Missionaries

Missionaries: They leave their families for 18 months to 24 months to help other families spend eternity together. This is a quote often used to describe missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I've heard this quote, I've repeated this quote, but what does it really mean? Well here is what it means to me.

I left to serve a mission for a period of 18 months and during that period I agreed to only communicate with my family through letters, once of week through email, and a phone call twice a year on Mother's day and Christmas. I know it sounds a bit restrictive, but the reason behind it is to keep us as missionaries focused on the Lord's work. We devote all of our time to the Lord and with less communication from family we are able to be more focused. Is it easy for me to not talk to them more often? No, at times its hard but as I put my focus on the work I find myself not worrying about how much I get to talk to my family or not because the more I am not focused on my family I am more focus on others and that brings me so much joy being able to help others. Hence the quote that I left my family to help them have eternity with theirs.

Now the question is how is it that I am helping them receive eternity with their family? By sharing another testament of Jesus Christ! Yes, The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. 

“And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, ... and they teach all men that they should do good.” 2 Nephi 33:10

As I read The Book of Mormon as well as the Bible my faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened. Because I have read it and prayed and asked if its true, God has answered me through the Holy Ghost that it is true and because I know its true I also know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that He translated it through the power of God. And because I know these things I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's Church restored! And as you come to know that these things are true you can receive the sacred ordinances done by the proper priesthood authority.  My point is I teach people about Jesus Christ and His church. I teach people about sacred ordinances such as baptism and being sealed as a family for eternity. I want everyone to know about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ because it has brought me so much peace, hope, and joy in my life.

Christmas

This Christmas season is the first of many.

My first  and only Christmas as a full-time missionary for the Lord.
My first Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee.
My first Christmas without any of my family.
My first Christmas not buying presents for others.
My first Christmas sending a Christmas card to many people.
My first Christmas that my brother Frank will not be here to celebrate with my family.

As I think about all these different things, some are hard, some are awesome but all of them will be something I will remember forever!

My first  and only Christmas as a full-time missionary for the Lord:
I am so excited that I am a missionary and have the opportunity to testify of Jesus Christ during this wonderful Christmas season! I am so grateful that I get this opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas more than I ever have before.

My first Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee:
Well a year ago I never ever expected to be living in Nashville, Tennessee but here I am and loving it! Its such a different experience than anything I have ever done before. I am so grateful for it because I have met so many wonderful people that I have grown to love so much. So many of these people have taught me so much and have help strengthened my faith in Jesus Christ!

My first Christmas without any of my family:
Well this is one of those harder things. I miss my family so much. Its hard to not be with my family during Christmas time but I am so grateful for my missionary companion, many families and wonderful people that have shown me so much love and have basically welcomed me into their homes and made me feel like family! I know that by making the sacrifice and serving the Lord many blessings will come to my family and those around me.

My first Christmas not buying presents for others:
Since Christmas has gotten so commercialized, I admit I have gotten caught up in making sure I buy some the best presents for people. Even now I will see a toy that I know my nephews or nieces would love and I have to use all my will power to not buy it. I am grateful for this opportunity because I have realized Christmas is about much more than the presents. I have been able to focus more on important gifts that all of us have been given. Jesus Christ suffered and died for us so that we may repent and be cleansed through the power of His Atonement. Jesus Christ was resurrected and so will all of us. We have been given the gift of immortality. And we have been given a way to receive eternal life. I am so grateful for this gifts and for all that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has done for me. I am am excited about only focusing on giving gifts back to my Heavenly Father and my Savior this year!

My first Christmas sending a Christmas card to many people:
This was so much fun! Me and my missionary companion took Christmas pictures together! And I was able to write cards to my family and friends that I care so much about and express my love for them. To let them know that I am thinking of them and love them. It was such a simple thing but yet it was so much fun to do!

Christmas Spirit

As I drive around I am so grateful for the Christmas spirit that I see with all the Christmas lights, I think they are so beautiful!

My question for everyone is what does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to me means celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Its about remembering all that He did for us. Its about getting together as a family and making memories! I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me.

Alma 7:11-13

11: And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12: And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

13: Now the Spirit ^aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the ^bflesh that he might ^ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Darius and Kelsey's baptism!

Last weekend there was a baptism! Kelsey and Darius chose to follow the example of Jesus Christ and they were baptized! It was so amazing! The spirit was very strong and I am so grateful to have been able to be there for it!


Kelsey and Darius




Sister McCall, Kelsey, Darius, and Sister Jasper

Sister McCall and Elder Payne sang I know my Redeemer lives and it was so amazing and it brought the spirit so strong that I wanted to share it with everyone else!

Darius and Kelsey wedding

I got to be there for their wedding. It was such a sweet moment and I am so glad I was able to be there!

There next step is getting sealed for eternity! I am so excited for them and the choices they are making! They are awsome!!

Prepare to meet God!

I don't know if you have ever losed someone your close to but about 7 weeks ago my brother passed away. I feel like I am riding an emotional rollercoster. Somedays are better than others but somedays are hard. Someday I forget to focus on the eternal prespective of life and I focus on the missed opportunities here on earth. I forget that I know where he is and that he is in a better place and that I will get to see him again.

The other day I also find out that an amazing lady I knew growing up was at work just like any other day when someone come in mad and shot her. This makes me think about how I know that I am here on earth for a reason but I don't know when my time to go is. It makes me think of this scripture.

Alma 24:32-33
32 For behold, this ^alife is the time for men to ^bprepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of ^cthis life is the day for men to perform their ^dlabors.
33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many ^awitnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not ^bprocrastinate the day of your ^crepentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the ^dnight of ^edarkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

Part of God's plan is death. Even though its part of the plan it doesn't always take away the sting of it when someone dies. I do know that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God, for us to prepare for eternity. We can't wait until the last moment before we die to prepare to meet God, its something we need to be constantly and continually preparing to do.

I know that God has a plan for us and that we can return back to live with our Heavenly Father if we live righteously and prepare now. I know that families are for eternity and I know that I will see my brother again. I know that even though I miss him and it hurts sometimes knowing he is gone that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be healed. I know that we can find happiness during times of challenges.

Jumping for happiness!

So I love to take jumping pictures, because well they are awesome! It just shows how excited you can be about life. We can even be happy during times that are hard. All we have to do is just choose to be. Yeah sometimes it is hard and I am not perfect at it, but as I try and put the effort into focusing on the blessings I have and the positive things that happen it is a lot easier to be happier. So I plan to write down blessings I see each day to help me be happier, because as we are happy we can make a difference in all the people's lives around us!

The great outdoors!

Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of our Heavenly Father. Which I am very grateful for because I love the outdoors! I love the summer, winter, fall and spring. I love enjoying the outdoors with my family and friends. Being outdoors for me is a place where I can feel the love of my Heavenly Father and enjoy the company of my family and friends. Don't take your family or friends for granted! Take some time and do something fun and build an everlasting relationship with them. Go enjoy the outdoors that were created for all of to enjoy!

 

Happy Halloween!

Well since Halloween is coming up I thought I would share a few pictures from my last halloween. All holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with your family!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not just for sinners

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people” (Alma 7:11–12).

In these scriptures is tells us that Jesus Christ took upon Himself  our pains, afflictions, temptations and sicknesses.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ isn't just there for my sins but there to heal me spiritually. As I go through afflictions, as I face temptations, and I am sick I know that I am not alone. I know that Jesus Christ knows how I feel and that through Him I can learn and grow from all the experiences I go through. I know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ my burdens may be light.

And I will also ease the ^aburdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as ^bwitnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their ^cafflictions. (Mosiah 24:14)

I know that as we turn to Jesus Christ and apply His Atonement into our lives we can be spiritually healed. I know that our life here on earth is when we are suppose to prepare to me God and go through expereiences and learn. I know that it is only through Christ that we can return back to our Heavenly Father.

I know that as we trust in the Lord and follow His commandments we can handle anything. I am so grateful for The Atonement in my life. I am so grateful for the love my Heavenly Father has for me and you, that He sent His son to suffer and die for me and you!

Finding comfort in losing a loved one

On September 9, 2011 I received a phone call from my mom and dad. A phone call from your parents shouldn't be an unusual thing, but as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church it is. We only talk to our parents twice a year and email once a week and communicate through letters, reason being so we can stay focused on the Lord's work! So receiving a phone call was very unusual. At first they just asked how I was feeling, since they knew I had been pretty sick from having a bad gall bladder. Then they got to the point of why they called. They told me that my brother, Frank had passed away.

At first I wanted to respond with anger and yell and say that its not possible, but I couldn't because the Spirit of God comforted me to know that things will be ok.

The scripture  John 14:18

"I will not leave you ^acomfortless: I will ^bcome to you." 

has become very real to me since that moment I found out about my brother had passed away.

Don't get me wrong though, every day has been a struggle and I sometimes catch myself thinking about the things my brother will miss out on. In those moments I have to refocus on the faith that I have in my Savior, Jesus Christ and know that through Jesus Christ I can find comfort in losing a loved one.

Some of the ways I find comfort:

*Reading the Book of Mormon and Bible

*Serving others

*Teaching about Jesus Christ

*Obeying God's commandments

Mosiah 15:7-9, 20-23 reads:

7 Yea, even so he shall be led, ^acrucified, and slain, the ^bflesh becoming subject even unto death, the ^cwill of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

8 And thus God breaketh the ^abands of death, having gained the ^bvictory over death; giving the Son power to make ^cintercession for the children of men—

9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon ^ahimself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and ^bsatisfied the demands of justice.

 20 But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead.

21 And there cometh a resurrection, even a ^afirst resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called.

22 And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection.

23 They are raised to ^adwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has ^bbroken the bands of death.

I know because of The Atonement of Christ that all of us will live again!! I know that I will see my brother again and that I will be able to live with him and my family for eternity. I know that if I listen to the Prophet's words and follow the commandments of God that I will live with my Heavenly Father and my family. I know that my brother will live again and that I will see him again. I am human and so I know that I will at times feel sad and miss my brother, but because I know God's plan, I have hope. I know good things are to come here on earth and when I return back to my Heavenly Father.

I know that The Book of Mormon as well as the Bible are the word of God. I know that Joesph Smith translated The Book of Mormon through the power of God. I know that Joesph Smith is a prophet called of God and that since him there has always been a prophet called of God here on earth! I know that Jesus Christ's Church that he set up on earth has been restored today. I know that The priesthood authority that Jesus Christ has, the Prophet Thomas S. Monson has it. I know The Church of Jesus Christ Of latter-Day Saints is Christ's church and has the authority to act in God's name.  And I know that you can know that by reading The Book of Mormon and praying to God and asking him if its true.

Talk I gave in Sacrament meeting! Keeping our Covenants!

Recently I have been able to help prepare someone to make and keep sacred covenants. As I taught her about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the sacred covenants that she would make with her Heavenly Father, I thought a lot about the covenants I too made with my Heavenly Father. I am sure when I was 8 I didn't completely understand the covenants but I know that I love Jesus Christ and I wanted to follow His example! Overtime I have come to understand more about the covenants I've made and what it really means to keep them. And since I have had so many opportunities to help others prepare to make and keep sacred covenants, I've thought a lot to myself the question:  

Am I keeping my covenants?

During a zone conference on my mission I was taught that most people don't break their covenants but not a lot of them are keeping them either. When I first heard this I was a little defensive thinking if we don't break them then we are keeping them! As they talked more about the difference it started making more sense to me.

Lets talk about the covenants we make at baptism:

First, we promise to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.

Mosiah 5:8-10 reads:

8 And under this head ye are made ^afree, and there is ^bno other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other ^cname given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should ^dtake upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.

 10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some ^aother name; therefore, he findeth himself on the ^bleft hand of God.

Taking upon ourselves the mane of Jesus Christ is much more than claiming we believe in Him, its showing in our actions that we know Him and love Him! Its putting His will before ours. Its developing attributes that He has and having them become part of who we are. Its the only way for our salvation.

Second, we promise to keep the commandments. 

"Your baptismal covenant is a commitment to come into God’s kingdom, separating yourself from the world and standing as a witness of God “at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9). Your efforts to stand as a witness of God include everything you do and say. Strive always to remember and keep the Lord’s commandments. Keep your thoughts, language, and actions pure. When you seek entertainment such as movies, television, the Internet, music, books, magazines, and newspapers, be careful to watch, listen to, and read only those things that are uplifting. Dress modestly. Choose friends who encourage you to reach your eternal goals. Stay away from immorality, pornography, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Keep yourself worthy to enter the temple."

Growing up I always thought the commandments just restricted me from having any fun! It wasn't until I made mistakes that I learned that the commandments are there because our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to protect us. They are there to help us stay on the right path back to our loving Heavenly Father.

Third, we promise to serve the Lord.

President Thomas S. Monson said:

“We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”  

When the prophet Alma taught about the baptismal covenant, he said that we should be “willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light” and “willing to mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9).

A great example of this is devoted visiting teachers return month after month, year after year to the same uninterested, somewhat critical sister. When priesthood holders are always ready and righteously looking to use the priesthood to help others.

A great example to me are my parents. They taught me so much by their example. There would be a phone call and a few minutes my dad would be leaving dressed up in a white shirt and tie to go give someone a blessing.  My parents constantly reached out to people to be their friends even though no one would show their gratitude for my parents.

One of my favorite stories was when I was with my mom one night and we went to costco. It had been a long day and we were both tired. When we first walked into costco my mom noticed this man and just started talking to him and asked if he needed anything. Well he ended up needing a ride to the airport and my mom agreed. I could tell that this man was lonely and sad inside. By the time we got to the airport though he had a smile on his face. I know because of the love my mom has for the Savior, the way she sees all the people around her is like the Savior does! I know what my mom did was such a simple thing, but its those simple things that make the biggest difference. The love and compassion my mom has for people isn't something the has to put a lot of effort into anymore because over the years she has done it and its now part of who she has become.

Keeping our covenants is a daily effort. I know as we strive to to keep our covenants, keeping them will be part of who we become.

I am so grateful for my parent's example and all they have taught me. I am so grateful for the Spirit and the confirmation I've received that I know the Book of Mormon and Bible are the word of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet called of God to help lead us back to our Heavenly Father.

Baptism

2 Nephi 31

5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being ^aholy, should have need to be ^bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be ^cbaptized, yea, even by water!

 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be ^aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

 9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the ^agate, by which they should enter, he having set the ^bexample before them.

10 And he said unto the children of men: ^aFollow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we ^bfollow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

I love these verses!! 

When I read them I am reminded about baptism and the importance of being baptized. I am reminded that baptism is the gate to eternal life. Christ was baptized even though He was perfect. He wanted to follow the commandment from our Heavenly Father and be an example to us. And then in verse 10- He ask us to follow Him. 

Recently I have been part of helping someone prepare for baptism. Her name is Nikki and she made the decision to accept the invitation from Christ to follow Him. She is such a great example to me and all those around her. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me to allow me to be an instrument in His hands to help Nikki. I am so grateful for the Spirit that I have felt through out the process of Nikki preparing to make covenants with Her Heavenly Father by being baptized!

I love Nikki so much! She is awesome!

Fasting

The first Sunday of every month- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have the opportunity to fast. 

Fast -- Fasting, a voluntary abstinence from food, is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ for developing spiritual strength.

Alma 17:3--But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and ^afasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with ^bpower and authority of God.

I know for myself that fasting wasn't something I liked doing because I like to eat food and I don't like going without eating it! What can I say, I love food! 

I have made a goal for myself to fast but not to just fast but to fast properly. I know from experience when I fast properly that the experience is much more spiritual and the hunger pains aren't quite as noticeable. I have seen miracles happen because of the power of fasting!

 I would invite all to learn more about how to fast properly so that you all can experience the great blessing from fasting! I would also invite all to fast this Sunday!

Here is an article about:

The Blessings of a Proper Fast

 

Goodbye to Cookeville, TN.. Hello Murray, KY..

I recently had to say goodbye to so many people I come to love very much! I lived in Cookeville, Tennessee for 4 1/2 and I come to love the people and the town. When I left and I had to say goodbye it made me sad and I felt like I was leaving home all over again! 

As we have charity-the pure love of Christ we can love people so easily because we know that they are all children of our Heavenly Father! 

Here are some of those people (not all because I don't have pictures of everyone) that I had the great opportunity to serve and serve with! I am so grateful for all the people in Cookeville! They all welcomed me into their lives and made me feel so loved!

I am so grateful that I was able to meet all of these people! I am so grateful for all the things I learned from them! I am so very grateful that I was able to be an instrument in God's hands to help the people in Cookeville come closer to their Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ! I am so grateful for the experiences I had in Cookeville and I will always remember them!

I have now been called to serve in Murray, Kentucky and I look forward to the people I will meet and the opportunities I will have to be able to serve them! God has called me to be in Murray, Kentucky and I am so excited for this opportunity!