"I know." - Says everyone ever.

The phrase "I know" holds a lot for being so small in size. When someone says  " I know" it denotes that they are positive about something based on facts, or experiences. I feel like I don't know very much. I mean have only been around in this life for 19 years. I really know almost nothing in comparison to most.  But I suppose that I know a few things.

I don't know much about science, but I know the I exist, that I am made of matter, that the way my body was created is based on the DNA make up that was formed as I grew inside my mother. And I know that there are a lot of other terms like cytoplasm, mitochondria, ribosome, genome, and other big words that I don't know the meaning of that help explain all of it.

 I know these things inside our bodies exist because it there is science to prove it. It has been stated and theorized and experimented and proven. I suppose I personally don't know these things with a certainty, because I have never proven them myself in a laboratory, with a lab coat and goggles, but I have faith that the intelligent people of the world aren't leading me astray.

So there are things we can know based on facts, like the things in our bodies, and our palpable flesh and bones. But there are also things we know based on experiences.

-I know the stove will hurt me if it is hot and I touch it, because I burnt myself at the age of seven.
-I know that watermelons are gross, because I tried it when I was young and it had a gross texture.
-I know that my dad gives good back scratches because it feels nice when he scratches my back.

I know all of this, not because science told me, but because I experienced life, and I found out these things as a result.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there are a lot of people who are say "I know" this or "I know"that, about the various doctrines or truth of the things of our religion. They state with such conviction that they KNOW, and how can you dispute that? You can't. Because it is personal. People will know certain things differently than others will know them, and you can't compare what you know, because you live inherently differently lives. But still when people start saying they know something, if you don't know it, you will want to.

When my friends say to me, "This is the best Bubble tea I have ever had", or "'Dr. Who' is the best television series" or "I love this Artist so much, you need to listen", I always want to know what they know. I want to find out if it really is the best bubble tea, or if Dr. Who is really a good series. So I try it out. I taste the bubble tea, I watch the series. And I judge for myself if it is good. And then I know.

So it is with God. And finding out what you know. You can't base it on what others say. You may be able to trust for a while that the good people, your friends and family, aren't lying, but there comes a time you need to try for yourself. Test the waters and find out.

Whatever the query is, whether you are tying to decide if there is a God, if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph Smith was really a prophet or if Jesus is the Christ, we cannot know with out experience, and without asking.

There are some questions that can be answered from research or facts, teachers or intellects. But only God can tell you in your soul of the truthfulness of His reality, of the actuality of Joseph Smith's encounter with God the Father and Jesus Christ, and the authenticity of the Book of Mormon as the word of God. The things of God can only be known by, and through the power of God. Not through any powers of man.

As questioners are seeking for truth, it will take study and faith. Answers will most often not come to you over night, but they will come over time as you show the Lord that you want them, through Prayer, study, experience and keeping the commandments of God.

"Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."
 (D&C 88:118-Pearl of Great Price)

As you seek for knowledge and learning, your faith will grow. It will become easier to recognize the spirit in your life and to see the good that comes from God. If you are showing this desire to God through faith and study then he cannot refrain from answering your prayers.

"Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened."
(3 Nephi 14:17-18- Book of Mormon)

God want's all of his children to be reminded of him, to recapture the relationship that He remembers so well. He loves us, and wants us to receive answers. And if we ask with sincerity to know. He will answer, in his own way and time.

I will now tell you, dear readers, that I know, that you can know. That I know that God will answer you, if you ask with a sincere desire, and with intention to act on the answer he provides. He wants to answer you. Ask Him. Over time you will be able to use the words         'I know' with the same certainty as so many others. But before you can know, you have to experiment, and ask.

Whoa. Conference. Am I right??

Can we just all sigh a happy sigh for the FANTASTIC conference we were able to watch! I just was speechless after every. single. talk.

The most commonly used statement award goes too..... ;)

But in all seriousness. I will quote President Monson

"In my journal tonight, I shall write, 'This has been one of the most inspiring sessions of any general conference I’ve attended. Everything has been of the greatest and most spiritual nature'". 

To that, dear President Monson, I say DITTO! 

I speculated whether Conference this time around was really amazing only because I was a missionary, but after that statement I figured that it was pretty much just a magnificent conference. I felt the whole time that the words they were speaking were beautifully inspired, with the fantastic reminder from Elder Robert D. Hales at the opening of conference that there words are God's words.  He says

"These conferences are always under the direction of the Lord, guided by His Spirit.  [The speakers] are not assigned specific topics. Over weeks and months, often through sleepless nights, we wait upon the Lord. Through fasting, praying, studying, and pondering, we learn the message that He wants us to give". 

So I learned a lot from my Heavenly Father, through these wonderful men (and the many other Apostles, and leaders who spoke).

Look at those smiles, they really do shine with the light of Christ huh? 

(From Left to Right) President Eyring, President Monson, President Uchtdorf

Among my favorite talks was President Uchtdorf's- He didn't win this year for best accent though, that award goes to Elder Edward Dube  (who's talk reminded us to look ahead and show God our willingness to keep pushing forward).  

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke on THE CHURCH part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He tells a story of a man who had a conversation about what members of the Mormon faith do. After telling them all the things we as Latter-day Saint's do to consecrate our all to the Lord, by volunteering our time to participate in service, church callings, 3 hours of worship services, fasting Sunday once a month, not to mention, youth camps,family history, years dedicated to serving missions (that's me... I do that!) and many more duty's that members fulfill free of charge. The man in response to this LDS couples description said "Now I'm confused, Why would anyone want to join such a Church?".... 

They of course said what ANY member of the church would have said (hopefully).... "I thought you'd never ask". 

As missionaries, we get weird looks, laughs, and scoffs. We get doors slammed in our faces and curse words thrown at us, and sometimes even literal things thrown at us.... Some Sisters got milk chucked at them.... Sad ;( winky frowny face (That's for my brother). But. When we get that one question, "Why would anyone want to join such a church?", we have the answers and it makes it all worth it. 

So why would anyone want to join our church? 

 There are 3 simple reasons. 

1. It is the Lord's church. 

2. It is an active faith.

3. It leads to precious blessings. 

So I want to focus on no.1. It is the Lord's Church. 

The church of Jesus Christ was restored through JESUS CHRIST himself.  It truly was Restored by Jesus Christ, through Joseph Smith and because of that we have the power, and authority to act in Christ's name - to baptize for the remission of sins, to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to seal on earth and in heaven. Without the power from Jesus Christ, we would not be able authorized to do these things, or if we did them, they would have no eternal consequence. But we HAVE been authorized, and because of that, we have real and lasting covenants, that make it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father. 

I know this is true, because I have a testimony of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is true because I have prayed to know, and everyone can receive a witness of the truthfulness of the restoration of Christ church the same way I did. By learning and praying.

"Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and they wish to follow Him. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again." 

If you love your Saviour, follow him.

A year ago today.

I can remember, with extreme clarity, exactly where I was a year ago today.... and  at about this time too. 

It was Saturday morning, and General Conference was starting, promptly at 10 am, as always.  My voice was gone from a nasty cold I had obtained while at University. I remember feeling the glow from the sun  on my face as it shown outside my bedroom window indicating it was time for me to get out of bed. I can still recall sleepily gazing at my mom as she came in my room and flipped on the iHome radio to the station broadcasting the semi- annual General Conference, so I wouldn't miss a second of it. 

As the Mormon tabernacle sang there opening hymn I was still dozing, and I had no idea that in mere moments, my entire life, and the lives of thousands of other individuals, would be changed, by a series of about 15 words spoken from a Prophets mouth. 

As our beloved Prophet, Thomas Monson, stood to announce the going-ons of the Church since we met last, in April  6 months before, I was probably dreaming about what my mom was baking for breakfast paying little attention to most of the  words he spoke, but the phrase, “I now turn to another matter — namely, missionary service" made my ears perk up. 

 As our prophet  announced the change in Young Men's age requirement for missionary service, from 19 to 18, I opened my eyes and looked at the iHome that was siting parallel to my line of vision. I was shocked.  And although the words had not yet been spoken, I knew that something big was about to be spoken directly to me, through that radio. And then they were. 

President Monson said "Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."

I sat straight upright, and yelled "WHAT?", but nothing came out because my voice was completely lost, and then tears began to come as I realized what a blessing and a change was about to take place in my life, for good!  My voice was gone,  but I still wanted to yell, and proclaim for everyone to hear that I was going to serve a mission.  I had no clue when, or how, but I knew I was going to. 

I ran down the stairs to my mother and father and joyfully broke the news to them, saying  " I am going to serve a mission". 

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Looking back at that momentous day, I feel warmth, knowing that I have made the right decision. I am a missionary of God, and I feel so blessed for those 15 words that have changed  my entire life.

What an inspiring revelation that our prophet was able to receive,  so that this work could

hasten. The number of missionary's serving this year as compared to last is 80,000 to 58,000. And I can only imagine how many more peoples lives are being blessed because of it. How many people are being reached by our magnificent message because of it.  How many young women and men, like myself will be forever blessed and changed by this unique chance to serve there God and there fellowmen. I will not forget that day, nor the blessings it has given me since then. 

I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ, and I know that our Prophet, is a  true Prophet of God. 

If you would like to hear the words of the Prophets, spoken October 5th and 6th of 2013 visit:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?cid=HPFR100413105&lang=eng

Our Beautiful World

This morning as we were driving, I was gazing out the window at the magnificent green hills, and arching oak trees over the black curving rain stained road , I thought what a gift this world is.

I know this is a rather unoriginal thought, but it still boggled my mind. As I continued to ponder, I realized truly how complex I am, that I am even able to think. How remarkable is it that we can create from the depths of our thoughts sentences of composure and intellect. Our brains capability to think in sounds, pictures and words, is unfathomably amazing.

As my astonishingly beautifully and complex brain continued to think, and it started to reflect on a person we had talked to the day before. Whilst knocking doors, sharing our message of God's plan, we came across an old man, who, upon first impression, seemed to have some spark in him. We began to talk to him through his shadowed door way, and asked him what he believed. He told us that he did not believe in God or that his spirit would continue to exist after death, which is a rather common belief in the world today, but I thought to myself, "What a poor soul, and what a dreary and depressing life he must be living".

He was genuinely a kind man, but he turned cold when we tried to share the knowledge we had that could have brought him comfort and peace about the purpose for his life, if he would have allowed it.

Walking away from his door, I felt filled with sadness, and put myself in his shoes. As I thought about what my life would be like if I had no idea why I was here, I realized I wouldn't even want to be alive if I didn't have something to reach for, if I didn't have hope for good things to come after this life.

But I felt warmth as I thought about the knowledge that I do know about life after this, I DO have a knowledge of the purpose of life. And I DO know that God lives. The message of The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is one of hope and happiness and it truly brings joy to all who will open there hearts and accept it.  Regardless of what this life has brought, the hope and happiness comes from knowing that this earth is just a small part of what God has gloriously planned for each of us.  This time on earth is such a blessing. It is a time for us to progress and experience and become more like our savior Jesus Christ.

M.Russel Ballard stated;
"Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even grander -that great plan of God"

How great is this world we live in, and how great will the world to come be?  How great is the plan that our Father has for us? 

Just the thought of how GREAT it will be, brings peace to my soul. 

Here is a video about God the Father, and the creation of this world and EVERYTHING else. You can find more at mormonchannel.org
  

Introductions are in order

I wrote my first blog post in a flurry, and realized I haven't even introduced myself. You know two things about me. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I love Jesus Christ. Well I think you deserve to know more. So I will give you the 1 most basic facts about myself.

1. I am a girl
2. I like rice (mostly white with various sauces, or a good fried, maybe even an occasional rice pudding :))
3. I have an two siblings, an elder brother and sister, and one sister in-law. I like them.
4. I have a Mom and a Dad, and I also like them. A lot.
5. I like to bike- on a road bike, but I am not really the spandex wearing type, more the cycling for transportation and joy type.
6. I am from Park City Utah, home of the finest skiing known to man*
7. I am bad at writing lists, much less lists about myself...
8. I love watching (good) television series' and (good) movies, in moderation of course.
9. I like music.
10. I love my friends.
11. I have a English Chocolate Labrador. Her name is Delhi, and I love her more than the moon, and more than cake.
12. I am 19 years old, and I still enjoy my silky blanket. It comforts me.
13. I have read the Book of Mormon, and I believe it to be true.
14. I am very hard on myself, in nearly every aspect of what I do.
15. When I am feeling like I can't do it. I know I can rely on Jesus Christ

*Bias opinion

So now you know a bit more about me. Sorry I am a bit of a bore.... yikes.

The reason I have this blog is more for personal reasons than anything. I need to write things out, in order to process, and understand my life. In these posts, I will be sharing experiences of my life, and how Jesus Christ has played a major role in all of my experiences. Like I said, it's more for me than anything, but I would be delighted if you could read my thoughts and hopefully see, through them, how he can play a role in your life as well.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers.

The Sacrifice of a Missionary

Hello! This is my first blog post ever, on my first blog ever. My name is Sara I am a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been on my mission for about 3 weeks.  Meaning I have approximately 75.2678571 weeks left. But who is counting?
I certainly am not.

You might ask why a beautiful, funny, amazing, and HUMBLE;) girl like me would choose to give up 78.2678571 weeks of there lives, or 18 months?

Well. I could tell you.

The reason I have decided to serve a mission is simple. I chose to serve a mission because I love my savior. Jesus Christ is my redeemer, liberator and foundation.

You might also ask yourself, why is he so important?

Well I could also tell you that.

Jesus Christ is so important to me because he loves me (and all of you). He is the Son of God. He lived, and loves everyone who has lived, who does live and who will yet live. He showed us how much he loved us, by sacrificing his life, and suffering for the sorrows and pains of the world.

The very thought of him brings peace to my soul.

I know that he will bring peace to your soul if you let him.
I have put my trust and faith in him to bring my happiness, and he has.

The 75.2678571 weeks will fly by while Christ is in my life.