Open When Letters Kit
You’ve Got Mail!
One thing we always included in all of our MBM care packages was a personalized letter to each Missionary from each mother. But with this ‘Box’ we swapped it up a bit and sent a Whole Box of Letters to be opened whenever our Missionaries chose to ~ or when they needed to. Even though it was a gift just from the actual mother of each Missionary ~ we did it as a group to make the project more fun ~ plus it went a lot faster doing it together! We sent 34 Letters in all ~ but you could choose to modify these any way you want!
This ‘Open When – Envelopes & Letters’ kit was designed to help you put together a Spiritual & Fun Care Package that focuses on sending some Love and Hugs their way for them to open just when they need it and each letter will surely bring a smile to their face.
Your 72-Page Kit will include the following:
✔ 1-Introduction Letter with easy to follow instructions to help you put together the Perfect Care Package.
✔ 4- Large (11.5X8.5″) Adjustable Stickers to decorate your 4 box flaps of your shipping package. Just peel and stick! (These stickers are designed to fit a USPS Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box and large UPS boxes. The stickers can also be easily trimmed to fit a USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box as well as some Medium and Small UPS boxes or use your own box.) * Please note the kit does not include the actual box,
✔ 1-Box Introduction Letter to be placed in your Box right before you tape it up. This unique design lets your Missionary know the theme of your care package and that something special has been created just for them!
✔ 1-Page of Unique Envelope Designs that you can adhere to the front of your Letter to your Missionary and their Companion! This page is also printed on sticker paper – so you just need to cut them out and adhere to any envelope of your choice. It’s that easy!
✔ 1-Custom Missionary Letter for you to include with your personal Letter to your Missionary.
✔ 64-Pages with 234 Custom Tags and ideas that Can Be Used to put together your 34 Open When Missionary Envelopes and Letters Care Package.
★ For Ideas to help you put together the perfect Missionary Care Package, how you can use each Printable, to find links to print General Conference talks and other stories to include in your box – look below!
Missionary Open When Cards:
Supplies Needed:
· One Pack Multi-Colored Envelopes (4X6 Size ~ We bought ours at WalMart. The Brand Name was Ampad for 50 Count $5.50)
· One or 2 rolls of colored Washi Tape for a fun closure on envelopes.
· One small colored notepad of paper to hand write the quotes on. We signed them all with ‘I Love You – Mom’ After Each Quote.
· Small Items to put inside some of the envelopes. (Hot Chocolate packets, Chicken Noodle Soup Packets, Fruit Snacks, Small Medicine items, Glow in the Dark Stars with Stickum, Worry Stone, Kool-Aid Packets, Gum in Various sizes and flavors, Juicy Drop Taffy, Miniature Post It Note Flags, Oatmeal Packet.) Just get creative! We tried to use things that were basically flat and that could fit into an envelope easily.
· Put together a One Page list of fun memories from when the missionary was growing up for the Reminisce letter.
The MBM kit includes most of the stories and pictures that you will put inside each envelope.
OPEN WHEN…
1. Open When You are Sick. (included Tylenol, Dayquil, cough drops)
3 Pictures
Story ‘Beauty’
Quote: ‘Never Despair.’ Horace
Beauty
There was a very special high school teacher many years ago whose husband unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, “Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is a way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day.” Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, “So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.
It doesn’t have to be something you see – it could be a scent-perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone’s house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are “the stuff” of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at any time… it can all be taken away.”
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook. Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double-dip ice cream cone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.
2. Open When You’re feeling Lonely. (trace a hug free printable)
Quote: ‘Believe that you have it, and you have it.’ Latin Proverb
Story ‘The Happiest Day of My Life’
4 Pictures
The Happiest Day of My Life By Michael T. Smith
It started innocently.
Many years ago I worked in an office with large windows facing a busy overpass. I was standing by one of those windows one day when a woman in a passing car looked up and made eye contact. Naturally, I waved.
A chuckle escaped my lips as she turned and tried to identify me. It was the beginning of a year of window antics. When things were slow, I would stand in the window and wave at the passengers who looked up. The strange looks made me laugh and stress was washed away.
Co-workers began to take an interest. They would stand from view, watch the reactions I received, and laugh along.
Late afternoon was the best time – rush hour traffic filled the overpass with cars and transit buses, and providing lots of waving material for the end-of-day routine. It didn’t take long to attract a following – a group of commuters who passed the window every day and looked up at the strange waving man. There was a man with a construction truck who would turn on his flashing-yellow light and return my wave, the carpool crowd, and the business lady with her children fresh from day care. But my favorite was the transit bus from the docks that passed my window at 4:40pm. It carried the same group every day, and they became by biggest fans.
After a while, waving became boring, so I devised ways to enhance my act. I made signs: “Hi,” “Hello,” “Be Happy!” and posted them in the window and waved. I stood on the window ledge in various poses, created hats from paper and file-folders, made faces, played peek-a-boo by bouncing up from below the window ledge, stuck out my tongue, tossed paper planes in the air, and once went into the walkway over the street and danced while co-workers pointed to let my fans know I was there.
Christmas approached, and job cuts were announced. Several co-workers would lose their jobs, and everyone was feeling low. Stress in the office reached a high. A miracle was needed to repair the damage caused by the announcements.
While working a night shift, a red lab jacket attracted my attention. I picked it up and turned it in my hands. In a back corner where packing material was kept, I used my imagination and cut thin, white sheets of cloth-like foam into strips and taped them around the cuffs and collar, down the front, and around the hem. A box of foam packing and strips of tape became Santa’s beard and when taped to the hat, slipped over my head in one piece.
The next working day I hid from my co-workers, slipped into the costume, walked bravely to my desk, sat down, held my belly, and mocked Santa’s chuckle, as they gathered around me laughing. It was the first time I had seen them smile in weeks. Later my supervisor walked through the door. He took three steps, looked up, saw me, paused, shook his head, turned and left.
I feared trouble. The phone on the desk rung a few moments later, “Mike, can you come to my office please?” I shuffled down the hall, the foam beard swishing across my chest with each step.
That evening, and every evening of the Christmas season, I stood proudly in the window and waved to my fans. The bus crowd waved wildly, and the little children smiled at the strange Santa. My heart was full of the season, and for a few minutes each day we could forget the loss of jobs.
I didn’t know it then, but a bond was forming between my fans and me. It wasn’t until the spring following the Santa act that I discovered how close we had become.
My wife and I were expecting our first child that spring, and I wanted the world to know. Less than a month before the birth I posted a sign in the window, “25 DAYS UNTIL B DAY.” My fans passed and shrugged their shoulders. The next day the sign read, “24 DAYS UNTIL B DAY.” Each day the number dropped, and the passing people grew more confused.
One day a sign appeared in the bus, “What is B DAY?” I just waved and smiled.
Ten days before the expected date the sign in the window read, “10 DAYS UNTIL BA– DAY.” Still the people wondered. The next day it read, “9 DAYS UNTIL BAB- DAY,” then “8 DAYS UNTIL BABY DAY,” and my fans finally knew what was happening.
By then, my following had grown to include twenty or thirty different busses and cars. Every night they watched to see if my wife had given birth. Excitement grew as the number decreased. My fans were disappointed when the count reached “zero” without an announcement. The next day the sign read, “BABY DAY 1 DAY LATE,” and I pretended to pull out my hair.
Each day the number changed and the interest from passing cars grew. When my wife was fourteen days overdue she went into labor, and the next morning our daughter was born. I left the hospital at 5:30am, screamed my joy into the still morning air and drove home to sleep. I got up at noon, showered, bought cigars, and appeared at my window in time for my fans. My co-workers were ready with a banner posted in the window:
“IT’S A GIRL!”
I wasn’t alone that night. My co-workers joined me in celebration. We stood and waved our cigars in the air as every vehicle which passed acknowledged the birth of my daughter. Finally, the bus from the docks made its turn onto the overpass and began to climb the hill. When it drew close, I climbed onto the window ledge and clasped my hands over my head in a victory pose. The bus was directly in front of me when it stopped dead in heavy traffic, and every person on board stood with their hands in the air.
Emotion choked my breathing as I watched the display of celebration for my new daughter. Then it happened: a sign popped up. It filled the windows and stretched half the length of the bus, “CONGRATULATIONS!”
Tears formed in the corners of my eyes as the bus slowly resumed its journey. I stood in silence, as it pulled from view. More fans passed and tooted their horns or flashed their lights to display their happiness, but I hardly noticed them, as I pondered what had just happened.
My daughter had been born fourteen days late. Those people must have carried the sign, unrolled, on the bus for at least two weeks. Everyday they had unrolled it and then rolled it back up.
We all have a clown inside of us. We need to let it free and not be surprised at the magic it can create. For eight months I had made a fool of myself, and those people must have enjoyed the smiles I gave them, because on the happiest day of my life they had shown their appreciation.
It has been more than 18 years since that special time, but on my daughter’s birthday I always remember the special gift they gave me.
3. Open When You Wake Up Feeling Happy. (Fruit Snacks)
Quote: Dream Big! ‘Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.’ Leon J. Suenes
8 Pictures
Conference Talk –Your Mission will Change Everything’ David F. Evans
4. Open When You Can’t Fall Asleep. (Glow in the Dark Stars w/Stickum)
Quote: ‘The Possible’s slow fuse is lit by the imagination.’ Emily Dickinson
Story: Progress Takes Time.
3 Pictures
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This ambiguous figure from Arvind Narale has two different interpretations.
Do you see a single cow grazing and looking toward your or do you see two
animals looking directly at one another? You will be able to see one of these
images at a time, but will not be able to see both simultaneously. Try to flip-
flop between the 2 different images.
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A rich man, fond of felines, asked a famous Zen ink painter to draw him a cat. The master agreed and asked the man to come back in three months. When the man returned, he was put off, again and again, until a year had passed. Finally, at the man’s request, the master drew out a brush, and , with grace and ease, in a single fluid motion, drew a picture of a cat – the most marvelous image the man had ever seen. He was astonished then he grew angry. “That drawing took you only thirty seconds! Why did you make me wait a year?” he demanded. Without a word, the master opened up a cabinet, and out fell thousands of drawings – of cats.
Excellence is a function of practice and time. Don’t Rush. Those of us who are always pushing hard, running up the mountain, may reach the top first
only to realize we forgot to enjoy the
climb.
Progress takes time.
Those who make it look easy
have worked hard over time.
“Excellence is the Result of
Caring more than others think is Wise,
Risking more than others think is Safe, Dreaming more than others think is practical, and Expecting more than others think is Possible.”
Ronnie Oldham
5. Open When You’re Worried. (Worry stone)
Quote: Ask Yourself this Question: ‘Will this matter a Year from Now?’ Richard Calson From Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Story: Explore, Dream, Discover
4 Pictures
Explore, Dream, Discover
Life devoid of adventures may be secure, but taking risks, taking those baby steps once in a while, helps us to grow and expand, and adds richness to our life.
Comfort Zone and You
Once you’re through and done, you’d feel more confident, positive, and creative. You will realize the potential of what your mind and body is capable of. It boosts decisive power and reduces the reluctance we face before taking any risks. Speaking up and doing things we are a little bit afraid of expands our comfort zone, thus making us a little more comfortable with things we were once afraid to try or share.
Your Mind Appreciates It
Following the same old routine adds nothing but tiredness and a sense of dullness to your mind. But if given something adventurous and new to try, your mind appreciates it in ways beyond your imagination. It boosts the self-esteem, creativity, and confidence. You feel exuberant to try something new every now and then and it prepares your mind and body to take and experience challenges. And that’s a good thing!
Prepares you to face and tolerate uncertainties
Adventures are paths paved with uncertainties and how you cope with them and deal with them adds so much to your life. You will never get to know how vast nature is, how beautiful this earth is, unless you go out and experience it! It adds so much to your spiritual growth when you feel alive!
What is Fear I Do Not Know
It is the fear of what ifs and that’s which are holding us down. Say yes to things you are afraid to try and get over it. Close your eyes and give fearful things a try and get over your fears and hesitations. The other option would be to live a life with regrets. The choice is yours.
You Get To Learn and Experience New
Sometimes doing something new requires technical details and other information of which you should be aware of before you start. Helping others in uncertain circumstances boosts your confidence manifolds. An experience is an opportunity to learn.
It’s thrilling
Last but not least adventures and trying something new expand your horizons and take you into new and exciting places. You learn the value of Discovery.
6. Open When You Want To Reminisce. (Family Photos, Picture of Home)
Conference Talk: ‘Look Ahead and Believe’ Elder Edward Dube
Quote: ‘The Happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.’ Marcus Aurelius
6 Pictures
List of fun memories from when they were growing up
Family Pictures
7. Open When You Could Use A Little Pep Talk. (Kool-Aid Packets)
Quote: ‘Purpose is what gives life a meaning! C.H. Parkhurst
Story: ‘Use Your Imagination’
4 Pictures
A tired bird was resting on a branch for support. It enjoyed the view from the branch and the safety it offered from dangerous animals. Just as it had become used to that branch and the support and safety that it offered, a strong wind started blowing and the branch started swaying back and forth, with such great intensity, that it seemed that it was going to break.
But the bird was not in the least worried for it knew two important truths. One was that even without the branch it was able to fly and thus remain safe through the power of its own two wings. The second is that there are many other branches upon which it can temporarily rest.
This small example represents the ideal relationship between us and our relationships, possessions and social and professional positions. We have the right to enjoy all these, but cannot as long as we are dependent on them and are afraid of losing them. They are all in a state of change and can disappear at any time.
Our real strength does not lie in those external ephemeral things, but rather on our two internal wings of love and wisdom. These must become our security base, our source of enjoyment and happiness.
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The Ten Rules For Being Human:
1. You will receive a body.
2. You will be presented with lessons.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
4. Lessons are repeated until learned.
5. Learning does not end.
6. “There” is no better than “here.”
7. Others are only mirrors of you.
8. What you make of your life is up to you.
9. All the answers lie inside of you.
10. You will forget all of this at birth.
“All we have to decide is what to do with
the time that is given us.” J.R.R. Tolkien
“Find a purpose to serve, not a lifestyle to
live.” Criss Jami
8. You Need To Know How Much I Love You. (Gum)
Quote: ‘Children hold our hands a while and our hearts forever.’
Story: ‘The Cost of Raising a Child’
4 Pictures
The Cost of Raising A Child
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $233,610 for a middle-income family. Talk about sticker shock.
That doesn’t even touch college tuition. For those with kids, that figure leads to wild fantasies about all the things we could have bought, all the places we could have traveled, all the money we could have banked if not for (insert child’s name here). For others, that number might confirm the decision to remain childless. But $233,610 isn’t so bad if you break it down. It translates into $12978.33 a year, $1081.53 a month or $270.38 a week. That’s a mere $38.63 a day. Just over a dollar sixty an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice says don’t have children if you want to be rich. It’s just the opposite. There’s no way to put a price tag on:
* Feeling a new life move for the first time and seeing the bump of a knee rippling across your skin.
* Having someone cry, “It’s a boy!” or shout, “It’s a girl!”, then hearing the baby wail and knowing all that matters is that it’s healthy.
* Counting all 10 fingers and toes for the first time.
* Feeling the warmth of fat cheeks against your breast.
* Cupping an entire head in the palm of your hand.
* Making out da da or ma ma from all the cooing and gurgling.
What Do you get for your $233,610?
* Naming rights. First, middle and last.
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jam.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites, building sandcastles and skipping down the sidewalk in the pouring rain.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.
For $233,610 you never have to grow up. You get to finger-paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, catch lightning bugs and never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to keep reading the adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons, going to Disney movies and wishing on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray-painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, handprints set in clay for Mother’s Day and cards with backward letters for Father’s Day.
For $233,610, there’s no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off the bike, removing a sliver, filling the wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front-row seat to history to witness the first step, first word, first bra, first date, first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you’re lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications and human sexuality no college can match. You have the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.
I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON & BACK AGAIN times 1 BILLION RED M&M’s!!!
9. Open When You’re Having A Bad Day.
Quote: ‘Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.’ Albert Einstein
Story: ‘Folks are usually about as happy’
4 Pictures
Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be!
Just like we withdraw money from a bank when we feel the lack of it, can we not withdraw happiness from our unique but profound creation “Happiness Folder” or “Happiness Bank”?
So what is a Happiness Folder?
It’s nothing, but a folder with all the good memories you share with family, friends, companions and relatives and strangers. The folder can contain anything that helps you remember the memories that you need to become happier in the long term. A lot of these memories may come from family and friends reminding you of happy times you have shared.
It’s easy to get bogged down in unhappy memories. In the times we’ve messed up or the times we’ve failed at something, and so on. And amidst the discouraging thoughts, it becomes easier not to attempt something new or want to try harder to achieve a goal.
Rehearsing happy moments, moments that feel you with joy, moments that lift your mood is the idea behind creating a Happiness Folder. A Happiness Folder helps you to become Happier.
But what do you put in a Happiness Folder? And where should I put it? Try opening up your journal to the last 5-10 pages and start there!
Write down happy or exciting moments of your life. Just something short that will jog your memory.
Write down words of praise from family, friends, or companions.
Encouraging conversations with people around you, or from emails, letters, or cards.
Happy moment images, pictures, or doodles.
Memories that make you more confident.
Encouraging quotes, or quotes that bring a smile to your face.
Good times with friends, family, or companions.
In short, anything that reminds you of Happiness.
These cues can remind you of the times you felt on top of the world – and hopefully help you find a pattern between them, so you can understand yourself better. But they can also be a sight for sore eyes on particularly gloomy days or when you are about to start something out of your comfort zone. A lot of us are our own worst critics – and the Happiness Folder serves as a way to balance that out a little bit.
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“Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires,
our thoughts and our actions
whether we want to be blessed or cursed,
happy or miserable.”
Ezra Taft Benson
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein
“Real difficulties can be overcome; it is
the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.” Theodore N. Vail
10. Open When You are Bored. (Word search, Zots Candy)
Quote: You Miss 100% of the Shots you Don’t Take. Wayne Gretzky
Story: ‘The Given Light’
5 Pictures
Prophet Word Search, Early Mormon Pioneers Word Search from MyCTRRing.com
The Given Light by Barbara Hug
Once upon a time a man had heard, that in a foreign place, far away, there was a holy flame burning. So he got up and left his home to find the holy flame and bring some of its light back home to his house. He thought: ‘When I have this light, then I will have happiness and life and all the people I love will have it too.’
He traveled far, far away and finally found the holy flame, with which he lit his light. On his way back he had only one worry: ‘That his light could go out.’
On his way home he met someone who was freezing and didn’t have any fire and who begged him to give him some of his fire. The man with the light hesitated for a moment. Wasn’t his light too precious, too holy to be given away for something ordinary like that? Despite these doubts, he decided to give some of his light to the one who was freezing in the darkness.
The man continued his journey home and when he had almost reached his house a terrible thunderstorm started. He tried to protect his light from the rain and the storm, but at the end his light went out.
To return the long way back to the place where the holy flame was burning was impossible, he wouldn’t have had enough strength to go back this far – but he was strong enough to return to the human being whom he had helped on his way home.
………and with his light he could light his own again.
11. You Need A Good Laugh. (Funny one liner jokes, Gum)
Quote: ‘Imagination Rules The World’ Napoleon
Story: ‘The Best and Worst Country Western Songs’
5 Pictures
The Best of the Worst Country & Western Song Titles
I Keep Forgettin’ I Forgot About You
I Liked You Better Before I Knew You So Well
Mama Get A Hammer, (There’s A Fly On Papa’s Head)
Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure
How Can I Miss You If You Won’t Go Away?
I Don’t Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling
I Just Bought A Car From A Guy That Stole My Girl, But The Car Don’t Run So I Figure we got an even deal.
I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim’s Gettin’ Better
I Wouldn’t Take Her To A Dog Fight, Cause I’m Afraid She’d Win
I’m So Miserable Without You, It’s Like Having You Here
I’ve Got Tears in My Ears From Lying On My Back While I Cry Over You
My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, And I Sure Do Miss Him
Please Bypass this Heart
She Got the Goldmine and I Got the Shaft
You Done Tore Out My Heart and Stomped that Sucker Flat
If Your Phone Don’t Ring, You Know It’s Me
Tennis Must Be Your Racket ‘Cause Love Means Nothin’ To You
How Can You Believe Me When I Say I Love You When You Know I’ve Been A Liar all my life
If You Don’t Leave Me Alone, I’ll Go And Find Someone Else Who Will
My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field, While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart
Oh, I’ve Got Hair Oil On My Ears And My Glasses Are Slipping Down, But Baby I Can see through you.
They May Put Me In Prison, But They Can’t Stop My Face From Breakin’ Out
Velcro Arms, Teflon Heart
You Can’t Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd
If My Nose Were Full of Nickels, I’d Blow It All On You
If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?
12. You’re Upset or Angry. (Wonka Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip)
Quote: ‘What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.’ Confucius
Story: ‘Company to make Pre Bent Golf Clubs’
Story: Seminary Dart Test
2 Photos
Dart Test…
A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Brother Smith. She says that Brother Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.
One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Brother Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture.
Sally’s friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Brother Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn’t have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Brother Smith began removing the target from the wall.
Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.
Brother Smith said only these words.. “In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matthew 25:40.
No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.
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Company to make pre-bent clubs for golfers with anger management issues
Local sports equipment manufacturer Mad in Plaid announced today it will introduce a set of pre-bent golf clubs for angry golfers.
“There are millions of mad duffers out there. Why should they have to bend their own clubs by whacking the ground or trees or other golfers when we can do it for them right at the factory? It’s really an untapped market,” explained Maid in Plaid Sales Director Bob Zindle.
Perennially cranky golfer Futz Delahee, who recently purchased a set of bent clubs from Mad in Plaid said that, while he’s not happy, he does admit they are the best clubs he’s ever had.
13. You Are Homesick. (Hot Chocolate Packet)
Quote: ‘No longer forward nor behind I look in hope and fear; but grateful take the good I find The best of now and here.’ John G. Whittier
Story: ‘Where Your Heart Is’
Story: ‘God Saved You a Gift’
4 Pictures
How to Be Thankful for Life by Changing Just One Word
It is important to think that the things you do each day are not burdens.
My college strength and conditioning coach, Mark Watts, taught me an important lesson that applies to life outside of the gym…
As adults, we spend a lot of time talking about all of the things that we have to do.
You have to wake up early for work. You have to make another sales call for your business. You have to work out today. You have to write an article. You have to make dinner for your family. You have to go to your son’s game.
Now, imagine changing just one word in the sentences above.
You don’t “have” to. You “get” to.
You get to wake up early for work. You get to make another sales call for your business. You get to work out today. You get to write an article. You get to make dinner for your family. You get to go to your son’s game.
I think it’s important to remind yourself that the things you do each day are not burdens, they are opportunities. So often, the things we view as work are actually the reward.
In our family we loved reading the children’s picture book entitled The Kissing Hand that tells the story of a mother raccoon comforting her child raccoon named Chester by kissing his paw. Even though my children did not have separation anxiety it was just a comforting tool to let them know I would always be with them. So I included a picture of Chester, His Mom, and the Kissing Hand.
14. You Need to Know How Proud I am of YOU! (Fruit Snacks)
Quote: ‘A Strong imagination begetteth opportunity.’ Michel de Montaigne
Conference Talk: Profiles of Faith by President Thomas S. Monson
5 Pictures
15. Open When You Need to know to never give up.
Quote: ‘Your goal should be just out of reach, but not out of sight.’ Remi Witt
Story: ‘Continuous Effort – Not Strength’
Conference Talk: Reach Out and Climb by Elder Dallin H. Oaks
4 Pictures
Continuous Effort – Not Strength
Whenever I need an emotional boost Daddy tells me a story my grandpa told him.
“He was a hard worker,” says Daddy. He owned a small iron fence making business, and built everything in his small garage. His six sons worked every spare moment during the day and well into the wee night hours constructing fences with the highest caliber of excellence and perfection.
Grandpa was an artist in his trade and a skillful teacher. His only flaw, he was not a very good business person. Though he spent long hours fabricating his art, rarely was he paid adequately for his hard and tedious work. He was not a wealthy man; in fact, he barely qualified for middle class. Yet, he set high standards for himself, and the quality of work his six sons produced.
They were obligated to work for him before and after school, plus on the weekends. When grandpa was not making any money, neither did the boys. “Pa,” Daddy often asked, “How much do you get paid for the work?” Every time Daddy got the same response. “It’s none of your business,” Grandpa replied with his thick Italian accent. “What do you mean,” Daddy persisted. “This is a school,” Grandpa said, “When you learn everything you need to run the business you can charge whatever you want.”
Grandpa was a stern teacher and none of the boys ever argued or second-guessed his knowledge. They all treated him with respect, joined him in his labors and were expert students at his school. They even worked without pay. Secretly though, they talked amongst themselves, hoping for a big order that would put more than a few hundred dollars in Grandpa’s pocket.
That day never seemed to arrive. They persevered, working, gaining knowledge, and developing new and faster techniques to build better quality iron fences than ever before. Still, there were weeks when Grandpa went without a paycheck.
Until one unforgettable day when a top executive of a local construction company called, “We’re building 100 homes, and need 200 staircases built. They are all the same style and size.” Daddy, then only twenty years old, but bright-eyed with enthusiasm, and had officially graduated from Grandpa’s school, was now doing the bidding for the business. He anxiously dashed over to meet the executive. “We need the best quality railings. We need two hundred, and we need them finished by next week. We’ll give you $20,000.00 for the job!” “It’s a done deal!” Daddy exclaimed wondering how the boys working in their father’s garage were ever going to produce that quantity or quality of staircases in such a short time.
The worker bees began what was about to be the biggest test so far in Grandpa’s little garage. They spent sleepless nights sawing and shaping the staircases. Grandpa looked over them with a watchful eye as he had done hundreds of times before. The boys hurried in a race with time like little elves before Christmas day.
However, the boys had one final test before getting their biggest check ever. On deadline day in which they had to install the staircases, snow began falling and quickly turned into a blizzard. Nevertheless, the family was on a mission and refused to give in to the relentless storm. Nothing would stop them from installing the 200 staircases. They went to the construction site with all 200 staircases in tow. It was freezing, 30 degrees cold outside. They bundled themselves into their warmest winter clothes, working with unprotected and near frostbitten hands, they drilled, nailed, and set all the staircases in place perfectly.
After hours of hard work in the frigid cold, for what seemed like a never-ending project, they never gave up and finished the job. Daddy went to meet with the top executive to collect his paycheck and the boss greeted him with another surprise.
“I’m so impressed by your work!” the executive gushed, “It was timely, well done, and the finest quality!” Daddy, in his humbleness gave the man a smile, only anticipating his first big paycheck. “We want to give you another big job,” the executive said, “We need 200 more staircases and we want you and your brothers to have the job!”
That was the beginning of something extraordinary. After that, new work rolled in so consistently Daddy and the brothers had to hire people to work for them to keep up with all the orders. They have since turned Grandpa’s little business into a multi-million dollar company that specializes in distributing doors and hardware. The demand is so high they have since decided to concentrate on large commercial contracts.
Today, Daddy wears a business suit to work, but he still has the heart of a boy who began his career in garage with torn shoes and jeans. Thanks to Grandpa, Daddy passed on to me the most important lesson that perseverance and love for what you do, pays off.
If you keep trying, it is only a matter of time before your big break comes. It begins in your heart with a dream, hard work and perfecting your craft. Even a small beat up garage is not necessary to begin a dream, you just need passion and determination, and that comes from our heart.
16. Open When You Feel Like a Rebel. (Juicy Drop Taffy)
Quote: ‘The Great and Glorious Masterpiece of Man is to know how to live to purpose.’ Michel de Montaigne
Church News Story: Be Swift Messenger in Delivering the Gospel
3 Pictures
17. Open When You Are Afraid.
Quote: ‘Life has no smooth road for any of us; and in the bracing atmosphere of a high aim the very roughness stimulates the climber to steadier steps, till the legend, over steep ways to the stars, fulfills itself.’ W.C. Doane
Story: ‘Become a Lake’
Don’t Be Afraid Scripture Page
4 Pictures
Become a Lake – Hindu Parable
An aging master grew tired of his apprentice complaining, and so, one morning, sent him for some salt. When the apprentice returned, the master instructed the unhappy young man to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drink it. “How does it taste?” the master asked.
“Bitter” spit the apprentice.
The master chuckled and then asked the young man to take the same handful of salt and put it in the lake. The two walked in silence to the nearby lake, and once the apprentice swirled his handful of salt in the water, the old man said, “Now drink from the lake.”
As the water dripped down the young man’s chin, the master asked, “How does it taste?” “Fresh,” remarked the apprentice. “Do you taste the salt?” asked the master. “No,” said the young man.
At this, the master sat beside this serious young man who so reminded him of himself and took his hands, offering, “The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains the same, exactly the same. But the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in.
So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things …. stop being a glass. Become a lake.
Genesis 43:23 Genesis 46:3 Genesis 50:19 Genesis 50:21 Acts 27:24
Exodus 20:20 Deuteronomy 20:1 Deuteronomy 20:3 Judges 4:18
1 Samuel 40:20 1 Samuel 22:23 1 Samuel 23:17 Samuel 28:13 2 Kings 17:35
2 Kings 1:15 Deuteronomy 31:6 Kings 19:6 2 Kings 25:24 Psalms 49:16
Proverbs 3:25 Isaiah 37:6 Isaiah 44:8 Jeremiah 1:18 Nehemiah 2:2
Luke 2:10 1 Job 21:9 Jeremiah 40:9 Jeremiah 42:11 Ezekiel 3:9 Acts 18:9
Daniel 10:12 Daniel 10:19 Zephaniah 3:16 Matthew 1:20 Mark 5:36
Matthew 14:27 Matthew 17:7 Matthew 28:5 John 12:15 Matthew 28:10
Luke 1:13 Luke 1:30 Luke 8:50 Luke 12:4 Luke 12:32 John 6:20 John 14:1
Revelations 1:17 John 14:27 Genesis 35:1 Joshua 11:6 Genesis 15:1 Mark 4:20
Job 12:21 Genesis 21:17 Do Not Be Afraid Acts 18:9 Genesis 26:24
Genesis 35:17 Exodus 14:13 Numbers 14:9 Numbers 21:34 Mark 6:50
Acts 20:10 Deuteronomy 1:21 Joshua 8:1 Job 12:22 2 Samuel 13:28
Deuteronomy 1:29 Deuteronomy 3:20 Joshua 10:8 Deuteronomy 3:22
Deuteronomy 31:8 Joshua 10:25 Judges 6:10 Judges 6:23 Job 12:21
Judges 3:11 Kings 17:13 1 Samuel 12:20 2 Samuel 19:7 2 Kings 6:16
2 Kings 17:37 2 Kings 17:38 1 Chronicles 22:13 1 Chronicles 28-200
2 Chronicles 20:15 Isaiah 7:4 2 Chronicles 20:17 2 Chronicles 32:7
Psalms 78:53 Isaiah 10:24 Isaiah 35:4 Nehemiah 4:14 Isaiah 40:9
Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 41:13 Isaiah 41:14 Isaiah 43:1 Isaiah 43:5 Isaiah 42:2
Isaiah 51:7 Isaiah 54:4 Isaiah 54:14 Luke 5:10 Jeremiah 46:28 Matthew 8:26
Lamentations 3:57 Haggai 2:5 Luke 12:7 Zechariah 8:13 Zechariah 8:15
Matthew 10:26 Matthew 10:28 Matthew 10:31 Revelations 2:10 D&C 98;14
Revelations 21:8 Genesis 3:10 Psalms 56:3 Isaiah 12:2 Psalms 64:4
18. Open When You Choose The Right.
Quote: ‘To Find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton
Story: ‘The Smile’
3 Pictures
The Smile
Many Americans are familiar with The Little Prince, a wonderful book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This is a whimsical and fabulous book and works as a children’s story as well as a thought-provoking adult fable. Far fewer are aware of Saint-Exupery’s other writings, novels and short stories.
Saint-Exupery was a fighter pilot who fought against the Nazis and was killed in action. Before World War II, he fought in the Spanish Civil War against the fascists. He wrote a fascinating story based on that experience entitled The Smile (Le Sourire). It is this story which I’d like to share with you now. It isn’t clear whether or not he meant this to be autobiographical or fiction. I choose to believe it to be the former.
He said that he was captured by the enemy and thrown into a jail cell. He was sure that from the contemptuous looks and rough treatment he received from his jailers he would be executed the next day. From here, I’ll tell the story as I remember it in my own words.
“I was sure that I was to be killed. I became terribly nervous and distraught. I fumbled in my pockets to see if there were any cigarettes which had escaped their search. I found one and because of my shaking hands, I could barely get it to my lips. But I had no matches, they had taken those.
“I looked through the bars at my jailer. He did not make eye contact with me. After all, one does not make eye contact with a thing, a corpse.
I called out to him ‘Have you got a light, por favor?’ He looked at me, shrugged and came over to light my cigarette.
“As he came close and lit the match, his eyes inadvertently locked with mine. At that moment, I smiled. I don’t know why I did that. Perhaps it was nervousness, perhaps it was because, when you get very close, one to another, it is very hard not to smile. In any case, I smiled. In that instant, it was as though a spark jumped across the gap between our two hearts, our two human souls. I know he didn’t want to, but my smile leaped through the bars and generated a smile on his lips, too. He lit my cigarette but stayed near, looking at me directly in the eyes and continuing to smile.
“I kept smiling at him, now aware of him as a person and not just a jailer. And his looking at me seemed to have a new dimension, too. ‘Do you have kids?’ he asked.
” ‘Yes, here, here.’ I took out my wallet and nervously fumbled for the pictures of my family. He, too, took out the pictures of his ninos and began to talk about his plans and hopes for them. My eyes filled with tears. I said that I feared that I’d never see my family again, never have the chance to see them grow up. Tears came to his eyes, too.
“Suddenly, without another word, he unlocked my cell and silently led me out. Out of the jail, quietly and by back routes, out of the town. There, at the edge of town, he released me. And without another word, he turned back toward the town.
“My life was saved by a smile.”
Yes, the smile – the unaffected, unplanned natural connection between people. I tell this story in my work because I’d like people to consider that underneath all the layers we construct to protect ourselves, our dignity, our titles, our degrees, our status and our need to be seen in certain ways – underneath all that, remains the authentic, essential self. I’m not afraid to call it the soul. I really believe that if that part of you and that part of me could recognize each other, we wouldn’t be enemies. We couldn’t have hate or envy or fear. I sadly conclude that all those other layers, which we so carefully construct through our lives, distance and insulate us from truly contacting others. Saint-Exupery’s story speaks of that magic moment when two souls recognize each other.
I’ve had just a few moments like that. Falling in love is one example. And looking at a baby. Why do we smile when we see a baby? Perhaps it’s because we see someone without all the defensive layers, someone whose smile for us we know to be fully genuine and without guile. And that baby-soul inside us smiles wistfully in recognition.
19. Open When You Want to know the 5 Missionary M’s.
Quote: ‘I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.’ Charlotte Bronte
Story: ‘The Five M’s of Missionary Work’ President Thomas S. Monson
8 Pictures
20. Open When You Think You’re a Magician.
Quote: ‘Every Artist was first an amateur.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Story: ‘The Magic Show’
Conference Talk: ‘Put on the whole armor of God.’
“The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper”. W.B. Yeats
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Wayne W. Dyer
“What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.” C. S. Lewis
21. Open When You’re stuck and need to choose.
* Quote: ‘Doubt whom you will but never yourself.’ Christian Nestell Bovee
* Story ‘Golden Rules of Goal Setting
* 3 Pictures
Golden Rules of Goal Setting
Are you clear about what your main objective at work is at the moment? Do you know what you want to have achieved by the end of today? If you want to succeed, you need to set goals. Without goals you lack focus and direction.
Goal setting not only allows you to take control of your life’s direction; it also provides you a benchmark for determining whether you are actually succeeding. Think about it: Having a million dollars in the bank is only proof of success if one of your goals is to amass riches. If your goal is to practice acts of charity, then keeping the money for yourself is suddenly contrary to how you would define success.
To accomplish your goals, however, you need to know how to set them. You can’t simply say, “I want” and expect it to happen. Goal setting is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve, and ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it. In between there are some very well defined steps that transcend the specifics of each goal. Knowing these steps will allow you to formulate goals that you can accomplish.
The Five Golden Rules
1. Set Goals that Motivate You
When you set goals for yourself, it is important that they motivate you: this means making sure that they are important to you, and that there is value in achieving them. If you have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant given the larger picture, then the chances of you putting in the work to make them happen are slim. Motivation is key to achieving goals.
Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life. Without this type of focus, you can end up with far too many goals, leaving you too little time to devote to each one. Goal achievement requires commitment, so to maximize the likelihood of success, you need to feel a sense of urgency and have an “I must do this” attitude. When you don’t have this, you risk putting off what you need to do to make the goal a reality. This in turn leaves you feeling disappointed and frustrated with yourself, both of which are de-motivating. And you can end up in a very destructive “I can’t do anything or be successful at anything” frame of mind.
TIP: To make sure your goal is motivating, write down why it’s valuable and important to you. Ask yourself, “If I were to share my goal with others, what would I tell them to convince them it was a worthwhile goal?” You can use this motivating value statement to help you if you start to doubt yourself or lose confidence in your ability to actually make the goal happen.
2. Set SMART Goals
You have probably heard of “SMART goals” already. But do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this – goals should be:
· Specific.
· Measurable.
· Attainable.
· Relevant.
· Time Bound.
SET SPECIFIC GOALS
Your goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don’t provide sufficient direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.
Set Measurable Goals
Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined as “To reduce expenses” how will you know when you have been successful? In one month’s time if you have a 1 percent reduction or in two years’ time when you have a 10 percent reduction? Without a way to measure your success you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you have actually achieved something.
Set Attainable Goals
Make sure that it’s possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence.
However, resist the urge to set goals that are too easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn’t have to work hard for can be anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. These are the types of goals that require you to “raise the bar” and they bring the greatest personal satisfaction.
Set Relevant Goals
Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you’ll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you’ll fritter your time – and your life – away.
Set Time-Bound Goals
You goals must have a deadline. Again, this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker.
3. Set Goals in Writing
The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about it. As you write, use the word “will” instead of “would like to” or “might.” For example, “I will reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent this year,” not “I would like to reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent this year.” The first goal statement has power and you can “see” yourself reducing expenses, the second lacks passion and gives you an excuse if you get sidetracked.
Tip 1:
Frame your goal statement positively. If you want to improve your retention rates say, “I will hold on to all existing employees for the next quarter” rather than “I will reduce employee turnover.” The first one is motivating; the second one still has a get-out clause “allowing” you to succeed even if some employees leave.
Tip 2:
If you use a To-Do List , make yourself a To-Do List template that has your goals at the top of it. If you use an Action Program , then your goals should be at the top of your Project Catalog.
Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your walls, desk, computer monitor, bathroom mirror or refrigerator as a constant reminder.
4. Make an Action Plan
This step is often missed in the process of goal setting. You get so focused on the outcome that you forget to plan all of the steps that are needed along the way. By writing out the individual steps, and then crossing each one off as you complete it, you’ll realize that you are making progress towards your ultimate goal. This is especially important if your goal is big and demanding, or long-term. Read our article on Action Plans for more on how to do this.
5. Stick With It!
Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity not just a means to an end. Build in reminders to keep yourself on track, and make regular time-slots available to review your goals. Your end destination may remain quite similar over the long term, but the action plan you set for yourself along the way can change significantly. Make sure the relevance, value, and necessity remain high.
Key Points
Goal setting is much more than simply saying you want something to happen. Unless you clearly define exactly what you want and understand why you want it the first place, your odds of success are considerably reduced. By following the Five Golden Rules of Goal Setting you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with knowing you achieved what you set out to do.
So, what will you decide to accomplish today?
22. Open When You Feel Like The Distance is too much. (Hot Cider Pack)
Quote: ‘He who would arrive at the appointed end must follow a single road and not wander through many ways.’ Seneca
Story: ‘I missed my flight’ New Era
Story: ‘With Love From Grandma Bess’ Ensign
5 Pictures
23. Open When You Need A Promise.
Quote: ‘Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.’ John Dewey
Story: ‘True Peace’
Story: ‘Word of Wisdom Promise’ Children’s Friend
7 Pictures
True Peace
There was once a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace.
Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Over head was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
All who saw this picture thought it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall.
This did not look peaceful at all.
But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush, a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest.
The King chose the second picture as the winner. “Because,” explained the King, “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the true meaning of peace.”
Inner peace is a gift we give ourselves when we learn to live in the present moment regardless of what is going on in our world. It takes dedication and commitment to stay centered and grounded. Yet, the rewards are priceless.
24. Open When You Question Yourself. (Post It note flags)
Quote: ‘Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep straight in the sunlight.’ Benjamin Franklin
Story: ‘The Pencil Maker’
4 Pictures
The Pencil Maker
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”
“One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand.”
“Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.”
“Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”
“Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.”
“And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.”
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.
Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.
And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.
Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.
Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.
25. Open When You Need A Purpose. (Ice Breaker Orange Mints)
Quote: ‘Don’t Bunt. Aim out of the ballpark!!! David Ogilvy
Story: ‘Finding my purpose’ Ensign
4 Pictures
Story: ‘Run your race and wish others well’
I was jogging one day and I noticed a person in front of me, about 1/4 of mile. I could tell he was running a little slower than me and I thought, good, I shall try to catch him. I had about a mile to go on my path before I needed to turn off. So I started running faster and faster. Every block, I was gaining on him just a little bit. After just a few minutes I was only about 100 yards behind him, so I really picked up the pace and push myself. You would have thought I was running In the last leg of the London Olympic competition. I was determined to catch him. Finally, I did it! I caught and passed him by. On the Inside I felt so good.
“I beat him” of course, he didn’t even know we were racing.
After I passed him, I realized I had been so focused on competing against him that I had missed my turn. I had gone nearly six blocks past It. I had to turn around and go all back. Isn’t that what happens In life when we focus on competing with co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, trying to outdo them or trying to prove that we are more successful or more Important?
We spend our time and energy running after them and we miss out on our own paths to our God given destinies. The problem with unhealthy competition Is that It’s a never ending cycle.
There will always be somebody ahead of you, someone with better job, nicer car, more money In the bank, more education, a prettier wife, a more handsome husband, better behaved children, etc. But realize that “You can be the best that you can be; you are not competing with no one.
Take what God has given you, the height, weight & personality. Dress well & wear It proudly! You’ll be blessed by It. Stay focused and live a healthy life.
There’s no competition In DESTINY, run your own RACE and wish others well too.
26. Open When You Miss Home. (Picture of House – it will still be here)
Quote: ‘I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.’ Albert Einstein
Story: ‘Homesick Missionary’ Children’s Friend
Story: ‘No one should cry themselves to sleep’ New Era
5 Pictures
27. Open When You Need a Challenge. (Gum)
Quote: ‘Inspiration and genius ~ One and the Same.’ Victor Hugo
Einstein’s Riddle & Optical Illusion
2 Eye Spy’s
4Brain Teasers
It’s purported that Einstein said 98% of the world’s population could not figure out this logic problem. Try your hand at it.
There are 5 houses each with a different color. Their owners, each with a unique heritage, drinks a certain type of beverage, smokes a certain brand of cigarette, and keeps a certain variety of pet. None of the owners have the same variety of pet, smoke the same brand of cigarette or drink the same beverage.
Clues:
· The Brit lives in the red house.
· The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
· The Dane drinks tea.
· Looking from in front, the green house is just to the left of the white house.
· The green house’s owner drinks coffee.
· The person who smokes Pall Malls raises birds.
· The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
· The man living in the center house drinks milk.
· The Norwegian lives in the leftmost house.
· The man who smokes Blends lives next to the one who keeps cats.
· The man who keeps a horse lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
· The owner who smokes Bluemasters also drinks beer.
· The German smokes Prince.
· The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
· The man who smokes Blends has a neighbor who drinks water.
Who owns the pet fish?
28. Open When You are Hungry. (Oatmeal Packet)
Quote: ‘Life is Short ~ Eat Dessert First!’
Story: ‘A Christmas gift for Hungary’ Liahona
4 Pictures
29. Open On A Rainy Day.
Quote: ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass, it’s about dancing in the rain!’
Story: ‘Run Through the Rain’
4 Pictures
Run Through the Rain
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in ‘Mom let’s run through the rain, she said
‘What?’ Mom asked.
‘Lets run through the rain!’ She repeated
‘No, honey. We’ll wait until it slows down a bit,’ Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: ‘Mom, let’s run through the rain,’
‘We’ll get soaked if we do,’ Mom said.
‘No, we won’t, Mom.. That’s not what you said this morning,’ the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom’s arm.
This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?
‘Don’t you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said , ‘If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!’
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn’t hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child’s life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
‘Honey, you are absolutely right. Let’s run through the rain. If GOD let’s us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,’ Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories…So, don’t forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
30. Open When You’re Hurting (included band-aids, and Tylenol)
Quote: ‘No great man ever complains of want of opportunities.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Conference Talk: ‘Trust in the Lord’ Richard G. Scott
4 Pictures
31. Open When You Need a brain teaser
Quote: ‘Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right.’ Aldous Huxley
Where does my friend live’ Brain Teaser
32. Open When You’re Feeling a bit Frazzled (Gum)
Quote: ‘We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough.’ Helen Keller
Story: Buddha – 7 Steps of Meditation
5 Pictures
7 Steps to Best Prepare Yourself for Meditation
1. What is Your Focus?
What you focus on is what you create. So the time before meditation spend time bringing your focus to think about your meditation time. What do you want for your meditation today? Is there a prayer in your heart for your meditation? Is there an issue in your life that needs attention, clarity, resolve? What do you want from meditating today? Focusing in like this is preparing your mind and heart for a powerful start of your meditation. You are not wondering whereabouts unknown. You have an intention, a purpose, you are moving through your day with your eyes on your inner compass.
2. Create a Space Conducive for Going Within
It can support your meditation practice greatly to create a place that offers you inspiration, calm and peace the moment you enter it for meditation. You can dedicate a room to this purpose or a nice corner somewhere in your house. The more simple the decorations are the more it invites a feeling of calm and peace. Bring something to this space that gives you inspiration to go within. It can be a beautiful picture of nature, a picture, anything that reminds you of the love and truth you are cherishing.
3. Prepare Your Body
It’s nice to be clean and free of any odors before going into meditation. Brush your teeth, put on fresh and loose fitting clothes. It is nice to have a clean feeling about you. Cleaning yourself in preparation can be like a cleansing, you cleanse yourself of all the ‘muck’ of the day.
4. Sitting Down versus Laying Down
Research has proven that lying down promotes us to go to sleep and thus is not really to be present in our meditation anymore. Meditation is about being awake, being clear. I recommend you sit up straight and comfortable enough so your body will not distract you during your meditations. Sit in the lotus position to get the most benefits from meditation. It is proven that when we sit up dead straight and have our legs crossed and our fingers in the mudrah position the kundalini energy in our spine can move about more freely and helps us to reach deeper states of consciousness when going within.
5. Empty Your Mind
Meditation is NOT a way of making your mind quiet. It is a way of entering into the quiet that is already there – buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day. A way to prepare yourself to have the mind be relatively ’empty’ so you can focus within is to write down all the present thoughts you have, things you are trying to remember, things unresolved from the day perhaps. Just calmly sit and write all thoughts down until you mind feels relatively empty and it certainly is not trying to “hold or remember” any information or to do’s. Trying to stop your mind from thinking is like trying to stop a river from flowing with your bare hands… it’s exhausting and almost impossible to accomplish! When you learn how to meditate, you learn to step out of the river, and let your thoughts flow past you effortlessly. When you learn to do this, you will find that your river of thoughts slows down all by itself. No effort is required. Meditation is an act of letting go – not an act of shutting down.
6. Let Go of Expectations
It is important for you to let go of any expectation you might have about your meditation. Sometimes we desire to have an experience we had before again because it was so wonderful. This desire can stop the flow and be in the way of what wants to happen in meditation right now and we might not get the experience we needed to take our next step forward. Letting go of expectation help us to be more open to what is happening and that what wants to happen in response to our desire.
7. Focus On Your Reason to Meditate
Pray before you meditate. Spiritual desire is to meditation what the sun is to human life; we need the sun to keep our life forces going, and we need spiritual desire to sustain our focus and endeavors in each second of meditation. Everything stems from your spiritual desire. So take some moment at the beginning of your meditation and reflect on your intent, the very reason why you are sitting down and going within. Focus on it and let yourself connect to feeling it. Breathe deeply before you begin. Experts recommend you draw 7 long breaths to calm your heart rate and soothe your mind before you begin your rhythmic meditation breathing.
33. Open When You Want to feel Appreciated (list of what he/she is good at)
Quote: ‘When life gets hard and you feel alone, Remember you mean the world to somebody and that somebody calls you son.’
Conference Talk: ‘Opportunities to do Good’ Henry B. Eyring
3 Pictures
34. It’s a Hot Day. (Money for an Ice Cream or Slushie) I sent Euros.
Quote: ‘Aim at the sun, and you not reach it; but your arrow will fly far higher than if aimed at an object on a level with yourself.’ J. Howes
Conference Talk: Shine as Lights in the World’ Neal A. Maxwell
5 Pictures
