Benjamin Franklin

2 Nephi 27:23

"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."

Well, today I have made even more commitments to improve my life in numerous ways.  Hopefully, with the help of the Lord, my famiy, and my friends I will be successful in doing so.  The commitments are:

• In addition to my current reading & blogging, I am going to also read 1 chapter out of the New Testament daily.
• Watch 1 CES video of a talk with my family each week.
• Go on splits with the missionaries at least once per month.  Hopefully that will become once per week.
• Increase the amount of classical music that I listen to in order to bring peace and rest to my mind in more abundance.
• Go to my lunch with my mother once a month, just the 2 of us.
• Stretch every morning.
• Do 25 jumping jacks every morning (I may add stomach crunches and pushups in the near future).
• Eat fruit with every meal.
• Continue not drinking any form of soda.
• Eat one salad per week.
• Get an adjustment from my brother (Chriopractor) every thursday morning.
• Go to my parent's church meetings (the whole 3-hour block) every week in addition to my own meetings.

What brought all of this about?  Well, doing the last one is what.  I decided that I was going to go to church with my parents today, and in Sunday School (taught by Sister Reynolds) we discussed ways to increase our spiritual, mental, and physical wellness.  It was a wonderful lesson that brought about ways to set easy goals (relatively anyways) that can better your life.  Really though, if you add up the time commitment that all of that entails on a weekly basis that's roughly 4 hours or so added to the entire week.  That's really not that much extra time thrown in there, especially when the only time commitments I currently have are work, church, institute, and a monthly temple attendance.  This really should be simple, but it will do me no good if I don't follow through with it.

Speaking of attending church with my parents, it was wonderful.  I got to see a lot of faces that I haven't seen in a while, or if I have seen them it was merely in passing and very infrequent.  I really enjoyed being able to interact with an older and more mature crowd than I usually do, and still being able to contribute to discussions and not be lost in the loftier topics that were discussed.  There are a lot of people that I have such a deep love for in my parent's ward, I really do think that I will enjoy going every week with them.  I know how much my parents loved me being there as well, it felt wonderful to be spiritually fed while my beloved mother and father were right next to me.  Walking into priesthood opening exercises with my father, and sitting down together brought back such fond memories.  When I was younger though, I would only be able to sit next to him after first playing the piano for everyone, but that won't be the case any longer in that ward.  :)

If nothing else, it gives me more time to be near my parents in a spiritual setting, and really, there is not much (if anything) that is better and more uplifting than that.  Seeing my parents as strong and faithful and loving as they are after all that my family has been through, is such a source of strength to me.  It proves to me that so long as it's a righteous endeavor, there is nothing I can't accomplish, no struggle too great, no trial too difficult, with the support of those near and dear to me, all things truly are possible.  So really why shouldn't I be able to add such simple yet uplifting things to my daily/weekly/monthly routines?  Why shouldn't I be able to get through my next day simply because I may not have gotten "enough sleep" the night before? What really can be so hard as to actually defeat me in an emotional and spiritual manner?  

Benjamin Franklin once set out to live a "perfect life."  I think he went about it the wrong way.  I have an upper hand on him in my quest, my family.

"The World"

2 Nephi 26:23-24, 28

"For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.

He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him.  Wherefore he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden."

Do we really understand who we are?  The potential we have?  Not just our potential to rise to any situation here on earth, but eternally and immortally.  Do we really understand what is at stake here on earth, the choices we make, the people we become, the values we obtain, the standards we truly take to heart?

I have noticed myself using the word truly a lot lately, it just dawned on me.  But I think there is a reason.  It has something to do with the blog I wrote a month or so ago about actually being who you claim to be, and not faking it.  We must truly be converted to the TRUE gospel of Christ.  When we are truly converted, it becomes almost easy.  Once the principles of the gospel are no longer "nice ideas" but things that we truly take to heart, we will simply find ourselves exemplifying them without much extra effort beyong that which we actually desire to do.  When we start making righteous choices because that's what we truly believe to be the correct choices for us, both as mortals and as immortal spirits, that's when our spirit starts simling and when we truly feel in touch with God and what He wants for us.  When we truly become Christ-like.  

"Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God.  Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world."

Something I just noticed about that scripture.  "...for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies..."  Our body is merely a tabernacle for our spirit.  We can not attain the glory we so desire without our bodies.  That being said, getting used to a body and the carnal desires that lies innate is basically the point of this life.  Overcoming those base desires and getting our bodies to desire the same things that our intial spirits desires.  If we lose the battle and end up letting our bodies teach our spirits what to want, that's how we'll be forever.  This life is not something to be taken lightly. 

It always helps me put this life into perspective when I think about the eon's of time we have existed as spirit beings before this world was even created, and the eon's of time we will yet exist, as people WITH bodies.  If you can get your brain around that concept, it shows you how truly unimportant the small, everyday decisions of this life are.  If we successfully make every choice in this life with the knowledge that it could possibly have ramifications for the rest of our immortal existances... I perceive that far more righteous choices would be made.  

Why is it so hard for us to concentrate on the eternities?  Possibly because our mind is more focused on the here and now, the "what is good for me right now" aspect of life.  We get thinking about small things that we feel matter in the here and now (like work, life-responsibilities, bills, movies, random entertainment, sports, games, etc) and it gets us off track quite easily.  I do believe that I will start praying for the Lord to help me keep the Celestial Kingdom, not in the back of my mind, but in the forefront of my mind with every life-choice that I make.  Teaching ourselves to have an eternal perspective on life in all things is really what this life is all about. Making time for the little things (the spiritual little things) like reading the scriptures daily, not watching questionable shows, not putting yourself in questionable environements.  

Staying so far away from the influence of "the world" that you start forgetting what it's like to bask in its appeal.  If you can distance yourself from the pull of "the world" for a good amount of time, the next time you are tempted by it, the easier it will be to resist because the less natural for you it will feel.  Keeping yourself in tune with things that are spiritual as often as possible (uplifting music, reading the scriptures, going to as many church meetings and activities as possible, uplifting friends, etc) help keep you distanced from "the world" and help to edify not only your actions but your thoughts and base desires.  Because really, are we going to have "the world" around after we die?  So what's the point of getting used to the world that we live in today?

We must live in the world without living of the world.

Forward Thinking

2 Nephi 25:26

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

I love the scriptures.  I cannot think of a better way to start and end a day than to read and ponder on them.  That verse is so beautiful, so powerful.  Christ really is my everything.  I cannot think of a better way for an older brother so set the example of pure love and righteous action.  I aspire every day to be more like him.  I can't wait to teach my future children about him and about his wonderful plan for us.

This may not mean much to more than just one certain person that I know reads this, but know this now, I will be praying every day about my "forward thinking."  I hope and pray that you will do the same.  :)

Paraphernalia

2 Nephi 24:12-15

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!  Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!

For thous has said in thy heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above that of the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north;

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."

Satan has such lofty goals.  Such might aspirations.  Yet, he is destined to fail.  So, if we can only serve one master, why would we choose Satan in any form he chooses to present himself to us in?  We know that Christ's way is God's way, and we know that His way is also the higher law, a better and more fulfilling way to live one's life.  Satan wanted to enslave us and force us all to do things his way.  No room for growth, no room for improvement.. sounds a lot like falling short of the Celestial Kingdom doesn't it?

I can't imagine the internal torment I might possibly feel if I fail to reach the Celestial Kingdom.  We are immortal, we will live throughout the eternities.  My GOODNESS that is hard to imagine.. yet it is true.  Why oh why would we risk the rest of our immortal lives by playing with fire here on earth?  This blip of time in comparison with the rest of our existance is so important, but every day people (including me) make choices that lead them down the path away from exaltation and eternal life.  Is it really so hard to keep that goal in mind with every breath we take?  Something of such great magnitude and importance to our eternal life should be on the forefront of our thoughts every waking moment.  Every choice we make should have that end goal in mind.  It astounds me that it is so difficult, yet the most wonderful people in the world continue to sin daily, and I am no exception.  

I hope I will be able to attain Celestial glory, and I hope that I will meet every last one of my loved ones there as well.  Infact, I should be doing everything in my power to help them make it there, because it wouldn't be the same without them.

Anyways, my day today was a great day.  I always try to make the most of my days off of work, and I made today all about quality time with people that I love.  I took two of my nieces (Mary and Kaelyn, Dean's daughters) over to one of my greatest friend's house to play on the wii and hang out.  Garrett has a twelve year old brother that is Mary's age, so I figured they would enjoy eachother's company as friends, and sure enough everyone got a long swimmingly and we all had a ton of fun!  After that it got to be time to venture home and get ready for institute.  

YAY institute!  I have so missed that for the last month or so.  It is so uplifting to me.  I really don't know what I would do if I had to go another week without the edification that it brings to my spirit.  I love the Elmer's, they are such wonderful people and I thank God for putting them in my life as my institute teachers.  I hope that I continue to keep them in my life long after they are called to serve God in another fashion.

After institute Garrett and I decided to go back to his place and watch The Princess Bride.  He and his sister Cierra had never watched the whole move, and that had to be remedied.  That is almost blasphemy seeing how the movie is 21 years old! (Older than either of them! haha)  Though, I fear that I will pay for that decision tomorrow as I work at 9am, and it is now after 1am.  Though, a commitment is a commitment and here I am typing away.

Doing this blog/journal has brought such wonderful peace to my soul, I cannot thank the Lord enough for inspiring me to do this.  

Christ Lives

2 Nephi 23:11

"And I will punish the world for evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay down the haughtiness of the terrible."

So, today was a very interesting day.  I went to bed around when has become my usual bedtime (unfortunately) but was awoken far before my alarm was set to go off by a phone call (3:20am).  I looked at the caller ID and it was my best friend, Stephen.  So I quickly answered, and after talking to him briefly, could tell he was in a state of shock.  Out of his privacy I won't go into details but I will suffice to say that he was in need of a friend, and I agreed to meet him at Waffle House shortly thereafter.  I arrived first, and shortly thereafter was met by Stephen, Craig, and JB.  So, we all sat at Waffle House, got breakfast.. and kept Stephen's mind off of what had happened.  We were there for him, and that's exactly what he needed.  I am glad that I have his friendship, he is very dear to me, I couldn't imagine a better friend than him.  Stephen, I love you bud.

So, around 5am we figured it was a good time to leave, and we all went our separate ways.. mine led me straight back to my bed.  I woke up around 11am (was planning on 10am.. but I was interrupted, so I slept in a little bit) in time to help my mom with some yard work.  We worked til about noon raking up leaves and trimming down dead plants, getting ready for what we're expecting to be the winter freeze (maybe we shouldn't hold our breaths until around March eh?)  So, I didn't get to go around the community talking to my neighbors, but I figured helping my own mother out around the house was a fine excuse.  :)

Afterwards, I finally got done playing phone tag with Rachel, and we had a wonderful conversation, something that I hope we can do more often.  She really is a special woman, one that I aspire to emulate (well.. in most ways.. I don't pull off "being a woman" very well so I've been told).

Then it came time to get ready to work, so I hurriedly threw on my uniform and made my 30 minute (without traffice) journey to Lake Worth.  

My days seem to be more eventful than they have been in the recent past.  Maybe that's because I don't consider "reading and/or playing rock band" to be anything noteworthy, or maybe it's because I am finding more fulfillment in what I spend my time doing nowadays.  In trying to become more Christlike I am noticing things about me change for the better, and maybe that's what I am finding to be worthy of noting in my journal (er.. blog).  

So, what has been on my mind for the better portion of the day has been a quote that I read on a dear friend of mine's blog (Garrett Roberts).  The quote is of W. N. Taylor, and it reads:

"Temptation rarely comes in working hours.  It is in their leisure time that men are made or marred."

That really got me thinking.  I realized that when my mind is actively pursuing something, anything really, I am very rarely tempted to be doing something I shouldn't be doing.  Even my thoughts seem to stay on the straight and narrow path when I am actively engaged in wholesome activities.  For that is truly how we combat Satan and his pernicious lies.  If we simply don't give him the time of day, he has no chance.  If we are constantly engaged in righteous activities, and are honestly enjoying the work we are doing, then we had nowhere to go but down the path of righteousness that leads towards the Celestial Kingdom.

But what about those leisure hours that all men have, no matter how busy they are?  Well, as Brother Taylor notes, that is when we are made or marred.  It isn't difficult to keep your mind occupied with spiritual thoughts when you are keeping your body occupied with spiritual and uplifting activites.  However, it is increasingly more difficult to make sure that your mind is occupied by only righteous thoughts when your leisure time rears its head.  Hours spent mindlessly on the computer, infront of the tv, on a computer or video game, fishing, etc.  It is during those hours that we come to a knowledge of who we truly are. 

This links back to my short blog where I mentioned the need to be inner-driven.  When you are inner-driven, you don't need to worry about leisure time because your thoughts will not differ from the times you are staying active.  When you are inner-driven (at least inner-driven towards righteousness) your make up truly changed to that of Christ-like attributes.  You become patient, long-suffering, charitable, honest, etc.  You stand up for what is right because it becomes second nature to you.  And (maybe most importatly of all) your thoughts do not stray from that which is good and holy.  Your mind is constantly engaged in wholesome thoughts and it ponders on things that help your spirit and your body grow harmoniously.  

If you, however, are not inner-driven, your thoughts tend to stray far and wide.  You become a creature of your environment.  Whatever you allow to cross the path of your neurons has a greater chance to draw your entire attention to it, whether you like it or not.  If you lack the inner strength to become who you set out to be, then you will lack the inner strength to control what you let invade your mind and become what you dwell on.  At least that has been my experience.

It's interesting to me that we truly can become whomever we truly desire to be.  A year ago today, I was such a different person.  I wanted to be a "ladies man" per se, I wanted to have wordly possession this and wordly possession that.. I wanted to be everything *I* could become without anyone's help.  I didn't need anyone's direction in my life.  I was me.

Today, I am a completely different person.  I am putting others first, I am putting the Lord first in my life, I am following a routine that builds me both physically and spiritually (as well as mentally I've come to notice) in hopes that it will make me more Christ-like.  And ever since I have been on this path, I have received more positive reinforcement and positive reactions to what my life has become than my "former life" ever acquired.  I can't imagine my life being much better than it is right now, and I have my "inner-driven-towards-Christ self" to thank for that.  

Christ is still working miracles to this day.  I am living, breathing, walking proof of that.

My Service Adventure

2 Nephi 22:2

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."

Well, today I took my own challenge that I discussed last night.  As I was praying last night, an impression came over me to go out among my community and offer my service as an able bodies young man to help out where I could.  So I took to the streets and went door knocking.  It was hard to get myself out the door intially, but then I rememberd the words "I will trust, and not be afraid" followed by "Doubt not, fear not."  

So I went to my neighbor's house first.  I knocked once, twice, and then I saw her come to the window.  However, all she did was peel back the curtains, look at me.. and then she walked away without so much as answering the door.  (I thought to myself: I was wearing a hoodie! I didn't look like a missionary! haha.)  Anyways, that discouraged me a little bit since my immediate neighbors were those who I want to extend my arm to the most.  However, I took it as the source of a test and dedication, so to the next door I went.  Doing this at 11am or so, I wasnt expecting too many people to be home, but since I work nights and due to the fact that I didn't want to go too early and catch people not awake, that's the time I chose.  No one was home at the next few doors, but I arrived at a house that had people in it!  A man answered the door, he seemed of Middle Eastern dissent..possibly Indian.. I'm bad with ethnicities haha, and his house smelled of curry.. it was wonderful!  Anyways, I introduced myself and asked for his name.  He replied that his name was Debaus (or however you spell it.. sounds like DeBoss haha).  I told him why I had knocked on his door, that I was simply out and about meeting my neighbors and was wondering if there was any help around his house or whatever that I could help him out with.  He couldn't think of anything at that very moment, but he did take my name and number in case anything came up.  I thanked him for his time and went about my way.

Success!! Someone answered the door and was cordial!  That gave me a little burst of energy and a bounce to my step.

So onward I went.  The next person that answered the door was a lady named Sharon.  (Apparently her last name is stamps as I saw a box addressed to "Dr Stamps" whom I can only assume to be her husband that she spoke of.)  Anyways, she answered the door and I introduced myself to her.  She said something along the lines of "oh wonderful! yes, I imagine that I would be able to use your help here and there, my husband is often at work when I need heavy things around the house lifted and such, however there is nothing right now I could use your help with."  I was elated.  We briefly got to know eachother.  I learned that she has a daughter that is at LSU and is a junior.  She seemed very eager to add in the comment that her daughter was there when LSU won the football championship.  :)  I left after a few minutes of chit chat and also left her with my name and number.

I couldn't believe people were receiving me so openly (when they actually answered the door! haha).  It was a wonderful wonderful feeling!

The very next door was answered as well!  It was a man named Mitch who seemed pleased to meet me.  He also seemed eager to take down my information and mentioned needing help with "painting the entire exterior of the house, which needs to be done soon."  I informed him that I would happily help him out with that, and added that I work nights, so any help would need to be in the morning.  He seemed very happy to hear my response.  Then he asked me something interesting.  "So, you're looking for work?  How much would you be looking for?"  I quickly put 2 and 2 together and realized that people aren't used to service, and that most people have their own financial or personal benefit in mind when offering a helping hand.  That saddened me briefly and I quickly corrected his thoughts by saying "oh I'm not looking for money out of this, I'm just out to help my neighbors and my community.  I actually work full time at Chickfil-A, I simply don't have much to do in the morning and would love to help you out with anything I can during the day."  (or something along those lines.)  He seemed astounded at that prospect and eargerly wrote down my information.  

That got me even more excited to meet more people!

Around the corner I went to meet some more neighbors.  I met a man named Eric who works from home.  He has a speech impediment which made conversation interesting, but he seemed to be a really nice guy, insisting that I not call him sir and use his name instead.  

Further down the street I ran into a guy named Don.  He seemed very capable of handling any "house work" that I may be offering to help with, but I asked nonetheless.  He also was eager to write down my information and then offered a bit of advice to me.  He mentioned that our neighborhood has a website that I could go onto and post information about what I was up to and that I might get more visibility that way.  Though he added that he thought me going door to door was a wonderful way to go about my goals as well.  I thanked him for the advice and told him I'd look into it.  (I later pulled up the website and it turns out he's one of the officers on the neighborhood committee, interesting.)

As I left his house I noticed someone across the street working on a project involving saws and wood.  So I ventured over to introduce myself and to see if I could help.  His name is Roland, and he thanked me for my offer but informed me that what he was working on was pretty much a one-man job.  I didnt pry but instead offered to leave him my information incase he wants my help with any future projects.  He was more than willing to take down my information, but then he asked me that same question.  "What kind of money are you looking for?"  I chuckled and told him that all I was looking for was the chance to help out and be of service.  He also seemed taken aback by my response, but didn't press the issue.  Again, I felt elated.

I ventured back to Arbor Oak and decided to hit the other side.  It was about noon at this point and I needed to get back home to get ready for work.  There was a grandma that was home that answered the door.  She didn't seem too interested in my service, however she mentioned that she knew my parents, but wasn't aware they had a boy my age.  I told her that if she ever sees my car parked by our house (her house has a wonderful view of our house haha) that I am most likely home and that she is welcome to ask me for anything she may need help with.  That seemed to satisfy her apparent desire for me to leave for whatever reason.  And so I went about my way.

The final house that I went to was our across the street neighbors the Davenports.  As I walked up their walkway they were apparently on their way out.  "Hey there, how's it going?"  They greeted me warmly and asked what I was up to.  I told them that I was out and about, and since their children were grown (my age and older) and no longer around as often if at all, that I'd be willing to help them with anything they might need help with.  They were completely shocked.  And after I pre-empted their almost certain question about compensation, Bill's heart seemed to swell and he gave me a wonderful wonderful compliment.  His reaction completely filled my heart as well.  I really hope they take me up on my offer of service because they are such wonderful people.  There is almost nothing they could ask me to do that I wouldn't be overjoyed to help them out with.  

I then returned home to get ready for work and play the piano a little bit before I left.  A day well spent!  And it all took barely more than an hour!  An hour!  Really?  That has to be one of my most fulfilling days in a long long time, and it took barely more than an hour!  

I can't wait to get back out there tomorrow and meet more of my neighbors and extend a helping hand in my quest to become Christ-like.  

2 Nephi 25:26

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

Pure Love and Service

2 Nephi 21:4

"But with righteousness shall be judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meed of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."

So, I got thinking the other day about something that seems to be a recurring theme amongst those in my church who have served full-time missions: unparalleled love for the people in the area in which they served.  They spend 2 years of their lives doing nothing but serving and preaching the gospel to the people in the area in which they are called to go.  In doing so, they come to love them so greatly that often times, they don't want to leave, wishing they could just stay there and continue serving and teaching.  

You could say that would mirror Christ's ministry on the earth.  Numerous times he testifies of his love for the people of Jerusalem.  I can imagine witnessing the influence you have on others being a direct reason for people to grow and change their lives for the better can create an attachment and a certain type of love for them.  I can't think of anyone who had more influence on others' lives than Christ.  Which can kind of give me an appreciation for the love these "return missionaries" have for the people they served for so long.

But as I was pondering on that phenomenon, a thought came to my mind, and I wrote it down.  "If people develop an extreme love for those in the area they are called to serve a mission, why can't we love people from our home town just as much?"

Really, why can't we?  What is stopping us from doing as much good on our own as we can for those in our immediate neighborhoods and communities?  We don't have to be called by a prophet of God in order to serve our fellow man.  All it takes is simple charity and pure love.  If a missionary can do so much good and develop such an accute love for people within a 2 year period.. think how much good we could do and how much love we could ascertain given the chance to live within the same community for 5, 10, 15 years?  

Why do we need a suit (or dress) and a name tag to be able to muster up the courage to share our beliefs with those we surround ourselves with daily?  Do we fear rejection?  Are we ashamed for what we believe in?  Are we afraid that, if questioned, we won't know the answer?  Are we unsure of our own testimony and our own ability to testify of the truth to those who we might actually care about?  If so, we have some work to do on our own ability to overcome fear [interesting.. see last night's blog..].

Doubt not, fear not.

Why do missionaries develop such a love?  Because they go through a process.  First they come to an understanding of what it is exactly they believe, they gain an unshakable testimony.  Second, they overcome their fear of men and go out and teach and testify.  Because that's really what it is.  We have ALL been commanded to spread the gospel, not just missionaries.  So if we don't do so who do we fear more, men or God?  Third, they gain strength from their testimonies.  The more you share your testimony, the stronger it becomes.  Through that strength they are able to testify with more clarity and confidence.  By doing so they become closer to their Heavenly Father which brings them happiness.  By making them happier and full of joy they come to more closely resemble their Heavenly Father.  Being more resembling of our Heavenly Father fills us with love and charity, the pure love of Christ.  Once we have that pure love, we can't help but love those around us.  

So, maybe that's the key to truly loving everyone around us.  By being charitable.  By doing His will (sharing the gospel).  By "being in the service of our fellow man."  Because if we refuse to serve our fellow man, what are we really saying?  We're saying that we see no need to serve them or that we have no desire to serve them.  That's basically saying that we don't love them, that we don't see them as our brothers and sisters which we know them to be.  If my sister lived next door, I hope I would love her enough to help her with anything she needed my aid for, and hopefully I'd offer to do even more than she'd ask me to do.  She's my sister, I love her.  

I'll end my thoughts tonight with a scripture comparison.

You can easily come to the conclusion that verses 35 and 36 are acts of service, and verses 37-40 are self explanatory.

Matthew 25:34-40

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundaiton of the world:

35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and cloted thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

That scripture is further explained by a passage from the Book of Mormon.

Mosiah 2:16-17

16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

So we can come to the assumption from these 2 passages of scripture that by serving those around us, we are serving God.  So why the hesitation to do so?  We can also extend that assumption to the inverse.  If we are NOT serving our fellow beings, we are NOT serving God, despite God's own admonition, even His command, that we do so.

I present the following scripture to bring the point home.

Matthew 6:24

"No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon."