I went to the singles ward by myself for the first time yesterday.
I sat in the usual pew waiting for church to start. The Relief Society president came over and chatted with me for a bit. Then the people who always sit in the pew behind us talked to me. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. I actually feel like I belong in this ward now.
The bishop told everyone to grab a seat and start quieting down. Only in the singles ward does the chapel sound like a high school cafeteria.
A guy timidly came over and asked if he could sit by me. I accepted and scooted over a bit to make room. Then he was asked to pass sacrament so he went to sit up in the first two pews. Then two other guys came over and asked to sit by me. Again, I accepted and made room. I sat with these guys all through sacrament. The one next to me had pretty awesome shoes. I wanted to ask him about them but I didn't want to come off as creepy, not even knowing his name and all.
They all introduced themselves after the first block and they asked me a few questions before we all got out of the pew.
It was a nice time in church. I ain't even afraid!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Ballroom Blog
*Written Monday however posted Wednesday
Today started out to be a great day. I woke up feeling healthy... that's two days in a row, now!
My mom and I decided to go see a movie we desperately have been looking forward to for a long time now. The Help. It was the most amazing movie. We bawled. I'm definitely buying it when it comes out on DVD.
If you remember from my previous blog entry, I mentioned FHE tonight. I chickened out and decided right when I woke up that I would only go if my health was 100%, which I highly doubted. After the movie I started feeling pretty crummy. I got a text shortly after from a girl in the singles ward. She was inviting me to go to dinner with her and a few other girls from the ward before FHE. It sounded fun but again, I totally started chickening out. Before I could let myself say no, I typed a quick reply that I was thankful for the invite and I would see them at 6.
Throwing my shirt in the dryer (because it was stretched out from being hot and moving around from the day) I redid my hair and then sat down to relax.
Five other girls ended up showing up, one of which I had talked to briefly, her being the relief society president. Dinner was at Cafe Rio which is not my favorite but it ended up being yummy. I got the chicken salad which was more like a chicken salad mountain.
After dinner, the girl who invited me went to FHE (the other girls didn't go) and I followed her because I didn't know where the building was. We got there a tad late but only missed the spiritual thought. The activity was a success in my book. I danced with two Brandons, two Daves, a Jeff, a Colby, and three others whose names escape me.
There were two professional ballroom dancers who were the teachers. They put ladies on one side of the gym and the men on the other side, facing the ladies. The guy teacher would show the men what to do and the girl would show us what to do. After practicing like that, they told the men to ask a lady to dance. It felt like being picked for a team in elementary school. Your heart sinking as more and more people are being picked but you're still standing, not sure whether or not to make eye contact to make it less awkward or potentially more awkward, thoughts rapidly running through your mind thinking, "what's wrong with me?" "maybe I should have worn my hair down tonight," and that huge feeling of relief when a brave gentleman finally comes and asks you to dance with him.
I cracked up one partner with practically every sarcastic thing that I said, and if you know me, sarcasm is basically all that comes out of my mouth. He was supposed to put his hand on my shoulder blade but instead had it on my waist. The teachers kindly corrected everyone on their stance. He laughed at being wrong and I told him to stop getting fresh with me; that the waist was extremely personal and to watch his hands because he was a recent RM. This was so hilarious to him that when he and I ended up as partners again later, he brought it up, laughing the whole time.
Another partner kept squeezing my back and hand and blushed when we talked. Pretty funny. One partner had the most hilarious laugh that I couldn't stop laughing when he started. He was a big guy with a fuzzy beard. He liked to hug...
I had a wonderful time and I still remember the dance they taught us. They taught us one piece of it, practiced and practiced, and then taught us the second, and practiced and practiced, and then the third. Then after we all had those down, they put it all together. I thought everyone caught on pretty quickly. There were smiles all around and alot of talking and laughter. I think I'm going to like FHE!
Today started out to be a great day. I woke up feeling healthy... that's two days in a row, now!
My mom and I decided to go see a movie we desperately have been looking forward to for a long time now. The Help. It was the most amazing movie. We bawled. I'm definitely buying it when it comes out on DVD.
If you remember from my previous blog entry, I mentioned FHE tonight. I chickened out and decided right when I woke up that I would only go if my health was 100%, which I highly doubted. After the movie I started feeling pretty crummy. I got a text shortly after from a girl in the singles ward. She was inviting me to go to dinner with her and a few other girls from the ward before FHE. It sounded fun but again, I totally started chickening out. Before I could let myself say no, I typed a quick reply that I was thankful for the invite and I would see them at 6.
Throwing my shirt in the dryer (because it was stretched out from being hot and moving around from the day) I redid my hair and then sat down to relax.
Five other girls ended up showing up, one of which I had talked to briefly, her being the relief society president. Dinner was at Cafe Rio which is not my favorite but it ended up being yummy. I got the chicken salad which was more like a chicken salad mountain.
After dinner, the girl who invited me went to FHE (the other girls didn't go) and I followed her because I didn't know where the building was. We got there a tad late but only missed the spiritual thought. The activity was a success in my book. I danced with two Brandons, two Daves, a Jeff, a Colby, and three others whose names escape me.
There were two professional ballroom dancers who were the teachers. They put ladies on one side of the gym and the men on the other side, facing the ladies. The guy teacher would show the men what to do and the girl would show us what to do. After practicing like that, they told the men to ask a lady to dance. It felt like being picked for a team in elementary school. Your heart sinking as more and more people are being picked but you're still standing, not sure whether or not to make eye contact to make it less awkward or potentially more awkward, thoughts rapidly running through your mind thinking, "what's wrong with me?" "maybe I should have worn my hair down tonight," and that huge feeling of relief when a brave gentleman finally comes and asks you to dance with him.
I cracked up one partner with practically every sarcastic thing that I said, and if you know me, sarcasm is basically all that comes out of my mouth. He was supposed to put his hand on my shoulder blade but instead had it on my waist. The teachers kindly corrected everyone on their stance. He laughed at being wrong and I told him to stop getting fresh with me; that the waist was extremely personal and to watch his hands because he was a recent RM. This was so hilarious to him that when he and I ended up as partners again later, he brought it up, laughing the whole time.
Another partner kept squeezing my back and hand and blushed when we talked. Pretty funny. One partner had the most hilarious laugh that I couldn't stop laughing when he started. He was a big guy with a fuzzy beard. He liked to hug...
I had a wonderful time and I still remember the dance they taught us. They taught us one piece of it, practiced and practiced, and then taught us the second, and practiced and practiced, and then the third. Then after we all had those down, they put it all together. I thought everyone caught on pretty quickly. There were smiles all around and alot of talking and laughter. I think I'm going to like FHE!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
LDS, YSA, and FHE... OMG!
I figured I could start blogging again, being that I have all this free time now. Class of 2011, baby!
So, as you all do not know (since I haven't blogged in many moons) I have been in the Young Single Adult ward in my stake for a little over a year now. My dad was called to be the ward clerk which then entailed that my whole family transferred out of our comfortable family ward. I was not too thrilled about that fact, however I went the next Sunday with sweaty palms and a smile on my face.
My mom got called to be the Sunday school teacher of the youth in the ward, which included 4 of the bishop's daughters, 1 of the counselor’s daughters, and me. Since these girls had been in the ward for 3 years together, I felt majorly out of the loop and shortly became unwelcomed (and afraid). I stopped going to class at the singles ward and went to my family ward for class. This became tiring and a little complicated so I started going to relief society after my mom was released. She was the only reason I kept going to class.
Now, 6 months later and 18 years of age, I am an official member of the ward. I got a visiting teaching partner and my first calling! My calling suits me, if I do say so myself. Family Home Evening Committee. I get to help plan future FHE activities. I've always wanted to go to FHE activities but I get afraid because I don't know anyone in the ward. I suppose that is partly my fault because I haven't taken time to get to know people, but that just really isn't my personality. Now I'll be forced, in a way, to interact with the singles and have some fun! Ballroom dancing is tomorrow. I'll post an update.
So, as you all do not know (since I haven't blogged in many moons) I have been in the Young Single Adult ward in my stake for a little over a year now. My dad was called to be the ward clerk which then entailed that my whole family transferred out of our comfortable family ward. I was not too thrilled about that fact, however I went the next Sunday with sweaty palms and a smile on my face.
My mom got called to be the Sunday school teacher of the youth in the ward, which included 4 of the bishop's daughters, 1 of the counselor’s daughters, and me. Since these girls had been in the ward for 3 years together, I felt majorly out of the loop and shortly became unwelcomed (and afraid). I stopped going to class at the singles ward and went to my family ward for class. This became tiring and a little complicated so I started going to relief society after my mom was released. She was the only reason I kept going to class.
Now, 6 months later and 18 years of age, I am an official member of the ward. I got a visiting teaching partner and my first calling! My calling suits me, if I do say so myself. Family Home Evening Committee. I get to help plan future FHE activities. I've always wanted to go to FHE activities but I get afraid because I don't know anyone in the ward. I suppose that is partly my fault because I haven't taken time to get to know people, but that just really isn't my personality. Now I'll be forced, in a way, to interact with the singles and have some fun! Ballroom dancing is tomorrow. I'll post an update.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Blog? What's That?
I haven't blogged since school started! Now, look. School is almost over. I have one quarter to go. It's so unbelievable to know that I will never again be forced to go to school, do homework, get passing grades. I'm beyond excited.
I went to Extreme Thing on Saturday. I woke up at 7:10 to ensue ample time to eat breakfast, curl my hair, put my make up on, and pick out something to wear, in that order. I ended up rocking my Taylor Swift inspired curls, natural looking make up, and a red shirt with my black leather jacket, dark skinny jeans, and black flats. I brought a mustard colored knitted hat with a black knitted scarf. They were much needed because it was so cold and windy for the first part of the day. It ended up warming up as the day progressed but I broke out the hat and scarf after the sun went down.
Around 8:55 I left my house to pick up Blake and Sean. We drove to Desert Breeze Park and got in line around 9:20 to buy my ticket. The line was so long so, figuring we would find people we knew, we walked to the front of the line. We found friends and stood with them. They finally started selling tickets at 10 or so. After Sean and I bought our tickets, Blake, Sean, and I had to go wait in another line to actually get into the park. They wouldn't open the gates until 11:00. Everyone, very impatiently, waited.
Since I'm quite small, I push my way through the line to get farther up front. I got us about halfway to the front. Sean did the same and got us within the first 15 people, so we ended up being some of the first people let in when 11:00 rolled around.
These... gatherings... shindigs... events... get sort of crazy. Not dangerous crazy! Don't freak out, Mom. People throw water bottles in the air a lot. I got hit a few times with water. Not a concern. I was at the stage where local bands were playing. I was up front for my favorite local band (Inherit the Sky) and someone had thrown a water bottle. I swear the whole thing just dumped on my left side. I got soaked. I didn't really care but after it dried, I realized it was soda. My hair was sooo sticky and gross that even brushing it out didn't help!
The day was long. I was so tired. I got a slight sunburn on my chest and even brought home a cold! Yippeeee!
I got to see Senses Fail backstage.
Blake had a backstage pass so I was let in with him. I mostly wanted to see D.R.U.G.S backstage and meet the lead singer, Craig Owens. My dreams would have been fulfilled (; But unfortunately I wasn't able to.
Blake got to, though, so he got Craig to sign my ticket. I could have switched Blake and used his backstage pass... I actually don't know why we didn't do that.
I went home around 7:00 because I was in a lot of pain and I was exhaused. It was a day of nonstop walking and standing. I'm still a bit sore from it but I had an awesome day.
I went to Extreme Thing on Saturday. I woke up at 7:10 to ensue ample time to eat breakfast, curl my hair, put my make up on, and pick out something to wear, in that order. I ended up rocking my Taylor Swift inspired curls, natural looking make up, and a red shirt with my black leather jacket, dark skinny jeans, and black flats. I brought a mustard colored knitted hat with a black knitted scarf. They were much needed because it was so cold and windy for the first part of the day. It ended up warming up as the day progressed but I broke out the hat and scarf after the sun went down.
Around 8:55 I left my house to pick up Blake and Sean. We drove to Desert Breeze Park and got in line around 9:20 to buy my ticket. The line was so long so, figuring we would find people we knew, we walked to the front of the line. We found friends and stood with them. They finally started selling tickets at 10 or so. After Sean and I bought our tickets, Blake, Sean, and I had to go wait in another line to actually get into the park. They wouldn't open the gates until 11:00. Everyone, very impatiently, waited.
Since I'm quite small, I push my way through the line to get farther up front. I got us about halfway to the front. Sean did the same and got us within the first 15 people, so we ended up being some of the first people let in when 11:00 rolled around.
These... gatherings... shindigs... events... get sort of crazy. Not dangerous crazy! Don't freak out, Mom. People throw water bottles in the air a lot. I got hit a few times with water. Not a concern. I was at the stage where local bands were playing. I was up front for my favorite local band (Inherit the Sky) and someone had thrown a water bottle. I swear the whole thing just dumped on my left side. I got soaked. I didn't really care but after it dried, I realized it was soda. My hair was sooo sticky and gross that even brushing it out didn't help!
The day was long. I was so tired. I got a slight sunburn on my chest and even brought home a cold! Yippeeee!
I got to see Senses Fail backstage.
Blake had a backstage pass so I was let in with him. I mostly wanted to see D.R.U.G.S backstage and meet the lead singer, Craig Owens. My dreams would have been fulfilled (; But unfortunately I wasn't able to.
Blake got to, though, so he got Craig to sign my ticket. I could have switched Blake and used his backstage pass... I actually don't know why we didn't do that.
I went home around 7:00 because I was in a lot of pain and I was exhaused. It was a day of nonstop walking and standing. I'm still a bit sore from it but I had an awesome day.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Class of 2011!
So, I've had a blog sitting in my drafts for a long time now. I haven't wanted to start a new blog because I knew I wouldn't finish that other one if I did. Does that make sense or am I speaking total gibberish right now?
Anyways. I decided to scrap it for now. It was about the Backstreet Boys concert I went to and when I met David Archuleta. I guess I'll finish it sooner or later.
Onto this blog!
School is starting in 2 days. I can't even believe I'm a senior. It's a crazy feeling that I'm completely done with high school in 9 months. What?! Who pressed the fastforward button?
So here are some very cute new clothes I got for school! I am a very smart shopper, if I do say so myself.
This one is totally ugly on the hanger but super cute on. It sinches up and ties on the sides. $8.00 <--
This one is a super pretty light purple. It's not the greatest quality material and isn't sewn to beautifully but it's pretty cute when I just want to throw a t-shirt on. $3.00 -->
I got this one at Tillies. It's so pretty on but I payed way too much for it. $20.00 <--
Again, not the greatest quality but it's cute on. $5.00 -->
Really pretty on. Super soft and comfy. $17.00 <--
Mom actually picked this one out. It's really sweet looking. $13.00 -->
I guess this one is either really dorky and stupid, or really dorky and cute. I personally like it. It says "Okay... Like I was waiting for u at recess and like I saw u talking to little Connie Kim like I couldn't believe it! Okay then at English class u were texting like crazy and like because I sit behind u I saw the text and it was from Maria Martinez! And then like after school I saw you waiting for the bus with Sally from gym class! Does this mean we are not going to the dance Saturday night? From Janie Johnson... u know like your maybe x girfriend!!" $9.00 <--
Again, really sweet looking when it's on. The sleeve are so pretty. It's a sweater but I think it's cuter as a shirt. It came with that silky belt, too. Love! $23.00 (don't judge me!) -->
I wore this when I met David Archuleta so this shirt is obviously a winner. $8.00 <--
This one is crazy and ugly on the hanger but when it's on, it's actually crazy and cute. $4.00 -->
Adorable sweater vest. Enough said. It looks cute over the shirt I met Archie in. $20.00 <--
Tillies. Way too much money. Super pretty, though. Flower detailing. $20.00 -->
I bought this one a while ago. Purple knit vest. Styles for Less. $2.00 <--
Wear over red Tillies shirt. $20.00 -->
My absolute FAVE! Sheep sweater. How adorable? $18.00 <--
Looks super 80's on. I'm all for the 80's! $18.00 -->
It's cute on. I promise. Not tacky at all. $5.00 <--
This one is a dark brown color. Simple sweater. $3.00 -->
That's all! I'm going for the floral sweater on the first day, I think. Yes, no? Thoughts on my new clothes. No bashing the sheep sweater! Not that you would... correct?!
Also, not pictured:
Purple dress with ruffled neck regular $120.00; got for $30.00
Purple wool dress regular $400.00; got for $120
Grey blazer regular $70.00; got for $17.00
Grey wool dress pants regular $25.00; got for $1.00 (BOO YAAA!)
& a birthday present; cream colored knit sweater with different colored buttons and stripes; $28.00
Anyways. I decided to scrap it for now. It was about the Backstreet Boys concert I went to and when I met David Archuleta. I guess I'll finish it sooner or later.
Onto this blog!
School is starting in 2 days. I can't even believe I'm a senior. It's a crazy feeling that I'm completely done with high school in 9 months. What?! Who pressed the fastforward button?
So here are some very cute new clothes I got for school! I am a very smart shopper, if I do say so myself.
This one is totally ugly on the hanger but super cute on. It sinches up and ties on the sides. $8.00 <--
This one is a super pretty light purple. It's not the greatest quality material and isn't sewn to beautifully but it's pretty cute when I just want to throw a t-shirt on. $3.00 -->
I got this one at Tillies. It's so pretty on but I payed way too much for it. $20.00 <--
Again, not the greatest quality but it's cute on. $5.00 -->
Really pretty on. Super soft and comfy. $17.00 <--
Mom actually picked this one out. It's really sweet looking. $13.00 -->
I guess this one is either really dorky and stupid, or really dorky and cute. I personally like it. It says "Okay... Like I was waiting for u at recess and like I saw u talking to little Connie Kim like I couldn't believe it! Okay then at English class u were texting like crazy and like because I sit behind u I saw the text and it was from Maria Martinez! And then like after school I saw you waiting for the bus with Sally from gym class! Does this mean we are not going to the dance Saturday night? From Janie Johnson... u know like your maybe x girfriend!!" $9.00 <--
Again, really sweet looking when it's on. The sleeve are so pretty. It's a sweater but I think it's cuter as a shirt. It came with that silky belt, too. Love! $23.00 (don't judge me!) -->
I wore this when I met David Archuleta so this shirt is obviously a winner. $8.00 <--
This one is crazy and ugly on the hanger but when it's on, it's actually crazy and cute. $4.00 -->
Adorable sweater vest. Enough said. It looks cute over the shirt I met Archie in. $20.00 <--
Tillies. Way too much money. Super pretty, though. Flower detailing. $20.00 -->
I bought this one a while ago. Purple knit vest. Styles for Less. $2.00 <--
Wear over red Tillies shirt. $20.00 -->
My absolute FAVE! Sheep sweater. How adorable? $18.00 <--
Looks super 80's on. I'm all for the 80's! $18.00 -->
It's cute on. I promise. Not tacky at all. $5.00 <--
This one is a dark brown color. Simple sweater. $3.00 -->That's all! I'm going for the floral sweater on the first day, I think. Yes, no? Thoughts on my new clothes. No bashing the sheep sweater! Not that you would... correct?!
Also, not pictured:
Purple dress with ruffled neck regular $120.00; got for $30.00
Purple wool dress regular $400.00; got for $120
Grey blazer regular $70.00; got for $17.00
Grey wool dress pants regular $25.00; got for $1.00 (BOO YAAA!)
& a birthday present; cream colored knit sweater with different colored buttons and stripes; $28.00
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tub Blogging
I walk into my bathroom and put the stopper in the tub. I turn the water full-blast hot and walk out. I grab my book and my glasses, my towel, and my cell phone. I set these items on the toilet and get ready to hop in the tub. I stick my feet in, expecting the too-hot water to burn them. I turn the water full-blast cold. I don't know why I don't set a warm temperature on the faucet, but this works just the same.
I hop in the tub and stare at my toes. I think, "I need to repaint them." and, "that red merthiolate stained my toes up pretty good. That's weird looking." I make a mental note to steer clear from flip flops for the week.
I sit for a while and listen to the crackle from my vanilla cola next to me. The carbonation makes the bubbles pop to create the click-click-click sound I'm hearing now.
I grab my book and start to read. I get through a paragraph and then set it down. I hop out, wrap a towel around me, and grab my fully charged laptop. I set it on the toilet and I get back in the tub.
I reach over the side of the tub so as to not put my laptop in harm's way of the water. I don't have the best track record when it comes to electronics and small bodies of water. My family can attest to that.
I click my youtube link and log in. I click the first song listed in my favorites (the most recently added). David Archuleta's new single starts playing. I check my facebook for any new updates since the last time I checked my ipod, 5 minutes ago. I log into blogger.com. Username- alyssababyyyy@gmail.com Password- ******** I start to blog....
I hop in the tub and stare at my toes. I think, "I need to repaint them." and, "that red merthiolate stained my toes up pretty good. That's weird looking." I make a mental note to steer clear from flip flops for the week.
I sit for a while and listen to the crackle from my vanilla cola next to me. The carbonation makes the bubbles pop to create the click-click-click sound I'm hearing now.
I grab my book and start to read. I get through a paragraph and then set it down. I hop out, wrap a towel around me, and grab my fully charged laptop. I set it on the toilet and I get back in the tub.
I reach over the side of the tub so as to not put my laptop in harm's way of the water. I don't have the best track record when it comes to electronics and small bodies of water. My family can attest to that.
I click my youtube link and log in. I click the first song listed in my favorites (the most recently added). David Archuleta's new single starts playing. I check my facebook for any new updates since the last time I checked my ipod, 5 minutes ago. I log into blogger.com. Username- alyssababyyyy@gmail.com Password- ******** I start to blog....
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Pay It Forward
Well, today has been my lucky day!
I decided, spur of the moment, to get my hair cut. When I got to SuperCuts (yes, I go there... it's awesome!) I decided to get highlights. I didn't know how much they cost so I told the lady what exactly I wanted. She told me it would be $85 or $130 for my whole head. I called my mom because I was thinking, "that's way too much money," and I figured I'd get out of it by blaming my mom, that way I wouldn't hurt the lady's feelings.
I told her I would just get my haircut and no coloring. So a client next to me, getting her hair dyed, called my hair dresser aside for a second. She came back and said, "let's pick out your color!" I reminded her I decided against getting the color and she told me, "don't worry about it. It's being taken care of." I was shocked. "What do you mean," I asked her with a smile on my face. "Have you ever heard of Pay It Forward?" I was so confused so I said yes, not actually knowing.
So I payed $15 for low lights and a trim. I could not believe the generosity of the client next to me. I hadn't spoken to her... I hadn't even paid her a glance when I went and sat down in my chair. Yet this woman felt the urge to pay for my low lights for me? Why? I'll never know. I'll ask her in heaven.
About 10 minutes ago, I went and drove to Sonic to grab some dinner. (I missed dinner because I was getting my hair done.) I was sitting in my car thinking, I hope this person at the window doesn't look at me too much. I hate going places without make up (especially as of late because my face is really broken out.) Well, the girl at the window greeted me with a sweet smile. After I payed she said, "do you want a root beer float for free? We have an extra one." I told her absolutely and thank you very much! She then told me, "I've been looking for the right person to give this to." How cool is that?
Today has been a nice day. Very happy and uplifting.
I intend to "pay it forward" within this week, if I can help it. I prayed for an experience like this but I didn't know I would be rewarded before I even got the chance to do an act of kindness.
One last thing and I promise I'll close this up...
I got this new book a week ago called Keepers of What Matters Most- A Young Woman's Guide to Living the Values. It has all the young women values in it (including virtue!) and it tells a scripture story and a... modern day story. I'm not sure if that's the right word. You get my point, I assume.
One of the stories I read had made me pray for this experience.
"A Great Woman- Keeper of Good Works
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about a woman whose name we do not know. She is known simply as a great woman.
Here is how the story goes.
Elisha was a prophet of the Lord. Every time he visited the city Shunem, he would pass by the home of a great woman who would offer him bread. One day this great woman said to her husband, 'Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually' (2 Kings 4:9)
Right away we learn two things about this woman. First, we knew that Elisha was a holy man, and second, we learn that he came to her house continually. So, if we want to be known as a great woman, what are two things we need to do? Recognize the prophet today as a holy man, and invite him into our house continually. Now, most likely the prophet will not visit your home. But when we listen to general conference or read his words in the Ensign or the New Era, he is visiting our home, just like Elisha visited the woman in this story.
One day the woman asked her husband if they could make a place for the prophet to stay. Nothing fancy- a little chamber with a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. (It is important to note that what she offered did not require a lot of money, time, or great talent. She simply offered what she had.)
And so the prophet Elisha came and stayed in this chamber she had made and he was grateful. He called for the man to come to him and he said, 'Thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee?' (2 Kings 4:13). He wondered if he should say good things about her to the king or even to the captain of the host.
But the woman answered, 'I dwell among mine own people' (2 Kings 4:13). Or in other words, I am happy just the way things are and I don't expect anything in return for my service. In our day, the conversation would have gone something like this. Elisha would have asked, 'What can I do to repay you?' And the woman would have replied, 'Nothing.'
This woman was happy to serve without a reward. I find it fitting that the identity of the woman who performed this quiet act of kindness remains secret today. We know her story, but we are never told her name.
She is known simply as 'a great woman.'"
The page after this story says, "Sometimes you may even serve someone in a way that leaves them wondering who you are. In those moments you will be remembered simply as a great woman..."
I love this. It has taught me so much and given me pure joy at the thought of making someone feel the way I felt today!
I decided, spur of the moment, to get my hair cut. When I got to SuperCuts (yes, I go there... it's awesome!) I decided to get highlights. I didn't know how much they cost so I told the lady what exactly I wanted. She told me it would be $85 or $130 for my whole head. I called my mom because I was thinking, "that's way too much money," and I figured I'd get out of it by blaming my mom, that way I wouldn't hurt the lady's feelings.
I told her I would just get my haircut and no coloring. So a client next to me, getting her hair dyed, called my hair dresser aside for a second. She came back and said, "let's pick out your color!" I reminded her I decided against getting the color and she told me, "don't worry about it. It's being taken care of." I was shocked. "What do you mean," I asked her with a smile on my face. "Have you ever heard of Pay It Forward?" I was so confused so I said yes, not actually knowing.
So I payed $15 for low lights and a trim. I could not believe the generosity of the client next to me. I hadn't spoken to her... I hadn't even paid her a glance when I went and sat down in my chair. Yet this woman felt the urge to pay for my low lights for me? Why? I'll never know. I'll ask her in heaven.
About 10 minutes ago, I went and drove to Sonic to grab some dinner. (I missed dinner because I was getting my hair done.) I was sitting in my car thinking, I hope this person at the window doesn't look at me too much. I hate going places without make up (especially as of late because my face is really broken out.) Well, the girl at the window greeted me with a sweet smile. After I payed she said, "do you want a root beer float for free? We have an extra one." I told her absolutely and thank you very much! She then told me, "I've been looking for the right person to give this to." How cool is that?
Today has been a nice day. Very happy and uplifting.
I intend to "pay it forward" within this week, if I can help it. I prayed for an experience like this but I didn't know I would be rewarded before I even got the chance to do an act of kindness.
One last thing and I promise I'll close this up...
I got this new book a week ago called Keepers of What Matters Most- A Young Woman's Guide to Living the Values. It has all the young women values in it (including virtue!) and it tells a scripture story and a... modern day story. I'm not sure if that's the right word. You get my point, I assume.
One of the stories I read had made me pray for this experience.
"A Great Woman- Keeper of Good Works
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about a woman whose name we do not know. She is known simply as a great woman.
Here is how the story goes.
Elisha was a prophet of the Lord. Every time he visited the city Shunem, he would pass by the home of a great woman who would offer him bread. One day this great woman said to her husband, 'Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually' (2 Kings 4:9)
Right away we learn two things about this woman. First, we knew that Elisha was a holy man, and second, we learn that he came to her house continually. So, if we want to be known as a great woman, what are two things we need to do? Recognize the prophet today as a holy man, and invite him into our house continually. Now, most likely the prophet will not visit your home. But when we listen to general conference or read his words in the Ensign or the New Era, he is visiting our home, just like Elisha visited the woman in this story.
One day the woman asked her husband if they could make a place for the prophet to stay. Nothing fancy- a little chamber with a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. (It is important to note that what she offered did not require a lot of money, time, or great talent. She simply offered what she had.)
And so the prophet Elisha came and stayed in this chamber she had made and he was grateful. He called for the man to come to him and he said, 'Thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee?' (2 Kings 4:13). He wondered if he should say good things about her to the king or even to the captain of the host.
But the woman answered, 'I dwell among mine own people' (2 Kings 4:13). Or in other words, I am happy just the way things are and I don't expect anything in return for my service. In our day, the conversation would have gone something like this. Elisha would have asked, 'What can I do to repay you?' And the woman would have replied, 'Nothing.'
This woman was happy to serve without a reward. I find it fitting that the identity of the woman who performed this quiet act of kindness remains secret today. We know her story, but we are never told her name.
She is known simply as 'a great woman.'"
The page after this story says, "Sometimes you may even serve someone in a way that leaves them wondering who you are. In those moments you will be remembered simply as a great woman..."
I love this. It has taught me so much and given me pure joy at the thought of making someone feel the way I felt today!
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