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. . .

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.

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.

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.

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.