Ice Bucket Challenge

I am a people watcher, and there is nothing more incredible to watch than when something negative (neknominations) get turned into something amazing, like the no make up selfie for Breast Cancer research and the ALS/MND ice bucket challenge.  While I am very blessed to have a healthy and happy family, I have seen the suffering and sadness that MND causes.  One of my fellow air cadet's Dad had MND and it was like a time bomb waiting to go off.  He told us every week how things were with his Dad, but we all knew one day he would walk in and tell us his Dad had died.  In a very sad way, it was almost a relief when he did.

  So I was excited to get involved in this.  It is positive and helpful and good.

 Some have criticized those who have taken the ice bucket challenge, claiming that they don't need to get cold and wet to donate.  Well they are right, but tell me, did they think of donating to this cause before it was thrust into the limelight by this viral campaign?  I doubt it.  I know I never thought about it.

  The nature of this challenge means that not only do the MND/ALS charities get a massive boost in funds, the level of awareness is also raised.  So whether or not you want to get wet or not, just sit back and watch MND "soaking" up the limelight for once, because this will probably never happen again for them.

For us, we not only had a great time getting soaked (listen out for Phineas encouraging us by shouting "Go! Go!") but it sparked a conversation between Caitlin and I about what MND is.

Charity

I am still busy doing my Personal Progress and l-o-v-i-n-g it!  As part of my Individual Worth project, I have made a Pinterest board (http://www.pinterest.com/emunday2/individual-worth/) with each of the scriptures I have studied for this value.  I am also particularly working on doing acts of kindness at the moment, which led me to have an amazing experience today.

I confess, I normally walk past homeless people.  I have heard the murmurings of many who say "they only spend the money on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes etc" and also those who tell stories of professional beggars.  However, it has become clear to me through scripture study, and mostly conversation with Lewis, that this is not my Saviour's way.  So filled with a desire to do some small kindness I approached a man sat by the side of the path and gave him a very measly £1.20.  It seemed so pathetic, but it was most of the change I had and I thought he could at least buy a warm drink.  I have no way of saying what happened next without sounding odd.  As I handed the man the money, along with my apology for offering such a small amount, he touched my hand and like nothing I have ever felt before, I felt the warmth of the Holy Ghost, I felt the strength of my Saviour's love for me and for him.  I feel truly humbled and I can only hope that this feeling stays with me, so I can be a better servant to my Heavenly Father.

A family took a stroll through a deep, dark wood...

We took a trip down to Sherwood Pines in search of the Gruffalo (sculpture!)  It is so lovely to just let the kids RUN!  We also decided to visit the legendary Sherwood Forest while we were there, and as a result of following our Sat nav we sort of fell into the 30th Robin Hood Festival.  Death, war and torture were rife, so of course the children had a marvelous time!  In fact, we had such a great day that I think we will be headed to Dalby Forest next week in search of another Gruffalo!

So far, the summer holidays have been fabulous.  The only down side being that Caitlin has been away for almost two weeks.  I have no doubt she is having a great time with her Dad, but we miss her a LOT when she is away.  

We are looking forward to a day at the Temple on Saturday with family.  Lewis's brother Simon and his Mum are wanting to do some sealings of their ancestors who served in World War One, as our way of commemorating 100 years since the beginning of the War.

Family Home Evening

 Life has obviously become more chaotic during the summer holidays, and for Phineas it seems to have become just to much!  Caitlin caught him red handed, house hunting for something a little more civilised ha ha!

 For Family Home Evening tonight we talked about family history, both the importance of finding out about our ancestors and doing their work in the Temple.  It was great to read out the story of my Nanna Brian (Dora Brian, actually my great grandma) who was sent in to service at the age of 10.  By all accounts, she never forgave her mother and my Nanna (Pauline) says she only ever heard Nanna Brian refer to her mother as "the witch!"

 As an extra special FHE treat I let the children dunk bananas in my Hotel Chocolat dipping chocolate, that I was given when I left New Holland...sometimes I think I spoil my children!