Service for Becca

One of the things that stands out about Becca is how well she teaches her kids. She also works at a school. So this year, I donated books and school supplies to the Granite Education Foundation which helps schools in poorer areas.

Weston

Merry Christmas, Kristen!

This year, Kylie really wanted to participate in the service exchange and she really came through!  At Girls Camp, the girls began a service project of loom knitting baby hats for local hospitals.  She loved doing this and continued doing it even after she came home from camp.  She spent her own money to buy a loom and yarn and in her spare time, she has been looming.  They are adorable and she can't wait to donate them!

Merry Christmas, Rhonda!

1.  This year, I have had the very eye opening experience of helping two of my close friends through very hard times in their marriages.  Without going into the details of those experiences, I felt that I have grown so much through these hard, sad experiences.  While I am forever grateful I didn't go through them personally, being so close to the situations has helped me to learn and grow.  I have more empathy, sympathy, compassion, and have learned that you honestly have no idea what someone else's life is like.  Even people you think you know lots about, you don't know everything.  What a lesson this has been for me to ponder on and think about.  As President Monson said, "Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life."  I have learned this more deeply through these experiences.  I am sure I have much more to learn, but I am thankful for the chance to be a friend, a listening ear, a confidant, a babysitter, a soft place to land, a counselor, a temple partner, someone to sit by, a furniture mover, a strength in difficult moments, a compassionate service meal maker, a deliverer.  I have had many, many hours of opportunity to serve these two friends and their families and I am thankful that I could be an instrument in the Lord's hand.

2.  This year, our family and my brother and sister's families endeavored to memorize The Living Christ.  Our family did it with a goal of finishing in 12 weeks.  While it took a little longer than expected because of a few summertime hiccups, we did complete it and it was a wonderful experience for us.  Family prayers became more meaningful because the children gave more thought to Him in whose name they were praying. The Spirit filled our home. Family Home Evening lessons were taught on the things we were learning.  Our children learned more deeply who we actually believe Jesus Christ to be and the role He plays in our lives.  We felt like Nephi when he wrote, 'We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ' (2 Nephi 25:26). Our home became a place of greater peace.

My sister in law, Haylee and her family, also completed this Living Christ challenge.  One day, we were talking together and I asked if she had any intentions of memorizing The Family: A Proclamation to the World.  We both want to make a goal of memorizing it in 2016 and so as my service, I have created (haven't finished, but almost!) printables and flashcards to help our families memorize this uber important document.  Upon finishing this project, I also plan on making it available for free to the public.  I know that this will prove to be a very valuable service investment!  Merry Christmas, Rhonda!

Merry Christmas, Tiffany!

Each year I feel like life is getting busier and busier.  Time is flying by and I can’t believe another year is coming to an end.  I have thought many times that I should do something or other as a service project in your honor, but they all fell through for one reason of another.  I feel my service this year is less personal and somewhat of a copout regarding what this service blog is supposed to be.  However, my service does represent a very large portion of my time that has been dedicated performing real service.   I would like to dedicate my time as Bishop to you this year.  I have performed funerals, weddings, marriage counseling, and pornography counseling.  I have overseen welfare administration and subsequent service opportunities.   I have walked many through the repentance process.  I have interviewed many for baptism, Priesthood, Temple recommends, missions, and CES school application.  I have issued callings and releases.  I have interviewed all 50 of my youth at least annually encouraging fulfillment of duty to God and Personal Progress requirements.  I have fasted and prayed.  I have attended and conducted numerous meetings.  I have taught classes and spoken in Sacrament and other meetings.  I have organized service projects and visits to Elderly and homebound individuals.  I have trained and loved many within my sphere of influence.  I have served side by side with and counseled with the full time missionaries.  I have comforted and counseled the sick and afflicted.  I have administered Priesthood blessings of counsel, comfort, and guidance.  I have set apart many.  I have helped with moves and other hands on service projects.  I have met with hundreds of members of my ward for tithing settlement.  I have sought out the poor, afflicted, and less active.  I have gone to their homes to provide direct support.   I have collected and distributed hundreds of dollars in gift cards for those in need to have Christmas gifts.  I have learned more about Christ like love and selfless service.

Love,

Scott

For Todd

This year, for Todd, we organized a food drive through our office. For over a month, hundreds of items were donated including, canned food, pasta, cereal, etc. All food was donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank to help those in need.

Sarah

Turkeys for a Turkey (Weston) =)

This year we wanted to do a service that reminded me of Weston.  Since he is always helping other people, we wanted to look for a way to help some of the less fortunate people in our ward.  We were able to buy 5 turkeys with stuffing and gravy and provide it to families that were financially tight this year, but not in a position to get food from the bishops storehouse.  We had each of the turkeys donated anonymously to the families via their home teachers.  We were told that this was a tremendous blessing to the families and were very graciously received.

Gary