17 Miracles

Tonight was forced to go to the movie, "17 Miracles". Every single miracle in the movie is a true story, and comes from the Martin/Willie Handcart Companies of the Mormon Pioneers crossing the plains.

As I said, I was forced. I didn't want to go. I'd heard, from others, that you will just cry and cry and cry some more. I didn't want to cry. I didn't want to be shown incredible stories of faith.

I was stubborn, and hardhearted. Boy was I seriously humbled. I needed to reminded of the stories of the pioneers. I needed to be shown incredible stories of faith. I am leaving on a mission in less than 48 hours, and faith is the major component of missionary work. I cried because of my hardheartedness. I cried because I wasn't sure I was able to have that much faith. I cried for the hardships, the trials, the sickness & death, and the pain they felt.

One of the men said, "As I pushed my handcart alone, countless times I turned around to see who was helping me push my cart, and there was no one there." I have felt the Angels of the Lord helping me, and pushing me along through times of trial. The countless times I have felt the warmth and comfort of a hug, from an unknown source.

Do not forget the times of you have been comforted. The times the Spirit has spoken truth to you. For they will always come back to you, during times of other trials. You can work through them. You can overcome every single trial. Keep to the faith, and you will be blessed. Everything happens for a reason, and we are to always learn from each and every experience. For which, we are incredibly blessed.

< 2 days

With less than two days to go... I can't say that I'm really nervous to be heading out on my mission. I'm more excited than ever, and ready to get out of here and start this wonderful journey.

I think I'm just sad that I didn't get to spend much time with friends. Then again, all my friends from high school are all different and we don't have much in common anymore. I suppose you can say we aren't really friends anymore. Boy, I sure miss the good ol' days.

"Once there was a way, to get back homeward,
Once there was a way, to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullaby,
Golden slumbers fill your eyes, smiles awake you when you rise."
-Golden Slumbers

I have decided that other than Yesterday by the Beatles, my next favorite song is In My Life. The words are so poetic, and just lovely. They speak volumes. I love it.

There are places I remember, all my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better, some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments, with lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living, in my life, I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers, there is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning, when I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them, in my life I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them, in my life I love you more, in my life I love you more

Closer and Closer

TOMORROW happens to be Sunday. Then it is Monday. Then it is Tuesday. Then it is WEDNESDAY!! And I'm off on the best and most exciting adventure of my life. I know a mission is going to be the hardest thing I'll ever do, but I don't care. I am so excited to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ ()!! I only have three more days. THREE! Man, and I thought this summer went by really fast? Well, I thought it was slow, but as I look back, it was extremely fast. It's weird how time flies by like that. Sheesh. Yay!

Time to Relax

Well, today has come and gone. I don't know what happened, or where the time went, but it's gone. It's July 31st, and I am so at ease with everything that has happened.

Last Sunday I was complaining to mom that I had no idea how I was going to write my talk. I didn't know where to start, what to say, and how it should end. I went to bed mulling over in my head what we'd talked about and a few of the options I could talk about. I sat down on my bed with all the materials I wanted to use, my computer, and just started typing. The most amazing thing happened. I just kept typing and typing. I didn't know what time it was, I never looked at the clock. Finally, I finished it, and it was about 3:30 in the morning.

I got up the next morning to tell my parents that I'd finished my talk. They said, "but you were complaining all night, that you didn't know what to say." My mom said now I just have this last week to think about my talk and change things that I thought needed to be changed, since it was a "rough draft". As I thought about it all week, I didn't change much. It just felt right. I changed a few things, some of the wording wasn't quite right. Other than that, it stayed pretty much the same.

As I gave my talk today, everything just felt right. Obviously this wasn't the work of my hand, it was from the Lord. The little blessings the Lord has given me, His tender mercies always come in little ways, and I'm so grateful for them. I absolutely loath writing talks, and I knew if I asked for help, and had faith, the Lord would show His mercy to me, and I would be able to accomplish the direction He wanted me to take. I am so blessed.

I Love to See the Temple

Today I was privileged to witness a temple marriage. My cousin and his fiancee (now wife) were married in the Jordan River temple. It was awesome and exciting, and just how I want my wedding. In the temple.

Drum roll please.....

I have done 9 sessions in 8 temples! YAY!

Logan
Bountiful
Salt Lake (twice)
Oquirrh Mountain
Draper
Jordan River
Manti
St. George

Each temple is gorgeous and lovely, and a house of the Lord. I am so thankful I have been taught to live my life worthily so I am able to enter therein. I'm grateful for the blessings that come from serving in the house of the Lord, and I know I am helping someone on the other side. It's a great feeling. :)

I said it Once, but I'll Say it Again

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MISSIONARY WORK!!!

I don't know how many times I can say it, but I'll say it again. I love it. I seriously cannot wait. 21 days and counting, and I will be starting the biggest journey of my life. My addiction to food with seem like nothing in comparison to serving a mission.

I received a letter from the MTC (Missionary Training Center) yesterday, giving me a last minute reminder of the things I need to get accomplished before I go. It gave me a website to go to all about "Preach, My Gospel" and three videos I should watch about teaching the gospel. The testimonies of the people they were teaching in the videos were so real, and so inviting. Words cannot describe the emotions and the spirit I felt. I am so excited to feel that way for the next 18 months.

This is my journey, and nothing will I fear! The Lord, my God, will pilot me, and keep my pathway sure, my help and my guardian, to the journey's end. The Lord is my light, my beacon and guide, my strength and my song. And I will be strong!

It's a battle we're fighting. I am ready to pick up my sword and fight for my King.

The Countdown is ON!!