Tis the Season, Endowments, and Hardships

Can anyone believe that it is almost Christmas. Well I sure cant, I'm still in the mindset that it should be October, until I look outside and see all the snow. This season can be so difficult to get everything done that needs to be done. I feel like I never have enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to get done. I have been having so many trials it seems like this past month. Well this past week I fell on the ice and fractured my shoulder. I know what everyone is thinking, how could a twenty year old fall and break a bone, only 80 year old ladies are suppose to do that. Not a young girl about to head out on her mission. It was not something I had planned on, but it has made me realize how much I take for granted using two arms. This is the season to be reminded, and be grateful for what you have been blessed with. This has most definitely made me realize how blessed I am to be a healthy 20 year old.. I am so blessed with a roof over my head, food in my belly, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, and a full time job. I think the best blessing I have is the gospel. I have something to put my faith in, and have the knowledge that my faith will bless me. This week has been extremely hard on me, and I had forgotten my faith, and how much it can help you in your life. I had let Satan take over my life, and I allowed myself to have a bad day. I was not thinking of all my blessing, of all the positive things in my life. Until today I was very upset. However, I found this amazing conference talk and Mormon message that really helped. In general conference of April 2012 President Henry B. Eyring said “Many of you are now passing through physical, mental, and emotional trials that could cause you to cry out ‘When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?’ If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our heart, the power to endure will crumble. Curing does not come automatically through the passage of time, but it does take time. Getting older does not do it alone, it is serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul that turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength. If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest, as well as the easiest of times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions we can choose the right with guidance of the spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God.”

The Lord would never put us through a trial if he didn't believe in us and know that we have the ability to come out on top. Each of us matter to the Savior. He only wants to build us up and make us stronger through trial and error. Satan would give anything to see us fail, to tear us apart but we can not give him the chance. We need to be strong and call upon The Lord, through the power of prayer and he will send his angels on our left and on our right to lift us up and guide us to Eternal Happiness.

Stay strong and never lose hope or your faith

.

So this week is a pretty special week, I get my endowments out tomorrow. I am one step closer to leaving on my mission. I will  have one more way to be closer to my Heavenly Father, and to help more people. I have been more than nervous for this day. I was more of an emotional wreck when Josh received his than he was, just because I knew that I would have receive my endowments without him here. It is a part of the church we aren't allowed to talk about, and it is a really big unknown. How are you suppose to prepare for something that no one is allowed to talk about. I think the reason I have been so nervous is because I don't get to go through with my mom, or my dad. I almost couldn't go through with my grandparents either. This is my one downfall to having an inactive family. I don't get to do the tradition. You mom is suppose to help you, and comfort you. Well that cant happen when your mother is 1777 miles away, and is inactive. When you go and receive your endowments you have to have an escort of the same gender, this usually goes to your mother. So I had to go with the nontraditional. For the longest time I had hoped and prayed that this role might fall to my grandma. Like most things she has been there as my step in mom. Lately we haven't had the best relationship. I have let hurt feelings, and anger get in the way of us being close like we once were when I was little. I have been trying for months to try and get over that. I have been trying to gain more patience, and have peace in our home. Yet, we still fought and argued. I resented the fact that she was trying to be my mother, because my mother wasn't there. Well last week she told me to choose someone else as my escort. I prayed and prayed. I finally found my answer. It was someone I had never expected it to be. Although she isn't my family yet, it was Josh's sister, Mary, she just returned home from her mission in Armenia. As soon as I received my answer, I had a wave of relief was over me, I could feel the peace that I would find in the temple, and the Spirit was so strong. Yet, I felt guilty for choosing someone that wasn't family, and I knew that some of my family would not be very pleased with me.I knew that no matter what happens I will still receive my endowments, and tomorrow is about me and my covenants I am making with the Lord, it is not about who helps me through. Everyone that is there is to see me make my covenant with my Heavenly Father. I am choosing Him, and His plan. I have listened to my Heavenly Father, and He has helped me to find the person who will help me to make those covenants. I know that many of my family will be angry, but I know that I am doing the right thing and I am going to be happy. I am working hard on my faults, and my sins just like everyone else. No one is perfect, however, that is why we have the Atonement. If all of us could no repent of our sins, no one would ever be able to receive their endowments. I am so blessed to be able to receive my blessings before Christmas. That is the greatest present that I could ever receive. I am ready to make those covenants with my Heavenly Father. After sharing my choice of Mary as my escort, the contention has stopped, and the love in my families relationship has strengthened. I know that tomorrow, it will grow even more. 

Well speaking of presents, I sent out Josh's Christmas present last week. He is serving in Des Moines Iowa, where it has been below 0 for quite some time. I wanted him to stay nice and warm so I made him a blanket. Well that might not be the right word for it. It was 9 feet long and almost 5 feet wide. I am hoping that he will be nice and warm. in it. I also got him a few ties, and candy. This is the first year that I got all my Christmas shopping done before Christmas Eve. I have been trying to stay busy and not think about waiting this week. It has worked. Pedicure and dinner on Monday with a friend, Christmas lights in Ogden with friends on Tuesday;Wednesday Salt Lake Temple baptisms, temple square lights, and a dinner at My Thai; and today visiting teaching. I hope that tomorrow will go by fast. I know that I will enjoy my time in the temple. I wont remember everything, but I know that the Spirit will be with me. I hope that everyone will have a Merry Christmas, and everyone remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

Mission President's Letter

Sorry, This Week has been crazy!!! Well Friday I got a letter from my mission president, that evidently got lost in the mail. I have to have sent a letter and all my driving stuff to him by the end of this week... I know right that's insane. So I have been thinking and thinking about all the stuff he wanted me to tell about myself. First what are your talents. Well I obviously couldnt put sleeping, eating raw cookie dough, and writing letters to my missionary. By the way that is what my life has consisted of for two weeks while I was home alone... I might have even forgotten to take a shower every day... I know right, you are thinking gross, how is this girl going to go on a mission.. When you dont have a life, it really doesnt matter what you do. I know that it was Satan working on me, but I seriously couldnt think of any talents I have. I am just a sarcastic, tom boy, who watches a lot of movies. I cant do anything well. So what do I do in times of need email my missionary begging for him to help me. However, Monday was Veteran's Day so no email... All  I could think of was now I have to figure out my talents on my own... So I thought and thought, there might have been some distractions with Facebook, and movies. Ok let's be honest I was very distracted, and  I might have gone on a hike/ 4 wheeling trip to Willard Peak, where there was no thought to the letter, or all the questions I have to get answered. By the way like a foot of snow up there and it was 60 degrees. It was amazing. Got some awesome pictures too that I will post. Finally I thought I would get an email today, he usually emails around 10. So what was I doing every 10 seconds until almost 11. Refreshing my email. Finally I decided to start writing the letter this is what I got.

November 12, 2013

Dear President Hobbs,

                I am so excited to be able to serve a mission with you and your sweet wife. I know that I will love you as I get to serve with you in the months to come. I have never felt so sure about a decision I have made until my decision to serve a mission. I know that all my experiences, and all the studying I have done has helped me to prepare to serve a mission. Each day I try to prepare myself even more by reading the Book of Mormon, reading A great and Marvelous Work by LeGrande Richards, reading the general conference talks, studying the lessons in  Preach my Gospel, memorizing scripture masteries, and going to the temple twice a week. I have also gone out with the missionaries here to teach lessons as well. Each time I go out with the missionaries I am overjoyed and cannot wait to be able to serve my own mission. I love the Spirit and the happiness it brings me to share my testimony and knowledge of the Gospel is true. I already have love for the people in Rancho Cucamonga and dray for them daily. I am preparing to take my endowments out very soon, so that I can have the knowledge and understanding about more of the covenants of the church. So I can have that excitement and the joy of going to the temple, and be able to share that with my future investigators. I truly love attending the temple. I know that one of the main reasons I moved to Utah was the Lord knew I needed to gain a greater testimony of the temple and temple work. I know how important families are in the church , and how temples help our families to become eternal. I have a wonderful family that I love very much, however, most of my family are either inactive or not members.  

                My parents were married in the Logan Temple. They had three children. I am the oldest and I am twenty, then my eighteen year old sister, and my seventeen year old brother. We were all raised in the church, however, when I turned eight my parents divorced. Divorce is hard for any family, but for a LDS family I think it is even harder. For a long time I felt like I would never have an eternal family. My Mom eventually moved out of Utah, and remarried. My mother and siblings fell away from the church, but my mom gave me a choice. I decided to keep going to church because I knew it was true. I knew that I could never give that up in my life. I learned sooner than most kids how to be independent, and not rely on the testimony of my parents. My mother remarried someone who was not a member, and I got two more siblings; my little sister who is five and my little brother who is four. My mother, step father, both my sister, my little brother, and my niece all live in Tennessee; where I have lived for eight years of my life. I moved back to Utah about a year and a half ago, I live with my maternal grandparents who are members of the church. Although, my Dad and most of his family life in Utah as well I hardly see them or talk to them. My Dad has been inactive for several years now, and has never really had a relationship with me. I have tried to include him in my life, and my decision to serve a mission. My aunts and uncles are all so excited and supportive of me, along with my maternal grandparents and mother. I know that by going on a mission and serving I will be an example to my family. I hope that with my example I will be able to bring my family closer to the gospel. I know that I have been given these trials and my family for a reason. It even says in my patriarchal blessing, “It is not by accident that you have been placed in the circumstances where you have had the opportunity here in this life to receive blessings of the gospel.” I have been blessed with the knowledge that this is the only true church upon the face of the earth. I have been blessed with the great opportunity to share this knowledge with all the people in Rancho Cucamonga California, and I cannot wait.

Jessica Bell

Side not I like the fact that today is 11 12 13. well finally it is 12 and guess what I missed an email from Josh. Actually I didnt miss it, we got to email back and forth for almost an hour. It is probably sad to say, but that was the best hour of my life since he left. Well besides the day I got my mission call. So he forgot to answer my question. So I was like answer my questions!!! Please. I love you. He cant get mad at me demanding answers if I say I love you. :) He told me he could picture my face saying that too. I laughed, considering I make a lot of faces, and he knows me all to well to know that I was making a face while emailing that to him. So I called him a dork and this is what i get in response, "i am right now. :) can I just say that it is wonderful to hear you say that.(Calling him a dork) :)  what are your talents? you are a great listener, you have a huge sense of duty and work. you are wonderful at sewing, cooking, this might be weird, but money management is a great strength.you have a great knowledge of the scriptures, you love to read. i don't remember all of you questions though. yeah, it is. It feels like you are so close, and I like that.(This is in response to me asking if he liked me calling him a dork.) I think that you were right, you would do great with trainer that will help you become that 4th missionary. and that is so awesome that you got that from mary! it's a wonderful talk. I love how detailed it is. to answer a question that you had in your letter, no you are not stopping me from being that 4th missionary. When I came out here I told you that I would do everything to stay focused, and I am. there are some days where that is harder, so I have to think, would Jess want me to be thinking about her or what I should be doing right now.Oh, I wanted to tell you, I'm grateful that you are so creative and awesome! I love that about you. does it ever bother you that I'm not very creative? that's great that my family is helping so much, I'm really glad that you've been able to be with them so much. I read a quote the other day "take a deep breath. smile. it's only a bad day, not a bad life" that is so awesome that you are going through the temple!!!( So I got my endowment day this week!!I am more nervous about it than anything, and I have had an anxiety attack because of it. I am so excited about it too. I love that I will be able to be that much closer to my Heavenly Father. I cannot wait to make another covenant with Him. I know how much it will bless my life, and how many questions it will help me answer.) I love the temple and I know that you will love it even more when you get your endowments. I love you!!!  so much Jessica. you are amazing and such a good example to me. thank you for everything. thank you so much!!!!!!!!!! :) ( So I asked him what he wanted for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and this is what he wrote.)  I loved the pictures that you sent as well, those were so great!!! and i liked you drawing, :) I don't need anything for thanksgiving. if you really want to give me something for Christmas though.... I do have a few things that I need. there a few books, I can't remember their names right now. also a tie bar. insoles for my shoes. piano music to listen to. you want to know what I have been really craving? that protein shake that you buy at sam's club. for some reason that sounds so good.( Apparently he thinks I am made of money. I however have a few other ideas for Christmas. I am making a book of us, and a blanket. Along with a missionary stocking that I am making.) I know that you love me. :) but I don't need that to make me happy I have you.( This was because I would send him that stuff for Christmas) You know one of the hardest things about being out here, is that I can't help you. or my family,. I know that the Lord will take care of you, but i wish that I could help you by sending you things. or by doing anything. because I want to make you happy. and yes, I am so sad about not having CFA... ;) really though, I crave it sometimes... ( We worked at CFA together) ( Well then he had to go, it is always sad when he says bye to me. I was happy that he was able to answer my question, and made my day. I got all of my letter done to my mission president from his help. And this is how he signs off. ) I LOVE YOU!!!!!! have a good week. Remember that I am there for you. and I know that you know that our Heavenly father is there for you. "

Remember that. You are never alone, you will always have someone to help you and be by your side. Just remember to ask. I hope all of you have a good week. I will be spending tomorrow at the DMV getting all of my driving records and a new license to send ... Yay!... Not really, but I am getting my mission pictures done tomorrow, that part is exciting. O and here is the pictures from my hike, and one of my sweet missionary out in the mission field. 

This is a mountain goat I saw, sorry for the crappy picture. 

Missionary Call Acceptance

I received my mission call over a week ago. It was the most thrilling and anxiety filled day of my life so far. Not only had it taken four long months to finally get it, but I then waited patiently by my standards to open in until everyone could come together to hear my great news. So much emotion and tension on one little piece of paper that will tell me where I could finally go and teach others about my testimony, and about my experiences that have truly given me the knowledge that THIS CHURCH IS TRUE!! So finally I am tearing the corner of the big white envelope. (When it came in the mail I couldnt believe it and almost overlooked it. I know everyone is thinking how could that be possible. Well when i finally read the name Sister Jessica Bell. I started jumping up and down and screaming. Might have gotten a few strange looks from neighbors who were outside.) Well I got the packet out and threw the envelope down. Not realizing that the call was in fact on the piece of paper still in the envelope. Ok side note. I didnt care where I was called, I didnt have a preference, I knew I would go where the Lord wanted me to. However everyone had told me I was going to go to Russia. I really didnt think that I would, and I hadnt hoped  to, except when I read where I was going I was a little disappointed that it was not to Russia. Everyone is yelling at me to read it our loud. How could I read it out loud when I was letting it sink in where I was finally called to serve. I had to laugh because never had I thought that i would be called to the California Rancho Cucamonga mission. I could barely pronounce Cucamonga let alone serve there. The funny thing is my aunt, uncle, and cousins had just gotten back from a trip to Disneyland where they had driven through Rancho Cucamonga, and had said wouldnt it be funny if Jess went here. Well I didnt think so. Except when I was reading down further I knew that I needed to go here for some reason. I would help someone or someone would help me. I would grow in California, and I would gain a stronger testimony of the church. Was I nervous? YES!! Who wouldnt be? I am leaving my home, the people I love, and my comfort zone to go somewhere I have never been. To teach people I have never met. And to live with another girl that the only thing we may have in common with is that we are serving a mission in Rancho Cucamonga for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What was I thinking? I cant even stand working with some girls, and hanging out with some girls for a night let alone sharing the same space for a whole 18 months with lots of different girls. Almost all my friends are guys because of the simple reason I hate drama, and basically everything that girls do. I am seriously a Tom Boy.BUT GUESS WHAT? Heavenly Father knows this. Heavenly Father will be with me every step of the way and will help me get over all my fears like the ones about my companion. My fears of being someone new( which isn't actually that big of a fear, I great at making new friends and talking to people. Kinda happens when you move 15 times in your life and you are only 20) And my fears of being inadequate in my knowledge of the gospel. 
So I being to look at the packet, now that the cat was out of the bag everyone realized how hungry they were and I became less interesting than the food that was before them, Which tends to happen a lot. Food is good. Somehow, in the process of submitting my mission papers, I didn’t quite realize that I would be required to actually write a letter directly to the First Presidency in order to accept the call.  When I got my call and read the accompanying packet, I was a little intimidated–what could I possibly have to say to the Brethren?  I think this is probably the reaction a lot of new missionaries have. So I put it  off, that and the fact that last Sunday was Stake Conference so I couldnt have given it to my bishop to send anyways. Then on Halloween Josh's dad (my missionary out in the mission field. So proud of that boy. He still doesnt know where Im going) said well i assume your acceptance letter is in, and then I remember that I still had not written the First Presidency. What am I suppose to say, I know that I want to serve a mission. and I know that the Lord wants me to serve the people of Rancho Cucamonga California, however how do I do that. So I did what any good Mormon girl does when she doesnt know what to do. I prayed. I got on my knees and told Heavenly Father to help me to know what to write to accept my new calling as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Well he answered. I wrote my acceptance. here it is:

Dear Brethren:
I gratefully accept the call to serve. I have never been so sure about any decision I have made in my life, except for this one. I know in my heart that I am doing the Lord's will. I am going out in search of that one lost sheep. I know with Heavenly Father's love and support I will be able to help serve the sweet souls in the are of Rancho Cucamonga, California. I know that this is the path that I will follow to be closer to my Heavenly Father. and to have the great blessing of the Spirit in my life. I have faith that with Him I can fulfill my calling as a missionary, without Him I will fail. "I will boast of my God, in his strength I can do all things." (Alma 26:12) I thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to go out and do the work and serve. I know the blessings will be numerous and my testimony of the gospel will grow. 
Sister Jessica Bell 
I know that Heavenly Father was helping me to write this. I could have never done it on my own. For months I have been getting answers to my prayers about serving on a mission, and it finally happened. I have the ability to serve. But, I dont have to wait to share my testimony of the gospel, and invite others to come unto God. I have been preparing for a mission my entire life, through hearing the testimonies of my teachers, bishops, friends, and prophets. I know that this church is true. There is something that my missionary shared with me the night before he left to the MTC. Well I guess it was from his uncle,who just got back from a mission in Africa. But anyways he said. "You will have good times and you will have bad times. And when those times come get on your knees and the Lord will help you to know that you are blessed and that you are loved . Everything is going to be just fine. " 

Never have I felt more love and support than I do right now, because I have submitted everything I have to the Lord. And my will, will be His for 18 months. I know that I will grow, I will be come more patient, loving, and an all around better person because I am dong what the Lord asks us to do. I am Following Him . I am serving Him, and Finding that one Lost sheep that has gone astray.  "This could be the best two years of my life, but it will definitely be the best two years for my life." I know this is true. There is something that Josh shared in his letter today that I wanted to share. 

Stand TALL. 

Reach High. 

You personify, the image of God above.

Be glad you are you. 

Lay Claim to your due. 

Of His glorious light and love. 

I am a MORMON. I know it. I live it. I love it. Nothing will ever change that for me, I have know since I was 12 that there was something special about this church that I never wanted to lose, and I am determined to never quit having that special feeling each and every time I talk about the gospel, or go to the temple, or do something that I know is right. I know that when I am on my mission, I am going to make it the best 18 months of my life. I will grow, I will teach, I will love, and I will share my passion for what I know is true. A missionaries success is not from the amount of baptisms we do. It is about the true conversions we make happen. All we have to do is plant the seed and let it grow. It will blossom eventually. Just like in the Disney movie Mulan, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." The entire world is in a state of adversity, Satan is all around. However, Light always overcomes darknes, and the flower will bloom,and once they realize how important the gospel is they will never let it  go. 

Just What I Needed to Hear

So I am getting sick.. That is never fun. But I think that Josh knew I wasn't feeling well. Cause I got a surprise letter from him. It made my day. :) Some of my favorite things in his letter:

 I remember walking up to the theater, I was so nervous... My hands were sweating (but i guess they always do) and thinking Wow she looks great. I can still see you standing there looking like you had butterflies. I know that what we have, our love for each other is real.... I truly do love you, you are my girl. We fit perfectly together. I love that you have helped me to gain a greater testimony of the temple, families, and the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. And you have helped me to feel my Saviors love because of your love for be. Being as imperfect and in need of improvement as I am. No one should love me as much a as you do. Yet I know that you  do anyways. And I am forever grateful for that. And I know that you are shaking your head and rolling your eyes right now.... I know that our love will last. Two years really will go by fast. Let's try not to think too much about time though because it will go slower if we do. I love you with all my heart, with everything that I am. And that love will only grow .
With love, and forever yours,
Elder Broadbent
He is such a sweetheart. I cant believe that he started talking about our first date. I had no idea that he still thinks about our first date. I am so proud of him and his service. Right now he is having a hard time out in the mission, he doesnt feel like he is making a difference, and all of his appointments are falling through. He is always an optimist, and in his letter, he was telling me what he thinks is hard, and yet he is still being an optimist. He is still able to have a good outlook on life. I know that he is making a difference even if he cant see it. He is an amazing missionary and is going to make an even better husband. He isnt even here right now, and he still knows exactly how to make me feel better.  I am so glad that he is still thinking of me, and loves me. I know that he loves me with all his heart, and I love him the same way. I guess that is the end of my rant about my amazing boy out in the mission field. I know that he is mine and I am his forever and always.
Not only is he amazing, but his family is as well. I spent Halloween with his family and it was amazing. I spent about an hour just talking to his parents. Then when his little brother got home from trick or treating we just sat there and watched Monster's University together. (On a side note, Love this movie it is so cute. Me and Josh saw it together before he left. I fell asleep in his arms when we watched it. So i was trying to not be emotional when I watched it this time) The movie was hilarious, and it was fun to just watch it with his family. They act so much like him, and make me feel just as loved as if Josh was still here. Especially his dad's hugs. Which I get any time that he sees me.. So basically once a week. :) I even brought them cookies. ( I was dressed as little red hiding hood, and since they were the only people i went and saw on Halloween they got all the treats for grandma.) :)

Since someone cough cough my aunt said that there was too much love letters I decided to share the rest of Elder Broadbent's letter to me really helps me to know how great a missionary he is becoming. 

We have quite a few investigators, who we try to contact regularly. We've already gotten 4 new investigators since I've been here, which for this area is really good. The only problem is that when we schedule appointments with them it's more of like a time that they think might be available if they arent doing anything else. A lot of the time it's really hit and miss, but when we do have lessons they are so powerful. We had a lesson with a former investigator named Allen. It was so spiritual. In the past he has been really sketchy and difficult to teach, but the lesson was so good. He said he got goose bumps and knows everything is true, ans he realized that he needs to make the next step and be baptized, which was awesome. So we are going to work with him. 

I know that he is having a hard time, and all missionaries go through hard times, but he is making the most out of it. He is doing God's work, and in the end that's all that matters. He is following the Lord's plan and trying to hasten the work of Salvation. I am so proud of my missionary and know that he is and will bless the lives of those around him. Now everyone knows that there is more than all that lovey dovey stuff in the letters I receive. He is growing his faith, love, and testimony of the Gospel. He is doing God's will, and he is loving every minute of it. 

Me as little Red Riding Hood

My Testimony

I want to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It isn’t just because the church wants everyone to go on a mission. I do know that Heavenly father wants me to go. He has been prompting me to go for quite some time and I am going because I feel that I need to.  I am going because I know Heavenly Father is prompting me to go.

I can help someone, somewhere to come into the fold, and to be part of the church. I want to help others. Everyone needs help, no matter what circumstances they are going through in their lives; everyone needs someone to talk to. Everyone needs help learning more about the gospel, learning new perspectives of the gospel.

             I have faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I know that with Him I can get through everything. I know that He has been there to pick me up when I fall. I know that He has given me my trials to make me the person I am today. Without the gospel in my life, I know that I couldn’t have made it through all of my trials. I have faith that Heavenly Father will help me on my mission and where I lack in knowledge of the gospel. Heavenly Father will be there to help me know what I need to teach the investigators exactly what they need.

I know that the scriptures are true. I know that the scriptures have come from divine revelation by the prophets and apostles of the church. I know that by faith Joseph Smith was able to translate the Book of Mormon. I know the Book of Mormon is also the true word of God. I know that by reading and pondering the scriptures diligently we can become closer to Heavenly Father. I know that with the help of prayer and reading the scriptures my question can be answered. Just like my question about going on a mission was answered by reading the scriptures after praying about it. I know that without the scriptures Joseph Smith would never have prayed about which church was true and would have never met God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ in the sacred grove and started the only true church in the world.

            I know that the Book of Mormon will be the greatest tool I will use on my mission to  teach others about the gospel.  I hope that my investigators will be able to feel the peace and the Spirit that I feel each time I read the Book of Mormon, and come to find that it is true just like I have. I know that daily scripture study is what helps keep the spirit in my life, along with going to the temple. I believe with all my heart that the temple is the House of God. Although I haven’t been able to make the sacred covenants in the temple and gotten the opportunity to become endowed, I know the Spirit dwells in that Holy place. I know that the blessings of the temple will be even greater when I become endowed. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to go to the temple, and help those who can’t be baptized for themselves. I am so blessed to help people I don’t even know get out of spirit prison and receive the great blessings of the gospel. I love the overwhelming feeling of peace I receive when I get to do this wonderful service. I cannot wait for the day I can take my temple covenants, and be able to go on a mission and help people who can be baptized for themselves and can receive the blessings before they pass away.

I know that a temple marriage is the only way to be sealed to my eternal companion for eternity. I know through prayer and fasting I will find my eternal companion and cannot wait for the day I will be able to spend my life with him through all eternity. I know that in the world right now, families are not important but I also know that in the church, families are the most important thing. I am grateful to know that with the gospel I will have an eternal family.

I love sharing the gospel in my family. I love the Spirit that resides in a home when they are choosing the right. I love the Spirit that radiates from a family that has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that families are so important in the church because without an eternal family, people fall victim to the world.  I know that my family might not have the spirit residing with them and may not believe in the church any longer, but I know my family loves me. I know that if I do what I need to do, and follow Christ’s way, the Lord will help me to bring my family back in the fold. I will be the example to them. I will be the beacon to lead them back to where the Spirit resides. I will once again have an eternal family.

I know one of the many blessings families can have is the power of the priesthood, and the blessings it brings to each member of the family is amazing. Although I didn't always have the priesthood in my home while I was growing up, I knew that I could turn to any one of the priesthood holders in the church and they would be able to give me a blessing. Not only does the priesthood bring blessings and help those in need, but it blesses the home, and allows the Spirit to reside there. It brings a peaceful feeling that dwells in your home.

             I know the priesthood is the keystone of the church. The priesthood allows the leaders of the church to hold the keys that allow them to be in tune with the Spirit for us. I know that without the priesthood my bishop wouldn’t have been able to give me a blessing of peace and comfort when I was having shoulder pain. I know the Spirit was with him, and was speaking through him as he blessed me to help me find a job and to help me have a better relationship with my family, two things I had not mentioned to my bishop at the time of the blessing. I immediately felt the peace and comfort of knowing that my Heavenly Father was there for me and knew exactly what I needed to hear at that moment in time.

The priesthood helps the prophets, apostles, and even the local authorities to receive revelation to help those in need. Although I cannot hold the priesthood, I can share in the blessings that come from marrying and eventually raising priesthood holders.

I know that we have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, who receives revelation for all the members of the church. I know that what he says comes directly from Heavenly Father. I know that what he says are things each member needs to strive to work towards and it is what we need in the world today to stave off the natural man, and keep the commandments. I know that no one is perfect, and that is why we have repentance. I know that we have the repentance process to get back to Heavenly Father, and to get into the Celestial kingdom. I know that the power of repentance comes from the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ gave His life so that we will be able to live with Him once more. He died for us to take away our sins and our pain. I know that each Sunday when we take the sacrament, we have our sins washed away and get to remember once again why Jesus Christ died for us. I know that each sacrament we get to renew our baptismal covenants. I am so glad that I chose to get baptized when I was eight. Even then I knew how true the gospel is and wanted to become a member. I am so glad that I was able to receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. I know the Holy Ghost helps lead and guide me to where I am meant to be. I know that when I hear that still small voice that I need to listen to its promptings. I know the Holy Ghost is my constant companion and my friend, just like Jesus Christ.

I know that if you pray to Heavenly Father, He listens. He is always there for me, even if no one else is. He will answer my questions, listen to my problems, and comfort me when I need it. He will come when a prayer is said. He cannot help me if I do not ask for help. Without prayer I will not be able to have the Spirit help me when I am teaching others. With faith and prayer Heavenly Father will be able to speak through me and help others know that this church is true.

 I know Joseph Smith is a prophet. I know that he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the sacred grove. I know he translated the Book of Mormon correctly. I know that he sacrificed his life for the church; I know that he had faith in the church and knew it to be true. I know that he was able to work through his trials with the help of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know he was the first missionary.  I know through his faith and diligence others wanted to become part of this church. I hope that I will be able to serve the people with love and diligence and have them see how much I love the gospel just like Joseph did. I know the church is true. I know that it is the only true church upon the earth. I know that my Father lives. I know he sent his only begotten son for us. I know he love me. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Waiting

Waiting. The definition of waiting is the act of remaining inactive or stationary. This is what my life has become and will be for the next 121 days, well actually for the next 694 days. How can I possibly remain inactive though. I guess I should explain why and what I am waiting for. There are so many reasons people wait. Waiting to find true love, waiting to grow up, waiting to find there own place in the world. However, I am not waiting for any of these things. I am waiting for the day I get to leave to serve a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. I am waiting on my best friend, boyfriend and my future eternal companion to return for serving his mission as well. I don't think the definition of waiting is sufficient for LDS members. We willingly send off our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends and our better halves for 18 to 24 months to serve the Lord. To others outside the church this is a terrible sacrifice. How can and 18 or 19 kid know enough to go out on their own, in a completely new place for 2 years to teach about their faith, their love of the gospel, and their love of their Heavenly Father. However, leaving to serve the Lord is in no way a sacrifice, it is an immeasurable blessing to the family of the missionary, to the missionary, and to those special people that decide to investigate the church. For those two years our missionaries are gone do we put our lives on hold, are we inactive? NO!! We hasten to salvation in our own areas, we become missionaries as well. We are trying to obtain that same Spiritual high our loved ones are experiencing. Our missionaries do not need to be the only ones that benefit from the two years they are gone. We too can have miracles happen. We can become a Preach my Gospel missionary. If I just sat around waiting for the love of my life to come home, then I would not be the same person I was when he left. I want to grow and strive to be a better person just as he is doing right now. He might not know it but he isn't just converting those he is serving, but he is strengthening my testimony and helping me have a true conversion. I love him so much, and hope to to become a great missionary like he is right now.