18 Months

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

-3 Nephi 5:13

The Mesa Temple Visitors' Center where I have been serving!

The past 18 months of my life I have been serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesa Arizona. I never thought this day would come so fast, but my time as a full time missionary for the Church seems to be coming to an end. As I have paused to look back on my mission I have learned SO much about our savior Jesus Christ and felt prompted to share what I have come to know.

LIFE AS A FULL TIME MISSIONARY . . . . . . .

A missionaries purpose is to "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."

We are testifying, teaching, and inviting all day every day. We missionaries put our whole lives on hold to be assigned an area to serve in and devote all our time to coming closer to Christ and also helping others do the same.
We arise at 6:30 a.m. each day, we exercise, we get ready for the day, we study the gospel of Jesus Christ for 2-4 hours, and then we are out working all day until 9 or 9:30 p.m. when we return home and get ready for the next day to do the same thing over again. It may sound boring, but there is never a dull moment in being a missionary!

God LOVES us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I see God's love in the blessing of
a FANTASTIC companion!

"For [God] is the same yesterday, today, and forever;  and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world..." (1 Nephi 10:18)

He really is the same God that knows and cares about each one of us. No matter who we are he is aware of all we do. I know that he is my loving Father in Heaven. He listens to my prayers and does answer them. This mission has allowed me to really come to know him on a personal basis. There are times when I have been physically or spiritually tried and tested. At these moments I have turned to him for strength. He knows us. He loves us and wants us to return to him.
I see his love each and every day. Thinking back over the 18 months I have seen blessings he has given me daily. Some big and some small. All of them, no matter the size, have allowed me to know the reality and existence of God.

Jesus Christ is the SAVIOR of the World . . .

Because God does love us he has made a perfect plan in which we can return to live with him. This is possible because of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins. He is the savior of the whole world. This mission has allowed me to come to know him better. As I have studied about his life and attempted to apply his perfect attributes in my own I feel an increased sense of unity and love with Christ. This life is not easy, but with him helping us each day we will make it back to our Father in Heaven.
A young boy asked me once "What do you think it will be like to see Jesus again". I think it will be the best feeling in the world! I can not wait for that time where I will have the chance to thank him personally for the gospel he has given us. I know through faith in him, repenting of our sins, following his commandments and being baptized, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and continually enduring to the end we will be blessed with many things each day and ultimately the blessing of eternal life.

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God . . . .

Before the mission I always had a slight idea that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I had read it many times before being a missionary and I knew the basic stories and understood the normal gospel principles outlined (namely faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy ghost, and enduring to the end). I felt good when I read it, but I do not think I knew of the whole importance that the Book contained.
I heard a missionary ask somebody once "What in the Book of Mormon have you read that is not true?" The person was a little taken back and did not have anything to answer. I sat there and thought... do I have something to answer? Nothing. That is my answer. There is nothing in the Book of Mormon that is not true. It is 100% true! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It testifies of Jesus Christ and his great example and ministry. It allows us to fully understand what things we can do on this earthly life to prepare ourselves to return to our Father in Heaven. Because God loves us he has given us a way back to him and this book helps us in knowing how to live our lives to obtain eternal happiness.

Mesa. I love you <3

How Great the Love

It is such a blessing to serve at the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center. We are always having different things going on here that really help us to feel the spirit.

Right now the Visitors' Center has a new art exhibit that was just put up. The exhibition is entitle

 How GREAT the LOVE. 

The fine art comes from an LDS artist Annie Henrie, multiple other local Arizona artists, and a few Carl Bloch etchings as well. It is simply beautiful.

This exhibit really allows us all to take a moment and think about our Savior's love for us. He knows us and loves us. He has given his life that we may be able to return to him. I know that it is such a blessing to be able to turn to him in all things and find peace.

Here are a few of the pieces that are up at the Visitors' Center right now!

One Shepherd by Howard Lyon

"And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

  -3 Nephi 15:21

How Great the Love by Annie Henrie

Fragmented Angels by Annie Henrie

This is one of my favorites. It shows how there are always angles around us, even if at first we can not see them they are there. The world is crazy and  at times we must take a step back to see the beauty, the blessings, and ultimately the angels around us.

Endless Days by Annie Henrie

"The family is ordained of God"

-The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

 Family relationships do not just end on this earthly life, they can and will last for all eternity.

Lehi discovers the Liahona by Morgen Thruston

The Prayer by Annie Henrie

We can and will find out truth through simple and meaningful prayer. I know that it is the only way to truly know our purpose here on this earth and I am so thankful for the Love of Christ and the ability to pray!

Come to the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center (525 E Main St. Mesa AZ) and see ALL the artwork! This is only a small glimpse into a truly breathtaking exhibit that truly helps us feel the Love of Christ.

.A.S.T.O.N.I.S.H.I.N.G.

Astonishing. Extremely surprising or impressive

Christ Healing the Blind Man. Carl Bloch

The other day I was blessed with a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a training that us Visitors' Center sisters received here in Mesa Arizona. We had Brother Lusvardi from Salt Lake City come and visit us for a wonderful training on how to utilize the Visitors' Center a bit more. 

In the meeting we spoke about the potential we have to become astonishing teachers. Jesus Christ is the best example of being an astonishing teacher. In all he did he taught with charity and clarity. The love he shared helped all to see the power and truth behind the gospel message.

In the Book of Mormon there are many wonderful astonishing teachers. One of my personal favorites is named Alma, who is continually desiring to be better. He had his own personal conversion to the Gospel in the form of an angel coming to help him see what was truly correct. His account states:

"the angel of the Lord appeared unto [him]... and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood. 

And so great was [his] astonishment, that [he] fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto [him]." -Mosiah 27:11-12

At one time in the life of Alma he was against Christ and any teachings that would be given about him. He was on his way to "destroy the church" when the angel appeared and changed his whole view on things. After that experience he changed. He had become personally converted.

In order to be astonishing we must be personally converted.

Once that happens we have a desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. By the Holy Ghost leading and guiding us we can help others feel a portion of the love that Heavenly Father has for them.

Back to Alma... 

After he was converted to the Lord he went around and shared what he knew to be true. He was only able to do this after searching scriptures diligently, praying, and fasting (Alma 17:2-3). 

In order to be astonishing we must study, pray, and fast.

Alma went through a period of time when he wished he could be better... but then again, who doesn't feel that way at least once if not a lot more in their life... He remembered his converting experience and how it shook the earth, it changed his heart, and he wanted to do the same to others. He remarks 

"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with a trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Yeah, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth" -Alma 29:1-2

Now, who wouldn't want that!!! As Alma declared his hearts desires he realized that this was not necessarily the best way for him to share the gospel. Sure, that was how he was converted, but others may have needed a different approach. He remarks how he is just man, how he "ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto [him]" (Alma 29:3). He realized and came to the understanding that it was up to him to listen to the people and then to bring the spirit into their lives in a unique way for each one to hear the gospel message.

In order to be astonishing we must listen and act by the spirit.

I can not even begin to explain all the things that this meeting taught me. Looking at the picture above I see there are many different people, they have different emotions and problems. We are different and can become our own kind of astonishing as we let the Lord lead and guide us.

Let us all become astonishing

Optimist Realist.

Optimism. It is a hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.

Realism. The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.

I had a friend once tell me that they were optimistic about life, yet realistic about the world. I deemed the term "Optimist Realist" and have done a lot of thinking about that recently. As I have studied the scriptures I see that there are many people that are able to have both these realistic and optimistic qualities. They are able to take situations given to them, bad or good, and make conditions better. They know the situation, whatever it may be, can have a successful outcome and they are prepared and ready to deal with whatever is able to happen.

That is something that I have tried recently to learn from and apply in my own life. I have heard the saying "When life gives you Lemons, make lemonade" and that is that optimist realist thought! It is important to be positive about things, yet realistic about them too.

Ammon, one of my personal favorite Book of Mormon missionaries, is a perfect example of this. He shows how he is realistic about what is going on, but also optimistic that something better can come. At one point in his missionary life he found himself serving a king. He was instructed to stay with the other servants and protect the flocks of the king. Well the bad guys came and scattered the flocks. The other servants are having a very sad day knowing they may be punished for not protecting the sheep. This is a bad situation that they were all in.
Having a realistic outlook Ammon knew things could be bad for them. Rather than just giving up he was optimistic in what could happen. He used this situation to share the gospel! He showed his faith in acting. I love what Alma 17:29 says.

"Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words." --Alma 17:29

Ammon then goes out and gathers the flocks and protects them when the bad guys come back. He uses the power of God to protect himself and the others with him. This example that he sets eventually turns many hearts to God. Those who had not even known they were searching for answers were able to find them in turning to Heavenly Father.

I just love that example. Ammon really did make lemonade with what poor situation he had been dealt with. He did not, however, do this alone. He had help from a loving Heavenly Father who had promised to protect him in his work (Mosiah 28:7).


I know I need to be better at this! I need to have more of an optimistic and realistic outlook on the things I am dealt in life. With Heavenly Father all things are possible, I know that. I know that as we turn to him and continually have our hearts centered on him we can find the positives behind all that we are given.  

In A Nut Shell

Wow... I have not blogged in a long time. Sorry :)
These last weeks have been filled with so many miracles. It has been incredible to see how the Lord is truly hastening His work at this moment in time! I know that we can all do our part in helping others come unto Christ each and every day, we each have a role to play!

Here in Mesa there are many amazing things happening. Many times there are miracles each day, we just have to open our eyes to what the Lord has given us. I am grateful for the chance to Open My Eyes. There are people around us each day who want to change, an invitation many times is exactly what is needed to help them do so.

Recently there have been two large life changing events for me out here on the mission. One was a baptism of a young man named Cali and the other was the Gilbert Temple Open house I was blessed with the chance to attend.

This is Cali. He is a 17yr old young man who was really guided by the spirit in finding out truth for himself.

Cali - 18 January 2014

Now let me tell you a little bit about Cali's story. This young man has always had a knowledge of God, he has always felt directed to do good in his life, yet had never found his belonging in Church. A few months ago he began attending a LDS church class that was offered at the local high school (called Seminary). After learning a little there and attending church a few times he felt the need to learn more of the gospel so he met with the missionaries!

When we meet with people we invite them to ask the Lord if things are true, we ask them to find out for themselves what things they need to change in their lives to find happiness. Well that is EXACTLY what Cali did. He asked and found his answer for himself. A 17yr old boy changed his life around and followed the example of Jesus Christ and was baptized.

I wanted to share just a little bit about what he thought. This is from a FB posting he put up a few weeks before his baptism.

For the past few months, I have been doing many things to learn more about that LDS church. I've been asking friends questions, going to seminary, attending church, and even having missionary discussions. Throughout all of this, I have learned so much. Most notably, I've learned that all of this has made me feel a way I have never felt before. Its amazing. Learning, praying, reading, all of this has made me happy beyond belief. I love it so much. I love the beliefs, the morals, the people, all of it. I have even come to find that many of the beliefs and morals that I've had and developed through my life are reinforced in this church. They aren't crazy as many ignorantly believe. They are not to different from other christians as they are themselves also humble christians. I have wanted for a very long time to be baptized into a church, and I have finally found one that I love. As my friends and family, I'm not asking nor do I expect you to agree with my beliefs, but I do wish for you to support me and be happy for my decision as it is making me happy. So if you have any negative comments, please keep them to yourselves. Anyways after many months of hard thought about this, learning, and praying, for the reasons I've mentioned, and many more spiritual feelings I could not describe, I have officially decided to be baptized into The Jesus Christ Church of Latter-Day Saints.  — feeling ecstatic.

No matter who we are, no matter our gender, our age, our background, Jesus Christ wants us to follow him!

Baptism is the first step. Cali, if you read this know you are not done now!!! There is so much more to learn and understand in coming closer to Him.
Now comes the TEMPLE.

I had the chance to go to the Gilbert Temple Open house!The temple is such a beautiful special place. It really is the Lord's house. Inside the temple we are able to learn exactly what our Father in Heaven has in store for us. We are able to grow closer to him and find answers to questions we may be struggling with.

I know that the temple is the Lords home. Here are some pictures of the open house I was able to attend!

The Gilbert Arizona Temple 

On the way!

Going outside the Mesa Mission... we crossed the border! (with permission)

Sister Shana joined us 

Each temple has an inscription: Holiness To The Lord. The House of The Lord 

I love it here

Beautiful windows all over the Temple

The Farley family came too :)

Pure beauty

Baptism.
                             The first step.
                             Temples.
                                                                                   The Lord's House.

With Jesus Christ we can find true happiness in this life. I know this with all my heart! 

Mistakes.

Mistakes. Lets face it. No matter how hard we try and fib ourselves, we all make them!
Even missionaries make mistakes! In all we do we try and follow the spirit and follow the example of Jesus Christ, but sometimes mistakes are made.

The other day my companion and I made a mistake. It was not a big one, but it was a mistake. Here is what happened...

Dinner time. Next to teaching lessons it is the best part of being a missionary. We have the chance to eat with people in Mesa who just want to serve us missionaries. This was the funniest turn of events for dinner in my life.
Sister Weedman and I had been in communication with the family who we planned to eat with earlier in the day over text messaging. They asked what kind of food we felt like. Personally I wanted nothing! I had been sick for a few days and nothing sounded good so I left it up to my wonderful companion to decide. The decision was made, Hawaiian Haystacks was the verdict. In the course of our little message conversation we let the family know I was a bit sick just so they did not expect me to eat much and with that our chat concluded.
4:50pm rolls around, almost dinner time! We had just finished having a fantastic lesson with one of our dear friends and we were on our way to find nourishment. Sister Weedman is about to do a dance at the thought of having her favorite meal, I am just praying I will make it through the night!
5:00pm We knock on the door and a kind sister answers and leads us into her living room. We take a seat and chat for a little thinking that it is just a pre-meal chat. As minutes goes by we realize no food.
5:10pm Both sister Weedman and I notice the kitchen is empty, no smell of food anywhere. Something is wrong.
My mind starts racing. One of two things happened. She forgot, or we are at the wrong house!
A Mistake Has Been Made. Not a life altering one, but a mistake none the less.
I said a silent prayer as to what to do to get out of the situation. Right then this sister asks about the people we had been teaching. I quickly perked up and mentioned needing to check the phone for a message about a lesson that night. As I pulled the phone out of my bag I saw a few messages, one of them from the REAL family we should have been eating at. Somehow I showed the message to Sister Weedman and we ended our conversation and were on our way.
5:12pm In the car we busted out laughing at the sheer awkwardness of our whole conversation with these people. Going to a home expecting food and finding nothing can give you quite a shock! We had not read the messages earlier in the day well enough to realize that this sister had planned to bring us the food since I was not feeling very well! She was waiting for us at a random house to come and pick up our meal.
As we met this lady we realized that the home we were at was indeed her home, those were her parents who we had a nice chat with, but the plan was for us to eat at our own home so I could get a little extra rest and not feel bad by not eating much. We all had a good laugh over the silly mistake we had made and it turned out to be an answer to my prayers in being able to get through the night without feeling overly sick!

Again, not a huge mistake, but it was a mistake. I have learned many different things on my mission and one of those being everybody has times where they make poor choices. Mistakes are a part of life, but so is getting over the mistakes! With the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can move past our mistakes and look forward to a brighter future. I know that our Savior loves us and wants us to be happy and by putting all trust in him! Mistakes are made, and that is okay. It only means we are human :)

Happiness

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

-Philippians 4:13

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It really helps me to just be happy! Yeah, sure, life is hard. It was not made to be easy. However, we can gain joy in the difficult things as we learn to grow and overcome. With Christ we can do all hard things! I know that to be true. 

The past few weeks of missionary life have been hard. I have formulated my own secret plan of success in becoming happy. As I have applied some of these things I have really seen a change!

How to be happy according to me :)

Happy with my Friends :)

- Realize you find it in the little things!

- Think positively about E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.... The people around you and yourself included.

- Take time to do the silly things you love.

- Substitute any negative thoughts with positive ones.

- SMILE

- Do not have unreasonable expectations set on yourself.

- Do not over do it. 

- Read scriptures for at least 5 minutes OR more a day!

- Pray as often as possible.

- Set aside time to think and ponder.

- ACT on spiritual promptings that are felt.

At times we get down, but turn to Christ. He is there to help build us up! As we do so he will give us the success we need! I know this is true. The other day I was just down. I do not know why, but it was just not a good morning. Right before I left the house I decided to just 'get over it' and turn to the Lord. I knew if I just let him lead me I would not only find happiness, but also comfort and peace! I found it :) I felt his love so strongly that day as he helped me get through the day!

Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you succe`ss. -Alma 26:27