The Struggles of a RM

Oh goodness. That is all I have to say about the past 2 months. Overwhelming, frustrating, and intense are just a few words to describe this time period. I guess I should also include joyful, wonderful and new! Life is such a new experience when you have just come home from a mission. Most friends are married or about to be, generally you end up switching schools or majors, your family has grown up and moved on, and you, well you are still in the exact same place you were except you are a totally different person. It is highly confusing! Finding your niche can be hard. In addition to that you expected to come home and still be "perfect." You think of course I will never struggle with scripture reading or prayer. I will still think church is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I will share the gospel 100 times a day! Or my personal thought, I will never fight with my family again! Unfortunately, reality sets in and with that so does the imperfection. This is probably the hardest part of being an RM.  Not being exactly who you want to be instantly.


I have been overwhelmed and reminded lately that that is exactly the point of life. To fail. Yup sounds a little sad and depressing but its true! If we were supposed to succeed, Christ would not be such a central part of our life. He actually wouldn't be necessary at all, but He is. He allows us to succeed, but it is only through Him. On a mission we get to see more of the perfection side of life. We are literal representatives of Him and have been set apart to be His disciple. It gives us more power and a greater perspective of who we are to be. Then we go home. We lose that power and direct purpose and that ideal life becomes just that. Our ideal and our dream. If we can attain the focus and consecration we have as a missionary then we can really be used as God's tools. Perhaps I simply struggle more then others but I do know that Christ is real and He will be there for us as we struggle through this faze of RM.
Here are just a few things that helped me!

• You will miss your name tag and still try to introduce yourself by touching it... its ok... just accept it. 
• Find a planner!! It will be your best friend!! 
• Go to the temple... weekly if possible! It will make you feel like you are back out in the field.
• Church can still be the promised land.. You just have to work harder. 
• Scriptures Scriptures Scriptures... enough said
• If you don't wake up at 6:30 and exercise immediately everyday it is ok! There is forgiveness in this life... 
• God still loves you. You did it! Don't forget the accomplishment! 

Oh the things I have learned. . .

My mission has changed my life. It has been my best educator on life, faith, and common sense. It has taught me skills and lessons that will help me with the rest of my eternity! I wanted to share just a few of those lessons learned.

• Lightning will strike a moving car. Rubber tires do NOT keep you safe!
• Gas stoves are meant to be in the off position for a reason.
• Virginia air is like drinking soup.
• Rain storms are meant to be instantaneous and destructive all at the same time! 
• Paper cuts can lead to staff infection. Don't ignore them!
• When you are really loved you will be offered many a family member to marry......
• Frogs can get inside apartments.... so can black widows and dark fishing spiders, and crickets

Ok now on to the more serious ones!

• Time moves faster then expected and slower then measured
• The gospel of Jesus Christ can heal any wound and mend any heart. 
• My Father in Heaven does love each and everyone one of us perfectly and equally
• Families are meant to be together for eternity
• Love will always disperse contention and frustration
• Satan can not be there when humility is present
• Change is the best and hardest thing that will ever happen to us

I have loved my mission and I am grateful for the blessings that it has brought to my life. I know this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I love Him and I am so grateful I have been able to serve Him. 

The Conundrum of the Phone

My entire time in Warrenton I have had the same phone. This phone is a brick! It has been thrown down a flight of stairs, landed on tile, bounced and hit a steel door, landed once again on the tile and didn't even turn off! It was also thrown down a hallway by a teenage boy with no damage! This has been a useful phone. It has allowed us to make calls and send text messages. . . sometimes. It has service. . . sometimes (the best service is on a random bridge in the middle of Marshall Virginia!!). It turns off only about an hour after charging. Ok so maybe this phone has its struggles but it is a phone that has helped us serve as missionaries.Yesterday we had a miracle occur. We received a new phone! It is shiny and bright! It has a battery life that survives all day!! It rings when people call and it even has service in our apartment!! It is a rockstar phone! We have embraced this phone and all of the latest and greatest abilities that come with it!

This is exactly the same as our role as missionaries. We come to help others come unto Christ by accepting His gospel. We have a message that does improve and enlighten any life. It is not changing the capabilities but it is enhancing and allowing for more of God's blessings to flow into peoples lives. I know that all religion helps to make people better. I also know that through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ we can achieve exaltation. It is not meant to take away the truths and love others already have for Jesus Christ, but to enrich and add to the truths already given. There are no questions or confusion when the restored gospel is present. I know this is true! I know we can accept the truth by allowing God to testify to our hearts the reality of the restored gospel. Try it out! I promise you will love the new abilities and dreams you can strive for when you have the ultimate truth!

Thank Goodness there are only 3 weeks left of this!!

I remembered when my sister first entered the hospital. I remember the phone call from my dad and the fear that instantly came. I was not fully able to understand the magnitude of the situation. I only knew that my sister was in the hospital and that the baby might be born really really early. I was terrified! I felt a little guilt considering I had told my sister she had to get pregnant before my other sister left on a mission. I also remember the feeling of responsibility in caring for my sister. It became my quest to make her happier. She remained in that hospital for a couple months. Way way too long! I visited her everyday! We would read together, watch movies together (especially the movie zorro...that is one weird movie..), I would make her goodies and I would always make her laugh!! The baby monitors showed that every time I spoke or laughed baby girl's heart rate would increase and Caprise said she would roll around in her stomach! I was the favorite from the beginning! While that time was so stressful and hard it is also some of my favorite memories. Caprise and I became so close!! It really was a tender mercy in the trial.
Now that I am on a mission I am once again facing the crazies of life. I have been struck by lightning, been to the ER for carbon monoxide poisoning, torn a ligament in my foot, had eye infections, had companions with staff infection, 
dermiographic hives, and depression, have been rained on, been covered in water as a car drove by the curb, snowed on, have trudged through snow and received potential frostbite, been yelled at, threatened, stalked, been hugged by drunk men, hugged by sober men, had doors slammed in my face, been far from home and family, missed weddings, birthdays and trials at home, watched people fall away here and at home, car troubles galore, had to leave those I love potentially every six weeks, exhaustion beyond belief and that is just the tip of the ice burg!!! There are definitely times when I think thank goodness I only have 3 more weeks left!! However, these are all trials I gratefully accept as I strive to be a true representative of Christ. How can I ask to be one without facing just a small portion of the pain, ridicule, and joy that He once felt. It is the best way to learn of Him and become like Him. I accept all trials and struggles that come if only I can become and learn more of Him. I am who I am today because of these moments in life! Thank goodness they keep on happening!

Consuming of the flesh

I remember when I was little and we went camping. I was always fascinated by the fire. I loved the way it lit up a dark mountain side, the way the flames seemed to dance around each other and the way that it could destroy pieces of papers and smaller sticks in moments! The whole fire seemed to consume the material and it disappeared as if it had never existed. I have continued to be fascinated by fire and the ability to destroy.
In one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon it talks about a similar power that destroys for the good. It is the love of God. Nephi is proclaiming how weak and sinful he is. He is agonizing of the sins he has commited and the guilt he is feeling. Then he switches and testifies of the power of God. We read in 2 Nephi chapter 4: 21 "He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh." The love of God is similar to the fire. It consumes the sins of the flesh. It consumes our weaknesses that come from mortality. It consumes the very natural man and woman inside each of us and allows us to be free! The love of God allows us to move forward, onward and upward to a better and more cleansed life. I am so grateful for this truth! I am grateful that because my Father in Heaven loves me He will allow me to more forward and away from my sins, as if they never existed.
Later this week I was yet again reading in the Book of Mormon and found this golden nugget!

"O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever." (Jacob 3:2)

Throught the study of our scriptures we are feasing on the love of God. That very love that will sanctify and cleanse us from all transgressions! What a promise! Not only do we now know who what, but we know how! Let us feast on His words and His love! Then will the love of God consume our very flesh!

I couldn't post a picture because it would have made me cry....

Once upon a time on a dark and dreary country road drove my companion and I. We carefully came around a turn watching for cars. My companion turned on the brights in order to see and flashed an image in my eye that I can't seem to get rid of. There on the road was a curled up object. The head of that object lifted as we came close. It looked at us with those beady snake eyes and I went into a full blown panic attack!! I could not breathe, my eyes were weeping in fear, and the laughter that escaped my mouth was nothing short of hysterical. My companion sat in silence as I went through the panic process and finally timidly asked if I was okay. "THAT WAS A SNAKE!!" erupted from my mouth and the process began all over again. The fear I felt in that moment is not one I would like to repeat. I was completely incapable of acting in a normal dignified way. I was a wreck!! I am not sure why the sight of that snake affected me in such a way but it created a memory I am sure my companion will not soon forget.
Often times in this life we face fears that create stumbling blocks. We feel we can not continue forward and the physical action is unbearable. Some of those fears are losing a loved one, getting out of our comfort zone, change, dealing with sickness or depression, or even the simple steps of repentance. These are all normal fears that occur almost everyday. I wish there would have been an animal control worker to whisk that snake away, but that was a fear I have to face alone. On the other hand we have someone who will always help us overcome our emotional and spiritual fears. That is, of course, our Savior Jesus Christ. We can always rely on His help and comfort as we overcome and defeat our fears. As 1 John 4:8 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." The perfect love of Jesus Christ can and will cast away all fear if we let Him in. I love my Savior and I am so grateful for the fears He helps me to overcome!

I don't have to know everything!

In general education college classes we are expected to know everything that comes written in a giant text book!! We are asked challenging questions and write thought provoking essays about such topic. About 2 minutes after the final exam 80% of the material is instantly lost! It is gone! It is learned simply for the test and not for the practical application. On the contrary, religion is learned to become something greater. It is meant to become engrained in our everyday actions. There is no final test on the fine line details but an examination on how it is applied.

I love being a missionary. I love the fact that often I do not have all the answers. In fact, often times I don't know much of anything! I simply get to share what I know is true. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. That is enough for me. I don't have to know all the details or remember all the names. I just have to open that book and my life is better. I feel loved, peace, special, and enlightened. Basically I just feel better. That is enough for me. That is enough to jump right out there as a missionary and talk to everyone I see! That is enough for me to be away from my family for 18 months. That is enough for me to get every aggravating and discouraging question out there and still stay true to what I know. It is enough. This might sound niece or foolish but it is true. When I came to know that the Book of Mormon was the word of God everything else fell into place. I want that same joy for everyone else around me!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the church of Jesus Christ. It really is simple. It is here to help us come the closest we can to our Heavenly Father. It is how we find true joy. We know this because of that little Book I was talking about earlier. Please read it. Please pray. And please ask me questions!

Through Trials and Tribulations comes . . . service??

This week has been an interesting. With lot of up and downs... mostly downs. We have struggled in the area and the work. I had the opportunity to talk to my Mission President and he reminded me of a simple story that comforted my heart. I wanted to share.
Jesus Christ and John the Baptist were cousins. They were close as Jesus chose to baptized by John. They both endured trials and hardships and Jesus even sent angels to John to comfort him in prison. Imagine the grief and pain Christ must have felt as he learned this close friend had been killed. It must have caused Him great sorrow. Jesus Christ left the people for a time and went into the desert. I am sure He was seeking a moment on His own to express that sorrow. Instead the multitudes followed Him and He had compassion upon them. He taught them and performed the miracle of the loves of bread and fishes. He fed thousands that night when he sought to be alone. Later in the same night, He again retired to solitude. He again left his moment of peace to rescue the disciples who were at sea in a storm. It is then that He walked on water. He continually served those around Him even the deepest pain. (Matt 14 and Mark 6)
Often as we go through the times of deepest sorrow and trial, the Lord provides us opportunities to serve those around us. He knows that this service is the ultimate way to joy and peace. Serving others allows the spirit to enter our hearts and heal us. It allows us to come closer to the Savior then ever before. Christ once again and always will show us the perfect example of how to love and overcome. They are intertwined and always will be. As I got through my own trials and shortcomings I will look to this example of service. This is a touching wonderful message that has helped me as well!

LOST!!!

Have you ever been lost before? Have you ever felt that fear that comes from not knowing where you are or

where you are attempting to go? I remember that fear when I was in Ireland with my family. We were driving to our hostile for the night and we were exhausted! We had flown all day and were ready to curl up in a nice bed. We were staying at an old castle and we THOUGHT the GPS was taking us in the right direction. We were wrong. We ended up on an old dirt sheep trail in the middle of nowhere! To top it off we had tire issues. We were completely and utterly lost. We had no idea where we were or where we were to go. We were exhausted and scared. At least we weren't trying to communicate in another language!! It was a scary moment when we realized we were alone and lost.

Often times we find ourselves in the same situations here in life. We become lost and confused. We are not sure where we are or where we are trying to go. We need a guide to help us and a RELIABLE one!! That is why the gift of the Holy Ghost is key to our life on earth and our eternal progression. Elder M. Russel Ballard once said

 "We have available to us a tool even more remarkable than the best GPS. Everyone loses his or her way at some point, to some degree, It is through the promptings of the Holy Ghost that we can be brought safely back onto the right path, and it is the atoning sacrifice of the Savior that can return us home. 

The Gift of the Holy Ghost is one of the incredible blessings associated with baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ. We are blessed to have a way to have this gift with us always. For those that are lost we have hope! We can accept this gift and let it lead us back home. 

The Legend of the Shopping Cart....

Once upon a time my family and I were in Boston. We had flown all night and we were attending a free art gallery. The time was around 9 and the streets were dark. We heard over the radio that the Red Sox had just won the world series!! We knew it would be a celebratory and dangerous night in Boston so we hurried out to the car to head to the hotel. We were stopped by a homeless man with a shopping cart that was seeking for money. We honestly said we did not have any but wished him a good night. As we walked to our car we started to hear the clicking of the shopping cart going over the cracks on the sidewalk. We started to walk a little faster and the clicks became more persistent and loud. We broke into a run as we heard the shopping cart racing towards us! My dad pulled out the keys to the car and tried to unlock it . . . only to realize it was the keys to our car in Salt Lake. He quickly grabbed the next set of keys unlocked his door and climbed in. He may or may not have left us outside the car alone for a time before he realized we were still locked out!! We finally all jumped in the car and drove away. Hearts thumping and breath heavy we escaped the shopping cart!!
This is still one of my favorite memories from our vacations. We had a thrilling escape and we learned a lot of great principles! We learned to always be prepared with the proper keys in case of danger, we learned that perhaps my dad was not the best to rescue us in this moment, and we also learned that we need to be in safe situations always. We didn't know that that gallery could become a dangerous location but it quickly turned into a not so pleasant spot.
How often does that happen in our lives? We enter a scene that seems harmless and safe and turns quickly into a scenario of temptation and fear. That might mean going to parties, looking something up online, or being around a not so great group of friends. We have to learn to have the proper precautions and preparation to be safe. As we make decisions now on how we will live our life, we can better be prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. I am grateful that I have always been taught to only be in the safest of situations and to be fully prepared to make an escape as necessary. How have you prepared yourself for escapes in both physically and spiritually damaging situations?

Struck by Lightning

Imagine you are driving along in the middle of a rain storm. You are having a wonderful conversation with your companion and you are enjoying the beautiful music playing. You are in a quiet neighborhood heading to a dinner appointment. You are so excited about the wonderful day you have just had! You are excited for dinner. Suddenly you see a bright flash of white surrounding your car. Your eyes still hurt from the brightness. Instantaneously you hear a loud clap of thunder that vibrates the car and your ear drums. Just as quickly as it happened it all becomes peaceful again. What in the world just happened???!!! You take a second to think and you suddenly yell, "WE WERE JUST HIT BY LIGHTNING!"

That is a true story that happened just this last week! Our car was literally struck by lightning. What is truly amazing to me is the fact that we are safe. We were not harmed in anyway and we continued right on for the rest of our night. We were protected by the power and mercy of God! Just like this event we all have the "lightning strikes" in our lives. We are surrounded by the attacks of the adversary and the attacks of human frailty. We must have the protection and the preparation to withstand the attacks and to continue forth in the power and mercy of God. We all know those protections. Reading our scriptures, prayer, attending church and so forth. We need these basic necessary tools or we will crumble when we are struck. No matter what the attack if we have the protection of God we will be saved! Our car proved to be the safe haven we needed and the arms of God will be that for us as we engulf ourselves in His love. Don't let the lightning storms of life attack you but be surrounded by the protection of God.

I'm a GINGER!

Have you ever met a ginger? Have you ever seen a ginger in a stressful situation without any chocolate in their system?? If so, I am sorry. I have been known to throw my own fair share of temper tantrums and I will blame my hair color! This week my sweet companion has been on the receiving end of such explosions and every single time I have been so impressed with her reactions! She has taught me how to really be Christlike in every situation. I wanted to give some examples of how she has treated me in the way Christ would have.

- She instantly apologized for anything that may or may not have been her fault
- She sought to understand the situation from my perspective
- She showed love by wanting to take the time to communicate and really solve the issue
- She accepted my apology without hesitation and she moved on quickly
- She never once reacted back to me only became humble

She has taught me so much! Humility really is key to any relationship and argument. When one or both are humble then the argument can be quickly avoided or dismissed. This is key to all communication skills!
As I read the Book of Mormon this morning I saw the same example in the letters of Moroni and Pahoran. Moroni is upset and angry at Pahoran for not supporting the army. He does not know that Pahoran is dealing with his own civil unrest and is currently fighting for his life! Instead of Pahoran writing back an equally upsetting letter, he responds kindly and complimentary! He gives Moroni the benefit of the doubt and moves forward. (Alma 60-63).
Next time I am having a temper or receiving such I will seek to show the example of my dear companion or Pahoran.

It's so pink!!

Today I had the amazing opportunity to go and see the famous cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. Talk about a lot of pink! It was amazing! The flowers were beautiful and the weather was perfect. We had a glorious time! I was so struck by the beauty of the world around me. Just weeks ago those trees were bare and now they show forth the beauty of a creation of God.
Spring time always reminds me of this wonderful fresh start. It is so fitting to go this week in connection with Easter time. Easter is when we commemorate the death and rise of our dear Savior. With His example, we are also given an opportunity to lay down our woes and sins and rise again as a new disciple of Him. We don't have to remain as the bare tree limb but we can bloom into an exquisite creation of God. This really is the time we should set the new resolutions of our spiritual nature and become changed. He not only showed us how to change but He made it possible to. One of my favorite definitions of grace says,

"It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by His atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means, This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts."

Through our Savior's grace we can become the new creations we need to be!
Just like the flowers and new growth around us, we should also become a changed person Because of Him! I love my Savior and the ability He gave me to change!

Practically perfect in every way!

I remember when I was in the musical Peter Pan. I was playing the part of Wendy! It was a wonderful show and I loved it! One of the scenes will always stick out to me. When Wendy is first shot down from the flight, the lost boys find her and build a nice house around her. We practiced that scene over and over again to make sure the pieces were placed correctly so the house would not fall down. It was scary to be laying there helpless as a house was built around me! We finally had mastered the technique and everyone felt confident in that scene. Some of the lost boys began to be a little careless with their placing of the pieces. On our first night of performance the tragedy occurred! As I laid there under the built house... it all came down!! At first I attempted to hold it up and not let anyone see but it came crashing down around me! I was so embarrassed and tried to cover for it! It was so rough!! Our director was so disappointed that a scene we had worked so hard on had failed. It is quite a funny experience when I look back but in the moment it was devastating!!
While practicing for the scene we had the ability to master it, but because of laziness and lack of accurate practice we lost the opportunity for perfection.
This happens so much in our lives. We all have the ability to be perfect. We can perfectly play a piano piece if we learn to practice it perfectly. We can perfectly shoot a basketball if we practice it perfectly. It is the same way in our daily spiritual  habits. We can become like our Savior Jesus Christ as we perfectly practice the small and simple habits. If we read our scriptures everyday, pray often, attend church every week, and follow the commandments we are perfectly practicing to become perfect! It all lies in the small and simple steps of discipleship. We cannot afford to get lazy and out of the habit. We need everyday to practice! Without practice we will not progress and we will lose the ground we already covered! Please please practice!! And make your steps to perfection happen daily!

Steadmans are . . .

Do you know those phrases that stick with you forever? For example, Don't touch that! No! After you do the dishes! ect. Ever since I was little I remember a particular scripture. It has been pounded into me since I was a tiny little girl. It says:

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31:20)

 I clearly remember my parents insisting that Steadmans are steadfast. Now that is a pretty c
ool motto I will agree. It wasn't until recently that I realized something... What does that even mean! I decided to take a study and find out!
Steadfast means to be persevering, diligent, firm, dedicated, committed, faithful, obedient, unshaken, immovable, loyal, courageous, enduring, dependable, and full of integrity. Holy Cow! We are promising to be a lot when we say we are steadfast! The more I looked into each of those words, the more I realized that it is all simply becoming converted. it is becoming like our Savior. Preach my gospel lists off certain Christ like attributes such as Faith, hope, charity, knowledge, humility ,obedience, virtue, patience, and diligence. All of these words tie in to the words listed above. When we become steadfast we are becoming like Christ.
Becoming steadfast doesn't happen all at once. It is not the step we take before faith. It is the step we take as we are enduring to the end. It is the step and place where the mighty change of heart can occur. It is where we become a true disciple.
 As a missionary, I have had a lot of opportunity to put into practice this very phrase. I have had the choices such as to stay out and work in the blizzard or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, sleep in just a minute more or be up right on time, and stay firm in my testimony when it is challenged or just agree to avoid contention. I am not saying I was perfect everytime, but I can say that I have tried my best to be Steadfast. I am a Steadman and Steadmans are Steadfast!

Is it really just like a fairy tale?

I have always grown up loving disney movies! I love the famous story of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. One of my all time favorites is Hercules! What has always been interesting to me in these older movies is there is a clear cut hero and villain . There is not many of the in between characters. Everyone is either evil or they are good. Now in real life I have often made justifications to allow for the gray area, but is there one?
Yesterday I was reading in the Book of Mormon and came across a scripture that says otherwise.

For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil. (Alma 5:40)

It really is that simple. The things that are good come from God and everything else does not. I remember being told once that it really is all black and white. The only way to get gray is to add a smidgen of black. This makes decisions a lot easier for me. It really is following God or not. So how might we know if things are good and from God you might ask... Well Moroni tells us how!

But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. (Moroni 7:13)

As we make decisions in our life we can remember that everything really is like the fairy tales. There is a hero and He is our Savior. He has shown us the only way to peace and joy.

I broke it..

Once upon a time there was this timid, non adventurous person. She had finally decided to step outside of her box and take on the most dangerous feat yet in her life. She decided to tackle the . . . playground. To this point she had calmly handled the slide and the swings but she was yet to handle the bar. If you do not know what the bar is that is understandable. It is the single bar that tends to hang from chains. Often children are seen sitting on it or hanging upside down from it. So this young girl decided she would break her concern and fear and sit on that bar. She slowly eased her way onto the bar. She was sitting!! Feeling a bit more confident and brave she attempted the ultimate. . . hanging upside down. As she balanced upside down she was so pleased wither herself! She had conquered her fears!!!
That moment was a joyous encounter in my life. Yes, I was that brave lass. It felt so great to overcome one of my fears. I remember such a feeling of satisfaction and a feeling of being able to accomplish anything! To finish the story above, I did accomplish my feat! Yet, it ended quite upsetting. As I was trying to get back up to the sitting position, I fell. I landed square onto my face. YIKES!! Yes, I now have a crooked nose! It was painful! But, did I get back up onto that bar another day... you betcha!
I firmly believe God allows us to fall at times to really learn what it is like to get back up and try again. We are so much stronger when we learn to brush the dirt off and get back to work. While I gained the confidence from the success, I gained the determination with the fall. We can learn the most as we try to do our best and learn from the falls. This gospel is full of uncomfortable things we need to do and as we do we often fall. The wonderful thing is that God allows us to so we can learn. The ultimate gift is that He does not expect us to do it alone! We will always have our Savior to help us stand back up. What are ways you have learned to rise again?

It is the C word....

One Word. Can one word really define you for a year? Our mission president gave us the idea of choosing one word to focus on this year to help us become better. It came from a program already established by someone that I do not remember, but it is great! So through prayer and thought, I have chosen the word change. That is what I want to focus on this next year. Change. Continual change. Marvin J. Ashton said once "There is nothing so unchanging, so inevitable as change itself." What a great word to focus on! It is inevitable so I might as well use it to it's fullest.
I was thinking today about change in the terms of God. We know that God is an unchangeable being. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I realized that God cannot change so we can have the potential to change. If he was constantly changing on us we would have no direction or goal to aspire to. Instead, He remains the same and asks us to change to become like Him. What an incredible gift.
I remember when I was growing up and the rules that were established in my house. We were simply asked to not do certain things and to do other things. My parents were very good about not changing those rules. This gave me a clear choice to choose between. It gave me the ability to freely exercise my agency. I am so grateful for those chances they gave me choose and thereby to change.
While change is hard it is also the only way to ever become truly happy and like our Savior. C.S Lewis once said

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace”

I know that God is making us into the eternal beings we were designed to be. Let Him change you.

I think......

I remember when I first decided that I was going to go to Southern Utah University. I remember that I was around 15 and we were visiting my sister who lived there. I loved the campus and very much wanted to follow my sister. I then resolved in my mind I would go there and no where else! When I was in high school I also explored the campus while I was in the Shakespeare festival and yet again fell in love with it. I loved that school and I was going there. I had a thought that had become a fixed resolution. I was going to SUU and that is exactly what I did. I loved my experience there and all the wonderful people that I met. It really was amazing. It all came from a simple thought.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "If you sow a thought, you reap an action. Sow an action and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny." Wow. That is one powerful thought! It leads to our destiny! This week we were able to have a sisters conference where we discussed this very thing. We focused on the destructive nature of negative thinking and the incredible influence of positive thinking. We can literally sow our destiny! Whether it will be negative or positive, it is up to us! This is proof of the amazing gift of agency.When we take the time to evaluate the present and focus on what is happening right now, we are able to more fully use and appreciate the gift of agency. We do each have the ability to choose positive and to choose happiness.
Of course, the ultimate happiness and positive attitude will come as we follow our Savior Jesus Christ. With His Atonement we can overcome any unfairness or trial and choose to see the joy. With Him we can be masters of our own destiny.

Isn't it about time...??

I love the old church commercials! They are so wonderful! They share a wonderful message in such a humorous way. I loved the tag line. Isn't it about time? Think about that for a moment. We all run our lives by time. How much time do we have to get ready in the morning or how much longer do I have to sit in this class. It really is about time. When we realize that this life is such a small small moment in the eternal perspective, that time becomes even more precious. This week I was thinking a lot about the time that I really gave to my family and friends. I was also thinking about how blessed I was to have been given so much time by those I love. Here are just a few examples of the time that was given to me to help me grow.

• Every Sunday my mom and me would make some sort of treat together. We would spend the time together and become even better friends.
• My dad would always ask me to come to work with him. I should have been much better about spending that time with him! I loved that I knew he always wanted me around.
• My sisters and I would always watch the silly chick flicks together. We laughed and laughed. I knew not matter how tired or sick they were,we would always have that time together.
• I had many occasions where my friends would take the time to talk with me or to just let me vent. They gave me the time I needed to become better.

Even more importantly then the time we give to others is the time we give to our Heavenly Father. He has literally given us all time and it is just asked that we give a small portion of time. Just a little bit to read our scriptures or to pray. Yes, even 3 hours at church is just a little bit to give to the God who gave us life. As we give Him our time we can build a relationship with Him. I am so grateful for this time that I get to give to my Heavenly Father as His missionary. I love this opportunity to give Him my time. 

Are you ready for the next adventure??

I'm pretty sure we all have our favorite journey story. We have the one about that crazy dog, red shoes, and a yellow brick road. We have the one about the the mermaid that traveled from fins to legs and marriage. We each have our own journey story. One of my favorite journey stories in my life is the time we drove from Boston to Prince Edward Island. It was my sisters, mom, and a family friend. We traveled through bad hotel rooms, missing drivers license and almost didn't travel back into the U.S.

I have also always loved the story in the Book of Mormon of Lehi and his family.Lehi and his family were asked to leave all of their worldly possessions and live in a tent in the wilderness. They were asked to travel back and forth from Jerusalem to the wilderness to get the scriptures and wives. They then traveled to the "promised land." The land that they were promised would bring great blessings to their family. What a trip! They went through so much to get to the promised land. They went through sickness, hunger, thirst, storms on the sea, potential of being killed and so much more. They really struggled through it and they did make it! They made it to the promised land! (1 Nephi 1-18)
Don't we all go through similar experiences. Whether it is an actual travel, or just the travels of everyday life, we are asked to struggle through it. We are promised an ultimate blessing of eternal life if we simply make it through. It is exhausting and it is painful, but it is worth it. I love applying Lehi's journey to my own. Whenever he was commanded of the Lord he followed it! That brought the next instructions of where to go. He also was grateful for the blessings the Lord provided for him. This is how I want to live my life. I will be obedient and grateful.
I am so grateful for the journeys I have gone on. I have seen the best and worst of me as I struggle through this life we live. I am grateful for the times that the Lord provides adventures for me to grow and learn to rely on Him.
How have you seen the journeys in your life strengthen your testimony?

Frostbite...

I remember when I was in the Dominican Republic. I remember the nice breeze that would give me a momentary relief from the sun. I remember the heat streaming from the sun. I remember the lazy hours of just laying on the beach. I miss those days. Now I am feeling the ice beat upon me as rain freezes solid. I am feeling the wind chill that penetrates down to the bone. I am now NOT feeling my fingers, toes, cheeks or nose. This winter has been cold and long! It has made me so grateful for the wonderful gift my sister gave me before I left. It is lovingly called Poland. No no not the country but the coat. It is the beautiful invention she bought in Poland that is so perfect for the current weather conditions. It is so warm and throughly insulated. I could not have survived this winter with out this coat. Even if I look a bit like a marshmellow I am still grateful for "Poland."
As I was thinking about the warmth this coat provides, it reminded me of the times in life when our world seems cold. Whether due to trials or circumstances, we all have moments where we are cold and in desperate need for warmth. I am so grateful for the gift that our Savior provided to do just that.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14: 26-27).

Our Savior has given us the ultimate "coat." It comforts in time of need, provides safety from the chills of life and it gives us the peace that can only come from Him. We all have the opportunity to access this gift. It doesn't come to the few and far between, but it is offered to all. How have you felt the Holy Ghost comfort you in trails?

The Truth about Chocolate

I love Chocolate! I love the way it melts in my mouth and makes me happy. It can calm any troubled soul and excite the down. It can bring peace and quiet in the hectic home. It can really solve any problem. I remember when we were in Germany and no matter what mood we were in we had chocolate. If we were happy we got a piece of chocolate. If we were angry we got a piece of chocolate. Yup, you guessed it, if we were annoying, patient, cheerful, or sad we got a piece of chocolate! I don't know how I didn't come home 20 pounds heavier but it was a wonderful trip! It really did help us in any situation.
Of course as I thought about this it reminded me of Christ. No matter what situation we are in Christ is there to help. He is there to calm, excite, soften and mold. He is the one we can rely on in times of trial and in times of glory. He is the One. I have recognized too often in my life I have sought Him in the negative side instead of all the time. He really is there to be our guide. He is rejoicing with us and crying with us. We just have to accept His presence always. I am so grateful for His life and love that always surrounds us. One of my favorite scriptures says

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38-39)

Nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ. And nothing will keep Him away from us. I hope to become better at acknowledging His presence and love no matter what mood I am in. I love my Savior!

I would really love to have a broken heart

When you think about a heart what do you think about? Not the broken heart that happens after a failed romance, but the actual heart that beats inside of you. I think of the incredible power that one organ holds. It is the source of life. It is the way we continue to function and thereby live. It is the center of everything we do. We are constantly reminded to remain heart healthy. There are even specific cereals for that kind of thing! The heart really is central to our life.
Isn't it interesting then how much emphasis Heavenly Father gives to us to give Him our whole heart. He asks for the heart, might, mind and soul. He asks for a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He always includes our heart. So what is important about our spiritual heart. The heart is the innermost desires, attitudes, affections, and thoughts. If we are really giving God our hearts then we are giving Him everything! We are giving him our spirit and we are giving Him our life.
When I have read the scriptures recently I have been able to see the power of the heart. Whether it be through people hardening their heart or having a broken one, the power of where our heart lies has been magnified. I am so grateful for the opportunity and choice to give God my heart. How have you been able to give God your heart?

It's not so bad.. It's not so bad!!!

One of my favorite Hymns is Come Come ye Saints. I always thought it was interesting how the song ends. The phrase All is well is repeated after talking about such things as toil, fear, journey, and even death. The phrase is repeated over and over again. When my sister came home from her mission in Poland, she taught me that when translated that phrase, all is well, come out to be It's not so bad! What an fun change! Instead of everything being well in times of trials it is actually just not so bad. I can handle that. I can think that way. I can change my opinion of knocking of doors for 4 hours from ugh to it's not so bad! This changes any situation. It really is not so bad. I wish I would have applied this lesson earlier on my mission and even in my life. Here are just a few examples.

• Being dropped from the sky while flying in the part of Wendy... it's not so bad!
• Not having a car in college . . . it's not so bad!
• Having over 100 mosquito bites on my legs last summer. . . it's not so bad!
• Having to have our car jumped 6 times in one day . . .it's not so bad

Of course all of these examples are small ways that we can apply that principle. Being away from home and from family is really not so bad when compared to the joy I can bring to others. So on and so forth! This principle can be applied anywhere. A wonderful quote I heard this weekend was, "The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay" (The Refiner's Fire). No matter what is going on in our life it is not so bad when we remember it is helping us become acquainted to God. 

Oh what a beautiful morning!!!

One of my favorite prophets in the Book of Mormon is Nephi. That man is a rockstar. He goes through so much turmoil and crazy and yet he is still so positive and diligent. In comparison, his brothers are the murmurers. They complain about everything! They never stop. It can get really annoying to read. Something I realized today is the why behind this story. Lamen and Lemuel have no real relationship with God. They are looking for answers from the world and not from Him. Nephi has a magnificent vision (1 Nephi 11-15) where he sees everything. Everything! No wonder he has a better attitude. He just sees the whole creation of the world so no wonder he just goes and makes a bow or builds a ship. He gets the eternal perspective. For him it is nothing because he just saw the glory and power of God.
I have lost that eternal perspective a lot! I have become the murmurer. I have seen that happen to me a lot out here on a mission. I forget what a short time I have to serve God and focus on the horrible hour of talking to no one. I was the worst when I was a teenager at this. That one moment my mom wouldn't let me be with friends overcame the hours of time spent with them before hand. We all do this in our everyday life. I mean lets think about this. We are children of God. We are on this life to learn how to be happy living with God again for eternity. That is pretty amazing! We are commanded to have joy and to love life. So why do we always nitpick at the moments. Lamen, Lemuel and Nephi all lived the same life, but it was Nephi that chose to live it happy. One of my favorite scriptures read, "

Therefore, dearly beloved brethern, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17)

In reality all God asks of us is to live our live in a way we can be the happiest. We can chose as Nephi did to look at the positive and be happy! Or we can become like his elder brothers and be miserable. It really is up to us to choose.

I don't want to be you.

The quirky me!

We live in such a world today. Everyone is seeking to have the coolest clothes and own all the name brands. The world has this ideal being that everyone wants to become. Everyone is in someway trying to fit the mold, even if their life motto is to break it. We are individuals with unique attributes and personality traits that make us amazing to God. We are to embrace the very eternal nature we have within us and run with it. I am different then you. That is a fact. You are different then the person sitting next to you. Thank goodness! If we were all the same this would be a very boring world! God needs us to be different so He can use us in different avenues to build His kingdom. We must each seek inside of us for the individual gifts, talents and abilities that make us unique. I don't want to be you. I'm sorry! I want to be me. My quirky, demanding, crazy me. Yes, I can still improve upon that but it will remain me. That is something I am so grateful for when it comes to my mission. I have learned to become more like my Savior without losing those characteristics that make me me.
If God wanted us to be the same He would have made us that way. I am a ginger who has the spunk to prove it. I love singing, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. I could never play a single sport and be perfectly content. I am very different then you, but I am the way God made me. We are each unique and we all have the ability to reach an eternal potential. If you help me to get there, I will help you!
Sister Dalton said speaking to a group of women, "As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences. And yet our part matters---because we matter."
I hope each of us can really identify the talents and abilities God has given us so we can develop our individuality!

16 inches... of snow...

This week was intense! We had a HUGE snow storm. I am not joking. It snowed almost 16 inches! How crazy is that! We were informed that we were not allowed to drive in this terrible weather and so what did we do?? Well to be honest I would have been fine with some Hot Chocolate, but instead we trudged through the snow and shoveled out cars. We were outside for 3 hours digging out 6 cars from the parking lot. It is just not a good idea when a snow plow comes through and pushes all the snow against the cars. I was in snow up to my waist! It was so much fun! We bonded with a lot of our neighbors as we all came together to dig out each others cars. We had some laughs, falls, colds, and a wonderful time doing service for one another.
I am so grateful for the acts of service we can provide for one another. It really is the best way to get to know one another and to develop charity for those around you. It is also a ton of fun! Just imagine 8 people with brooms, ice scrapers and a few shovels going to town! It really was quite entertaining. The best was being able to share the light of Christ through the small acts of service. Derek A Cuthburt once said,

"Service changes people. It refines, purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us. It gets us looking outward instead of inward. It prompts us to consider others' needs ahead of our own. Righteous service is the expression of true charity, such as the Savior showed." (The Spirituality of Service)

I am so grateful for the fun, crazy opportunity to serve this week. Even with the sore back and arms, it was worth it!

How I hate you so... Running not Sister Lochridge!

Running. Oh running. How I hate you so. You hurt my legs and you make me run out of breath. You leave me sore and beat up and you don't even care. You tear me down and yet your purpose is to build me back up. You are truly just mean. Yet, I seem to still use you everyday. I have seen me become stronger and more in shape, but do you have to do in such a painful way. Oh running, I really do quite hate you.

I have really really come to hate running. As you might have already noticed. It is painful and quite boring. However, I keep running every day. I know it is good for me and at sometime I will begin to see the benefits from it. Isn't this how most trials are in our life. We really don't like them and they prove quite difficult and yet we keep going because we know in the end it will be OK and we will probably be much better off.

It reminds me of a time on my mission where my dear companion, Sister Lochridge, had staff infection. She got it her first weekend into the mission and it was rough. At the same time I injured my ankle quite badly and we were out for a while. It was rough! We both really didn't understand why this was happening and why we were in such a struggle bus. We wanted to be working and helping the area and instead we were sick and injured. It was a hard time for us both. And yet we learned so much! We were able to come together and really support each other. We are very close and will always be! We needed these trials to come together and we have been a support for each other ever since. I love that woman and I am so grateful our transfer together was so hard because it made us both much stronger.

We all go through trials when we don't understand why things happen the way they do. That is just going to happen.

Elder Orson F. Whitney said: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted . . . All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts and expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable ... it is through sorry and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire."  (More Than Conquerors through Him that loved us)

I am so grateful for the trials that make us better and that give us the knowledge we need to become better.

Only on a mission....

You know those days when you look back and realize that you are in a crazy world. I have been thinking a lot about how missions are just WEIRD! They send out 2 young people into the world together and leave us totally alone. We wander through random cities talking to strangers. We eat odd food and we have some terrifying adventures. There are things that just only happen on a mission. Let me give a couple of examples.

• Your companion gets staff infection at the same time you have a major ant invasion.
• You have a literal movie moment when a bus drives by and encases you in a wall of water
• You meet people from 10 different countries... in one day!
• You have "nature" living in your back yard (his name is gus gus)

• You grow to love the outdoors as you live in the most incredible place during the fall season. 

• You are sick for 2 weeks in a row and still fight to go out and work
• You feel like you sinned for even thinking of getting on facebook
• You learn that study time can be a dangerous time

• You learn that the best cell coverage comes in the middle of nowhere on a metal bridge

• You end up in the ER

• You happen to lock the key of your car in the trunk.. just the key. 

These are just a few examples of things that have happened on my mission that have brought be great joy! I love when we can find the joy in the moment. The best thing we can do is laugh. It alleviates stress, depression, and worry. It helps us to feel the small joy that our Heavenly Father feels endlessly. These are just a few moments that make me laugh and bring me joy as well as teach me great lessons. What have you seen in your life that has made you laugh? 

Not another fall!!!

I remember when I was in the lovely town of Herndon. My companion and I were diligently knocking on doors. As we knocked on yet another "empty" house, we turned around to step down the stairs and down I went!! The ground was slippery as it had rained all day and I fell hard! I attempted to jump right back up and my companion immediately pushed me back down. "I can see your ankle swelling. Sit down" She yelled quite loudly. I was so mad that I had fallen and as a result we had to stop working for the rest of the night. I had sprained my ankle quite badly and it needed time to heal. It was so irritating! Isn't it always frustrating when we fall? Whether it be physically or spiritually we fall all the time! We can not seem to stay on our own two feet! Over and over again we go down. Sometimes down curbs, sometimes down cliffs. Something I read today gave me the comfort I needed.

 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand" (Psalms 37: 23-24). 

The Lord will uphold us as we fall. It is an absolute promise that we will fall in this life, even the first people on earth did! It is also an absolute promise that the Lord will uphold us with His hand. We can not fall too far or to long for the Lord to not be able to reach us. He is always always there.
President Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk where he discussed this very idea.

We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents. Now, compared to the perfection of God, we mortals are scarcely more than awkward, faltering toddlers. But our loving Heavenly Father wants us to become more like Him, and, dear brethren, that should be our eternal goal too. God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time.I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.

What a beautiful thought. We can all relate to a toddler trying to walk and that is exactly how Heavenly Father sees us. We can keep trying. We can keep standing up and walking. Let us try not to fall, but when we do we can know that God is outstretched to help us up and cheer us on.

Kidnapping??

This week was a week of firsts! We had a fabulous transfer meeting in which we watched a movie. Yup. The whole mission together watched a movie. That does not happen very often!! It was an exciting day! We had the opportunity to watch the Saratov Approach. It is an incredible movie about missionaries in Russia who are kidnapped.
 Now tangent for a moment and think about the brand new missionaries in our mission. There very first day in the mission field they watched a movie! Not just any movie but one about kidnapping...those poor missionaries.
Ok, back on track. The movie was a wonderful opportunity to learn and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts and invite you to all go watch it!
First, I learned how much God is aware and personally involved in each of our lives. He watches out for all of us in our individual trials and afflictions. He will provide a way for our escape.
Second, God has prepared a plan for us and He will give it to us but usually it will be in the last minute and after we have created multiples of our own plans. This way He allows us to be prepared for the plan He has in store.
Third, there is no bad reason to serve God. We can do it for family, ourselves, or for Him. The real importance is in doing the work. Sometimes it is much harder then other times but just keep hanging in and get it done.
The movie was truly amazing. I cried, yes even me, I laughed, and most importantly I felt God's love. The light and joy that comes from God's love will always overpower the darkness in our lives. I testify that God lives and He is involved in our everyday lives. We will all go through hard times. Hopefully none of us will be kidnapped in Russia! But whatever our trials God will help us.

Raining Ice

This morning we woke up to a beautiful sight! Everything was covered in ice! The leaves and grass were incased with ice and it was beautiful! The light would hit it just right and everything would sparkle. It was just splendid. It was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of nature. This world is incredible! It is the one most magnificent creation of our Heavenly Father. Just one of them! For a God who created all things I am shocked He spends so much time focused on us.
This idea was reiterated in my studies this morning. Psalms 8: 3-4 says,

" When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;What is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

Why is God mindful of us? Lets be honest. We are pretty foolish 99% of the time. We mess up continually, we have negative attitudes, we hurt one another, we aren't very good at focusing on God or even showing we love Him. Basically we are all just struggle buses. And yet, He still is mindful of us. Everyday. Another scripture I read this morning was in the book of Ether that says,

"we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall  our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee" (Ether 3:2).

We are literally EVIL continually!! And yet God still commands us to pray to Him and to ask Him for help. He is a very very loving, merciful God. When I think of all of the blessings and beauty of this world, I will now forever think of the fact that above all these things God is thinking of me. And God is thinking of you. He loves each of us. He is there for us and He is always mindful of us. 

Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman.....

Ok so this post will have nothing to do with snowman! Awkward! But I did catch your attention. When I was a little girl, I loved singing that song. I would rock out to it as I danced beautifully! It made me so happy to imitate a snowman. Something so small really did make me so cheerful. I love how little children naturally find joy in almost every situation. Whether it is ending up covered in their dinner or demanding to have every blanket in the house wrapped around them at bedtime, they find the little ways that bring them joy. We must do the same! We must decide to be happy. Now. Not in a year or in a month. Now! And we must decide to allow ourselves to be happy.
I love when Elder Holland said, "We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer." (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!)" (The Tongue of Angels) What an incredible commandment we have to be of good cheer! Our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ did not spend time, talents, power and love to create a world and us to just be miserable. They created it for the ultimate joy and happiness to be given to us.
However, it is a choice. We must choose to look at the positives and blessings of our lives. We must count our blessings as the hymn says. I would like to take some time and list just a few things that help me to choose happiness.

• My dearest niece who I love and cherish! She makes me so so so happy!
• My support and love from my family! They help me to choose to be happy!
• Chocolate... Enough said
• Singing out loud in front of the world (preferably in the rain while dancing)
• Seeing someone recognize that God and Christ love them
• Music that is fun and helps me think of my Savior
• Counting to 10 when I am learning lessons in patience
• Crawling into a warm bed and falling asleep instantly
• Laughing with friends at the odd circumstances we are in

All of these things help me to choose to be happy! What makes you happy?

Get out of the twilight zone..... no wait the COMFORT zone!

Today and yesterday we had the opportunity to move into a new apartment! We are moving into a members basement. It is a beautiful place to live and we are really excited! It is a lot of work though! From packing, cleaning, packing some more, cleaning some more, then unpacking, cleaning, unpacking, shopping.. ect. You get the point! It can take a lot to move apartments. We are excited for the change but with it comes some unwanted consequences like leaving our dear roommates. The more I thought about the changes and the work put into it, it reminded me a lot about life. Often times we are given opportunities to change and we are excited and motivated but we still have moments where we want to stay behind. The benefit of staying behind is comfort. The benefit of moving on is increased ability to progress.

Staying in our comfort zones is the best way to mediocrity and laziness. Someone told me once that the gospel is to give the afflicted comfort, and the comfortable affliction. How true! We need to step out of our comfort zone and experience the change and progression God has in store for us. It will not be easy. It will be painful. In the end, it will be worth it. Elder Ritchie, a senior Elder in our mission, told us that the only way out of our comfort zones is through goals. How amazing is it then that our Heavenly Father will give us very new situations where we must set new goals. In this new apartment our goal is to keep it clean! As well as being able to redefine ourselves as missionaries. In every aspect of change we can use it to push us out of our comfort zones and into progression.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton shared her thoughts on change and comfort zones as well.

"We must be willing to change, to make transitions, to repent. From everything I read in the scriptures, I don’t think the Lord likes us to be in a comfort zone. He repeatedly takes his choicest servants out of their comfort zones and challenges them by their circumstances, their trials, and their opportunities to become more and to do more.In order to do this, we must be willing to move out of our comfort zones—to change. And that change can happen today . . .When you make a transition, you are never alone. Our Heavenly Father knows exactly where you are, and He will be with you. As you make some transitions, and they’re difficult, you can pray to Him. He will even send His angels to be with you. He will lead you to a place better than you can comprehend."

I am so grateful for the opportunity to leave my comfort zone and improve. I am still nervous but it will be a wonderful journey! Don't be afraid to step out of the comfort zone.