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.