Why I Volunteer

Volunteering is addicting! Since I was young I have learned that service creates a feeling that swells within the breast something so great that you want more and more of it. That is what brought me into the leadership areas of my youth and continues to motivate me to serve. I have learned that I love being involved in providing opportunities for others and being part of the carrying out of those activities is amazing!

In connection with volunteering I feel that I add a different perspective to the office, being married and still a student, I have the chance to represent those on campus who may feel that they no longer belong in the social scene because they are married, but that is not true and I can feel that in my life of service here. I hope that I can build Zion communities through helping show the world how great the world is when one follows the commandments of God and continues to press forward in doing things that are some times not the easiest to do!

Financial Purposes (A Not so biblical Look)

Ensuring Training: Our Number one focus in leadership in the BYUSA office in regards to the sacred funds that we are allowed to use is to make sure that they are used in the proper manner. The way that I will ensure that his happens is to not only train and explain the process but be on hand as often as possible when expenditure of funds will take place to help and ensure the process is correct. In our area we will enable a three step process by which all things will be checked before expenditures take place and EAF's are turned in.

How the Process carries over to my personal life: The process that I have learned with BYUSA in expenditure of funds has taught me a great thing, to pass things by my wife before I swipe! By having this in place, I will never be tempted to use funds without proper authorization. In connection with that, by managing funds by planning before spending, a greater amount of discipline will be found in our expenditure of funds.

A Unique Protocol

Protocol is not new to the world, the idea of making a set structure that allows groups to function without continual intervention of its leaders, is ideal for companies and programs. However, one of the most intriguing and perhaps some of the oldest protocols are found within the Old Testament. These protocols were aimed at ensuring the proper process was followed in specific instances. A particular protocol of interest we find is the process by which the priest was to perform the acts on the day of Atonement. In Leviticus 16, the LORD gives a direct protocol for how the events on the day of Atonement are to be followed. Viewing this protocol in light of leadership, we too can see parallels in the way we lead. We are to follow the command of the Lord, to do as Christ does (John 13:15). His life serves as an example to us of how to lead, or in other words, a protocol similar to the one given in Leviticus 16 for the priests. By following this protocol, of leading like Christ leads, we too can see success.

Professionalism and Credibility

In our discussion about how professionalism builds credibility, I thought of Paul before King Agrippa. In the record, we learn that Paul was professional in the way in which he presented his speech before the king, so much so that at the end of his testimonial the king pronounces, "This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds" (Acts 26:31).  This statement by a King is diametrically opposed to the argument made by Festus, who thinks Paul to be, "mad because of much learning" (Acts 26:24), to which Paul professionally answers that he is not mad, but full of truth and soberness (Acts 26:25). Paul here exemplifies professionalism here by following the rules and commands of those in authority, and in return for following his professionalism, he was able to build credibility with King Agrippa, to the point that Agrippa proclaims, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). Following such an outline can bring about success in the lives of those who seek to build credibility as well. When we follow professionalism, we build credibility and are able to then persuade and present our ideas to those in higher positions of authority because we are willing to follow the rules of the trade.