Friday, October 30, 2009

The Bug

Today I killed a box elder bug... in the temple.

Is that bad?

Sunday, October 25, 2009

My Callings

I'm grateful for the callings I have, not only because I enjoy them, but also because in order to fulfill them, I must remain at church for the entire three hours plus some. I'm not saying I wouldn't stay at church if I didn't have those callings, but... sometimes such callings help.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Give to the Homeless

In Sunday School last week we were talking about giving to the needy and homeless. When talking about homeless people, or "houseless," as some prefer to be called, the inevitable statement is made, "I don't ever give money to a homeless person, because you don't know where that money's going."

Sure, it's true you don't know where that money is going. But instead of encouraging people to NOT give money, why don't you encourage them to GIVE something else?

-Give prepackaged food that is sealed so the person knows you didn't poison it or stick needles in it or whatever.

-Take the person out for a meal. A co-worker of mine did this for a man he met on the train. Granted, you should judge the individual circumstances, but it's a possibility.

-If you feel awkward taking a homeless person out for a meal, buy a take-out meal from a restaurant nearby.

-Give gift cards for restaurants or grocery stores near where that person is generally located. If you're worried about the person buying alcohol, you can pick an establishment that doesn't serve it, such as a fast-food restaurant.

-Volunteer to serve homeless dinners at local shelters and outreach programs.

-Give something else, like clothes, sanitary products, camping gear, a gift card to a clothing store, etc.

-Give a bus pass.

-Give medicine (over-the-counter) and first aid products.

Etc. Use your imagination.

And honestly, not every homeless person squanders their alms on liquor and drugs. Use the Spirit to let you know what to give.