Gods laws. Not Gods options.

So my blog today.. is going to be a bit different. I have been feeling like this is a much needed post lately. So I am going to take it in a different direction today and talk about one of Gods laws. One that in these days people look at in a way that it is an option. The movies make it seem like it's something to be treated lightly, the world we live is losing values, virtue and sight of what truly matters. 

This law is the law of chastity. 
What is the law of chastity some might ask? 

"The law of chastity requires that sexual relations be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman.
In addition to reserving sexual intimacy for marriage, we obey the law of chastity by controlling our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus Christ taught,“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28)."
LDS.ORG 

This blog has been a difficult one to write. Not because I fear what people might think, but because I want to say it in a way that people can feel the importance of keeping the act sacred. It's not something that is easy to type out. I hope that as you read this you can feel the spirit of God that your hearts can be moved and that you will find your self having more respect for others and of course. YOURSELF.

"1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."

I want to start with thoughts, thoughts goals and action. When I want something I do my best to do what it takes to get it. As a 19 year old woman I was sharing a car with my older brother who had returned home from his mission. aka He needed the car more than I... so often times I was being carted around by my parents. One day in October of 2010 I decided.. in 6 months, I will have my own car. So I started saving, looking online going to dealerships, test driving and scoping things out with my parents. I was approaching the mark. I found the absolute most perfect Jeep liberty it was a 2003 with a lift, tinted windows and exhaust system that made my car sound more like a boat, nice off roading tires, all of that. the moment I test drove it i knew it was mine. I knew I had to have it. But I couldn't take it home just yet. I went to apply for a loan with out a cosigner just myself. I was praying with all of my heart I could be approved. I had done my part now the rest was in faith and the lords will. As we test drove this jeep my dad mentioned that he was worried the transmission might be having some complications. But that didn't matter to me! the jeep was just perfect in my eyes! I disregarded my dads advice and went through with it. I bought the jeep. I WAS NOW A CAR OWNER! I felt like a real woman of society. 

Not even a year later I was driving home from a birthday party for my friends niece and my gas pedal started getting mushy. the jeep wouldn't shift and it was starting to stutter. I though oh it's just because my gas light has been on for a while. I called my dad and he came to my rescue with a tank of gas. The jeep started back up and drove for a moment. Five minutes from my house I got mushy gas pedal again and no power. I knew instantly what was going on... It was my transmission. MANY mechanic stops later and an expensive bill my car was fixed and on the road for a few more months until I had to sale it to be able to come here on my mission. 

My goal started with a thought, I internalized that goal and I put it to action. Everything begins with thought. It is so important that we do our best to keep our thoughts pure. Pure thoughts, pure heart, clean acts. 

It's not that this wasn't a good car, it was an amazing car... however my dad knew it would have been best to keep looking. Had I listened to my dad and not been caught up in the idea that this jeep was perfect, the steering wheel fit perfectly in my hands and it was made to go to Moab... I would have avoided a bank account draining experience. I would have avoided a lot of trials that came because of the lack of car I had for quite a few months. I would have avoided the stress of being a now jobless car-less college student. I had to pay the consequence of disregarding my dads advice.

We live in a world of instant satisfaction, with texting, emailing, fast food, everything is fast, everything is ready and waiting at the push of a button. 

We need not rush into something because it feels like a perfect fit. He might be the one or if we do this our love will be forever. We love each other... it's okay.. we are going to be getting married after this anyways. When justification is needed the situation should be done with out. 

As we keep Gods laws there is protection provided. The way we look at others is altered as we are filled with Christs love. My motto is "If I wouldn't do this if Christ was here.. should I be doing this?" Would you feel comfortable to break one of Gods greatest commandments if Jesus Christ was with you? fact: God is all knowing. We can not hide our sins from him.

There is a story in the book of mormon about a man his name is Corianton . He takes this law lightly and he doesn't follow the council of His father. He ends up destroying the trust of many people and having to go through a lofty repentance process to fix that which he has broken. 

"3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.
4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?"

Breaking the law of chastity in Gods eyes is almost equivalent to murder! I don't know about you, but I want to live with God forever. This law is given for us to be able to live with God forever. To be comfortable and at home in his company. 

BE DIFFERENT! DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHINE. DON'T BE AFRAID TO STOP. DON'T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE. 

(This scripture can be applied to men also)

"10 ¶Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31

Today, it might seem impossible to return to virtue, to find virtue, or to be a man or woman of virtue. However, as we do our best to become virtuous creatures we will have greater trust, longer lasting relationships, better communication, and less self destructive selfish vain self glorifying relationships.

WE ARE HUMAN BODIES WITH LIVING SPIRITS CREATED BY GOD! Not objects to be acted upon. 

"14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon."2 NEPHI 2

My first mission president says "We are agents to act, not objects to be acted upon" 

This is true. We are to act in line with Gods commands. However... At times, the lack of ability to follow his councils on behalf of others using their ability to act can happen. We can be hurt and used in a way that we can not help or prevent. If this is the case let Jesus Christ heal you. Let him bring you to safety there is no need to feel guilty or at fault in this situation. 

We can always we repent, we can always return to Christ. My purpose of this blog is not to tell every one they are sinners or to bring up a controversially topics. It is to say, God loves us so much. He wants us to become like him. He gave us a plan, his plan of salvation or his great plan of happiness. In this plan he expects us to bring life into the world through marriage, the act of creating life is the closest we can get to being like God in this life. HOW AMAZING IS THAT! We as imperfect humans are trusted to create a human life, to raise this little human life and to bring that little soul back to Christ. 

The Family A Proclamation to the World 

Satan is sneaky, He will try to hide the temporary here and now pleasures and make you feel that it is eternal joy. He will lure you in trap you and leave you alone. Misery loves company, however, once he gets you there he doesn't stay. Happiness fades and guilt, heart ache, self doubt and frustration sinks in. 
  
"26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they 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; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom."

Like misery loves company, righteousness enjoys company. As we choose Christ, as we choose to follow Gods commands we are promised to have his spirit to be with us always. We will be surrounded by lasting friendships and gain the trust we seek. We will trust in God, ourselves and others. Self destructive tendencies will fade and be replaced with hope, charity and faith. We can return to God only through Jesus Christ. We can repent, we can heal, and we can make it home to our Father in Heaven. 

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a man and a woman in the marriage relationship prescribed in God’s plan. Such relations are not merely a curiosity to be explored, an appetite to be satisfied, or a type of recreation or entertainment to be pursued selfishly. They are not a conquest to be achieved or simply an act to be performed. Rather, they are in mortality one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential and a way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife. We are agents blessed with moral agency and are defined by our divine heritage as children of God—and not by sexual behaviors, contemporary attitudes, or secular philosophies" Elder Bednar

"The natural man or woman is unrepentant, is carnal and sensual (see Mosiah 16:5; Alma 42:10; Moses 5:13), 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” 

Return to virtue and stick to it. It wont be easy, but it will be worth it. Be the one who shines and stands out. The world needs more men and women of virtue. We have enough people running around with vain and selfish ambitions acting like something raised up in the jungle. Now is our time to act like disciples of Christ to clean up and to stay clean :) Now is your time to change to return to God and to have JOY, ever lasting eternal joy. What choice will be made? To follow God or to lose sight of the prize. It is our time to show God how much we want to live with him. To let go of the carnal mind, to take up our crosses and follow, even when we don't yet understand why, understanding will come. I know that by living this law our lives will be happier, our hearts will be filled with love and compassion. We will be less broken and we will live with God again. It is never to late to change, to turn back and to use the Atonement. Heavenly Father loves us no matter what. Christ can fix us when we are broken. Step aside and let the Atonement work. Let Christ pay the debt and live your best to be your best every day. Being women and men of God brings peace and happiness in this life and the life to come. 

I know that forgiveness is possible, don't let doubt, fear, or insecurities hold you back from growth, progression and faith.

1 Corinthians 6:19 

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Philippians 4:13

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

 

ONE YEAR!

ONE YEAR AGO FEBRUARY 6 I BECAME A MISSIONARY FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. 

I had not a clue what laid ahead. I was excited, I was nervous, and ready to puke my guts out thinking about what I was about to leave behind. 

As I sold my very first car my Jeep liberty I had only had for 18 months tears soaked my face, as I packed my next 18 months into a bag and stepped away from a home I had lived in for like 15 years my heart was ready to pound it's way out of my chest. 

As I said goodbye to my dogs I felt as though my heart was being left in Utah. 
 
I cried the entire drive from Sandy City Utah to the Missionary training center in Provo. The whole car ride there my dad kept saying "You know sport it's not to late to turn around and go home..."   

Memories were flashing through my head and the thoughts of inadequacy insecurity and fear were flashing through my mind! I WAS READY TO EXPLODE. 

Then I walked through the front doors to the MTC. All my fears suddenly became less... powerful, I was over come with the joy and peace the spirit provides, as I pinned my brand new shiny black name tag to my shirt with the bright orange dot sticker on the front that just screams "HEY I AM NEW LOOK AT ME" my heart was filled with excitement, the things I left behind began to fade and my heart was filled with peace. I knew that this was going to be a time to remember, a time I would hold onto for the rest of my life. 

Today as i reflect back to this time I smile. At times, I still doubt my ability to do this, I wonder if I am working hard enough, am I talking to every one who needs this, at times I miss those promptings of the spirit and I kick my self in the butt for it. I know that as to my own strength I am nothing. My strength comes through Christ. The ability to speak when called upon, to serve when you feel like staying in bed all day and to smile even though I want to cry comes through Christ. 

This has been the best, hardest, most exhausting journey of my life. I WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING. I have learned a lot in this last year. I am not even close to the same person I was 12 months ago. 

All though this experience has been hard I have never felt more joy. I have never been so happy. I have never felt so at peace. 

I am so thankful I didn't take my dads offer and turn around to my home. 

When we leave behind what is familiar to us to grow. When God calls us to his work it stretches us, it pushes us to grow and to rely on him.  

Even if we feel like I at times feel like I am not strong enough to perform his labors I am reassured and I know that God will qualify me to become the servant he needs. Never feel like you aren't smart enough, good enough, never feel like you are to shy or to timid to come and serve. YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU CAN DO IT.

To any one who is pondering if they should serve a mission, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET GOING. 

I have come to not just know about my Savior, I have come to KNOW  my savior. My relationship with my Savior has become very personal here on my mission. One year ago I thought I would get to New York and be like the missionaries in the bible and book of Mormon and bring thousands of souls to Christ. I was ready to change the world. My mind pictured a mission to be this epic adventure where every one and anyone wants to listen to what I have to say. REALITY CHECK. IT'S HARD.  Nothing that is worth it comes easy. The Saviors mission was never easy so why did I expect for mine to be? 

Fact we learn through trials. There have been days that I have felt like this : 27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

Life has days that are hard. My mission has taught me to not lose faith in trials. To push through and to "Have faith unto patience" Just because things aren't working out exactly how I wished and hoped doesn't mean I am an epically unsuccessful missionary. I am successful in the Lords eyes because things are playing out the way he needs. Success is measured by our diligence, our go and do attitude even when things are at rock bottom.


PEOPLE DO WANT TO HEAR WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY! They are hard to find, but when you find them and their hearts have been prepared GREAT SHALL BE YOUR JOY!  

24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

DON'T LOSE YOUR HOPE, DON'T LOSE YOUR FAITH KEEP SEARCHING, KEEP KNOCKING AND KEEP OPENING YOUR MOUTH. 

I have learned how to love. I had an experience a few weeks ago riding in an elevator at a nursing home. a nurse stepped into the elevator and the thought came to my mind "look up and smile" As i did so the nurse was taken back and she quickly looked away. then she looked quickly back up at me and said "Your eyes" and she gave me a very generous compliment. In that moment that she stepped back and looked away I was overwhelmed with a sense of love and compassion toward this woman I had never met. I wanted to help her in anyway possible. I have learned of Gods love for his children. I have learned that no matter where we are in life, he loves us. Something so simple as smiling and saying hello to this woman made her day. I know that it was nothing I did, but that in that moment I was being an instrument in my Saviors hands to show her, he is aware. 

22 The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

I have learned to serve. To offer of my time to those in need. To reach out and help one who feels they are to far gone to return. To show some one all is not lost. 

My mind has been blown away time and time again as I sit in the living room of a complete stranger in tears as we testify of Jesus Christ and His restored Gospel, I have been blessed to witness mighty change in the hearts of Gods children as they accept him and his true teachings. 

My understanding of the Atonement has become very real as I have applied it daily in this missionary service. Each day as i recite " I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." as I get out of bed I feel the enabling power of the atonement helping me receive the strength and energy I need to serve. We have to put forth our best effort to receive divine help. 

My love for the scriptures and the ability to apply them has become second nature to me. Before my mission I could not understand the scriptures to save my life. As I have come to understand the scriptures I have come to understand God, and my Brother Jesus Christ. 

Lastly I have learned to love rules. RULES ARE AMAZING. Rules given out of love and kept out of love provide safety for our souls. They provide freedom. Gods commands are not to be take lightly but to be followed exactly and repentance is required when we get off track. 

My mission has changed me forever. 

New York will forever hold a piece of my heart, there are many people here who have left an impact on me that will forever change my life. I am looking forward to what these next six months hold. I will not be counting them away but I will be holding on to every moment of each and every day. 

This has been one crazy year, but I can now say I KNOW MY SAVIOR. I KNOW HE LIVES. I KNOW HE HAS AGAIN CALLED PROPHETS TO THE EARTH. I know that he has the power to heal us from scars that seem to deep to mend, I know that we can be forgiven of our mistakes and move forward into a bright future, I know that through Christ we can do anything. 

Those tears I cried the whole way to the Mtc have been replaced with laughter, with happiness beyond what I could ever imagine, friendships that will be eternal, and memories I will hold close for the rest of my existence. (WHICH IS FOREVER) I have had some of the most awkwardly comical moments, scary moments, and spiritual moments out here in western New York that I will never forget. 

Missions aren't just hard, they are worth it. It is rewarding to watch some one you love so dear develop a relationship with Jesus Christ in a whole new way, it is amazing to bring peace to the troubled soul who is in great need, the joy I have received is beyond anything I can describe. My heart is full and continues to stretch as my love for others grows. Missions are not meant to just be accomplished, they are to be enjoyed, we are to be happy, to laugh and have fun while we work our feet off. 

My mission has given me the foundation I need to grow in life, to become the woman God needs me to be. To reach out and help those in need, to no longer fear helping a stranger in need and to lift up my voice and to speak when it is needed. I have found who I am in Christ. I will no longer be ashamed. 

My mission is preparing me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful to be an instrument in Gods hands. To bring his children home! 

TO ALL YOU FUTURE MISSIONARIES... GET READY FOR THE BEST 18 MONTHS OR TWO YEARS FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!!! :):)

MISSIONS ARE AMAZING :) K THAT'S ALL BYE :)

Finding inner peace.

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come."
Doctrine and covenants

Repentance brings inner peace. 

What is repentance? 

"Repentance is one of the first principles of the gospel and is essential to our temporal and eternal happiness. It is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings. It is a change of mind and heart that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world. It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments." 

Why is it important that we repent? Sin draws us away from God. It detaches us from the spirit. Stirring up our insides to the point of no rest. The feelings of guilt begin to consume our thoughts and at times we become so swallowed in the guilt we harden our hearts and turn away from God. In the moment that seems like the easiest way out. 

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
John 15

The holy Ghost is the perfect gentle men. He knows when he is welcome to stay and he knows when it is time to leave. He is promised to be with us if we keep Gods commandments. As we break those commandments the Holy Ghost no longer can dwell with us. Dimming our sensitivity to right and wrong. 

"21 And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness."
Alma 7

It is sooo important that we return to God that we repent and open our hearts to feeling him around us. 

"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God.

The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. 14 It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."

-Neil L. Andersen

 "13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

 14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me."3 Nephi 9

Repentance= healing. The Savior can't heal us if we don't humble ourselves before him and ask for his forgiveness. 

Once we repent forgiveness and healing step in. 

"As we repent, our view of ourselves and the world changes. As we change, we recognize that we are children of God and that we need not continue making the same mistakes over and over. If we sincerely repent, we turn away from our sins and do them no more. We resist any desire to commit sin. Our desire to follow God grows stronger and deeper.

Sincere repentance brings several results. We feel God’s forgiveness and His peace in our lives. Our guilt and sorrow are swept away. We feel the influence of the Spirit in greater abundance. "

We are commanded to repent daily. No matter how large, or minor the sin may seem. Sin pulls us away from God and our Savior Jesus Christ. As we repent daily the burden of guilt and shame are made light. I know that as I repent each day I feel my love for the Savior deepen, my desire to follow him grows as I feel an increase of closeness to him. My heart becomes warm and I know that I can follow him.

When the day comes that I stand before my Savior and my God to be judged, I hope to feel comfortable there. To know that I did my best each and every day. I know that I am human and I mess up. A lot. But as I repent my feelings of anxiety and stress, frustration and being rushed turn to peace, calm, love, and compassion. 

" 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."Mark 4

If he can calm the troubled seas, he can calm your troubled heart. Peace be still and return to God. Repentance isn't a sign of weakness, nor is it scary. It is our way of showing God our desires, it is our way of showing him we are willing to do what it takes to make it home to him after this life. 

My heart has never been so at peace as it has in this last year. I have found my Savior. My desire to repent has grown and I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY. I know that my sins are forgiven each and every time I pray. I know that each day as I repent I become more aware of the little things I need to do better and I feel a greater sense of worth, I feel my divine purpose in this life. I know repentance is real. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can be healed of all manner of afflictions. 

"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."Alma 

Repent and let the savior heal you. Let the enabling power of the atonement make you stronger, becoming better each and every day. 

I love my Savior. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that anything is possible with. And I know that he lives. He is my source of inner peace. He is my light. He is the center of my world. I would do anything for him. He died so that we might live. He gave his life willingly. For all. If they would repent. 

 16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

Doctrine and covenants

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14

31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

 As a missionary, we have days where we see TONS OF PEOPLE, teach tons of people and see huge miracles... or you have epic days where you plan to see tons of people, teach tons of people, and you see... None of them. Where you make these beautiful plans and every single one of them falls through. You come home dead tired and even a little discouraged.

Some times I feel like Nephi...

"2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.

  

3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry."

Have you ever had one of those days where you can feel you will either be in the best mood ever or the worst mood ever? I had one of those days.. yesterday. I woke up and I instantly felt this urge to just be grumpy. To yell at every one I laid eyes on and to just march around or go hide in a garbage can like Oscar the grouch. I was cranky with out reason. So I began singing church songs as I laid on the floor and stretched and attempted to work my arms out. I went through every funny memory in my life talking to sister Dimick doing my best to just keep swimming and not be a jerk. 

We had an incredible morning after this with two beautiful lessons. We returned home for lunch and my same grumpy self was hovering just waiting for something to set me off. I AM A MISSIONARY. I CAN'T BE IN A BAD MOOD!! 

Yesterday was one of those days. One of those days where we had a million epic plans. We walked until our feet were numb from being cold, we knocked doors until our knuckles wanted to fall off and the only one that answered was less than welcoming to our chipper smiling faces, as she denied us I felt my eyes slowly filling up with tears... "Don't do it hermana... don't you dare cry.. keep smiling with hope" Here in New York there is a phrase that all missionaries are familiar with. "I am all set" The phrase that you often here before the door is slammed. The phrase you often hear before you even open your mouth to speak. The phrase you hear as you glance in the general direction of a passer by.

If only these people knew what they were saying no to... THIS IS YOUR ETERNAL HAPPINESS!! 

As we drove to our next destination my heart was a little low. I was in serious need of a pick me up. So we continued onward to put air in our tires... As we walked into the auto shop every one scattered as they saw two smiling faces dressed in church clothes wearing Christs name over our hearts! At this point I was ready to give up. Finally a worker greets us with an attitude of "great. All my coworkers jumped ship and now I have to do this." He directed us to drive around the building and told us some one would be out shortly to help. At this point we drove around the building and STILL NO HELP. Now my heart is crushed. Next denial or avoiding me like i am leprosy and I am done. I am going home. I am going to bed and I AM NEVER LEAVING MY ROOM AGAIN!!!!  

This is when I realized my attitude was disgusting. I was becoming cynical and almost laughing at the fact of how many people had rejected us. I could feel this was going to be a Nephi night, we would return home and my tears would water my pillow because of the hardness of the hearts of the people. 

Our last stop was to visit a member from our ward who is in the hospital. We knew his always smiling personality is exactly what we needed. As we arrived in his room his face was beaming with joy! Instantly my heart was soaring! We had a really neat experience as we made connections with his nurse. TURNS OUT SHE KNOWS A MORMON! and he is a missionary too! It was really cool. 

 Look for the little things. As we drove away from rejection street and the corner of disappointment a kind man stopped and waved us into traffic so that we wouldn't have to wait for ever. The older guy walking his dog smiled and waved at us and talked to us for a small moment. 

On the drive home my spirits were a little higher. We began to talk about what makes us happy in life.

We started to recognize the tender mercies in our lives. As we started talk about the gospel, about our families, and the miracles we see each day we were now smiling and even a little laughter was shared. Before we knew it we were happy, we were feeling successful. We were feeling that we did the best we could, although nothing worked out, everything fell into place making us better today than we were yesterday. 

“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 Ne. 1:20).

Look for the little things each day that show the lord is watching out for you. As you stop to think about the small blessings you will realize how many the lord provides each and every day. 

Every one has had that day that seems like it was an epic failure, the only way we can fail is by not trying at all. So get up tomorrow and try again. There is no such thing as a bad day. There are only bad moments in a day. We choose how they will effect us. You either become bitter or better. 

Find the small things that make you smile and focus on that. Look for things to laugh at. Yesterday everything in my head either became a rock song or a rap. I had to do what it took to smile. Whether is was singing a Christmas song to sister dimick humming lion king song over and over again or singing a song about a black and yellow Camero. FIND WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. Change your thought process and find the good. There is good and bad to every situation. What will you focus on?

We all have that day where nothing goes as we planned. But remember, you did your best, just keep trying. Miley Cyrus says it best "No body's perfect, you live and you learn it, again and again til you get it right" 

Get up, chin up and never give up. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain" 

By the end of the night last night we were laughing until we were crying and we knew that we tried, we gave the lord our best and that was enough. "Just keep swimming" pushing on with hope that tomorrow people will want to listen, that your plans will go smoothly, that tomorrow can always be a better day. 

"25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
 2 Nephi 2:25

Find joy in every moment. Find peace even when you want to give up. Smile until your cheeks hurt. And remember that we weren't sent to earth to be miserable. We were sent to earth to learn. Some times growth hurts. I remember when I was little and growing my legs and arms would hurt and my mom referred to it as growing pains. Some times the lord stretches us a little so we will have to feel "growing pains" and rely on him more. Trust in him and know that all is well because your life is in his hands. When we get to the point of knowing that he is taking care of us we can find greater peace. peace in the little things. :) LIFE IS GOOD. Life is what you make it.  

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive." Alma 7:23

Your body is a gift

Hello I am sister Carlson, I have a sufficiently healthy body. One that gets me through I suppose you could say. Some times. I gain a lot of weight. some times I lose weight freakishly fast, and not a moment passes that my stomach is not in pain. I am not writing this for pity or for sympathy i am writing this to tell every one in the same type of body that our bodies are one of the greatest gifts from our father in heaven.

" 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/6.19?lang=eng#18

Days I become frustrated and angry with myself because I cant push myself as much as I desire. I cant walk for hours on end, I can't run and at times it even hurts to breath. My diet right now consists of spinach, tomatoes, raspberry's, blackberry's, yogurt and cereal. why? Because every thing else makes me intensely sick.

Some days I just want to stay in bed and forget that I exist. But I can't. So what do I do? I get up and put my smile on and I thank the lord for giving me hands to feel, eyes to see, a mouth to smile, and a nose to smell. I thank God that he loved me so much that he wanted to me to become as He is. So he sent me here to earth. To gain experiences, that at times bring sorrow, that are painful, or that are complicated to understand.

I am thankful for these experiences. Especially the ones that seem like they are the worst. Why? Because often times after the storm passes God gives us rainbows. He brings in the light, and greater happiness than we can imagine comes together.

So if God has such a great plan for us, then why is it so hard to act upon the answers to our prayers and to follow his council? Why do we often times feel like we are where we are supposed to be and nothing we do seems to work out? Why do we feel so certain we are in the right place and then God completely turns things around? This video has brought me great comfort in knowing that God knows where I am. He knows what I am feeling. He knows where I need to be and how to get me there.

My mission is the BIGGEST BLESSING OF MY LIFE. Every day has been a blessing. I have enjoyed every moment of it. My body and it's minor complications has taught me to understand the atonement in a way that I would never have understood with out the complications I have passed through and continue to over come. When I get up and put on my best smile and get to work the Lord provides the strength I need to perform the labors he needs me to perform that day. He pushes me through when I feel like I can't do it on my own. He picks up my heart and he teaches me to be stronger. With out receiving our perfectly imperfect bodies.. we wouldn't be able to make it home to our heavenly father and Jesus Christ. With out our experiences we can never become as they are.

Whether you feel like you are too tall or too short, too thin or too wide... YOU ARE JUST THE WAY GOD MADE YOU TO BE. When you are in pain it's because God knows you are strong enough. If you aren't strong enough, he will teach you to be stronger.

Have you ever received a gift from some one you love that you absolutely wonder why on earth they gave it to you? Maybe a hideous sweater, or something you would never dream of wearing? But because this person loves you so much they gave you the best they could because they wanted you to know they were thinking of you.  They hoped so much with all their heart you would stay warm wearing that sweater, or that you would wear it until the sleeves are ripping off. They gave it to you in hopes that you would feel their love each time you looked at it.

I used to view my body like that sweater. Until I came here, until i put on my black badge that wears Jesus Christ name on it just underneath mine. Every time I look in the mirror the first thing I do is look at my tag to see his name and to remember he lives within in me. That he gave me this body in hopes that I would love it. that I would use it to the best of my ability each day. That I would take caution and care for my body, to not harm it, or put anything in it that could be hurtful, toxic or addictive, he gave me this body in hopes that i would build it up and make it stronger.

Now when I look in the mirror I see the saviors love for me. I see that I am his. That even when I don't wear his name over my heart he will still be with me each day. My mission has been the most pivotal moment in my life. It is Gods way of putting me on the right road in the quickest way possible so that I would know that I am heading in the direction he wishes for me to go. It has taught me to first love my savior, then love my self, then to love others.

I know that one day when Christ comes again my body will be resurrected and made perfect.

(The Resurrection consists in the uniting of a spirit body with a body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided. The Resurrection shall come to all, because of Christ’s victory over death. Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected on this earth (Matt. 27:52–54; Acts 26:23; 1 Cor. 15:23; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5). Others had been brought back from death but were restored to mortality (Mark 5:22–43; Luke 7:11–17; John 11:1–45), whereas a resurrection means to become immortal, with a body of flesh and bone. LDS.ORG)

My body is a testimony of Gods loves for me. It is a perfectly imperfect gift that with him will become whole and healed. Through his son Jesus Christ We can ALL be healed and made whole. Through Jesus Christ we can pull through the times that we wish to give up and give in. As the video clip above said, don't jump ship, don't freak out, hold on and keep working. Keep trying and keep your faith.  

" God’s whole purpose—His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He has provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. We understood and accepted this plan before we came to the earth. In the scriptures God’s plan is called a merciful plan, the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation."

" Life on earth is an opportunity and a blessing. Our purpose in this life is to have joy and prepare to return to God’s presence. In mortality we live in a condition where we are subject to both physical and spiritual death. God has a perfect, glorified, immortal body of flesh and bones. To become like God and return to His presence, we too must have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones. However, because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, every person on earth has an imperfect, mortal body and will eventually die. If not for the Savior Jesus Christ, death would end all hope for a future existence with Heavenly Father.

While we are in mortality, we have experiences that bring us happiness. We also have experiences that bring us pain and sorrow, some of which is caused by the sinful acts of others. These experiences provide us opportunities to learn and to grow, to distinguish good from evil, and to make choices. God influences us to do good; Satan tempts us to commit sin. As with physical death, we cannot overcome the effects of sin by ourselves. We are helpless without the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/what-do-i-study-and-teach/lesson-2-the-plan-of-salvation?lang=eng 

We truly are helpless with out the Atonement of our savior Jesus Christ. He lives and he heals, he provides strength safety and solace in times of need. Trust in him :) 

setting your boundaries.

we live in a world of many temptations, things that appeal to us, things that are fun for but a moment. It is easy to walk the line between what is right and what is wrong. it is easy to lose sight of our end goals and to be mixed up in temptation. Satan doesn't come at us in obvious attacks, he slowly lures us in. He finds our weaknesses and does anything he can to get us to cave.

I have a very wise brother. at one point in my life i was very frustrated. I felt like no matter what i did or didn't do Satan was there waiting anxiously to knock me down. I was crying to my brother about it one day and he said "crash how do you feel when you play a sport like basketball and you have some one guarding you the whole time trying to knock you down" uh FRUSTRATED DUH! and he said "I feel good, because then I know I am a key player, that person is intimidated by me making the basket, he is doing all he can to stop you from making the hoops. Your are key player"

YOU ARE A KEY PLAYER. Gods laws are not to be pushed, they are not soft advisories or strong suggestions. In the world we live there are laws, if you break those laws, you pay the consequence. Whether it be a fine, or doing some time.

 Gods commandments (mormon.org)

When we don't follow Gods laws there are serious consequences to be paid. Not literally of course but spiritually. We must build up our walls, and strengthen our weaknesses through christ. It is a time that we can't afford to play with the fire of sin, a time to no longer walk the line of justification.

 There is a story from the book of mormon that I love. The lamanites are people who don't believe in Christs church and they persecute any who follow the true doctrine and teachings there in. here we have an amazing story of a time that the lamanites were coming up to battle against the nephites:

 7 Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.

 8 Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land.

 9 And in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the Nephites.

 10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.

 11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

 12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

 13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

Alma 48 

Moroni is a true follower of Christ, a man who follows God. He prepares himself and his people to go to battle against their enemy. He strengthens them in Christ and where the walls are the weakest he places his best men to defend and fight for their families. 

We have to set up walls, where we are the weakest we must back ourselves up with the strongest spiritual support.  Jesus Christ is on our team as long as we will allow him to be with us. He promises to be our friend if we keep the laws he has provided. What greater friend than that!?

We are human and we make mistakes on a daily basis, all day. every day. When you fall down GET BACK UP. Repent and return to Christ. become one with God again and bury your weapons of sin deep. Never give room to return to an old sin. 

 9 And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this correspondence we have been convinced of our sins, and of the many murders which we have committed.

 10 And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.

 11 And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—

 12 Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.

 13 Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our swords again they can no more be washed bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins.

 14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.

 15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby.

 16 And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved.

 Alma 24

Be as these people in the book of mormon who have gone from being a murderous people fighting simply just to be wicked and find that mighty change in your heart to turn away from the things of the world and reach out to Christ. Once you have repented move forward, take the lesson you learned and move forward with your life. Don't look back and wish for a do over, don't look back in regret or with the wish to be in that time still, let go and be forgiven, pray for the forgiveness and seek to truly repent, then let go and forgive yourself. letting go of the things which once held you bound. Move forward with hope and faith in Jesus Christ. 

 26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

mosiah 27 

Become a new creature through Christ and let go of who you were so you can become who God needs you to be :) He loves you, He wants you home. Take his son by the hand and be cleansed through the atonement. 

Beacons of light.

Today as I got ready I thought to myself  "I AM BLESSED." So why am I blessed? Let me tell you why I am blessed.

"As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receivesrevelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators."

www.lds.org (PROPHETS!)

 

I am blessed because I live in the last dispensation when the Lord has promised to never again take his priesthood power from the earth. We will have truth until he comes again.

 

Dispensations

A dispensation of the gospel is a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth. When this occurs, the gospel is revealed anew so that people of that dispensation do not have to depend basically on past dispensations for knowledge of the plan of salvation. There have been many gospel dispensations since the beginning. The Bible suggests at least one dispensation identified with Adam, another with Enoch, another with Noah, and so on with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus with His Apostles in the meridian of time. Paul writes of “the dispensation of the fulness of times” in which the Lord will “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth” (Eph. 1:10). The fulness of times is the final dispensation and began with the revelation of the gospel to Joseph Smith. It is a dispensation of restoration and of fulfillment of the Lord’s plans and purposes since the world began. There are also things reserved for the fulness of times that have not been revealed previously (D&C 121:26–32; 124:41). It is a glorious time, the time in which we live today (see Acts 3:19–21; D&C 27:13; 110:11–16; 112:14–32; 128:18–21; 136:37–40).

 

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/dispensations?lang=eng

 

Because of the simple prayer of a 14 year old boy, we have the truth again on the earth.

 

 

"Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!

Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.

Blessed to open the last dispensation,

Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."

 

We live in a world that is becoming dark. A world where it is easy to be lost. Because God loves us and he wants us all home he gives us prophets to help guide us and give us extra direction to make it home.

7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7

 

We live in a time where we are still receiving scripture. We have the power of God again on the earth. The ability to grow closer to him and to not be lost.

 

"9 For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?"

Mormon 9:9

 

"23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."

2 Nephi 27

 

If God is the same yesterday today and forever wouldn't it make sense that there would be prophet in his church? Revelations only ceased because of the lack of faith that Gods children had.

 

I am blessed because in a world that is shadow with evil and being swallowed up in sin that I have a beacon of light to look to to find Jesus Christ and to know how I can follow him more closely. We are blessed because there are prophets again on the earth. To receive Revelation to help us all along in our journey. We are blessed because Christ invites all to come unto him and to partake of the fruit and to grow in his church. This truth that has been restored is for each and every one of us.

 

President Thomas S Monson

I feel blessed to be serving here in Palmyra new york where the fourteen year old boy Joseph Smith prayed and asked heavenly father which of the dozens of churches surrounding him were true. To be here where God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to this boy as he prayed and told him that He was going to be the prophet and restore the true doctrine of Christ to the earth again. I feel blessed to be here in a place where heavenly father reached out for us one last time and called a prophet to be on the earth again today.

 

Before my mission as i received my mission call i was very fearful. I didn't know if i was qualified to serve in the place where the truth was brought back. I didn't quite understand Joseph Smith and I came on a mission to have my testimony of him solidified. To be called here where it all began I didn't know if i could stand on such sacred grounds and testify of something I wasn't 100% sure i believed yet. But as time passes and i study more about the life of Joseph Smith I see that that his work was Gods work. That his calling was divine. As I am able to testify of Jesus Christ my savior, God my heavenly father and Joseph Smith coming together WHERE IT HAPPENED my heart is filled with joy. The spirit washes over me and there is no doubt that it is true. Joseph Smith opened the last dispensation to prepare the world for the second coming of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. It it true. the book of Mormon is true. the priesthood power is again on the earth. (scriptures about the priesthood, explanation of the priesthood)

 

MORMON.ORG, Joseph Smith prophet of the restoration movie, More info about the restoration