WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO by Don H Staheli —#amreading #books #reviews

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO by Don H. Staheli. I think this book is a little gem. I enjoyed all the short chapters on how to really become a better person as a whole, who is in tune with the Spirit. It's great principles to teach that he applied specifically to missionaries and missionary work, but it can work for those looking to teach their children good, independent behavior, and working well with others. I loved the "In Their Own Words" section that had specific missionary experiences from the mouths of those who served under President Staheli. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with children of any age. It is a wonderful resource.

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As a former mission president and missionary preparation instructor, author Don H. Staheli is familiar with the questions, concerns, and needs of new missionaries. He also knows that the most effective missionaries are those who have learned how to be a missionary, not just those who have learned how to do missionary work. The most important elements of good missionary work are the heart and soul of the missionary, he states. This book provides gospel insights, tips, and inspiration that will give new missionaries confidence in their callings and help them to overcome discouragement, recognize the voice of the Spirit, eliminate distractions, set realistic goals, get up in the morning (even when it is cold and dark), find joy in the work, and prepare to bear a bold testimony of the restored gospel.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM #choosekindness #51actsofkindness

This week I decided to read several articles and pay a little more attention to what's going on in the adult world. I have to admit that part of me wants to just get lots in the little kid world again. My heart aches for all the tragedy and horrible things that are happening. It solidified in my mind the need to be kind to others. We just don't know . . . We don't know what they are struggling with. We don't know if they hardly ever hear kind words. We don't know the real reason behind the hard exterior. We just don't know.

Make the choice this week to be kinder. Encourage those around you to be kind. Do a small act of kindness for someone. Not only will it help them, but it will help you as well. #choosekindness

*pick flowers for someone

*smile

*say hi

*call when you think of it

*text when you think of it

*invite someone to join you in an activity you're going to do

*keep it simple

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM #choosekindness #51actsofkindness

We just got back from a family overnighter and I'm not thinking very clearly at the moment. I planned on having this really cute picture with a saying about kindness but the picture is currently on a different computer. Of course. So that will happen next week.

For now, this will have to do . . .

Kindness is no "laughing" matter. #choosekindness

Some examples of kindness I've witnessed this week:

*flowers picked for someone

*a smile

*sharing an old picture with a friend

*dropping off something anonymously

*picking up some trash

*knocking on someones door to say hi

*sending a text

How were you kind this week?

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM #51actsofkindness

I had a couple of friends comment on last weeks post about the question, "How are you?" Both referred to Germany and how they don't use that phrase over there. They only say things like, "Good morning," or "hi." The only time they use, "How are you?" is when the person asking is willing to take the time to truly find out.

The couple of times I've been to Europe I've noticed similar things. Although I love my country, I do have to admit that Europeans have learned how to enjoy life. They are running around crazy busy all the time like it feels we do here in America. They take the time that's needed for different things. I believe we can learn from that. We do need to slow down and enjoy life. Enjoy this wonderful journey we're on. Enjoy the ride.

Tigger, for whatever reason, started talking about someone breaking into our house and taking him one time when he was a baby today. Considering this is one of my worst fears it made my heart rate skyrocket as I'm trying to respond and listen to him without letting my emotions get the best of me.

Now I know that for the most part he didn't really understand what he was saying at this point in time, but it scared me nonetheless. It gave me that little reminder to enjoy life. I wanted to just snuggle up with my kids and hold on tight. I want them to know how much I love and treasure them. Unfortunately we never know what is around the corner. It's so important to cherish every little moment that we have.

I also read of a friend of a friend who lost their battle with cancer—someone with little kids. My heart breaks for the family. Cherish every moment you have. Teach our little ones how to look for opportunities to be kind to one another. Teach them how to serve. Tigger brushed rocks back into our yard this week. Not a big deal, but you never know when it could be a big deal to someone else.

I guess my point is you just never know. Hold your little ones. Tell them you love them. Spend the time with them (even if your dishes and laundry pile up). Look for those little acts of kindness that might lift some one's burden. Accept those same acts of kindness. Together we can make our world a little bit brighter, a little bit kinder. Look for those opportunities and lets get our kindness on!