This mortal journey we all walk isn't an easy one. Things happen that are out of our control we get sick we lose loved ones plans fall though and life still continues on. As we push forward with and through difficulties we become stronger and better for it.
On May 19 I woke up as i usually do looking forward to a day filled with talking and spending time with those i love but something just felt wrong as the day went on my side began to hurt worse and worse until any movement had me in tears. and as i climbed into bed i prayed that things would get better instead by the next day i was in more pain than i thought was humanly possible. My whole right side seemed to radiate pain at the slightest of touch and movement, making it even impossible to kneel to pray or to sit or stand. Nothings seemed to be going the way I had planned, as my companion and other missionaries took care of me my thoughts went to those i was serving and my inability to fulfill my calling at that time. It is hard not being able to do what you want at the exact moment you thought you would be able to. To be unable to be there for those who needed you and instead relying on them to take care of you.
Still there was hope that things would get better as i "toughed it out" i loved those i was serving with and more importantly those i was being allowed by Heavenly Father to serve. But Heavenly Father has plans that far exceed our own. and when the time came to decide if i would stay in the Beautiful state of Oregon and see if things got better or return home and have the opportunity to focus solely on my health Tears streamed down my face.
"How do you leave what you love behind?" Yes i had done it before when i get on a plan and left my home and family to enter the mission field but this felt different, it felt incomplete. Like leaving a project right in the middle of it. My heart broke as i received my answer that i was to return home. no matter how much pain i was in it didn't seem as bad as leaving. But as Joshua chapter 1:9 reads :
"Be strong and of good courage be not afraid neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee wither so ever thou goest"
Even in the midst of difficulty he never truly leaves us. Coming home didn't solve the pain or the way some reacted to my early return. It was hard to look some in the eye and explain that Heavenly Fathers plan far exceeded that of my own and that he needed me home at this moment to get better. As doctors and surgeons worked on solutions i discovered an opportunity to strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father to be able to with stand some of the negative thoughts of others as well as the disappointment in their eyes to stay strong in my faith that he is real.
Now almost 2 months later after coming home they finally found a solution and yesterday i went in so they could remove my gall bladder. Though there are still weeks until full recovery i will be pain free and be able to return to my mission when the doctors say. And as usual trials teach us plenty of things. This one taught me more empathy for others, gave me greater understanding and patience. More love for my family and loved ones who stood beside me no matter what others said about my early released. It taught me that those who do come home early from their missions are fallowing Gods will and not just doing it because they want to. Any time served is acceptable to the Lord. and when things get though he really does carry us through it. Even when we ourselves don't see the light at the end of the tunnel he does and he prepared away to get us too in and onto the next path.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
Expecting the Unexpected
So as we all know i am no boy scout but serving a mission has taught me and my companions a few things about being prepared. For instance this last week our car had to go in to get some damage repaired and well we went with out the car for a few days no big deal right. Well if any of you have ever been to Oregon it isn't always rainy, which is great because we all love the sun but isn't so great if you have fair skin like my sweet companion. Who after being out for a few hours she was burned, and well she learned that sun screen in necessary... Even in Oregon.
With my second Companion we learned to always make sure we had the keys... After getting locked out of our apartment twice, and even then almost forgetting them a few more times.
With every Adventure comes a life lesson, Living the gospel is no different. When we make choices and try things out we learn how to do things better. In the adventure we call life we all have choices to make that will help us be prepared to stand before our Heavenly Father.
When that day comes i want to say that i am well prepared that i did my best and that after a few mistakes i learned what to do and what to defiantly not do. I know that living the Commandments is one of those ways that we become better prepared. When we are fallowing the path that is set before us we are able to stay safe and not get harmed. This is not to say that we wont make mistakes we may leave the keys in the apartment a couple of times before we figure it out or we may leave the sun screen behind one time before we make sure it is always in our bags.
When living the commandments we have to live it to know if it is true. And some times when we stop we become even more aware of its truthfulness than before, but in any way we decide to go we are all heading back to the same path and to the Same father in Heaven.
When we went to get our car back we carefully and in my case meticulusly made sure that we had everything including the food to fuel our own tanks to make sure that we would make it thought the day.
What do you do to prepare yourself for lifes slippery situations?
How can you today become even more prepared for life's twists and turns?
With my second Companion we learned to always make sure we had the keys... After getting locked out of our apartment twice, and even then almost forgetting them a few more times.
With every Adventure comes a life lesson, Living the gospel is no different. When we make choices and try things out we learn how to do things better. In the adventure we call life we all have choices to make that will help us be prepared to stand before our Heavenly Father.
When that day comes i want to say that i am well prepared that i did my best and that after a few mistakes i learned what to do and what to defiantly not do. I know that living the Commandments is one of those ways that we become better prepared. When we are fallowing the path that is set before us we are able to stay safe and not get harmed. This is not to say that we wont make mistakes we may leave the keys in the apartment a couple of times before we figure it out or we may leave the sun screen behind one time before we make sure it is always in our bags.
When living the commandments we have to live it to know if it is true. And some times when we stop we become even more aware of its truthfulness than before, but in any way we decide to go we are all heading back to the same path and to the Same father in Heaven.
When we went to get our car back we carefully and in my case meticulusly made sure that we had everything including the food to fuel our own tanks to make sure that we would make it thought the day.
What do you do to prepare yourself for lifes slippery situations?
How can you today become even more prepared for life's twists and turns?
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Making Changes
“The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil to live,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
“Good timber does not grow at ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, in rain and snow,
in trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold council with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.”
—Author unknown
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil to live,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
“Good timber does not grow at ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, in rain and snow,
in trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold council with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.”
—Author unknown
Changes make us better they make us stronger
How can we become the Change we want to see?
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
What we BECOME
Easter, the time of the Easter bunny hopping his way though houses leaving candy and presents for everyone to enjoy. But what is the real meaning of Easter for Each of us? Why do we really celebrate the holiday. Much like Christmas it is because we are Celebrating the life of Jesus Christ. But at this time of year we are celebrating not only his life but his Death and More importantly His RESURRECTION!
We know that today our savior lives, he knows each of us, and because he died for each of us we to can overcome death, we can be perfected through him. We can GROW, we can LEARN, we can CHANGE, and BECOME something New something better than we are and something more that we ever thought we could be.
Our Savior didn't die for nothing he died for each and everyone of us. Because he knew that with out him we wouldn't be able to become much of anything, we would be stuck, stuck in a place where we wouldn't be able to do much of anything. When we felt sad we would feel no hope, see no light at the end of the tunnel, when we got upset and said things that we wish we could take back we would feel like there was no hope of forgiveness. Because of Jesus Christ we can over come all of this. We can Feel the Hope that comes because he came for each of us.
What does it mean to you to know that Someone loves you so much that he wants you happiness and he puts that first in everything he did, That your happiness is the reason he came?
In this season of Celebrating, I encourage each of you to show him how thankful you are for his sacrifice by letting it work within you.
What are Some things that you have been able to BECOME because of him? What will you start today knowing that you cannot fail?
We know that today our savior lives, he knows each of us, and because he died for each of us we to can overcome death, we can be perfected through him. We can GROW, we can LEARN, we can CHANGE, and BECOME something New something better than we are and something more that we ever thought we could be.
Our Savior didn't die for nothing he died for each and everyone of us. Because he knew that with out him we wouldn't be able to become much of anything, we would be stuck, stuck in a place where we wouldn't be able to do much of anything. When we felt sad we would feel no hope, see no light at the end of the tunnel, when we got upset and said things that we wish we could take back we would feel like there was no hope of forgiveness. Because of Jesus Christ we can over come all of this. We can Feel the Hope that comes because he came for each of us.
What does it mean to you to know that Someone loves you so much that he wants you happiness and he puts that first in everything he did, That your happiness is the reason he came?
In this season of Celebrating, I encourage each of you to show him how thankful you are for his sacrifice by letting it work within you.
What are Some things that you have been able to BECOME because of him? What will you start today knowing that you cannot fail?
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Finding Joy in Heart Ache
As of late there seem to be a lot of people struggling with the loss of loved ones. Even as a missionary we still see and recognize the pain and heart ache that comes with the loss of a child, a husband, a brother or sister, even a best friend. They are a part of who you are. They Helped you to laugh and to smile, and to cheer you up when you were sad, and even though at times they seemed so frustrating you loved them, you still love them and you Always will love them.
Everyone is here on this earth for the same purpose to Gain a body and to gain experiences and to learn. That doesn't always make when someone is called home any easier.
The only Consolation is that we will see them again. We may not know when, but we know that our Heavenly Father has created a plan in which we get to be with our Families Eternally, both in this life and in the next. We can be together forever.
Today Hug someone and tell them you love them. Be kind to those around you for everyone is fighting a hard battle, and smile because you know you are loved.
Thank you to everyone who is constantly reaching out to be a support to those who have lost a loved one. The company I know means a lot to them, simply being there makes a difference. We don't need the perfect words, we don't have to say anything, some times it is better if we don't in fact. Just be kind and loving, no more no less.
As members of the Church when we are baptized we promised our Heavenly Father that we would Comfort those who stand in need of comfort. (Mosiah 18:9) As we do this we can see hearts begin to heal and burdens made lighter.
Everyone is here on this earth for the same purpose to Gain a body and to gain experiences and to learn. That doesn't always make when someone is called home any easier.
The only Consolation is that we will see them again. We may not know when, but we know that our Heavenly Father has created a plan in which we get to be with our Families Eternally, both in this life and in the next. We can be together forever.
Today Hug someone and tell them you love them. Be kind to those around you for everyone is fighting a hard battle, and smile because you know you are loved.
Thank you to everyone who is constantly reaching out to be a support to those who have lost a loved one. The company I know means a lot to them, simply being there makes a difference. We don't need the perfect words, we don't have to say anything, some times it is better if we don't in fact. Just be kind and loving, no more no less.
As members of the Church when we are baptized we promised our Heavenly Father that we would Comfort those who stand in need of comfort. (Mosiah 18:9) As we do this we can see hearts begin to heal and burdens made lighter.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Finding JOY in simple Love
As I lay down on the floor to do crunches my sweet companion walks into the living room and Exclaims "Happy Valentines Day!" I suddenly remember that today is the day that we celebrate the love that is in our lives!
As I am not at home i cannot express the love i feel for my family. They have encouraged and inspired my life and helped to give me direction and Guidance when needed. Like wise my Companions have also done the Same thing for me. Their simple but ever constant love is a strength to me at the end of the day, when things may not have gone exactly as planned.
But more importantly I feel the love Of my Heavenly Father each day for everyone that I have the privilege to talk to. He is always there, He is constant, He is caring and compassionate, And He knows what we all need. His love is so perfect that he allowed us to all gain a body and to experience mortality. The Journey isn't an easy one, but it is one that we all need to take.
The things we learn while we are here in this life are irreplaceable, and bring so much happiness into our lives. The LOVE he has for Each of you is over whelming and complete it is something that we may never fully understand, but we know that His love is always there for us.
His love helps us to Love those around us, so on this day that is spent celebrating love, We should Celebrate the Greatest love of all! What will you do with the LOVE our Heavenly Father has given to each of us? How will you show that to others?
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Going to Higher Ground
How do we head for Higher Ground?
We never know what life is going to bring us! It could be a Hurricane a Tsunami or just plain old rain, but no matter what it brings you we can always seek shelter on higher ground! higher Ground can be found in many ways. Some by actually seeking some where higher on a physical sense, in another sense we can and should seek for higher ground through Reading the Scriptures, Praying, and Diligently seeking for answers.
Our Heavenly Father Knows us. He loves us, and he wants to provide a shelter from the storms of life. Some times we may get a little wet in the process, but we will always find safety as we search and do the things he asks.
Just like this sign we will be guided as to where we can go to find the shelter we seek on higher ground. Where the sun may be shining, and the rain may seem a little less daunting. The climb to higher places is a journey in itself,but one that isn't impossible to make. We all have someone behind us pulling us to a new and even greater height. Encouraging and reminding us that nothing is impossible.
Where do we turn to find higher ground? To the road maps we have been given: To our Parents who have traveled some of the same courses, The scriptures that can warn of area's to avoid, Our Heavenly Father who knows the safest route for each of us to take to get there.
So no matter where we are on our journey to a higher Ground we will always have things to tell us which way to go, we will get to where we are able to ride out these storms before we continue on our journey.
What has helped you on your journey through the storms of life?
What advice would you give to someone in need of direction?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hard Things
This past week As i have been in a new area we have been working really hard to really do what the Lord needs us to do. Meeting new people, talking to everyone, studying to meet the needs of our investigators. And just when I think I have everything down, things start falling through. Frustration could be the first thing I go to and if this were my first time it may have, but This much I learned I The Lord will ALWAYS provide a way to accomplish the things he needs.
Even if that means having people take a break from talking with us. They need more time and he needs us to be else where. When we fallow his path that he needs us to we will never be lead astray. That doesn't mean that life is going to be easy, or that things are going to turn out the way we expect it just means that we get up and we ACT and he will help the rest to fall into place. This life is not meant for us to get everything we want when we want it, but for us to learn patience, to gain endurance,and to exercise understanding.
I may not understand every situation that you are going though, but i know That my Savior does. He knows who you are, He cares about what you are feeling, he cries when you cry, When you feel like no can ever understand what you are going though, He Does, and he will help you over come everything that is placed before you. And he will do it with love, and a very tender heart. Because he truely has walked a mile in your shoes, and he knows exactly what you need, when you need it. Turn to him and he will lead YOU.
Even if that means having people take a break from talking with us. They need more time and he needs us to be else where. When we fallow his path that he needs us to we will never be lead astray. That doesn't mean that life is going to be easy, or that things are going to turn out the way we expect it just means that we get up and we ACT and he will help the rest to fall into place. This life is not meant for us to get everything we want when we want it, but for us to learn patience, to gain endurance,and to exercise understanding.
I may not understand every situation that you are going though, but i know That my Savior does. He knows who you are, He cares about what you are feeling, he cries when you cry, When you feel like no can ever understand what you are going though, He Does, and he will help you over come everything that is placed before you. And he will do it with love, and a very tender heart. Because he truely has walked a mile in your shoes, and he knows exactly what you need, when you need it. Turn to him and he will lead YOU.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Finding Joy In... Change
Over this past week There have been a lot of changes in my life. I moved from Jacksonville Oregon to Coos Bay Oregon, I packed up my 2 suite cases of belongings, left my compainion and headed out to a new adventure.
Now a week into it and I have found to love the places we are in! :) my New Companion Sister Fletcher is amazing! So funny, brave, Bold and Talented. Much like my last companion was. She is teaching me everyday. But it is my choice to learn!
Leaving Jacksonville was a little hard at first, the people were great I was comfortable and happy, and then the Lord Inspired my Mission President to Transfer me to Coos Bay. And now i get to meet so many new People who are Just as great as those down in Jacksonville.
Change will come into our lives weather we are ready for it or not. It may come through a new job, A baby, A loss, A trial, and Town, or anything else. But who we are today is not who we were yesterday, What we do today will change us for who we will be tomorrow, and then we will be someone different. These Changes make us more able to adapt to the things that are around us, and help us to be better able to face the challenges we are asked to face every day.
Who will you become today that will prepare you for tomorrow? What will you do differently to make today better than it was yesterday? Today begins a new Day of your life. Make the Most of it, Dance in the rain and jump for joy even if there are only tiny victories to be had!
Now a week into it and I have found to love the places we are in! :) my New Companion Sister Fletcher is amazing! So funny, brave, Bold and Talented. Much like my last companion was. She is teaching me everyday. But it is my choice to learn!
Leaving Jacksonville was a little hard at first, the people were great I was comfortable and happy, and then the Lord Inspired my Mission President to Transfer me to Coos Bay. And now i get to meet so many new People who are Just as great as those down in Jacksonville.
Change will come into our lives weather we are ready for it or not. It may come through a new job, A baby, A loss, A trial, and Town, or anything else. But who we are today is not who we were yesterday, What we do today will change us for who we will be tomorrow, and then we will be someone different. These Changes make us more able to adapt to the things that are around us, and help us to be better able to face the challenges we are asked to face every day.
Who will you become today that will prepare you for tomorrow? What will you do differently to make today better than it was yesterday? Today begins a new Day of your life. Make the Most of it, Dance in the rain and jump for joy even if there are only tiny victories to be had!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Finding Joy in ..... Being Imperfect
Today as i read from the Book of Mormon I read from 2 Nephi 2: 6 which reads; Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth,
as I read this the word GRACE stood out to me. What is GRACE, when referring to heavenly father. It means the divine help or strength, given through the bounteous mercies of the Jesus Christ.
Through him we can give our all and then at the end when we have done all that we can with the faith we have, he will make up the difference. He will help us to stand before out Heavenly Father, and tell him we have tried our best and done all that we can to do the things he asked of us, and Jesus Christ will help us make up the difference.
As I thought about that I think about the things I do everyday. I get up and work, from 6:30 in the morning until 10:30 at night, and even when I am super busy there is still so much more to do! I have never been so tired as I have been on my mission. And yet every night I go to bed knowing there are so many things that I could continue to do, and things that I could continue to improve upon. Like simplification in words, better explanations, talking louder.
But i know that at the end of the day when all is said and done I will go to bed happy knowing that i can improve upon today by using tomorrow better! If everything where perfect I know that I wouldn't turn to my Heavenly Father, or Savior for any help. Because it wouldn't be needed. But because of my imperfections I know that he is aware of me and wants to help me improve everyday. I will never be perfect, and we all will make mistakes in this life, but when when we are giving it our all we can have a firm knowledge that when we stand before our Heavenly Father we can know that we have done all that we can, and that our Elder Brother and Savior Jesus Christ will step in and help us with the rest that we weren't quite able to do.
as I read this the word GRACE stood out to me. What is GRACE, when referring to heavenly father. It means the divine help or strength, given through the bounteous mercies of the Jesus Christ.
Through him we can give our all and then at the end when we have done all that we can with the faith we have, he will make up the difference. He will help us to stand before out Heavenly Father, and tell him we have tried our best and done all that we can to do the things he asked of us, and Jesus Christ will help us make up the difference.
As I thought about that I think about the things I do everyday. I get up and work, from 6:30 in the morning until 10:30 at night, and even when I am super busy there is still so much more to do! I have never been so tired as I have been on my mission. And yet every night I go to bed knowing there are so many things that I could continue to do, and things that I could continue to improve upon. Like simplification in words, better explanations, talking louder.
But i know that at the end of the day when all is said and done I will go to bed happy knowing that i can improve upon today by using tomorrow better! If everything where perfect I know that I wouldn't turn to my Heavenly Father, or Savior for any help. Because it wouldn't be needed. But because of my imperfections I know that he is aware of me and wants to help me improve everyday. I will never be perfect, and we all will make mistakes in this life, but when when we are giving it our all we can have a firm knowledge that when we stand before our Heavenly Father we can know that we have done all that we can, and that our Elder Brother and Savior Jesus Christ will step in and help us with the rest that we weren't quite able to do.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Feeling love
This morning as i sat in the middle of my living room floor to sing 'I need thee Every hour' I lost my ability to speak. Instead tears began to stream down my face. He knows me, he loves me, he is aware of me. My heart rejoices to know that he cares that I am loved far above my comprehension.
Doors may close in my face, people may not always be kind. But he does not let me fall, He gives me aid as i walk forward, faith to know i am never alone, and hope to know that i am on the right path, and am headed in the right direction.
Today the light that I feel is far above the light in the Sky, because it is his light, and his light fills the world no matter how dark the days may appear. He gave his all that we might reach our potential IF we choose it. He wants us to find him, to seek for his help and to ask.
All light but especially HIS light, penetrates the darkness that can consume our thoughts, HIS light becons us on and guides us through everything.
He loves us, and that love can fill, and heal the pains of the world.
This is the song we sang this morning it is beautiful, and so true, we need him EVERY HOUR:
http://www.lds.org/music/library/search?query=i+need+thee+every+hour&lang=eng
Doors may close in my face, people may not always be kind. But he does not let me fall, He gives me aid as i walk forward, faith to know i am never alone, and hope to know that i am on the right path, and am headed in the right direction.
Today the light that I feel is far above the light in the Sky, because it is his light, and his light fills the world no matter how dark the days may appear. He gave his all that we might reach our potential IF we choose it. He wants us to find him, to seek for his help and to ask.
All light but especially HIS light, penetrates the darkness that can consume our thoughts, HIS light becons us on and guides us through everything.
He loves us, and that love can fill, and heal the pains of the world.
This is the song we sang this morning it is beautiful, and so true, we need him EVERY HOUR:
http://www.lds.org/music/library/search?query=i+need+thee+every+hour&lang=eng
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Stand Tall
The process to stand seems so simple to everyone, and it really is. Until you look at the details of what it takes. When we stand the muscles in our legs have to pull or relax to cause or legs to straight. Our core has to balance us so we don't fall over, and so many other things. Yet everyday we stand!
Through out the day we are asked to stand, to stand at work, to stand to walk, there are so many things we have to stand to do.
My personal favorite is to lift where we stand;
In Doctrine and Covenants 86: 8 it states:
Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.
To me this says that we are asked to stand, but it does not mean we come to a standstill! We continue to move, the lord is asking us to help in reaching out to others, and to do our part in lifting those around us. Where ever we may be we can lift those around us and help them to stand. To get their feet under neither them and tho help them gain the strength to stand on their own as well.
What can we do to help others to stand:
Simply be their Friend; be there for them, encourage them, and love them.
I encourage everyone to just love those around you in simple ways and to find ways to help others stand with happiness and joy!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Is it only Me?
As you walk up to someone's door what goes through your mind? : Are they going to be nice? How long can I stay? I wonder if I can talk to them about Jesus Christ and bring them closer to him?
Maybe that last one just applies to missionaries! As we walk to someones door, it is a continual question that is circling though my mind. How can I bring this Child of God closer to their Heavenly Father. I am so happy that I have this opportunity to be a missionary and to share the things I am learning on this blog!
Maybe that last one just applies to missionaries! As we walk to someones door, it is a continual question that is circling though my mind. How can I bring this Child of God closer to their Heavenly Father. I am so happy that I have this opportunity to be a missionary and to share the things I am learning on this blog!
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