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!"