joy is the reward

In mission prep this morning, Professor Clark shared something that I feel will be a theme for me in serving the Lord's mission in West Virginia:

Joy is the Reward

Obedience is the price.

Faith is the power.

Love is the motive.

The Spirit is the key.

Christ is the reason.

We can return to our Father.

The Gospel is true, it's for me and for you.

Also, I don't know how many of you read this blog who have mission calls but I have been hearing a lot of people talking about how they are really struggling and battling with the devil. I am here to say that you are not alone in feeling that way. I too have been dragging my feet a little because of the trials that the devil has placed before me. You might assume that once you have decided that you are going on a mission that your weakness hide away. They DO NOT. You might assume that once your mission papers were in that the problems would just leave. They DO NOT. You might assume that once you have your mission call that the trials vanish. They DO NOT. 

Now I'm not writing this to scare you. I am doing it to encourage you to be ready when they trouble sticks around and gets worse. Remember that although it might feel terrible, there is a reason to the madness. 

You are doing the greatest thing the Lord has ever asked of us, that's why.

The devil hates that we are acting on the Lord's errand and he will try to stop us at any cost. I know I'm feeling it just like you. Everyday is a struggle but we can all get through it together. I have been studying my scriptures, praying, writing things that impress me down in journals, fasting and most recently I asked my dad to give me another father's blessing. 

I am in school right now while I wait to go on my mission and the devil has been using that as a weapon against me but ever since the blessing on Sunday, I have been filled with increased spiritual fortification. Be diligent in finding peace and comfort through Christ, He wants you to come unto Him. We aren't going to be able to find comfort and solace through our families while we are out, we NEED to learn to lean on our Heavenly Parents more fully in able to succeed on our missions and in the future. I know this to be true!

Ninety.Days.Left.

missionary work is...

"I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are the church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our great eternal head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never ever easy for Him?"

--A quote that was posted on Facebook by a fellow sister, that I really liked.

for the eternal purpose

April 25, 2013

Draper, Utah

I had started my last semester at Byu- Idaho just five days earlier, and I was back again. Back home. Back with family. It felt so nice to be in a familiar and warm place. It was a big day. My mom kept chanting, "It's your day, all you!" I smiled softly, knowing that it was her way of saying I'm so proud of you. 

It was crazy getting to Draper and there was so much to prepare and get all ready and in the car before we could go. I was to be there an hour and a half before the session started, we were right on time. Barely.

It was beautiful. The experience of going through the temple was absolutely, undeniably stunning. With no real idea of what was about to take place, the temple workers were so kind and they really know how to take care of us newbies! I even had a really bad cough that drove everyone crazy, but they didn't show it. They brought me in a paper cup of water and tissues. They really do try to make you feel as comfortable and calm as possible.

I was really sick to my stomach as well and had a pounding headache but somehow, I got through everything just fine, I can only thank Heavenly Father for helping me through. I felt so protected and helped in the temple and now I have the blessing and protection that comes with endowments. I couldn't be happier, I am doing something very special to the Lord and I feel so blessed for it.

.........................

I still laugh at the fact that if you had told me a year ago that I would be wearing garments and getting ready to leave on a mission that I would probably giggle and deny it, or just stare at you like, you have finally lost your sanity, that's not possible. But you know what? All things through Christ are and will always be possible if we only have faith! 

The church is true and the Temple is a beautiful blessing to us where we can find help and guidance in all things. I love this Gospel and really am way too excited to serve! 

One.Hundred.And.Four.Days.Left.