about the theme for a minute. 

The ship represents Heavenly Father. Sometimes we are in rough water. Sometimes we are drifting, and sometimes we are sailing. There is an anchor attached. The anchor holds the boat as we stop and experience different stages of our life. We are anchored to Christ as we have experiences. It doesn't matter what choices we are making, or if we are perfect. He is always there. All we have to do is ask. While we are traveling we might have some rough water. We might feel like we can't make it to the next place, but He is our strength, and He is there for each one of us. In Alma 3:36 it says: whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day. 

Do you want to be happy? All you have to do is serve others, be kind and Embark in service. We all need each other. Reach out to others and really start a journey of service. When you Embark, you are joining the greatest journey ever!

This is the video of the theme for 2015. 

45 Birthday acts of kindness

 I turned 45 on January 13th. Seems really hard to believe I am that old. I try to do something to make a difference every single day, but I thought it would be fun to do 45 specific random acts of kindness for my birthday. This year has been my favorite birthday. I posted this not to get attention or acceptance. I posted because I am happy when I am serving others. I hope this inspires others to continue to spread kindness and to look for opportunities to serve others. If you want to have an awesome birthday, do acts of kindness! I would LOVE to hear about it, or help you with acts of kindness.

I had some friends who shared with me the random acts of kindness offered on my behalf.  A hot breakfast was made early in the morning. Tacos were bought, and the car behind them was paid for. A friend bought her coworker a drink. Cinnamon rolls were bought and delivered, sidewalks were shoveled. Temple work was done. A cute neighbor girl helped someone in her class with math. Friends were asked to play at recess that didn't have any friends. Laundry was done, and shopping. Kindness was spread. Seriously soooo nice. Thank you!!

Here are my 45.....(did I mention that 45 is a lot?)

1. My dear friend Norma Rae Liston always makes me happy. I have this awesome picture of us at Bronson and Jessi's wedding that I made a copy of. I took it to her and got a hug too. 

2. I made Hug cards and sent them with Kiersten. She works in an oncology office. I thought it would be great for the patients to receive something to make them happy. 

3 & 4. I taped popcorn on 2 different Redbox locations. With a cute tag. 

5, 6, & 7. I went to Dollar Tree and taped dollars around for people to find. 

8. I made the invitation for our New Beginnings night, and made Kiersten the same invite for her ward.

9,10,11. Filled gumball machines, and candy machines

12. Put $1.00 on the vending machine at my work

13. Left a sign in the bathroom that says "You! Yes, you The one reading this. you are beautiful, talented, amazing and simply the best at being you. NEVER FORGET THAT." 

14, 15, 16,17. I took cinnamon rolls to my coworkers, and a couple of friends on my birthday. I had 10 cinnamon rolls. It was really fun to share!

18. I put quarters in a baggie, and left it at the carwash.

19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. Me & Kiersten took baggies with candy and candy bars and put them on cars at Lee's. This one was really fun. One of the girls picked up her candy bar and looked around, then she smiled and smiled. She drove away smiling and was really happy. There was a car with a couple of teen boys and they were really excited too. A guy at the gas station was on crutches and he smiled and shouted thank you.                                                                                                       

25. I smiled at everyone at the store, and said hello 

                                                                         

26, 27. Sent some text messages to a couple of friends I admire

28. I helped an old grandpa at the grocery store

29, 30. went to two drive up windows and handed the clerk a treat. This one was funny because they didn't know what to think.The candy had a cute tag on it. Pretty sure they thought I was crazy)

31, 32. Left a candle with a cute tag that says "I hope your day doesn't stink" to two friends.

33. Wrapped some candy and took it to an assisted living facility and asked them decide who to give it to. 

34. Printed a positive quote and put it in a library book for someone to find. 

35. Listened to a coworker that needed a friend. Talked to her and helped her with a difficult situation. 

36. Mailed a letter to a friend. 

37. Mailed a box of Sunshine

38. Left a note of encouragement on a random car

39. I picked up a friend from the front-runner in Ogden

40. Bought Chili's chips and salsa and delivered them to a friend

41. Left cherry chocolates for Troy, and put a treat in his suitcase. He was headed back to Indiana and I thought it would be nice for him to find a little treat from me when he arrived. 

42. Printed pictures for Pa Val for his frame

 

43. Took Oranges to my coworkers

44. Made smores on my birthday for visitors

45. Bought lunch for Karlee's coaches at the tumbling competition and brought it to them because they couldn't leave.