"Come follow me"

What would it take for you to follow the Savior? Will you answer his call?

We are all on the path to discipleship. The journey to eternal life. Christ asks that we come and follow him. Are you willing to stop, no matter where you are to follow Christ? 

Or will you cling onto the things of the world so tightly that you will ignore the invitation Christ is ALWAYS extending?

Where are your treasures?

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

Christ paved the way for us to follow. His example was perfect. 

As I was preparing to come on a mission I don't know why but I expected that the moment I pinned the little black name tag to my shirt all my weaknesses, temptations and all of that fun would just magically vanish. I thought I would instantly be the master teacher, know the bible and book of Mormon inside out and testify with the power of the apostle Paul. 

OH WAS I EVER WRONG.. 

"I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary. Now, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about anything anywhere near what Christ experienced. That would be presumptuous and sacrilegious. But I believe that missionaries and investigators, to come to the truth, to come to salvation, to know something of this price that has been paid, will have to pay a token of that same price." Elder Holland

The path to discipleship comes with sacrifices, choices and accountability. 

What are you willing to leave behind or give to follow Christ?

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9

You can not plow in a straight line if you are continually looking back to what you may be missing out on. You can not have one foot trapped in the vanities and pleasures of the world and have the other moving forward with Christ.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE NICE THINGS. But where is my heart? Am I set on seeking those treasures? Or do I seek after Christs celestial treasures? This is something I have to remind myself continually. I love nice clothes, phones, cars, and computers. However.. When my wants for the next big thing jump in the way of paying my tithing or consume my time... THAT'S WHEN I AM IN TROUBLE.

How is it possible to over come the natural wants?? This is something I have been trying to study, learn and apply to have in check before I return to the "real world"

 HOW DO I OVER COME THE NATURAL MAN.. WHAT ON EARTH IS THE NATURAL MAN?? 

"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 or woman is unrepentant, is carnal and sensual, is indulgent and excessive, and is prideful and selfish. As President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The ‘natural man’ is the ‘earthy man’ who has allowed rude animal passions to overshadow his spiritual inclinations" Elder Bednar

All things in moderation. I am the type of person who does everything is excess. GO BIG OR GO HOME. The natural man has no balance. There is one extreme or another.  If I am not perfect I will quit trying. Which is a huge weakness I have had to over come here on my mission. I am not perfect. and that is okay. Am I repenting? Am I doing my best to be better every day?  Am I doing my best to serve as Christ did, to reach out and follow his example of loving, compassion, and kindness?

Christ spent His life reaching out to the broken, lifting the troubled, healing the hurt which cant be healed alone. As he went about teaching he healed the troubled along the way.

To follow Christ we have to be willing to give of our time. Time one of the most precious things we have to offer. To spend our time in service is a beautiful thing. 

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."Mosiah 2:17

As you lose yourself in the service of God, true happiness is found. 

 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."Matthew 16

Lose yourself in Christ. In helping those who wander, in helping those who have been hurt in the battle field that life can often be. Help those have become blind to the spiritual light to see. Help others to receive Christ in their life that they can be healed. 

I know that as I have lost myself in the service of Christ, in helping others through trials, heart ache and tears I have been able to over come my heart aches and grief. I have been able to let go of grudges, and burdens I though I would carry helplessly through the rest of my life. As I have helped others to understand the importance of the atonement my understanding has too deepened and become real. 

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."Matthew 16

Lose your life in Christ and find who you truly are meant to be. Lose yourself in his example and reach your divine potential. Forget your trials by helping others through theirs. 

You don't have to be a missionary to devote time to service, teaching, and helping. 

I have spent so much of my life trying to find who I am and who I can be.. It was not until I began dedicating my time to serving others, and serving my father in heaven and savior Jesus Christ that I have found who I am. That I am seeing who I can be.

Lose yourself in Christ and find your potential. Lose yourself in Christ and find peace.

Christ is always calling, inviting and extending his arm for us to take hold of and to find safety. 

"I would be my brother's keeper;

I would learn the healer's art.

To the wounded and the weary

I would show a gentle heart."

-Lord I would follow thee

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING

Funny story.. Our apartment is old... when our neighbor down stairs showers it makes this really terrible high pitched.. ear drum rupturing squeal... our heater makes clicking noises that sounds like the aliens in the movies "Signs" the floors are so thin we can hear our down stairs neighbor blowing his nose. I have been living there a few months longer than sister Anderson so i am becoming used to the noises, they no longer wake me up in the night. 

Flash back two days ago... Sister Anderson said "I think we have a mouse living in the heater.. I could hear his little feet clicking around all night.. and it sounded like he was running around under your bed." 

I LAUGHED. We live on the top floor.. there is nooo way a mouse is in our apartment... It's probably just the boogie man... or our heater. It became my joke to her through out the day. She had a mysterious scratch on her finger my instant response "THE MOUSE DID IT." Everything was suddenly the mouses fault.

Alright. So last night. I couldn't sleep. I was either super warm, or super cold.... couldn't get cozy.. just one of those nights... then all the sudden  I hear it.... 'click, click, click.......' no sister Carlson.. it's just the heater.. you think it is the mouse because sister Anderson said that... it's not a mouse go to sleep..... as i am falling asleep i hear... little lite tapping sounds across the floor and the sound of crinkling paper.. i remembered there was a book that fell back there i was to lazy to get a while back... nooo the heater vent is just blowing out air.. mice can't read...... THEN.... about an hour later..... "SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK...." we indeed have a mouse my friends.... 

So the alarm finally goes off after the longest night of laying in my bed praying that this mouse doesn't some how climb up and try to get cozy with me. praying that he wont chew threw my laundry basket or favorite shoes.. laying there miserable while my comp is out cold. snoring..... finally it's time to have her be scared with me. after a 10 minute pep talk you can get out of bed... you can go to the bathroom.. it's just a mouse.. you had pet mice.. you loved mice when you were little. get over it you baby.. I FINALLY LEAP OUT OF BED AND SPRINT TO THE BATHROOM TO GET AWAY FROM THIS LITTLE CRITTER. 

Then I come back in thinking I am sooooo tough and lay down on the floor to see if I can see what kept me up all night... i think i was half expecting to see like a giant ravenous squirrel or opossum camping out... when I wasn't finding anything i began to think... your crazy. WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN... CRAAAAAAASH... I AM SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS WHILE SISTER ANDERSON IS SITTING ON HER BED SCREAMING AS WELL.. We realize it was just our phone that had slipped off the edge of my night stand....(sorry tony) Our little mouse friend was back in hiding.... You can run little mouse.. and you can hide.. but we will find you.... you may have won the battle... but we will win the war......

So what does this have to do with the gospel you might ask???

Have you ever felt prompted to do something that makes no sense? Or been asked to do something by your parents that you think is absolutely... just ridiculous??? 

Fun fact... I had a box of candy hiding under my bed that I could hear little squeaks rummaging through I HOPE YOU LIKED THE REESES SQUEAKS! My mom used to tell me when I was little if I didn't clean my room I would get mice under my bed..... I half way imagined this like Cinderella who had pet mice that helped her clean! GREAT BRING ON THE MICE... 16 years later.. mice under your bed.. not such a cute idea. I FINALLY TOOK YOUR ADVICE MOM.. I THREW THE CANDY AWAY AND CLEANED UNDER MY BED. 

Back to the spirit. Some times I feel like heavenly father asks me to do things or tells me things that just... logically, they don't pan out. Pre mission life I knew Jesus Christ is my Savior. I never doubted that. When I went to church I felt the spirit there. So I knew belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints(Mormons) was good for me. However.. I never understood how or why God would show himself to a 14 year old boy.. Just like a mouse.. living in our heater vent when we live on the 5 floor.. it just didn't make sense.... How could God show himself to a 14 year old farm boy who could hardly read?? How could he then translate a book written on gold plates given to him from an angel called Moroni who lived thousands of years ago... THIS JUST DIDN'T MAKE SENSE. 

"And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things."1 Nephi 17

I like Nephi don't know everything.. But what I do know is that God loveth his children. Not just his children that moses led to safety.. or that were saved with Noah.. HE WANTS US ALL LED TO SAFETY. So how does he help us with this crazy life here on earth?? He gives us prophets. Do you believe in the bible? Do you believe that Moses parted the red sea?? That Daniel survived the lions den? That Christ walked on water and gave vision to the blind???

Do you believe in Gods miracles in the Old and New testament? 

If he was a God of miracles then.. than why isn't he a god of miracles today???

Good news is.. He is. He still loves us.. so he called a 14 year old boy to be a prophet. Joseph Smith. 

I know this because I am currently serving my mission where God came back for us. Where he again in 1820 reached out for us in love and restored  Christs church to the earth.

I realized when I was 20.. like it was hard for me to take sister Anderson's word about squeaks in the heater... and my mom telling me a mouse would live under my bed if i didn't clean.. I had to no longer just take my moms words that our church was the restored truth that had been lost. I had to find this on my own. I had to study it out in my mind, and ask God. 

I did that I studied the book of Mormon. Because if that is true.. than Joseph Smith was telling the truth. I prayed. I read. I prayed. I even tried NOT going to church for a while to see how my life would go. 

MY LIFE WAS MISERABLE. After reading and praying I came to know it was true. I decided to serve a mission. AND HERE I AM IN THE PLACE WHERE JOSEPH SMITH RECEIVED THE GOLD PLATES THAT ARE NOW THE BOOK OF MORMON. WHERE JOSEPH SMITH SAW HEAVENLY FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST. Today I am writing this blog to you in the very place where the book of Mormon was published and sold for the first time ever.

My testimony isn't perfect... But what I do know is that every day I receive a witness that Joseph Smith is a true and honest man. He indeed was a prophet. Who received help to bring us another book of scripture that with the bible can bring a closer to Jesus Christ than you ever though possible. I have come to know my savior in the pages of this beautiful book.

I can type away all day at the ways the book of Mormon and this church have changed my life.. but like I had to.. you will have to experience this for yourself. If you haven't read the book of Mormon... or prayed about it I would invite you to do so. If you have read it and are having doubts... read it again. and pray harder. The answer wont come all at once. It will come though. You will find that it is true if your heart is open. So many people laugh and say its not true... But just like the mouse that lives beneath my bed... The book of Mormon is the word of God and there are Prophets again today. :) 

Jesus Christ and Heavenly father love you. 

Read. Ponder. and Pray. 

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. Moroni 10

Diligent Obedience.

 "Wherefore, I, Nephi, did STRIVE to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my brethren to faithfulness and diligence." 1 Nephi 17

I like that in this scripture Nephi doesn't say "I Nephi did keep ALL the commandments of the Lord." He made it clear that each day he did his best. He did "STRIVE" to keep the commandments.

God asks us to do our best to be our best, to do what we can to reach our potential, to become what he sees us becoming.

Some days my best might be 110% and others it's less than 50%...

Since I have been a missionary I have become very familiar with the words 
"EXACT OBEDIENCE"

"I am exactly obedient all the time" said no one.. ever.. except for Jesus Christ. I GET SO HARD ON MYSELF. Some times.. I am lazy and don't keep a rule to the fullest extent.. and some times.. I break rules by accident. AND IT HURTS. HOW COULD I DO SUCH A THING. HOW COULD I BE SO CARELESS.. HOW COULD I FORGET. WHY. HOW. WHY. WHAT. WHAT WAS I THINKING. I AM SO STUPID. I HATE BEING DISOBEDIENT.

SO HOW CAN I.... AN IMPERFECT BEING BE AN EXACTLY OBEDIENT MISSIONARY AND REACH PERFECTION!?!?!?!?!

I CANT. I SIMPLY CAN'T.

(HOWEVER I CAN TRY)

I beat myself up daily over this fact. HOW COULD YOU DO THAT.WHY ARE YOU SO CARELESS... HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT.. ARE YOU DUMB!? 

If you have never thought like that teach me how. Because I feel like I am my worst critic. I CAN BE SO MEAN TO MYSELF. I beat my self down so much! and if you do it too....

STOP RIGHT THERE. STOP IT. STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP.

It's time for us to stop being so harsh, it's time to stop cutting yourself down...

"forget not to be patient with yourself. I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.
Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Take it one day, one step at a time. It will even come down to hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second. Take each moment in that day to improve. 

Be diligent in moving forward, in keeping the commandments. 

I get my self trapped in this pit of despair when I am not perfectly perfect. I forget that diligence is key to success.

Diligence - constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.

  The constant and earnest effort to continually push through. to work hard to become better. To stretch yourself each day to reach a higher level of excellence and obedience. 

 "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."

unfaltering, resolute, committed, dedicated, unswerving. are you doing your best to stand firm in your beliefs? Are you doing your best to be committed to God? Are you dedicating time to study your scriptures?  are you un bendable in your virtue and ability to stand up for what is right? 

Are you doing your best to repent and make right what you have done wrong??

If so then you are doing enough. You will reach your highest goals if you are continually pushing forward on the path to God. If you are doing that... than you are doing enough. 

Don't look at how many weaknesses you have and how impossible they are to over come. Take each weakness one step at a time.

  57 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter; and in them ye shall graft according to that which I have said.

  59 And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil.

65 And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.

 74 And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit;  Jacob 5

DON'T BURN YOURSELF OUT ON YOUR IMPERFECTIONS. Your strengths are important too and not to be forgotten. If you focus to much on everything you can't do, don't do, didn't do, should do or shouldn't have dones... you will be one frustrated discouraged mess.  

have Faith in the Lord that each day he can take you in your weaknesses and use you for his great work. He can mend you, graft you, pluck your branches, replace the bad with the good. Even though at times these corrections hurt, let him mold you. you will over come trials, temptations and weaknesses. I promise.

Are you passively believing in Christ? Do you believe Christ. Do you trust that through him you are forgiven, healed, mended and made whole? Can he really help you do this??

YES!!!

HE CAN, I KNOW HE CAN... AND HE WILL. It's just a matter of being humble, being teachable, patience and perseverance. Don't get discouraged when you fall. Don't give up on yourself. keep pushing through with diligence and a mind firm in the faith. Repent daily, it lightens the load. You are enough. God is aware of our imperfections and he loves us through them. no matter what we do. HE LOVES US. FOREVER. HE WANTS YOU HOME WITH HIM. 

KEEP PRAYING. KEEP HAVING FAITH. REPENT ALWAYS. TRUST IN CHRIST AND HIS ATONEMENT AND BE FIRM, STEADFAST AND ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN GOOD WORKS. BEING LED TO GLORIFY GOD :)

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." 

Mosiah 2

KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS AND YOU WILL FIND TRUE JOY. BEYOND ANY HAPPINESS A MOMENTARY PLEASURE CAN PROVIDE. KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS AND BE BLESSED.   

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

 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

7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.  Jacob 4:7

dont beat yourself up when you aren't exaclty obedient. Don't push yourself so hard and the beginning of the race that you are hardly crawling to the finish line. Don't run faster than you can walk. Become diligently obedient. Always remember the commandments and then act. Study. Then apply. YOU CAN DO IT! 

DILIGENT OBEDIENCE LEADS TO EXACT OBEDIENCE. PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT. 

 

 

For God so loved the world.

I am a child of God

What is love? Not like... "I love chocolate" or "I love to go swimming"

From what I have observed "Love" Often comes with conditions, expiration dates, and terms of one way agreement.

I love chocolate milk.. but eventually.. if you leave it in the fridge long enough it spoils. I love chocolate in general.. but if all I ever eat is chocolate.. eventually my body is going to give up. Chocolate has a one way relationship with me. I eat, I am happy... and then I want more. it is a terrible cycle RIGHT?? Selfish really.

A while back I posted about my new years resolution, learning to love again, as Christ loves. I think to be able to love as God and Jesus Christ do we must first understand their love for us. The key to loving is knowing God. Not just knowing God alone, but following Him through his son Jesus Christ example.

"7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."  1 John 4

 "18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

 19 We love him, because he first loved us."

As we understand Gods love for us, that it is perfect, unchanging, unconditional, no expiration dates the more we begin to understand who we are. The more we see Gods perfect love in our life, the less fear we will have when faced with trials, difficulties, temptations, anything of that nature. When filled with Gods perfect love their is no more room to have fear.

Who are we? We are children of Heavenly Father. Who loves us. Loving God comes almost naturally. But feeling His love back for us becomes clouded as it is a little more difficult when we live in a busy world filled with temptations of every kind.

He has loved us since the beginning when His son Jesus Christ offered himself a sacrifice for all of our weaknesses, afflictions, sicknesses, and trials.

 "1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God"Ephesians 5

" 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life

 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."John 3

I am not a parent, however, I have seen and felt how much my mom and dad love me, how endless that love is. Even when I am imperfect and make mistakes... Can you imagine, sending your perfect baby boy into a world that as he grows up the world would reject him and cast him out?

 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

 4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.

He sent His son to a world wicked enough to crucify him so that we could make it home. We need Christ to over come the world. With out him we would live and die forever in our sins. Never capable to return. Gods love for us is so endless and un selfish that he allowed his baby boy to come and rescue us all. One perfect life was given to pay a debt beyond anything our own funds could pay.

I will never be perfect in this life, how ever I do know there will be one that loves me perfectly. When I fall he will be there to lift me, when I am weak he will be there encouraging me until I have become stronger, when I want to give up he will let me know that I can continue on.

For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

I stand with Nephi.

"I know that he(God) loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things."

I do not know everything, or a whole lot of anything. There is one thing I know for sure, and that is...

I AM A DAUGHTER OF GOD

How did I come to know this? I prayed. I prayed to be able to understand my potential, to know where I came from, and how I can make it back. I didn't have a huge vision or an obvious answer, over time as I read the scriptures and read of our Father in Heavens relationship to us I felt peace and over time I came to the understanding that he created all of us individually and that He wants us all to live with him in our heavenly home with Him again some day.

  

 "16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."Romans 8

 I do know, that I am His daughter. I am his daughter, his love for me will never end. His wants for me will never be selfish. He wants for me and you to reach our divine potential. We can have all that He has through the Atonement of our Brother Jesus Christ, we... with Jesus Christ can inherit the kingdom of God.

 His love is with out end. His love is based on one condition.

  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

As we keep the commandments and continue on in faith we will be filled with Gods love for us. It is a promise that he will be there, he will be our friend.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He lives with in each of us. We are his most prized creations. We will understand our worth as we see him in our reflections. 

As I am filled with his love for me, and I grow to know him as my father my love is more freely given to those I serve. As I do my best to lose my fear and replace it with faith my love for God grows.

I AM A CHILD OF GOD AND HE HAS SENT ME HERE. YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD AND HE LOVES YOU. INFINITELY. WITH OUT END.  :)

The little things.

But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance 1 Nephi 1:20

Step by step, little by little the Lord hears and answers our prayers.

 "And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."

Shortly before this scripture nephi and his family have to leave their home, and wander through the wilderness to find refuge. As they travel they pass through SO MANY trials. Nephi and his brothers go to hunt for food and their bows break! The whole family breaks down and begins to murmur. Except Nephi. He goes and He fixes his bow and then asks Lehi his father where he should go to find food. He is a legit example to his family of doing your best to fix broken things. Once he asks Lehi, Lehi prays and tells Nephi where to go! He then finds food for the family. Had he been lost in his own pity party with the family.. they probably would have starved to death. Nephi goes and he does. He doesn't wallow. The Lord doesn't expect us to know everything or to be perfect. But he does expect us to try. When times get hard we must first put forth our best effort to fix what is broken, then take faith and move forward.(1 Nephi 16)

Nephi and his family were expected to trust in the lord to be their light to guide them through the wilderness. Once they made it through their trials after relying on the lord they are led out of the wilderness and Nephi is again asked to do hard things. In that moment he doesn't throw a fit and say "I can't do that, i have never done that before, it would be impossible.." He basically says, alright lord. Teach me how to do this. 1 nephi 17, 1 nephi 18

He is then instructed on how to build a fire! Which had that been me I would be like. "Uhm where was that fire when I was eating raw meat a few weeks ago..."

The Lord gives us answers as we are prepared to receive them. If he gave us everything at once we wouldn't be capable to receive them. He gives us little steps to take as he knows we are ready to act. Deliverance never comes over night. The road to eternal life comes with a price. We have to go through trials to become stronger, more wise, patient, humble and dependant on the lord.

We have to step into the dark every once in a while so that we can make Christ our light.

Every once in a while I get into a pity party and wonder why I am going through trials. I am a missionary. I am trying to serve the Lord and some days... my head is in a toilet. I cant wander to far from a bathroom, and I think to myself why... Instead of thinking how.

How is this going to make me better. or What can I learn. How am I going to become stronger.

The last few weeks there have been so many tender mercies in my life.

tender mercy number one... CAPTAIN CRUNCH IS GLUTEN FREE

 ALSO GLUTEN FREE...

 

in the last few weeks I have discovered so many incredible foods. When I found out that captain crunch was gluten free, I actually almost cried. I had never taken the time to read the labels on either of these cereals I had passed them many times and assumed they were just like the rest. A gluten trap. I wasn't looking for the little things. Once I took a moment to stop and read the label my eyes were opened and MY HEART WAS REJOICING. I may have teared up a little ;)

as we stop to thank God even for the little things we will begin to see we are surrounded each and every day. He has not left us alone. Our own choices and thought processes lead us to feel alone.

There are miracles, blessings and reasons to be happy surrounding us each and every day. Attitude and prospective are everything in life. Who would have thought finding these cereals would make me SO HAPPY. It's CEREAL!

Find joy in the simple things. When you feel down, look for the little things that make you smile.

Pray for direction. Come up with your own ideas and then take them to the lord.

Ask for strength and then get up and work for it.

Don't always ask why, but ask how.

Trials will either make us bitter or better, it is up to us to choose.

I have made the choice to smile even when I want to cry. To laugh when I want to hide away. To reach out when I want to cave in.

If you feel like you are in a trial to hard to bear, reach out and become whole with in. Read the book of Mormon and you will be strengthened through the examples of others as they learn to rely on Jesus Christ and Our Father in Heaven.

Trust in God. Know that he can strengthen you. There is power in the atonement that provides a way for us to become so much more than we are.

You are enough. and God loves you. Never give in. Work your faith out. Stretch it, and let your trials help you grow. Pray on. and trust.

You are a child of God and your worth is great in his eyes. "even when your broken you are loved"

I love my Savior, and I love my God :)

las familias pueden ser eternas!

My family is one of the greatest gifts heavenly father has given me. The older I get the more I realize, I WAS NOT PLACED IN MY FAMILY BY ACCIDENT. We are all SO weird. I decided to use old pictures, because they are more.. comical.

God gives us families so that we can grow together, learn how to love selflessly, and how to serve others. Not only do we do those things with our family, families are meant to have FUN together. This is me and my mom at Disney land. I WAS OBSESSED WITH JASMINE. My mom helps me to reach my dreams, even if my dream was to meet Jasmine. No matter how crazy my dreams sounds she cheers me on. She is my number one fan and tells me anything is possible. When things don't work out she never says I told you so. She helps me dust off my scraped knees and move on with a better plan. She has taught me how to laugh when I want to cry, how to remain positive when NOTHING is going as planned and to trust in God.

This is me and my dad. I couldn't find a picture with his face. with me. I will have to ask my mom for a better one of us. He is teaching me how to shoot a gun, so some day when I need to hunt for my own food I WILL KNOW HOW. That was my first time learning how to shoot. My dad has taught me so many other great things so that if need be I will know how to take care of myself. He has taught me to be strong, even though some times it's easier to be weak. He calls me his little viking. The thing I love most about this man.. is even though he is super tough... He is also a teddy bear and listens to me when I am acting like a total.. girl. hahah. He cries when he shares his testimony about Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ. Or when ever he talks about how much he loves his kids. When I was speaking in church before my mission i couldn't look at him or his big blue eyes would be red and filled with tears. He has taken care of me my whole life, he goes with out so that we, his family can have. He is the ultimate example of selfless Christ like love.

This is Cody, my oldest brother. He used to call me sweets. As you can see He's not only super tough but he loves his baby sister! No matter what bratty teenage stage he was in he was always SO kind to me. He would let hang out with him and his friends, even though I was super obnoxious at times. Cody is a HUGE reason I chose to come on a mission. When I was in second grade he was the first of my family to go on a mission. We were asked who our heroes were and I drew a picture of him in a black suit, white shirt a tie and the missionary name tag holding a book of mormon. Cody has never been mean to me. He has always helped me to feel his love and support. Even though I was a brat growing up. He is always there to tease me and to protect me. Boys were always afraid to come over when Cody is around because... he is built tough. He is the brother that is super funny and super tender. yet super manly. When I was little he could be taking a nap and all I would have to do is ask and he would wake up and jump on the trampoline with me no questions asked. He spoiled me. I know I can always count on having fun when I am with him! He is an incredible dad. Watching him with his daughter Taylor is enough to melt any ones heart.

This is me and Travis on my birthday. Travis is an incredible example of patience. He is absolutely HILARIOUS. He knows how to make people laugh. Travy is seriously the best dad ever. Watching him with my nephews is so sweet. He also served a mission and married his beautiful wife shortly after he got home. It was really cool to see how much they love each other.  Even though marriage is hard they are still crazy about each other. I have always loved creepily observing them and I hope to some day have a family like that. He is a comedian and a spiritual giant. He is one of those people that when he tries something he instantly becomes pro. It's pushed me to not be afraid to try. To give everything a shot before I decide I can't do it. To be fearless and just go for it. he doesn't know this but when He was on a mission I used to sneak in his room and play with all of his lego sets that were like super intense. :) He is really smart, driven and talented. He doesn't waste his talents either, he expands them and is always learning new things and becoming a better person each day.

hahah Maddie... WE USED TO FIGHT LIKE CATS AND DOGS. Holy cow, do I love her. Some of my funniest memories have been made with mads. She has been through so many HARD trials in her young life. Maddie even though we fought was always really protective of me. If some one wasn't treating me right she was sure to be there to defend me. She is one of my best friends now. She doesn't give up either or lose hope, even though at times it would make sense to be discouraged. She pushes through with a bright smile on her face and lights up the world around her. We have the same laugh and our voices are almost identical. When she was in high school and her friends would call I would always pretend to be her. ohh she would get so mad. Even though we used to beat each other up we have really grown to love each other so much. I know that no matter where I am or what I am doing maddie will love and support me. She is like my dad, She gives her all to make those around her feel taken care of, protected and loved. She is one of the most selfless people I have met. She has inspired me so much and has influenced me more than she could ever know. I love hearing about her new mom experiences, I have yet to see it in action because she had Franklin right after I left on my mission. I do know that my parents are super proud of the mommy she is. It doesn't surprise me that she is a good mom. She used to try and be a mother hen to me when I was little and take care of my every little move, she would always try to do my hair and make me look pretty. I would get so mad because I HATED GETTING PRETTIED UP. That was a huge reason we fought. She always wanted to help me with fashion tips and girly things and I was so stubborn and would rather go roll around in the mud and be stinky than have curlers in my hair. But after many years of trying her advice.. sort of sunk in. I have now realized. I can look like a girl and ride a motorcycle, a wake board, or skate board. :) Maddie is a well rounded individual. She knows how to have class, and she knows how to be crazy.

This is me and Jordan. We are the closest in age. Holy cow. He is maestro. My teacher. He has taught me SO much. from, learning how to wake board, skate board, snowboard, and everything between... oh and when I can't do something I get so frustrated. When he would take me snowboarding and I would get so mad because I wasn't as good as him he'd stay so calm and help me through it. "Follow my trail little buddy and I will help you through" He has taught me to rely on Christ, the Atonement and to never settle for less than the best. Jordan is a pro communicator. When ever I am acting crazy he could talk me out of a temper tantrum. He is one of the most calm, patient, level headed people I know. He is diligent in everything he does, He is obedient, with exactness. He was one of the best missionaries. He is one of the most spiritually in tune people. No matter what stage of life I am in his advice is ALWAYS an answer to my prayers. Especially when I am here on my mission and feeling discouraged. he has helped me push through. Jordy is a true gentlemen. Even being my brother he would always get my door for me.

Learning to follow my siblings has taught me to follow my savior. Just as they look out for and protect me, watch over me and set examples for me the savior has set the ultimate example for me... The love of my parents has taught me to understand my father in heavens love for me. As I am learning that families are genetically made to love and support each other no matter what to bring each other back to Christ and Heavenly Father. They are the people who love you no matter what dumb choices you make.

Meet our oldest brother, Jesus Christ.

He has made it possible for me to return home to live with my father in heaven for ever. He has made repentance possible, he has made it possible for me to over come all my weaknesses and to trust those around me. Because of Jesus Christ and his example he set we know how to live our lives to find happiness joy and peace in a world that isn't.. exactly peaceful.

I am grateful that families are eternal through the priesthood power of God and his temples. My family is forever and because of Jesus Christ we can all live together after this life, to never be parted or lost from one another. I don't know where I would be with out the love of my family and the hope the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides. I know that Jesus Christ is not only my Savior but he is my big brother and he loves me. He protects me and he guides me and keeps me close to God each and every day.

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