Monday December 29

After finishing some quick shopping at Walmart, I saw an asian family loading up their car and when they had emptied their cart I approached them to let them know I would return their cart for them and I wished them a Happy Holidays.

Sunday December 28th

Today I had the opportunity to visit with a member of my church that we have been working with to help him get a better job. I spent some time explaining what we were willing to do to help him transition and I listened to his concerns and gave him suggestions of how to get over those issues. I also stopped by and saw another brother who is learning his responsibilities in the priesthood. I brought him some information regarding how to give blessings and how to be a good priesthood holder in the home. He seemed very appreciative of the information and we will be visiting more later this week.

Friday December 26th

Today I had the opportunity to speak with a colleague I haven't spoken to in quite a while. I was outside with my daughter helping to prep our garden when my cell phone started to ring. I saw the name of the caller was a consultant that I have had the opportunity to place on a couple of projects. Even though it wasn't the most convenient time to be talking I took the opportunity to speak with him, wish him a happy holidays, and hear what he was calling about. He was just calling to wish me a Happy Holidays and hoped that my family was doing well. It turns out that because of my efforts he is now in a full time position with a medical device company as a Quality Engineer. I'm glad that things have worked out for him and it was great to speak with him. I'm glad I took the time to answer the call and reconnect.

Wednesday December 24th

Today being Christmas Eve, I went to work for a few hours in the morning to finish some things up. It was the opportunity I finally needed to give Sean the movie about Christs birth: Joy to the world. Sean and his family had enjoyed going to the Christmas lights so I wanted to share with him this video that means so much to me and tells the story of Jesus so well. He seemed grateful for the gift.

Monday December 22nd

I stopped by Walmart today to get a few items and return some things. It was crazy busy as all the holiday shoppers were in a mad rush to get everything they needed. As I was leaving, I saw a lady holding a sign out by the stop sign. It said something to the effect... Please help... Kids at home starving... No job... etc.

I decided that this was my chance to do something nice for the day, so I walked up to her and instead of handing her money I asked what groceries she needed and said that I could go get them for her. She didn't seem to understand me and I wasn't sure of what nationality she was, but since I speak Spanish I decided to ask her "¿habla espanol?"

She responded emphatically "¡Si!" I walked with her over to Walmart and soon learned of her family and her situation. Her name is Mijaila Matei. She and her husband came to Arizona from Barcelona Spain. They don't have the right to work in this country yet and so they don't have a way to make money. But they have two children at home, one that was about 4 years old the other about 6 . As we walked around Walmart I helped her fill her grocery cart full of all the groceries she would need as well as directed her to the toiletries and other necessities. She seemed very grateful and I wished I could do more for her.

I asked where she lived so that I could arrange for ward members in that area to stop by with some gifts for the children. Unfortunately she didn't know her address or the direction of how to get there. She had to wait for her husband to return in a car to pick her up and didn't have a phone to call him nor did she know his phone number. I paid for the items, walked her to the curb where she she would be waiting, and left her with my phone number on a card requesting that her husband give me a call as soon as he could. It was a blessing to be able to be an instrument in the Lords hand to do His will and bless this families life! I hope they had a Merry Christmas!

Pathway to discipleship

I decided that for my new year's resolution in 2015 I'm going to make sure that I go out of my way each and every day to help somebody. I started a week or two early in the end of 2014 and have thus far been able to have some cool experiences. What I've already been able to accomplish by doing this I have written below:

Wednesday the 17th of December: I wrote a very nice note to my wife thanking her for all that she does to keep our family and home on track.

Thursday December 18th: I printed out an article for max van natter that deals with relationships and the pain we feel when they end. I visited him in his home and shared with him the article - it was from the ensign Jun 2006... Getting past the hurt. He really appreciated it and enjoyed the visit. Since he has gone through the divorce with his wife over the recent months, it was very meaningful to him to get this article.

Friday December 19th: I wrote Don Bronzynski on Facebook. I said hello, wished him a Merry Christmas, and asked how terry was doing. I heard back from don a few days later... He seemed to really enjoy the note!

Saturday December 20th: I baked, wrapped, and delivered chocolate chip muffins to some families that I home teach and am friends with. I sat and talked with one of the families: Leah and Andrew. I invited them to hear the special Christmas messages that would be presented the following day in church. They said they were excited to attend!

Sunday December 21st: today my good deed was rather small in nature but I believe it still counts towards my goal. I helped Sister Haven to get the TV cart into the Relief Society room. I had volunteered to do this because I was already using it in gospel principles.