[MUSIC PLAYING]
When I first joined the Church, I didn't really
have that great of an understanding
of what fasting was.
And I don't think it was until a little bit
later on that someone that I was close to needed something,
and they said that they were going to do a fast.
And I think that was really one of the first times
that I fasted with an actual purpose.
It was just a really special experience
to see this change happen because a group of people
had gotten together to pray for one person.
Fasting is a spiritual principle.
The first Sunday of every month is fast Sunday,
and during that time, you go without food or drink
for two meals.
When I've fasted with a purpose, I
feel like I've had even more energy, and my mind is clearer.
Maybe things that didn't make sense before are making sense.
And you know, it's not necessarily that every time you
fast for something, that thing is going to happen.
But there's always been a sense of peace
that comes along with that.
I think that fasting works in people's lives
because it's just another way for us
to show Heavenly Father how much we care about something
by making a sacrifice.
It is a sacrifice for a lot of people,
I think, to go without those two meals.
And it really turns your heart to whatever the subject matter
is that you're praying for, that you're fasting for.
The fast-offering program is really amazing, in my mind.
When Jesus Christ came to earth and organized His Church,
He gave us commandments.
And some of those were to help the needy
and to clothe the poor and to visit the sick.
We have fast Sunday, which is the first Sunday
of every month, where we take the money that we would
have used on two meals and we donate that as a fast offering.
It's just such an amazing feeling
to know that I've been blessed with so much in my life,
and I am giving back, even though it's
such a small amount.
But I'm giving back.
I have a quote on my computer.
It says, "Work will cure your grief.
Serve others."
And I just absolutely love that quote.
Any time that I'm feeling down, I always remember that
and think, "I need to get out of myself
and go out and do something."
When I am helping others and serving others,
I am serving Jesus Christ.