Oh how happy I am! I have been grinning ear-to-ear all day long :) :) Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to be invited into the House of the Lord and receive the special gift of my endownment. I was pretty nervous before-hand, but once inside, the overwhelming and beautiful Spirit got rid of any fears I had.
I am so very grateful that I have such amazing parents that have set the example for me of how to live my life so that I could be worthy to go into the Lord's house yesterday and feel of His Spirit and love and the peace found within. The temple is an absolutely wonderful place! It is worth every sacrifice to make it there to receive your endownment, and to help bless the lives of those who have already passed on before us. Don't ever settle for less than the temple!
"Let us truly be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people….Let us make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience." —Howard W. Hunter
"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you." —Gordon B. Hinckley
I was so emotional as I walked into the Celestial room and saw all of my family and loved ones standing there in white, waiting to receive me. It was the best feeling in the world. First I went over and hugged my mama and we cried as we held each other, and then my daddy came over and held us both. It was such a tender, sweet moment. I only wish my little brother could have been there! I'm just happy to know that one day HE WILL BE! I am so grateful to have the knowledge that I am part of an eternal family.
So happy to have her by my side the whole time.
Obviously there is so much to learn at the temple, and I didn't grasp it all my first time......I probably won't grasp it for a while, but I can't wait to go back! I have so many questions I would like to be able to ask. And, of course, I want to be able to feel of the strong Spirit always present there.
I just want y'all to know that I know this gospel is true and that everyone who can, should make getting to the temple a priority! The blessings found there are eternal! God won't ever let us down if we follow Him and keep our covenants. The temple is the Lord's house, and if we live worthy to be there, He will reside there and we can feel of His love. "For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house." —D&C 110:7
My family, after the session got out.
"When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families."
—Richard H. Winkel
Me and my friend Paul. He has helped me SO much through my decision
process of serving a mission....I am so grateful for his example :)
All right, all right.
Many of you have probably heard my full story, while others may have not. It is kinda long, but I think it's worth the read :)
So, like I mentioned in a previous post, I have wanted to serve a mission (off and on) since I was about 15 years of age. Sometimes I felt it was the thing for me, other times I wasn't so sure.
In May of 2012, I finished my second year at Southern Utah University where I received my Associates of Science degree. I have all of my pre-reqs and generals done for the nursing program, so of course, I readily applied! I have wanted to pursue my career in nursing for a long time, so by the time the decision letter came in the mail...I was SO anxious! Would I be starting nursing school at SUU the upcoming fall? Would my nursing dreams slowly start to come true?
No.
I was rejected from the program.
But, surprisingly, I wasn't heart broken. Even though I was bummed because I really wanted to continue on with my education, I knew that it was gonna be okay because I believe the Lord has a plan for me. Proverbs 3:5-6 had a new meaning for me, and I clung to that scripture dearly. I was trusting in my Lord, my God with all of my heart. I didn't understand why things were happening the way they were, but I acknowledged Him and knew that He would direct me where I needed to be.
What did I do next? I moved home for the summer and worked 4 part time jobs. I volunteered at multiple health care places to get hours and build up my application for applying to nursing school, once again. I thought that maybe I was rejected from SUU's program my first time applying because I needed to attend nursing school elsewhere, perhaps at BYU, and that some guy going to school there was supposed to come along and sweep me off my feet.
No. This was not the case. I applied to both BYU and SUU but I was actually not rejected, like you may be thinking. In fact, I was not only accepted to SUU's program but to BYU's as well! This is a big accomplishment, because not many people get into BYU's nursing program their first time. I couldn't believe it. I was (and still am) so proud of myself, but instead of all of it being an exciting time for me, I was feeling a bit torn as well...
Now I need to quickly fill you in on a few important details so you know why I was feeling torn..
I don't turn 21 until this upcoming April, and in my church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) young women haven't been allowed to serve a full-time mission until they reach that age. So honestly, a mission hasn't been on my radar for the last little bit....I mean, I had 6 more months to think about it, right?!
Wrong.
On Saturday, October 6, 2012, my life changed for the better. After getting home in the nick of time from my brother's cross country meet, we turned on general conference. I was not prepared for what the Prophet had to say. He stood up at the beginning of the meeting, and made the biggest announcement in church history that I have ever been a part of. He said, and I quote:
"Brothers and sisters, I now turn to another matter—namely, missionary service.
For some time the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have allowed young men from certain countries to serve at the age of 18 when they are worthy, able, have graduated from high school, and have expressed a sincere desire to serve. This has been a country-specific policy and has allowed thousands of young men to serve honorable missions and also fulfill required military obligations and educational opportunities.
Our experience with these 18-year-old missionaries has been positive. Their mission presidents report that they are obedient, faithful, mature, and serve just as competently as do the older missionaries who serve in the same missions. Their faithfulness, obedience, and maturity have caused us to desire the same option of earlier missionary service for all young men, regardless of the country from which they come.
I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available.
As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21.
We affirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty—and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men. We assure the young sisters of the Church, however, that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome their service.
We continue to need many more senior couples. As your circumstances allow, as you are eligible for retirement, and as your health permits, I encourage you to make yourselves available for full-time missionary service. Both husband and wife will have a greater joy as they together serve our Father’s children."
I could not believe what I was hearing!! I could serve a mission NOW if I wanted to instead of having to wait six months. Oh my heavens. At first I wasn't sure what to do; I had just finished and turned in my applications for 2 wonderful nursing schools and was patiently awaiting their replies.
At first I decided I would wait to hear back from BYU and SUU and see if I was accepted into nursing school, and if I wasn't, I would start working on my papers. But then it hit me: I WANT to serve a mission. I have wanted to for a long, long, time. Looking back at my initial reaction to the announcement and how emotional I was, I knew that deep down, I really wanted to serve a mission. Right then, I knew that I was going to.
So, with that said, I met with my Bishop and started my papers the next day in between conference sessions. I filled out the paper work and made my appointments for the dentist and doctor....it was all coming together so fast, but I was anxious and excited.
The weekend before I got my call, I received the email from BYU and letter from SUU letting me know I had been accepted. I felt absolutely torn! Course, I was proud of myself and excited, but not as excited as I should have been. "Am I supposed to stay here and go to school instead of going on a mission? Was the Lord just wanting me to show Him my willingness to serve, but want me to stay here after all?" --These are the questions that flooded my mind.
I was a complete mess, to say the least, that Friday and Saturday. My parents were out Friday night so my dad wasn't home to give me a blessing. I called a few young men from my ward to come and give me a blessing of comfort and counsel because I was home alone and couldn't stay calm. The blessing was absolutely beautiful! In it, I was told that the Lord would be happy with whatever decision I made and walk down whatever path I chose alongside me. But later it also said that I needed to remember the previous counsel the Lord has already given me and that I KNOW my answer....
I am supposed to go on a mission.
On Sunday, October 28, Elder Russell M. Nelson, an Apostle of the Lord, came to my stake conference and spoke. Wow! What a powerful meeting that was. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of it. The night before conference, I prepared myself by reading scriptures and prayerfully asking God if He would help me get an answer during conference on whether or not I was supposed to go on a mission.
Well, guess what. The whole conference was on missionary work! :) After it was over I got the great opportunity to meet Elder Nelson and talk with him for a few long minutes! The whole time we talked he held onto both my hands and looked me straight into the eyes. I told him I was expecting my mission call the upcoming Wednesday, in which he replied, "Oh! I could have been the one to assign you your call. I was there this weekend..."--something to that effect. (If you weren't aware, Elder Nelson is over the mission calls/office or something). Anyway, I continued on to tell him about the BYU/SUU nursing school situation and how I was feeling torn and unsure, to which he simply said, "They can wait to have you."
And that was my answer. It was the last bit of courage I needed to continue on with my decision to serve the Lord and His children on a full-time mission. I am so grateful for that tender mercy the Lord extended to me and for the testimony builder it was for me. And I even got a hug from an Apostle of the Lord!!
I am pleased to inform you that I have been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been assigned to labor in the Australia Perth Mission and I will report to the Provo, Utah MTC on Wednesday, March 13, 2013!!! This past month has been an absolute roller coaster; it's been terrifying, exhilarating and magnificent all at the same time! But I believe that I am doing what I am meant to do. Actually, I know it's what I am meant to do. I have been SO blessed since I made the final decision to still go on a mission; I talked to both BYU and SUU about the fact that I am going, and they recently just changed their policies; they will defer and hold my spot in the program until after I return home from my mission!! It used to be where I would have to at least attend one semester in the program before they would consider holding my spot.
I have a testimony that if we all strive to put/acknowledge the Lord first in our lives, that He will pour blessings upon us. I love this gospel and am so grateful for the marvelous blessing it is in my life. This gospel is meant to be shared with others. I cannot possibly keep it to myself; it makes me happy and gives me purpose in life...and that is something I want to share! I cannot wait to share it with the people of Australia. I hope I am able to help them realize the love their Heavenly Father has for them and how they can come unto Him and be together for eternity.
Perth, Australia....you better be ready cuz I'm a commin :)
I hope many of you are reading this because it has seriously touched me.
If any of you are thinking of serving a mission or have wanted to in the past but are now having doubts about it: don't! Don't allow Satan to put a question mark where God has already put a period.
And for those of you who have already served: continue to serve! Continue to share the light and love with others. Don't be afraid to share the gospel even though you don't have a tag and a constant companion by your side. This post is not only for those who are considering serving, but for everyone.
Today I was at the dentist -Man! My dentist is just the best! Plus, I've known him for forever! :) After he finished working on me, before his next patient, he took the time to tell me a story that really hit home. He was pretty emotional about it while relaying it.
My Dentist knows of a (returned) missionary from Spanish Fork who told him this amazing story from his mission....
The missionary and his companion started teaching an old lady (I think in her 80's or 90's). They taught her the first lesson, and gave her a Book of Mormon. She read it and decided she wanted to be baptized. Soon after she told them that, she let them know she wanted her patriarchal blessing, even though she was in her old age. She wanted the opportunity to have it before she died.
Some time after getting the blessing, she wanted to hear her blessing again (like we all do after receiving our own). After getting a printed copy, she asked the Elder to read it to her, in which he replied: "You should read it. Blessings are very personal and sacred....I don't feel I should read it to you. It's yours."
What the Elders didn't know is that this lady was blind. She proceeded to tell them this, and said that is why she wanted him to read her blessing to her. She then let them know that she was able to read the Book of Mormon though a miracle from God -- during her time of reading the Book of Mormon, God allowed her to see the written words. She read the whole book being able to see! Upon finishing the book however, her vision was again gone. But God loved her enough that He had temporarily allowed her to see, so she, too, could learn of the truth and have that happiness in her life.
So, naturally, after hearing this, the Elder gladly read her blessing to her. (This is the part that really gets to me). In this lady's blessing, it said that she was supposed to be baptized......but a long time ago. It told her that there was a young man who rejected a [mission] call. He was the one who was supposed to be prepared to bring her the gospel, but he didn't serve. So many years went by before two more Elders were called and prepared, found her, and brought her unto Christ. Soon after becoming a member and receiving her very own blessing, she passed on to be with her Heavenly Father again.
Whether this story be true or not (which I believe it is), it really impacted me. The message is so wonderful. We all should try and be more willing to put others first because we don't know who might really be needing it. I honestly believe only certain people can really get to and touch someone's life. I honestly believe that those who serve missions are called to a specific mission because that is where they are needed most. This gospel is so beautiful and I cannot wait to go out and share it with others.
Also, this afternoon I went with a dear friend of mine to the MTC and volunteered. One of the missionaries that taught us was actually a convert himself (I was acting as a convert) and he told us his story and it brought the sweetest spirit! He was baptized only 15 months ago, and is now on his own mission. What a courageous young man he is! You can just feel warm rays of Truth gleaming from him. His testimony was so, so strong. Any doubt I might have had about my upcoming mission was washed away! If he can go out and serve a mission, having the gospel in his life 19 years less than I have had it, so can I.... And I will! I AM! (My call should be here in a couple of weeks. Eeeek!) I know the Lord will bless me as I serve His children.
Today has been such a wonderful day. I love the little tender mercies the Lord sends us, and that He sent me today. I can't wait to proudly wear His name for a year and a half and represent His glorious gospel, helping to bring His children back home.
Don't allow Satan to put a question mark where God has so lovingly and obviously put a period. Trust yourself and your righteous desires. Don't let fear hold you back.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
If there is anything I got out of this conference it's that..........I am going on a mission. I am meeting with my Bishop tomorrow in between sessions to start my papers.
I can't believe this is really happening!
Some of you may be confused by this, because you know that I just submitted my nursing application to multiple schools and I have not yet heard back whether or not I got in. I was going to wait a while before posting anything about this decision, but I just cannot keep it contained! It's just too big to keep to myself!
Life is full of choices. As President Monson announced the age change for young men going on missions, I just knew that an age change for young women was coming as well. I thought maybe it was going to be 20, not 19, though. I started sobbing when I realized what was happening. I could not stop the tears. I felt so overwhelmed by the spirit and I was just so excited about this crazy-out-of-nowhere news! Not only for me, but for my brother who will be 18 in a couple weeks, who has now decided against completing a year of school but will go on his mission after he graduates in May instead. My true emotion shone through in that moment. I could not even believe what I was hearing.
Lately I have been feeling a bit down at life, wondering what it is I am supposed to do, and just sad because I've felt like my life is on hold. (For those of you that don't know, I applied to nursing school at SUU last semester for this current semester but was not accepted so I am just taking this semester to work 4 part time jobs and take a BYU independent study course.) But like I was saying, lately I have just been feeling frustrated about multiple things in life, such as:
--wishing I could continue on with my career plans instead of not doing much this semester with not being in the nursing program right now
--my dating life not working out while my facebook continues to flood with friends around me getting engaged and starting their "Happily Ever After"
--fighting with myself about what I really want deep down...Would I rather stay and do nursing and get married and start a family? Or would I rather go on a mission and have to worry about finishing school upon getting home? ....What if I forget the things I've learned?
These are the things that have been stressing me lately.
I wonder: is a mission going to be the right thing for me? I mean, maybe I will be accepted into the nursing program, right? Maybe I'm supposed to be there. Who knows? What I do know for sure is, is that I love this gospel. I love the pure joy I feel when I am able to share it with others who don't know. I know that I am doing my part by showing my Heavenly Father my willingness to take care of His children. I'm making this decision to start my papers now so that if I am needed, and don't get into a program, I can go as soon as possible. On the other hand, if I do get into a nursing program, maybe I will turn them down anyway... until after a mission, that is.....I guess I will just cross that bridge when I reach it. I will hopefully know if I'm accepted or not by November.
But deep down, I know what will happen.....and I am so excited! I think a mission is for me. My mind is practically made up, even though I could always change it and stay for my nursing degree. But a mission has been on my mind since I was 15. On and off I have really wanted to go, or been so terrified and just wanted to stay here. But my sweet mother has always told me that I'm a "natural-born missionary". I think I believe her. I mean my heavens! Lately I've been feeling jealous of the girls who are already 21 and receiving their calls!
I can't wait to go and serve the Lord full time for 18 months, spreading His gospel to many more souls who are searching. When Ruben got baptized a few months ago (see my other posts if you don't know what I am talking about: And He's Getting Baptized!!!!, and A New Chapter Has Begun) I didn't know he was going to be the first of many that I would bring unto Christ.
What a day this has been....
Tomorrow is going to be even better, I can feel it.
D&C 18:10, 14-16:
"10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; 14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"
For many people, these two answers are different. We need to learn to love ourselves, because we are who we are, and that is who we will stay! :)
Just think: what if someone close to you (let's say, your mother) decided to make you a quilt. And let's also say that she's not a very good sewer-seamstress lady (or whatever you wanna call them!), but she does her best and over the course of a few months and getting some help from a few neighbor ladies, she makes you a beautiful quilt.
You can tell that she is so proud of her work and how the quilt turned out, and you know just how excited she is to give it to you to take with you down to your first year at college.
You got all that pictured in your head?
Okay.....so as you have already guessed, this happened to me. My mother (who doesn't sew) decided she loved me enough to make me a quilt to take down to college to use as my bed spread :) She worked many hours on it and got some helpful hints from different ladies in our ward. It was a stressful project for her! But in the end, it was the perfect gift.
She finished the strips! Now to sew them together :)
Continuing on with my first story however, let's say that on the other hand, unlike me, you didn't like the quilt that was made for you. When your mother gave it to you--despite knowing her excitement about it--you picked it apart saying things like, "It's too bright.", "I thought it was going to be bigger.", "I don't like the way you did this part."......etc. etc. etc. Basically, you completely found fault with almost every thing about it. You could imagine this might break your mother's heart or at least make her very, very sad. After all the love and time she put into it, if you just pulled it apart critiquing in and not even saying anything good about it, I could image she would be sad!
I'd like to compare this to how God feels about us, when we continue to tear ourselves apart each day saying things like, "I'm fat." "I wish I could look like him/her." "Why can't I be prettier?" "What's wrong with me?" "I'm so ugly." "I wish I had darker skin." "I wish my eyes were blue." (I think you get the point I'm trying to make.)
God made each of us, His children, so unique and beautiful. He loves each of us. It makes Him sad when we are not grateful for the gift He so graciously gave us: our body. He wants us to be happy and be grateful for that gift. We need to take care of and love our body because it's the only real place we (our spirits) have to live!
I am guilty of not always being grateful for the beautiful Daughter of God I was made to be. I need to work on it. I hope all of us will do just that: work to love ourselves for who we are. Just like I loved the beautiful quilt my mama made for me, I need to love the beautiful body I was given to house my spirit on this earth.
August 2010: With my new quilt before heading down to SUU
People say I am easy to read........Apparently I'm a book, not a human?
.....Now, this can be good, but this can also be to my disadvantage.
Sometimes, I don't want people to know how I feel. I want to seem strong, even when I really am not.
I want to keep certain things to myself so others don't worry.
And I want to put on a happy face for those who might need it.
But sometimes that is hard.
And I'm not always the best at it.
That is why I am not currently a theater major,
nor will I ever be...... but that is beside the point.
I don't want my emotions on my sleeve for the world to see.
And yet, people see through me.
Being the kind of person I am, that is really hard. I am capable of caring for and loving people so easily; it comes naturally to me. So on top of me being an easy person to read, this basically makes me pretty vulnerable.
But y'all wanna know something? I am blessed. So blessed.
In the end, nothing else will matter.
So I should just stop with my little pity party right now and just go enjoy life.
Move on.
Take it a day at a time.
Even though certain situations in life are super tough:
Life has so much to offer. I'm learning more and more every day, not only about life in general, but about myself. I love that! Even though I've known myself for 20 years and some odd months now, I am capable of learning more about myself every day. Interesting thought, right?
Well, I'm not exactly sure what I really want to blog about today....I just know that I felt like blogging (probably 'cuz I am procrastinating packing and such as long as I possibly can. Bleh.). But really..blogging is fun! :)
So I'm blogging about life as my title suggests.... Where am I at in life right now? Currently I am living at home with my family while working not one, not two, not even three, but four jobs. The cool thing? I may have four jobs, but I don't work a day in my life. I LOVE what I do. And the people I come in contact with have become oh so dear to me. Seriously. Three of my four "jobs" are home health jobs. I go into people's homes and care for their daily needs--things that may seem simple to us, but these people aren't capable of doing. It really has made me grateful for where I am at. I have met some very amazing people who have been through a lot. Frankly, more than a person should deal with in one lifetime. Sometimes I get really sad for them, but then I remember: hey! They are not going to be this way forever. One day, they are going to be perfect again. This life is short in relation to eternity :)
While we're on a similar topic, I wanted to share a great video with y'all. The song is entitled "Beautiful Heartbreak." It's by a wonderful LDS artist, Hilary Weeks. Basically the message of the song is even though we go through some heartbreaking things in our lives, they can become something beautiful if we allow them to. We can become stronger through the trials we face. So the video is below, and I'm also gonna post the lyrics so you can read it if you'd like.
BEAUTIFUL HEARTBREAK:
I had it all mapped out in front of me,
Knew just where I wanted to go;
But life decided to change my plans,
And I found a mountain in the middle of my road.
I knew there was no way over it,
So I searched for a way around;
Brokenhearted I started climbin',
And at the top I found...
Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...
The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find;
Through the bitter-sweet tears,
And the sleepless nights;
I used to pray he'd take it all away,
But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.
I never dreamed my heart would make it,
I thought about turning around;
But heaven has shown me miracles,
I never would have seen from the ground.
Now I take the rain with the sunshine,
Cause there's one thing that I know;
He picks up the pieces,
Along each broken road.
Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...
The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find;
Through the bitter-sweet tears,
And the sleepless nights.
I used to pray he'd take it all away,
But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.
I would never trade...
The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find;
Through the bitter-sweet tears,
And the sleepless nights.
I used to pray he'd take it all away,
But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.
Isn't that such an inspiring song? I sure think so!
I don't know who knew this, but my family and I had the fabulous opportunity to go to Hilary's home for dinner and a private concert in her basement last Friday. Can I just say, she's not only an amazing singer-songwriter, but she is an amazing person, too! She was so welcoming and so kind to everyone in attendance; I felt like I'd known her for ages! That night was actually the first time I've heard her song "Beautiful Heartbreak", or at least first time seeing the music video. She sang it live while the video played on screen behind her. Oh man. It was a touching moment. I'm so very grateful for the wonderful talents of people, and their willingness to share and touch the lives of others. Uplifting music really is so great! It always helps lift my mood and brings the spirit in a way I don't think anything else can. If you've never heard of Hilary Weeks before, I highly suggest you look up more of her stuff--it's all amazing!
So, I don't exactly know how I got from talking about life to talking about uplifting music.....random tangent I guess.. But the point is: life is good. Life is even great! It's all in the attitude in which we carry ourselves. And when life gets tough, and we feel we have mountains to climb, we have been given other human beings to lean on for support as well as a loving Father in Heaven who cares.
I hope each of you will never take for granted the little things in life, even as simple as getting out of bed in the morning on your own, or playing your guitar. Life is as beautiful as you make it out to be....so let's create a masterpiece.
- - - -But it was a wonderful day to say the least!
To start off: one of my bestest best friends got married this morning! So, my friend McKenzi and I got up early and headed up to the beautiful Salt Lake Temple to greet the newlyweds (Steve and Kath) as they came out. They are so happy, which makes me happy :) When I first saw Kath and how beautiful she looked, and the glow she had about her--the waterworks show decided to go off; yes, I'm a baby. It was a fun afternoon though. Cynthia (Katherine's mom) asked Kenz and I to stay with the bride and groom as they got the rest of their pictures and make sure they made it to their luncheon okay. So we spent a good hour+ helping out with the bouquet, veil, dress, picture positioning, lighting-control, etc. Man, it was suuuper hot outside but well worth it. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Fortney! (whoa, weird.) Here are some pictures from their Big Day:
After she became Mrs. Fortney :)
Katherine and her gorgeous little sisters
It was such a beautiful day!
After arriving back to my humble abode after the wedding, I got ready and headed over to pick up my paycheck (Yay for Pay Day Friday!!!) and then took a 35 minute drive to visit my friend Rachel, who I mentioned in my post before this one (titled "No Regrets"). It was so good to see her. Can I just tell you: she is one strong and brave chicka. You wouldn't even know anything was up (other than the fact she seems exhausted, poor thing) because she remains so positive and faithful. She really does amaze me, though. She's a fighter! She told me she was telling her doctor that she IS going to be running track in the spring, even if she walks the 400m. What a trouper ;)
It was a pretty neat experience for me all around to be able to go and spend some time with her. When I first got there, her parents were actually outside visiting with a couple people, but I was immediately greeted with warm hugs and welcoming. I have never met Rachel's mother, but she is a gem :) When she saw me walking up the the house, she gave me the biggest hug and thanked me for coming and for my blog post I wrote about Rachel the other night. (I think Rachel showed her, so that's how she recognized me.) She said she and Rachel read my post and just cried together, saying it was so sweet and thoughtful. I am grateful that something so small on my part could mean so much to someone else. It's the little things that count!
Rachel and I talked for a good, long while. One of the things I asked her was what she was most afraid of. She said just not knowing what is going to happen, or if she'd survive long enough to complete things she wants to accomplish in her life. (If she doesn't survive through this treatment, the doctors give her a year or so :( ) She leave this upcoming Sunday to go out to Tennessee where she has chemo and radiation treatment at St. Judes. Her situation is different than most; for the type of cancer she has, 75% of the patients who have it are little boys. Well, she's a 17-year old girl, AND a twin. Primary Children's told her they currently have 3 patients that have survived what she has....so it's pretty nerve-wracking. Like I mentioned before: keep Rach and her family in your prayers. I know it means so much!
Here is a picture of us right before I left:
Isn't she soooo beautiful?! :)
I'm glad I got to see ya today, Rach! Good luck with the treatment and keep that positive attitude! I'll be looking forward to watching you during track season. Again, if you'd like to follow Rachel and her progress, check out her blog at:
http://rachelstratton.blogspot.com/
One last thing that I was thinking today after attending my friend's wedding; families are FOREVER. Steven and Katherine just made an eternal covenant today in the temple. They have each other (and their future kids) forever! In my mind, it's a comfort to have this knowledge of eternal families. Even though Rachel is going through this hard trial, she will have her family forever just like they will have her forever. There's a quote that is hanging up on the wall of my kitchen that I love: "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." Just something to think about.
So tonight was Katherine and Steven's reception at the Springville Museum of Art. It was just splendid :) Aaaaand, I caught the bouquet. (Not that that means anything, haha).
Surprisingly, it was a lot harder to "give her up" than I thought. Things are going to be so different now, but I know it's for the better, and that her life she is starting with Steven is the beginning of something beautiful. Her life is just moving forward, and that is okay! My time will come.....but until then, I will just enjoy being me and doing the things I want! :P
Well, it's been a long day and I have to be up at 5:00 AM for work tomorrow morning, so I best be peacing out! Toodles!
I just wanted to take the time to write and say: don't take life for granted. Ever.
You never know how fast it's going to change.
Why do I say this? Recently I just found out that a beautiful, sweet girl I know from my high school cross country and track days has brain cancer. It honestly broke my heart when I found out.
I ache for her.
I cried upon finding out this heart-wrenching news.
I wish there was something I could do to make her better.
You wanna know the amazing thing though? She is so strong, so brave, so upbeatand positive.
She has the knowledge that her Heavenly Father has a plan for her, and that He will be watching over her through the whole process. That alone is a testimony builder for me; if someone who is going through a trial as hard as hers, can manage to have the amount of Faith she shows: SO CAN I.
Basically what I am saying is, live your life each and every day with no regrets. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring. It's scary to think about, really. One day we may be fine and dandy- the next, not-so-much.
Please keep my darling friend, Rachel, in your prayers. I'm sure she and her family would appreciate all the support; she leaves for a 6-week treatment in Tennessee, on Sunday. It's her senior year, and no one should have to start it out this way :(
Rachel (back) with teammate and friend, Summer (front)
Sorry it's taken me a while to get this story written! It's short, anyway.
I had a marvelous July 14th!!! Everything went so smoothly and I was just in a superb mood the whole day! I got so much accomplished, and it felt great. :) I woke up at 5:00 AM and ate breakfast and read my scriptures while eating. Then I headed over to Provo to help a lovely patient I take care of at 6:00 AM. After I was done there I rushed home and ran 8 miles with my aunt, and then I showered and got ready for the day and then took care of another patient. When I was done, it was time for the baptism! Ahh! So exciting :) :)
A new chapter has now begun in Ruben's life. His baptism was beautiful, like pretty much all baptisms are. There was such a wonderful spirit there, and I loved seeing him so happy. My mom and dad did the musical number. My mom sang and my dad accompanied her on the piano. ("My Soul Hungered" is the song they did. If you haven't heard it, I highly suggest looking it up and taking a listen cuz it is gorgeous! Brought me to tears.)
Anyway -- it was all beautiful to say the least. He was smiling so brightly after.
I got to go to his confirmation the next day as well. He is so happy that he made this big decision in his life, even though it took him many, many years.
Here is the before picture. We like to joke that you can tell he doesn't have the Spirit with him yet:
And here is the after picture!!! He was so so happy:
I know that God is real, and that He loves each and every one of us and will touch our lives in so many different ways if we allow Him to. If you really want to know of the truth, and you have an open mind and heart, He will manifest it unto you...always. That is what happened with Ruben, and he is so super happy! I'm grateful God allowed me to be a big part of his conversion process because it has been a testimony builder for me.
Today I want to refer back to one of my very first posts on my blog (the 5th post to be exact):
"I just wanted to write about how much I love missionary work!!!! Oh how I LOVE IT!!!
At my job the past couple of days I have had the opportunity for some great missionary work. One of our newer resident's (Irma) husband comes to see her every day. He misses her, and the change of her being at the nursing home has been hard on him. They moved here with their daughter and son-in-law from California, but he and his wife are originally from Argentina. Anyway. So whenever I work I get to see him. We have become good buddies :) He's a way cute little old man! He's about 72 and his wife is 70, so they've been married a long time. Irma mostly spouts off in Spanish because she's starting to forget her English, so it's nice when he is there so he can help translate for us.
Whenever I take my dinner break I go and sit by them cuz they're usually chillin out in the dining room at a table. Ruben (Irma's husband) absolutely adores me! He says he always looks forward to the times when I work, and he dreads when I have to go off to college because he will really miss me, and the help I give to his wife etc, etc. He says I'm the best! He is such a funny guy.
So, it started yesterday. We got talking religion. Somehow I knew he wasn't LDS and later found out he is Catholic--well kinda cuz he's not active in that religion anymore. But we got talking and I told him about the plan of salvation and that families can be together forever, I explained the purposed of baptism. I told him about patriarchal blessings and the temple. I also explained a little about temple work. He asked questions here and there and I did my very best to answer as correct as possible. (Oh and btw his daughter who lives here is LDS and they've given him a Spanish and English BOM and he tried reading it years ago, but said it was really hard for him to understand and concentrate....) but yeah. We got talking about many different church related things. He seemed interested. And tonight was even more awesome! I brought my regular set of scriptures and also my mini BOM to work with me and I also found some scripture verses before work and on my dinner break we talked more and I had him read some of the scriptures I found. He seems really interested and said he thinks what it says is true. So that's a good start! He promised me he would read the BOM (at least try starting again) and he even took home my little BOM set to borrow until when I work Sunday! (The reason he took mine is because last night he looked for his, but realised he left them in Cali) I am going to start working on marking another BOM for him tonight to get to him by Monday. I'm hoping if I mark and write some things in different places that it'll be easier for him to understand and concentrate.
I got emotional partway through our conversation.... he said it was all just hard for him lately with his wife being gone and that he couldn't hardly ever eat from being upset. He just was having a hard time understanding WHY all of this was happening to him. I told him about Joseph Smith, and the scripture found in D&C about how all of our challenges are for our good. The Lord has a purpose for everything. Then I got emotional.... I told him maybe, just maybe the reason his wife was like this and in the nursing home, is so he'd get the chance to meet me. Maybe the Lord wanted him to hear the gospel again from me because I could get to him and teach it to him in a way his family hadn't been able to.. Later after we talked he thanked me, and sweetly said "I think you're my angel." Then he gave me a big hug. It was so neat!
Anyway. It was a really neat experience, and I just wanted to share it with ya'll. I'm excited to find out how far he gets in reading when I next see him Sunday, and I am excited to give him another copy with my testimony in it! :) :)"
So that is the beginning of my missionary experience with Ruben. Actually, I just realized something neat; I just checked the date I wrote that post, and it's 2 years, to the day, from tomorrow (July 9, 2010).
You are probably wondering the reason why I decided to re-share this post with you. Well, over the 2 years I have known Ruben, we have become really close, my adopted Grandpa (as I like to call him). He knows, and loves, my whole family as well. Anyway, Ruben is kind of a bit stubborn in character a lot of the time. If he doesn't want to do something, he won't.
We still talk about church things frequently, and he asks questions. The biggest "battle" has been for the past 7-8 months I have been trying to occasionally invite him to come to church with me. He wouldn't come because he said he was scared and doesn't like not knowing what to expect. On a side note, about a couple months ago I think he started going to the MTC sometimes. He volunteered and was an investigator for the missionaries being trained. Since he's Argentine, he'd be able to help out by speaking Spanish with them. After going a couple times, he actually attended church with his daughter and their family, and it wasn't as bad as he thought, just like I kept telling him ;)
Well.....I guess what I'm trying to get at is, this past week when I got back from vacation HE TOLD ME HE DECIDED TO GET BAPTIZED!!!! The baptism will be held this upcoming Saturday, and I could not be more excited. I'm really hoping they'll approve my day-off request at work because I can't miss this. Plus, Ruben was telling me he needed and wanted me there, because without me he wouldn't be the same.
This whole experience has been a really neat one. It makes me excited to think that one day, whenever I'm able to be a full-time missionary for my Lord (as a calling), I will be having many experiences like this. I just loved watching Ruben's faith grow over the years, and seeing that he was ready even before he knew he was. I just had to patiently wait until his fear subsided and he allowed himself to realize what I think he's known for a long time.
It is so hard feeling inadequate or like you aren't good enough for something or someone. I have been pretty good about not letting it get me down though...knowing that God is watching over me and that He knows the reason behind everything. But sometimes it is so hard to see. Sometimes I don't want to see....I just want to, need to, let it all out and just feel sad. Tonight would be that night.
But I am grateful for this church that I am a part of, and for the knowledge that I have that everything will work out how it is supposed to, no matter how disappointed I may be in the moment. I'm not just talking about past things like not getting into the nursing program, or not receiving previous jobs I've applied for and had interviews I felt really good about. I'm talking about any future stuff coming my way, too, 'cuz life is full of disappointments. I just need to let myself become stronger from these experiences.
Here are some quotes I came across and liked:
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." - Jimmy Dean, Actor, Singer and Businessman
"We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way." - Earl G. Graves
One last quote:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. -- Proverbs 3:5-6
I'm just happy that I know of at least 4 things that I will never be rejected from: my kitty and dog, my Family, and my God. I can't wait to go home and be welcomed by warm hugs from them this weekend!! Then from there, I'll see why my life has to offer. Just taking it one. step. at. a. time.
Okay, so lately I've been obsessed with gathering new recipes for my recipe book. I don't have a ton (mostly just ones from growing up that I took from my mom), but I would LOVE to try (and fall in love with) some new meals! :)
We'll just say that I'm not the healthiest eater all the time, because most times I'm in a hurry, and just want to find something quick in my place to eat! (Ohh, the life of a college student, right?) I don't really cook that much--but that doesn't mean I don't wish that I did! I want to change this. I'm sure if I cooked rather than being content with eating cereal, top ramen, turkey and cheese sandwiches, freezer food (on occasion), etc., that I would feel much better about myself and more accomplished. Plus it'll help prepare me for cooking for a future family :)
I'm writing this post so that whoever is reading it, might be willing to share their favorite not-too-expensive and fun/easy recipes with me, to help me with this goal of mine! I'm jealous of all you people who cooking comes so easily and naturally to....I hope to one day make a meal fit for a Queen! So please, leave a comment below with your favorite recipes! Sharing is caring!!!
**To give you an idea, here are some foods that I really like (but I won't reject any others you give me!): -Pastas/Italian -Salads -Soups -Mexican foods Hope you all have a wonderful day! And THANK YOU :)
So, Thursday afternoon my brother was passing through Cedar City with his high school men's choir. They were doing a mini tour down to St. George to sing at a conference and a few other places. They stopped at Canyon View High school in Cedar, which is like 5-7 minutes away from my place, to do what's called a Choral Exchange (each choir takes turns performing for each other). I decided to go and surprise him and watch :) Our first plan was for me to see Jonah on his way back up from St. George when they stopped in Cedar City again around 6:00 for dinner the next evening, but I was hoping to hear them perform. That's why I decided to skip one of my classes and go over to the high school. Let me tell ya ~ they are a group of very talented young men! It was worth it! I am glad I got to watch them perform while also getting to see and spend time with my favorite brother :)
Here are a few videos I took from their choral exchange!
This first one is the one my brother wanted me to for sure record. It's called "Go the Distance" and comes from Disney's Hercules. Jonah is accompanying the choir on the piano. What a talented young chap. I love him! But oh, man. They all have such wonderful voices!
This one is after they were done with the Choral Exchange, their teacher just started playing "You're the Inspiration" and they all just started singing! It was my favorite :) I love when they get to the chorus~So funny.
This last one was right before they had to leave. My brother was definitely in his element; jamming at the piano, with loads of people laughing and singing at the top of their lungs, just having a grand ole time :)
“There are three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should
make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.”
The Book of Mormon –
• “is the keystone of our religion”
• “was written for our day”
• “helps us draw nearer to God”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
Something to think about: So does it end here or will you read today? tomorrow?...
Congratulations!!!! We did it :) Are you going to take the challenge to keep reading every day? Are you going to read the Book of Mormon again this year? Or are you going to try another book? Decisions...decisions....
My bishop issued a challenge to my ward, to read the Book of Mormon once a year for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. Neat right?
I hope those of you who participated gained a stronger testimony of this church from doing this challenge, and that you saw the hand of Christ is your lives. I know I did. And I learned things about myself as well. I know this church is true and I know that the Book of Mormon is the true Word of God. I'm so grateful for this gospel and the blessings it continually brings to my life. I'm so thankful I not only have the knowledge of an Eternal family, but that I am part of an Eternal family who I love LOTS!!! They are so supportive of me and I'm grateful for them every day. I pray that I will have the courage to keep myself spiritually up to par like I've been striving to do, especially these past few months, while doing this 100-day challenge. I hope all of you can do the same! Together: we can beat the odds! We are more powerful than Satan!!! Cuz with God, nothing, nothing, NOTHING is impossible.
"To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it....The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?"
~Elder Heber C. Kimball
Wow. What a powerful thought this is! We can't live off of borrowed light. We just can't. We need a testimony for ourselves, especially through these upcoming hard times. No one can change our attitude for us. We need God in our life to help us to make those changes and to gain our own testimony. Having a testimony is a wonderful thing that can help protect us when needed. It's like our foundation.....based on your testimony, and what you really believe, your actions will be determined by all of that. The more of your own testimony you have, the easier it will be to say no to things that are wrong. God will be on your side. You can win the fight against Satan.
Now what are you going to do now that you're done? Keep reading and building that testimony for yourself! Ask God if it be true!
One more post tomorrow and then we're done! Can you believe it!?
“Our capacity to feel controls our behavior in many ways, and by inaction when our feelings prompt us to do good, we deaden that capacity to feel…A sex saturated society cannot feel the needs of its suffering members because instead of developing the love that looks outward, it turns man selfishly inward…we have ears, but cannot hear, not only the promptings of God but also the pleas of men…We shut out people, nature, and God.”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Something to think about: How do you respond to promptings or feelings that you should
do something?
With this question, I feel like if there's ever a question....go with your gut feelings. If you feel like you've done something wrong, but you aren't 100% sure or if friends are telling you that you're fine; better safe than sorry, right? It just seems logical to me! When your eternity is on the line, I would think you would want to just go with those promptings!
If you have a feeling you should take cookies to someone, or just drop by and check up on someone but you don't exactly know why...do it anyway! And even if nothing huge comes out of it, you still did something nice for someone, and God appreciates when we take care of His children!
We need to strive to be the best we can and stay close to God and His spirit so we can better be instruments in His hands and be able to be prompted.
“The phrase ‘love of Christ’ might have meaning in three dimensions: (1) love for Christ; (2) love from Christ; (3) love like Christ….People who have charity have a love for the Savior, have received of his love, and love others as he does.”
~ Elder C. Max Caldwell
Something to think about: How often do you pray for charity? Why do you think you would
be a better person if you were filled with charity?
We are told that charity is the pure love of Christ....loving everyone regardless of their situations. It's a hard thing to do, for sure! But worth it in the end. Let us Love Christ. Let us allow Him to Love us. And let us Love like He does.
"All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power."
~Joseph Smith
Something to think about: What things help you most to prevent Satan from having any power over you?
I've noticed that when I am not as close to the Spirit as I should be (the days I forget to pray in the morning, or when I used to not read my scriptures as regularly, or if I allow myself to get upset) Satan has more power over me. When we aren't in tune with how God would want us to be, Satan can creep into our minds and heart and take over the driver's seat.
God has provided us with something wonderful: our body. Something Satan does not have. He also gave us this glorious gospel and the freedom to choose. We need to use our agency to do what is right, because if we do that with God on our side, Satan has no power over us. None. That's a cool thought, right?! WE ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN THE DEVIL HIMSELF!!!
“The Savior isn’t our last chance; He is our only chance. Our
only chance to overcome self-doubt and catch a vision of who
we may become. Our only chance to repent and have our sins
washed clean. Our only chance to purify our weaknesses, and
avoid the adversary. Our only chance to obtain hearts, subdue our
redemption and exaltation. Our only chance to find peace and
happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”
~ Sister Sheri L. Dew
Something to think about: What weaknesses has the Lord helped you to overcome? What
weaknesses do you still have that you want to be strengths?
I'm currently sitting in my Microbiology class. Oh how I don't love this class! My teacher is so boring.....and he's old (but that's beside the point)! After saying something he sits and pauses for like a minute before he thinks of the next thing he is going to say!......this.........class...........
moves........so.......slloooowwwwllyyyy!!
Anyway, I loved this quote that Sheri Dew had to share. It's a beautiful thought! The Savior is our ONLY chance. Our only chance to go back to our Heavenly Father one day. We simply can't do it without him!
Sometimes we let pride get in the way, and we want to feel like we can do it on our own. (Face the facts: WE CAN'T.) We won't take His hand and let Him lead us....Just like a young child who is going to cross the street; their parents take their hand and lead them safely across. This is what God wants to do with each and every one of us if we will let Him; He wants to get us over to safety....back in the arms of His love.
In order to reach out and take His hand, we must let go of 2 things:
1- Our will. Because God will never take away our agency, we must choose to subject our will to Him.
2- Our prideful, favorite sins, aka the things we want more than the Spirit. The things we love that hurt the Spirit.
Ezra Taft Benson said that "Pride is characterized by: 'What do I want out of life?' rather than by, 'What would God have me do with my life?'" Stay close to the spirit so that you will be able to discern what plan is best for you.
I want to leave you with one last thought.
"God cannot pour His riches into hands already full."
So let go of your pride, and turn your will over to Him so that you will have the strength to carry His riches and blessings with you.
