Reason #29 - Work and Charity

   Something that always makes me feel better is throwing myself right into something. I recently started working two different jobs - a survey call center and a clothing store. I'll let you guess which one is the more enjoyable. But even if these jobs aren't what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, I feel so blessed to be able to have jobs. I feel so much better when I leave the house and step into work, knowing that there are people who are counting on me to complete a task. It makes me feel needed, which is something that everyone desires. In a way, I feel like I am making my own tiny, little difference in the world. And I'm not just sitting on my couch feeling sorry for myself, so that's a plus.

   No matter who you are, doing service or charity work will always improve your mood. One of my favorite quotes is, "We rise by lifting others." I believe in this 100%. In high school I volunteered at a camp for people with physical and mental disabilities. I can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences of my life. There is nothing like bringing joy and friendship to someone who needs it. There are 7 billion people on this earth and every single one of them deserves to be cared for. Every. Single. One. I wish I could split myself up 7 billion different ways so that I can give every individual person the love and attention that they deserve. But even if I can't do that, it's enough just to make one person's day. People need people. It's so important to be someone who has an open heart and to constantly be there for others. You do not know what is going on in another's life or what they might be struggling with. Make life a little easier for someone by just being nice. It really is that simple. And when you throw yourself into work or charity, you don't have time to dwell on things that make you sad. :)

- B

Reason #23 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ

   Today I was sitting in church feeling tired partly because I stayed up late, and also because of the time change. In the beginning of our services, we have a thing called 'sacrament.' The closest thing I can relate it to would be communion. It is when we partake of bread to remember the body of Christ, and water to remember the blood. During this time it is quiet and we have time to think about our Savior. I found myself people watching a little. In the pew behind me was a lovely older couple who have been in the area for decades. They know everyone and greet you with such a warm welcome that makes you feel like family. Across from me was a young couple with their first little baby. The way the proud parents look at their sweet little boy could end wars. To my left were missionaries who have left their families, friends, jobs, and education to come to a foreign place to teach truth to the people who seek it. As I was looking at the congregation I felt love for them. I found it amazing that these people of all ages and from all different backgrounds come together once a week for the same reason.

   Last year at this time I was not attending church. I couldn't get out of bed to go and to be honest, I did not want to be there. Looking back, I wish I had never stopped going because it wasn't until I started going regularly again that my true happiness came back and my depression was placed on the backburner. Now, I see Christ's love everywhere. I see it in the people that he has put in my life. I don't believe that we end up meeting specific people just by coincidence. I have too many experiences where people have helped me when they did not even know I needed help or have encouraged me when they did not know I needed encouragement. The Lord works through his children and I can see that now more than ever.

   I can see His love in nature. The way the sky looks during a sunrise. The way the snow lays perfect and quiet. The way a tree shades you on a sunny day. The way a flower starts from a little seed and grows straight and tall. All for a purpose. All for us.

   I see our Savior's love through His gospel and His teachings. He loves us so much that he created a plan for us. He sent a Prophet to lead and guide us. He did not leave us to figure everything out for ourselves. He provided teachings and a WAY we can learn those teachings. Our Lord knows each and every one of us personally. He knows our struggles, our worries, and the demons that we never let anyone else see. He wants us to be happy and he wants us to return to him someday. Both of these things are possible through Him. He promises that if we love Him and follow Him, we WILL be happy. I know that this is true. I am so thankful I have finally realized this. I am so thankful for the people in my life and the fellowship in my church. It's so comforting knowing that I have people to lean on when I need it. Most of all, I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love that he shows me. I am one lucky girl.

- B
p.s. If you want to know more about what I believe, feel free to visit http://mormon.org/. :)