thoughts for sunday.

I had the chance to sub as the music director for the children's class today in Church. It was my role for nearly four years, and I've really missed doing it. I love the excitement and conviction of the little voices that are so different from the adults whom I now conduct. 

The kids were a little wild today, which made it hard to get things done, but that's alright. A sweet girl who is about to graduate from primary and move on to be with the older girls gave a talk to the rest of the children today about how important primary is, and how it is important to learn about Christ and how much he loves us, and how she was grateful to learn such happy things. 

Wild children or not, I think we are doing alright. 

Life really does seem to value the young doesn't it? They are the universal treasure. 

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thoughts for sunday - more on serving

My friend Simini just got back from an amazing trip to Israel where she was working on a service project to paint a mural on a wall in a children's hospital. She is an amazing illustrator, you can check her stuff out here. Anyways, as we were talking about their work there, it got me thinking...

Sometimes I get these crazy notions in my head that service has to be something like going to a foreign country and building a house, or starting a foundation for starving children to really count. I'm not saying that those things aren't wonderful ways to serve others, but until Justin and I make our millions in gas station vending machines, those aren't realistic options for us. 

But people don't always need a house, and most people I know aren't starving. More than not, what people really need is a smile, a meal when they are sick, help cleaning their house, or with a project, all of which these two little hands can do with little effort. 

I don't have to wait to help others. there are things I can do now, and the small things I do now are what are going to make me into the person who I want to be someday. 

-Heather 

thoughts for sunday

Last week at church, I was so touched by our lesson on charity and serving others. I learned about a lady in our congregation who has been really sick and in need of help, and although I wrote down our service coordinators' number, once I left church I never called, but was so consumed by all my own issues and problems, that I missed the chance to give the service so needed and deserved by that sweet lady. 

Its made me think a lot today about who I am, and how I am shaping my life. I want to be a person full of charity and love for others; the kind of person who someone doesn't need to ask for help, because am aware enough to see need, and fill it where I can. 

I've found that I too often let my own sorrows and disappointments get in the way of becoming the person who I want to be; a joyful person who values love, service and labor, and lives a life consecrated to blessing the lives of others.

-Heather