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!

Attitude

One day in elementary school I was sent to see the principal because the teacher didn't want to deal with me. I remember my principal very well, I remember him listening to my side of the story and thinking about it and then he started talking about ATTITUDE. Over and over by many people since I was young, have told me I have an ATTITUDE problem, very few people told me though that I can make my ATTITUDE to not be a problem. That my attitude can be used in a great ways, and for great things. If I have a negative attitude, then yes its a problem. I have to admit even to this day I still have a negative attitude sometimes, but I try my best to improve it. Lately in my life my attitude as really displayed discouragement and negative thoughts of feeling that I can't do this, its not going to work and so on. Its gotten to the point that its effecting the Lord's work that I have been called to do. I am not able to help others because I don't think I can. I am not able to do this and that because I don't think I can. I have not experience as much success in the work I do for my Heavenly Father because I am waiting for the success to have a good ATTITUDE about it. 

A quote I come across the other day made me really think:

"Attitude is not the result of success. Success is the result of attitude."

Which then made me think of this scripture:

Ether 12:6 

"I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

God isn't going to give us the witness of truth until after we excercise our faith in Him and do the things he commands and study diligently and pray to our Heavenly Father and ask Him.

Just like I am not going to experience success in the work I do if I don't believe I can, If I don't have faith I can, I won't.

Since a very young age I always wondered how do I change my ATTITUDE? And everytime I am involved with something new and I don't have the right ATTITUD about it, I seek my Heavenly Father's and My Savior's help by praying for the desire to have a better ATTITUDE, to have charity, the pure Love of Christ, and overtime through different experiences and as I let my desires work inside me, my ATTITUDE changes.

I am so grateful for the expereinces and people I have in my life to help me learn and grow. I know that I can't improve and do things without the help of my Heavenly Father and my Savior!

I know that God is my Heavenly Father, and that He loves me and each one of His children. I know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us so that we can be cleansed from our sins when we repent. I know by following the example of Jesus Christ and developing attributes that He has we can experience happiness and peace in our lives. I know that through Jesus Christ I can be forgiven of my sins and return to live with my Heavenly Father and my family for eterenity! I know that the Church Christ established when He was here on earth has been restored through a prophet called of God, name Joesph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joesph Smith translated it through the power of God. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ!

Feed yourself spiritually and physically!

"All they that be FAT upon earth shall EAT and WORKSHIP." Psalms 22:29

"Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and FEAST upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in FATNESS."  2 Nephi 9:51

  Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, FEAST upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. 2 Nephi 31:3

 I love to eat food. As you can see here in Cookeville, TN I get fed a lot of good food! Donuts, salmon, sushi, chicken, and other yummy delcious food! It is important to feed ourself physically, but its also so important to feed ourselves spirtually too! Reading my scriptures and attending church brings me so much peace and joy into my life! So go and FEAST upon the words of Christ, and then feed yourself physically!!

Women are indcredible!

Emma Smith was such an amazing woman! Just like the women today in the Church!

"Much of what we accomplish in the Church is due to the selfless service of women."
(http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/lds-women-are-incredible?lang=eng&query=lds+women+incredible)

Peace of mind and comfort in my heart!

When one not so good thing happens after another,  sometimes life can get discouraging. Sometimes we can have feelings of discouragement, frustration, anger, the attitude of just wanting to give up because you ask yourself what is your purpose? You might feel alone and that no one understands what your going through. Recently I have had some really good moments but also some really discouraging moments. Today I found out some news about a family member that is sick and is basically taking it one day at a time. I sent my wishes that he will start feeling better and got the response that most likely it will just get worse and not better. In the moment it made me sad. All sorts of feelings rushed into me and I was not quite sure what to do or to think. After a  few moments I said a prayer. I instantly received peace of mind and comfort in my heart. Because I know what God, my Heavenly Father's plan is for us.

I know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me. I know that I am His daughter and that before I come here to earth I lived as a spirit in His presence. I know why I am here.

I know that its only through our Savior, Jesus Christ that we can be cleansed of our sin and return back to our Heavenly Father. Its through Jesus Christ's Atonement that He can help us and give of that comfort because he knows how everything feels.

Alma 7:11-13
11And 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.
12And 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.
13Now 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.

Because I know the plan God has for us, that even though someone dies, and yes it is sad, but I am comforted because I know I will be able to see them again and be with my family for eternity if I follow God's commandments now and prepare now to return back to Him.

I love my family so much and I am so grateful that I know that I will be able to be with them even after we die. That we will be able to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father!