THE GOSPEL IN ACTION

OK, just have to start out by saying today was another totally berzerk day with me being gone more than I was home and leaving big girls to be in charge - again (they are seriously going to break the bank by the time we pay out all the babysitting $ - KA CHING!)

The big thing today has been the little things all adding up - and bearing testimony like wildfire of the gospel truths and how amazing it really is when put into action.

First opportunity today was helping care for little girls of a sister in our ward who just had a new baby. She has been inactive for a long time, and has just recently moved into our ward. I have been one of her main contacts and her girls are comfy here with us for the most part. When I returned one of the girls home today after having her here with us, she immediately went into meltdown for the sole benefit of giving her mom stress (little miss is about 2-ish yrs) Her big sister had just gotten out of a bath and her mom was trying to balance herself between nursing the baby and trying to dish up dinner. Because my big girls were here caring for my little people, I was able to care for this sister's little girls. I got big sister up at the bar to eat and she let me brush and braid her hair. Little sister weeps & wails, and does not let her mom get anywhere near her hair, but tonight she let me. She never made a peep as I brushed it and braided hers as well.
During this small, every day task, I was having an on-going conversation with their mom. All about how she has never seen this kind of service, this kind of friendship or love extended to her. In her whole life if she was given anything, something was always expected back from her. There have not been people in or out of the church in her life that have shown the gospel in action - sharing friendship, love, support, kindness, talents, etc with no strings attached - serving just because it is the right thing to do, and the joy it brings to those whom we serve. I was able to share with her that another sister in our ward (with similar life experiences) was going through the same thing and really struggling with the outpouring she has had in the last week. She and I chatted about what a difference it has made to her, and her girls. How much comfort, happiness and peace it has brought into her life.
For me, it was just making sure she and the girls were good to go - fixing a cup of juice, brushing and braiding hair, carrying a little miss off screaming so her mom could have a nap (screaming stopped the minute the door closed behind us of course) - little things I could do to " forget myself and go to work" - never expecting anything in return and just feeling happy that I could provide some little thing that was needed in the moment.

So...fast forward about an hour later. Another sister in our ward who has had very negative experiences with the church has also given me the opportunity to serve. She is moving from a very spacious townhouse to a tiny little house this week. Yesterday, priesthood brethren and I helped her get big stuff moved out of the apt and it was apparent that it really, completely stressed her out. I thought for sure when I left her yesterday that we had done more harm than good. I called and checked on her again today, to find out the other truck that was supposed to come help her never did. I tentatively asked if I could bring Preston's truck and come and help again tonight, and was ecstatic that she agreed. I apologized to my girls (I had been home for all of 30 min), explained to them the importance of serving, thanked them for taking care of our little people, gave them instructions for the evening and was off on the run again.
It took the 2 of us and her daughter about an hour to get the truck and her car loaded up again. We had every inch of the truck packed to try to get things done in one trip (will still be another tomorrow) We came out, ready to roll, only for me to notice that the right back tire was completely FLAT! "Oh, crap!" came flying out of my mouth (I really need to work on that one) and I started thinking of all the brethren in our ward who could come to the rescue. After phone calls resulted in finding everyone we needed was out of town, I called Preston in TX, trying to decide what to do, esp when we realized all the tools we needed are in a small compartment - UNDER all the stuff packed in the truck. In the meantime, my friend had contact campus security who came to rescue us. The 1st officer brought a small air pump and gave it a go. A 2nd officer arrived with a monster air pump and they went to work on the tire. We were not sure it would fly, not knowing what was even wrong to cause the flat in the 1st place. Miracles come in all sized though - this one came in the shape of a monster air truck and a tire that held the air. We loaded up again and my friend followed me to her house - with me praying verbally the entire time. Sometimes I wonder if Heavenly Father laughs at me, or if He is keeping track of the # of times I am so irreverent. We got to the house safely and started unloading. Another miracle came in the shape of a simple phrase from my friend "I was praying the whole way over here" - something that would have never come from her even a few months ago...
While we had been at the apt, my friend had talked to her dad and I had suggested the name of a family I know lives in their ward, who I knew would come and help. When we arrived at the house, as we unpacked, this wonderful brother drove in. I chatted with him briefly about the current condition of the tire and with his agreement, we decided the tire really should be changed. Miracles come in the shape of tire irons, lugnuts, an instruction sheet, and heavy duty flashlights. While this wonderful brother changed the tire, and my friend and I just took up outdoor space with our uselessness, a conversation went on in a very casual manner. I mentioned what a blessing it was to know that no matter where you go in the world, the gospel is there and help is never more than a phone call away. I shared examples of Preston being in TX right now and trying to find help to get him to church sunday, and when colton was born and preston made one phone call to get assistance with a blessing. Just small, simple things. In this casual conversation with this wonderful brother, with my sweet friend listening the entire time, the gospel in action was shared, and we were able to bear our testimonies in an every day circumstance. My unforseen need for help gave a precious teaching moment and an opportunity to show my friend that the truth and love that is the gospel was right there in front of her.

It has been an extra crazy week with so many things happening and coming and going every day. It has also been an amazing week of being able to give service to others in everyday little ways, that maybe are making more than a little impact. I know where I was just a year ago - barely holding my head above water and just surviving each day. Just a year later, I am able to give in a small way to others. I am able to see and realize that miracles come in the shape of moving trucks, cleaning supplies & brooms, hair brushes, helping hands, flat tires, little smiles, hugs, cookies, hot meals, and so much more. Angels do walk the Earth as teenage daughters, as kind neighbors, as campus security officers, as brethren and sisters near and far, as dear friends who I have known for years, and as new friends I am just getting to know.
It has been a whirlwind week, with still 3 days to go! Whew!

On a side note - our range is in good working order (not sure I want to post about that drama today) and our sweet neighbor who has been in the hospital for the last several weeks has finally returned home. More to come soon!