Charity

So, White Oak is an amazing and different area. My district is much smaller. 2 elders, 2 Sisters and 1 Zone leader to sit in so its not a double date. Ha ha! I have liked the diversity that I find here in both nationality and economic status. It is interesting to see that often those who are the kindest and willing to give of there time and substance are actually those who have less to give.

This is my challenge this week to each of us.... to give a little more of ourselves. I know it takes a humble person to give of what they have. It is such a Christian act to give without expecting a return. No man could give back to our Savior Jesus Christ what He has given to us. He is the most understanding and loving man who ever walked the earth. He suffered for each pain and sorrow and sin we would ever feel or know. He did it because He loves us. With the most perfect and understanding love that each of us will ever experience. What we search for is CHARITY --- The love of Christ and all mankind.  13And now abideth  faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

There is this beautiful exhibit that has come to our Visitors' Center that is called Love Thy Neighbor. It is all about the Church's humanitarian efforts. What a wonderful organization that we have. A place where the tithes and offerings that are given do not go to our clergy but for the greater benefit of the people. To build places that all may gather to worship, to build homes, to feed the hungry, to help give clean water to those in need, to administer relief to those who have had their homes destroyed by natural disasters. I was showing a cute family the exhibit and they talked about how for their family home evening they put together hygiene kits for those who are in Japan. What a great way to spend a Monday night... in service to those who have less than we do. In what ways can you help? 

Last August, when asked what his ideal birthday gift would be, President Thomas S. Monson encouraged us to “find someone who is having a hard time, … and do something for them.”   I know that it is by the small acts that we do that truly show our love for those around us, our family, friends, neighbors, and those that we may never meet but can have an effect by the things we choose to do. The simple things show our Savior and our Heavenly Father that we love the and because we love them that we are trying to serve our brothers and sisters all around us. What wonderful opportunities we each have to show that love.  Alma 37:6  by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."

Please know that I love each and everyone of you and that I hope you are doing well!

 God be with you till we meet again!

Sister Nicole Gordon