Do what is right; let the consequence follow

"Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves. Agency is essential in the plan of salvation. Without agency, we would not be able to learn or progress or follow the Savior. With it, we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27)."

Agency is never free. To every choice there is a consequence. Whether it be rewarding or painful. We are all on earth to make a choice...

What will your choice be? To follow Jesus Christ? Or to wonder a stray?

"19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

Mosiah 3:19 

The natural man... What is the natural man? 

To me my natural woman is rushed, anxious, frustrated, the urge to justify for things now. It's the urge to want that which isn't eternally important. To thirst after the things that aren't relevant in the bigger picture. The desire to do that which brings momentary happiness. 

"7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God."

This scripture sums up the natural man. What will one wrong action do? It's only a small sin, God knows it's my weakness. To every choice there is an outcome. God knows our weaknesses true. However he expects us to over come them. Not cave in. He knows we would make mistakes. He put us here to do our best to become better. Not make excuses to falter. 

Through my current trials I have learned A LOT. My most recent lesson is the lesson of consequences to my actions. 

As I have posted in the past I CAN NOT eat gluten. If I eat gluten I am in for days full of pain and misery. 

With Christmas time just passing we all know there are desserts of every kind, meals that are so hearty and comforting. gravy, meats, potatoes, all of my favorites. Every once in a while I see these things and my mouth begins to water and all I can think is if I just have one bite.. Maybe two... maybe this time I wont get sick... Every once in a while I let my guard down and I cave. I cave in and I take that one bite of misery. 

I also received packages full of goodies, most of which I couldn't eat. Again every once in a while there would be a favorite cookie, I would do my best to give the treat to anyone around me, however the temptation would still be there in some situations. I would cave into the natural woman and eat the stinking cookie! NOOOOO!.... WHY WOULD I DO SUCH A THING? The silly sugery floury treat done got me again!!!!!!!!!!!!! After that I would be left in pain misery and sorrow for allowing myself to think this time would be different, or for feeling guilty that some one from home spent love and money to buy me this delicious treat I once lived for. 

Do you catch what I am saying yet? Let me break it down for you. Satan is sneaky. He will do whaaaatever it takes to get you to cave. He knows your cookies and hearty meals that are also an Achilles heel, or criptonite. I am not speaking in literal cookies, I am speaking in all form of temptations. 

He works in baby steps here a little there a little. It's fine to eat just one bite. He makes the things of the world appear fun, enjoyable, he lures you in step by step before long he has you trapped. Alone, miserable, and often times in pain. It doesn't have to be big things he tricks us with. He can also trick us with not doing the small things each and every day that we are supposed to do. You can miss prayer today, you woke up late for work and now you are going to be late! you don't need to go to church this Sunday.. You worked hard all week. Sleep in and go next week. Bottom line is. He does his best to deceive. He doesn't want you happy. 

Through this trial I am learning to step up to a higher plain of thinking. No matter the guilt I feel for the treats and preparation that is put forth if it is harmful to my body I NEED TO SAY NO. People will do their best to guilt you into traps set by the greatest tempter. DON'T GIVE IN. 

Agency is a beautiful thing when used in the way God wishes we would. Agency is a beautiful thing when we are moved to uplift in righteous ways, when we chose to move away from sin and step into the light. When we choose to use the atonement. When we choose to rely on Jesus Christ and to be freed from the pain of poor choices. To choose to not let Satan have his grasp anymore. Now is our time to choose to follow Jesus Christ. 

Never ever be afraid to stand up for what you KNOW/BELIEVE to be true. Always remember who you are and what you can become. You have divine potential. You are amazing. You are of great worth and value.

 Jesus Christ lives and He loves you infinitely 

 

Blind faith

Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true (Heb. 11:1; Alma 32:21), and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed Himself and His perfect character, possessing in their fullness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in Him without reservation.

All faith is blind to the eye. However not to the heart. Some times in life we are to see things with our heart...  or I suppose we are to feel with our hearts.  It is my nature to want to know the purpose of everything to ask "WHY" That is when I am reminded to let go of myself and trust in Gods purposes.

Through my life I have always been sick. At times it is discouraging. However the phrase "sufficiently healthy" is beginning to mean a lot to me. Sufficient meaning "It is enough"

Not a day passes that I am not in pain, but I know that what I am feeling is something my best friend Jesus Christ once felt. I have no choice but to push through and keep moving forward. Well I have a choice. One being I could give up and lay in bed all day or the other. Push through. Either way my body is going to hurt. So I choose to push through. It is what we do. And I say we meaning me and My Savior. We together move forward in faith.  When I am not strong enough to stand on my own He is my crutch, when I find my way to my feet He is at my side cheering me on.

It has been extremely incredible to see as I pray and plead with My Father in heaven to assist me with the strength I need each day to perform His work I am blessed. Through the morning as I prepare to get to serving it seems as though it might be impossible. I pray my way through studies and the minute my feet hit the pavement the pain doesn't always go, however I feel strong enough to get over it.

We all at some point or another suffer. Through my faith in Jesus Christ atonement I know that someday this body of mine will be perfected. That this pain is only something temporary. Through Christ atonement I know that I could be healed if it is Gods will.

In the last ten months I have been to doctor after doctor telling me what they "THINK" could be wrong. Almost every test under the sun has been done on my body and yet there is no solution. Some times there is no solution to our problems, all we can do is pick up where we are and move forward. Move forward in faith. My favorite quote right now is:

 "Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.

 -President Thomas S Monson

 We are all a little broken, whether it be health conditions, mental health physical health or emotional, we might be spiritually broken, or emotionally broken. It is time to let the great physician our Savior step in, to fix that which you cannot fix alone.

I am to a point where I need to align Gods will and my will. To make them become one. Rather than asking "why me?" I am learning to ask "What can I learn?" I am learning that trials will make us or break us. Am I going to become bitter or better? I may not ever become whole physically in this life time but I am learning to rely on my savior through these times because of that I am becoming whole spiritually.  

How bright is your faith?

"Righteousness and faith certainly are instrumental in moving mountains—if moving mountains accomplishes God’s purposes and is in accordance with His will. Righteousness and faith certainly are instrumental in healing the sick, deaf, or lame—if such healing accomplishes God’s purposes and is in accordance with His will. Thus, even with strong faith, many mountains will not be moved. And not all of the sick and infirm will be healed. If all opposition were curtailed, if all maladies were removed, then the primary purposes of the Father’s plan would be frustrated."

 -Elder Bednar That we might not shrink  (This talk has changed my life)

We all at some point have the faith it takes to move a mountain, however it's not always Gods timing or will to have that mountain moved.

Can you walk to walk or just talk the talk?

The very first night in the MTC I knelt in prayer. I promised my Heavenly Father I was in this mission for the full 18 months. That I WOULD NOT GIVE UP. I prayed to have my faith strengthened and I asked to be humbled.

Shortly after that old health problems began to resurface, with a vengeance. At first I was confused. I was frustrated. All I wanted to do is serve God with all of my heart might and mind and I was being slowed down. Such is life. I might want that new Jeep Liberty when I get home from my mission or the job at a perfect salon, however timing is everything. We can always get what we want when we want it.

So what has this crucial lesson inflicted by physical infirmities taught m?

It has taught me that no matter how hard my life gets to NEVER QUIT, NEVER BACK DOWN, AND NEVER GIVE UP. It has taught me that Christ heals all wounds. Not matter how deep. It might not be in the ways we expect but through Gods timing all wounds are healed. It has taught me that all things are possible according to my faith. Not my faith that tomorrow is going to be warmer than today. My faith in Jesus Christ. I know that I can be healed. I am becoming okay with the fact that my life may or may not be spent in days of pain. Each day is different and some days are easier than other. Every day isn't just possible, it is enjoyable.

Be grateful. FOR ALL THINGS. Yes even the hard things. Give a gratitude prayer. A prayer of thanks at the end of each day will teach you to see where the Lords hand guided you through. You will be shown His divine assistance and you will recognize it much quicker. It is a time for faith. A new brightness of hope, positivity and happiness. It is a time to start over new. Take the Lord by the hand and be guided into a bright future.

Winter wonderland in the sacred grove!

 Sister Dimick and Me trying not to get frostbite!

 OH HOW I LOVE THE SACRED GROVE. THE ONLY PLACE THAT IS WARM IN A SNOW STORM.

 The Joseph Smith Senior farm :)

 Crooked Creek

 THE SACRED GROVE <3

The Smith family log home <3

 

And the soul felt its worth

This is such a beautiful version of "Oh Holy Night" Please listen to it before you go any farther.

"Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name"

 Songs are a great way to express ourselves. This song has found it's way into my favorite Christmas songs play list. It recaps the night our savior was born so beautifully. However.. no words will ever be able to describe this glorious event, nor will I ever be able to use words to express my feelings.

But I am going to try. Please bear with me. I am not one for using words, or describing feelings.

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

Mosiah 16(The book of Mormon)

Christ is the light, and life of us all. He was born and He lived His life ever so selflessly. He gave all He had to bring us forgiveness and life. To pay for our debt that we could never pay on our own.

Jesus Christ is my best friend. I am over joyed to be celebrating His birth. This time of year is my favorite time of year. I was a little fearful that as a missionary and being away from home that I would become home sick or miss my family. However as a tender mercy from Him He has stepped in graciously and filled that void... I have felt my relationship with my Savior grow so much deeper in the last few weeks as my heart is full of warmth in this Christmas season.

As we have been able to step out of our own bubble to reach out and serve others my heart has been so full of joy and the spirit of Christmas.

There is no better way to spread Christmas cheer than to go out and teach some one about Jesus Christ, to plant the seed of faith in ones heart to help them understand that they are loved. That they aren't alone in the world.

I have been so blessed to be able to go and visit people who are lonely and sick at a living center here in New York, it has opened my heart and my mind and humbled me immensely 

As we were walking through the halls yesterday, Sister Dimick, myself, two Elders and a couple young men from the ward to visit a few women who weren't able to make it to church we walked past a woman and she said quietly "Jesus" and as I looked back to tell her hello she said again "This is the most glorious site" pointing toward us I felt overwhelmed with such great love for this woman. I feel so blessed and so privileged to be a missionary. To do my best to deliver the message of Jesus Christ to the soul who has not yet felt their worth. Who has not found Christ. To deliver such a beautiful tender message to the wandering soul. It is such a blessing to be able to testify of Jesus Christ each and every day. I truly am... I am speechless.

I feel like I owe Jesus Christ so much. He has saved me from myself, He has rescued me from more than just my mistakes and helping me over come sin. He has helped me through the hardest times in my life.

Have you ever felt like the world wouldn't notice if you were missing? Have you ever felt under appreciated or forgotten? Like you are alone in a dark room?

I know that I have. I cant imagine the world before Christ. Or what it would be like to not know Christ. Before Christ was born the world was in a dark state, people were lost and confused, not knowing where to look for safety and refuge. No where to run.

When Christ was born He brought with Him to the earth, forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, miracles of great healing and love.

Isn't that what every one wants in life? To be able to give of their love and to receive love in return? Love with out stipulations or hang ups. Just pure love. That is exactly what Jesus Christ offers.

"Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices"

The world was in a lost state, until Jesus Christ was born. He brought peace and hope to all who believed. He brought with Him worth.

What is the worth of the soul?

I know that I can say before I truly developed a relationship with Jesus Christ this was a concept I couldn't quite wrap my mind around. I was a shy, insecure girl. I knew who I wanted to be but hadn't a clue how to get there. I didn't realize that it was so easy and my mind had over complicated the process.

I wish I had a direct answer to what the worth of a soul was.. However I know that it was worth enough that Jesus Christ was willing to offer Himself... He was willing to take upon Him self every heart ache of EVERY PERSON... and that means you... He was willing to take upon Him self every sin, He was willing to be mocked, spit on, beat down and tormented... He was willing to give literally everything. To be in the depths of despair and to be with out His Fathers comfort all so that when we were beat down walked on and lost He would understand fully how to guide us back. He knew we all would make mistakes and that's why he over came temptations so He would know what it was like for the addict to break old habits, so He would know how it felt when we knew it was time to change and come back to Him.

When ever you feel alone, walked on, or forgotten remember that Jesus Christ the Savior of the world who was born in the most humble of circumstances, into a world that would hate Him, reject Him and eventually He would give His life into the hands of those who would kill Him. He went through everything for you. for me. for everyone.

It wasn't until I found Jesus Christ in my life, and I say that because Jesus Christ has always been in my life but at times I didn't have the capacity to recognize His presence. Once that flame was lit I felt this new sense of belonging. It felt warm, it felt familiar and it felt inviting. This sense of belonging was not belonging to the cool kids club, or being number one on the popularity list. But I fit in to Gods kingdom.

The weary world I once belonged to is now rejoicing. I have felt the Atonement working with in me, taking each and every broken piece, removing it from my heart sanding off the rough edges and replacing it. I feel Him each and every day help me to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to others. He has helped me to over come my weaknesses so that I can be strong. 

" 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

 Ether 12:27

There is a great sense of worth that comes from not just knowing about Jesus Christ but getting to know Him personally through the power of prayer, scripture study and attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.

I have yet to feel home sick I am thousands of miles away from my home and family, Yet I have never felt so at home. I am constantly surrounded by my Saviors love. Especially through out the holidays as we are able to focus even more on His birth and earthly ministry and hearts are opened and forever friendships are made. 

Let Him into your heart. To heal you, to make you stronger, and to bring peace love and comfort. 

"Oh come let us adore him"

 I LOVE CHRISTMAS. When I was little all of the kids in my family would sleep in one room and I would run in circles flapping my arms all night screaming its Christmas eve. I drove my sibblings NUTS! They would do anything they could to get me to quiet down and sleep. However... NOTHING EVER WORKED. I was so excited about all the great things that Santa would soon be delivering to find the gifts that would be mind and if i got the shiny new bike or doll I had tirelessly begged for all year. 

Every year my parents would show us a video of the story in Luke to invite the Christmas spirit and each morning before we got to go to the shiny new toys and beautifully wrapped gifts my parents would stop us from running like a herd of zebras and have us all kneel in prayer to thank heavenly father for his son Jesus Christ and they would pray that as a family we could remember the true reason for the season. 

I am sad to say that for quite some time my heart became lost in the world of Christmas, Not the spirit. I lost the focus on CHRIST. 

This year as I am serving my mission I do not have the moment to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of tv commercials, radio advertisements and buzzing busily from each mall to find that perfect gift.

This year it is me and my savior Jesus Christ. The spirit of Christmas is a beautiful thing when we lose our selves in it. 

It is my hope that this is a spirit I can keep with me and always remember. The spirit and remembrance of Jesus Christs birth.

The scriptures testify of the coming of our savior time and time again. The Bible and the Book of Mormon together support the divinity and the reality of Jesus Christ, His birth and His earthly ministry. It is my hopes that as you read this blog you can feel of the true spirit of Christmas. 

There were many prophecies that a messiah would come into the world and save us from the stains of sin, that would make life possible. Not just life here on earth, but the life here after. 

A book of Mormon prophet Samuel the Lamanite tells of the signs that would be shown at the birth of Jesus Christ. 

  "2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

  

3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

  

4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

  

5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

 6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven."

Heleman 14 (The book of Mormon) 

Interesting that the Lords birth would be symbolized by new lights appearing in the Heavens.. To me there is a great significance behind that. Jesus Christ would be a light to the world. A beacon for us to look to when we become lost in darkness. We all pass through darkness in certain phases of our life. However, look to the stars and remember Christ lives today, Miracles have not ceased. It is a new year, a new start, to re commit your self to Christ. How will you make Christ your beacon? How will you make Him your north star, your constant direction and way home to the Father?

 

Mary is also told of the child she will conceive. I often wonder of what feelings Mary had. I am not a mother, however I am sure at some point or another every mother hopes and prays she will be the mom the Lord needs them to be. Especially bringing up the Son of God who would some day deliver Mary from Her life here on earth into the next life. I wonder if she ever thought why me? Or if she ever wondered if she could do it. When the Lord chooses you to fulfill something he provides the power, and the strength that one needs.

"26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Luke chapter 1 

Our Savior Jesus Christ came forth humbly He didn't come on a throne made of gold and silver. He enter the world as a small baby boy. A baby boy that would some day grow to perform miracles beyond anything any one could imagine. 

 "8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

  

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

Luke chapter 2 

"For with God nothing shall be impossible."  

The shepherds took action. They instantly sought for Christ. They journeyed to find him. We all pass through a journey to find the Savior and to find what he means to us. 

Let us find Him.

Christmas is a beautiful time of year where the true meaning is often over looked for the want of new things, a season where wants and needs become confused. The greatest gift ever given to the world then becomes forgotten. We forget the moment that Jesus Christ set aside His will for His fathers plan. The moment that our Savior came forth humbly into our world as a beautiful new baby. 

How can you center this season on Christ? 

 “When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning."

The greatest way to spread the love of Christ is through serving those we meet.Give of your time lift the hearts of those who stand in need of comfort. 

Give of your heart, Give love. Christ is the ultimate gift and look what he gave. He gave love. Pure unshaken, un stoppable love. Into this world He was born to bring forth hope, peace, rescue and joy. 

Born in a manger, an innocent perfect baby boy. Gods Son Jesus Christ, here on earth. On this day my best friend was born. My life journey became less alone because in His life time he suffered everything that we would suffer, the loss of those he loved, the temptations of sin in which he was able to over come, the pains of false accusations, the heart ache of betrayal, the pains of sin from his brothers and sisters, us, and the withdrawing of the Holy Ghost. At some point or another we all have passed through moments such as those. We have been abandoned. we have been betrayed. We have felt pain from our poor choices and at some point or another the spirit of God has withdrawn from us to an extent.

All these things he did so that you wouldn't be alone. Because he loves you. Because he loves me. Because he loves everyone. 

Christ came to earth. He was born. He lived. He died. and He lives again. Now go out and find ways you are going to focus your CHRISTmas on CHRIST. I know that the true spirit of christmas can be in our hearts and our homes as we focus ourselves on him. That we can carry the true spirit of the holiday with us where ever we may go and bring smiles to the faces of our fellow men.

 

Powerful influences in my mission.

my very first companion in new york. she is the hardest working most obedient missionary i know. she taught me to love gods laws.

she was my companion in the mtc we went through a refiners fire and back together. a whole world of growth.

sister tran taught me to be who i am and love it.

sister tran has been a huge influence in the way i serve as a missionary. yay for trainers.

 

we lived together in newark for six month. again. refiners fire. sister roberts taught me to be confident with who i am.

sister newson showed me that any trial is possible to over come. through Jesus Christ

sister dimick has taught me to love people as they are.

sister curtis taught me to take a step back and calm down.

patience is her heavenly virtue.

together the three of us made a whole person

we rock our ugly sweaters.

 

sister dimick is peacful, full of love and always cheerful.

 

 

Did you think to pray?

 As a missionary you literally pray before everything. When in doubt.. pray your heart out.

Yesterday before we left our home to get to business everything kept going wrong we were forgetting things losing things and leaving things... But we finally got out. As we were leaving our apartment complex we stopped and said a prayer that we could travel in safety that we could be alert and cars around us would also be alert and aware of the bad conditions that were beginning. once we finished this prayer we were off. The snow was falling lightly and the roads were barely covered. The winter wonderland was just getting warmed up.. or cooled down I guess would be more appropriate ;}

okay anyway.

I am currently serving in Rochester, in the area I serve there is this CRAZY intersection that is on this insane steep hill and it has this really awkward turn at the top... I hate it in good weather. In case you have never been in New York for the winter... THE ROADS ARE TERRIBLE. It's freezing and the snow is SLIPPERY.. More slippery than what I have grown up with. I am a Utah girl, the state known for it's snow. My dad taught me at a young age how to ride a four wheeler in the snow like James Bond drives a sports car. We grew up doing donuts in parking lots. My older brother and I used to rally his Mazda protege in snow filled parking lots while jamming to Beethoven.. (sorry mom and dad) And these roads had become a little bit of a challenge to over come.

Alright.. This is where the story gets good. So we are driving to an appointment last night and the weather wasn't particularly terrible.. however it wasn't great, before we know it there are snow flakes bigger than my face falling from the sky.. the roads are now soggy frozen and snowed over. We got to our destination with out any trouble minor slips here and there. It was until the ride home when things got exciting.

At our first appointment our phone decided it wanted to play in the snow with out telling us, and before we realized it was missing we were off to our next stop... Then the time came that we had a meeting to get to at our church as we are driving there sister Dimick then notices our phone is missing. So we pray. We pray and drive back to Hazlewood and retrace our steps and there we find our beautiful phone hiding. and safe. That there was prayer number one answered! Once again, we were off to our next destination.

Here we are at the intersection again and it is my turn to go left, this intersection is almost always full of cars in every direction keep in mind. Here i go... turning a very slow left driving more cautiously than ever not wanting to crash and lose my driving privileges before i know it our car is sliding completely sideways down this hill and toward a curb so i steer to correct us and just as we are straightening out we are spinning in a circle in SLOW MOTION and end up in the opposite direction in the correct lane... in this moment the hill was free of cars, there was no sign of danger for miles. THIS NEVER HAPPENS. I was able to keep calm and literally laugh hysterically while it was happening, once the car was straightened out i looked at sister dimick and was so relived that nothing terrible had happened. in that moment heavenly father was aware of us, where we would be and traffic was still for that moment, once the car was corrected there were cars all around us again.

We all have our obstacles, however Heavenly father has created a life line for us. He is only a prayer away. No matter the trouble, something so simple as clearing my mind in this moment that i would be able to correct our car and get us headed back in the right course, it was a different direction than what we planned but it later provided greater opportunities for us to give of our service. The Lord can clear the way for you.

Prayer is something the Lord expects us to do daily. He wants to hear from you. Not only in moments of despair when your life is spinning out of control, but when you are happy and grateful. There is no sweeter spirit than that which comes from giving a prayer of gratitude, the more you pray with gratitude you realize how much you truly have to be thankful for.

"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

Alma 37:36-37 (The Book of Mormon)

 

These habits i have formed with my patterns of prayer are habits i wish to take with me to life after my mission. To rely on the Lord for all of my support, in everything i do.

 

There is power in prayer, there is a God who hears and answers each prayer, he loves us and he wants what is best for us.

When I grow up I want to be a helicopter

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

(Luke 1:37)

A few years ago I was a preschool teacher, while I was teaching preschool we were talking about all of the different occupations of the world. We were going around asking the children what they would like to be when they grow up. As I asked this boy Parker what he wanted to be when He was all grown up He shouted SO excited "WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A HELICOPTER" as He was yelling this He was running around the room in circles making the noise a helicopter should make. For some reason this thought of how Parker wanted to be a helicopter someday has stuck with me. In His amazing childlike mind that’s exactly what He could become. It is no wonder the scriptures tell us time and time again that we must become childlike and submissive to the Fathers will for us.

"And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God."

3 Nephi 11(Book of Mormon)

"2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18(The Holy Bible)

As we become child like our trust in God enables us to become all that He sees in us. To our Father in heaven we are everything, He knows our great potential and wants us to reach that. Heavenly Father has great hopes and expectations for each and every one of us. As we trust in the Lord we can become those things.
When I think back not too long ago to my days of being a little kid I remember the world was perfect, summers consisted of swimming, playing outside, hikes with my mom, walks through the park, boat rides and camping trips. everything was wonderful and fascinating, I had many questions the typical "WHY" and what does this do, what is that for, how does this work questions that I am sure at times drove my parents NUTS.

I am reminded of when I was maybe 5 or 6 my mom had a job catering weddings so that was ashee daddy bonding time. My daddy LOVES to take things apart make a mess of the garage and very slowly put them back together. I was his little mechanics assistant for some time as He was restoring an old volkswagon I would sit and hand Him tools with one hand while holding my favorite Barbie doll or beanie baby in the other. Always asking the who what’s and whys for everything. I wanted to know every detail of every part every screw driver ever bolt why it was put there and what role it played in making the car work. It was so fascinating to me how it all worked.

It always amazed me that my dad knew where every piece belonged to his beloved projects. What amazed me even more is that my daddy always has such great patience with me. I am sure my questions didn't help with His focus or the timing; however he always did His best to explain simply what he was doing. The best part of working on these projects with Him I usually got first ride once it was running! It was a great time for me to bond and really get to know my dad. To see how much He loves me and wants me to be the best I can. It helped me to understand my Heavenly Father much more, if my earthly Father understood me and had that much patience, think about Heavenly Father being a perfect man the love and patience he must have... Heavenly Father created us, when we are broken He knows how to piece us back together. Every part of us plays a role, our weaknesses and our strengths are something that is so greatly needed in this world. Our Heavenly Father wishes for us to ask questions, to have the desire to know how things work, or how our talents can work for our benefit. He wants for us to discover how we can play a great role in His perfect plan. He wants us to be trusting, humble, gentle and kind. Just as my dad would strip His old cars down to nothing but a bunch of scrap metal and random bolts Heavenly Father at times needs to break us down to the basics to strip us of pride, guilt and earthly frustrations. These times will either make us or break us, they are intended to refine and define us as we pick up the scattered bolts and nuts with Fathers help He can guide us to place them exactly where they need to be making us better than before. With our Fathers own personal signature. He wishes for us to trust Him, to trust He will put us together again, to trust He will direct us to the right path we need take. No piece or person is useless in his plan. In our daily life it is hard to see ourselves becoming more, to see our divine worth to God. However I have grown to see that the worth of souls is great in Gods eyes.

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

(Matthew 10)

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"

(John 10)

Do you know your Heavenly Fathers voice? When you hear it do you chose to follow or do you wander a stray?
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

(Luke 15)

Christ knows when we have wandered and is ALWAYS calling and intviting us to follow him.

 The very hairs of our head are numbered. He knows His sheep. It's so important to know His voice.

"15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.

16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:"

(Ezekiel 34)

For with God nothing is impossible we can become anything(except maybe a helicopter...) we can achieve our highest goals, and we can truly come to know Jesus Christ

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4