Happy Easter and I hope you know some bunny loves you!

My Family Tree

I have always wanted to have a silhouette of a tree painted on my wall, so that I could have space to put up the framed pictures of my beautiful grandchildren.  I finally made my dream a reality, however I didn't end up painting it, as I believe that is what has kept me from doing it for so many years. I was afraid to make a huge mistake on my wall with black paint, sooooo I started looking into vinyl options, and found one, or should I say 4.  What am I talking about?  Well, when the tree came, I knew it would not be tall enough, so I ordered 2 and made the trunk a little fuller and the branches a little wider and fuller too, however this was not enough. I didn't take into consideration that my ceilings are really tall, and my tree was looking pretty small, so I got online and ordered 2 more.  I was able to graft in branches all over the place to make my tree as full and tall as I needed. 

So why do I tell you about this?  What does this have to do with Relief Society or Visiting Teaching?  This past few years, I have really gotten into searching for my ancestors, and have had some amazing experiences in finding them as well as doing their ordinance work.  Our church as really developed some wonderful programs for fining our ancestors, and add to it all the time.  I wonder just how many people are taking advantage of the advances in research and genealogy that has availed us, within the past few year.  Judging from my own ward, and the Family History class attendance, very few have taken advantage of the wonders of the Internet research made possible by our very own LDS church!

What if the Relief Society supported this effort to teach the sisters how to research their ancestors, and spent a couple of the night meetings, focusing on Genealogy.  I feel pretty positive that the leaders in the ward who know and teach the Family history class would be very gracious about sharing their knowledge with the sister.  I have come up with a few ideas of what could be taught, however I am sure you could do just the same by putting your heads together.

1. Finding your roots - could be a night talking about how to look up and find your ancestors and know where your roots come from. You could serve things that grow on trees like Apple Pie, or other fruit tree pies, nuts or other tree related things.  (my idea that corresponds is a bit of a stretch but I thought I would offer it anyway...)You could do a play on words "Roots" by bringing in a beautician to have an additional class, besides a genealogy class, teaching the women how to cover up their roots, about saving money and being thrifty,  by coloring your hair yourself instead of at the beauty shop. (gray hairs). 
2. All ye of Royal Birth - could be a theme because most peoples genealogy on one line or another go back to royalty.  My husbands Bennett line (his mother) goes back to the King and Queen of England.  I can see the tables set for a dinner with the Queens of their homes, and each sister gets to wear her crown (from Burger King or found online) for the evening.  You can have a couple of different classes offered, one focusing on finding the kings and queens in your family.  Another could be talking about how to be the queen of your house, by honoring your King and encourage him to honor his Priesthood. I could even see another fun and learning lesson being how to make yourself feel like a Queen. ( teach how to make skin care products from the things you have around your house.) There are lots of websites that have recipes for masks, lotions, oils, bath salts, etc.
3. Your Family tree - You could have the genealogy specialists in your ward show how to get on the LDS Genealogy site and show how to make a Family Tree Fan, right on that site. (See the examples below)  Here is one link that you can see how to do this. Here is a link that tells about it  http://ldsmediatalk.com/2011/12/28/family-history-fan-chart/ and here is a link to create your family fan or family tree.https://createfan.com/   Maybe everyone could make one to take home.  You could do other classes on how to organize your genealogy and important family files, and even talk about the importance of knowing your family health history that date back as far as you can find.  There are sites such as this one that can really help you. https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action

I won't go on because it is almost midnight... why oh why do I get my ideas so late at night????  Hummmm?   Good night and hope these ideas help you!

Visiting Teaching Conference Idea

I just received permission to post on my blog, this wonderful, and I mean wonderful... Visiting Teaching Conference program.  I bet the sisters of the Ottawa Ward, Olathe Stake, Kansas, had a fun and wonderful evening thanks to  Nancy Machnicki.  Nancy is a member of the Extraordinary Visiting Teachers google group and mentioned this program called "The Little Red Hen's New Call" and I contacted her to see if we could get it up and available to others to use.  So.... thanks so very much Nancy, and without further ado, here it is.  (4 pages)  To copy, just right click on each page, and save as a file on your computer and print from there.

If you want to see or use the origin images from the story book, you can find them at Project Gutenburg and here is the direct link to the book:  http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18735 Once to the link, click on html, and you can see them in color and black and white.  They are just darling, but of course you all know I LOVE vintage things.  Enjoy!!!!!

Service Contest

"...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40

I am gathering stories to include in my book that will focus on “Christ like Service”. If you would like to participate in this wonderful contest opportunity, please email me with your stories of Christ like service that:

1. Has been given to you
2. Has been given to someone you know
3. You have observed
4. You have been a part of
5. Or that has been a group project

Here are the details:

· Stories should be no longer than 800 - 1000 words. (If you must go longer, be sure to total up the word count and submit it along with your story.)

· Provide as much story detail as possible, helping those who will eventually be reading to have their own hearts touched by your experience.

· You may include names of those involved in this service, or you may request for them to remain anonymous, in which case you can change the names or I will.

· The stories MUST BE TRUE, and have actually happened. (document with dates that your story happened if possible)

· Stories can be in the past, or present, and you can go way back to your ancestors if you wish, however your stories must not have ever been published before in a book, magazine, or periodical of any sort.

· Stories can be shared about being neighborly, aiding the sick or infirm, providing meals, groceries or other needs for someone, kind acts, service that were passed on, helping a friend, lifting spirits of someone through kindness, or just about any other kind of service you can think of. Whatever comes to your mind, that you feel is worthy of sharing, please do.

· If you have photos of the service given, please include them. If you did not take photos at the time and could take some after the fact, please include those as well. Attach photos to the email.

Please be sure to include on your story and email the following:

· Your full name

· Your complete mailing address & zip code

· Email address

· Phone number (in case I need to contact you for further information about your submission)

On the Subject line of your email type in: "Service Contest"

FYI: I will not give out your name, address, phone, etc., to anyone, but I will need it if I need to contact you about including your story in my book, as well as sending you a release and permissions form to use your story and or photos. I will also need your address so I can mail you a copy of the book if I include your story. No one but me will have access to your information.

All those whose stories are selected for use in my book will win a free copy of the book when it is completed and published. Your name will also be included as the contributor, and possibly a photo, so you too will be famous and published. (As you know this may take up to a year or longer, so if your story is selected, please be patient remembering it takes time.) If your story is selected, you will be contacted by me within 6 months.)

These stories do not have to be LDS oriented only, but the book market will focus on Christian readership.

Thanks so much for your time and interest in this wonderful project and contest which will run until midnight, April 1, 2013 . I would like entrants worldwide, and this is why I am announcing it on my blog. I have lots of blog readers from everywhere in the world, and hope to receive email submissions from most of you. Please pass on the link to this contest to your friends and family, or any who you know has a story to tell.

I look forward to your emails, and I wish you the best of luck, as well as enjoyment while you sort through your memory for stories of Christlike Service.

Best regards,

Kathleen Gauger

Ktgauger@gmail.com

Who am I?

I have been in working with the editor of my new book, and realized that name recognition is very important.  Since I began my blogs some 7-8 years ago, I have used the pen name of Katie G. and signed all of my posts with that name.   Recently I discovered and quite by accident that there are other Katie G's out there and one in particular that I would NOT like to have anyone think that I am.  For this reason, I wanted to introduce myself to you.

My name is Katie Gauger, and I currently live in Lehi, Utah with my husband Dennis, however I was born in American Fork, Utah.   I am a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and wear my religion on my sleeve, as I hope you can tell through my blogging.  I know it, I live it and I love it, just like Sister Ann Dibb said in a talk this past year.  I love to create beautiful projects through using my God given skills and talents, through graphic design.  Hopefully you know about this and have seen my gifts to you on my other blog, http://visitingteachingsurprise and if not, you need to go visit that blog.  It is great and I have loved creating it to help and assist and encourage in a very small way, the sisters of my faith in doing their Visiting teaching. 

I am also a soon to be published author and published writer.  My book is well on it's way and I hope you will look for it when it comes out. (Believe me, I will announce it's coming)  The name of my book has finally been decided and it will be "If you want to be happy, give something away." I would love to tell you more, but you will just have to wait for my announcement in the very near future.  I don't have my website up yet for that book but once again, when it is up, I will let you all know.

I write articles for one of the Deseret Digital Media groups, for one of their many sites called Familyshare.com and can be found at this link:  http://familyshare.com/ So far I have about 6 published and I look forward to having more to add, as soon as I write them.  It is a lot of fun, and my writing skills have greatly improves through the many years I have been maintaining and posting on this blog.  You can go to http://familyshare.com/ and type my name (aka) "Kathleen Gauger" in the Search box, and you can bring up my articles.  Currently, my most recent is on the front page so look for "Tips on how to document your childs life." http://familyshare.com/tips-on-how-to-document-your-childs-life?Itemid=631

 

To answer the question I know is on your lips... ha, ha... why do you sign Katie G instead of using your formal name?  My husband began calling me Katie when we were married many years ago, and when people heard him, they just thought that was what my name was.  Rather than constantly correct them, I answered to the name of Katie.  I like it, and have enjoyed being known as Katie for many years.  It is a bit confusing when I see the friends and family who knew me as Kathleen while I was growing up, but some of them are even converting to calling me Katie, as well.  I have other names that I am called most recently such as "Sister Bishop, first lady of the ward, and Mother of the Ward, and I love having those attached to me and I love and revere the Man who leads our Ward as Bishop!

 

To sum all of this up... if you ever search me and type in Katie G.  make sure you get the right Katie G.  I am not the one who has inappropriate photos posted all over the internet.  I was sickened to think that there would be a possibility that any of my readers could mistake me for her.  So, as Paul Harvy use to say... "And that is the rest of the story". 

 

Oh and if you know who I am and ever see me, make sure to say hello.  It if fun to find out who the readers of my blogs are, even though I do get emails a lot, it is still fund to meet you.  Hopefully at my book signings, you will come and introduce yourself to me, and let me autograph your copy of my book for you, that is if I can remember which name to sign it.  Ha ha.

 

Best regards,

The real Katie G. aka Kathleen Gauger 

Happy Valentines Day ---- A Day of Roses

I have designed a cute Valentine Day Card and insert for you to print off if you like for those sisters you Visit teach, or for anyone else you may want to give one to.  I have given ideas about using different kinds of roses to go with the card, or simply give the card and personalize it without adding anything.  But, when I was creating this project which is posted at http://visitingteachingsurprise.blogspot.com I thought about a story that I would like to share with you.  I call it, "A Day of Roses".

I know a special friend, who sufferers from depression, MS, and a multiple of other health problems.  She does her best every day to deal with her problems, however at times they get the best of her.  Several years back, when she was in her 20's, she became so depressed that she made yet another attempt at suicide.  Her mother, for some reason, and who was older, did her best to keep her suicide attempts quiet, because she didn't want others to know about them, thinking that this was the best way to handle the situation, which by the way was WRONG!   This time, it was found out, and the years of troubles she had suffered, was brought out into the open, and her whole family was finally brought to the knowledge of the situation.  They all grieved feeling so badly that they had not known their sister had been going through such difficult times. 

I found out about it too, as this young woman was a very close friend to me.  I pondered at what I could do to lift her spirits, and let her know she is loved, and valued, and that she was not judged by me for her challenges.  I had a thought one day as I went shopping at Costco.  I passed by the beautiful flowers that they had displayed at the end of an isle, very close to the check out registers.  The fragrance of the flowers drew me to them, and I looked at this beautiful, fragrant display, and had an Epiphany.  I knew what I would do for my friend.  I know that flowers can lift the spirits of everyone, and especially the ill.  Flowers are given to people who are in the hospital, and so why not give flowers to someone who is suffering in other ways! 

I made a phone call to my Friend and asked her if she was busy that very next day.  She said she was available, and I told her to set aside about 3 hours of time, and that I would pick her up at her house, and we would spend that time together.  I gave her no clue as to what we would be doing.

When I picked her up, I was excited and so was she.  The anticipation of doing something together that was a secret, was exciting.  She was smiling and filled with wonder, until we drove up to Costco.  She asked, "So we are going shopping in Costco?"  I said, "Yes", but what we are shopping for is the secret. 

We entered the store, and because I wanted to keep her guessing and excited, we went through all the isles, and admired so many lovely things, until the point we were just about done window shopping, and we arrived at the flower isle.  I then told her to select the most beautiful color of roses and that I would be buying them for her today.  Her eyes lit up and she told me she loved roses.  She also told me that she had never been given so many roses at one time before.  She took her time and checked out each bunch and finally settled on beautiful, long stemmed, Red roses.  There looked to be 18 - 24 roses in the bunch.  On our way to the cash register, I told he that it was my gift to her, but once they were hers, it was up to her as to what she wanted to do with them.  I told her that there were so many, that she might want to consider giving some of them to others, to make them as happy as she was, or she could just keep them all for herself.  (I had secretly planned and hoped that she would like to share, because it was part of my plan.)  She responded as I had hoped and said she would like to give some away, but then began to question who.  I then chimed in and made some suggestions.  I said to think about people throughout her life, who had made an impact on her.  Maybe a teacher, or music teacher, or friend.  She began to think and speak out loud her thoughts.  She excitedly said, 'I know who I will give to, and she lives very close by. 

While in line at the check out, I suggested that there might be many others who could have their day lifted by being given a rose.  I suggested that she look around as we went from place to place to watch for someone who might need a rose. 

Right in front of us in line, was a mother with a crying child.  The mother looked frustrated and was struggling to handle paying for her Costco purchase, and wrestling with her child. My friends eyes lit up and she said, "I think that woman needs a rose".  While I was paying for the roses, my friend took out one of the roses in her bouquet, and went over to that woman, and said, "I was noticing that maybe you needed one of these to brighten your day!"  The woman responded favorably and smiled and thanked her for the rose.  It was totally unexpected, but so very welcomed.  They briefly spoke, but what I observed was that not only the countenance of the woman struggling with her child, had changed, but my friend seemed to brighten her own countenance, and she seemed so happy and uplifted. 

Next we went to another store and thought that we might find some people in that store who could use a rose.  One of such, was the woman who was at the cash register.  She seemed frustrated by the onery person who had just checked out.  My friend gave her a rose and said that she hoped her day went better from that moment on.  You should have seen the look on the face of the woman at the cash register.  Her mouth gaped open in wonder, and then a big smile.  She thanked my friend and my friend, said, "No thank you for the service you give every day".

My plan for a day of roses was a huge success.  I knew from personal experience that when we give service to others, there is a huge side benefit.  We feel just as good or better than those we had given the service!  My friends countenance changed and she eagerly thought about who she might give the next rose to.  We stopped at the door of a music teacher who had made a difference in her life.  She gave some of the roses to her Mother who had taken care of her and who was also grieving at the thought her daughter could be dead and gone from the last suicide attempt.  Each and every person was happier, and brighter for a time, and this happiness was felt inside my friend. 

After the three hours, I took her home.  She hugged me and thanked me over and over for the wonderful day of Roses.  I told her how much I loved her and how important she was in my life to me.  I told her that I didn't know what I would do without her, and hoped that the good feelings she had inside from giving service, love and kindness to others, would remind her of how good if feels to be alive, and focusing on others instead of ourself.  We talked about how everyone has troubles in this life and that challenges were what made us who we are.  I told her that when she became discouraged, to look around and see that there are so many others who have challenges too, but we can make a difference, by simply being kind, and giving a little service.  When we look outward, we don't have time to look inward, yet a direct result of serving others is good feelings.  No pill has ever been created to make a person feel as good about themselves as they do when they are serving others.

We parted, and I went home knowing I had done something good.  I felt warm fuzzies inside of me, knowing that my friend did too.  I had invested my time, my love and a little bit on Roses, but what a marvelous day we shared, one that I had impact on me and so many others, and that I will never forget.

I hope you enjoyed my true story and will go out and enjoy serving others.  Much love, Katie G

Relief Society, Visiting Teaching, and really kind sisters.

I had whole knee replacement surgery, the day after Christmas, which was only 10 days ago. I have to say that other than having children, it has been the most painful and difficult thing I have ever undertaken. But setting aside the pain, I have to share with you, the love and sisterhood that has come my way. I have had many prayers offered on my behalf, as well as I have had my name put in the temple by several of my sisters. I have had countless short calls, several short visits, many calls that my husband took, on my behalf. Besides that I have had cards in the mail, and more meals and offers for meals that we can eat. I know this kind of loving response, doesn't always happen, though I wish it would, I just had to share with you, why it has helped me so much. I am even adding some of the photos I have taken of myself, during my recovery process... hoping to see the progresses in future photos, but because I want to show you that this is ME, a real person, and tell you of the blessings that have come my way through kindness of so many.

No matter how much we as women, like to try to do it all ourselves, and try to recover from things, without letting others in to help us, we do need others. We need our family and extended family... neighbors, friends, Visiting Teachers, and Relief Society sisters..... we just do. I tried my best to let others know that my husband would be preparing all our meals, as we are both on diets, and trying to only eat what we are able... you know yucky diet food. Well, they didn't listen and I am so glad because even though we have had lots of meals brought to us that are on our diet, they tasted so much better than the ones we cook, because that special ingredient they use, and add to flavor it so much better. You know... "love". Love makes everything taste better1

While I was preparing for this difficult surgery, I reached out to several sisters in my ward to help me understand just what I would be going through. I wanted to be prepared, and those sisters helped me to know what is important to do in preparation for the surgery, and afterwards, when the really hard part begins. One neighbor brought over a little pedal machine for me to use, and explained that after she was over the biggest part of the pain, she would sit in a chair and slip her feet into the pedals, and pedal, while watching a movie, reading a book or working on her computer. She said that she had let others use it after their knee surgeries too. How kind, and what a thoughtful and helpful act of service.

I have a darling sister I visit teach. She has been inactive for many, many years, though loves to visit with and welcomes her Visiting Teachers. I told her about my surgery and that I would probably have to miss a visit during January, because I would most likely not be driving or walking good enough by then to get it in. Before I could suggest another option, like a telephone visit, she spoke up and said, "'Well then, I guess if you can't come Visit teach me, I will just have to come and Visit teach you!" ..... Now guess who was knocking at my door this morning, bearing gifts, and came for a nice visit? You guessed it, my wonderful sister, who is also my wonderful friend. I was so gratified by her visit; you can't imagine... actually maybe you can. Visiting Teaching was the seed that was planted and bloomed into a wonderful friendship.

I can't walk without a walker, and I am going through some really painful physical therapy, but one day, my knee will be all healed and I will be out walking to my sisters homes, doing my Visiting teaching.

I have heard from all of those sister I visit teach either by “checking up on your" texts, meals, or visits. Usually I am posting on my blog of why it is important for you to get out and do your Visiting teaching, and providing little handouts to make it easier to get there, but this time, I am getting pay back, even though it was never the motivation. The love, concern and kind words that I have been given, is the best kind of pay if forward that I would ever even wish for. I feel such gratitude. Now if someone would just create the handout for this month for me.... any takers? Ha, Ha.

Being a Visiting teacher who develops REAL friendship with all those they teach is so important, and what our Heavenly father wants us to do. My side of the story had to be shared, and I have such gratitude in my heart for the sisterhood that I feel as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I hope you can feel the other side of the story in your own live too. It us usually the giver side I share with you of things you can do to get the job done, but the receiver side is just as important. NOW make sure you get your sisters needs met. Get to know what their needs are, and do something. Become their friends, instead of just an associate. Love them and serve them... for that is what our Heavenly Father desires for us. Set your New Year’s goal high and never miss an opportunity to serve in this wonderful sisterhood, or wherever you are called, or anywhere else the opportunity arises. Don't have to be a member of this church, or an active member to reach out and serve, or to be served by those who are. Fill in each other’s gaps, and be the crutch under the arm to help bear one another’s burdens. In doing, develop wonderful friendships in the process.

I love my sisters!!!! Each and every one of them.

Best loving regards,

Katie G.