My last football blog has inspired more football thoughts of the deepest kind. Also this particular post makes me happy at the moment because the name of the font I am using is called Georgia. Ha I love Georgia and all things Georgia related. Anyway back to my thoughts of epic deepness that concern football. Oh wait one more thing before the deepness, you know this is going to be a great thought because the title is so good. Honestly it's probably the best title I've ever come up with. Anyway to the end-zone...
I have been watching football all day and I am not complaining. As I was watching football I remembered something my mission prep teacher taught me. In our first few lessons he kept trying to teach us and show us how to take a random topic and relate it back to the gospel. So I decided I should try and relate football back to the gospel. It could come in handy later. I have heard that the people of the south love football almost as much as I do. So here goes my attempt...
There are several lessons I have learned from football...the first comes from watching quarterbacks. There are the quarterbacks you handle pressure in the pocket and can duck, jump, and doge their way out of almost any situation. Then there are those who see the pocket crumble and take the the sack. I don't think it is the skills of these players that make them so different. Both quarterbacks are good, elite athletes. If they weren't good they wouldn't be playing at that level. I think the difference in the way they play and the success they have deals with heart. One bad play, one sack, and they can't fall apart. They must refuse to give up and keep on throwing keep on trying for that W on their record. Play after play a successful quarterback doesn't give up and keeps trying. Successful missionaries and church members should work in a similar way. No matter how futile the play or situation feels we can not give up. It may at times seem like what we are called to do or the area we are called to work on is futile. But we must keep trying. If we listen to our coach (the Savior) and heed his guidance and use his plays we will get that win. Alone we can't do it, but if we listen to our coach and use our teammates we can be successful.
Lesson number two: play for the name on the front of your jersey. I notice more in college football than the NFL that there are players that play for themselves. (cough cough T.O.) These players may be great and talented, but they can't win a football game on their own. It is the players that play for their school, for their coach that win games and win championships. They forget themselves and their own personal glory and try and bring glory to the team. We need to be the same way. We need to forget that name on the back of our jerseys and realize we are part of a bigger picture. We aren't just fighting for our own salvation, but we are fighting to spread the gospel and save others. We aren't playing for ourselves we are playing for our Savior's gospel we are on his team. It is only when we forget ourselves and get to work that things get done.
Lesson number three (the last one for now because there is a giant penguin picture that I must color) (yes I am 20 years old and love to color in giant coloring books). Comebacks are real. All the time in football teams come out of nowhere to pull off the upset and the win. All of the sudden the team starts to click and can do no wrong. They can come back from a humiliating half or even pull it out in the fourth quarter. Don't believe me google Eli Manning. This is the same as the battle we are fighting against evil. At times it may seem like we are fighting a losing battle. That our church and our gospel isn't spreading like it should. That the world is just too evil. But the fourth quarter hasn't hit yet. We are on the winning team and He is saving His best players for the final drive. His strongest players are coming off the sidelines and going out to spread the gospel and get a touchdown. We are those players. We may be pulled later and get tired quickly, but there is a play that only we can do. A run or pass that we need to catch. Our time is coming the coach is getting ready to put us in. It up to us now to practice to go over the skills we are going to need. Our time is coming and it's up to us to be ready to play for our team and help with the winning drive.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Thing I Love Most
There is something is this world I love a lot. And when I say a lot I mean more than I love breathing and cupcakes...that's a whole heck of a lot of love. This thing that I'm talking about is not a person, it's not even a giraffe...it's football! Football oh the pure greatness of it. I wish I could explain what it is exactly about the game that makes me love it, but alas I can't. I think it may have to do with watching it with my family or maybe because I'm angry inside and wish I could go around and tackle people. Whatever the reason, I love the game and I love to watch it.
It is that time in the year that football is winding down. The playoffs are starting and in just a few weeks the super bowl champions will be decided and the season will come to an end. This happens every year so no big deal...except it is! Once this season is over I will miss the next one! I'm just going to miss a season of football! I won't know if Payten gets re-broken or Eli finally decides to man up and get things done. Or if Turbin will ever get to start and so much more!! Sometimes I think Heavenly Father you and the Savior better realize how much I love you because I'm missing my football season. And then I had a deep thought about such things...
Football. All that I'm really sacrificing is a football season. I don't play I'm just watching. How selfish am I? There are people all over the world giving up so much more than I just to go to church let alone the huge sacrifices they make to go on a mission. They give up scholarships, money, and so much more that I can't even comprehend. I may love football more than life, but I am so lucky and so blessed that it is all that I am missing. I am so blessed to have the family that I do that not only has the means to help me, but is willing to help me afford my mission. I am so blessed to go to a school where it wasn't hard to leave for eighteen months and my scholarship will be intact when I return. I really have so much, so many things that I often take for granted.
From now on it is time to stop thinking about the things I will be missing, but think about the things that I have. It's time to notice all the little blessings in life and stop taking them for granted. I challenge you to do the same thing. To stop and think before you go to bed at night about all the little things that make your every day great. (Did you see that? That was like a commitment. Future missionary oh yeah!)
It is that time in the year that football is winding down. The playoffs are starting and in just a few weeks the super bowl champions will be decided and the season will come to an end. This happens every year so no big deal...except it is! Once this season is over I will miss the next one! I'm just going to miss a season of football! I won't know if Payten gets re-broken or Eli finally decides to man up and get things done. Or if Turbin will ever get to start and so much more!! Sometimes I think Heavenly Father you and the Savior better realize how much I love you because I'm missing my football season. And then I had a deep thought about such things...
Football. All that I'm really sacrificing is a football season. I don't play I'm just watching. How selfish am I? There are people all over the world giving up so much more than I just to go to church let alone the huge sacrifices they make to go on a mission. They give up scholarships, money, and so much more that I can't even comprehend. I may love football more than life, but I am so lucky and so blessed that it is all that I am missing. I am so blessed to have the family that I do that not only has the means to help me, but is willing to help me afford my mission. I am so blessed to go to a school where it wasn't hard to leave for eighteen months and my scholarship will be intact when I return. I really have so much, so many things that I often take for granted.
From now on it is time to stop thinking about the things I will be missing, but think about the things that I have. It's time to notice all the little blessings in life and stop taking them for granted. I challenge you to do the same thing. To stop and think before you go to bed at night about all the little things that make your every day great. (Did you see that? That was like a commitment. Future missionary oh yeah!)
Saturday, December 29, 2012
There is Only One You
Wow. Three posts in one night. What can I say? I'm just feeling super wise tonight. Super wise. Hold on to your hats for this one. It's a going to be good it's even mission related the last few haven't really been, but this one is more relevant I promise!
I am in this nifty little group on facebook that is full of nothing but sister missionaries! It's great really. But every once in a while I can't help but think that these fantastic sisters are going to be better at this whole missionary thing. That maybe it isn't something I'm going to be good at and that I'm taking up space that could be filled with a more suited young woman. I'm not exactly the quiet soft spoken kind of girl you typically think of when you think of a righteous girl. I'm not relief society teacher or presidency material. Sometimes I worry that because of my attitude and such I am going to have a harder time connecting to the investigators and even the ward members.
I also worry about problems with my future companions. I am not very girly and haven't been known to really get along with girls well. I know that they are going to worry about what they look like, while I'm just going to be missing sweats. I know that they are going to stress about their bodies and hardcore work out. Ha who are we kidding we all know I'm not like that. And I know that they are going to miss their boyfriends and plan their weddings...I'm going to plan my future with giraffes and miss my dog. Because of these differences and other issues I worry that maybe I should change. Maybe as part of my pre missionary changes I should work on who I am so I can get along better...but then I realized something.
I am me for a reason. There is a quote somewhere (my pinterest board is too big to find it) that says that Heavenly Father has made us who we are for a reason. There is something that we must do. No one else can be us and get done whatever it is that He is preparing us to do. I have had certain experiences and trials in life that others haven't. One day I will need those experiences. For what I don't know, but one day I will find out. Whatever the reason is, whatever it is that I must do I am me for a reason. I may be crazy, way too loud, too forgiving, love sweats and cake too much, VL (ha that one made me laugh), and have a future full of giraffes, but I love it. I am me and I kind of like it. You are you for a reason. You're mission in life and in the Church might not make sense right now, but one day it will. There are people out their in the world waiting for you to come into their lives. You see there is something about you and the way you are that will help them in a way that no one else can. It is up to you to be strong and confident in yourself so when that day comes you can act in the way that He intended.
I am in this nifty little group on facebook that is full of nothing but sister missionaries! It's great really. But every once in a while I can't help but think that these fantastic sisters are going to be better at this whole missionary thing. That maybe it isn't something I'm going to be good at and that I'm taking up space that could be filled with a more suited young woman. I'm not exactly the quiet soft spoken kind of girl you typically think of when you think of a righteous girl. I'm not relief society teacher or presidency material. Sometimes I worry that because of my attitude and such I am going to have a harder time connecting to the investigators and even the ward members.
I also worry about problems with my future companions. I am not very girly and haven't been known to really get along with girls well. I know that they are going to worry about what they look like, while I'm just going to be missing sweats. I know that they are going to stress about their bodies and hardcore work out. Ha who are we kidding we all know I'm not like that. And I know that they are going to miss their boyfriends and plan their weddings...I'm going to plan my future with giraffes and miss my dog. Because of these differences and other issues I worry that maybe I should change. Maybe as part of my pre missionary changes I should work on who I am so I can get along better...but then I realized something.
I am me for a reason. There is a quote somewhere (my pinterest board is too big to find it) that says that Heavenly Father has made us who we are for a reason. There is something that we must do. No one else can be us and get done whatever it is that He is preparing us to do. I have had certain experiences and trials in life that others haven't. One day I will need those experiences. For what I don't know, but one day I will find out. Whatever the reason is, whatever it is that I must do I am me for a reason. I may be crazy, way too loud, too forgiving, love sweats and cake too much, VL (ha that one made me laugh), and have a future full of giraffes, but I love it. I am me and I kind of like it. You are you for a reason. You're mission in life and in the Church might not make sense right now, but one day it will. There are people out their in the world waiting for you to come into their lives. You see there is something about you and the way you are that will help them in a way that no one else can. It is up to you to be strong and confident in yourself so when that day comes you can act in the way that He intended.
Deep Thoughts Continued...
I have a second deep thought of the night, which I was going to include with my first one, but it got a little long. Also I thought I would include a disclaimer letting everyone know I have been cleaning for two days and have excess energy. So in other words I am ridiculously hyper and having serious thoughts at the same time...not a good combination. Anyway I might as well get to my deep thought. This is a really deep one, might even make you feel...cough cough Sam. Anyway onward ho!
My second deep thought is all about friends. (I kind of hate myself for saying it like that. I sound like a two year old who loves pink tutus...) I have been thinking about the friends that I have quite a bit lately, mainly because most of them are far far away. They are either on missions, still in college, or live in the distant land of Utah. There are of course a few exceptions. But upon my reflections I have realized a few things. And just a heads up some of them are pretty deep. (Not gonna lie I am getting pretty wise in my old age...)
The first thing I have realized is that there are different kinds of friends. There are the kinds of friends that you make in class so you don't have to sit all alone. The friends you make in lab so you always have partner that doesn't smell funny or wink at you too much. There are the friends you made when you were three or in my case when I moved to Rigby. These friends are great. You need people you've know your whole life. People who have helped you through puberty and the awkwardness that is Junior High. But occasionally as sad as it is, these kinds of friends fade away. You chose different paths and find that although your paths may cross there is less to talk about. And the friendship becomes more of a memory than a current thing. There are also the kinds of friends that don't stay forever, occasionally it doesn't end well. There are also what I have come to call superficial friends. You really like these people and enjoy spending time with them and doing crazy activities, but they don't really know you. You don't tell them what's going on in life and you don't ask.
While there are so many different kinds of friends I have realized that it is necessary in life to have them. You need all those different kinds. You need the friends that need you more than you need them and heaven knows you need a friend in class to cover for you when you miss the notes. All of these kinds of friends shape and make you who you are. And hopefully you help to shape them. You even need the friends that don't stay. The friendships may be gone, but the memories will always be there. I think it's better to concentrate on those memories than on the fact that the friendship fell apart. There is something to be learned from all of your friends. Even if they are far away in a foreign country only communicating with you through letters. You might not be as close as you once were, but there was a time when they meant the world to you and helped you through a lot. Instead of focusing on the negative we instead need to simply remember the good times and let ourselves smile about it.
Last but not least there is one more group of friends that I have yet to talk about. I think this is the most important group to have. These are the kinds of friends that you can talk to. And I mean really talk to. You can tell them your random deep thoughts and the problems in your life and not feel weird about it. You can sit up late into the night talking about the gospel and take turns sharing devotionals. I didn't realize until recently that it takes a special kind of friend to do those things. Especially when you can go from one minute of being deep and spiritual to harassing each other. There was a time when I didn't believe these kinds of friends were necessary. In my deep thinking time I have realized that they are. You need an outlet. A way to share your fears or troubles without totally losing it. That's what these friends are for. Most importantly you need a friend who can look you in eye and tell you to shape up. To push you work harder, try your best, and be the best person you can be. You need a couple people who can tell what your really thinking and get you to talk about it. Friends who don't take no for an answer and make you share what's really going on.
I have gone for quite sometime without friends like the last group I described. Not because of anyone else, but me. I have never felt comfortable enough to share those kind of things. And then all of the sudden I tried and I realized that you need it. Friends are a necessary thing. I know that the friends I have now, the ones that I'm talking about aren't always going to be there. We are all starting to take our own little journeys and some of them will lead us far away. But there is one last difference in this type of friend. Even years after being apart you can see them and you can start a conversation with them. It might start out awkward, but all it takes is one laugh one memory to make it feel like things never changed. These are the kinds of friends you stay in contact with and look for in the eternities. These are the friends that help when you're at your lowest. These are the friends that have truly touched you inside and changed the path you were on for the better. These are the friends that helped prepare me for my mission and helped me be the person I am. These are the kinds of friends I am most thankful for.
My second deep thought is all about friends. (I kind of hate myself for saying it like that. I sound like a two year old who loves pink tutus...) I have been thinking about the friends that I have quite a bit lately, mainly because most of them are far far away. They are either on missions, still in college, or live in the distant land of Utah. There are of course a few exceptions. But upon my reflections I have realized a few things. And just a heads up some of them are pretty deep. (Not gonna lie I am getting pretty wise in my old age...)
The first thing I have realized is that there are different kinds of friends. There are the kinds of friends that you make in class so you don't have to sit all alone. The friends you make in lab so you always have partner that doesn't smell funny or wink at you too much. There are the friends you made when you were three or in my case when I moved to Rigby. These friends are great. You need people you've know your whole life. People who have helped you through puberty and the awkwardness that is Junior High. But occasionally as sad as it is, these kinds of friends fade away. You chose different paths and find that although your paths may cross there is less to talk about. And the friendship becomes more of a memory than a current thing. There are also the kinds of friends that don't stay forever, occasionally it doesn't end well. There are also what I have come to call superficial friends. You really like these people and enjoy spending time with them and doing crazy activities, but they don't really know you. You don't tell them what's going on in life and you don't ask.
While there are so many different kinds of friends I have realized that it is necessary in life to have them. You need all those different kinds. You need the friends that need you more than you need them and heaven knows you need a friend in class to cover for you when you miss the notes. All of these kinds of friends shape and make you who you are. And hopefully you help to shape them. You even need the friends that don't stay. The friendships may be gone, but the memories will always be there. I think it's better to concentrate on those memories than on the fact that the friendship fell apart. There is something to be learned from all of your friends. Even if they are far away in a foreign country only communicating with you through letters. You might not be as close as you once were, but there was a time when they meant the world to you and helped you through a lot. Instead of focusing on the negative we instead need to simply remember the good times and let ourselves smile about it.
Last but not least there is one more group of friends that I have yet to talk about. I think this is the most important group to have. These are the kinds of friends that you can talk to. And I mean really talk to. You can tell them your random deep thoughts and the problems in your life and not feel weird about it. You can sit up late into the night talking about the gospel and take turns sharing devotionals. I didn't realize until recently that it takes a special kind of friend to do those things. Especially when you can go from one minute of being deep and spiritual to harassing each other. There was a time when I didn't believe these kinds of friends were necessary. In my deep thinking time I have realized that they are. You need an outlet. A way to share your fears or troubles without totally losing it. That's what these friends are for. Most importantly you need a friend who can look you in eye and tell you to shape up. To push you work harder, try your best, and be the best person you can be. You need a couple people who can tell what your really thinking and get you to talk about it. Friends who don't take no for an answer and make you share what's really going on.
I have gone for quite sometime without friends like the last group I described. Not because of anyone else, but me. I have never felt comfortable enough to share those kind of things. And then all of the sudden I tried and I realized that you need it. Friends are a necessary thing. I know that the friends I have now, the ones that I'm talking about aren't always going to be there. We are all starting to take our own little journeys and some of them will lead us far away. But there is one last difference in this type of friend. Even years after being apart you can see them and you can start a conversation with them. It might start out awkward, but all it takes is one laugh one memory to make it feel like things never changed. These are the kinds of friends you stay in contact with and look for in the eternities. These are the friends that help when you're at your lowest. These are the friends that have truly touched you inside and changed the path you were on for the better. These are the friends that helped prepare me for my mission and helped me be the person I am. These are the kinds of friends I am most thankful for.
Deep Thoughts
Sometimes I have too much time on my hands and start to think deeply...never a good thing, ever. Also I blog too much and typically what I'm saying doesn't make sense. Oh well, when in doubt blog it out. I don't really understand why I blog. What even is blogging? No idea. All I know is that it helps me to understand the jumbled thoughts that make up my mind. So onward to the randomness that is today.
First matter of business would concern a little twelve year old blonde who so happens to be my brother, Kyle. He is a pretty awesome little brother I must say, but I have realized that I have been taking him for granted. Since being home I have noticed that most of the time I am getting mad at him. Mad at him for singing some random song at the top of his lungs, for stealing my stuff, or other small things. I also have noticed that I ignore him. He wants to play a game or go sledding and I always have something better to do. And then I also noticed that he is twelve years old and in eighteen months when I come home he will be fourteen. I won't get those two years back. He isn't going to want to color with me or build forts out of coach cushions when I get home. I need to stop being such a punk and be a better big sister. Cade is at an age where it doesn't really matter to him if I am here or not, but it matters to Kyle. He needs someone to do crazy things with him and there is no better person than me to get the job done. I also noticed that by reaching out and doing things with him, I'm happier. I may not get the best nights sleep in a Lion King tent in the living room, but I do have memories that are priceless. Families may be forever and I am so grateful for that, but Kyle isn't going to be twelve forever. I'm not going to be twenty forever...(so old!). I may come home from my mission, but things are just going to continue to change after that. I will go right back to school and hopefully get married in a proper amount of time from my return from Georgia, but no matter what happens the life I am living now isn't going to come back. I need to live every day like it's my last because it is. Not my last day to live, but my last chance with the opportunities of that day. Each day brings me closer to leaving and closer to a chapter of my life ending a chapter that I can go back and read, but not re-live. I need to remember that and take more time to color and have snowball fights, I need to be the sister Kyle deserves.
First matter of business would concern a little twelve year old blonde who so happens to be my brother, Kyle. He is a pretty awesome little brother I must say, but I have realized that I have been taking him for granted. Since being home I have noticed that most of the time I am getting mad at him. Mad at him for singing some random song at the top of his lungs, for stealing my stuff, or other small things. I also have noticed that I ignore him. He wants to play a game or go sledding and I always have something better to do. And then I also noticed that he is twelve years old and in eighteen months when I come home he will be fourteen. I won't get those two years back. He isn't going to want to color with me or build forts out of coach cushions when I get home. I need to stop being such a punk and be a better big sister. Cade is at an age where it doesn't really matter to him if I am here or not, but it matters to Kyle. He needs someone to do crazy things with him and there is no better person than me to get the job done. I also noticed that by reaching out and doing things with him, I'm happier. I may not get the best nights sleep in a Lion King tent in the living room, but I do have memories that are priceless. Families may be forever and I am so grateful for that, but Kyle isn't going to be twelve forever. I'm not going to be twenty forever...(so old!). I may come home from my mission, but things are just going to continue to change after that. I will go right back to school and hopefully get married in a proper amount of time from my return from Georgia, but no matter what happens the life I am living now isn't going to come back. I need to live every day like it's my last because it is. Not my last day to live, but my last chance with the opportunities of that day. Each day brings me closer to leaving and closer to a chapter of my life ending a chapter that I can go back and read, but not re-live. I need to remember that and take more time to color and have snowball fights, I need to be the sister Kyle deserves.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
It's Not About You.
Merry Christmas everyone! It really is a great holiday and a great time of year. There isn't anything like being home for the holidays and being close to your family. I am so blessed to be able to be home with my family for the holidays. Something that I've been taking for granted lately. Today while feeling the Christmas spirit and sitting back and taking in just how great my family is I have realized a lot.
This whole mission is not about me. I have always known that to some degree. I knew that it wasn't about my happiness or where I wanted to go, but that it is all about the Savior. It is about spreading His work and His gospel. But I have realized today that that's not it. This isn't just going to affect me, my decision to go. It isn't just going to be hard for me. I think I often sit back and think of how hard it is on me without thinking about those around me. I often think oh I will miss this and I miss my friends, but what about my family?
This is going to be hard for them too. Satan isn't just pushing me and trying to pull me down he is working on them as well. I'm not just going to miss my brothers games they will miss me being there. I know I'm not dying, but it will be hard not to have me home for the holidays and just for random weekends.
It is time for me to realize that this isn't just my burden or my journey. This affects the people I love too. It is time for me to stop being selfish and sulking because I miss school and the crazy things we did. I can miss school, but I need to show my family that I care. I need to cherish this time I have home with them because really it will never be like this again. It is time to stop focusing on the negatives of being stuck in a small town and focus on all of my blessings and the wonderful family that I have. They love me and I love them so much, now I need to show it.
I also need to be more sensitive to them. Sometimes when they make a comment about me leaving I don't react the best. I just think that I'm not dying so I don't understand why it is a big deal. The thing is, is that it kind of is. I have a very tight family, we do everything together. Even when at school I talked to my parents every day. And now all of the sudden that isn't going to happen anymore. I may not be dying, but it is time to be more sensitive to their needs.
I have also realized lately that it might not be a bad thing to feel. I hate feelings I hate them. Even more than feelings I hate expressing them or showing others that I have them. I think this is something that I should work on. Maybe not all the time I'm not saying I need to turn into a cry baby or anything. But I have noticed that if you show someone you care or are moved even if that means shedding a couple tears they are grateful. They don't make fun of you and if they do they don't really matter. But I know that by refusing to feel it hurts people sometimes and that isn't what I want. Sometimes when words can't express how you feel nothing gets your message across better than emotions or the look on your face. Maybe it's time to let these walls down and let people know how much they matter.
This whole mission is not about me. I have always known that to some degree. I knew that it wasn't about my happiness or where I wanted to go, but that it is all about the Savior. It is about spreading His work and His gospel. But I have realized today that that's not it. This isn't just going to affect me, my decision to go. It isn't just going to be hard for me. I think I often sit back and think of how hard it is on me without thinking about those around me. I often think oh I will miss this and I miss my friends, but what about my family?
This is going to be hard for them too. Satan isn't just pushing me and trying to pull me down he is working on them as well. I'm not just going to miss my brothers games they will miss me being there. I know I'm not dying, but it will be hard not to have me home for the holidays and just for random weekends.
It is time for me to realize that this isn't just my burden or my journey. This affects the people I love too. It is time for me to stop being selfish and sulking because I miss school and the crazy things we did. I can miss school, but I need to show my family that I care. I need to cherish this time I have home with them because really it will never be like this again. It is time to stop focusing on the negatives of being stuck in a small town and focus on all of my blessings and the wonderful family that I have. They love me and I love them so much, now I need to show it.
I also need to be more sensitive to them. Sometimes when they make a comment about me leaving I don't react the best. I just think that I'm not dying so I don't understand why it is a big deal. The thing is, is that it kind of is. I have a very tight family, we do everything together. Even when at school I talked to my parents every day. And now all of the sudden that isn't going to happen anymore. I may not be dying, but it is time to be more sensitive to their needs.
I have also realized lately that it might not be a bad thing to feel. I hate feelings I hate them. Even more than feelings I hate expressing them or showing others that I have them. I think this is something that I should work on. Maybe not all the time I'm not saying I need to turn into a cry baby or anything. But I have noticed that if you show someone you care or are moved even if that means shedding a couple tears they are grateful. They don't make fun of you and if they do they don't really matter. But I know that by refusing to feel it hurts people sometimes and that isn't what I want. Sometimes when words can't express how you feel nothing gets your message across better than emotions or the look on your face. Maybe it's time to let these walls down and let people know how much they matter.
Monday, December 24, 2012
The Nephite Warriors
I just like this story...
Brother Samuel Roskelley, recorder of the Logan temple, relates that in early days the United States Marshals were making lots of trouble for the Mormons, and were conducting "polygamy raids" to pick up the men who had more than one wife.
Two deputy marshals arrived at the temple door one day to find it locked so they could not gain entrance. Brother Roskelley went out to talk to them. They were told that there were no records available to show them. Brother Roskelley told them good bye and locked the door. The lawmen knew that polygamous marriages were being performed and did not like being denied access to the records. They immediately wired for help, and the next day the head United States Marshal for Utah, and a whole posse of deputies arrived. This time they demanded, in the name of the United States Government, that the records be given to them. They were again told that no records were available. The marshal then said: "We know you are doing polygamous marriages and that these records are available. We know you have them, and we are going to have them. We will burn the temple down or even destroy it entirely but what you comply with our request." The Recorder told them goodbye and locked the door on them again.
Brother Roskelley was very worried and spent the next eight or ten hours in constant prayer, asking the Lord to help him preserve the records, that no harm should come to him or to the people concerned, and that the temple records should not fall into the hands of the United States Marshals. He went out under cover of darkness to visit families in the Seventh Ward area. He was up well before daybreak the next morning, dressed in his oldest clothes, put a corn cob pipe in his mouth, and axe on his shoulder as if he were going to the canyon to work, and walked up the middle of the road whistling a happy tune. As he walked towards the temple and crossed a bridge, two men stepped out to stop him. He immediately struck a match to light his pipe, which had nothing in it, said "Good Morning" and walked on past the men. Evidently they supposed he was not a Mormon polygamist, but just a woodcutter going to the canyon.
When Broker Roskelley reached the front door of the temple, there stood two giant men dressed in complete armor with head dress, breast plate, spears and full regalia. They gave him a friendly nod as he passed, unlocked the door and entered the temple. As he neared his office, there stood two more large men dressed in full armor And as he went to the record vaults on the third floor, he came to two other huge men, both dressed in full armor.
As soon as he was sure the records were safe, he asked who they were. They told him: "We are Nephite Warriors, and we are here in answer to your prayers." They told him not to worry, that they would not allow the temple to be injured or the records to be destroyed in any way.
When Brother Roskelley related the incident to President Taylor, he was told that they were, indeed, Nephite soldiers, and that this was no the first time they had been assigned to protect the temple and its people.
Brother Samuel Roskelley, recorder of the Logan temple, relates that in early days the United States Marshals were making lots of trouble for the Mormons, and were conducting "polygamy raids" to pick up the men who had more than one wife.
Two deputy marshals arrived at the temple door one day to find it locked so they could not gain entrance. Brother Roskelley went out to talk to them. They were told that there were no records available to show them. Brother Roskelley told them good bye and locked the door. The lawmen knew that polygamous marriages were being performed and did not like being denied access to the records. They immediately wired for help, and the next day the head United States Marshal for Utah, and a whole posse of deputies arrived. This time they demanded, in the name of the United States Government, that the records be given to them. They were again told that no records were available. The marshal then said: "We know you are doing polygamous marriages and that these records are available. We know you have them, and we are going to have them. We will burn the temple down or even destroy it entirely but what you comply with our request." The Recorder told them goodbye and locked the door on them again.
Brother Roskelley was very worried and spent the next eight or ten hours in constant prayer, asking the Lord to help him preserve the records, that no harm should come to him or to the people concerned, and that the temple records should not fall into the hands of the United States Marshals. He went out under cover of darkness to visit families in the Seventh Ward area. He was up well before daybreak the next morning, dressed in his oldest clothes, put a corn cob pipe in his mouth, and axe on his shoulder as if he were going to the canyon to work, and walked up the middle of the road whistling a happy tune. As he walked towards the temple and crossed a bridge, two men stepped out to stop him. He immediately struck a match to light his pipe, which had nothing in it, said "Good Morning" and walked on past the men. Evidently they supposed he was not a Mormon polygamist, but just a woodcutter going to the canyon.
When Broker Roskelley reached the front door of the temple, there stood two giant men dressed in complete armor with head dress, breast plate, spears and full regalia. They gave him a friendly nod as he passed, unlocked the door and entered the temple. As he neared his office, there stood two more large men dressed in full armor And as he went to the record vaults on the third floor, he came to two other huge men, both dressed in full armor.
As soon as he was sure the records were safe, he asked who they were. They told him: "We are Nephite Warriors, and we are here in answer to your prayers." They told him not to worry, that they would not allow the temple to be injured or the records to be destroyed in any way.
When Brother Roskelley related the incident to President Taylor, he was told that they were, indeed, Nephite soldiers, and that this was no the first time they had been assigned to protect the temple and its people.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Endure to the End
Before getting my call I remember feeling so ready. I was taking mission prep, studying my scriptures, going to the Temple, and attended all of my meetings on Sunday. What could go wrong? How could I lose the spirit I had at that moment and how was Satan possibly going to get to me? There were moments when I swear I was on such a spiritual high that I thought I was untouchable. How silly of me. Even the strongest prophets and leaders of this Church were and are tempted by Satan. No matter how close to God I become he will never stop working on me. Actually the closer I get to my Savior the harder he will work. I sometimes forget that he is my brother. He knows me and he knows exactly how to get to me. It might not be the same way he gets to you or anyone else, but it works. He starts to creep in and make me doubt myself and the things I know. Never the gospel just myself.
The important thing to remember is he may tempt and pull at you, but we can fight back. By studying the scriptures and going to the Temple we are arming ourselves with the Spirit of God. Through that power he can fight Satan and overcome all that he throws at us. Heavenly Father is there he is just a prayer away. He is waiting for us to come to Him so He can help us through our trials. We must endure to the end. Whether on our mission, before our missions, or just in life. We need to stay close to Him and keep on fighting until it's our time to go home.
The important thing to remember is he may tempt and pull at you, but we can fight back. By studying the scriptures and going to the Temple we are arming ourselves with the Spirit of God. Through that power he can fight Satan and overcome all that he throws at us. Heavenly Father is there he is just a prayer away. He is waiting for us to come to Him so He can help us through our trials. We must endure to the end. Whether on our mission, before our missions, or just in life. We need to stay close to Him and keep on fighting until it's our time to go home.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Trust in Him
Have you ever had an experience where you sat back and thought what the heck? I have had many of those in my life. In fact I had one just a few days ago. I was feeling under the weather and was lucky enough to have worthy priesthood holding friends who could give me a blessing. I have had a blessing before many times in fact and for the most part what is said in my blessings tends to be similar. Not exactly the same, but similar. But what was said to me this time were things that I have never heard before or I didn't think that they really applied to my life at the time.
In my blessing it was said that I need to study the scriptures to find the answers to my problems. Which is a blessing of course! But I honestly couldn't think of any problems that I needed answers for. For the next little bit I was so confused. I didn't have any problems. Over time I forgot about it and it wasn't until today that I understood. Things are going to be a little difficult now that I'm moved home. Not because my family and I don't get along, but because the town and I don't get along. I also don't really enjoy sitting back and watching the way my family is treated. As I was pondering these problems today that part of my blessing came back to me. If I study the scriptures I will find answers to my problems. The Lord knew that I would need this guidance later and that the best time to give it to me was in my blessing. I may not have understood the counsel, but He knew better. He knows what we need even when we don't. It is up to us to trust in Him and His plan. One day everything that happens will make sense to us. And we will thank Him for it.
In my blessing it was said that I need to study the scriptures to find the answers to my problems. Which is a blessing of course! But I honestly couldn't think of any problems that I needed answers for. For the next little bit I was so confused. I didn't have any problems. Over time I forgot about it and it wasn't until today that I understood. Things are going to be a little difficult now that I'm moved home. Not because my family and I don't get along, but because the town and I don't get along. I also don't really enjoy sitting back and watching the way my family is treated. As I was pondering these problems today that part of my blessing came back to me. If I study the scriptures I will find answers to my problems. The Lord knew that I would need this guidance later and that the best time to give it to me was in my blessing. I may not have understood the counsel, but He knew better. He knows what we need even when we don't. It is up to us to trust in Him and His plan. One day everything that happens will make sense to us. And we will thank Him for it.
The End of a Chapter
There comes a time in your lives that you will leave the way of life that you have gotten used to. Whether it is when you move in grade school or graduating high school. The time will come and it will be hard. The happens when you're getting ready for your mission. Twice, actually. The first time is when you leave college. I'm going to be completely honest and say that it was not fun. It sucked to be perfectly honest. It is crazy how quickly you can get attached to someone. I have met some of the BEST people at Utah State and though I no longer go there I will never forget them.
As much as I was saddened by leaving Logan I know that because of this gospel I will be able to find those friends for eternity. Even if I don't see some of them again in this life I have eternity to do so. Because of this gospel and the Atonement which made the Plan of Salvation possible I can see them all again. No matter what happens in life or where the world may take us I know that in the end I will be able to find them again.
My mom told me once that in order to move on and take on the next adventure in your life you need closure. You need something to sum of that chapter of your life so you can finish the rest of the book that is your life. It is okay to be sad. It's ok to miss everything that you're leaving behind and be sad because you're friends are hours away instead of just minutes. It is alright to wish it wasn't over and to be afraid of change and what is coming next. But the thing is you can't let that ruin the rest of your life. Time is short. You need to cry it out, hit it out, or just do what you do to move on. Life is great. Enjoy it. Live it. Love it. You may be leaving great things behind and yes things probably won't be the same, but they will get better. Missions are great things. You will enjoy that time more than any other in your life. Prepare yourselves for it so you can hit the ground running and make the time that you're there count. You have eternity to be with your friends and to laugh with them. Stay righteous and true to this Church and you will be blessed.
As much as I was saddened by leaving Logan I know that because of this gospel I will be able to find those friends for eternity. Even if I don't see some of them again in this life I have eternity to do so. Because of this gospel and the Atonement which made the Plan of Salvation possible I can see them all again. No matter what happens in life or where the world may take us I know that in the end I will be able to find them again.
My mom told me once that in order to move on and take on the next adventure in your life you need closure. You need something to sum of that chapter of your life so you can finish the rest of the book that is your life. It is okay to be sad. It's ok to miss everything that you're leaving behind and be sad because you're friends are hours away instead of just minutes. It is alright to wish it wasn't over and to be afraid of change and what is coming next. But the thing is you can't let that ruin the rest of your life. Time is short. You need to cry it out, hit it out, or just do what you do to move on. Life is great. Enjoy it. Live it. Love it. You may be leaving great things behind and yes things probably won't be the same, but they will get better. Missions are great things. You will enjoy that time more than any other in your life. Prepare yourselves for it so you can hit the ground running and make the time that you're there count. You have eternity to be with your friends and to laugh with them. Stay righteous and true to this Church and you will be blessed.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Call.
Just a warning this is going to be a pretty long one. I opened my mission call today! I'm going to serve in the Atlanta Georgia North mission and will be leaving March 6th! It still doesn't feel real typing that. It's so crazy and exciting. Honestly though it hasn't really hit me yet that it is all real. I mean for the last two years I have been waiting for this moment. Waiting to get my call and finally know where I would be serving. I have to admit that after reading where I was going I was a little scared and sad inside. Not because of where I was going, but because that part is all over. Now it's time to really get ready to leave. But that only lasted for a minute I am now completely taken over by excitement!!! It's really happening I know where and when I'm going...so crazy!
Man there is nothing that comes close to opening a mission call. I can't even describe the feeling. I have never shaken that badly in my life. Cade missed that part on the video, but if you don't believe me just ask Jacob he got quite the kick out of it. I had planned on reading it slowly for dramatic effect...that did not work out. Once I opened it I could barely keep it together so I had no choice but to read it as fast as I possibly could. The emotions that you feel as you read that letter are so crazy! I have never been that close to crying without actually crying. It was literally like the time I cried about pickles times 10! Hayley and Chaia will tell you that is quite intense.
I had always known that I wasn't going to leave the United States and honestly I wasn't disappointed with Georgia at all. I know I wanted to go to a Church history mission, but as soon as I read where I was going I knew that was the place I was supposed to go to. Georgia needs me and I need Georgia....plus my accent is going to be sick. I have been to the South before and I love it down there. Football, farms, great food what's not to like! If I get a couple of rocks, Bibles or alligators thrown at me whatev. I know that this is from God. He has a plan for me and serving in Georgia is a part of that plan. There are just so many little details about this call that let me know that this is where I'm supposed to be. I know that without a doubt. It may not be Paris or Florence, but it is where I will do the best work for my Savior.
I also know that it doesn't end her. Just because I have my call doesn't mean I get to take a break from getting ready. I need to prepare even harder and work even harder so the spirit will stay with me. As soon as I put that letter down and I had a minute to myself it wasn't just the peace from the spirit I could feel. Satan and his mind games were at work almost immediately. But I was ready. If you keep the commandments read the scriptures and know why you're doing what you're doing no matter how scary or crazy things get he can't win. The Spirit is with you and will help you come out on top every time. That's right the spirit will help me even when the giant water bugs of Georgia are flying at my face...
There is one very important lesson I learned from opening my call today that I hadn't planned on. I mean I knew that the spirit would strengthen me, that this was His plan for me, and that Satan is a tricky little man, but I hadn't planned on something else. I didn't realize how much it would mean to me to have my friends and family there. There wasn't a huge crowd of twenty people and I forgot to take pictures, but they were there. My parents were both right there with me even though I know it's killing them inside that I'm leaving for so long. They've always supported me in the things I've chosen to do and they haven't stopped. Kyle and Cade the crazy dynamic duo were there cracking jokes and documenting the whole thing. What would opening my call me like without their background noise? My aunts and cousins were on the computer dropping everything just so they could watch me open an envelope. And I know that no matter where I got called they would be excited for me and help me in any way that I need it. I didn't have a crowd of friends, but the ones that mattered where there. Whether it was in person or brady bunch style on my lap top they were there. They dropped their Saturday plans to show me that they cared and it meant a lot. It helped me to remember and see that after 18 months their will be people at home who care about me.
Missions are great. Being a missionary is great. Being Sister Davie who is going to serve in Atlanta Georgia is great. Life is great. The Church is great. You're great. Yes I'm talking to you my four followers who read this.
Man there is nothing that comes close to opening a mission call. I can't even describe the feeling. I have never shaken that badly in my life. Cade missed that part on the video, but if you don't believe me just ask Jacob he got quite the kick out of it. I had planned on reading it slowly for dramatic effect...that did not work out. Once I opened it I could barely keep it together so I had no choice but to read it as fast as I possibly could. The emotions that you feel as you read that letter are so crazy! I have never been that close to crying without actually crying. It was literally like the time I cried about pickles times 10! Hayley and Chaia will tell you that is quite intense.
I had always known that I wasn't going to leave the United States and honestly I wasn't disappointed with Georgia at all. I know I wanted to go to a Church history mission, but as soon as I read where I was going I knew that was the place I was supposed to go to. Georgia needs me and I need Georgia....plus my accent is going to be sick. I have been to the South before and I love it down there. Football, farms, great food what's not to like! If I get a couple of rocks, Bibles or alligators thrown at me whatev. I know that this is from God. He has a plan for me and serving in Georgia is a part of that plan. There are just so many little details about this call that let me know that this is where I'm supposed to be. I know that without a doubt. It may not be Paris or Florence, but it is where I will do the best work for my Savior.
I also know that it doesn't end her. Just because I have my call doesn't mean I get to take a break from getting ready. I need to prepare even harder and work even harder so the spirit will stay with me. As soon as I put that letter down and I had a minute to myself it wasn't just the peace from the spirit I could feel. Satan and his mind games were at work almost immediately. But I was ready. If you keep the commandments read the scriptures and know why you're doing what you're doing no matter how scary or crazy things get he can't win. The Spirit is with you and will help you come out on top every time. That's right the spirit will help me even when the giant water bugs of Georgia are flying at my face...
There is one very important lesson I learned from opening my call today that I hadn't planned on. I mean I knew that the spirit would strengthen me, that this was His plan for me, and that Satan is a tricky little man, but I hadn't planned on something else. I didn't realize how much it would mean to me to have my friends and family there. There wasn't a huge crowd of twenty people and I forgot to take pictures, but they were there. My parents were both right there with me even though I know it's killing them inside that I'm leaving for so long. They've always supported me in the things I've chosen to do and they haven't stopped. Kyle and Cade the crazy dynamic duo were there cracking jokes and documenting the whole thing. What would opening my call me like without their background noise? My aunts and cousins were on the computer dropping everything just so they could watch me open an envelope. And I know that no matter where I got called they would be excited for me and help me in any way that I need it. I didn't have a crowd of friends, but the ones that mattered where there. Whether it was in person or brady bunch style on my lap top they were there. They dropped their Saturday plans to show me that they cared and it meant a lot. It helped me to remember and see that after 18 months their will be people at home who care about me.
Missions are great. Being a missionary is great. Being Sister Davie who is going to serve in Atlanta Georgia is great. Life is great. The Church is great. You're great. Yes I'm talking to you my four followers who read this.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Live in the Now.
My cousins are here and are crashing in my bed. So I stole Kyle's bed, which is my old room. I moved out of this bedroom when I was a freshman in highschool...it really seems like yesterday. I've been out of high school for two years. Isn't that crazy? It seems likes only yesterday I was walking through the doors of that school counting down the days until I would be a big bad senior. And when that day finally came I couldn't wait to graduate and leave it all behind me. And now here I am two years later wondering where the time went. Times flies, especially when you're enjoying life. Every year it seems like things go faster and faster. I can't believe that the semester is almost over. Last year it seemed so much longer. To be honest I wish it was. There are so many more adventures to go on, but we have eternity for that.
My call is supposed to come tomorrow I've known this since last Sunday. I have spent the whole week counting down the days until it will get here. I also have been counting the days I have left at home and the days I have left at school. I think it is just natural for us to do this. You can't down the days you have until an assignment is due or until your favorite show comes on. I think it's just a human thing that everyone does, but why? It doesn't make things come faster or go slower and yet we can't stop. I think though that you need to try. Don't get so excited and caught up in your leaving that you forget to enjoy the way things are now. A mission is going to be fantastic! But that doesn't mean I need to spend so much time now wishing I was gone that I don't enjoy things. I can still prepare and be excited for a mission without forgetting about the present. It's time to get rid of the countdowns and the paper chains. It's time to live in the moment and be grateful for the way things are today.
My call is supposed to come tomorrow I've known this since last Sunday. I have spent the whole week counting down the days until it will get here. I also have been counting the days I have left at home and the days I have left at school. I think it is just natural for us to do this. You can't down the days you have until an assignment is due or until your favorite show comes on. I think it's just a human thing that everyone does, but why? It doesn't make things come faster or go slower and yet we can't stop. I think though that you need to try. Don't get so excited and caught up in your leaving that you forget to enjoy the way things are now. A mission is going to be fantastic! But that doesn't mean I need to spend so much time now wishing I was gone that I don't enjoy things. I can still prepare and be excited for a mission without forgetting about the present. It's time to get rid of the countdowns and the paper chains. It's time to live in the moment and be grateful for the way things are today.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Walk a Mile.
Alrighty so this post might not seem to missionary related, but I promise I have a way that it ties in. It's not so much something that necessarily will help you get ready for a mission, but I think that it's an important principle to remember while on your mission. And actually to remember and apply into your every day life.
I'm sure you've all heard the saying walk a mile in their shoes. This is supposed to help you remember that you don't know what is happening in another person's life. You don't know why they do the things they do and you don't know what's happened to them. There may be times when there is a person in your life and you just don't understand them. But don't judge too quickly. You have no idea what's happening in their head. You don't know what's happening to them at home. And chances are you will never know. This is when you need to love them and forgive them for the things they do. Chances are things are not going so great for them.
I've found that it is often the people who seem the strongest that are hurting inside. These people just find a way to deal with it and block it out. I know that sometimes I don't understand why other people cry, why don't they hide it like I do? It's not that hard. Right? The truth is I'm not them. I don't know what's happening to them and maybe they've finally had enough and are slowly breaking down. It's also true that not everyone is as strong as you. People are built with different stuff. I don't know what makes me the way I am and if I don't know that about myself there is no way I'm going to know that about another person.
There are going to be people on our missions who hurt and disappoint us. They are going to make promises and schedule appointments that they don't keep. And before we get mad we need to realize we don't know what made them act that way. It might seem like they are just flaky or don't care and sometimes that might be in the case, but I really think that there is more going on. We aren't ever going to know what that is. If they're as good as I am at hiding things no one will ever know. We need to accept them, love them anyway and simply let them know that we're here if they need it. You might not ever find out what's haunting them, but there is always a chance that they will break one day and when they do they'll remember you. Be worth remembering.
We are the Lord's tools on Earth. He uses us to find those who are in need. He uses us to make others feel loved and to answer their prayers. Be listening and ready to act on that spiritual guidance when the Holy Ghost calls on you. You never know what kind of a difference you can make. Sometimes He is the only one who knows what's going on and we must trust in Him for it to be sorted out.
I'm sure you've all heard the saying walk a mile in their shoes. This is supposed to help you remember that you don't know what is happening in another person's life. You don't know why they do the things they do and you don't know what's happened to them. There may be times when there is a person in your life and you just don't understand them. But don't judge too quickly. You have no idea what's happening in their head. You don't know what's happening to them at home. And chances are you will never know. This is when you need to love them and forgive them for the things they do. Chances are things are not going so great for them.
I've found that it is often the people who seem the strongest that are hurting inside. These people just find a way to deal with it and block it out. I know that sometimes I don't understand why other people cry, why don't they hide it like I do? It's not that hard. Right? The truth is I'm not them. I don't know what's happening to them and maybe they've finally had enough and are slowly breaking down. It's also true that not everyone is as strong as you. People are built with different stuff. I don't know what makes me the way I am and if I don't know that about myself there is no way I'm going to know that about another person.
There are going to be people on our missions who hurt and disappoint us. They are going to make promises and schedule appointments that they don't keep. And before we get mad we need to realize we don't know what made them act that way. It might seem like they are just flaky or don't care and sometimes that might be in the case, but I really think that there is more going on. We aren't ever going to know what that is. If they're as good as I am at hiding things no one will ever know. We need to accept them, love them anyway and simply let them know that we're here if they need it. You might not ever find out what's haunting them, but there is always a chance that they will break one day and when they do they'll remember you. Be worth remembering.
We are the Lord's tools on Earth. He uses us to find those who are in need. He uses us to make others feel loved and to answer their prayers. Be listening and ready to act on that spiritual guidance when the Holy Ghost calls on you. You never know what kind of a difference you can make. Sometimes He is the only one who knows what's going on and we must trust in Him for it to be sorted out.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Flip the Switch.
My call is on the way and me actually leaving is getting closer and closer. And to be totally honest I bounce around from pure excitement, to cool and confident, and to totally terrified. Every so often I will think that maybe this isn't the right thing, that I shouldn't leave after all. I love my family I love the life I have now do I really want to leave it for 18 months? Things aren't going to be the same when I get back. I won't be the same, my brothers won't be the same. What am I doing? I'm going to miss so much of my brothers lives and just miss my family. Who knows how many of my friends will get married and have kids. Who am I going to live with when I come home? These questions and many others are constantly racing through the back of my mind...
Even though these thoughts and worries are very real and I think that leaving will always be scary there are things that comfort me. I remember when I graduated from high school and left to go to college I though my life was over. I was leaving everyone I knew and moving two and half hours away from my family. What was I supposed to do without everyone and everything I knew? Once I let go of these fears and let myself move on I had a great time. College was great and I adjusted to this new way of life.
I remember the first time I came home from school. I thought it was going to be so weird. Everyone's life at home had kept going while I was at school they didn't just sit around and wait for me to come back. But these fears were all for nothing. My family was waiting for me with open arms. It wasn't weird. Sure I had missed out on things, but after a couple of hours of catching up it was like I never left. Things with friends were of course a little different. My relationships with some faded and with others grew stronger. Those who were going to be in my life forever were there and things worked with them as well. Things with both family and friends wasn't the same as before I went to school, but it wasn't a bad different. No matter how long I had been away they still loved me and I could always come home and pick up where we left off.
It's like flipping a switch. There is the side that is the way things are at college and then there is a side that is the way things are at home. I'm still the same person with a few minor changes, but where ever I go all I have to do is flip the switch and it is like nothings changed. I still remember the things from where ever I was last and don't erase my past, but I can always flip that switch and adjust to the life I'm currently living in. All I need to do with the mission is add another switch. I know that I will adjust to the life of a missionary and that when I come home I can flip that switch and be home as well. I know that not only can I flip the switch, but I will enjoy my time in the mission field as well. I also know that when we put the Savior and His work first the rest of our life will work out. Everything will be fine and He will take care of us. He will be with not only me, but my family as well. This work isn't about me and yet He will still watch over me. Missions are a great thing and I'm so excited for mine. It is normal to have doubts we just need to remember that His spirit will be there to guide us and that it will all work out in the end. I'm leaving my family for 18 months so that others can be with their family for eternity. And I mean that and I testify that it is true.
Even though these thoughts and worries are very real and I think that leaving will always be scary there are things that comfort me. I remember when I graduated from high school and left to go to college I though my life was over. I was leaving everyone I knew and moving two and half hours away from my family. What was I supposed to do without everyone and everything I knew? Once I let go of these fears and let myself move on I had a great time. College was great and I adjusted to this new way of life.
I remember the first time I came home from school. I thought it was going to be so weird. Everyone's life at home had kept going while I was at school they didn't just sit around and wait for me to come back. But these fears were all for nothing. My family was waiting for me with open arms. It wasn't weird. Sure I had missed out on things, but after a couple of hours of catching up it was like I never left. Things with friends were of course a little different. My relationships with some faded and with others grew stronger. Those who were going to be in my life forever were there and things worked with them as well. Things with both family and friends wasn't the same as before I went to school, but it wasn't a bad different. No matter how long I had been away they still loved me and I could always come home and pick up where we left off.
It's like flipping a switch. There is the side that is the way things are at college and then there is a side that is the way things are at home. I'm still the same person with a few minor changes, but where ever I go all I have to do is flip the switch and it is like nothings changed. I still remember the things from where ever I was last and don't erase my past, but I can always flip that switch and adjust to the life I'm currently living in. All I need to do with the mission is add another switch. I know that I will adjust to the life of a missionary and that when I come home I can flip that switch and be home as well. I know that not only can I flip the switch, but I will enjoy my time in the mission field as well. I also know that when we put the Savior and His work first the rest of our life will work out. Everything will be fine and He will take care of us. He will be with not only me, but my family as well. This work isn't about me and yet He will still watch over me. Missions are a great thing and I'm so excited for mine. It is normal to have doubts we just need to remember that His spirit will be there to guide us and that it will all work out in the end. I'm leaving my family for 18 months so that others can be with their family for eternity. And I mean that and I testify that it is true.
Friday, November 16, 2012
All American Girl?
From my meeting with both the Bishop and the Stake President I noticed something, which lead to an interesting lesson.
In my meetings with both of them they would ask me questions to try and get to know me better. They also tried really hard to build my self-esteem and kept saying really nice things about me that I had never thought about myself before. I have never really taken compliments very well. I just don't know what to do when someone compliments me. So when they would tell me things about how awesome I was or how nice I honestly just didn't know what to do. They would make statements about me that I didn't know how to respond to. I thought it was weird that they would build me up this way. And I had a super hard time finding something good to say about myself it just seemed like a prideful activity.
When I came home from my meetings I was still weirded out. The Stake President had told me I was the All American girl...what does that even mean? But after reflecting on what happened in not one of my meetings, but both I think I understand.
For the majority of our lives people around us are tearing us down. I have noticed that one of the ways that Satan especially tries to bring me down is by pointing out all of my imperfections and flaws. He is constantly telling me that I'm not good enough. I know that our Savior and Heavenly Father think the exact opposite of that. They loves us more than anything and are always looking for the good in us. I know that lots of the time they wish we could see what they see in us. I think that they use others like the Bishop and Stake President to try and get us to see ourselves the way they do. I'm not saying I'm perfect or that anyone is, but we are greater than we think we are. There is good in us and about us that we often forget. I think that the Bishop and Stake President were merely trying to make me stronger and help me to see and feel my Saviors love for me.
I still might not understand what an All American girl is, but I will take that as a compliment and be proud of it. I will embrace the good in myself and strive to be better.
In my meetings with both of them they would ask me questions to try and get to know me better. They also tried really hard to build my self-esteem and kept saying really nice things about me that I had never thought about myself before. I have never really taken compliments very well. I just don't know what to do when someone compliments me. So when they would tell me things about how awesome I was or how nice I honestly just didn't know what to do. They would make statements about me that I didn't know how to respond to. I thought it was weird that they would build me up this way. And I had a super hard time finding something good to say about myself it just seemed like a prideful activity.
When I came home from my meetings I was still weirded out. The Stake President had told me I was the All American girl...what does that even mean? But after reflecting on what happened in not one of my meetings, but both I think I understand.
For the majority of our lives people around us are tearing us down. I have noticed that one of the ways that Satan especially tries to bring me down is by pointing out all of my imperfections and flaws. He is constantly telling me that I'm not good enough. I know that our Savior and Heavenly Father think the exact opposite of that. They loves us more than anything and are always looking for the good in us. I know that lots of the time they wish we could see what they see in us. I think that they use others like the Bishop and Stake President to try and get us to see ourselves the way they do. I'm not saying I'm perfect or that anyone is, but we are greater than we think we are. There is good in us and about us that we often forget. I think that the Bishop and Stake President were merely trying to make me stronger and help me to see and feel my Saviors love for me.
I still might not understand what an All American girl is, but I will take that as a compliment and be proud of it. I will embrace the good in myself and strive to be better.
Waiting for the Call
It's official my papers are in! Had my meeting with the Stake President and everything so it is official. This is the only kind of official that is more legit than being Facebook official. Now all that is left is the waiting...oh the waiting. This just might be the longest two weeks of my life. Just for saying that is going to take longer to get here. Patience is a virtue....
Anyway I just wanted to chat about my experience with the Stake President a little bit, cause not gonna lie it was pretty intense. Last Sunday in my meeting with my Bishop he told me that by the end of the whole interview process I should no longer feel nervous, but just excited and most importantly I should feel worthy. I didn't think this advice was that big of a deal. I had never really thought that I wasn't worthy to go on a mission so I didn't understand how I would feel more worthy, but then I had my interview.
The interview was really cool. The Stake President was super nice and I didn't feel uncomfortable. He would read a scripture and ask me to bare my testimony about a principal or topic. At first I was nervous and was sure if I could do it on the stop. But once I started talking and let my words be guided by the spirit I could talk about anything and for a long time. The way I felt as I testified of the things that I knew was amazing and not something I can put into words. It was also neat because I could tell that the interview was just for me. The questions he was asking and the things we were discussing were very personalized and I knew that they were things that I need to think about.
I will never forget the way I felt after that meeting. I knew with a surety and a kind of peace that I had never felt before that I was doing the right thing. Not only did I know that I was worthy to go on a mission, but I knew that it was something that I needed to do. The Lord wants me to go on a mission and He has a work that I need to do. And all those nerves and worries that had been tugging at my mind just went away. Even now days after when things start to get a little crazy there is a new kind of peace and strength in me that I have never felt before. It just seems like I can do anything because I know He is there with me. I'm at a place where I am ready and worthy to preach His gospel and I know that nothing can get in my way if I just in Him.
I also know that from here on out things are just going to get harder. My friends that are on missions now have told me that the hardest part is after you get your call. They said the temptations just crashes around you. As much as I believe them and as intimidating as that is I know that I can do it. Not alone of course, but through the strength and power of my Savior. In Philippians on page 1462 it says that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me." I know now more than ever that, that statement is true. As long as I keep His commandments and trust in Him everything will be okay.
Anyway I just wanted to chat about my experience with the Stake President a little bit, cause not gonna lie it was pretty intense. Last Sunday in my meeting with my Bishop he told me that by the end of the whole interview process I should no longer feel nervous, but just excited and most importantly I should feel worthy. I didn't think this advice was that big of a deal. I had never really thought that I wasn't worthy to go on a mission so I didn't understand how I would feel more worthy, but then I had my interview.
The interview was really cool. The Stake President was super nice and I didn't feel uncomfortable. He would read a scripture and ask me to bare my testimony about a principal or topic. At first I was nervous and was sure if I could do it on the stop. But once I started talking and let my words be guided by the spirit I could talk about anything and for a long time. The way I felt as I testified of the things that I knew was amazing and not something I can put into words. It was also neat because I could tell that the interview was just for me. The questions he was asking and the things we were discussing were very personalized and I knew that they were things that I need to think about.
I will never forget the way I felt after that meeting. I knew with a surety and a kind of peace that I had never felt before that I was doing the right thing. Not only did I know that I was worthy to go on a mission, but I knew that it was something that I needed to do. The Lord wants me to go on a mission and He has a work that I need to do. And all those nerves and worries that had been tugging at my mind just went away. Even now days after when things start to get a little crazy there is a new kind of peace and strength in me that I have never felt before. It just seems like I can do anything because I know He is there with me. I'm at a place where I am ready and worthy to preach His gospel and I know that nothing can get in my way if I just in Him.
I also know that from here on out things are just going to get harder. My friends that are on missions now have told me that the hardest part is after you get your call. They said the temptations just crashes around you. As much as I believe them and as intimidating as that is I know that I can do it. Not alone of course, but through the strength and power of my Savior. In Philippians on page 1462 it says that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me." I know now more than ever that, that statement is true. As long as I keep His commandments and trust in Him everything will be okay.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
This isn't About Me
People all around me are turning in their mission papers. So cool, so cool, right? Yes, yes it should be, but once again that dumb voice in the back of my head. I can't help but be a tiny bit jealous that they're getting their calls already and I'm still pre-mission status. Don't get me wrong I'm super happy for them missions are great. I just really want to go right now, too! And as usual the Lord has read my thoughts and my heart and has an answer for me. I'm being selfish. Pretty much that's it. In the press conference after the announcement during Conference Elder Holland said that it is important to remember that this work isn't about us. It's about spreading the gospel and doing the work the Savior would have us do. Tonight during my scripture readings I found a section that fits my situation quite nicely.
I'm currently reading in the Doctrine and Covenants. Tonight I read section 11. In section 11 the Lord is talking to Hyrum Smith. Hyrum has inquired of the Lord regarding serving a mission. The Lord tells him in verse 15 "Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called." Hyrum may want to go, which later the Lord says is a righteous desire, but it isn't his time yet. I think that is the same for me. I may want to go right now, but it isn't time yet. In 16 it says "Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine." The end of 19 says "...be patient until you shall accomplish it." Hyrum needed to more fully learn and understand the gospel. How can you teach it if you don't fully understand if yourself? Hyrum and I have something in common. I had to wait almost two years before I could turn my papers in. I'm so thankful for that. I would not be anywhere as prepared as I am now if I didn't have those two years of preparation. This last year with mission prep and studying the scriptures the way I have has brought me closer to the gospel than I've ever been.
D&C 11:21 "Seek not to declare my word but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. You can't teach the gospel unless you have it. Only then will you have His spirit to be with you to help and guide you. My favorite thing He tells Hyrum is in verse 26 & 27, "Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth. Behold I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap." It isn't time for me to serve yet and I shouldn't be spending my pre-mission time wishing I was on a mission. Life goes by quickly. The way things won't last forever. Instead of wishing for time to go by quicker I need to appreciate the present and live in it. I should treasure that time. I also like how He says that this guidance isn't just for Hyrum. It is for everyone who wants to go on a mission and spread the gospel. The scriptures aren't just for the Nephites or the Lamanites there for us now. Treasure them and let them guide you.
I'm currently reading in the Doctrine and Covenants. Tonight I read section 11. In section 11 the Lord is talking to Hyrum Smith. Hyrum has inquired of the Lord regarding serving a mission. The Lord tells him in verse 15 "Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called." Hyrum may want to go, which later the Lord says is a righteous desire, but it isn't his time yet. I think that is the same for me. I may want to go right now, but it isn't time yet. In 16 it says "Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine." The end of 19 says "...be patient until you shall accomplish it." Hyrum needed to more fully learn and understand the gospel. How can you teach it if you don't fully understand if yourself? Hyrum and I have something in common. I had to wait almost two years before I could turn my papers in. I'm so thankful for that. I would not be anywhere as prepared as I am now if I didn't have those two years of preparation. This last year with mission prep and studying the scriptures the way I have has brought me closer to the gospel than I've ever been.
D&C 11:21 "Seek not to declare my word but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. You can't teach the gospel unless you have it. Only then will you have His spirit to be with you to help and guide you. My favorite thing He tells Hyrum is in verse 26 & 27, "Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth. Behold I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap." It isn't time for me to serve yet and I shouldn't be spending my pre-mission time wishing I was on a mission. Life goes by quickly. The way things won't last forever. Instead of wishing for time to go by quicker I need to appreciate the present and live in it. I should treasure that time. I also like how He says that this guidance isn't just for Hyrum. It is for everyone who wants to go on a mission and spread the gospel. The scriptures aren't just for the Nephites or the Lamanites there for us now. Treasure them and let them guide you.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Letting Go
This pre-mission thing is pretty tricky. Just when I'm starting to think that I have a handle on the whole thing something will pop up that makes me a tid bit nervous. This weekend I journeyed to the homeland to take care of those dental papers. I've come home before and I've known for a long time that I was going to go on a mission, but there was something different this time. I new feeling was seeping into my heart and my mind tainting everything I did. It was sadness, no not sadness it was bittersweet. A bittersweet feeling. I still want to go on a mission and I know that it is something that I need to do. I also know that it will bless me in a way I can't even imagine, and not just me, but my future and current family as well. With all of this knowledge what was going on? What is this feeling tugging at my heart?
I have been coming home quite a bit lately to take care of this mission thing and even when I'm not home I keep in contact with my family. I talk to them every night, but things are still changing. I was at school for a whole year last year and I didn't feel the way I do now. Last year I felt like I was still apart of everything, a part of my little brothers lives. Those things are starting to slip through my fingers now. Kyle just turned twelve. I missed him getting the priesthood, passing the sacrament for the first time, and his first time going to the temple. I don't know why this hurts, but it does. My whole life I've tried my best to stay involved in both of my brothers lives. To be there for the plays, the choir concerts, the talks, the football games, just everything I know is important to them. I still try even know when I live two and a half hours away, but it's getting harder.
When I came home before I felt like I just slipped back into my old place. After a few minutes of how are you and what have you been up to it's like I never left. It isn't that simple anymore. My parents try I try, but I can see my brothers pulling back. The fact that I'm leaving and will be gone for 18 months looms everywhere. In my empty bedroom, abandoned closet and even in their faces. They know that I'm leaving and it's happening for real. I knew this would happen. We're a close family of course it's going to be hard, but I can't help but feel guilty. What am I doing to them? To my dad, my mom? To Kyle who cries and I haven't even left yet? What if things aren't the same when I get home. I will be missing Cade's whole senior year. He will probably be out on a mission when I get home. It may seem weird, but the part the sums up the whole thing for me is our dog. Cruz is only 8 months old and I know when I get home he will have no idea who I am. What if Kyle's and CAde's memory of me is as easily tainted or lost?
I guess honestly I'm just afraid. I am so blessed to have all that I have. To have the family I do. But as much as I'm afraid there is a simple solution to wash away those fears. This gospel. Families are forever. No matter where I go or for how long I will have them for eternity. These bonds and relationships that I have with them now aren't going to fade away. Because of the blessings of the temple I am sealed to them for time and all eternity. That simple thought wipes away all fears I have. The Lord will bless me and take care of them while I'm away. It also helps to remember that for those 18 months I will leave my family to serve others and try and seal them to their families. I will leave mine for 18 months so others can be with their families for eternity. How great is that?
Missions are hard. If it seems hard now it is just going to get harder, but you don't have to fight along. You have family members, friends, church leaders, and most importantly our Savior. They will all help you all you need to do is ask. It is also important to remember that Satan hates this Church. He will stop at nothing to destroy it and you. One of his most effective ways of getting to us is through self-doubt. Isn't fear just a form of that? I think so. Satan is going to try all kinds of ways to get you to change your mind. He knows us. He was our brother. He knows the right buttons to push. Remember that. He knows what will get to us and he will use that against us. Even more important to remember is the fact that our Savior not only knows us, but loves us. He will comfort us and help us as we strive to do what is right. Hold on to the rod, stay on the straight and narrow. It will all work out in the end.
I have been coming home quite a bit lately to take care of this mission thing and even when I'm not home I keep in contact with my family. I talk to them every night, but things are still changing. I was at school for a whole year last year and I didn't feel the way I do now. Last year I felt like I was still apart of everything, a part of my little brothers lives. Those things are starting to slip through my fingers now. Kyle just turned twelve. I missed him getting the priesthood, passing the sacrament for the first time, and his first time going to the temple. I don't know why this hurts, but it does. My whole life I've tried my best to stay involved in both of my brothers lives. To be there for the plays, the choir concerts, the talks, the football games, just everything I know is important to them. I still try even know when I live two and a half hours away, but it's getting harder.
When I came home before I felt like I just slipped back into my old place. After a few minutes of how are you and what have you been up to it's like I never left. It isn't that simple anymore. My parents try I try, but I can see my brothers pulling back. The fact that I'm leaving and will be gone for 18 months looms everywhere. In my empty bedroom, abandoned closet and even in their faces. They know that I'm leaving and it's happening for real. I knew this would happen. We're a close family of course it's going to be hard, but I can't help but feel guilty. What am I doing to them? To my dad, my mom? To Kyle who cries and I haven't even left yet? What if things aren't the same when I get home. I will be missing Cade's whole senior year. He will probably be out on a mission when I get home. It may seem weird, but the part the sums up the whole thing for me is our dog. Cruz is only 8 months old and I know when I get home he will have no idea who I am. What if Kyle's and CAde's memory of me is as easily tainted or lost?
I guess honestly I'm just afraid. I am so blessed to have all that I have. To have the family I do. But as much as I'm afraid there is a simple solution to wash away those fears. This gospel. Families are forever. No matter where I go or for how long I will have them for eternity. These bonds and relationships that I have with them now aren't going to fade away. Because of the blessings of the temple I am sealed to them for time and all eternity. That simple thought wipes away all fears I have. The Lord will bless me and take care of them while I'm away. It also helps to remember that for those 18 months I will leave my family to serve others and try and seal them to their families. I will leave mine for 18 months so others can be with their families for eternity. How great is that?
Missions are hard. If it seems hard now it is just going to get harder, but you don't have to fight along. You have family members, friends, church leaders, and most importantly our Savior. They will all help you all you need to do is ask. It is also important to remember that Satan hates this Church. He will stop at nothing to destroy it and you. One of his most effective ways of getting to us is through self-doubt. Isn't fear just a form of that? I think so. Satan is going to try all kinds of ways to get you to change your mind. He knows us. He was our brother. He knows the right buttons to push. Remember that. He knows what will get to us and he will use that against us. Even more important to remember is the fact that our Savior not only knows us, but loves us. He will comfort us and help us as we strive to do what is right. Hold on to the rod, stay on the straight and narrow. It will all work out in the end.
The Big Picture
This last October session of Conference an announcement was made that turned the lives of young men and women upside down. For me the fact that Sisters could go on missions at the young age of 19 raced around in my head, over and over. It was so exciting. As I watched Conference the camera panned to the audience to show the faces of the thrilled and shocked young men and women. I turned away from the TV to my friends and watched the little freshman's eyes fill up with tears. Everyone was so excited and so happy. I was too...wasn't I?
I tried to be sincerely happy for all those young women who could suddenly go on a mission and start their papers the next day. I did all that I could so suppress the bitterness that was in the back of my mind and my heart, but I was slowly sinking in it. You see I'm not a young girl of 19 I'm 20 years old and will be 21 in March. Now I realize that 20 isn't old neither is 21. That wasn't my problem. I just couldn't help but think about how things would have been so much better for me if I could have left on a mission when I was 19. I chose this mission pathway when I was 18 and a junior in high school. The next year and a half of my life was dedicated to getting ready for a mission. Even though all of sudden I no longer had to wait I couldn't help but feel like I had lost time by waiting now that the age had been lowered. Thoughts like "If I left when I was 19 I wouldn't miss my brother's senior year" and "I wouldn't have to put off school and mess up loans" kept forcing their way inside my brain. This was such great news for young women and for the Church I just didn't understand why I felt this way.
After days of prayer and scripture study my attitude started to change. By no means did it happen quickly, but it happened. I prayed to the Lord simply asked to have faith. He didn't just give me faith He helped me to understand why things worked out the way they did. If I had left when I was 19 I wouldn't have spent a year and a half at Utah State. So many of the wonderful people that I know wouldn't be in my life. Without the friends and leaders from USU my life would be different. I wouldn't be the person I am today. They have all helped me be who I am and helped shape the Sister missionary I will be. Things don't always make sense or work out in a way that you want them to. Don't get discouraged. There is a reason for everything. It might not make sense now and you might not like it, but one day you will thank Him for it. Have faith in the Lord. He knows what He's doing and He knows your needs better than you do.
I tried to be sincerely happy for all those young women who could suddenly go on a mission and start their papers the next day. I did all that I could so suppress the bitterness that was in the back of my mind and my heart, but I was slowly sinking in it. You see I'm not a young girl of 19 I'm 20 years old and will be 21 in March. Now I realize that 20 isn't old neither is 21. That wasn't my problem. I just couldn't help but think about how things would have been so much better for me if I could have left on a mission when I was 19. I chose this mission pathway when I was 18 and a junior in high school. The next year and a half of my life was dedicated to getting ready for a mission. Even though all of sudden I no longer had to wait I couldn't help but feel like I had lost time by waiting now that the age had been lowered. Thoughts like "If I left when I was 19 I wouldn't miss my brother's senior year" and "I wouldn't have to put off school and mess up loans" kept forcing their way inside my brain. This was such great news for young women and for the Church I just didn't understand why I felt this way.
After days of prayer and scripture study my attitude started to change. By no means did it happen quickly, but it happened. I prayed to the Lord simply asked to have faith. He didn't just give me faith He helped me to understand why things worked out the way they did. If I had left when I was 19 I wouldn't have spent a year and a half at Utah State. So many of the wonderful people that I know wouldn't be in my life. Without the friends and leaders from USU my life would be different. I wouldn't be the person I am today. They have all helped me be who I am and helped shape the Sister missionary I will be. Things don't always make sense or work out in a way that you want them to. Don't get discouraged. There is a reason for everything. It might not make sense now and you might not like it, but one day you will thank Him for it. Have faith in the Lord. He knows what He's doing and He knows your needs better than you do.
mission blog say what?!
Sister Davie. So weird, that's my mom. It's always been my mom and now it's me. Well almost. At this current time I'm in the pre mission stage. How exciting and hard can that be, right? Actually, it's a whole lot of crazy. For some people this pre mission thing might have been easy, but everyone's different. My pre-mission life has been a little intense. It took me a year to decide the mission thing was right for me and another year to prepare. I don't think all girls or even guys need this kind of time, but it was the way things went down for me. And looking back I understand why and am even grateful for it. There is a specific journey for everyone of us. Missions are hard. Going on a mission is hard, working on a mission is hard, and preparing for a mission is hard. But it's not impossible. I know that sometimes the testimony and thoughts of someone like you can help. It can help you find the reasons for what you're doing. I realize that no one may read this, well other than Sam and Hayley, and there is nothing wrong with that. But I really think it wouldn't be so bad to put down why I'm doing what I'm doing. And all the crazy twists and turns my mission journey takes. It could help me I think and who knows maybe even someone else. So that's what this is, a guide, a guide to help you through your journey.
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