Tag Archives: Service

Moo.

Chik-Fil-A was ranked as the top fast food restaurant brand by the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ASCI). And with campaigns like Cow Appreciation Day, it’s not too hard to see why.

ASCI specifically called out perceptions around food quality, but the food itself is hardly where that begins. Customer service satisfaction is a leading indicator of our perceptions of our meal.

Consider the following details that the average consumer won’t necessarily pick-up on but lead to a strong, consistently positive brand experience:

  • Employees always say “My Pleasure” instead of “your welcome.”
  • Very minimalist approach to menu design on a bright white backdrop
  • Guest orders are called out by name instead of a number
  • No extra costs for sauces

Priesthood power comes line upon line

This quote by John Taylor stood out to me as I strive to understand what the Lord would have me do. He said,

“If we understand ourselves and our position, it ought to be with us, the kingdom of God first and ourselves afterwards. If we can learn to accomplish a little thing, the Lord will probably tell us to do a grater, because we are prepared to do it. . . . If we are the people of God, and he is trusting to us to accomplish these great purposes, we have got to do a little more than we have done, and we have got to be willing and obedient to the dictation of the Spirit of the Lord and his servants whom he had placed over us. If we do this, every labor we engage in will be joyous and pleasant to us, peace will reign in our bosoms and the peace of God will abide in our habitations; the Spirit of the Lord will brood over us, and we shall be full of joy and rejoicing all the day long, and so it will be to the end of the chapter. I know of no other way to accomplish all this work, only to be taught of the Lord, and for that purpose he has organized his holy priesthood.”

John Taylor
Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, p. 124

Sketchnote: “Beware Concerning Yourselves”

It’s not a sketchnote in the truest sense of the method, but still a creative release while capturing meaning from Elder Anthony D. Perkin’s priesthood session address. I loved the imagery and what started as a sketch kind of took on a life of it’s own.

“Brethren, each of you has entered, or will soon enter, into the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood. In that covenant is embedded a glorious journey that begins with receiving both the lesser and higher priesthoods, progresses through magnifying our callings, and climbs ever upward to God’s grandest vistas, until we receive ‘all that [the] Father hath.’

The wise designer of that celestial road has erected caution signs for our journey. The oath and covenant of the priesthood contains this soul-searching warning: ‘I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves.'”

Read, listen or watch the address here.

Honoring the Priesthood

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught us how we can take steps to better honor the priesthood. He said,

“Let us embrace and understand the wonder and privilege of the priesthood. Let us accept and love the responsibilities we are asked to fulfill—responsibilities in our homes and in our Church units, no matter how large or small they may be. Let us constantly increase in righteousness, dedication, and priesthood service. Let us find the joy of serving in the priesthood!
We can do this best by applying the principles of knowledge, obedience, and faith.

“That means, first, we need to know and internalize the doctrine of the priesthood found in the revealed word of God. It is important for us to understand the covenants and commandments upon which the priesthood operates.

“Next, let us be wise and act upon this gained knowledge constantly and honorably. As we obey God’s laws, discipline our minds and bodies, and attune our actions to the patterns of righteousness taught by the prophets, we will experience the joy of priesthood service.

“And finally, let us deepen our faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let us take upon ourselves His name and commit each single day to walk anew in the path of discipleship. Let our works make our faith perfect. Through discipleship we may be perfected one step at a time by serving our family, our fellowmen, and God. “

2012 October General Conference, The Joy of the Priesthood, Priesthood Session – By Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Developing the Love of Christ

M. Russell Ballard taught us a simple way we can develop Christlike love. He said,

“How do we make this change? How do we ingrain this love of Christ into our hearts? There is one simple daily practice that can make a difference for every member of the Church, including you boys and girls, you young men and you young women, you single adults, and you fathers and mothers.

“That simple practice is: In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. Stay focused, just like the honeybees focus on the flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized were possible.”

(2012 October General Conference, Be Anxiously Engaged, Sat. Afternoon Session – By M. Russell Ballard)

Following Promptings in Serving Others

President Thomas S. Monson taught,

“In the performance of our responsibilities, I have learned that when we heed a silent prompting and act upon it without delay, our Heavenly Father will guide our footsteps and bless our lives and the lives of others. I know of no experience more sweet or feeling more precious than to heed a prompting only to discover that the Lord has answered another person’s prayer through you.”

“Peace, Be Still,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 55.