Dare to be a Mormon

This month has been a month where I truly have been grateful for so many things. I have tried to express my gratitude and love to my Heavenly Father. On November 19th I had the opportunity of a life time. Let me begin my saying that I never thought (except for the day I'm engaged/married in the temple for time and all eternity) I would never have a better day then the day I met Elder Oaks AND got to open my mission call.  The sheer joy that emanated from me can not be faked, and doesn't occur often. So, I think its pretty reasonable to assume that October 19th, and in the future my wedding day, would be the happiest day of my life would be a reasonable thought. FALSE. On November 18th my parents and I flew to St. Louis then drove to Nauvoo, IL.We stayed at a little B&B right down next to the Pageant stage. The next morning we took a tour if the place, went to breakfast and then my life changed. The way I view things, the way I think, even the way I dress has changed. A beautiful day in the Nauvoo Temple did this for me. It was magical. It was like nothing before, the whole time I was in there all I could do was feel a feeling of conformation. I knew I was in the right place. I knew that i was doing what the Lord wanted. My stake president gave me some advice before going in for the first time, and to summarize he basically said "Going on a mission is great. But going through the temple is even more important. In order to become exalted, to live with our Heavenly Father again we must go through the temple and receive our endowment. Try not to focus as going through the temple as a checklist for going on a mission. It is SO much more than that. It is a saving ordinance. A gift from God. A blessing greater than anything ever given to you." And can I just say he was absolutely, 100% correct. Too often in life we take for granted what has been given to us from our Heavenly Father. But luckily for me, President Richards said the right thing at the right time, and I kept it in my heart and my mind as I entered the temple. Sure everyone in there knew I was going on a mission, but I made a point to focus on what I was there to do, and to feel. The feelings I felt are indescribable. I think often times we get wrapped up in what's being said and we focus so much on what's going on in our mind. I was given some advice from a good friend. She said "Just know that you are keeping your covenants. You aren't going to know everything now and if you focus on the words and trying to understand you will come out feeling confused. Just focus on the feeling. As you return to the temple things will clarify. For now, focus on the feeling" And I did. I came out feeling on top of the world. Ready to stand up for what I believe in. It was a magical experience. I also was able to go to the temple on Saturday in Orlando, (after an AMAZING time in Disney) and I had the time of my life. Seriously. I knew I was meant to be there. The spirit was so strong and one of the ladies I meant told me she needed me there. I know the Lord works in ways we can't even imagine. I am so GRATEFUL for this gospel and for the life I have. I want to end with a quote the President Monson quoted in General Conference.

"Dare to be a Mormon, Dare to stand Alone, Dare to have a Purpose Firm, Dare to make it KNOWN!"

Lead, Kindly light

Preparing for a mission can be so full of stress! And for anyone who knows me, knows that I stress easily, and it is BAD! I will stress over little things and drive me, and everyone around me crazy. However, I know that serving a mission is called of God, and all things can be accomplished through him.. so that keeps me pretty sane! Well, in all the chaos of trying to remember all the advice people give me, writing it down, figuring out where and what clothes to bring, the constant worry of if I know my scriptures well enough, etc.. I have found peace. This Tuesday, October 19th, exactly one month after I opened my call, I will be going through the temple for the first time! Anyway, I have been having a pretty good day so far! My best friend Mariah FINALLY started replying back to me. Her phone was broken :/ It made  her TONS! OHHHHHH! SO an elder from my mission wrote me on FB today.. Do you know what that means?!?! It means I will have FB on my mission! HOLLLLLAAAAAA!!!! I am just so happy at this point in my life. Everything seems to be going right, and life is just a fun journey. Sure I have little stresses and trials, but life couldn't be better! Knowing that in a few months I will be serving the Lord, and that I will get to go to the temple in a few days brings me SO much comfort!

You were meant to fly

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but life here has been crazy!! The day after I last blogged I GOT MY MISSION CALL! After it sitting on my lap, for two grueling long hours, i finally got the chance to open it after stake conference... This is special for many reasons. First, my ward and stake family got to see me open it, (well the adults because it was the adult session) and second because Elder Oaks from the quorum of the twelve was there! So after I opened my call to SALT LAKE CITY WEST I went and told my stake president, and it justtttt so happened Elder Oaks was standing right there and he congratulated me AND EVEN TOOK A PICTURE WITH ME HOLDING MY CALL! I would post it, but it's on my Facebook... my profile picture even! Anyway, so we went out to dinner after at like 11 and all I could do was smile from ear to ear. That day, by far, has been the happiest day of my life. Knowing that I will represent the Lord for 18 months starting on February 26th, was the BEST news I've ever received in my life!! I honestly wanted to share the news with everyone willing to hear! I am SO excited that my sister, Ashley, and I will report to the MTC the same day! I couldn't have asked for a better call. I see myself there and I know that this is where the people and the Lord needs me and that is what brings me peace of mind. If someone would have told me a year ago I was going to Utah for my mission I might not have applied... with the "only Utah" mentality when all my friends and family are going foreign. But KNOWING without a shadow of doubt that the Lord chose this for me and that this is where I am needed, how can I be upset? I feel honored and words can not even begin to describe the emotions I go through daily as I prepare to serve. Going out with the missionary, and Mission prep are probably the most helpful things helping me to prepare! Anyway, since then I have gone out with the missionaries, visited the temple, and picked a date to go through the temple, and gotten a promotion at work! My life is at an all time HIGH! So in the spirit of November I've decided to tell everyone what I'm thankful for... but not everything just a few things because honestly, I could write forever. The Lord has truly blessed my life for the better and I'm so grateful and forever indebted to Him. So.. I am grateful for so many things and I will start with some of the most important blessings with my life.
1. My family. Without them who knows where I would be? My mom works SO hard to run this house and make sure were all pleased, an impossible job, but something she took on to make us happy. My dad for his hard work to support this family, his willingness to serve the Lord and his example! My parents are the reason I am a member of this church, they are why I am where I am. Their testimony was mine for so many years, and now I can finally say I have my own, all thanks to them. Next is Robert. He gets on my nerves. A LOT. But he really does have a HUGE heart, he's almost always willing to serve and to help others, and ALWAYS gives the best gifts - even if it breaks the bank! He also has such a STRONG desire to serve his country! And we are PROUD! Next is Ashley! They say a girls best friend is a diamond. Clearly, they didn't have a sister. Ashley will ALWAYS love me no matter how much I annoy her. She always listens and cares for me. Love emanates from her, and her smile always seems to light up my day. Last but not least is Andrew, he is SO funny! Many people don't see it in him but he's also willing to help out and fulfill his calling. He will be a great missionary one day, and the way he plays with kids there is no doubt in my mind that he won't be a great dad! I know I said last, but I can't forget my extended family. My Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, and even Great Grandparents support me and love me. They always encourage me and love me. I couldn't have asked for a better family, even if we don't always  get along.
2. The Gospel. The joy it brings in my life can not compare to any other happiness that you think the world may have to offer. Been there, done that. Satan works so hard, and is SO good at making the world look like a good place, like sinning brings happiness. But it's just the opposite! When the spirit isn't in your life, you aren't happy. You feel lost and not in control, and there are no worse feelings than that! The spirit directs me and protects me. My life has been filled with joy since October 5th when I opened my call... and Satan has been attacking stronger. He wants me to become unworthy to serve but I'm not falling for it. I am ready to serve the Lord.
3.Having a job. Mc.donalds is NOT the dream job at all! But it's a job. It pays the bills, it's helping me pay for my mission and it teaches me SO many things! I have learned patience, the customers that come through never cease to "amaze" me. I have learned to work with people that I may not get along with as well as one would hope. I have learned work ethic, and why it's important to work hard, no matter what you're doing. I've also learned a friendly smile goes a long way and can make all the difference. Just like the song from Annie, "You're never fully dressed without a SMILE :D " True that. Getting a promotion recently has also helped make work a better place!

Anyway, I know this is a long one, but I had a lot to say.

Title from this post was from a song I found while on my run. It's called You Can Change
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OxufE3WlGk