First week of school/work!

So I work at UVU at the daycare there with 2 & 3 year olds. I started back this past monday the 7th and I decided over Christmas break that I wanted to take an institute class. So I registered for a mission prep class on monday and wednesday at 7am...crazy right? :) well I don't work til 9:30 so i decided to fill the time with another institute class :) It's called Scripture study-the power of the word! Well then my friend told me he wanted to go to a institute class with me on tuesday and thrusday, so I registered for repentance and forgiveness at 8:30. So the first day back I went to my institute classes and was so excited and they were really awesome! I got really excited about the classes and the teachers! Then I went to work and it was a really good day! On tuesday I went and was LATE for class! I am NEVER late for class! haha But I couldn't find a parking place anywhere! so I had to park over at UVU (the LA building) and walk outside to the institute building! Class was amazing! but I decided that parking was ridiculous and I didn't want to do that every tuesday and thursday, so what did I do to fix it? Register for another institute class at 7am on tuesday and thursday! It is teachings of Thomas S. Monson! All 4 of these classes are so amazing and wonderful :) I have really enjoyed them my repentance and forgiveness class is awesome. The teacher, brother Durfey, is really really powerful, I swear he can say one word and BAM the spirit in in the classroom and we all have tears in our eyes. This past week he talked about repentance and the pre mortal existence. One thing he said about repentance that I really liked is "if a man is repenting he is righteous, if he i not repenting he is a wicked man." He also told us a powerful story about his first repentance/forgiveness experience. When he talked about the pre mortal existence he talked about the war in heaven and how we all chose Christ, and he said "if you could see how valiant you were in the pre mortal existence your life would change for the better, the same spirit we had there resides in our bodies here, IF YOU COULD JUST SEE WHO YOU WERE." and "fight the war against Satan, you did it there, are you doing it here?" I cried a lot during that lesson because of the powerful spirit I felt, If I could see who I was I could be who I am supposed to be. It made me think :) My mission prep class is awesome! It helps me prepare for my mission and learn from other future missionaries. It's really really good. we haven't really gotten into much yet in that class! but my teacher is awesome, brother Toone. In my scripture study class I just love it! Everyone in that class is very friendly and loving, especially the teacher, brother Elzey. We have been talking about Satan and the temptations from him, and also of course studying the scriptures. It's a really good class too. Then my teachings of Thomas S. Monson is of course amazing, who doesn't love teachings of our beloved prophet?! So that was my ramble leading up to this, because I decided to take these institute classes I was invited to be in a choir for a CES fireside, and guess who talked?! President Uchtdorf!!! :) He is so awesome! I just love that man! So we practiced, learned, and memorized the songs in 3 days! (with help from Heavenly Father) And we pulled it off! Tonight was the fireside, when president Uchtdorf walked in the first time before the broadcast started he came in and WHOOSH came the spirit of God. The light he brought with him was overwhelming, he walked in holding his wife and grandson and skipped up the stairs to say hi and tell us about the talk his grandson gave in church today. Then he waved to all of us each section individually I swear he looked right at me! and said goodbye. All the while with a big smile on his face! :) When he came back in WHOOSH again. and Russell M. Nelson was there too! And the fireside started. The first song we sang was "let Zion in her beauty rise" and I cried, it talks about spreading the gospel. (look it up it's a good one). then president Uchtdorf gave his wonderful talk, when he talks it is like a song. It touches the heart and expands the mind. What a wonderful talk given by a prophet of God. Then we closed the fireside with "I'll go where you want me to go" and of course I cried again :) I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord, over mountain, or plain, or sea, I'll say what you want me to say dear Lord, I'll be what you want me to be. What a wonderful message. I have had the spirit fill my life, my heart is full. I love my Heavenly Father and his Prophets. It has been a great week! :)

Testimonies and Letters

For Christmas my sister Michele wanted to do something special that i could take with me on my mission. So she contacted my family and friends and asked them to write their testimonies and thoughts about me going on a mission. When I received them I started crying :) I was touched that so many took time to write me a letter. When I read them I cried and laughed and cried :) I felt love and I felt the spirit. I am grateful for my family and friends that show their support for me and encourage and give me good advice :) My brother in law Matt and sister Jessica put together a book of advice as well and it was very helpful! It was a wonderful Christmas that I will surely never forget!

Mission Experience

About 2 years ago I went to the Provo mall by myself to do some shopping. As some of you know this was a rare occasion for me to be somewhere by myself back then, but I worked up the courage to go by myself. I soon became hungry and craved panda express, so I went and got in line got my food and sat down. Soon a random guy came up to my table and sat down and started talking to me (this is also a rare occasion) I thought it was weird and shockingly enough for some people I'm super shy. So he told me his name was Erik and asked me for my number and I said no haha! Mostly because he was 9 years older than me and because he told me he was going to see an R rated movie and also because I don't normally give out my number. But he said we could just text and if I didn't want to I didn't have to. So I gave in and said ok, we got to know each other a little and became facebook friends and eventually just lost touch. Then around september of this year I was driving home from my sisters house and got a random text from him. I'm kind of someone who doesn't do small talk well and I was kinda confused as to why he randomly started talking to me haha. Then while I was studying my scriptures he texted me and asked me if he could write me on my mission. I was really confused now! Some random guy that I met at the mall wanted to write me on my mission...huh? So I said uh...ok? haha he then told me that he had been receiving the discussions from the missionaries and he'd seen my posts on facebook about my religion and my mission and was really interested in it because he could see my passion for the gospel. So of course I got way excited and said that it would be way cool! So we kind of became pen pals but over texting..haha he would tell me about his experience with the missionaries and what he learned and I would give him advice and answer questions and tell him personal experiences i've had. One question he asked was how I know this church is true. This question sticks out to me because one of my coworkers asked me the same question a few days before. (apparently I need to have a good answer for this question haha). Another question was about how I pray and tips on what to do when you pray. Seeing him learn made my faith knowledge and love for the gospel grow.  I think it made it easier for him to talk to someone over the phone because it can sometimes be hard to ask people questions face to face. Another thing that stood out to me was how the word of wisdom was hard for him, it's something i've lived my whole life...but he on the other hand had drank tea and coffee his whole life. I told him my perspective on it and he agreed and started working on getting rid of that habit. On halloween he texted me and told me he was given the ok for baptism! I was SO excited! On November 24th 2012 Erik got baptized!
       As many of you know I have a lot of friends who are not members or less active, they know my values and respect them. It can be frustrating and sad to see these people who I love and care for so much go down a path leading them to unhappiness. So much joy has come into my life because I am close to my Heavenly Father and have a passion for his church. And I want others to have that same joy in their lives. So to see someone like Erik who has gone through so much bad stuff in his life realize how happy this gospel makes him and even WHY his life was so hard is the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed in my life. It is truly a miracle. I have seen the power of the atonement a lot more than most. Not just for Erik but for many other friends I have, and it has made me so grateful for Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Because not only has it helped me in my life it has helped friends and family that I love and hold close to my heart!

         This experience has made me realize why I'm going on a mission there's so many reasons but If I can encourage someone like Erik to become a member of the church over texting and facebook imagine what I could do in person!!!  I love helping others and I want everyone to have the happiness they deserve. I have a passion for the gospel and want to spread the work of my Heavenly Father. those are a few select reasons :)
       Anyways I wanted to share this because Erik is an inspiration and has made me more eager and excited for my mission! I just wanna bear testimony to whoever in the world is reading this that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church. Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God and is given revelation from our Heavenly Father. I know that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are true. I believe that if we work together we can all return to live with Heavenly Father one day. I know the temple is the house of God and His classroom in which we receive gifts and learn and become closer to Him. The Holy Ghost is real, I know there was a reason why I met Erik and why I was given the talent to help him. This post is not to boast, it's to hopefully make people see how amazing the church is, and how awesome/amazing the atonement is! :)

That moment they finally get what you're talking about, when they realize how much they need God in their lives. When they feel the spirit and their lives become better. When they start living the gospel and knowing how amazing it is. That will be the best part of my mission. Because it has been the best part of my life so far. ♥ :) --a status I posted on facebook

 I really have been blessed with a talent and love for helping others and I am SO grateful for it. Heavenly Father knew how much I would grow from it and how much I need it in my life. I love the life I live and am grateful for every moment! :)

Future Wa-Tac Missionaries!

January 2nd 2013 I had the opportunity to go into the Salt Lake City temple with 5 other future Washington Tacoma Missionaries (hence the Wa-Tac) It was so wonderful! Afterwards we went over to city creek and got a bite to eat! :) We talked and laughed and got to know each other! :) It got me even more excited (if that's possible) to go on my mission! :) Such a wonderful and fun experience! :) A few months ago I was invited to a group on facebook "many are called...but few are sisters!" On that page there's a google doc of thousands of missionaries names and placed they're called to. So I scrolled down to Washington, Tacoma and there they were 8 other sisters were going to my mission! how awesome! So I added my name. I then received friend requests from a few of them which I of course accepted! I decided it would be cool to create a page for just the missionaries going to my mission! So I did, and it went from 8 people to 19! 15 girls and 4 boys haha! Then a girl had a fantastic idea to go to the temple together so we did so! :) And that's how you use the internet for good things!!! ;) Ahhhh! I am just so excited, happy, in awe, so many emotions! Alright picture time! :)

As Sisters In Zion

On December 9th 2012 I had the opportunity to go to the Provo, Utah temple grounds and meet other future sister missionaries! It was such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful to be a part of this. The fact that there are SO many sisters going out on a mission warms my heart! :) I had previously planned on going but was not old enough until may, until the age change! :) Faith in God includes faith in his timing! :) But because of the age change there became a huge wave of girls who wanted to go on missions! It is so amazing! Not because boys can't do it, but boys are pretty much required to go, they're taught it's something they should do from the time they're tiny. Girls on the other hand have no obligation, it's a choice made by them and only them. So to see so many girls make it a requirement in their lives is such a wonderful thing! :)

Provo, Utah was not the only place sisters gathered together to sing "called to serve", and meet other sisters, There was also gatherings at Salt Lake City, Idaho, Hawaii, and Cache Valley! and that's not even half of the sisters who have been called to serve! How wonderful it is! :) 

We are going to change the world and make it a better place, one child of God at a time! :) 

At salt lake! I wasn't there because I was receiving my endowments at the same time! :) 

I'm in this video at the provo temple, they didn't put my picture or video in :/ but that's ok! It's still so amazing to see all these sisters! :) 

Endowment Day!!!

"A temple is a place in which those whom He has chosen are endowed with power from on high—a power which enables us to use our gifts and capabilities…to bring to pass our Heavenly Father's purposes in our own lives and the lives of those we love."

—David B. Haight

On December 8th 2012 I went to the Timpanogas, Utah temple to receive my endowments! It is such a blessing to have temples. I love them so much because they are the Lord's house and it's where I can feel closest to my Heavenly Father because there is a spirit there unlike any other place. It's literally a tiny slice of Heaven on earth! :)

Facebook post: I went through the temple today! It was an amazing experience and i was very grateful for the friends and family that were there to support me and learn with me! The Temple is the best most pure place in the world. So grateful to have that opportunity to have a little slice of Heaven on Earth! :) best experience of my life! :) and the other people that went through with me were so awesome too! :) I loved it! :)

        It is such a blessing to have temples. I love them so much because they are the Lord's house and it's where I can feel closest to my Heavenly Father because there is a spirit there unlike any other place. It's literally a tiny slice of Heaven on earth! :) Thanks to all who came and experienced this special day with me! :) especially my family!! :) 

This day will forever be in my mind. I had 2 other people receiving their endowments as well at that time. A sister missionary Emily Egbert who is going to Richmond Virginia, and an older man I don't know his name but I loved him. The older man had his wife with him who had previously been endowed, they were married for 21 years before the husband decided it was time to go through the temple! Such a happy amazing day for them! they really were so awesome! I talked to the wife afterwards in the waiting room and she was so so kind to me and told me how proud she was of me for going on a mission and she gave me a big hug. Emily also gave me a big hug and we congratulated each other and we are facebook friends now! She's super sweet and awesome! so it was awesome to go through the temple with other amazing children of God. The temple creates feelings of charity, and of pure joy. I am so so happy to have had this experience :) 

32 Days

"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."

32 days that's how long it took from the time of the conference announcement til the time I got my call!
October 6th 2012 President Thomas S. Monson announced that the age for girls to go on a mission was changing from 21 to 19!

             Watching that video still makes me excited! Even though I am only going a few months earlier than expected, I am part of an amazing movement of sister missionaries, and I know now more than ever that faith in God includes faith in his timing. Looking back over my life, I wouldn't want to go back to 19 and miss all the things i've experienced since then! 

               A week after the announcement I started my papers, got everything done and submitted them to my bishop a week later! 3 days after that I interviewed with my stake president and he submitted them to the first presidency. 2 weeks later I received my call! :) 

             I have been called as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to serve in the Washington, Tacoma Mission!!! :) I leave February 20th 2013! :) I am SO excited to venture out on this journey and teach the gospel to those who don't have it. I know the church is true with all my heart and My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love me very much and are in the details of my life. I've been given/blessed so much if there was any chance to repay our Heavenly Father back for all he has done fore me, I'd jump on it right away. This is my chance to bless the life of someone with security only the gospel can bring as well as pay Heavenly Father even a little back for his blessings. I can't wait. <3!!! :) 

Look how far i've come :)

I wrote the following entry back at the beginning of april of 2012 :) it's around the time I really started thinking seriously about a mission :) And look how far i've come! :)  

I have many angels in my life, for whom I am very grateful for. God sent each of them into my life at the perfect time, each of them helping me grow to a potential that I could never achieve on my own. Because of them I am who I am today, I've still got a lot of work, but I  have these amazing people in my life to help me travel through my fears, doubts, worries, insecurities and everything else, and come out a stronger, braver woman. I know I will never be alone, because I have my Heavenly Father to bless me and strengthen me through any way that he can. He thinks that I am perfect in every way, and that's all that matters. I know there are countless angels in my life:) <3 <3 <3 and I love them with all my heart! I can only hope that I can help others as much as these wonderful people have helped me. And I hope they know they can talk to me about anything and I will always be there for them. I care about people a ton and love to help them! which is why in 10 months or so (if I'm not married) (no I'm not dating anyone) I am planning on submitting a wonderful "stack of papers" to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so I can go on a mission and serve the Lord. My Heavenly Father has blessed me so much in my 20 years of living I feel as if dedicating a year and a half back to him will be a way to show a small portion of my gratitude to Him. I'm grateful for the people who have gotten me to where I am today and helped me find my own testimony and stand on my own two feet. I feel as though It's time for me to stop thinking about me, and think about others more. Even if the Lord has a different plan for me, because a lot can happen in 10 months! I want to dedicate my life to him in every way that I can and serve others and not indulge in myself too often. I can only hope I can continue to live my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. And I have great people to help me do that! :) The point of this little rant is, to say thank you, Thank you to my fabulous Family and Friends! Every one of you, even if we aren't close, Than you for being there when I need a great big hug and someone to wipe away my tears, and also for the times when I needed a good laugh, and a fun time! You have all been, and continue to be a miraculous blessing in my life! <3 I also want to thank my Heavenly Father, without him I would be so lost...he has comforted me in ways no one else can, he is ALWAYS there as my constant companion and I am extremely grateful for that. I could never thank Him enough, but I can show Him my thanks by being a faithful daughter of God, and serving others.