Where is Your Focus?

My whole Sunday seemed top have a theme. In Sacrament meeting the thing that stood out the most was, "Do we see the world and people as they really are/how Christ sees them?" and n Relief Society our lesson was on "Centering our Lives on Christ". It was beautiful and the questions that were asked were inspiring and very thought provoking. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/the-joy-of-living-a-christ-centered-life?lang=eng Y'all need to check it out and ask yourselves these questions: Do I see people how Christ would see them? What have I given to center my life on Christ?
A story I found very profound was one the teacher gave before she opened up for discussion with questions:
She was Christmas shopping and the cashier asked her if she was finshed christmas shopping. She said no, she had only begun. The cashier told her that in his family they don't give gifts. It began when his family was struggling for money and couldn't afford gifts for his entire extedned family. They first objected to not sending gifts, but eventually everyone relented. As Christmas time came around, everyone enjoyed Christmas more, and there wasn't any feeling of competition at all. It was wonderful. He said they had a more Christ centered Christmnas than they had in a very long time.
I'll leave you with this question, how can you best center your life on Christ in this coming New Year?
I testify to you that as we serve Him and His children we will be blessed, guaranteed and we will be happier. It might seem like a sacrifice but He already gave the biggest sacrifice, I'm sure that we can give Him something. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

A Christmas Message

Never forget the reason for the season: A Savior is Born! christmas.mormon.org is a wonderful website with two videos about why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate because we have been blessed with the opportunity to repent and try again, we celebrate because He knows how we feel and can help us, we celebrate because He allows us the opportunity to live with our Heavenly Father again. He celebrate because He lives again! I love my Savior and through Him I can do all things and He strengthens me. I testify that we can repent, we can be forgiven, we can overcome so much, because we have a Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Living on the Edge

In the MTC I heard this quote, "Have you gone to the edge where miracles occur?" Let that sink in for a sec. Have you worked as hard as you can? Have you prayed and studied as much and as hard you can? Have you searched for opportunities as much as you can? Have you followed the commandments exactly without wavering? Have you repented every day without fail? If you want miracles, God is going to make you work for them. Our religion is one of faith and action. If we want God to do something for us, we need to act.

 The Lord only helps those that work and sometimes you're working to the edge, but it is where you reach the edge of the light that miracles occur. That's when random people pull you into their houses and tell you that they need to get to know Jesus better but don't know how. That's where in-active members that you visit teach come back to church. That's where random coworkers ask you for help because their daughter just died and they don't know if they'll see her again. God expects exact obedience and exact repentance. No more more no less. Life gets hectic, but that edge where miracles occur, that's where I want to be for the rest of my life.

I testify that diligence brings miracles. God will see your efforts and smile. His blessings will pur out upon you and you will not have enough room to receive them (Malachi 3:10). In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Returning Home to the Father

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D&C 18:15-16) 

There is nothing better that when a child of God finds his or her way back to Him. Meeting with investigators who are earnestly seeking a way to grow closer to their Heavenly Father, and helping them come closer to Him through reading the scriptures, praying, going to church, being baptized, and then working towards the temple. There is nothing better on this earth because my mission might be only 18 months (17 now), but I will be a mother one day and I will help my children come to the gospel and I am always a member missionary. 

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored on this earth through Joseph Smith and that we have a prophet on this earth today. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that My Savior died for me so that I may live again as he did. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The Enormous Power of the Scriptures

I know and love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that God has established His church on earth and I am so grateful to share the gospel and the Book of Mormon which becomes more and more beautiful every time I read it. Speaking of which, check out Helaman 3:29-30

" 29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

 30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out."

There is truly power in the scriptures and studying them. Studying the scriptures will divide asunder the power of the devil over you. Isn't that amazing?! As we study the scriptures and grow and progress in the gospel we will sit with some of the greatest prophets and most righteous the world has ever known! I testify that this is true and through studying the word of God and applying it every day will bring you closer to God and will bless your life in ways you can't even imagine."

Being Led by the Spirit is a Blessing

"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." 1 Nephi 4:6

This is life. This summer I learned much about this but I am learning this more in a concentration here at the MTC. In our lesson with our sweet investigator last night, we decided to be led by the Spirit and ask inspired questions. We had covered a lot in previous lessons but we needed to hear more of what she had to say. It was awesome to be able to answer her questions purely by prompting. That lesson went well. I have testimony of eternal families and how my mom's example brought my dad to the gospel. I want to share the gospel so that other little girls can be sealed to their families like I was. It was such an amazing blessing to have my daddy attend his first endowment session after years of not having a temple recommend, and then ask my mom when they will go back together.

Missionaries Follow God Despite Obstacles

 *Hi, I'm Karis, Lyssa's friend. She has asked me to post blog posts that she writes and sends to me while on her mission. Thank you for visiting!*

The Book of Mormon is inspiring. It contains the personal stories of prophets and their testimonies. These are imperfect men who were directed of God to lead His people. Two examples are Alma and Ammon. Alma the Younger wrote much of the book of Alma. As you read the book of Alma, you will notice that sometimes he goes off on a tangent, and then comes back to his story. Personally, I think he had ADD. Did this stop him from being an amazing missionary and prophet? No! He proceeded to work miracles through his Savior.

Ammon, son of Mosiah, was one of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon. Alma 22:17 he might have had narcolepsy. Did this stop him from being an amazing missionary? No!

I know that as I work hard and rely on the Lord, I too can be an amazing missionary.

Scary Deadlines

Here are a few statements I would like to make about my mission: I am scared,scratch that, I am terrified, I will miss my boyfriend, I will miss my family, I will miss my friends, I do feel inadequate, I feel a little overwhelmed by how much has fallen into place and how much I still feel crazy nervous, BUT this is the right decision for me. I felt the call to serve when I was 16 and the missionary age change was announced. It grew and grew until it was questioned this last winter. I realized I didn't absolutely have to serve a mission, but it was up to me and I knew I would be blessed for it. Then it rekindled stronger than before. It grew as I began filling out my paperwork. It grew ever bigger as I submitted my papers. Finally my call to serve in the Washington Seattle Mission came. It was an amazing and terrifying experience. Since I've come home I've had so many things fall into place for during and after my mission. My life is definitely not how I envisioned it. It is beautiful though. I will be dedicating my life to the service of my God and his children for the next 18 months starting in four days. Only four days! 

I will compare this to a seed as in Alma 32:28-43. It started small, but as I nourished my testimony of my call to serve, it grew and grew. It was good. It felt good. I had a purpose. It became a beautiful tree. I will continue to nourish it so that the fruit of my laboratory will be sweet. I will be the best missionary I can be, despite seasonal affective disorder, despite social anxiety, despite any trial I may come across.

I testify to y'all that I know that I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me. I share these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Growth is Essential

"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life-- Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" (Mosiah 18:8-10) 

Tonight we had the missionaries over for dinner, and this scripture was given in their lesson. I've been reading Preach My Gospel a lot lately in preparation of my mission (9 days!!).

This scripture is obviously written for baptism but I had a revelation while listening to the elders read it again. It is the qualities of someone who is ready or baptism, but are they not also qualities of those who are also ready for more progress in the gospel, such as serving a mission, going to the temple, getting married, and so on. The gospel of Christ is the gospel of progression: always growing and developing. Stagnation is inpossible, you are either progressing towards Christ, or moving backwards.

I bear my testimony to you that growth is essential to being close to God. As we grow, we become more an more like our Heavenly Father. That's the goal, isn't it?i leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Temple Dresses and Talents

At the beginning of the summer my aunt gave me her first temple dress, and it was near perfect. The length and the waist were absolutely perfect. The only problem was that the bust was a size too big. I thought this shouldn't be an issue because I could just take it in on the sides, right? The end of my stay in Utah came and I really began to look at this dress not long before I flew home. I began to understand that this dress would be a bit more of a project than I originally thought. I discovered I couldn't just take it in on the sides, I would have to take it in on every seam because it was a size bigger (funny right?). 

One day I decided to take it on. I took apart the top and took in the seam allowance by half an inch. I ironed, clipped, sewed, grunted with frustration, seam ripped, sewed again, and so on till I finally got it. I did it! I tailored my first dress! It is beautiful and I am grateful that I will have a temple dress for the next few years. 

I have a testimony that we have talents for specific reasons. My sewing talent saved me at least forty dollars that I don't have right now. My Heavenly Father has a plan for me and I am grateful that he loves me enough to share with me such a beautiful talent. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Breaking Destructive Cycles

Recently I have been able to be a cheerleader for someone who was struggling. This friend has been such a blessing in my life and I am thankful for them. Through my many strugglings over the last few months, he has been a wonderful support. On Thursday it was my turn to be his support. 

He had something huge due that he was really struggling with, and then suddenly it was the day before it was due. Panic set in. I also know that feeling all too well. He didn't have a direction with this assignment, or he did but it was vague. He kept spiraling back into, "I have so much to do and it is due tomorrow!" It is that panic that is crippling and doesn't get anything done. I was able to help him focus back onto his assignment and finishing. Every so often I'd send encouraging texts like, "You can do it!!"

This can be compared to our Savior and repentance. Sometimes we become overwhelmed by our trials and sins we feel trapped. Satan tells us that we can't escape. BUT WE CAN. Repentance is possible and very real. It isn't going to be like before. Our sins will not be wiped from our memory. BUT we can be made clean again. We can have our garments washed clean. We do not need to continue to walk around with our sins. We must wake up and stop our destructive cycles. We must begin to repent. I have. I have many many many times. And I am grateful every time.

I bear my testimony to you that repentance is real and possible. Through Christ's Atonement we are able to become clean. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Trusting God When Plans Change

To say this summer didn't go according to plan would be a major understatement. This was mostly fine, in fact it was wonderful. As everyone knows though, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. A lot of what happened this summer I thought I could leave behind and just focus on mission prep, I was WRONG. Haha. It's not a bad thing, it just wasn't according to plan. I am very blessed because it didn't go according to plan. I began learning to "play by ear" with the Spirit. That was so cool. But it was on a day to day basis, I wasn't necessarily looking forward in time much. 

Fast forward in time: I am home and I have 33 days till I fly out to the MTC. Everything is great except I have to make some big decisions within the next couple of years, as in as soon as I get back from my mission. I have officially sent an email to SVU with questions regarding another deferment for my enrollment and scholarship to 2018 instead of 2017.

In the last month I've been trying to include something like "please let everything happen according to thy plan" or "thy will be done". It's so hard and sometimes scary! I tend to like my plans. They tend to look the best before things happen. But I know that God knows what he's doing a lot better than I do. We do have agency which allows us to choose our own path, but He knows what is best for us and so it's best to trust Him. 

I testify to you that God knows and loves each of us. He has a plan for us. Sometimes it's hard, but it's always worth it. I leave these things with ou in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

From the inside out

"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just--yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them--therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God." (Alma 31:5) I read this verse the other day, but I heard it again in sacrament meeting today. This may seem like a simple notion, that preaching the gospel will cause more change in people than the sword, but this notion is true! Love teaches and changes people than  a "system" or laws or wars or rules or regulations. If church is treated and taught to be a requirement and a punishment, then it will be viewed as such. If church is treated and taught to be as a treat, a special relaxing and spiritual escape, then it will be that. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes getting out of bed is hard. Sometimes getting kids in the car without screaming is hard. I know that living where I have lived, and going to school where I have, I have learned to love church. Church was an escape. Someplace sacred and quiet.

In high school I was not very nice and far too sarcastic, and then I learned about charity. Charity is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:46-48). I heard about it in seminary and slowly realized I lacked in this quality. I wanted it though. I started an internal change. Something that is being gained through my own choice. Not through the strict rules of my family. Not through the rules of school. Not through the standards of the church. I was already following those. I began to understand the spirit of those rules and standards. The change brought about came from within and with the spirit. 

I bear my testimony that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has the full gospel. I know hat as we learn and live the gospel we will change from the inside out. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Girl Power!

Ladies, let's face it, we have it kind of rough. From periods to periods (and let's be honest, that is a true range of issues) to bad hair days to out of control hormones and so on. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair. We're criticized by everyone, mostly other women, that we're too fat, short, skinny, tall, awkward, nice, mean, ugly, pretty, it doesn't matter, for some reason it's always a bad thing even if it should be good in theory.

BUT YOU'RE REALLY AMAZING!!! You are a Daughter of God! You are beautiful no matter what you look like. Women are awesome! We help create and then carry little people! We are entrusted with our Heavenly Father's children to specially care for and co-raise these special spirits! We rock! We are given the errand of angels. 

For most young women, today periods won't be worth it. Today the mean girls at school might not see your worth. Today your broken heart might not be mended. But God has a plan for you and he counts your tears. He knows your trials and struggles. He knows that you sometimes feel alone. He knows YOU. Know that you're never alone. I testify that women have a divine nature that was specially given to us. I know that God loves me and that everything I go through will be worth it one day. So be peacemakers, be kind, lift one another up, and don't forget who you are. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Always Taken Care Of

I know I was blessed last semester. Gas may have been cheap, but going through gas is never cheap on a college budget. My tank would somehow hold two gallons more than it should every time I would fill it up, meaning it would fill two gallons more than what the gauge tracked. So it was "full" for at least thirty miles before it started to decrease again. This time around I'm not paying for my own gas and I've noticed that when it's full, it doesn't stay full for another thirty miles, it just decreases like normal. I know and love my Heavenly Father and I know he was watching out for me every day. Every day I prayed for monetary help. And often without noticing, I was blessed every day. I testify that God has a plan for each of us and he's always watching out for us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Getting Rid of the Weeds

Yesterday I was gardening with my family. I moved from the garden around the pool, to the "middle garden" (it's a long garden in the middle of our yard with our peach and apple trees, watermelon, melon, pepper, and raspberry plants). I was given charge to weed there because it hadn't been weeded in a while. So I went over ad started to inspect the areas that needed the most love (we had a time limit). I found that within the area where the watermelons are planted, there were lots of weeds that looked suspiciously like the poison sumac I learned about at Young Women's camp. I went and grabbed my gloves and started pulling all of that out first. These weeds didn't have big root systems but trying to pull those out instead of the watermelons was hard because they were growing so close together. 

As I was weeding I thought about how the sacrament and repentance is very much like weeding. We try and not commit the same sins over and over, and the sacrament washes us clean like baptism. However, sometimes we need extra help with weeding. Sometimes we have weeds that have massive root systems and are hard to pull out. Sometimes we have a poisonous plant growing all over our garden. It is then that we need extra help. The poisonous plants could be compared to sins as serious as sexual sins. It's not impossible to take out, but we can't do it ourselves. With the help of our bishops, we are able to gain a better understanding of grace and how to use it.

I bear my testimony to you that I know that by grace we are saved after all we can do. I know that repentance is real and possible. We can overcome sin! It's not impossible! I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Nearly ready to go!

Today I was able to go help with the luncheon for the missionaries for a training of some sort. It was wonderful being able to serve with my fellow ward members and then see my favorite sister missionaries (those wonderful young ladies hug attacked me:) ). We worked very hard to serve the food and keep everything flowing. When we were finished with serving the food, I was able to go over and eat and spend time with the missionaries. It was fun, I enjoyed being able to meet some other sister missionaries and seeing Brother and Sister Hill again. Then when we finished cleaning up, they sang Called to Serve for us and it was powerful. It was in that moment I saw a bit of Zion, "one heart and one mind." It was beautiful. A group of people ages 18-25, and for 18 months to two years they are united with one purpose: serving the Lord's people by sharing his gospel. I look forward to being a part of this glorious cause. My wanderlust is boiling over. I am nearly ready to go. Just two months! I bear my testimony to you that I know that Christ lives, and loves me. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ has God's restored gospel. I know that as we serve our fellow man, we will be blessed. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Praying for Difficult Coworkers

In the book of Enos verses four through eleven it talks about Enos's conversion. He prayed to God concerning his sins and his sins were forgiven. His next thought was towards his own people. He prayed for their sakes. He loved his people and wanted the best for them. When the Lord answered his prayers for them, he prayed for the Lamanites. He prayed for his enemies.

This summer there has been a certain coworker that has driven everyone crazy, including myself. I have been praying for almost two months for patience and charity. I prayed for her to have it also. Recently I think we hit a break through (at least on my end, I don't know about her). I noticed a difference in her. She seemed to be more kind and patient. Granted, she still has her odd quirks, but I noticed a difference. My prayers were answered!

I know that as we pray for those around us and as we pray to have patience we will be blessed. God hears our prayers and loves each of us. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Name them One by One

On Wednesday I was having a really rough morning. 5.5 hours of sleep, car died on the way to work, alarm went off at work because I didn't have the code for the office for a couple of minutes, customer practically shouted at me because we opened at (I arrived at 7:14) 7:20 instead of 7:00 (excuse me, but I have to count out the safe and that's a little more important than your 8 ounces of coffee), coworker got into a car accident so it's just two of us for morning shift, customer wanted a refund because she didn't want to stay another night because of the rain, I dropped a whole roll of quarters when I was giving it to a customer, and I hadn't finished breakfast (I brought it with me) and it was only 8 in the morning!

It was about 08:45 when I realized that my bad mood resulting from the bad events was not going to help anyone, especially not me. The lyrics from the hymn "Count Your Blessings" came to mind, "When life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise what the Lord has done." So I decided to make a list of blessings.

I really had to think about what I have now that I didn't have before, what I have gained, what I have always had, and what I am lucky to have. It was relieving. I couldn't believe that, despite the simple list of things I came up within a few minutes, I felt better. It was very grounding and I felt so much better afterwards.

I testify to you that as we remember the things we are grateful for, we will feel the love of our Heavenly Father and Christ's grace will do it's job in giving us the strength we need. I'll close in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Love isn't just about two people

A few weeks ago in institute I heard a quote on marriage that really clicked. “Marriage is more than your love for each other. … In your love you see only your two selves in the world, but in marriage you are a link in the chain of the generations... Just as it is the crown, and not merely the will to rule, that makes the king, so it is marriage, and not merely your love for each other, that joins you together in the sight of God and man. … So love comes from you, but marriage from above, from God.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison,ed. Eberhard Bethge (1953), 42–43.). This idea that marriage is more than just for two people has stuck with me.

The other day I was listening to some music and I heard that idea again. Ingrid Michaelson is really good about having love songs that are cheesy but also follow this new definition of love that I discovered. Love is progressive, and it isn't just about two people.

Granted, I'm not married, in a relationship, or even considering marriage within the next couple of years. But I do know what I have seen between my parents, and I want that.

I bear my testimony to you that that God loves us and he wants us to find love also. If we are married in the temple, and maintain our covenants, we will be able to progress toward the celestial kingdom with our spouses. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Learning a lot but not nearly enough

In missionary prep class and the lesson was mostly role play and the teacher made a couple of really good points during the lesson: the missionaries are supposed to develop the gift of discernment in questions (read the question within the question, aka find the eternal question within the mortal question) and members are vital to missionary work. In our role play the teacher was an investigator whose wife just died and he had questions about life after death, but his unspoken question (which was technically spoken because it was just a role play in a missionary prep class) was whether he will see her again. Through a member (whether they be a friend to the investigator or they just came) we can infuse life experience into our testimonies and lessons so that people will find more common ground with the gospel, rather than just hearing it from a couple of inexperienced people barely old enough to vote. There's a lot that goes into missionary work and there is a lot we can learn about people and how to deal with them from serving a mission. I will be learning so much. I am very excited to serve in the Seattle Washington mission. I know God loves each of us and as we serve his children, we will grow closer to him. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mission Call

I AM GOING TO THE WASHINGTON STATE SEATTLE MISSION!!!!!

Unqualified

“When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Duty Calls,” Liahona, July 1996, 42; Ensign, May 1996, 44.)

I have been thinking a lot about being a missionary and other roles I will play in my life lately. A thought kept popping up every time I would worry about those roles: "God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called." As I prepare for my mission I worry some about being a good missionary, but I also worry about one day becoming a wife and mother. How would I, imperfect, obnoxious, impatient, clumsy, impulsive, blunt Lyssa, ever be a good missionary, wife, and mother? But again I am reminded that I have already been called then later qualified for a previous calling and that God will do so again.

My first calling was activity days leader. I came into that calling not knowing any of the girls, I am not crafty, and I did not know how to manage people very well. However, as time went on and I prayed for each activity to go well, that I and the girls would feel the Spirit, and we would finish the activity. I grew to love all 13 of those girls, and my testimony truly grew. I became qualified for that calling. 

I know that God will help me and guide me as I ask for help in each calling I have in my life. I know that through grace, the atonement will make up for my shortcomings. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

I am a Pioneer

I have been into family history for about a year now and the faith of these precious pioneers still amaze me. They left their homes and their families to come to a country that was very unknown. The Mormon pioneers were chased out of their homes out to Utah, and were still persecuted once there. My other ancestors came to America mostly for the farming opportunities, and the trials they endured were harsh and not to be discounted either. I love family history work, and I love finding similarities to my ancestors. I am the first generation on my dad's side to be a child of the covenant. I think I am the first sister on both sides of my family to serve a mission. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and it blesses me everyday. I testify these thing to you, in the name of Jesus Christ amen. #iamapioneer 

https://familysearch.org/iamapioneer

To the tune of service

"For the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." D&C 18:10

Today I went to the missionary prep class for the first time, it was awesome by the way and was taught by an amazing teacher. Our lesson was on questions, and how to use the right kind of questions to help build other's testimonies and provoke thought. Something was mentioned that really struck home to me: We are all playing a different tune in our lives in regards to the gospel and our spiritual needs, and it is one of the jobs of the missionaries to recognize that tune, through the Spirit of course, and administer to the spiritual needs of that person. This not only applies to missionaries but to many other callings involving working with people. The theology major doesn't need the same lesson as the recently divorced young mother. Everyone's tune is different, but the spirit will always guide you, you just need to listen.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ is personalized in many ways to each individual. Every person feels the Holy Ghost a different way, and sometimes it is harder for others and at different times in our lives to feel it. Every person has different talents and skills in the gospel. But if we ask for guidance, and we remain worthy, the Holy Ghost will speak to us. 

I testify that each of us can receive revelation through the Holy Ghost on how to best serve others and sense the tune of each person in need of service. I know that God still speaks to us and has not left us behind. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Preach of Christ

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)

In mere months I will be a missionary with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I will be serving wherever the Lord wants me to serve, and I know he will send me somewhere I will be the best missionary I can be. I know God has a plan for me and He loves me. He loves me so much He sent his Only Begotten son to suffer for my sins and weaknesses, die, and live again all for me. He lives so that I may also live. I talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, and prophesy of Christ that He will come again, and in His grace we are made whole. I bare testimony that God has not left us, and that it is our job as missionaries (or at least soon to be ones) to flood the earth with this knowledge. The Holy Ghost will guide you if you let it. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Returning to the Path

My hike on Thursday was very much like many of our lives. My date and I started on a path that was designated as an easy hike, very scenic, pretty, and short. We then decided we wanted to do a little longer of a hike, so we started on a trail that didn't seem difficult at all. It was all downhill in the beginning, and after a while we realized we were "lost". Neither of us had been on that trail before and not long after we realized we were lost, we decided to turn back.

Not realizing how steep we climbed down, we quickly knew how hard it was to turn back. We both noticed we weren't in nearly as good of shape as we thought we were, and it would be a lot harder to go back than it was coming to where we were. We were breathing very heavily and conversation slowed as we hiked back up to the trailhead. When we reached the map we realized we passed the spot where we were supposed to turn off, but both of us were so distracted in talking and goofing off that we didn't even notice the turnoff. We felt very silly and very tired. The rest of our date was very fun and mostly involved getting to know each other and eating.

Oftentimes in life we are on autopilot on straight and narrow, just living in a routine in the gospel, and then end up wondering off of the path, not noticing  that we missed the turnoff. When we need to repent we realize how hard it is and how out of shape we are in the gospel. It can be very discouraging! But once we are back on the path, and our breathing is regular again, we realize that we almost missed on the blessings of the gospel.

I bare to you my testimony that repentance is a great gift. Being able to repent and return to the path we are meant to be on is such a blessing. Christ gave us the Atonement so that we may return to the path and become like him. What a miracle! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Cause You Know She's All About that Grace

"A powerful expression of that love is what the scriptures often call the grace of God—the divine assistance and endowment of strength by which we grow from the flawed and limited beings we are now into exalted beings of 'truth and light, until [we are]glorified in truth and [know] all things.'" (The Gift of Grace by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf).

Yesterday in Institute (like Bible study for young adults) we were talking a lot about grace. One of the main things grace can do for us is magnify our abilities, gives us strength, hope, and allows us a greater ability to empathize with others. I feel like I am gaining more and more respect for my mother every day. Through the entire lesson all that I could think of was my mom. She is an amazing woman who has done so much for our family. It takes a special kind of person to want to serve in the military, but it also takes a special kind of person to be a military-supportive spouse. My mom rose to the occasion. She is my idol. She was our strength while my dad was deployed, when he had his heart attack, when he was away at the many schools, etc. My mom is my hero. She is skilled at using the gift of grace, especially while she had to be a "single mom" while my dad was deployed.

I am so grateful for the gift of grace and my mom. She has taught me so much. I know that by grace we are saved after all we can do. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mission Papers are In!

So after what seems to be a very long time that was squeezed into some very short days, I finally submitted my mission papers with my bishop. YAAAAAY!!! Haha. My to-do list for last week was quite extensive and I'm rather proud of it. With three pages of many things to do, discuss, complete, and pray about I am happy to say all of it is finished. 

Now I have a new two page list to get done this week. Yay. -_-  . I hope and pray that there is nothing wrong with my papers and I get my call very soon. 

I know my Father lives and love me. I know my Savior died for me. I know He suffered for my sins. I know that He lives again all so that I may also. I know that through Him all things are possible. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Update: my stake president got everything straightened out on his end and everything was submitted on Sunday. I should have my call in the next couple of weeks. He called while he he pushed the submit button and I was jumping up and down and squealing with joy. 

Patriotism by example

The previous week was filled with many ups and downs. One of the greatest ups was being able to find a whole branch of my family that I thought would be lost. There was little to go off of in Family Search, so I thought maybe one day I'll be able to find their records for their parents in person. Last Monday I found his parents and his family. I had felt a prompting to look at Family Search and ancestry.com for family history work I might have missed. Lo and behold there was a hint for one of the records I needed to open an entire branch of my family that I thought would be lost for years. What joy I felt! Not only this but I found out that my great great grandpa served in WWI and received a medal for his service. It brought me closer to him and his family because I know how it feels to have a dad deployed and how wonderful it is to have him come home safe and sound. 

My dad taught me patriotism, or rather his example taught me patriotism. He served his country for twenty five years in the army. He taught me that sacrifice for one's country is sacred and something many people don't understand. When I put out the flag at work, I always have the pledge of allegiance in my heart, as always followed with the song "I'm Proud to be an American." This is the song they play at homecomings for soldiers and it will always make me cry. The joy of having my daddy come home safely and to have him finally home was and is always overwhelming. 

I bare my testimony that I know that God loves each of us, and I am grateful for this land of liberty we live in. I am grateful for the soldiers who serve our nation. I love you daddy, and happy birthday. Happy Independence Day, and God bless America. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.    

Gifts

This week at the campground there was a little boy with Down Syndrome in the laundry room listening to Brother Bear over and over again. Some of my coworkers groaned but didn't do anything about it. The office wasn't busy, so I went over to our half-door and said hello. He said hello and smiled and I knew he was definitely one of God's strongest spirits. I was also reminded of my mom's gift. My mom is getting her master's degree in special education, and has a gift with these children that is beautiful to watch. While I feel clumsy and awkward, my mom takes them under her wing and loves them. She is far more in tune with these precious spirits than I have ever seen. 

Everyone has gifts, and some are more obvious and some take years to develop. I am very grateful for the gifts that I have and the gifts of my mama and my daddy. My parents have helped shape me into the strong young woman I am today. 

I bear my testimony that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, and I know that each of us has God given gifts. As we develop our gifts we will be blessed and we will bless others. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Promised Blessings

My Patriarchal Blessing is so amazing. The other day I was reading it again and found something I hadn't noticed before and it brings me to tears every time I think about it. It makes everything make sense. My trials, my hardships, my opinions on certain things, will bless me in this way. I don't feel comfortable sharing it on the Internet, but I know that each of us has certain blessings in store that aren't just temporary, they are eternal. As we follow God's commandments and listen to our Patriarchal Blessings, our blessings will be without number.  I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Officially finished reading all of the standard works for the first time :)

I just finished the New Testament for the first time all by myself. Phew!! It is a beautiful book and admittedly it was hard to study, but I'm grateful I did it. I have great admiration for those first apostles and I am so grateful we also have apostles today.i was surprised how comforted I was by the book of Revelations. It's very hopeful for the righteous, and that's what I plan to be. I know that God hasn't left us and that He still speaks to us through his apostles and prophets. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Blog my Testimony

About a year ago I created my blog. In my last year of seminary I finally caught onto the whole devotional concept and did very well. It's not so much a talk, but taking a scripture or quote and applying it to my life. It was this idea that influences my blogging even today.

It's pretty much a weekly devotional which usually includes a scripture, an experience, gospel application, and my testimony. My testimony has grown so much because I have been constantly on the look for the scripture or quote for that week. As I read the scriptures I look for scriptures I can apply to my life. Sometimes an experience comes first and I have to find a scripture or quote that fits the bill. But this week was a little different. I somehow came across a quote by President Uchtdorf and felt prompted to write it down. I wrote it down thinking that maybe I'll use it in a blog post. Then a couple of nights ago I had an experience that directly related to that scripture, unintentially. 

I have viewers from all over the world look at my blog. It is such a wonderful feeling that I am able to share my testimony before I even leave for my mission. 

A couple of ways I share my blog is through Google Plus, Facebook, and Pinterest. Google Plus is like facebook sort of. I belong to a group on there that is full of youth and adults. I share my blog posts there. I also create cute little quote pictures for Pinterest and Facebook. I always tend to share my general link first on Facebook and Google Plus, create the quotes later, and then post the quote pictures on Facebook and Pinterest with the links. I also now have a page on Facebook just for my blog A Mermaid on Her Journey Facebook Page. Another thing I've started doing on Pinterest and the tags for my posts is #lds . I think being able to share our individual testimonies as a church would be huge. I know that what the prophet says is doctrine, but I think a flooding of social networking sites with our regular testimonies would be powerful. 

I love my blog and would keep it up even if it meant only one other person looked at it. It keeps me looking for blessings and lessons from God.

I bear my testimony that I know this church is true and I know that as we share our testimonies they grow stronger. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

God's Might

"Unfortunately, there are those who overlook the temporal because they consider it less important. They treasure the spiritual while minimizing the temporal. While it is important to have our thoughts inclined toward heaven, we miss the essence of our religion if our hands are not also inclined toward our fellowman." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I felt no small amount of fear driving home from work tonight in pitch blackness, with only dim headlights on the car I was driving. The headlights barely helped because the rain just reflected it. When the lightning struck, the whole prairie and canyon lit up showing how exposed I was. I could barely see a few feet ahead of me with just the headlights in this rain, and then the lightning struck and the lightning lit up everything like day. It reminded me of Moses, how God told him to have faith and He shall show him great wonders (Exodus 3:20). That scary 27 minutes of my life showed me a small amount of God's power, in not just the little blessings, but in might. 

We must not forget that faith moves mountains and calms the seas, and not just brings us comfort. Both are important, but the spiritual and temporal are hand in hand. God freed the children of Israel from Egypt with miracles and plagues, and then Jesus unlocked the gates of Spirit Prison. Two great miracles with both spiritual and temporal properties and consequences. 

I bear my testimony that I know that the church is true and that God has power to do all things, and through faith in God we can do all things too. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Bread half baked

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/1-sam/16?lang=eng)

This morning I made more artisan bread (haha I almost have a problem but that's beside the point). I let the dough rise over night and then stuck it in the oven this morning. The oven at my extended family's house is different than the one at home, and the elevation is much higher here than where I am from. So I did not know exactly how long to leave the dough in the oven, so I knocked off about ten minutes assuming it will take less time to bake.

I took the bread out of the oven and it looked perfect. I stuck the thermometer in the center of the bread, but I found that the bread only reached about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. When bread is cooked all the way through, it is between 180 and 200 degrees. When I pulled out the thermometer, there was a bit of dough stuck to it. I was so dissappointed. I was so sure that it was ready, but the poke and temperature test doesn't lie. My bread was not ready. I then put the dough back in the oven for ten minutes and baked it till it passed the poke and temperature test. 

Sometimes we think we are ready for things in our lives, and when we think we know that we know better. When the Holy Ghost and our commandments tell us one thing, but our minds tell us another thing, which do we choose? In high school i had a reasonably sized testimony, and believed I could withstand anything. In the For the Strength of the Youth pamphlet, a set of commandments specially made for teenagers and that tough time in our lives, it talks about many things including dating. In that pamphlet it says that we should go on double dates and group date, and not to have a boyfriend or girlfriend until after high school. In my junior year I met a guy, and we began individual dating (aka boyfriend of girlfriend). I was happy and fine till we split. *trumpet noise* "Enter the emotional roller coaster and a whole mixture of trials that came for about seven months!" I do wish I had listened to my leaders. Sometimes our bread isn't quite ready to come out of the oven, and good things are worth waiting for. 

I bare my testimony to you that God doesn't just give us commandments because he wants to; He gives us commandments for a reason. We may not know the reason, but God can see everything and has blessings for us when we follow His commandments. I leave these thing with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

See God has Got a Plan for You

"We may not know when or how the Lord’s answers will be given, but in His time and His way, I testify, His answers will come. For some answers we may have to wait until the hereafter. This may be true for some promises in our patriarchal blessings and for some blessings for family members. Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, not temporary."

(Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/waiting-upon-the-lord-thy-will-be-done?lang=eng)

A few weeks ago while I was working on my mission papers, behind in my school work due to being sick for a week, overwhelmed by my calling, I was stuck in a boot, I was also (and still am) concerned about college, careers, and one day becoming a mother (for various reasons). I felt claustrophobic from everything. Everything seemed to be closing in on me.

I was attempting to clean my room while listening to music when I began to question everything. "Will I get my three papers done for english, history, and psychology? And get four larger cups finished in ceramics? Why was I even trying? Why would I serve a mission? How would that benefit me ever? Why can't I just stay here, go to school at home, and tell SVU that I don't want to go? Will I really ever be a mother? Would I be able to go off of my medication for the duration of the future pregnancies and such, if I can hardly concentrate on driving after missing my pill one day? Am I really smart enough to get a doctorate in history? Will I really be able to live in the dorms and successfully manage myself?" All of these things were going through my head while I was trying to pick up my room. Then "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia came on and I heard these words:

"Up on the hill across the blue lake,
That's where I had my first heart break
I still remember how it all changed
My father said
Don't you worry, don't you worry child
See [God has] got a plan for you
Don't you worry, don't you worry now
Yeah!"

It was then that I had the prompting to start clearing my bedside table. I was throwing trash away and putting away books when I found my patriarchal blessing. I had thought that I already knew all of it like the back of my hand, but a prompting from the Holy Ghost isn't one to be ignored. I turned off my music, sat down on my floor by my bedside table and read my patriarchal blessing.

It was everything I needed to hear. It covered everything that I needed to know; everything that I needed to know to keep going. It gave me a glimpse of the results in store that would be in place if I did what I was supposed to do. I started to cry. God has a plan for me!  He knows my struggles, my weaknesses and pains. He knows my potential, my strengths and limitations. Despite these, He still loves me! I stood up and continued to clean my room with a renewed purpose. 

God loves each of us, and he has a plan for you, and you, and you! If we do what is right and follow His light, we will be blessed. I bear my testimony that I know that God still speaks to us today. He has not left us! He lives! He sent his son to suffer, die, and live for us so that we may also live again. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Scripture Nerd!!

In the King James Bible there is a total of 783,137 words and can be read in 70 hours. In the Book of Mormon there is a total of 268,163 words and can be read in 22 hours. In the Doctrine and Covenants there is a total of 134,804 words and can be read in 14 hours. In the Pearl of Great Price there is a total of 30,362 words and can be read in 4 hours. That's a total of 1,216,466 and 109 hours or 4.5 days, and that comes from 5 books if you count the Old and New Testament as separate books.

Now let's compare with some other series. The Lord of the Rings series consists of the Hobbit (95,022 words or 11 hours), the Fellowship of the Ring (177,227 words or 19 hours), the Two Towers (143,436 words or 17 hours), and the Return of the King (134,462 words or 18 and a half hours). This series has a total of 550,147 words and 65.5 hours or 2.7 days, and this comes from 4 books.

In the Harry Potter series there is the Sorcerer's Stone (76,944 words and 8.5 hours), the Chamber of Secrets (85,141 words and 9 hours), the Prisoner of Azkaban (107,253 words and 12 hours), the Goblet of Fire (190,637 words and 20.5 hours), The Order of the Phoenix (257,045 words and 29.25 hours), the Half-Blood Prince (168,923 words and 18.5 hours), and the Deathly Hallows (198,227 words and 21.75 hours). With a total of 1,084,170 and 119.5 hours or 5 days, and this comes from 7 books. 

Still think seminary and institute students don't deserve the honored title of "nerds" or belong to their own bonafide fandom? In order to get the Moroni award or the Christus award the seminary students have to read each book of scripture through the whole school year (and I'd like to say that most students read the selected book of scripture anyway, but I don't know for sure, I know did though). In order to pass institute the students much read the respective book within that school year. 

I have such a strong testimony of the scriptures and I am so grateful for my wonderful seminary teachers who raised the bar for me. Sister Cogdell, Sister  Sarah Westbrook, Sister Wright, and the long-term substitute Sister Cross are the wonderful women who helped shape my love for the scriptures. Through seminary I learned more than just facts, stories and doctrines. I learned patience, leadership, writing skills, critical thinking, and charity (the pure love of Christ). 

I bear my testimony that I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's church. I know that the scriptures are true and that Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet of God who translated the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and received much of the revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

But God is Bigger

"And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span... Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:4, 45-47)

Ever since I started my mission papers it seems that my trials were ramped up in many different ways. I fractured and sprained my foot, I got the run around from my doctor in two separate appointments, far too many panic attacks to count at this point, exams this week, several essays and presentations during the last week, looking at my checking account makes me want to cry, my dog is old and likely dying, my wardrobe dwindles smaller every time I sort through it getting rid of immodest and ill fitting clothing, I fly out to Utah in 12 days, I woke up late this morning and nearly missed my millionth doctor appointment, I locked my keys in my car, and not being able to go to the temple with my family before I leave for Utah because I need my mission call. 

Friday and Saturday I felt like my chest was going to explode. I felt trapped and scared. How was I going to get everything done in time? Should I go back out to Utah for the summer? Will my foot be healthy enough for me to work? Will it give me problems on my mission? Will I ever turn in my paperwork? Will my doctor cooperate with me?

I prayed and prayed for help. Because of a quiet prompting I then wrote down everything that needs to get done in a list. I put this list in a folder that contains things that need to be dealt with soon such as my immunization record, wisdom teeth evaluation referral, etc. I, yet again, am learning the hard way that my way isn't always the best way. Now that I'm more organized, my list is nearly completely checked off. My anxiety levels are minimal. My podiatrist said that my foot should be back to normal within two to three weeks (let's pray it is two please). My mission papers are nearly complete. God is good! 

We all have Goliaths in our lives. We all have trials that seem too big and too difficult to bear. But you know what? Goliath might be big, but God is bigger. 

I testify to you that I know that Christ suffered, died, and lived again for each of us. He suffered so that He knows our trials and that He can provide the mercy we need. He died so that the dead may hear his message also. He lived so that we may live again through His grace. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's true church. I know that God is so much bigger than our trials. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Gratitude and Grammatical Errors

Recently this blog has reached a total of roughly 2,000 views since it first began last year, with the previous post being my fifty-fifth post. The views might be small but my testimony has grown with each post. It has helped me every week to take a topic, ponder on it, learn a little more about it, then write. I'm so greatful for y'all (my readers) and the wonderful feedback I get. (I officially give you permission to message me on Google+, email, Facebook, or Pinterest if I have grammatical errors and typos). Thank you so much. 

I know that Christ lives, and through my daily experiences of learning about him and sharing those experiences I have grown, and you can too. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

You are Always in the Mission Field

Today I was running an errand when I came across this sign:

 

It reads, "You are now entering the mission field." This does not belong to my church, but I found that it struck me more than it should have. In my angst in preparation for serving a mission, thinking about places I'd love to serve, cute fun clothes and shoes to wear, I've somewhat forgotten something: where you serve does not matter, what matters is how you serve. Being a missionary will be an amazing experience whether I serve in Austria or Oklahoma. (Although Austria would definitely warrant some dancing and singing on some green hills).

It also makes me think of the fact that the moment you leave church, you are entering the mission field. There is someone out there who has questions that need answers, someone who need love, someone who needs a friend like you to introduce them to the gospel. Maybe it's an inactive member, maybe it's a nonmember, maybe it's an active member who needs some service. There is someone who needs you and perhaps your testimony can rekindle their flame of faith. 

I bear my testimony to you that I know that God directs his apostles to send the missionaries wherever they need to go, and wherever they are needed. I know that missionary work is important. I know that Christ lives. I leave these things with y'all in the name of Jesus Christ amen.