Charity

So this was the topic at our gospel principles class yesterday. This morning I am watching the WE day program that was on last week. For those who are wondering what that is..it's a program where they highlight amazing kids and people who do so much can for others. One story that had me in tears was a girl and her mom going to Kenya and experiencing a water walk. Realizing that gathering water several times a day demonized chances to further their educations. They then brought this experience back to their community and had their own walks for water to raise awareness and funds to help those millions without access to clean drinking water. 

Another story that I loved was a 12 year old girl adopted from China who during surgeries on her cleft pallet wanted a teddy bear or something to comfort her she now donates stuffed animals to hospitals and places like fried rations and the local ambulance.  For those who don't know me personally... The firehouse is our second home. Our second family. Andrew is a volunteer firefighter and I have always been in the ladies Auxillary. But I've also helped with cleaning the trucks for annual inspections(when 9 months pregnant mind you)  helped make coffee and cocoa for the guys and girls after late nights and early mornings. We also have helped recruit and do festivals in our community together. We love serving and doing charity. So the stories of this particular program really spoke to me. 

Charity was first shown to us through Christ. He was sent to Earth to love selflessly and help anyone and everyone. 

He helped those who no one else would help. This is something I often think about. He even gave himself up to be crucified for the salvation of everyone. This is beyond incredible. 

What can we do to be charitable to others. Never mind the tax breaks of charity or the other material benefits. Do it to be completely altruistic. Do it when no one else will. Help others when no one else will. 

Fun things about my church

As many of you may or may not know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a church like any other. The people are almost always nice and go out of their way to help anyone. Some things I've noticed even while visiting other wards(church buildings) is that if you lean forward a family member is almost always there to rub your back. Children have activities to keep them busy typically and they are in the main chapel with everyone else. Women get a chance to be on the stand as well and give talks. This isn't common among every faith and I personally love it. In fact you typically never hear from the same person two weeks in a row. You hear new people talk all of the time. This keeps perspectives fresh and many listeners interested in waits being said every Sunday. The Bishop, our local church leader, meets with people during the second and third hour of our church sessions. I personally love being able to get to meet with him.

We have one of the biggest relief supports in the world. We are always helping with service and others. Be sure to check out a Ward on a Sunday!