Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

You know what “random acts of kindness” are. It’s when you do something nice for someone else, out of the blue, for no reason other than to make that person’s day a little brighter. You do this “just because”, and are not seeking any reward for the random act of kindness. If you are so inspired, you can put your genealogy skills to use in a random act of kindness for a complete stranger. Start by visiting the Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness website. The Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness, (RAOGK), website was started in 1999. It is a networking … Continue reading

Things to Do before Signing Contracts and before Moving Day

This is the last in my series about moving and buying another house with your spouse. Before you sign a contract, check how far it is to schools, shopping, doctors and transport facilities. Check out how long it will take you and your spouse to get to work and to church. After you have found a house and area you like, come back a few times at night at varying times of the day to scope out the neighborhood and make sure all is quiet. If you know people in that area talk to them about how they find things. … Continue reading

Relief Society: Suggestions for Compassionate Service

Compassionate service is one of the key roles that the Relief Society has in each ward. The Relief Society is there to step in as needed and to help those who are in need of help in times of trial and sickness. At times these acts may be small and at other times the Relief Society may be called upon to perform service for much longer periods of time. As you work to meet the needs of each situation it is important to take the time to plan out a positive solution. You should keep in mind the scope of … Continue reading

RS/EQ: “Selfless Service”

Lesson 8 of the Spencer W. Kimball manual for this year’s course of study is entitled “Selfless Service.” We begin, as always, with a short story from President Kimball’s life that illustrates the point. He was flying out of Chicago and noticed a young mother, heavily pregnant, struggling with her two-year-old child. The plane was late, the toddler was tired and cranky, and because she was threatening miscarriage, the mother was not able to pick the child up. President Kimball stepped in and offered to hold the child, giving her a piece of gum. President Kimball later received a letter … Continue reading

Need to Get Motivated? Consider Community Service

I maintain that running a solid, successful business and being an involved community member go hand-in-hand. Some of the most successful business people I have known have also been quite involved in community and civic projects. Now, I’m not just talking about writing a check or making a donation here—I think that spending some time on community service is one of the best ways to motivate oneself and invigorate a small business. Community service can be anything that moves you and that you feel passionate about. If you are volunteering just to make contacts or choosing a cause that is … Continue reading

Unconventional Methods of Service

Some recent events have helped me consider some rather unconventional methods of helping the sisters we visit teach. When a crisis looms, women of the church are often quick to offer a meal. While I have been the joyful recipient of several dinners and in no way mean to downplay their wonderful help, there are times when I realize that I, myself, am trapped in the dinner mentality. It can be very helpful to take the time to think about the individual needs of the sisters and reach out to them in a more individual effort. Homebound Sisters – A … Continue reading

Small Acts of Service

Every day we are given small opportunities to serve those around us. This type of small service can make a big difference in someone’s day. It can also help you to feel closer to the Lord as you help His children. It is important that we look for these opportunities and take advantage of them. I have witnessed several small acts of service over the past few days. My husband just helped our neighbors load their moving truck. He went over and volunteered to help, when he realized that they did not have anyone to help them. We have spoken … Continue reading

Scientists Say Glitter is Bad For the Environment

Glitter is popular with many people. You can find glitter on fancy holiday cards, in some cosmetics, and on your preschooler’s latest artwork. One annoying thing about glitter is that it has a tendency to spread. Environmental scientists are calling for a ban on glitter because it is an ecological hazard. Dr. Trisia Farrelly is an environmental scientist. She said all glitter should be banned because it is a microplastic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that microplastics are the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our ocean and Great Lakes. Microplastics come from larger plastic … Continue reading

Final Rules About What Health Plans Must Cover

This is exactly what many health insurance companies, and many families, have been waiting to hear. The Obama administration has issued the final rules that define the Essential Health Benefits that must be covered in all health plans, starting in 2014. Here is a quick look at what will be included. The Department of Health and Human Services has announced a final rule that defines what health insurance plans must cover. The rule applies to both individual plans and the small group markets. The purpose is to give consumers a consistent way to compare one health insurance plan with another. … Continue reading

Iowa Will Have a State-Federal Partnership Exchange

Part of the Affordable Care Act requires that all states have a health insurance exchange. The deadline for states that wanted to have a state-based exchange has passed. The Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, has declared that Iowa will pursue a state-federal partnership health insurance exchange. Every state is required to have a health insurance exchange. In 2014, individuals and small businesses will use the exchange to find affordable health insurance. There were three potential options for the way that a state’s health insurance exchange could be. One option was to create a state-based exchange. The deadline for that option … Continue reading