What I Know for Sure

One of my favorite parts of the Oprah magazine is her "What I Know for Sure" column, so I'm sharing my wisdom with you in my own version of "What I Know for Sure."

What I know for sure is...volunteering and serving is the best, easiest and most fulfilling way to find belonging in any community. It gives us purpose to connect, fosters friendships, and offers a whole new reason for showing up. Whenever I start in a new group or community, I always look for ways that I can serve because I know it's the fast track to making friends.

I found our Center about 14 years ago when my girls were small and getting up by 6:30 a.m. every morning.  Since we weren't doing much on Sunday mornings AND we were up early, I decided to seek out a spiritual center with a vibrant youth church. God guided me to our Center and the most spiritually grounded, fun and loving youth director; our very own Ms. Pattie (now Rev. Pattie). I didn't know a soul when I walked in the door! It was just me and my girls. I asked Pattie if I could serve in youth church. Of course she said YES!

I was new to the Science of Mind teaching and really didn't know how I could help, but I was a warm body with a willingness to serve. At the same time, I signed up for Dr. Heather's Science of Mind classes.

I learned the philosophy from Dr. Heather in class and the application in youth church with Rev. Pattie, made complete by a hands-on craft!  Additionally, I made friends, so many friends, creating connections with all members of our congregation. My bond with Rev. Pattie is deep and lasting. She knows me so well and supports me in countless ways. Overall, my time in service made our Center my spiritual home.

I continue to serve, but in a different way. Although, you might see me back in the youth church in the not too distant future. I hear Spirit calling my name.

There are so many ways to be in service at our Center and I know there is the perfect way for you.

What I know for sure is that you will come away from a service experience more enriched with flourishing with friendships and a deep sense of belonging.

Is the Call to Serve the Answer to Your Prayers?

What do you believe about volunteering?

Do you believe you don't have enough time? Do you believe it's a good thing to do when you can? Do you think you don't have anything of value to contribute?

Or do you believe it could be the answer to your prayers?

In December, during a visioning session at our Center, I got the clear message to volunteer my time and public relations skills in support of our Center. Knowing the amount of work and attention required, I immediately questioned Spirit's guidance, "What about my photography business?"

Spirit replied, "You can and will do both."

With faith, I took our Center's marketing on like I would a paying PR client. I jumped in with both feet. At times I felt like Evan in Evan Almighty. Do you remember that movie? God tells Evan, a modern-day Noah, to build an arc.



There were a few times when I was really busy and spending a lot of time at my computer writing and my husband asked, "What are you doing?" And, I simply replied, "I don't really know."

Over the past 9 months, I've discovered that my photography skills offer the perfect compliment to my public relations efforts. Because I can submit professional photos with my news releases, they appear in the local newspaper with a photo credit. My photos accompany my blog posts, our Center's advertisements and direct mail marketing, and my photos have gone viral on social media.

Spirit knew that the perfect way to bring me closer to living my dream as a photographer was to serve our Center's marketing needs. My photos and photography business have received more exposure than I ever could have imagined. Volunteering for our Center brought me into perfect alignment with my good.

On the Sundays I volunteer in the youth Center, I remind the kids during the offering to, "Look for what you put in the basket to show up for you in your experience."

So I ask you, what are you putting into the Center and are you ready to see it show up in your experience, pressed down, multiplied and spilling over? Where are you being called to serve? It just might be the answer to your prayers.