The Next Good Thing: December 2011

Monday, December 26, 2011

26 Books of Mormon later. . .

I'm not sure I can put into words what this experience has meant to me. It has been a beautiful journey. I echo what Elder Bednar once said, "I knew this before I just know it better now."

I've learned to trust in Heavenly Father more. I couldn't have done this without His help.

I've learned to more clearly recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It helps if you are listening.

I've learned that Heavenly Father is ever mindful of His children and He loves each and every one of them. When I walked down the streets of NYC I see just a small fraction-there are so many and yet he knows them intimately.

I've learned to not judge. We really can't judge others based on what we see on the outside, what they allow us to see. Just like ogres, people have many layers.

I've learned people are appreciative when you share something from the heart. With each Book of Mormon I included a personal note. Each of these people have touched my life in some way and I wanted them to know how much that meant to me. Many thanked me for that gesture.

I've learned we don't need to be afraid to share our faith and experiences. When people ask what you did over the weekend don't filter out what we think they don't want to hear. Go ahead and share your experiences. Tell them you went to church or to the Temple, etc. They won't be turned off by it. You aren't preaching but you are sharing a part of your life with them.

I've learned people want to hear the good news. There is so much negativity in the world. We are bombarded with the world's propoganda. People need to see there is more than what is offered by the tv, movies and music of today. I noticed through Jerome's blog and talking to Susan that people want to hear the good, want to be uplifted by stories of faith. It gives them courage to be strong in the face of adversity and temptation. We need to give people options-there is hope, there is goodness in this world.

I've learned that again that Heavenly Father answers heartfelt prayers. "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;. . ." It may not be easy but I know we do not do this alone.

My testimony has strengthened. My faith has grown. If we look we will see the innumerable ways in which Heavenly Father blesses us. He is merciful and He is Kind.

My relationship with my Heavenly Father has deepened. I see a little more clearly what He is able to see. I hope my vision continues to clear.

I am more appreciative of the plan of salvation. I'm grateful for my knowledge that there is a purpose and plan to this life. I hope to continue to share that with others. I don't see 26 as my final number. I want to wake up each day praying to be able to share a part of this gospel with someone. I hope to continue to trust in the Spirit and not be sidetracked by the natural man which tends to hesitate and question. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for trusting me with this. I knew once I accepted I wouldn't fail because I know

"in the strength of the Lord I can do ALL things."

December 25-Derek

I wasn't sure I was going to give a Book of Mormon out today. I'd already given out 25 and didn't really have anyone in mind. But for some reason I still had 1 more book left. As I was walking Laci early this morning I felt I needed to find one more person to share this Christmas gift with. I went to church prayerful and grateful. As I was sitting listening to our ward's Christmas Contata a name and face popped into my mind and I knew who would be the receiver of my last book. Derek is Brad's brother. (see from December 4)

I met Derek this summer while he was staying with Brad while waiting to start college in the Fall. He now has his own place and visits on weekends and breaks. I hestitated for a second wondering what Brad and Stacey would think of me also giving Derek a book. But then I pushed those doubts aside because I knew this is what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. I have to trust His plan and that doesn't necessarily mean I have to understand.

This afternoon the nieghborhood got together to welcome J home for a theraputic outing. They gave him 6 hours away from the hospital for Christmas. It was a beautiful sight as the crowd gathered around their front steps and sang Christmas carols to their family. This is what Christmas is about-love for our fellow man! The family was extremely moved and grateful. Susan continued to hug me over and over and repeated "God is good. He is soo good!" Her son sits in a wheelchair but she is wrapped in the arms of our Saviors love and lifted up by the angels that surround her. Their family's faith is inspiring!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

December 24-Lisa

This is another YMCA post. The Y was my second home in Illinois. It was the hangout for stay at home moms and a great place for families to play together. Lisa ran the childcare at the Y. She started watching Jenna when she was 3 months old and stopped when Jenna was 5 years old! Childcare was free so I happily gave my kids up to her for 1-2 hours daily. It takes a special person to do childcare and Lisa was fabulous. We became friends through my daily drop-offs. You got to love a woman who will gladly accept your kids.

Friday, December 23, 2011

December 23-Jenna's teacher

Jenna decided she wanted to give her teacher a Book of Mormon. She asked me all week. I kept telling her we'd see. Before Jenna's friend next door moved, Jenna asked each Sunday if she could invite her friend to church. I always brushed her off. Basically I didn't want to have that conversation with her friend's mom and have Jenna be sad since I felt she would say no. This time I felt I couldn't do that, not after this month. I've learned that we have to give people a chance. We often times make their decision for them. How do we know they'll say no? I decided Jenna needed a chance to share, to be a part of this experience. Who knows-out of the mouth of babes. . .

Thursday, December 22, 2011

December 22-Gina

One of my favorite things to do when I was in Illinois was spin/cycle. It was a very popular thing to do, so much so that I would have to line up 30 minutes prior to the class just to get a bike. They finally added more bikes and then you showed up early to get your favorite seat. Mine was first row in front of the fan. Gina was the most popular instructor. She had the best music which made all that hard work fun. Her husband retired from the USAF and they moved from Illinois the same time as we did. It made giving up cycling a little easier knowing she wouldn't be there anymore to miss. We still keep in touch via Facebook.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

UPDATE

Today was a good day. I had an orthodontist appt today so I was curious how Tonie Marie would respond to her gift that I gave her 2 weeks ago. She thanked me for my thoughtfulness and said I had a way with words.

The best part of today was an email I received from my friend in Illinois. Unbeknownst to me she has had a history with Mormons. Not once did she ever bring it up when we were together. She said she was raised Catholic but had Mormon friends. She even attended seminary a few times with them and went to the Open House of the temple just a mile from where she lived. She said she was always curious about the Book of Mormon and she said she would READ IT!!!! with an open heart and mind!!!! YAY! Heavenly Father was right, "How great shall be your joy!

As I continued to follow J's progress I was surprised to find Jerome had mentioned "Happily Ever After" in his journal today. He appreciated the words of a Mormon apostle. :)

We don't know people's heart. We don't know what they are going through or have gone through. But Heavenly Father does. He knows but He needs us to help Him. We need to get over our fear. No one has yelled or gotten upset that I shared this with them. I think most people appreciate the gesture whether they read it or not. When they know you are Mormon they will watch you to see who you are and what you are all about. They will know that this book means enough to you to want to share it with others. But how will they know unless we tell them, unless we share that part of us with them? Be prayerful and be not afraid!

3 more to go!

December 21-Holli

Holli was my hairstylist in Illinois for 5 years. She was referred to me by a friend and I later learned that a lot of women in my ward were going to her. She always seemed to be going through a difficult time and I often thought of saying something about the church and when I moved giving her a Book of Mormon. I regret that I didn't. Why is it so hard to open our mouths? Maybe something I said could have helped. I won't know because I never tried. The chances of something happening when you do nothing equals zero.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

December 20-Patty

I could go on and on about Patty. She is a saint. I went through an extremely stressful time this summer with our home in Illinois. We were having mold problems and the company responsible was not taking responsibility. I was stuck many miles away unable to make them accountable. And thats where Patty came in. She took the problem upon herself and did everything she could for us-taking pictures, meeting with the company, asking questions and demanding answers. What makes this even more incredible was she was getting nothing out of it-no money, no job (she is owner of a duct cleaning company). She saw that we were in need and she took it upon herself to help. I hope to thank her in person someday but for now I sent her a written thank you and the Book of Mormon.

Monday, December 19, 2011

December 19-Jerome & Susan

This was an emotional one for me. Jerome and Susan were our next door neighbors before we moved. I've been thinking and praying about them for awhile now. On Dec 1st their son suffered from a rare condition where a blood vessel ruptured near his spinal area resulting in internal bleeding and paralysis below his waist. He is 9 years old.

Their family has a website updating family and friends on their sons condition. Its interesting how people react to tragedy. Some turn away from God and others turn to Him. This family's faith is strong and inspiring. I would like to include an excerpt from Jerome's journal.

"Watching over J has inspired these journal updates and my daily rants. Today I was unable to be with J during most of the day due to work, thus leaving Susan to bear the bulk of his care on her own. Not that work takes precedence over J, but if there is one day that I shouldn’t miss it would be today for our unannounced regulatory inspection that would determine if our blood bank meets the standards to remain open or shut down.While I was confident we were good enough to pass we were not perfect. The inspector noted some deficiencies and he felt there were a few areas we could improve upon.

I again saw some parallel with what we are going thru with J. We feel we are like most decent parents who instinctively come to the aid of their child in need. However, we are far from perfect and have short-comings or personal deficiencies as parents and people.Sometimes it takes an unannounced inspection or event to help us realize we have room to improve. J’s predicament has caused us to personally reflect on our shortcomings one of which is not always putting God first. Sometimes we focus on selfish earthly things.

Like the inspection today, our situation is an opportunity to improve ourselves and apply corrective actions.God is good all the time. While our current situation is saddening, it is not without good purpose. Tragedies, calamities and spinal aneurysms happen as God’s will. These things don’t happen as punishment but I think they happen when we sometimes stray from the flock and they serve the purpose of bringing us back and closer to Him, as this situation has done. Perhaps in the big picture God is using J to bring us all closer to Him.

There are so many people praying for J. Obviously we’re elated that J is being lifted in prayer, additionally it’s great to know that so many are talking to God…I’m sure that God is elated with this."em>

Is this not inspiring? I really struggled. What more could I say? In my note I shared an excerpt from a talk given by Pres. Uchtfdorf titled, "Happily Ever After" and my testimony with a couple scriptures I felt inspired to mark in the Book of Mormon I gave them. We also included a couple gifts for J and a freezer meal for whenever they needed it. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

December 18-Lynne Allison

I fasted today. I am down to my last week before Christmas and this might be my hardest week. My list has dwindled and I am not sure who I will be giving books out to. It's also a very busy week as I try and fit in all the last minute Christmas activities and shopping. Only 7 days until Christmas!

I met Lynne Allison in Illinois from a mutual friend who knew we were both moving to New Jersey. In fact Lynne Allison's husband was going to be Jason's boss. I was a little nervous about giving Lynne Allison a book because of the connection to work. I didn't want it to be inappropriate. In fact I could think of a lot of reasons not to give her a book, or anyone a book for that matter. Satan likes to cast doubts- it's not the right time, its inappropriate, they won't like me anymore, etc. I got past that and decided to give it as a gift for the kindness shes shown me over this past year. Although we have never gone and done anything together we've run into each other at different school and work events. She is always kind and supportive and good for a hug. On one particular stressful day she saw I was having a hard time. She told me God loved me and she reminded me of what really was important-my family. In the end the house that was giving me stress didn't matter. I appreciated her taking the time to care and broadening my perspective.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

December 17-Diane

Diane is my good friend from high school. We had a lot of classes together and played on the volleyball team. I haven't seen her since our 10 year high school reunion and were reunited this summer at our 20. We picked up right where we left off. She had many Mormon friends growing up. We talked a lot about our church activities and things going on at church but I don't remember asking her to come to any dances or activities. I'm not sure why. This is only about 22 years late but better late than never.

Friday, December 16, 2011

December 16-Victoria's Family

Victoria is my other daughter who lives down the street. She is a great friend to Kate and the two have a lot of fun together. I look forward to their rushing through the front door together afterschool. Victoria is always good for a laugh and she likes my treats. I don't know her mom very well. She is very quiet and keeps to herself but that observation may be incorrect. Her husband is deployed and she may just be very busy. I need to make more of an effort to get to know her.

I had a very busy day today and although I think about giving out the Book of Mormon from the time my eyelids open in the morning I hadn't figured who to give it to. I then thought of my friend Diane but knew I wasn't going to make it to the post office in time. It was 4:00 and the post office closed at 4:15. It takes me awhile to get my thoughts together to write a note. Then I thought of the Victoria. I sat down to write my note to their family and when I was finished Kate rushed in telling me they were leaving for the evening. Since we were also headed out I knew this was my only chance tonight. I had Kate run down and give it to them as they drove out of the driveway. I regret the rush of it all.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

December 15-Angela

Today my friend Megan helped me out. She and I go to the same hairdresser and she told me she was going there today. Perfect. Angela was on my list. I've been thinking about how to get a Book of Mormon to her. She works 30 minutes away and I wasn't planning on traveling that direction anytime soon so it worked out perfectly.

Angela is great. She was referred to me by a friend who has really cute hair. One of the hard things about moving all the time is finding someone to trust to cut your hair. I loved Angela from the beginning. She now cuts all my girls hair and I have referred other friends to her. I am amazed when that she remembers our conversations and follows up 2 months later. She recently found out she was having baby #2.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

December 14-Glenn and Sunday

I wasn't sure who I was giving the Book of Mormon today. After I woke up from a much needed afternoon nap. I felt like I should give one to some neighbors across the street. These neighbors I don't know very well and hadn't planned on giving them one. Apparently I needed to so I did with a plate of goodies.

Here is a quote I found that sums up how I have been feeling.

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

December 13-Jason & Jen

Today we gave a Book of Mormon to Jason and Jen who live across the street from us. Jenn is funny and quirky and used to be a dancer in Guam. (That was pre-military) She is another one of my bus stop friends. Their youngest daughter came over to play with Jenna today. I sent her home with the wrapped up Book of Mormon and Kinder eggs. The last time my Jason went to Germany he came home with this favorite of ours. Kinder eggs are chocolate eggs that have little toy prizes inside. Since Jenn's family moved from Germany I figured they'd appreciate the memory.

Great news!!! We know of one person who is currently reading the Book of Mormon. My friend Melissa who we painted cookies with on Sunday shared her experience with me today. Her family gave a Book of Mormon to their next door neighbor. Melissa didn't really think her neighbor would read it or be interested but the following day her neighbor thanked her for the book and said she was going to have lots of questions because she started reading it last night. Yay Cook family!

Monday, December 12, 2011

December 12-More of South Prestwick-BJ & Sheri and Ash & Julie

I gave Books of Mormon to two families today. Both were our neighbors from South Prestwick. I figured if I was doing the one I should go ahead and drop off the other since they live next door to each other. No point waiting another day. So I've been asked if that means I don't have to do one tomorrow. No days off here-that was a bonus.

Living on base is a completely different experience than when we lived off base. When we bought our home in Illinois, despite giving away cookies at Christmas, we never got to know our neighbors. We lived there 5 years!! After 1 week on base we knew our whole street. We rely on each other because we are all new to the area, no one has family nearby and we are all in the same situation. We wave, we visit on the sidewalk, we watch each others kids, we have become family. I love it!

I've been thinking about whether I should be embarrassed about my neighbors knowing I'm giving out Books of Mormon to each of them. I realized that no I shouldn't. I think I would be more embarrassed if they talked and one neighbor finds out they didn't get one but the other did? Just another way to spin it. This way makes me feel better about giving them out.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

December 11-Lee and Cally

Have you ever painted sugar cookies? Me neither. Our good friends the Cooks invited us over to show us how its done and we had a really fun time showing off our creativity. The missionaries came over too and helped us paint enough cookies to give away with the copies of the Book of Mormon we were delivering later.

I asked Jenna who we should give it to today and she picked our neighbors two houses down. Cally was the first person to welcome us to Orly Place after we moved from South Prestwick. She brought us this delicious rice dish that had curry and coconut in it. Yum! Shes the type of person who decorates everyone's mailboxes with balloons to celebrate the last day of school. She genuinely cares about people and tries to help anyone she can. Every morning at the bus stop Cally walks by with a happy greeting and smile. Its something I look forward to everyday.

We walked over as a family. I was a little embarrassed when their kids opened the door along with the neighbor kids from Dec 1. Now they know I gave them both a Book of Mormon. Would they think it was weird that I was giving out these books to the neighborhood? I hope that with the personal notes I wrote each one they will see that I really wanted to share something that was important to me with each of them. Will they talk about me? Maybe. . . and maybe that will spark conversation and questions about the Book of Mormon?

Or that I'm just weird.

December 10-Rob and Nancy

When we moved to New Jersey we were surprised to find out that our neighbors were Army. McGuire is now a joint base so our street actually had all branches of service. Housing just finished construction when we arrived so our street was full of newbies. A couple of us organized a street party as a way for us to all get to know each other. Afterwards one person said instead of waving politely when we saw each other we would now wave with enthusiasm. These strangers had become our friends. We shared a duplex with Rob and Nancy. We were lucky to have the type of neighbors who saw no division in the driveway. They helped us and we helped them.

In February we were offered a new home-a bigger home since Jason had pinned on Major. We were torn about leaving South Prestwick. We loved our neighbors and although we would just be down the street it wouldn't be the same as walking down the driveway. When Rob and Nancy heard we were moving they immediately went to work helping us with the heavy items, and didn't shy away from the piano either. We had 5 days to move with no notice and we made it due to the help of Rob and his son and our other great neighbors.

We heard from our other neighbor that Nancy was retiring and they were in the process of packing up to move. Jason and I headed over and with our farewell we gave them a Book of Mormon.

Friday, December 9, 2011

December 9-Jen

Yesterday I hit a bump in the road. I was struggling with self-doubts. I was worried about whether I was saying the right things when I wrote my testimony and just basically afraid of messing up. Why do we allow Satan to make us feel bad? Why are we so quick to recognize our faults, our weaknesses or believe we are just not good enough? Luckily, Heavenly Father came to my rescue with the scripture in Mormon 7: 13.

"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."

Then I realized it's okay if I don't write or say the right thing. It is not my words or my testimony but the Spirit of the Lord that will work in their hearts. Heavenly Father is pleased with our efforts whenever we are doing our best. The best part is that He will make up the difference!

Today I mailed a Book of Mormon to my friend Jen. Jen is my spin buddy in Illinois. We both loved spinning and it was fun working out together. We had our spot-always the front row in front of the fan. When I first saw Jen I knew immediately we would be friends. How is it that we sometimes have that connection with people? One day she was having a particularly stressful time with a rental home she still owned. She was confiding in me in the lobby of the YMCA and we both just broke down crying. (I'm sure we were quite the scene but we didn't notice.) She didn't know what to do and all I could think of was to bear my testimony of prayer. I hope it did some good.

Jen soon met a lot of us Mormon moms at the YMCA. It was the place to be in the community. The Y offered free childcare so we would get together to chat and workout and our kids got to play with their friends everyday. Seriously, Win-Win! Before I moved I thought about giving her a Book of Mormon but didn't. I hope that with this book and the example of others still there she will want to know more.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

December 8-John

This one is a do-over.

John moved to Alaska in the 4th grade. Both my twin sister and I took a liking to him right away. We went all through high school together. We weren't really friends but we weren't really acquaintances either having grown up together. (This picture is of him in high school)

Back in 1996 my sister Traci had just returned home from serving a mission for our church in Venezuela. When she talked about her experiences I was jealous of her selfless service to others and the opportunity she had to share that which she believed deeply in. I felt like I had missed out on an opportunity although I had no regrets about my choice to get married. I wanted to experience what she had felt the 18 months she was in Venezuela so I prayed for a missionary experience. Just so you know Heavenly Father answers prayers! I started running into John around town. I hadn't seen him since high school which was 5 years earlier and I felt like I was supposed to invite him to a missionary fireside. Seriously was embarrassed by that thought. We weren’t friends, hadn't seen each other for years and I was supposed to out of the blue talk to him about something like that. I started to panic!

That night I prayed to make sure this is what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. I was reading Doctrine and Covenants at the time and my next chapter that night happened to be D&C 18. The worth of souls chapter and how great shall be your joy if you bring but one soul unto Christ. Darn it, now I had no choice but to follow through. Seriously I was a mess. I had no idea what to say but I called him up with my heart about to jump out of my chest. My opening line after telling him who I was was, "I know this may seem a little bizarre but would you like to. . ." Worst conversation starter ever!!! It was horrible. He politely declined. Wouldn't you? The missionaries told me there was another fireside and I should try again. But I just couldn't bring myself to do. I was too embarrassed.

That day has always haunted me so I am grateful today that I got my chance to redeem myself. No phone call this time. I mailed him a Book of Mormon.

*Update-my next door neighbor (from Dec 1) thanked me for the card and Book of Mormon today.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

December 7-Tonie Marie

Tonie Marie and I have been acquaintances for 8 months now, ever since I got my braces on in April. She is the orthodontic assistant and a very nice person. We have the same kind of friendship one might have with one's hairstylist. She shares stories of her life and I mine yet that's as far as the relationship goes. But I look forward to seeing her and catching up from the last time we chatted. I've had my top braces off for a couple of months but these bottom teeth have been more stubborn and are moving slowly. Maybe one more month and hopefully the braces will come off. But that also means I will probably only see Tonie Marie once every 6 months for my regular dental check-up.

Yesterday when I realized I had this appointment I knew that I would be giving a Book of Mormon to her. At the end of our visit I gave her the wrapped up book. She seem surprised that I would be giving her something and she gave me a hug. I hope she still feels the same way when she opens it. I'll see her again in 2 weeks. Until then I will pray for her.

My prayers are changing. I am realizing giving the Book of Mormon away is easy. Its a curious thing. When I first started I worried about finding enough people to give this book away to 25 is a lot! Now I don't worry anymore because there are so many. Each day after giving out the Book of Mormon I am immediately blessed with another name or face. I have a lot of catching up to do. All those times I thought about giving a book away but never did. Heavenly Father is giving me a chance to repent and try again.

Now I'm praying that they will not only accept the book but read it. I know once it is in their hands its up to them to decide what to do. I pray that the Spirit will touch them that they will be curious enough to begin to read and ask questions.

Funny side note and FYI

There has been quite the discussion and teasing in our home about the correct way to say multiple copies of the Book of Mormon-Most people tend to say Book of Mormons. According to the movie, "The Best Two Years," this is incorrect and Kelsey and Kate have been having fun pointing out our mistake. I guess the correct way to say it is Books of Mormon. But to me neither sound right. The missionaries corrected us all and said they've been told to say, "copies of the Book of Mormon." Now that sounds much better!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

December 6-Bus Driver

The missionaries came over for dinner last night. We of course talked about missionary work and they gave me some advice. Then they shared a video someone from the South Carolina mission made. It was about a girl trying to give away a Book of Mormon. Her eyes were set on this boy in one of her classes at school. She set the Book of Mormon on the table next to him and left the room. He saw it and chased her down thinking she left it on accident. She then took the book, wrote a note in it and gave it back to the same boy. He took it home but when he got home threw it on the floor of his room. But after lying on his bed he picked it up and started reading it. He prayed, the missionaries came to teach their family and the whole family ended up being baptized because of this one girls efforts. I am sure there are a million stories like this one except they don't happen unless we have the courage to try.

I'm beginning to realize the awkwardness we feel or the even the embarrassment of sharing the gospel pales in comparison to the good we can accomplish if we just do it.

Today I gave the Book of Mormon to Eric's school bus driver. She and I exchange glances as the kids walk off the bus and I thank her each day for delivering them. When I looked into her face yesterday I knew she was next. Its nice to know ahead of time who I am going to give it to. It gives me time to pray specifically for that person. I wrote a note and testimony. As I wrote I felt as if she and I were friends and not the strangers that we are. I hope some of the things I write resonate with her and she will want to read it.

Monday, December 5, 2011

December 5-Old Neighbors

Yesterday as we ended our fast I knew who I was going to give the Book of Mormon to today. The Stones are our old neighbors from our first house in NJ (I say our old house but its just 6 houses from where we are now) Jenna and Leah would play for hours with the other kids on our streets while Deana and I would watch and visit. Deana couldn't have kids and adopted Leah from China. I think because they had to wait for Leah they have a deeper appreciation for family. I saved (hid from my family) mint brownies from yesterday and when Jenna got home from school Jenna and I took the brownies and Book of Mormon over to them. The family is moving next week to Virginia. I knew it was soon so I'm glad I caught them before they left. I don't like good-byes.

Giving out copies of the Book of Mormon is getting easier. I didn't have the slightest hesitation today. When I first began this I really worried. Not only from the overwhelming number I needed to give away but also just the act of giving them away. What was I afraid of? I talked with a friend as I was trying to sort out my concerns. And she hit it on the nail. I was worried about rejection. I was giving away something that was not only special to me but a part of what made me, me. I also worried that I wouldn't make it. That I would fail. But I decided to put those concerns aside and as President Hinckley said, "Go Forward with Faith". Its working.

December 4- Good Friends

Today was Fast Sunday. How grateful I was for this. I need all the help I can get. I bore my testimony in church about my challenge. Another family came to me and said they they were inspired by me and decided to have each member in their family give out a Book of Mormon. That reminded me of President Hinckley's challenge for everyone to read the Book of Mormon. Many took the challenge and I believe there was a lot of good accomplished that year. Maybe we should do that with giving out the Book of Mormon. It would be a great follow-up.

I had an idea who I wanted to give it to today and when my family suggested the same family I knew that was that. This couple were one of our first friends in NJ and they lived across the street from us in our old house. We've both since moved and are still just a few houses away. Eric and Jenna were attracted to them like bees are to honey. They love Brad and Stacey. So much so that if I couldn't find Eric in our house I knew he would be at their house. Stacey a couple of times would come downstairs to find Eric sitting on her couch. (He was 2 1/2 or 3) I'm grateful they laughed it off and didn't call the police for my negligence. I had to buy doorknob coverings to keep him from running off. And if the kids weren't in their house they were standing on their doorstep peeking in waiting to be noticed and invited in. They like them that much.

When Jason was deployed I was dealing with stress and a bit of anxiety with our Illinois home troubles. A friend gave me a blessing and in my blessing it mentioned the importance of exercise. I had been struggling with this because of tendinitis that kept me from running for 6 weeks and I hadn't gotten back into my routine. Brad is a certified Crossfit instructor and runs group workouts in his gym for free. Basically my own personal trainer. So I started and the intensity and difficulty of the workouts relieved the anxiety and stress and I was able to cope better. Jason and I now spend our early mornings with Brad working out and getting fit. And a because of that time together we have a better friendship.

I had a thank you card that read, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot help keep it from themselves." Inside I listed the multiple ways in which Brad and Stacey have helped us out this past year. I really wanted them to know how much we appreciated them. Then I shared my testimony and wrapped it up with the Book of Mormon and some mint brownies. Before we took it over Jason and I already discussed that we weren't going to have them open it up in front of us. I wanted them to read the card first in private. But then Jenna yelled for Brad to open it and I had to stop him. Later I received a text from him with the message, "Thanks for the card and book. We really appreciate it! See you tomorrow"
YAY! They still want to be friends. :)

December 3-Lauren

Today is about Lauren. Lauren and Kelsey became friends last year in Marching Band. Like Kelsey, Lauren had also just moved to New Jersey so they became fast friends. Lately, Lauren has been questioning Kelsey about the church. She has a lot of questions. Many because of the things her church teaches her about our church. She has even given Kelsey some anti-mormon literature. This has been upsetting to Kelsey. She feels like she has to defend herself as the only Mormon among a group of friends that like to talk about Mormons. Its strange I'm sure to be friends with someone who questions who you are. But Kelsey has been steadfast and has really tried to share the truth.

I told Kelsey I felt she should give Lauren a Book of Mormon. She was hesitant but after thinking about it decided she would. Her plan was to give Lauren back her anti-mormon book and ask her to read the Book of Mormon instead. She wanted to keep it casual. I told Kelsey I would like to include a note to Lauren myself. Kelsey was adamant that I not. She actually looked mortified that I would suggest it. I understood but I really felt strongly about it. I told her I would write the letter and let her read it and if she still felt that strongly about it I wouldn't include it. So I started writing and writing. It ended up being 3 pages but I couldn't stop. I knew this was the Spirit guiding my hand. Any of you who know me know I am not the most articulate person in writing or speech. After I was done I shared it with Kelsey and she gave me the go ahead. Lauren and Kelsey went to a school play that night and when they returned Kelsey gave her the Book of Mormon. I'm so proud of her.

December 2-Woman on the Train

Today required a little more faith. More like Nephi, "And I was led by the Spirit not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." Nephi 4:6.

I was going to New York City. A very good friend had come with her sister, brother-in-law and neice for a couple of days and I was taking the train into the city to hang out with them for the day. I trusted that Heavenly Father would send someone to me and I felt it would happen while on the train. As I waited for the train on the platform I made eye contact with a man. I thought, "Hmm could it be him?" As I got onto the train he sat across the aisle but then a woman sat between us and both put on headphones and that was that. I looked around the train at each individual and thought it could be any of these people. I looked at them as sons and daughters of God with their own story-each one of them Heavenly Father knew and loved. I spent the train ride writing my testimony and some thoughts in the Book of Mormon and then put it in my purse.

I had the most fabulous day. I was just completely happy. Just being around my friend Amy brought me joy. I've missed her! We played and shopped all day. Then it was time to go and again I was awakened to the reality that I still had a Book of Mormon in my purse to give away. As I again got on the train I thought, "Ok this is it." A man sat beside me and again had earphones in. How in the world was I going to be able to open my mouth when peoples ears were shut?

The man got off after a couple of stops and another woman sat beside me. She looked tired and in fact fell right asleep because the conductor had to wake her up for her ticket. The train was an express so I had an hour. I prayed and prayed. "I'm ready Heavenly Father. I'm not sure how I am supposed to do this but I trust you to help me." Then the woman said , "That mans annoying." I was holding a Michael Buble CD that my friend had given me and I asked her if she was talking about that. She replied no but the loud man in the train. Then we were quiet. I picked up my Book of Mormon and started reading it and after a bit put it back in my purse with the spine up. "Ok Krista," I thought, " do something." So I prayed some more.

The woman started making small talk with me. We talked about Christmas and kids and work, etc. I didn't have the heart pumping feeling that I usually feel when I am nervous about something. And I didn't feel the Spirit nudging me forward. I just felt at peace. She then glanced down at my purse, saw the Book of Mormon and asked if that was the play. (Book of Mormon is a very popular Broadway play in NYC right now) I told her no but it was the actual book. I asked her if shed seen the play. She said no but that she heard it was pretty funny. She asked if I'd seen it and I said no but that I didnt like that it made fun of us. She replied that it was ok, we all make fun of each other. But I told her that it wasn't when it was something important to you. (the conversation went something like that) I then asked her if she'd read the Book of Mormon and when she said no I offered it to her. She said she did the Rosary and believed in the power of prayer. I told her I lived by prayer. She said thank you and took the book. She asked what it was and I tried to explain what it was but was rushed as we were now pulling into the station. We walked off together and we both expressed that we enjoyed meeting and talking with each other. Whew! That was hard but in way easy?? Thank you Heavenly Father!

December 1-Sam & Cara

Last night our family sat down to make a list of people we could give the Book of Mormon to. Our next door neighbors are leaving in a couple weeks so we decided to start with them. The Todds are great neighbors. We were excited when we moved into this house in Feb to find that they had a couple of kids the same age as ours. The mom and I talk frequently at the bus stop each morning and afternoon and the kids love being able to go outside to play together. I wish they weren't moving. I wish we had more time to be their friends. Tonight there was a going away party for them so we wrote our note and testimony in the Book of Mormon, wrapped it up and took it with us. I left the gift in the car to see if it was an appropriate place to give it to them. It wasn't. Instead when we got home I sent Jenna over to give it to them. I totally copped out but it was my first. I'll get more brave.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas Challenge-Spreading the Gift of LOVE

This year I want really wanted to feel the Spirit of Christmas. I was determined to make a conscious effort each day to feel it. As I thought about how I might accomplish this the first thought that came to mind was to find someone to serve everyday. Thats good right? As I continued to ponder and pray about this I remembered a passage from the Christmas Box which expressed that the first gift of Christmas was love. Heavenly Father loved us so much He gave us His Son. John 3:16. So as I was thinking about this another thought appeared in my head that Heavenly Father wanted me to share this message. But not in the way I expected. Instead of 25 days of service He wanted me to give away a Book of Mormon a day until Christmas. I was shocked by the thought. Where did that come from? But I knew. I cry everytime I think of it. Part of that may be fear though. :) Thats quite the challenge. But I am up for it. WOW! I don't think I've ever given away a Book of Mormon before. Maybe once? But I trust in Heavenly Father to help make miracles occur and that will be the fun part. Still doubts still cross my mind as I look at the calendar and see the days to be filled. No, I can do this because Nephi says I can-1 Nephi 3:7. So there it is. Will you help me? Say a prayer for me-maybe consider giving out your own Book of Mormon. Heavenly Father has a plan and I am flattered he trusts me with this. And you previous missionaries I could sure use your experience. So if you have any advice please share!!!