something simple

Just felt the need to share this little quote today.  A simple smile can change the world.  Let it be yours.

down and out

Kids are screaming, doors are slamming, pollen is ripping my throat out, and I sit here with a half eaten double lemon creme pie, left overs from pi day (3.14 p.s. thanks Dad, my butt thanks you too), undeterred typing my heart out.  I've got this nervous itch, had it since yesterday, kids need help with home work.  Man all I wanna do is scratch…..

And I am back.  I could sit here and give you ever alliteration for service, but I am going to save my hands and your mind.  It's plain; it's simple, my name is Auna Leigh, I'm 32 and I am a service addict.  It's a compulsion, a need to please, to lift a burden, to bring others love and I  can't stop.  It interrupts my family life, my marriage, my sleep, even my thoughts.

Almost two years ago, I sat in the doctors office barely breathing, as they read my blood oxygen report.    It wasn't good and I could see it in the doctors eyes….   "You should be hospitalized.  You didn't respond well to the first run of antibiotics.  I am going to have to either admit you to the hospital or give you a shot in your butt and make you promise that you will not leave your bed for five days." So I chose bearing my bum and humbly accepting my fate.  My dear husband just shook his head, "Pneumonia, really!? "  I knew it was bad and it had been bad for weeks, I was the one not getting oxygen to the point that my hands and feet were blue.  A couple days later I cracked a rib while coughing.

When I left that appointment I made two phone calls, one to my Mom and the other to my friend, old enough to be my mom, whom acted as if she was my mom.  Today her name is Martha, just as Martha of the Bible, sister of Mary.  She is my service bound sister.  Martha's the kind of lady no one can say "no" to, either that or she won't take "no" for an answer.  And when Martha serves, it's in style!  So I knew as I made this call I'd see her soon, pounding on my door.  What came next was something I will never forget,  because I was on deaths door, I may not have all my facts straight. Regardless this is a story that needs to land in someones ear…..

The first visit from Martha was with a frozen lasagna, big bag of salad and a loaf of bread.  She came through the door in a matter of minutes after I contacted her.   However miraculous this may sound the day that stands out the most is the day she kicked me out of bed!  She ordered me to take a bath but before  I got up she gave me one of her plush fuzzy towels and grabbed my dirty old ones.  She then proceeded to take off my weeks old, nasty sheets and then made my bed with her beautiful yellow egyptian cotton sheets (she knew I loved yellow).   I climbed in the tub, melted into oblivion and closed my eyes.  I soaked and pondered how she was still on earth, for she was a heavenly angel.  I thought of Christ washing His disciples feet the night before He was crucified. She was a typify of Christ, always abounding in good works.  When I made my way out into the kitchen she made me sit and then watched me eat Kneaders chicken noodle soup, because one of the many ways Linda (crap did I just type that, I mean Martha) knows how to please is a bag of Kneaders take out.  Martha also brought one of her card tables and put it by my bedside and draped it with one of her fancy table clothes, brought me her favorite cup that had a straw attached, Kleenex,  and a whole box of magazines, books and chick flicks.

Now I was a mother, not just a mom, but a mother of five very busy little kids.  My baby had just turned one and my oldest was nine, with three others scattered in between.  I was the nurse, not the patient.  I went all day long, up before the sun rose to wee hours of the night caring for these babies of mine.  But during that time I leaned, I leaned so hard I almost fell.  But by doing so I was lifted, raised to do better and be better.  I was inspired by not only Martha, but many women who came to my aid, with meals and child care, a phone call, breakfast in bed, draping me in mustard plasters to clear my lungs and coming to help my kids out of the tub when my pain killers knocked me out. 

Now being a self acclaimed service addict it was hard to watch others get their next hit on my account.  To see their smiling faces and the joy that radiated their frames made me feel good, but ever ready to give in return.  From my bed I watched my husband serve endlessly, exhausted, trying to keep it all afloat.  It nearly crushed me into a million pieces to see my children struggle, wondering if I was going to ever get out of bed.  

As a friend you have to be ready for others to come and help you.  When asked if they can bring dinner, say "YES!".  Some people are naturally good at this sort of thing.  Think of it as a gift of joy you are giving them.  Many, including myself, think as a newly independent child "I do it myself!".  The thing is, we probably can do it all on our own and most of the time we do, but sometimes it's nice to think about others.  We all need a chance to serve, to find joy through service.  Don't deny our friends that gift.   Don't worry about making it up to everyone who helps you, because God takes care that.     

with love...

Friday's Challenge:

Send a love note to someone you care about.

One of my favorite things to do is to take a trip down memory lane.  Sometimes that can be scary but luckily I decided to keep a handful of feel good memories.  Doesn't matter the reason, nor the season or handcrafted or a plain white sheet of paper, I LOVE cards!  I keep these special keepsakes close by me, a love note from Mr. C tucked in the case of my phone, a farewell letter from my close friend Katie tucked in the book I'm reading, a folded piece of paper filled with compliments from friends in my nightstand, one was taped on my fridge for over a year.  These are a bright lights of hope when the days get dark and cold.  It amazes me how a sincere heart felt card can literally make my heart skip a beat.  They are mana to my soul.  Knowing how this makes me feel, how am I doing in return!?  

Today I received cards for my birthday.  I was beyond giddy.  I felt like a kid in a candy store.  Wait, what!?  I mean I feel like me in a candy store!  I was so excited to read ever juicy piece of love that oozed off the paper.  I loved every single word written on each individual card.  Reading each line made my heart sore and drop tears on my cheeks.  I am so thankful for friends who take time to tell me that they care.

I know some people will complain that they aren't letter writers.  Okay, have it your way, but I also have a about seven special messages saved on my phone from loved ones.  So try it today.  Make it a special day for someone.  Who know's what they are going through, or what they need to hear.  If you pray and listen the Lord will address the card himself.  He always comes through.

During this Easter season I wanted to share my love for God and his son Jesus Christ.  I know that God lives.  I know that Jesus Christ died for me.  I know that he loves me and has given me his word through Holy Scriptures.  If we read these words we will find love and peace.  I am indebted to Him.  Because of Him I strive to be a better friend.  Because of Him I can repent and come unto Him for strength.  Because of Him I can be made whole when wronged.  Because of Him I am enough.  Because of Him I can be resurrected and return to live with Him and my family.  I LOVE Him.

angel made

A few months ago I was on the phone with Ashlee, trying to figure out a way I could help on her blog.  I told her  I wanted to fast and pray about it.  She agreed that she would attend the temple and find her own confirmation.  Within 48 hours I had been roped into something I never dreamed I'd ever do. A personal blog about service and friendship.  First of all, I am unqualified.  I didn't feel like anyone would want to hear anything I had to say.  Then later that day I called another friend for counsel.  I started to explain the idea Ashlee had put out there and she stopped me, "Wait.  I have been meaning to call you all last week.  Is she asking you to do a blog about relationships, about being a friend?  I wanted to call you to tell you that's what you should do."  What the???  Either I had crazy friends or this was the path I was to follow down.  As time went on I started to believe the feelings I had deep inside.  The Lord wanted me to stand, where I could, to lift and inspire with what lifted and inspired me. Service.  That weekend while my sisters and Mom ate a couple of gourmet pizzas I brought up the idea.  My Mom, being the great Mom that she is said, "Of course!  You should do this.  I love reading what you write."  After everyone digested that idea and some pizza the stories started flying.  "There was this one time when Juner was sick… I once decided to give this homeless man… There's this one lady who was trying to buy…"  I was in awe!  Service I never knew had happened, but by listening to others story I was being inspired.  I felt peace wash over me.  We need to learn from others experiences.  So as I embarked on this little journey I felt the peace of the Lord with me.  I try to keep faith when Satan tries to wiggle his way into my thoughts making me doubt myself and this crazy idea.

With that as a back drop I have asked a few people to tell me their experience during the last three years.  This story is written by our dear friend Kim.  She is beyond blessed with amazing gifts.  She is constantly learning a new trade.  She went to church with us and offered to do something we all knew she could do.  I'd never heard the whole story but after reading it I knew this is the one to start with.  Kim was an earthly angel going about the work God put in front of her.  Not only is she full of talent but humble as well.  Thank you Kim for the gifts you share so freely.  

I remember seeing a little blurb on Facebook from Ashlee and something about her husband being gone....that she and her babies will love him forever.

I don't remember the exact wording, I just remember how it made me feel.

I was in shock.

I was devastated.

I didn't know what to do.

It was very early in the morning, I was up with my early rising baby...

I didn't know who to call.

I didn't know Ashlee very well, but I enjoyed being around her and her beautiful kids.

There was just something about her.

She seemed very self-less.

Her kids, her family, were her world.

My heart broke for what had happened.

I knew immediately what I wanted to do.

I wanted to make a blanket for those babies.

And I wanted that blanket to be made from their Daddies clothing.

It is a hard thing to explain how the idea came to me.

Those blankets were going to be made.....whether they were my hands or not.

And I almost didn't do it.

I was almost too afraid to put myself out there.

I was afraid to ask for the clothing at such a delicate and emotional time in Ashlee's life.

I didn't know if, given the whole situation, if Ashlee even wanted a reminder like that around.

I went back and forth......

I asked the opinion of some mutual friends and they all agreed that it would be a wonderful thing to do.

As I dumped the bag full of clothing on my floor, I was overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed because looking at the clothing, I knew I was supposed to make each child a blanket instead of one large one

So I was overwhelmed with that very large task ahead of me....

But also overwhelmed by the amazing angels I felt around me.

Overwhelmed with the spirit I felt.

I had done many quilts before, but I was no expert, that's for sure.

And I had such different fabrics to work with, t-shirt material, thick shorts, button up shirts.

I questioned it in the beginning.

How could I make this work and not just be something she would just end up throwing away.

I decided to back all the t-shirts with an iron-on, making it thicker, and not stretchy.

And I wanted to come up with a unique design....not just the run of the mill t-shirt quilt.

And then I started.

I will never, to this day, be able to explain what happened after I started those quilts.

I was not making those quilts.

Everything just happened.

Everything went so smoothly together.

Everything made sense.

The colors went together so well to make each quilt so special and individual.

Things worked that shouldn't have worked.

I had enough fabric even when I had sworn I had used the last of the matching fabric.

My baby boy......he required much less attention than usual.

My kids played well together as I worked, not fighting as much as usual.

When I went to buy fabric for backing, someone handed me 50% off coupons to use.

I knew I had a specific blanket for each individual child.

I felt like I knew what their little hearts needed.

When I was finished laying out the five blankets, I had several left over, already made, squares.

I am not a very organized person....so this is actually a common thing to happen when I am making something.

I over-make.

But this time it was different.

There were just enough extra squares to fit together a quilt that would include the colors and squares from all the other quilts.

I got a knot in my stomach.

Should I?

Would Ashlee want one too???

I decided it wasn't my job to question.

It was obviously supposed to be made.

I made an extra border to go around so it would be a decent adult size lap quilt.

And before I knew it, 6 quilts were made.

SIX QUILTS!

I did not keep record or how long it took me.

But I would say it was not more than a few days.

It was an amazingly spiritual experience.

I was actually floored by it all.

They were done.

I didn't want to be the one to deliver the blankets to her.

I didn't feel like I should get any praise for it.

Because I didn't do it.

After some prayer (and terrible indigestion), I took them to Ashlee's house.

The couches were full of family members and friends.

I wanted to drop the bag off and run, but they asked me to show them.

It was hard for me.

I wanted badly to tell Ashlee that I was so grateful that she allowed me to do this.

Allowed me to do such a personal thing for her little family.

Allowed me to have such an amazing spiritual experience.

But I am not very good with words.

So I gave her a big hug.

Ashlee just held on.

She hugged me with everything she had.

I knew for sure that this was what I was supposed to do for her.

This was how I could help her.

I am Thankful that I listened to that still small voice, urging me to make these quilts.

I am Thankful for the Angels that surrounded me over those few days to finish up a work that I could have never done alone.

I am most grateful for the courage given to me through prayer.

This experience will be forever in my heart.

Don't ignore it when you feel the need to do something to help someone out.

Even if it is small.

Even if you are afraid to do it.

JUST DO IT!

This is how the lord works.

We are his hands.

beep beep

Friendship is a two way street.  Sometimes the roads are busy, both lanes being used frequently.  Other times the roads are barren and when two cars happen to pass it is a blissful site.  The point is when we do pass are we waving, welcoming each other in or are we purposely looking the other way?  About 5 years ago we moved back to our old house we had left after being in Idaho Falls for a year.  When I came back to church for the first time, I sat on the back row with a chip on my shoulder.  These people were nothing like my friends on the other side of the state.  They were all older and in a different stage of life and so perfect.  There was no way we would become friends.  Many would stop and welcome me and reach out but I sat with my arms crossed not letting anyone in.  Then a crazy thing happened, they asked me to work in the Primary with a seven year old class.  All I could think was, "bright idea putting a mother of four in with a bunch of kids."  I would have kids for breakfast, lunch and dinner and now all day Sunday!  

****I just want to clarify, although I went in with a booger of an attitude, I slowly found joy and peace with those kids.  They were so much fun, teaching me all new kinds of tricks and eternal truths.  I love seeing these now eleven year olds walking around our subdivision and when I honk they may or may not wave back.  Regardless, they will always have a special place in my heart.

So…. I would sit and glare at the Bishop (Leader of our congregation), sink down in my seat and continue to build up a crusty coral reef that a few dared to explore.  And as luck would have it, we decided to have another baby.  To add to my fury my one friend and neighbor moved out.  I'm not going lie, I prayed every night that someone would move in that I would get along with.

Two months later, moving trucks made their way down my street.  When I saw them I was a little giddy and sick to my stomach.  I made my way down the street and knocked.  Later that night I posted this on my family blog...

"Just met my neighbor down the street. She has four kids, four and under, needs a work out buddy, is a photographer, doesn't let her kids use potty words, doesn't wash her hair every day........God does answer prayers!"

Never did I know how she would change my life, how she would impact everyone that met her.  Yet she was just a mom like me.  It's funny though, that this friendship budded a simple welcome to the neighborhood with my not so infamous bread.  Now she's gluten free so I openly call her my far sided celiac friend.  But that's all it took.  She later invited me to go shopping and later to Arby's for a shake.  I'd like to say it was down hill from there, but it wasn't.  We were still good friends, but we welcomed more friends into our neighborhood.  We were known lovingly as the Mormon mommy's at the end of our street.  We had 18 kids between four houses. We all felt like we basically won the jack pot of friendships.  We spent countless hours perched on our toes as our kids ran down the street, all while trying to keep conversation.  

Ashlee drifted one way and I drifted another.  When we did pass by we enjoyed a friendly chat.  Then before we had our babies we would walk.  During one walk I complained about my back hurting.  Later she invited me over and taught me stretches to ease my pains.  When the bomb dropped things went crazy.  She was always preoccupied with things.  She was a shell of a human, living inside her thoughts.  I tried to keep things light when we were together.  Most the time I would let myself in.  I would text her to see what was up.  Looking back I'm sure I bugged the crap out of her.  

I remember at one point seeing that her car never came this way.  We rarely passed and when we did she'd look the other way.  I kept driving her way.  I never stopped.  Sometimes we'd ride together looking the other way.  Other times she'd drive my way, I'd give a brief smile and keep going along my journey.

What kind of friend are you?  Are you looking the other way, too busy or preoccupied?As friends we shouldn't count the trips down the one way street when the other road is under construction.  I had two amazing friends that I set up road block for when I moved back, whom now I admire and look to for advice and counsel.  Stellar women that are more grounded than dirt.  I've had my own construction that's caused some detours for Ashlee; she's driven my way when storms raged.   Real friendships sometimes go down other roads for a while, maybe in another state, with a newborn babe, down in the depths of depression or on a FB sabbatical.  And that's okay.  Remember to be there when they return; welcome them home with a loving warm hug of forgiveness and understanding.  Be the friend you want when you return. 

Costco Hot Dogs

I have been in a slump lately.  I have always been a pretty cheery person.  And then sometimes, I get caught in a trap.  A trap that encases all of us at some point or another.   I was trying to explain my frustration to a friend when she said, "Auna Leigh, just say it.  I won't judge you for how you feel."  I broke down, "I don't know Jennece, sometimes I feel unvalidated, as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend.  I have always felt a little uncertain of who I am.  I feel insecure.  I am suppose to be starting a new blog.  It's something I know I need to do.  But what if I trip and land flat on my face.  What if I no one likes it?  I don't want to be self promoting.  I don't need any big awards.  I just want to help others know how to be a friend and find joy along the way.  But what if, what if, what if?"
This dear sweet friend told me. "Auna so what?  You'll never know if you don't try.  I believe you need to search out your heart and pray for validation from the Lord."  I continued, "But I know I am suppose to."  My wise friend said, "There is nothing wrong with praying for a strong confirmation or a second witness."   I agreed.  This was a good thing that would put my mind at ease.  So I started praying, on my knees, in the car, out loud and in my closet.  I needed this witness.  I deserved God's love.

Then around 4:15pm I got a call.  It was my sweet ten year old daughter.  "Um Mom, are you going to come get me?"  My heart stopped, my daughter had been at school for over a half hour waiting with a 5 foot stuffed bear that she had chosen to snuggle with during her class "read in".  How could I have forgotten?  I had taken her to school that day with a ginormous bear, knowing full well I had to bring her home with it.   As I picked her up, I ran out and gave her a big hug, apologizing all over the place.  (Don't you do that as a mother, a friend, a wife, a daughter?  I was listening to my sister talk with a friend on the phone today, both apologizing.  When one would stop, the other would begin.  I finally told her to "knock it off, you're both doing the best that you can.")

I helped Emme stuff the big old bear in the trunk and jumped in the car.  As we drove away there were tears in her eyes and there was a visible lump in my throat.  The thing that really sucks is this wasn't the first time I'd royally messed up.  Just a month earlier I had missed her big performance for BSU's halftime show with all the BSU cheerleaders.  I had schedule it for a half hour later.  Grrrrrr.  I broke the silence, "Will you forgive me?"  Emme looked at me with those big blue eyes glistening with tears, "But Mom how could you forget.  You drove me to school this morning with the bear.  You knew I needed a ride home.  How could you forget me?"  I looked her in the eye and said, "Em I am so sorry.  I simply forgot.  I really try my best to get everything right, but I don't.  Do you think  I'd ever do this on purpose?  I would never want to hurt you.  Let's list all the things I do to show my love for you."  She looked at me as if I was half crazy, and she may be right, and said, "Mom, I know you love me.  I mean you did HAVE me!"  I smiled ear to ear, "You're right I did.  But let's go back 9 months before that.  I WANTED you.  I told your Dad that it was time for you to come!  Did you know we had only been married 3 months when we decided to have you!?  And then I carried you for nine miserable months.  And then I had to push you out of me!!!"  She giggled, "Hey you wanted me!"
As we got closer to home she kept adding to the list of all the things I do for her, wash her clothes, do her hair, make her food, drive her to her activities, etc.  When we parked the car I looked at her in a new light, "Emme look at you.  You are happy.  How can you be so happy?"  She grabbed her coat and starting opening the door and said, "I don't know.  I just forget about it."  And she didn't give it another thought.

I went to sleep last night with still a heaviness about me.  I just felt uncertain about everything.  I had the feeling of wanting to fall asleep for a long time, maybe not waking up until summer.  In the morning I got up late, sent the kids off to school and set off to do a bunch of errands.  One of which was a trip to Costco with my sissy Andi.  Nothing profound happened with her, but the time connecting was rejuvenating.   She listened to my incessant whining. I bought her a hot dog. (All for our Nanny, bless her soul.)  I listened as she talked about her unknown future and the possibility of moving out of state.  She fed my kids and watched them play.  The simple things.  And then the door bell rang and in came a little guy.  Ding dong.  Here comes a little girl.  The week before she had a little fourteen year old boy who has down syndrome over to play.   I sat spell bound watching her bounce from one kid to another.  Each wrapped in her affection.  When hadn't my sister had a house full of kids?  She was always helping other moms.  She then kicked me out the door to be with my husband to celebrate our 12th anniversary.  She is an angel in my life and the thought of her moving away tares at my heart.  

A felt the need to share these two stories for two reasons.  First, my ten year old daughter taught me that all the validation she needed, she already had.  This pushed me to think inward.  God loves me, he wants me.  With every breath I take, every beat of my heart, the tinniest of snotty kisses, the string of green lights to get me home quicker, verify that I am validated.  All I need to do is open my eyes and see.  See the sun bursting through the clouds.  Enjoy a breathtaking rainbow.  Secondly, I needed to see my sister in action.  I was inspired.  This is why I wanted to begin a blog.  I want to share the love others share with me.  Today I sponged off of her goodness and service.  She helped me feel full again. And that is what we do as friends, sponge, vent, push, kick, inspire, and uplift.

So how can we be a better friend?  Validate each other.  Compliments go a long way.  I like that shirt on you.  I love how you wear your hair.  I love how grateful you are.  I like how you give so much of yourself as a mother.  We see it; we recognize it, but do we say it?  Just like Christ is there to be our friend.  He's there to bare our pains, to tell us we are worth it.  We can be His hands in validating each other.

After Ashlee's husband had passed I was constantly trying to be there for her.  I would pray daily to know what she needed.  Many times, it was a simple text. "Just want you to know I think your amazing."  "You looked hot today."  "You are an amazing mom."  "Seriously, how did you get so lucky to have 5 fantastic kids?"   "I am so proud of you."  "You  are such a great example."  I've learned that when the thought first comes into your head, say it.  I can't tell you how many times I have noticed something spectacular and not commented and later regretted it.  You will never lose by validating some one.  Share the light you feel inside.

****After writing this story I shared it with my daughter.  She liked it.  I feel validated.  I feel alive!

3 a.m. text

As I laid in bed that night I said a silent prayer for my neighbor.  I knew she was up against some serious marital struggles, although I never knew the magnitude until my phone went off at 3 a.m.  It was one of those out of body experiences being jolted by a noise in the middle of the night.  I turned on my light and read the text silently, as I read, "Emmett was shot, by paralegals husband. Don't know how I'm going to tell my babies. Please pray for me."  My heart raced, I clutched my chest and started sobbing.  By then my husband was wide-awake wondering whether my water had broke or something terrible had happened.  I confirmed the later, and he held me as he whispered a prayer in my ear.  I quickly raced out of bed and forced myself into my "a little too tight" maternity clothes.  I remember silently kissing my husband and waddling down the sidewalk in the eerie chilly morning, "thanking God for a husband who loves me, who prays for me, who understands when I need to be a friend" and in the same thought wondering "How in the world am I suppose to support my friend who hurts so bad with something I have never experienced!!!!!?"  The last thing she will want is some friend who seems to have the "perfect marriage" to sit and tell her how sorry she was.  I prayed, "Lord give me strength.  Show me what to do.  Show me how to help. Let me be an instrument in thy hands."

I knocked at the door half trembling because of cold and over anxious jitters, hoping to meet a family member, the door opened, and there she was, still as beautiful as ever, with smudged make up and slightly swollen eyes.  I walked thru the door and into her arms and she held me as I wept.  I repeated over and over again, "I am so sorry."  How could she be standing as I leaned on her?  She invited me in to her family room where her family sat trying to console each other through humor.  We quoted movies and shows and sat and rehashed the nights’ events.  A half hour later Ashlee got up and walked out of the room and fell down on the living room floor, alone in the dark.  I sat by her, rubbing her back as Ali sat in front of her, talking her through her tears.

I felt out of place but didn't want to leave her.  She had family, I had a family I needed to take care of, yet I stayed on.  I don't know why but I hate standing still, maybe its my long family line of ADD, but I got up and got lotion and said "Alright which can I massage first, hands or feet?" At first she fought the idea of a nine-month pregnant woman massaging her feet but soon relented.  "How did you know that is my love language?"  I didn't; the thing is I had known Ash only a year and not very well.  As I sat and rubbed her hands and feet she slowly relaxed, even made a joke or two.  Then it was 6am, an hour before the kids would awake and family had just arrived from Twin Falls.  Ashlee needed food; Tytus would need milk.  I became her water pusher.  Anytime she wasn't talking I'd have her drink.  I made eggs and pancakes with other family members and made her sit and eat.  I did dishes as she sat down with her kids to break the news.  Then friends from our church started filing in.  I sat down and planned babysitting for the next week, laundresses were lined out, hot meals were dated, people were assigned to come and clean.  One thing I love about 

Ashlee is she is not too proud to let others in to serve.  She leaned on us, gave us a purpose to help her survive.  People from all over asked how they could help; our wise Bishop, leader of our congregation, said in response, "Ask the Lord and then go forward with faith."

                                                       

The Lord laid out all that needed to be done right in front of me, because I asked.  I didn't stop and stutter and ask the Lord why should I rub her feet?  Or why should I have her over for dinner?  I simply knocked and the door opened with all the opportunities He needed me to answer.  Now I am just as fallen as every other human being who has walked this earth.  I do not profess to be better than anyone.  We are all worthy to be His hands, all we need to do is ask.  One day it may be bread to a neighbor or a hello to a stranger or maybe letter to an old friend.  If we ask He will give us those opportunities.   

The Lord is waiting to enrich our lives, strengthen relationships, for us to live outside ourselves and learn the real reason for this life.  We are here to become like Christ.  He set the way and gave His example for us to lean on and follow.   The lepers, the lame, the deaf, the blind, those found in adultery, the rich, the poor, the publicans, children and many disciples leaned on the Savior.  He let them in.  

Many leaned on Christ as a friend, a leader, and a comfort.  He healed them through words and deeds.  He does today!  His words speak to us in the scriptures, and in our thoughts. He is the one that teaches us to serve others and be there when a friend needs to lean on our shoulder.   If we allow Him, he can mold us into the person He sees us as.  Everyone who left the Savior's presences was lifted up or was taught how to better improve.  That is a true friend.  One who listens to all your venting, and knows when to rescue you with a coconut cake or tell you that you're acting like a complete moron.  Be that friend.  Be what your Brother has taught you to be.  He loves you, always will.  Help Him do his work; be His hands.

                          
***This was written with Ashlee's approval.  To see more of her work go to The Moments We Stand.