Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali

Service is a necessary part of life and without it we would loose our identities. Read that again. I know, at first glance it makes no sense. Gandhi backs me up on this, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." When we serve, we use our talents to bless others' lives. In turn, when serving properly, we grow eternally. We uncover talents we may not have known we have and build upon those we do possess. Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love." Sometimes a smile is the best service you can give. Service is simple. Service is love.

The words to this hymn are simple, yet poignant:

"Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad, or made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed."

Open your eyes, look around. You'll see it everywhere! Now, quietly participate. You will bring purpose and meaning to your life. Service is the overwhelmed couple at Church overflowing with love and patience for their special needs child. Service are the feeble hands and body of the 80-year-old man that comes to shovel my driveway. Service is 4 teenage boys driving around our neighborhood in the early hours of morning to shovel every driveway that has not already been done. Service is the woman that offers to take my children for a few hours because she knows I'm struggling on my own. Service is the young innocent child who crawls into bed and rubs your back when they know your exhausted. Service is the beautiful smile and encouraging words of the man who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Service is the pure love of Christ and Christ is the ultimate example of loving, selfless service.

The "Team Hoyt" story has always been one of my favorites. A little closer to home though, is a story of my Grandpa that I have always loved hearing. I never knew Grandpa because he passed away before I was born but this story shows what kind of man he was. Years ago, when my Mother was a young girl, my Grandpa owned a store called the "Sawyer's Variety Store" One Christmas Eve a drunken man entered his store. He had no money to provide even a small Christmas for his children the next morning. Grandpa responded to this man by telling him to take what he wanted and needed for his family and the man could repay him later. Very grateful the man left and Grandpa knew he would never be paid for the things he gave the man but his heart was full of love and charity for this man. He greatly served with a willing heart.

"Then wake up and do something more...

Doing good is a pleasure,

a joy beyond measure,

a blessing of duty and love."

By serving others your relationships will grow and love will be nurtured for those whom you provide service. Serve in your home, and your community, in your work place, and for your country. Service is simple. Service is love.

"O God, open us up"

Open our eyes that we may see,

Open our ears that we might hear

Open our hearts that we might feel,

and then, O lord,

Open our hands that we might serve."

~Pastor Tom Pace; St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX

XOXO

Corner Piece #1 continued: My Religion

A song I learned years ago echoes in my mind. "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am, I know God's plan, I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, I'll honor His name. I'll do what is right. I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim." Yes, I am one of them: a Mormon, LDS, a member, crazy- call me what you will. As this song so plainly states, "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"! I belong and I believe.

My religious quest began, in my opinion, my Senior year of High School. I was raised in an active Mormon home. We were a typical large family with two wonderful parents. We experienced many difficult trials. Each time we pulled through and became closer as a family. Eventually though, all of us had to decide what we actually believed instead of what Mom and Dad believed. I had to decide what was important to me. I had friends of all denominations-Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Athiest, and one that didn't believe in organized religion but had a firm belief in God. I began watching them. Then I began asking questions. I needed to know what I believed. I decided to continue onward in how I was raised. I knew in my heart it was true. Through my observations however, I found all of my friends to be very respectable. I learned and am learning much from them and their religious beliefs. Through this, my testimony has become more deeply rooted and my friendships have become deeper and more meaningful as well.

These small experiences were then followed by a chapter of World Religion in my Senior English class. We studied some of the major religions of the World that were not commonly found in our sheltered little part of the Country. We learned of Taoism and Buddhism, as well as influential religious leaders such as Mohammed, Confucius, and Buddha. Again, I learned a deep respect for these religions and their followers as my beliefs were even more solidified.

I then got married and started my own family. My husband and I were so privileged to be able to go to Egypt together. Again I was exposed to yet another religion-Islam. Our eyes were opened to so many incredible people and beliefs of this faith!

A couple years ago my husband and I moved our very small family to Texas. We continued to grow and learn there but in different ways. Now that we believed, we were tested. When friends asked what our religious affiliations were and we answered, most times, one of the next questions were similar to this one, "Your religion has so many rules, don't you feel like they are always telling you what you can and can't do? I could never do that."

The first couple of times I was taken back but I thought for a long hard time about this question in it's various forms. Yes, it is true. There are many guidelines we choose follow. For example: the word of wisdom (no smoking or drinking), modesty, keeping the Sabbath day holy. These guidelines actually provide freedom. I know, it sounds incredibly weird but for me when I keep my body clean of the impurities of drugs and alcohol, I am actually free. I am not a slave to these addictive stimulants. When someone drinks so much they are drunk they are a slave to the alcohol they took into their bodies. Therefore doing irrational unthinkable things-drunk driving, rape, blind anger, violence to others, etc. So by keeping my body free of these things I am actually providing freedom for myself. This is something I've learned through incredibly difficult personal experiences.

While in Texas, I met one of my dearest friends. She was lonely because the world around her was very cruel to her. I was welcomed into her home and we became very close. Because of the differences in our Religious beliefs many looked at us and thought our friendship should have been IMPOSSIBLE! The reality of it though is that we respected each other and sought similarities. Who thought a Muslim and a Mormon could be so close and love and respect each other so much that a very deep and meaningful relationship could blossom? This is Christ's way.

We have had rather extensive dealings with a Methodist Church in Houston as well. As a whole, these were some of the kindest most giving people we have experienced in our married lives. Although they knew he had a different religious outlook, they hired him anyway. They went the extra mile in building a relationship with him and me! They threw us a baby shower-people we had never met before were buying our baby gifts! We were always invited to socials, included in fund-raisers, and I was even invited to teach Vacation Bible School! It was a fantastic, and eye-opening, experience for us.

Recently I watched my Sister-in-law experience what I learned so many years ago in High School. She felt the power of religion and was Baptized by her husband into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Watching her transformation, as well as my brother's, has been inspiring. I have observed her testimony begin as a small seed and then blossom to the most beautiful of flowers. Her light radiates to all who know her! It's incredible the way a person can change.

I've come full circle and have experienced religion on all sides. I've been the known and unknown, the hated and respected, the majority and minority, I've been mocked by my own, loved by others and vice versa. Religion is a sensitive thing. When it comes down to it-when I go to bed at night-I wonder if I've made a difference. Am I known for good?

I believe with my whole heart that I am striving to be the person God and Christ know I can be. I know I have an Eternal family and am grateful for the incredible blessings of the Temple that my family is currently and will be receiving in the future. I am trying to do what I know to be right. "I know who I am, I know God's plan, I'll follow him in faith...His truth I will proclaim!" I know that my Savior and Redeemer lives! He loves me, he pleads for me, he blesses me, he feeds me, he comforts me, he guides me, he calms me, he helps me. All of this I know because my Redeemer lives!

XOXO

Photos:

Christus, Temple Square- Salt Lake City, UT

Rexburg, Idaho Temple- Rexburg, ID

Angel Moroni from the Oquirrh Mountain Temple- South Jordan, UT

Salt Lake City Temple- SLC, UT

Houston Texas Temple- Spring, TX

Oquirrh Mtn. Tmple- South Jordan, UT

Christus, Temple Square- Salt Lake City, UT

Corner piece #1: Religion

The freedoms granted to us in this country allow us to worship God in whichever way we see fit. Freedom is the stepping stone for my first corner piece: Religion.

The 11th Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states, "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, and what they may." (emphasis added) All of the Articles of Faith-except one-begin with the phrase, "We believe". The 11th Article begins with "We claim". This, I believe, is by design. By using the phrase "we claim" the Article suggests it's meaning is indisputable. Claim means "a right or title to something" whereas believe means to "hold an opinion, think or suppose". The privilege for man or woman to choose, themselves, how to worship is one they are entitled to. Who are we to judge right or wrong? Isn't there a higher power for that?

In the book The World's Religions by Huston Smith he says, "What a strange fellowship this is, the God-seekers in every land, lifting their voices in the most disparate ways imaginable to the God of all life. How does it sound from above? Like bedlam, or do the strains blend in strange, ethereal harmony? Does one faith carry the lead or do the parts share in counterpoint and antiphony where not in full-throated chorus? We cannot know. All we can do is try to listen carefully and with full attention to each voice in turn as it addresses the divine."

What a beautiful thought! Close your eyes and think of the prayers

reaching heaven in all their variety. The Jews, Catholics, Christians, Islam's, Buddhist, Hindu's, Taoists, the list could go on and on. Then consider the many different languages these religions are praying or chanting in. I can only imagine it to be sweet music. In my mind, the important thing is that these people are praying, they are practicing their religion. Religion should be a verb and not a noun.

In the last couple of weeks I have been studying some of the Religions of the World. I have

become enlightened, impressed, and humbled. There is so much to be learned from others. Why are many closing themselves off to enlightenment, inspiration, and growth? My eyes have been opened to the similarities between religions, most of us have so much in common. If we would concentrate on these similarities instead of dwelling on the differences, respect would be more prevalent. Imagine the wars and contentions that would be avoided if we just sought to understand one another.

"The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father. (1978 Statement of the 1st Presidency regarding God's Love for All Mankind)

If all of the men mentioned in the previous statement received light and direction from God,

surely there will be similarities. The source is the same for each of them! I declare myself a Christian and as such I believe in Christ. I know he lived and performed many miracles. I know he loved unconditionally. Therefore, as a true follower of Christ, I too strive to love unconditionally. Please, let's not close our minds so much that we cannot see the good in others. Let us love unconditionally as Christ did.

Christ often taught in parables. I am reminded of a common one he used to teach his disciples in response to the question "Who is my neighbor?". The parable of the Good Samaritan is found in Luke 10:25-37 and teaches us many things, especially brotherly love.

To me, the most touching part of this parable begins with who these men where. The man who was beaten and left lying on the road to die was a Levite. A Priest passed the man by, then a fellow Levite passed him by-both leaving him to die on the side of the road. A Samaritan stopped and not only bound the man's wounds but took him to an Inn and paid his stay until his full recovery. Historically, Samaritans and Levites did not get along at all. Their relationship was filled with much contention. For this Samaritan to stop and help the dying Levite was an incredible act of love and service.

The past meant nothing to the Samaritan. What he saw was a fellow

citizen, a man half-dead and in need of much help. Shouldn't we view others the same? Christ said, "..love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34) It doesn't matter what religion we are. We should love as Christ did. If this is in fact what Christ taught, why is there so much religious intolerance practiced by those who follow Christ? It isn't right. It isn't Christ's way.

In the Qur'an Surah 60 section 2 verse 7 it reads, "It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For Allah has power (over all things); And allah is oft-forgiving, most merciful." The footnote to that same verse is as follows, "Apparent religious hatred or enmity or persecution may be due to ignorance or over-zeal in a soul...we should hate evil, but not men as such". Doesn't this sound familiar? For years I thought the Bible specifically taught us to love the sinner and hate the sin. This was actually a direct quote from Mahatma Gandhi. But this is a Christ-like practice, is it not?

I leave you with this, "...we must rid our minds of all preconceptions that could dull our sensitivity or alertness to fresh insights. If we lay aside our preconceptions about these religions, seeing each as forged by people who were struggling to see something that would give help and meaning to their lives' and if we then try without prejudice to see ourselves what they saw--if we do these things, the veil that separates us from them can turn to gauze." (Huston Smith)

XOXO

Photos:

First Methodist, Cathedral of the Rockies-Boise, Idaho

A Cathedral in Egypt

St. John's Cathedral-Boise, Idaho

Ahavath Beth Israel Synagogue-Boise, Idaho

Egypt

Capital City Christian-Boise, Idaho

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran- Boise, Idaho

First Baptist-Boise, Idaho

St. Mary's Catholic-Boise, Idaho

Ceiling of a Muslim Mosque, Egypt

St. Michael's Episcopal- Boise, Idaho

"God's Word"

Freedom

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States clearly states our freedoms as citizens in this country. As stated, we are promised the freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and petition of the Government. This is pretty well common knowledge, especially in this day and age. Since the Constitution was written we, as citizens, have been granted even more freedoms. I've heard so many times people complaining that we aren't really free, that our Government controls us. I feel we frequently take for granted our freedoms in this country. Freedom doesn't mean without consequence and it doesn't come without law and responsibility. Freedom is not anarchy. Thus I begin with the first piece of my puzzle: freedom.

When you stop to think about the beginnings of our Country, ask yourself the purpose for

which it was founded. Freedom. Many wanted more freedom, particularly of religion, so our ancestors immigrated to this great land. Was it easy? Of course not. They had to fight Great Britain in the Revolutionary War for the freedom to decide their own fate. In 1861 the U.S. Civil War began because many believed all should be free. Our freedom was shaken as Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, thus the entrance of the United States into World War II. We stood up to tyranny and sent the message to the World that we should be free to determine our own destiny. Our country awoke as the tragic events of 9-11 unfolded in 2001, reminding us of the freedoms we enjoy that so many paid their lives for. In these many instances our fathers, brothers, and sons have stood up for our freedoms declaring that we can be the masters of our own fate.

My Great-Great Grandparents Joseph and Antonette Ruvo came from Sicily, Italy. Not knowing how to read or write and being of a lower-class, they wanted a better life for their seven children. Joseph was able to provide a future for his children in this great country. They all became literate and were successful in the careers they chose and not what they were forced to be by birth.

My Great-Grandfather served in both World War I and II.

He was wounded in the first and received a purple heart for his bravery

and again he served willingly. His photo hung in my Grandfather's room the last few months of his life. Grandpa once told me he urned to serve our country. He wanted to fight, he believed in our freedom, he had honor in his country. He was never able to do so because of medical circumstances but I could see the pain in his eyes as he told me of friends who left to serve and his desire to do the same. He believed in what America stood for. I would like to see more of this deep-rooted American pride that my Grandfather and Great-Grandfather possessed.

Today we have heros who have given their lives or left their families to serve our country and fight for our freedom. We truly live amongst the brave but are we grateful? Do our everyday actions show our gratitude or disrespect toward these great men and women? We are more free than many of us profess to be. Yes we pay taxes, yes we have to vote and sometimes it doesn't turn out how we like but I am a woman and I can vote. I can stay home with my children. I can go to school and get and education. I can go out and work. My husband can be a teacher or a singer or whatever else he wants to be. We can worship in the way we feel God wants us to worship. We are free!

The Book of Mormon states, "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall

possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land..." (Ether 2:12) In the very rarely heard fourth verse of our National Anthem is a very touching phrase: "Then conquer we must, when our cause is just, And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust". This country was founded upon God. "In God we

trust" is written on our currency. "One nation, under God," is found in our Pledge of Allegiance. If we remove God from our country our freedoms will no longer be protected by Him. Our freedom is tied to our faith.

I am always touched as I sing the more known words of our National Anthem "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there." I can see it in my mind. It must have been glorious! These men knew they were free. "God bless America" for we are a land of the free and a home to the brave. Let us be thankful that we have our freedoms.

XOXO

Photos:

Mark Manning, Revolutionary War gravestone- Texas

Joseph and Antonette Ruvo Family

Floyd Edwin Perry WWI photo

"In God We Trust" coins

Idaho State Capital-Boise, ID

Introduction

Life is a complicated thing. It's not simple. It's not easy. It is a never-ending roller coaster of emotions and physical trials. Especially in the world today where many breed hate and war is a commonly uttered word, light and love are a rarity. Each of us has the heavy burden of spreading happiness and optimism. This has been very heavy on my mind. I've been contemplating my happiness and what truly makes me happy. What makes me laugh and smile and feel at peace in my heart? My mind keeps coming to one of my favorite quotes by Katie Dean: "You are the piece to the puzzle of someone else's life. You may never know where you fit but others will fill holes in their lives with pieces of you."

We all have our obvious "puzzle pieces"-family, religion, friends-the list could go on and on. But what about all of our forgotten pieces? Pieces we don't often think about but ones that are crucial to the bigger picture that is our lives? For instance honesty, integrity, cleanliness, honor, freedom, creativity...again the list could continue on and on. Without these pieces our lives wouldn't be complete, just as a lost piece of a jigsaw puzzle leaves a hole in the final picture.

Think of your "puzzle pieces". Why are they important to you? Why do they make you happy? What makes you who you are and are you satisfied? Inventory your life and loves. What do you see? Good luck! I hope your journey is as promising as I hope mine to be. As Ghandi said: "My life is my message". Make your life your message. Be proud of who you are.

XOXO