Hi I'm Sheyla. Can I sit here?

Maria-Fernanda, me and Karina, the "Afrikan" dancers

A Sunday in 1994, two little twins came to my primary class. I don't know how, probably because we were in the same class, but we talked and we became really good friends. Twenty years later, Maria Fernanda and Karina Gonzalez, as their families and husbands, have filled my life with special experiences. Actually, I introduced Karina to her husband, Hector. Their sealing was the first one I attend and they are the most celestial couple I've ever seen! So many blessings came to my life because of the family of these two fabulous twins, all because we talked after we met in our Primary class...

With Frencho (Jonathan) at the temple

January 2010, Jonathan Karsenty, a new member in my YSA branch from France, was talking with a girl about the white socks he was wearing. I hear what they were saying so I joined the conversation, and then introduced myself. Soon we became really close friends; my life and perspective about many things in life changed, I learned better about sacrifice with him. All because I joined a conversation about white socks...

Natalia, Brian, me and Sam, my last Sunday in Temple
View in February 2012

I had seen Natalia Malcolm in my ward many times, and a Sunday in February 2012,  two weeks before my return to Canada, I felt that I should talk to her, but I didn't. The next Sunday, I remembered the feeling from the previous week and introduced myself. We sat together in class and at the linger longer, she met my friends, she came to a bonfire for my farewell the next Saturday, and there she met another guy, Nathan Wilson... They got married and are such a wonderful couple! Natalia and I didn't got to spend a lot of time together, but the times we saw each other were times of quality! All because I followed that prompting to talk to her (I wish I had talk to her the week earlier though!)...

Me as Miss Inca, Cynthia as Miss Maya, and Diana as
Miss Azteca, our 2012 Halloween group costume

When I got back to Montreal, in March 2012, they immediately called me as Relief Society 2nd counselor, and I had to work with a new member Diana Zempoalteca, who was RS activities coordinator. I saw her so asked her if I could sit with her. I told her about my new calling and that we would work together. She was so glad about that because she was a new member and didn't knew how to fulfill her calling. She was so willing to serve and to learn. She became like a sister to me, and I tried to be a better person to be a better example to her. I had an uplifting skype conversation with her a couple of weeks ago (she now lives in Mexico); she knew exactly the sweet feelings I was sharing with her about the gospel because she was feeling the same with her own experiences! I believe that our joy was like the joy Alma and the sons of Mosiah felt when they met after their missions. All of this, because I sat next to her and show her my joy to work with her in our callings...

Tarryn, me and Andrew at my first Diamondbacks game

When I went back to Arizona in February 2013, I went to Temple View YSA ward because I had previously attend that ward before, and I already had some friends there, but there were many faces gone and many new, as Andrew Payne. As I was waiting for my ride after church, he saw me and asked me if I was new in the ward or just visiting... Since then, we became really good friends. He has taught me so much with his wisdom. His example gives me so much motivation to live the gospel with more passion. His friendship has been such a great blessing in my life and because of his service and trust, I have been able to accomplish many of my goals. All of this because he talk to this new Peruvian-French-Canadian who was waiting for her ride...

Malcolm, with whom I spoke in Spanish, and
Brandom, with whom I tried to speak in Portuguese

A Sunday I asked Malcolm Lamb, whom I had never talked before, if I could sit next to him. He told me about his mission in Bolivia, and I told him I was from Peru, so we had a lot to talk about the similarities between those two countries. A few days later he called me "chola" (a name people call Peruvians). Some friends in Montreal used to call me like that so in a certain way Malcolm made me feel like I was becoming more part of my ward, being the "chola" from Temple View. That made my day, and since then I've loved when he called me like that! :) All of this because I sat next to him at sacrament meeting...

Marysabel and me at the Easter Pageant, two days
after we met. 

A few weeks ago I saw someone new in Relief Society, and felt that I should sit with her, so I asked her if I could sit there, introduced myself and ask her more about her. Marysabel Guzman told me that she was visiting from PERU!!! We spent the rest of church and the evening together and met her sister's family. It was so amazing to find a friend with whom I felt so connected, because we were both in similar situations, learning so much by being far from home. We might not see each other too much because she is going back to Peru soon, but the distance won't change the special friendship we developed so quickly, and all because I sat next to her in Relief Society...

Elodie, Sara, Miguel and I, when we hiked the Mount Royal

Miguel is a new convert in my former YSA branch in Montreal. Last Sunday we had a pot luck, and he sat at the table where his friend Sara was. I asked him his name and introduced myself. The next day was a holiday, and I had planned a hike to our so famous Montreal mount, the Mount-Royal, so I invited him. The next morning we hiked that mount and we had a really good time together. After the hike he told me to let him know when we go out again, that he really enjoyed coming with us and that he likes to spend time like this with other members of the church to get to know us better and to be surrounded by good people. We really enjoyed his company. All this, because he sat in my table and we talked during that pot luck...

I could keep telling about more friendships I made on Sundays: I sat next to Tarryn Goodman, Emi Christensen, Jessica Homewood;  Hannah Byers talked with me at our choir practice; Chelsea Chapman saw me walking and looking for a home teaching group to join and invited me to join hers; I offered to help and sit with Ben Beazer at sacrament meeting, I sat with Samuel Appollon and his friends at a YSA conference Sunday brunch; Brandon Halls talk to me on a Sunday and talked in Portuguese with me, as I randomly talked with Nicole Montez, Brandon Dana, Steven Neher, Cody Reed, Chandra Broomhead, Cédrick Jolifils, and other members after church or between classes; ; by those little moments and many other similar experiences at church on Sundays, I met wonderful people who have become fabulous blessings to me!

I'm sharing these experiences because from all of them I learned how important it is to meet new people at church, and everywhere. I believe that as children of God, brothers and sisters, everyone have in itself something to offer to others. We are all part of a big universal family, and we have the responsibility to help and support each other. I have learned so much from many friends who have shaped who I am. They are a great blessing. And these blessings have often come by a simple "Can I sit here?" or a "Hi, I'm _____________, are you visiting or new in the ward?"

Let's say the truth, those who attend activities like FHE, dances, game nights, sport nights, movie nights, even institute, usually go to those activities to see their friends and meet new people. But when we attend church meetings, the main reason is to take the sacrament and be uplifted by lessons and talks. So, if a really shy and quiet but faithful member go to church on Sunday, it could be really easy to attend the meetings and disappear a few seconds after we say "Amen" at the closing prayer, without anyone noticing his presence. How many of our brothers and sisters go to church but feel alone? Some might want to talk to new people, but they don't know how or don't have always the courage to do it (I know what I'm talking about, that has happened to me many times). Sometimes when we already have many friends, we are so focused spending time with them that we don't notice those who might be and feel alone.

We know that one of the essential needs of every member of the church is a FRIEND! Are we being that friend to others? Do you talk to new people in your ward or are you just hanging out all the time with your same crowd? Do you sit at the same place all the time or do you look for people you don't know yet to sit with them? Do you talk to everyone or only to the cute member of the opposite sex that could seem like a potential mate? If you see members with disabilities or special needs, do you offer your company, help or friendship or do you avoid to sit with someone who is different than you? When you feel prompted to talk to someone, do you trust enough in the Spirit to have the courage to talk to that person or do you tell the Spirit how weird it would be if you do it? Do you know your missionaries and ensure that you know the people they are bringing at church?


Meeting new people on Sundays is always very rewarding! Wonderful friendships can come from that!

As says the lyrics of this music video, "Be that friend", from Micheal McLean):
"Everyone hopes to find one true friend who's the kind
They can count on for forever and a day.
Be that friend, be that kind that you prayed you might find
And you'll always have a best friend, come what may"

So I invite you to talk to the new faces on Sundays! I even challenge you to weekly talk to a new face or to someone you're not used to talk, and I promise you that you will find that kind of friends, which would be a cherry on your Sundays, and in your life.

Brocolily: something GOOD to share!

Food is really important for Hispanics. In our countries, people might be very poor, but they will find a way to feed their families and others. We show our love with food. If someone comes to visit, we make sure that we can feed them with the best we have. Perhaps that is the reason why I love to share food with people too, and Sundays are often the best days to do it. Sharing food makes my Sundays a better day, and these are some of the reasons:

1. 

   Peruvian homemade chocolates.
   Those from my ward loved it!

   "Reward" for those who come to church or to activities. Is not always easy for everyone to come to church;  for some, it requires a lot of efforts. So getting food is always appreciated, specially when they didn't have time to eat before. I've done that often for choir practices because I knew that many didn't really wanted or had time to be there, but they came. I used to make breakfast for my seminary students every morning (this wasn't on Sundays, but it was also a "physical" reward for doing the effort to come to an spiritual activity). I know that people should not come to church for food... but it's always good to have a little physical "reward" as a tender mercy for coming to church or activities. 
   
   
2. Encouragement for those who faithfully fulfill their callings. I got callings and responsibilities that required me to leave home early to fulfill them, having meetings, visiting members, helping the missionaries. That often meant that I couldn't eat a real meal all day. I learn to survive to my Sundays without food, but it felt good when I could have a little something to eat. That's why I will sometimes make food to give to people I see sacrificing their time to serve others or fulfill their callings, as attending early meetings, giving rides to others or home teaching. Church callings and responsibilities can take a lot of time, so giving them food is a way for me to encourage those faithful members in their efforts.
3. The pleasure to share. It is the greatest reason to bring food to church! It makes me so happy when I see the smile on the eyes of those who get that food. I don't cook to impress, but because of the pleasure to share. And because of that desire to share and feed others, I try improve my cooking skill and I love to try new recipes, that I may be able to show my love and appreciation to others... with a good taste! :)

Beijinhos and brigaderios, a dessert from Brazil
that I tried I shared with those in my ward.

When we share, we bring happiness to others... and to ourselves! Sundays must be the best day of the week, and with so many responsibilities that leaders have, or so many sacrifices that some members have to do to attend church meetings or participate in choirs or other activities, why not bring them a little something to make their day a little more glorious? I know how much joy the gospel brings to my life, but I know that is not that easy for everyone.

"Because I have been given much I too must give" are some words from a hymn that I really like and that reminds me that, having been blessed with a deep love for the gospel, I need to share that love with others, and to help them and encourage them to live the gospel and to find happiness on it as I have learned to do it. Sharing food to me is a way to tell them: "I know this is not a lot, but I just wanted to let you know that I am happy to see you here; I recognize your efforts, I am grateful for the good you are doing in the life of those you are serving, I am glad to see your participation in choir or in this meeting, I am glad that you came to church. You are important to the Lord, and I want to make you feel a little part of his love for you through this food. If you keep doing those efforts, he will bless you with so much more than cookies, or chocolates, or cakes, or other food."

Here is a video of that song that I really like! :) 

This is the reason why I love to cook and bring treats to my friends and leaders on Sundays: to make their Sunday a better day! If a random person in their ward like me notice their efforts and is so happy to see them there, doing good, that she brings food for them, how much more the Lord, who knows everything and sees everything, recognize their efforts, and will give them eternal blessings!

A cake I made for my friend Diana's first anniversary
of baptism.

In Mosiah 18:8-9, we learn about the baptismal covenant and the things we promise, and part of it is to bear one another's burdens. Sharing, to me, is part of that. It's a way to help my brothers and sisters with their burdens that attending church, attending choir, attending meetings, home teaching, teaching lessons, sacrificing their other activities, and any other burdens they could feel on Sundays. 

We all can share! We all can give! We all have talents! We all have gifts! And Sundays are the perfect day for that (remember, things that we do on Sundays can be good to do on other days of the week too, so we can share every day). I love this song that my mother taught me in my childhood from which I learned the importance to give, and I want to share that same principle to my children. We are never to little to give and share! We don't have idea how the little things we do for others can become great blessings to the recipients of our service, as this hymn teaches:

So, you don't have any cooking skills or are already too busy to find time to cook for the members of your ward? That's ok, there are so many other ways to share! Here are some suggestions:

• You have a hand? Great! shake the hands of those you see (and if you are like me and the Hispanic or French culture, hug them too!) And guys, use also those hands to open the doors or help to carry stuff for the ladies or elderly members; it's always appreciated.
• You can talk? Perfect! Talk to the members of your ward. Ask them about their week. Greet those who are new. Participate in lessons (that encourages a lot those who are teaching).
• You know how to smile? Awesome! Greet the members with a big and sincere smile!
• You read the Sunday school lesson during the week or something from your scripture study of the week is related to the lessons? Interesting... share what you learn, if appropriate, during the class.
• You have a testimony? Wonderful! If it's testimony meeting, go and share it with others!
• You hold the priesthood? What a privilege! Do all you can to be worthy of it, and accept the opportunity to prepare, bless or pass the bread and water during sacrament, or to give blessings to those who need it.
• You have a calling? Amazing! Serve those you have the responsibility on. Give your 110%.
• You have a voice? Formidable! Attend choir! Even if you don't sing well yet, go, and your musical skills will improve, and with your choir director, the other members of the choir and the Spirit, you will discover your potential to sing better than you ever thought!
• You have musical skills? That's fascinating! Play the piano, conduct the music, prepare a special musical number. Music brings a unique Spirit!
• You know how to pray? Sweet! Volunteer to say the prayer!
• You own a car? Oh yeah! People like me would need a ride to church! Offer them rides!
• You have many friends? Cool! Introduce them to those who are new or who don't know many people yet.
• You love children and have patience with them? Fabulous! Sit with a mother who could need help.
• Do you feel the presence of the Spirit in your life? What a glorious feeling! Help others to feel it too with the way you treat them, with the things you share in your lessons, by serving them, or just by showing through the light in your eyes the happiness it brings to your life.
• You have the gospel? Excellent! Talk to investigators! Invite your friends to come with you! Share it!

Brocolily - healthy cookies made for a pot luck in Montreal.

There are so many other ways to share and to give on Sundays. These are just a few simple suggestions! You know yourself, you know your strengths and gifts, I'm sure you can find many other ideas to share, give and to bear the burdens of the members of your ward. The Lord is our example, and he gave freely to us all, even his life! Shouldn't we follow him and give to others? 

I testify that sharing and serving others brings magnificent feelings that can't be described! It definitely is a cherry on the top of my Sundays! As we serve others, we are serving God, and that is a great blessing, to be his hands!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, to finish, I want to share the recipe of something I made that many people liked: Brocolily... or Broccoli cookies!! Yes, broccoli and cookies can be compatible! Cookies are often good, and as one of my friends said, the gospel is like cookies: because they are good, we need to share them! So imagine when the cookies are not only good, but also HEALTHY! I loved it!  As Lehi with the fruit of the tree, those cookies are good, that I have to share them!

So here is the recipe. It was created by a lady from Quebec, where I grew up. In their website, Création Les Gumes, they have many other good and healthy dessert recipes with veggies (all in French), and I will try some others and share it, so if you want them, let me know, and I can translate it for you! :)

Brocolily (about 24 cookies)

Ingredients:

Broccoli and sweet potato purees for the brocolily cookies

- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp of peanut butter
- 1/4 cup of sweet potatoes puree
- 1/4 cup of broccoli puree
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 c. tsp of vanilla
- 1 tbsp of granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp of whole wheat flour
- 1/4  cup of white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips


Preparation:

Brocolily ready for the oven!

• Preheat the oven to 375°C 
• Mix the egg and peanut butter. 
• Cook sweet potatoes and mash them (I did it with a fork). 
• Steam the broccoli until tender. When it's cold, blend it to make a puree (the first time I made those cookies I couldn't find the blender, so I smash it with a fork when it was still hot... we could see some pieces of broccoli on some cookies, but with the blender, we can't notice it). 
• Add the puree and sugar. Mix.
• Add vanilla, white sugar, baking soda and flour. Mix. 
• Add chocolate. Mix. 
• Make small balls, about 1 inch. 
• Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375°C
• When it's golden on the top, it's ready.

*Because of the purees, the texture might be a little different that what you are use too, but is good!

Brocolily dough -
Taste it! Is good! Who would
believe there is broccoli on it?

You can also see the video (in French) of the recipe on this link, if you want to have an idea how it is... but if you don't know French, you won't understand to much from it...

Enjoy it! Now, instead of telling the children: eat your veggies if you want a dessert, you can say: eat your dessert if you want your veggies! ;) And don't forget to share... the cookies... and your talents and gifts, to uplift and support others, on Sundays... and every day of the week!