Loving Laundry and a "Cool" Service Idea

One of our sisters contacted me a couple of days ago. They decided to use the idea posted on this site to donate single load laundry packets. She placed a dryer sheet and $2.50 in quarters inside a small snack size plastic bag. Then placed that inside the sandwich size plastic bag with one cup of laundry detergent.

Her family put together ten packets and took them to We Care. We Care was delighted. They had never received this type of donation before but indicated that they would welcome more of these single load packages.



Way to go Loving Family!!!




I was browsing around looking for some new ideas to post and it struck me that with the weather getting warmer it might be fun to put together a "Chill Out" basket. The basket could be filled with a small spray bottle fan, tips on staying cool, a coupon for a picnic meal, etc.


I found an article online about Heat and the Elderly that really made me think:


Please, take the time to check on the elderly, the sick, and the less fortunate in their homes. It is so sad to see people die when it is completely preventable. I saw an older woman on the news last night, sitting in her hot apartment with the windows closed, no fans on, and wearing a flannel housecoat. As incredible as it might seem, people don't always realize right away just how hot it is. They become accustomed to the heat and often don't realize until it's too late that the heat has risen to dangerous levels.



Here are some more tips to help the people you care about stay healthy and more comfortable in their own homes:


1. Make sure the person is wearing lightweight clothing. If that person prefers to be covered, offer a light sheet.


2. Draw shades or cover windows where the sun streams through. It really does make a difference in interior temperatures.


3. Encourage the person not to use appliances that create a lot of heat, especially the oven. Offer to prepare something to eat or bring materials for cold dishes, such as sandwiches or salads.


4. Consider picking up a personal mister or even a spray bottle to help people cool off occasionally, especially if that person cannot easily bathe on his or her own. Cool water can help lower the body temperature.


5. Offer sports drinks to help replace nutrients lost through perspiration.


6. If you can afford to, consider purchasing a window air conditioner and having it installed. It will at least keep one room cool enough to help the person remain healthy. Look for an energy efficient model and promise to help the person sign up for energy assistance to help pay the increased electric bill. Some people who have air conditioners won't use them out of fear of not being able to pay the bill and having their power shut off completely.

Compassionate Service Veterans

Last night I was able to attend the inaugural and ultimate Seal Beach Ward Helping Hands enrichment group. We were able to cut out and sew a few baby layette pieces, a couple of school bags and I believe a cap received a few stitches.

Most of us have pondered on the upcoming boundary changes since Sunday but my favorites are those who love quilting/sewing/serving together so much that they are hoping boundaries decisions are based on who has the quilt frames.

I have only been in the presence of these great women a few times but I am in awe of the quiet, powerful and generous force they are in the humanitarian work of the Seal Beach Ward (a number of the humanitarian service"regulars" are not in these photos but we could all easily name names). Some come with years of experience, some not as many but all with total enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever is needed.

As time is passing and joints are aching, it is time for some of the greats, whom we so admire, to become our mentors. And time for many of us, myself included, to seek out these sisters and ask them to divide their gifts with us so that we can learn the skills these sisters have honed over the decades of compassionate/humanitarian service.

Below are the lyrics to Because I have Been Given Much:

Because I have been given much, I too must give;

Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live;

I shall divide my gifts from thee

With every brother that I see

Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share

My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,

roof’s safe shelter overhead,

That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again, according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need;

I’ll show that love by word and deed:

Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

-- Grace Nowell Crowell

To these veteran sisters, who have provided so much, and continue to serve, you have our thanks indeed.

Memorial Day Ideas and a Service Success Story

A couple of Memorial Day ideas sent to me from participants in the challenge:

A Sister passed this on from the Dear Abby column in the Press Telegram.

On Monday at 3:00 PM local time is a National Day of Remembrance. Would all Americans stand together, unified in spirit for 60 seconds of respectful silence. The purpose of the moment is a noble one, to honor America's fallen,the freedoms we take for granted each day are teminders of their ultimate sacrice and our ongoing debt to them We mourn our fallen and honor their courageous legacy and the future they bequeathed to us.

What about something as simple as taking a dozen donuts with a thank you note to a veteran in our ward or neighborhood.

Now for the success story:

At the quilting event this week, one of the sisters took me aside to share a success story. She has the responsibility to sent notes to ward members that have asked not to be contacted. This sister doesn't often hear back from those she sends to.

Feeling inspired by the Service Challenge Kickoff she decided to add the flyer for the Wheelchair project to the letters.

A few days later, she received a knock on her door. One of the inactive members was bringing a jar full of change to donate. For some reason, this project touched her heart and moved her to action.

A very meaningful interaction took place because the sister sending the notes acted on inspiration.

Thank you for reminding me to listen to the Spirit as we seek to serve.

Thanks to All for Sew Much Fun

A Seal Beach Ward Member Responds to the China Earthquake

I just got back from Portland, and here is a little thing I have been doing. It's an idea about something one can do. The church has been encouraging us to participate in groups and forums on the internet and to represent the church that way. Well, when the earthquake hit China, I was camping in Oregon, and so really didn't get a chance to see any photos or video of those events. When I did see them, I kind of felt helpless for a while. What could I do? I had hundreds of Oregon photos to post in flickr so that my friends and family could see them, but I didn't feel like doing that.Instead, I posted a photo from the Chinese media of some earthquake damage and wrote that I was going to find out the best way to help the people there, as efficiently as possible. I asked if anyone would like to hear of my results.Of course, what I found out is that the LDS humanitarian aid program is the best there is due to the fact that it is upheld by volunteers all over the world, and also because it works closely with other humanitarian aid programs, such as the Red Cross.The system is already in place, and it has been working, and been proven, many times over the years, not just in impoverished and war-torn areas of the world, but also in immediate response to natural disasters.Many friends on flickr, 100% of them non-members, asked for info on how to make donations to help the people in China. I was able to give them URLs and links and to tell them that the LDS humanitarian aid program sends 100% of what is donated, directly to where one specifies. I reported that there are no administration fees, etc. and no government officials to skim off the top, because it is a direct, volunteer program. I was also able to point out where people could look to learn more about the ways that the LDS humanitarian aid program has responded in many other areas around the world.I feel that this way, not only did I offer people an efficient way to help people in China, and elsewhere, but also, a little missionary work was also accomplished at the same time.I think that this is just an example of one more little way that we can find to be of service. And perhaps, several Bishops will be surprised to find non-members coming to church to ask for donation envelopes, because I told these people that that was one sure way they could make donations!

Serving a Family Member Diagnosed with Celiac's Disease

One family in our ward has a family member recently diagnosed with Celiac's Disease. The treatment for Celiacs is simple yet life changing. The individual must not eat any food with gluten. Which means--no bread, cookies, pasta and many other surprising ingredients like soy sauce.

The SB Ward family decided to visit this family member to provide support and find food substitutes they could enjoy. After all, it can be quite disheartening to think you will never enjoy a big ole chocolate chip cookie again. (We have a couple of ward members who live with Celiacs).

I asked the mother of this family to share a few thoughts on how it feels to serve with your family:

Well, it is always great having your children serve with you. I was raised serving anybody and everybody along side my mother.

Littlest and Youngest Son both knew we went to Monterey to help Aunty Stephanie get better. They had fun trying to read labels along with their cousin Joshua. All 3 of them were not so willing to try the food though. Before we left to return home the kids asked Aunty Stephanie if she felt better and she responded with a big yes.

They said they had a great time helping her and they can’t wait to come back to do it again.

All my children see me serve in one way or another everyday. It is a way of life for us. They don’t know any different; as neither did I growing up. It is second nature to our family to help other people either by cooking a meal, taking in neighbors trash cans or watering their grass, helping someone at the grocery store who may not know where to find something or can’t reach it.

Today a young girl at school, who lives 2 houses down from us, asked for a ride home. Without hesitate Oldest Son said of course; we can take you home everyday if you need us to.

I am very lucky that my children see Heavenly Fathers children in people. They have been blessed with tender spirits.

Thanks again,

The Helpful 6

I am often inspired the proactive service nature of this family. I have been on the receiving end of their goodness. Teaching our children to see a need and to act on it is so important. Thank you helpful 6 for sharing.

The Unemployed Graduate

Someone sent this to me today and it seemed appropriate for this space:

An unemployed graduate woke up one morning and checked his pocket. All he had left was $10. He decided to use it to buy food and then wait for death as he was too proud to go begging. He was frustrated as he could find no job, and nobody was ready to help him.
He bought food and as he sat down to eat, an old man and two little children came along and asked him to help them with food as they had not eaten for almost a week. He looked at them. They were so lean that he could see their bones coming out. Their eyes had gone into the socket. With the last bit of compassion he had, he gave them the food. The old man and children prayed that God would bless and prosper him and then gave him a very old coin. The young graduate said to them "you need the prayer more than I do".
With no money, no job, no food, the young graduate went under the bridge to rest and wait for death. As he was about to sleep, he saw an old newspaper on the ground. He picked it up, and suddenly he saw an advertisement for people with old coins to come to a certain address.He decided to go there with the old coin the old man gave him. On getting to the place, he gave the proprietor the coin. The proprietor screamed, brought out a big book and showed the young graduate a photograph. This same old coin was worth 3 million dollars. The young graduate was overjoyed as the proprietor gave him a bank draft for 3 million dollars within an hour. He collected the Bank Draft and went in search of the old man and little children.By the time he got to where he left them eating, they had gone. He asked the owner of the canteen if he knew them. He said no but they left a note for you. He quickly opened the note thinking it would lead him to find them.This is what the note said: "You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin," signed God the Father, The Son and TheHoly Ghost.
Have you given all to Jesus Christ? If you haven't, do so today and he will surprise you.

After reading that story and pondering the question that is asked, "Have you given your all to Jesus Christ?", the words of King Benjamin's powerful speech as recorded in Mosiah 4:11-25 came to mind. These are the words:

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.

14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.

16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.
21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.

22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.

23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world.

24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.

25 And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet that which ye have not received.

This One is a No Brainer

The National Association of Letter Carriers and the United States Postal Service will be collecting non-perishable goods on Saturday, May 10th, to help families in need right in your own community.
Place your food donation in a box at your mailbox before your letter carrier arrives. It will be taken directly to the Post Office and then delivered to local food banks and pantries. Please, only include items that you would eat. No glass containers or expired items. Cereal,Hamburger Helper, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, crackers, sardines, pasta, tuna, spam, potted meat, juice, soda,tuna , soup, peanut butter, jelly in plastic jars, etc. are all thoughtful items to donate.
Please donate food if you can. It really means a lot to those in need.

Love Is In the Stitches

Many years ago my mother found herself situation that was no longer safe for her children. It became necessary to leave our home with less than 24 hours notice. We packed one suitcase each and literally slipped out of the house in the middle of the night. The family stayed with a ward member overnight and then began a journey to another state where family members could care for us. My grandmother had a vacant unfurnished rental property in Idaho where we could stay. Imagine the shock for 4 children born and raised in California to experience winter cold and snow for the first time.
It was then that our family became acqauinted with the Bishops Storehouse. I can still remember the Peanut Butter that wasn't like the Skippy we were raised on and strawberry jam that came in a can. Also beef stew that was really very tasty.
However, the thing I remember most from that time was when the missionaries came to our home and brought with them three quilts for our family to use.
These were not cheap blankets from a discount store meant for getting by but beautifully pieced and hand quilted comforters in the true sense of the word. The quilts are long gone but the gift of love and compassion is still powerfully etched in my memory. At a very stressful point in my life, someone cared for our family. The love was in the stitches.

Family Home Evening: A Perfect Time to Plan for the Service Challenge

It is already Monday night again and I am thinking about what we will do this month for the service challenge in May. I was surfing the web and found this great site which I will discuss some of the ideas with the family tonight.
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/rs/compassion/communityservice.htm

I also wanted to mention that many of the materials for Humanitarian projects are available from Sister Frank McAuliffe. I will meet with her this week and provide further details. I know there are projects that you might like to do with your family but just need someone to show you how. We will look to provide some sisters who are willing to mentor on the sewing/crocheting/quilting projects.

All the best.

Clothing Needs at Centro Shalom

Centro Shalom is one of the Long Beach charities that our stake featured for the Family Values Award Night a month or so ago.
Centro Shalom provides food, clothing, job support and legal support for many struggling families in Long Beach. Attached is a link:
http://www.centroshalom.com
I contacted them and they really need childrens clothing, larger sizes (men and women) babies any professional (job hunting) clothes (especially non-cleaner items).
Any families interested in a clothing drive for Centro Shalom? Contact Stacey Tate at staceymarietate@verizon.net for the details. Hope you are enjoying serving together.