MONDAY MENTIONABLES - A Humbling Experience

Now that the "big event" - our 5K fundraiser - is over, let's see if I can start to keep this blog up a bit more! :)  I just finished writing to my missionary son (who is serving an LDS mission in Veracruz, Mexico, and whom I haven't seen in over a year!).  I write to him weekly, and this letter was filled with details about the event.  If you'll indulge me, I thought I'd share what I wrote to him.  This group is a breast cancer group, with members from different religions, and some from no religion at all, so I hope this doesn't offend anyone - but, my whole involvement in this group is a spiritual experience for me, so that's what I'll share.  Also, if things are unfamiliar, I'll try to put in parenthesis the explanation...

Michael,

My heart is full today, as I look back on the week I've had.  The help of Heavenly Father was manifest in so many things.  It was a week that all of the work we've done to prepare for our 5K culminated in a wonderful event.  I'm just now realizing how blessed we were.  About halfway through the week - as more and more people signed up to come and participate in the 5K, I began to worry that we could really pull this off!  There were 1001 things that had to be done before Saturday.  I really didn't think we could do it.

Two days before the 5K, we found out that the gifts that we had ordered for the survivors would not come until after the event, so I had to scramble to find something, order it, and have it shipped overnight.  Friday, Colette and Bethanie came over to help put the gifts together. I had a LONG list of items that had to be done that day, and my visiting teacher (in my church, women are assigned to visit each other once a month) showed up at my front door.  She looked at my list, got on her phone, and called her husband.  Within just a few minutes, many of those critical items were crossed off because they took care of them.  I was so humbled.  I still didn't get to sleep until 2:30 Saturday morning, but as I went to sleep, I asked Heavenly Father to please let me get 2 hours of restful sleep - I really needed it.  2 hours later, I woke up to my alarm, and got ready to go.  I had slept wonderfully.  Amazing really!  We got over to the park to set up at 6:30 am, and there were about 30 Walmart employees who came to help.  They just started to unload and set up, and again I was humbled by their willingness to help.  Registration was insane and I was super stressed - being pulled all different directions by people asking questions.  Again, the Walmart employees took over, and things got done.  So many people showed up!  I don't know what the final count was, but I think it was around 500!  Can you imagine that many people, coming together to raise money and awareness for our tiny little group??  Even now, I can't think about it without tears streaming down my face.  I so wish you could have seen it, Michael.  The weather was perfect, the people were happy, no one complained about anything, the survivors were happy, and everyone helped.  Those things just don't happen with a huge event like this - it's really a miracle.  And I'm so humbled and grateful.  Heavenly Father wants this group to grow and be able to help many more women - I can just feel His love and support.  It's SO amazing. :)

I hope everyone who attended the 5K felt our love, and enjoyed the event.  Thanks to all of the sponsors and vendors who worked so hard and were so generous.  And a HUGE shout out to everyone who helped in any way - the Board of Lifting Hearts, our kids and spouses, the members - everyone!

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve this amazing group of women.  It has added meaning to my breast cancer journey, and is something good that came out of something bad in my life.  Serving others is absolutely the way to happiness and fulfillment in this life.

MONDAY MOTIVATION/THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Only One Purpose

I haven't shared Kathy's Thursday Thoughts for a few weeks, so I thought I'd post one here today.  I thank her SO much for these words.  There are days when I just need to hear that what we are doing is helping and making a difference - exactly what we set out to do. Kathy's next post will be on Thursday...

I love my job at the bank because I meet such fascinating people and they teach me so much. Randy is one of those people. He is probably in his mid forties. He is severely handicapped and mentally challenged. He is deaf and therefore has difficulty speaking, but he holds down a job and brings his deposits into the bank on a regular basis. Karen is a woman who has taken Randy under her wing. She told me one day, “I loved him the minute I met him.”  She has learned sign language and she (along with her husband) brings him in to help him with his finances. I love to see them when they come in. There is no fanfare and no public recognition…just love and charity being displayed in its purest form.

Seeing them makes me think of the many people who have touched my life. Most are not public figures and they probably don’t have huge bank accounts or drive the biggest and best cars. But their hearts are full of genuine concern and love. Among these are the women in our organization Lifting Hearts. They are organized for only one purpose…to lend support and love to those who are suffering from the rigors of Breast Cancer. They are among the most  noble women I know.

I was drawn to a song written by Alan Jackson about his father. The entire song was worth listening to, but the chorus catches the spirit I am trying to create in this week’s blog. It goes like this:

And he Bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
Was always proud of what he had
He said his finest contribution
Was the ones he left behind
Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town southern man

Although I was not raised in the south, the chorus of this song resonated with me deeply even the first time I heard it, because I know so many unsung heroes like the one Jackson sang about. While our society seems to be fascinated with the lives of the rich and famous, I feel that perhaps equal or even more attention should be given to those who are noble and unknown, for they are the backbone of this nation. We also need to recognize that all of us have a circle of influence that is greater than we realize, and if we each invest ourselves in doing all we can to lighten the load for the people in our circle, the world becomes a more pleasant place for all of us. Although most of our lives do not play out on a public stage, we can add a great measure of joy to those we serve, just like Karen does for Randy, and the women of Lifting Hearts do for those who are progressing through their Breast Cancer journeys. There are endless opportunities to do this and I for one, plan to be more aware and a little less self absorbed so that I can bring at least a few more smiles to those within my circle.

Kathy Christensen

MONDAY MOTIVATION - A Life Of Service

I read a quote recently by Martin Luther King Jr.  He stated "Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve... You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."

I love the first thing he said we need - a heart full of grace.  The dictionary defines "grace" as "elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or actions."  I believe our actions, when we serve unselfishly, are beautiful, just like the definition says.

I've taught my children many things over the years, but the one thing I feel most strongly about - and that I've hopefully instilled in them - is the important of service.  As our family learned during my cancer treatments... service is LOVE!  So many people helped and served and loved our family, and we want to give back as much as we are able.  Because it is in service that we find the greatest joy...

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy.  I awoke and saw that life was service.  I acted and behold, service was joy."  -Rabindranath Tagore

If you are a member of Lifting Hearts - you'll be happy to know that service is a big part of what we offer to survivors.  We believe the to heal completely, you need to move your focus from yourself to helping others.  We offer many service projects to survivors: making rice warming bags, chemo blankets, and pillows for patients who are going through surgery; the opportunity to become a mentor to someone who is just starting their cancer journey; and, of course, there are many openings in our leadership that will give you the opportunity to serve your fellow survivors.

If you want to help in any way... look in the Contact Us tab, and call one of the board members.  We would love to work with you.

“God does watch over us and does notice us, but it usually through someone else that he meets our needs.” -Spencer W. Kimball

MONDAY MOTIVATION - A Season of Service

This last week, I had the opportunity to help with a Christmas project - my son, Matthew, did his Eagle Scout project - which was providing Christmas for 70 kids. We gathered gifts for each child, and stuffed stockings. We provided clothing - either a coat, pajamas pants, or a winter outfit. And, of course, a book for each one. Our whole family participated. There were several friends and neighbors who helped as well, and I heard from many of them about how privileged they felt to be able to help those in need.

Stocking Stuffers

Wrapping gifts

Tons of presents!

Serving others, as I've said many times before, is something I feel is a necessary part of healing. Part of why I do these kinds of projects is to "give back" - because of the help I received during my cancer journey. Part of why I serve is to show my children how important it is.

During the holidays, it's easy to find ways to serve. Help out at a soup kitchen, gather clothing for the shelters, make small gifts for neighbors, give the gift of time to your children, and so on. There are all kinds of opportunities to serve.

I encourage your to take time to serve, and let that service help you heal. Have a wonderful holiday season!

-Kara

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Small Acts of Service

It has been said that caring is the work of experts, but strengthening the life in one another is the work of human beings. Any time we share someone's joy we bless the life in them. When you strengthen the life around you perhaps you strengthen the life within you. The kind of service that transforms us most has our fingerprints on it. It is rarely accomplished by simply signing a check. No matter what means we use, service is always a work of the heart.

In this wonderful group that we belong to, I see people giving small acts of service all around me. Perhaps it is a phone call to celebrate the end of someone's Chemo Therapy. Perhaps it is a small treat that may add joy to someone's day. Perhaps it is a note in the mail or a hat made to cover the head of a sister who has lost her hair due to her treatments. I have even seen pillows made to ease the pain and discomfort of those of us who are too weak to get out of bed very much. And our monthly support meetings are a source of comfort,friendship and sisterhood for those who attend.

I think this group is one of noble sisterhood which gets stronger as the weeks pass. We will celebrate our first birthday this month. Kudos to all of you who give service in many unique ways. I think that our hearts get stronger and stronger as we give meaningful service to one another.

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor Member

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Lose Yourself in Service

Something exciting happened in my family last week. I hope you won't mind if I share it with you. The church I belong to - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon church - offers the opportunity of missionary work to its members. Young men (age 19), are asked to serve a mission somewhere in the world - for 2 years. (Many young women and couples also serve missions.) My son, Michael, just received his mission call - he is going to spend 2 years in Veracruz, Mexico!

This mission call has caused me to pause and think a lot about service. Missionaries (and their families) pay for their own missions (about $10,000), they don't work for those two years. They spend their time studying, learning, teaching, and serving. It's an amazing opportunity - one that cannot be equaled. My oldest son, Grant, served a mission in Fukuoka Japan for 2 years, and he came home a changed man. It was an amazing transformation for a mother to watch. The thing he learned that was most important, in my opinion, is that we must serve other people.

Service is something that changes lives. While going through my cancer journey - especially through all of my treatments - I was the recipient of an outpouring of service. My mother served as she took me to every one of my chemo treatments, stayed with me all day, brought me back home, and made sure I was comfortable. My sister, Kris, served me by being my Bosom Buddy - the one who went to every one of my appointments at the plastic surgeon's - holding my hand through every single injection, through bandages being removed, and stood right next to me, looking at my new image in the mirror. Other friends, and family, served my family through dinners, cards and letters, gifts, phone calls, etc. All of this service was invaluable to me. It helped me through my cancer journey, and instilled in me a desire to serve other cancer survivors. It changed me, and I'm sure it changed each person who served me.

I love the words of Mohandas Gandhi:

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

"All other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy."

We, as women, are especially drawn to service - it strengthens us and lifts us up.

As Gandhi said: "I have worshipped woman as the living embodiment of the spirit of service and sacrifice."

As you go through your cancer journey, let others serve you. Allow them to shower you with love and help. Then, when you feel better, let their service influence you into serving as well.

Have a wonderful day!

-Kara

A Cleaning Solution...

My husband forwarded me this email. He thought it might help some of you in our group - or anyone else who reads our blog...

Cleaning for a Reason - For those going through chemo.

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please
pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.

There are four locations that help in Utah:

Logan - Spotless of Utah
Spotless of Utah

Murray - 2 Local Gals Housekeeping
2 Local Gals Housekeeping

Ogden - Healthy Homes Housekeeping
Healthy Homes Housekeeping

Salt Lake City - Merry Maids of Salt Lake City

I just looked at the website, and they accept 50 applications per day. To read the "How To" on the applications, click on the website at the bottom of this post, and then click on the left tab - "Cancer Patients".

If you have finished chemo, but know someone who could use the help, please refer this website to her...

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - The Difference Between Heaven and Hell...

"There is a parable about the difference between heaven and hell. In hell people are seated at a table overflowing with delicious food. But they have splints on their elbows and so they cannot reach their mouths with their spoons. They sit through eternity experiencing a terrible hunger in the midst of abundance. In heaven people are also seated at a table overflowing with delicious food. They, too, have splints on their elbows and cannot reach their mouths. But in heaven, people user their spoons to feed one another. Perhaps hell is always of our own making. In the end, the difference between heaven and hell may only be that in hell, people have forgotten how to bless one another." quote from Naomi Remens book, "My Grandfathers Blessings."

No matter what means of service we use or how we choose to help others, service is always a work of the heart. Sister Survivors is an example of this kind of service. Whether we make blankets and hats for Chemo patients, take food to an ailing member's family, or simply call to check up on someone who is struggling, we are serving from our hearts. I believe that when we get to the other side we will be feeding each other furiously and heaven will be better than we ever dreamed possible. Thanks for being the wonderful and giving women that you are. I am proud to be one of you.

Kathy Christensen

MONDAY MEMOIRS - Service...

Today, I thought I'd share with you what our Sister Survivor group did at the meeting last Thursday. We've been trying to get ready for the big Kick Off that is on October 28th, and Bethanie, Colette, and I really needed some help. Dr. Bishop and his staff have done so much, but I'm finding out that planning and executing something this big takes a bunch of willing hands. So, I sent an email to the members of Sister Survivors, asking them to show up on Thursday to help.



In planning for Thursday night, I started to get worried that we would have too many people, and not enough to do. So instead of just wrapping up all of the silent auction gifts, I thought maybe they could help to change the date on the 1500 fliers that were already printed (we originally had the 7th for the Kick-Off), and then maybe we could make a few blankets for some women going through chemo. As the night drew nearer, I started to worry that we wouldn't get everything done that we had planned. (I worry about a lot of things! Haha!) Anyway, I shouldn't have worried - the ladies came through and showed up (there were 20 there that night!), and worked hard. We got everything done! And I have to say - I think it was the funnest Sister Survivors meeting we've had. I loved every minutes of it. I told Dr. Bishop that many hands make happy hearts, and I believe that. It was so thrilling to see how happy everyone was to be serving others. It was just a great night. Bethanie mentioned to me later, that she had noticed the interaction between the Sister Survivors, and loved the conversations that were taking place. Two of the Sister Survivors brought their daughters along to help, and my sister, Kris, came as well. Kris took lots of pictures - I thought I'd share them here. And, once again, thanks to Colette's brother, Scott, for allowing us the use of the board room at his law offices.



By-the-way, if you are expecting a MONDAY MEMOIRS today, get out your cancer journal and write about ways you have served since your cancer diagnosis - or ways you plan to serve once you feel better. I know I've wanted to give back in some way, just to "pay it forward" - to honor those who helped me so much during my cancer journey. One way I'm trying to serve is to be involved with this wonderful group of survivors and patients - it makes me happy to help those who have to deal with the same monster that I did.



Here are the pictures - ENJOY!























And, here is the result of our hard work: