July 7, 2013
Well friends, today I turned 19 years old! I am now officially eligible to serve a mission! Wahooo! I realized today that there is no better way to spend a birthday than with your family...and that's exactly what I did! We had so much fun laughing and playing games together. As I was spending time with the people I love most my thoughts drifted to Argentina (as they so often do) and the families I will teach there. I began to wonder what they were doing at that moment. As I thought about my own family and those I will meet in Argentina, I was filled with joy, gratitude, and love. I will always remember what I felt in that moment sitting in a circle with my family on our living room floor playing Catch Phrase. I would be completely lost with out my family. They were given to me to help me through my mortal journey on the earth. My family is the biggest blessing in my life. I'm so thankful for the knowledge that we, as members of the Church, have that families can be together throughout all eternity. We are in no way close to perfection, but I'm so incredibly thankful for my family and everyone in it.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
God Gave Me a Dear Earthly Father
Today is Father's Day! I am so blessed to have such a kind and loving father! The primary kids sang a song in Sacrament Meeting today called "My Daddy Reminds Me." It goes:
"I lived with my Heavenly Father before I was sent to the earth, but I do not remember the sound of His voice, for that was forgotten at birth, but daddy when your arm's around me I feel so safe in your love. God gave me a dear earthy father, so I could remember His love."
"I lived with my Heavenly Father before I was sent to the earth, but I do not remember the look in His eyes, for that was forgotten at birth, but daddy when I look in your eyes I seem to recall how it was. God gave me a dear earthly father, so I would remember His love."
I love this song! It's so special! I'm so thankful for my Heavenly Father and His love for me! I'm so grateful that He was willing to send His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for my sins so that I may return to live with Him someday. I'm forever thankful for my earthly father who has supported me and helped me grow into the person I am today. He has taught me so much and has always reminded me of his love. It's true...God gave ME a dear earthly father so I could remember HIS love.
I'm so excited to go share that love with the people of Argentina in just under 3 months! Can't wait!!:)
"I lived with my Heavenly Father before I was sent to the earth, but I do not remember the sound of His voice, for that was forgotten at birth, but daddy when your arm's around me I feel so safe in your love. God gave me a dear earthy father, so I could remember His love."
"I lived with my Heavenly Father before I was sent to the earth, but I do not remember the look in His eyes, for that was forgotten at birth, but daddy when I look in your eyes I seem to recall how it was. God gave me a dear earthly father, so I would remember His love."
I love this song! It's so special! I'm so thankful for my Heavenly Father and His love for me! I'm so grateful that He was willing to send His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for my sins so that I may return to live with Him someday. I'm forever thankful for my earthly father who has supported me and helped me grow into the person I am today. He has taught me so much and has always reminded me of his love. It's true...God gave ME a dear earthly father so I could remember HIS love.
I'm so excited to go share that love with the people of Argentina in just under 3 months! Can't wait!!:)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Temple Trip
June 10, 2013
This morning I had the opportunity to go to the Provo Temple to do an endowment session with two boys that I've known since I was 6 years old, Spencer Kerby and Adam Myler. It was such a cool experience! Spence leaves on Wednesday for the San Jose California Mission, and Adam leaves in a week and a half to the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission. They're such good examples to me! Good luck, Elders! See you after a great two years!
This morning I had the opportunity to go to the Provo Temple to do an endowment session with two boys that I've known since I was 6 years old, Spencer Kerby and Adam Myler. It was such a cool experience! Spence leaves on Wednesday for the San Jose California Mission, and Adam leaves in a week and a half to the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission. They're such good examples to me! Good luck, Elders! See you after a great two years!
100 DAYS!
June 3, 2013
100 days people! In 100 days I will be set apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Just 100 days until I begin the 18 month journey that I've been preparing for my whole life. Let the countdown begin!!
100 days people! In 100 days I will be set apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Just 100 days until I begin the 18 month journey that I've been preparing for my whole life. Let the countdown begin!!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Alma Academy
Where do I begin?! Alma Academy is a 48 hour activity that my stake does for young men and young women who have their mission calls, or will be receiving their mission calls in the next year. The prospective missionaries are given companions and a host family. During our 48 hours as "missionaries" we were required to follow all of the mission rules. We had to wear a name tag, go to bed at 10:30, wake up at 6:30, study the scriptures, and dress in appropriate mission attire.
In a nutshell, our time spent at Alma Academy was a mini MTC experience. We had gospel discussions, we learned about our purpose as missionaries, we taught lessons to "investigators." The atmosphere was so incredible! I loved every minute that I was there! I seriously cannot wait to be a missionary!
I learned a lot at Alma Academy:
I want to share a quick story Elder Shurtleff shared about his mission. One of the young men asked, "how do you get over the fear of talking to people?" Elder Shurtleff served in Ukraine speaking Russian and Ukrainian. He quickly explained that the fear of talking to people never went away for him. He said that every time he approached someone he had to overcome a personal battle...sometimes he lost and sometimes he won. When he lost that battle he thought for sure that he was going to hell and that he was an awful missionary. But when he would win, even if the person was rude or was not interested, he always felt good. He then said, "You are a MISSIONARY. Talking to people is your JOB. It's what you DO." Another missionary piped up and said that one time while riding on a public transportation bus in Germany he spent 20 minutes praying for the strength and the courage to talk to the person sitting next to him. He was proud to tell us that he finally got the courage to talk to the guy even if it took 20 minutes!
I LOVED Alma Academy! I feel so much more confident and prepared to serve a mission! It's gonna be hard, but it will be totally worth it!
In a nutshell, our time spent at Alma Academy was a mini MTC experience. We had gospel discussions, we learned about our purpose as missionaries, we taught lessons to "investigators." The atmosphere was so incredible! I loved every minute that I was there! I seriously cannot wait to be a missionary!
I learned a lot at Alma Academy:
- No one is perfect, and missionaries are not an exception to that rule.
- Missionary work is not easy because salvation is not an easy experience. Why should it be easy for us when it was NEVER easy for Him?
- The Savior rarely gets rid of our problems. Instead he strengthens us and our ability to cope with our trials increases.
- Never forget what a sacred privilege it is to wear the name of Jesus Christ over your heart.
- Our responsibility as missionaries is to invite the spirit and remind people of what they already know.
- Obedience is IMPERATIVE to success as a missionary. Don't complain, don't make excuses. Just do it. The Spirit's companionship is a direct result of obedience.
- It's easier to be 100% obedient then it is to be 99% obedient.
- Be where you're supposed to be, when you're supposed to be there.
- "RM Syndrome" is not automatic. Everything you learn you have to work for. You change through consistency. From consistently studying the scriptures, saying meaningful prayers, listening to the Spirit, etc.
I want to share a quick story Elder Shurtleff shared about his mission. One of the young men asked, "how do you get over the fear of talking to people?" Elder Shurtleff served in Ukraine speaking Russian and Ukrainian. He quickly explained that the fear of talking to people never went away for him. He said that every time he approached someone he had to overcome a personal battle...sometimes he lost and sometimes he won. When he lost that battle he thought for sure that he was going to hell and that he was an awful missionary. But when he would win, even if the person was rude or was not interested, he always felt good. He then said, "You are a MISSIONARY. Talking to people is your JOB. It's what you DO." Another missionary piped up and said that one time while riding on a public transportation bus in Germany he spent 20 minutes praying for the strength and the courage to talk to the person sitting next to him. He was proud to tell us that he finally got the courage to talk to the guy even if it took 20 minutes!
I LOVED Alma Academy! I feel so much more confident and prepared to serve a mission! It's gonna be hard, but it will be totally worth it!
Oklahoma?
Recently I had the opportunity to spend 11 days with my best friend, Corbin, and her family in Oklahoma before we both leave on our missions in September. She is going to the Peru Lima North Mission! Anyway, while we were there Corbin and I had the chance to go to the Oklahoma City Temple. I did a session while Corbin did baptisms. It was only my third time doing a session so it was really intimidating and I didn't really know what I was doing, but one of the temple workers was there to help me. I got to go through for a sister with my mom's maiden name. It was such a special experience that I will never forget! The spirit was so strong!
While I was in Oklahoma we also had the missionaries over for dinner. It was so exciting! We ate a delicious dinner and then the Elders left a short message with us. They read Moroni 8:25-26 which says,
"25. And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;"
"26. And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God."
They then shared their testimonies of how important it is for them, as missionaries to have that hope and a perfect love like the Savior's, and they encouraged us to look for our own missionary experiences. It was really sweet. I can't wait to be a missionary!
While I was in Oklahoma we also had the missionaries over for dinner. It was so exciting! We ate a delicious dinner and then the Elders left a short message with us. They read Moroni 8:25-26 which says,
"25. And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;"
"26. And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God."
They then shared their testimonies of how important it is for them, as missionaries to have that hope and a perfect love like the Savior's, and they encouraged us to look for our own missionary experiences. It was really sweet. I can't wait to be a missionary!
The House of the Lord
April 23, 2013
This morning my sister, Emily, and I went through the Mt. Timpanogos Temple together for our first times. It was like a dream! Mom was our escort, and we were accompanied by dad and Emily's fiance(and now husband), Craig. What a special experience! The spirit of peace and love that dwells in the House of the Lord is unlike any I've ever experienced. As a young child I can't count the number of times that I sang the words of the popular primary song, "I love to see the temple." The words are so simple and yet they have so much importance: "I love to see the temple, I'll go inside someday. I'll covenant with my Father; I'll promise to obey." The temple is one of the greatest blessings we've been given on this earth. I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to attend the temple regularly and worship my Heavenly Father in His house. I love the temple!
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