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!