Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Say go be do
So this will be short and sweet. My say go be do for today was simply telling someone that I love very much thanks for all that they do and all that they are. It may have been simple but even if it didn't make a huge difference in their life it made me feel better just to know that they understand that i am grateful for them.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Declarations
I had a SayGoBeDo today as I was running. I got up early to go running here in St. George at Mark and Kami's house. I ran down to the river and along a little running trail that follows the river through the red desert sand.
I came up to some impressive looking boulders. They overlooked the river and were perfect for climbing. I climbed up on top and the thought came: "you should do your declarations" (like Kirk Duncan talked about at YFF when you go to the field). I thought, "I can't do it hear, someone will see and hear me..." That was a stupid excuse though, I realized. Who cared if someone heard, it would be funny.
So I shouted my declarations at the top of my lungs and it was an awesome experience! Even the horses in a corral on the far side of the river seemed interested. I felt so free afterwords and I was grateful to have acted on my impression.
I came up to some impressive looking boulders. They overlooked the river and were perfect for climbing. I climbed up on top and the thought came: "you should do your declarations" (like Kirk Duncan talked about at YFF when you go to the field). I thought, "I can't do it hear, someone will see and hear me..." That was a stupid excuse though, I realized. Who cared if someone heard, it would be funny.
So I shouted my declarations at the top of my lungs and it was an awesome experience! Even the horses in a corral on the far side of the river seemed interested. I felt so free afterwords and I was grateful to have acted on my impression.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Just Easier
Laren Louder and I began to pull out of the driveway from her house in Cedar City on our way to St. George. The car rolled to a stop and Laren looked at me very sincerely, "I feel like we get to stop by Tyler's house again before we leave. It's just a feeling, but my feelings are usually right."
So we stopped by Tyler's house (where we'd already stopped two or three times). We pulled up and Tyler was just deciding how he would get to the auto parts store to get a plug for his truck that he'd just disarmed. "Would you like a ride to the hardware store?" Laren asked.
"That would be awesome." Tyler responded.
We took the extra 10 minutes to drive Tyler to Auto Zone where he picked up a new plug and then back to his house. It wasn't a big deal, it just saved him some walking time and inconvenience; "it wasn't necessary, it was just easier," as Laren put it.
Sometimes our SayGoBeDos aren't life or death situations, the just make someone elses' life easier, and even that is important to God. If it's important for Him, then it's important enough for me.
So we stopped by Tyler's house (where we'd already stopped two or three times). We pulled up and Tyler was just deciding how he would get to the auto parts store to get a plug for his truck that he'd just disarmed. "Would you like a ride to the hardware store?" Laren asked.
"That would be awesome." Tyler responded.
We took the extra 10 minutes to drive Tyler to Auto Zone where he picked up a new plug and then back to his house. It wasn't a big deal, it just saved him some walking time and inconvenience; "it wasn't necessary, it was just easier," as Laren put it.
Sometimes our SayGoBeDos aren't life or death situations, the just make someone elses' life easier, and even that is important to God. If it's important for Him, then it's important enough for me.
Small and Simple
Okay, today’s SayGoBeDos were simple, but they made life so enjoyable. Just folowing the small and simple ones just made me feel happy.
I went to a religious fireside today and on the opposite end of the bench was a man I recognized. It was a guy that I knew because he had dated my sister. Things hadn’t worked out and now he was sitting with a different girl.
I’m not sure exactly why, but I felt kind of awkward and was tempted to pretend I didn’t notice him and quickly leave after the speaker, but I had the feeling, “say hi to him.” I recognized that feeling and decided to obey.
As soon as the speaker finished I looked over, catching this guy’s glance and waved to him. I walked over and began to speak to him. Instead of being awkward, it felt so good and so natural. I know I would have felt like I’d copped-out had I ignored him. Just that little act made me feel better about the day.
Following small SayGoBeDos changes how we see the world and ourselves.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Receiving End
Today I learned what it felt like to be on the receiving end of a SayGoBeDo. Wow! Is the first word that comes to mind.
I had taken my mom and sister out to eat. This week has been especially good, so we were celebrating. I'd taken them to El Matador, a nice Mexican restaurant here in Bountiful, and we had a wonderful time. We laughed and joked, Megan and I had fun blowing the paper slips off of our straws like long spit wads, until I blew mine over into the booth next to ours...that was embarrassing, and we all laughed.
It came time to pay and the waitress said, "Don't worry, your check has been taken care of." We were astonished. My mom looked at me, "Lucas, did you do this?"
"No" I honestly replied, "I have no idea."
There we sat, the three of us, in silence. Words couldn't describe our feelings, so we said nothing. My eyes began to be watery and I got a lump in my throat just thinking about the generosity of that mysterious Good Samaritan who had paid for our dinner.
I then realized that our secret host had probably just followed a SayGoBeDo. They had seen us, been sensitive to the impression, and acted immediately. The effect of their service has been like the ripples in a lake when you throw in a stone, they just keep on coming.
I am so grateful for the people around me that follow their SayGoBeDos. I am sure that daily I am blessed because somebody else has acted upon inspiration. How many times do I let that pass unnoticed? I'm grateful for family and friends who pray for me, and for loved ones who quietly and daily serve me. I am where I am today because of the many good people around me who have learned to follow their SayGoBeDos and bless the lives of others.
Thank you to each of you and to all those who have blessed my life by being quiet enough to hear the promptings and courageous enough to act on them.
I had taken my mom and sister out to eat. This week has been especially good, so we were celebrating. I'd taken them to El Matador, a nice Mexican restaurant here in Bountiful, and we had a wonderful time. We laughed and joked, Megan and I had fun blowing the paper slips off of our straws like long spit wads, until I blew mine over into the booth next to ours...that was embarrassing, and we all laughed.
It came time to pay and the waitress said, "Don't worry, your check has been taken care of." We were astonished. My mom looked at me, "Lucas, did you do this?"
"No" I honestly replied, "I have no idea."
There we sat, the three of us, in silence. Words couldn't describe our feelings, so we said nothing. My eyes began to be watery and I got a lump in my throat just thinking about the generosity of that mysterious Good Samaritan who had paid for our dinner.
I then realized that our secret host had probably just followed a SayGoBeDo. They had seen us, been sensitive to the impression, and acted immediately. The effect of their service has been like the ripples in a lake when you throw in a stone, they just keep on coming.
I am so grateful for the people around me that follow their SayGoBeDos. I am sure that daily I am blessed because somebody else has acted upon inspiration. How many times do I let that pass unnoticed? I'm grateful for family and friends who pray for me, and for loved ones who quietly and daily serve me. I am where I am today because of the many good people around me who have learned to follow their SayGoBeDos and bless the lives of others.
Thank you to each of you and to all those who have blessed my life by being quiet enough to hear the promptings and courageous enough to act on them.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Oops!
I learned today how easy it is to forget our resolutions! I'd been so good the last few days about focusing on my SayGoBeDos, but today I almost totally forgot about it until I was home from work. Dang it! I'd missed over half the day of possible SayGoBeDos. Maybe there were people at my work who needed a word of encouragement, and I totally missed it, simply because I forgot to be looking for it.
My resolution: as soon as I finish this blog post I am going to write SayGoBeDo on my bathroom mirror so I will see it first thing every morning and on my vision board. Then I won't forget again!
-Lucas
My resolution: as soon as I finish this blog post I am going to write SayGoBeDo on my bathroom mirror so I will see it first thing every morning and on my vision board. Then I won't forget again!
-Lucas
A new friend
I just love the outcome of SayGoBeDo's! When we follow them, there is always a reward in the end. Today I followed a pretty cool SayGoBeDo, I felt I should look up someone on facebook for a minute this morning and I saw that my friend's wife was a bit troubled by the looks of her status. I have not met her yet, she came to the United States from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil about 11 months ago on a fiancee visa and married my friend, they had met while he served his LDS mission in Rio, and they just moved to Bountiful 2 days ago. She has been lonely and needs friends, I wanted to help her I should help her with what she needed help with today. I sent her a message and asked her if I could help at all?. 1 minute later she called me with so much gratitude in her voice! She's alone 11 hours a day 4 days a week, and has no car or cash. I was able to drive and help her with what she needed today it felt so good to serve! But not only that, I now have a new friend!
I loved being able to talk with her about Brazil and the United States, and her family and just a little bit of everything in general! Its so great having a new friend, I'm grateful I followed the SayGoBeDo to help her and be a friend today!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
SayGoBeDo of the Day! :D
Lucas! Thank you so much for that beautiful story! I love that SayGoBeDo's turn into the beautiful kind of stories we could make books out of for all our kids someday. :) I am so grateful for the small moments we have that make all the difference!
Today my SayGoBeDo's were small, as they usually are, with profound learning experiences! Mine began last night, one of the girls I mentor missed her appointment with me, I had a really busy next few days and I wasn't sure how I was going to makeup for our lost appointment. I decided the consequence would be that she missed this weeks appointment and we'd carry on next week. I kindly explained this to her over the phone and we got off.
I felt the nudge of the saygobedo soon afterwards, I felt very impressed to call her back and tell her I could meet with her today, but I fought it, knowing I had to be at work all day. But I ended up calling her back and told her we could meet during my lunch break. It worked out perfectly! I did not want that meeting to end. I received so many answers I needed today by pursuing that meeting! And I was able to share many of those inspirations with my best friend tonight, which created an amazing conversation that changed my life. I was empowered to where I wanted to be and motivated to get things done I had been putting off. I fell in love with mentoring all over again. What a great experience! :) I love that SayGoBeDo's make us feel love, empowered and inspired!
Write it
This one will be quick. Today I had a SayGoBeDo to write a letter to a friend, as I sat down to write it I was stuck with all the opposition you can imagine, and even some that you can't imagine. "This is silly", "they won't understand this", "you should wait and write this after you've had more time", etc. I decided to write the letter anyway, and I'm so glad I did.
There is a lot of opposition sometimes, but the results are always worth it.
There is a lot of opposition sometimes, but the results are always worth it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
"God Loves You!"
"Just do it!" is becoming my motto. Sometimes SayGoBeDos are kind of random, and usually they're out of our comfort zone, but they are so rewarding.
Today at work I met a volunteer as we made assembled boxes. I just started a casual conversation, "So, where are you from?"
"Originally, Guadelajara, Mexico."
My eyes lit up, and I began to speak to him in Spanish. His name was Jose. He told me about his family, about being separated from his wife and all his children living in different states. I could tell that he loved his children and wanted to be near them. I listened carefully, and he appreciated that, but I wished I could give some words of comfort. Just then I was called away to do another job and didn't see Jose until he was walking out to his car.
"Go shake Jose's hand." The thought came. I was working, but I set aside my tools and walked over to Jose. I thanked him for coming and he asked if I wanted his telephone number. We exchanged numbers, and he began to walk to his car.
"Give Jose a hug." The thought came. "No" I reasoned, "he's already turned and heading to his car." "Call him back and give him a hug."
So before I could think I called out, "Jose, can I give you a hug?" He looked surprised, and kind of startled. "Yes. Of course." He finally said.
I gave him a big hug, and I could feel his strong frame begin to quake from restrained sobs. "God loves you, my brother" I said, "He loves you and will bless you and your family."
When we finished embracing, Jose's eyes were filled with tears, and my heart was full of joy. Each of us had gained a new friend, and I was blessed to again remember how good it feels to follow SayGoBeDos.
Today at work I met a volunteer as we made assembled boxes. I just started a casual conversation, "So, where are you from?"
"Originally, Guadelajara, Mexico."
My eyes lit up, and I began to speak to him in Spanish. His name was Jose. He told me about his family, about being separated from his wife and all his children living in different states. I could tell that he loved his children and wanted to be near them. I listened carefully, and he appreciated that, but I wished I could give some words of comfort. Just then I was called away to do another job and didn't see Jose until he was walking out to his car.
"Go shake Jose's hand." The thought came. I was working, but I set aside my tools and walked over to Jose. I thanked him for coming and he asked if I wanted his telephone number. We exchanged numbers, and he began to walk to his car.
"Give Jose a hug." The thought came. "No" I reasoned, "he's already turned and heading to his car." "Call him back and give him a hug."
So before I could think I called out, "Jose, can I give you a hug?" He looked surprised, and kind of startled. "Yes. Of course." He finally said.
I gave him a big hug, and I could feel his strong frame begin to quake from restrained sobs. "God loves you, my brother" I said, "He loves you and will bless you and your family."
When we finished embracing, Jose's eyes were filled with tears, and my heart was full of joy. Each of us had gained a new friend, and I was blessed to again remember how good it feels to follow SayGoBeDos.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Day 1
Wow! Here we go. I learned a really neat lesson today, when I am positive and empowered, I receive more SayGoBeDos. When I am negative and disempowered, I cut myself off from them.
I decided for this project that I would write down all the SayGoBeDos that I received (if I did them or not) in my pocket planner. Yesterday was a good day, I was positive and empowered almost the whole day, and my planner was running out of space to write out all my SayGoBeDos.
Today wasn't the same.
Work was hard. The machines weren't working, I was tired, I burned my arm and cut my fingers (3 different times) and we didn't get very much done. I was frustrated, negative, and definitely not empowered, and how many SayGoBeDos had I received (or at least recognized)? Zero.
I realized something had to change.
I got down on my knees and prayed, "Heavenly Father, help me change my state of being!"
The feeling came, "Go outside and just yell it all out." This answer felt so silly, but it was an answer, so I went outside and just yelled, "AHHHHH!" and ran back inside. And I felt a little better.
As I improved my state of being, SayGoBeDos came, like shaking my neighbor's hand as I was pulling out of the driveway and talking to a girl I didn't know. As I followed them I became happier and my state became even more empowered.
I learned today to watch my state of being. If the Adversary wants to immobilize us, and stop us from recognizing SayGoBeDos, all he has to do is get us frustrated, angry or upset, and out lines of communication are damaged, and it takes work to get them flowing again.
I decided for this project that I would write down all the SayGoBeDos that I received (if I did them or not) in my pocket planner. Yesterday was a good day, I was positive and empowered almost the whole day, and my planner was running out of space to write out all my SayGoBeDos.
Today wasn't the same.
Work was hard. The machines weren't working, I was tired, I burned my arm and cut my fingers (3 different times) and we didn't get very much done. I was frustrated, negative, and definitely not empowered, and how many SayGoBeDos had I received (or at least recognized)? Zero.
I realized something had to change.
I got down on my knees and prayed, "Heavenly Father, help me change my state of being!"
The feeling came, "Go outside and just yell it all out." This answer felt so silly, but it was an answer, so I went outside and just yelled, "AHHHHH!" and ran back inside. And I felt a little better.
As I improved my state of being, SayGoBeDos came, like shaking my neighbor's hand as I was pulling out of the driveway and talking to a girl I didn't know. As I followed them I became happier and my state became even more empowered.
I learned today to watch my state of being. If the Adversary wants to immobilize us, and stop us from recognizing SayGoBeDos, all he has to do is get us frustrated, angry or upset, and out lines of communication are damaged, and it takes work to get them flowing again.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Just Getting Started
My Wonderful Counselors,
May I just say thank you for being willing to sacrifice your lives for freedom and for your youth that will attend Youth For Freedom.
So following a SayGoBeDo I started this blog NOW. I'm excited for this week of SayGoBeDo preparation for YFF. I have been feeling recently that I needed to not procrastinate as much, but rather act in the moment, and I believe this Blog is an answer to that desire.
I hope this Blog will be life-changing for each of you my dear friends. I'm thrilled to read about your experiences!
I'll end by sharing a quick SayGoBeDo from today: this morning I was prompted to send two friends text messages, just quick little texts; you know the "I love you! Thank you for being part of my life!" kind of texts. It was just a little thought, but acting on it changed my whole day. No joke. After texting them both, I felt so peaceful and light. I had done what I was supposed to do. It didn't matter if I heard back from them or not, or if I even made a big difference or not. I had just done the right thing, and that made me happy all day long.
May I just say thank you for being willing to sacrifice your lives for freedom and for your youth that will attend Youth For Freedom.
So following a SayGoBeDo I started this blog NOW. I'm excited for this week of SayGoBeDo preparation for YFF. I have been feeling recently that I needed to not procrastinate as much, but rather act in the moment, and I believe this Blog is an answer to that desire.
I hope this Blog will be life-changing for each of you my dear friends. I'm thrilled to read about your experiences!
I'll end by sharing a quick SayGoBeDo from today: this morning I was prompted to send two friends text messages, just quick little texts; you know the "I love you! Thank you for being part of my life!" kind of texts. It was just a little thought, but acting on it changed my whole day. No joke. After texting them both, I felt so peaceful and light. I had done what I was supposed to do. It didn't matter if I heard back from them or not, or if I even made a big difference or not. I had just done the right thing, and that made me happy all day long.
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