What I Learned During a 10-Day Social Media Fast

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I had the opportunity to participate in our bi-annual General Conference on October 6th and 7th. Every six months we are blessed to hear the living Prophet of the Lord speak. He is guided through prayer and revelation as to what things we, as a people, need to know. When he speaks, he is not only speaking to members of The Church, but to the ENTIRE world. God loves ALL of His children and is therefore desirous that they ALL receive His word and instruction in these last days. 

President Russell M. Nelson
(www.lds.org)

This conference, in addition to the General Sessions, we had a General Women's Session for women ages eight and up.  Prophet President Russell M. Nelson's call to women was that we might help in the gathering of Israel by doing things to positively shape the future. In this session, he issued four challenges to help us rise to a level to do so. 

1. Participate in a 10-Day social media (or other impure media) fast
2. Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year
3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance
4. Be active participants in the Relief Society

Apparently there was some controversy that followed this challenge. Throughout the world people were ridiculing President Nelson for the 10-day fast invitation for various worldly reasons. As for me, when I first heard this list, I was excited to take on the challenges. I could immediately see benefits and was excited to see what else would be revealed to me.

I would like to share the things I learned while participating in that 10-day social media fast and interestingly enough, how acting on that one challenge helped me move forward in action on the other three challenges! Neat how the Lord works, isn't it? 

Here's what I learned!

• Without social media we have closer relationships and better conversations 
• In the first 24 hours of my fast, so many things were posted to Facebook, even important, vital news. It was really cool to see how friends reached out via other forms of communication to share that with me. Because of that, our conversations meant more than just a quick "comment" or a "like" or even... a "love". We talked about life, caught up, and discussed the news at hand in further detail. We talked about the gospel and other such things and shared real feelings with one another. I felt closer to my friends, even being in far physical distance from them.

• Without this worldly influence, revelation comes more clearly and quicker
• While attending my institute class this last week, I had thoughts come clearly to my mind while we were having a discussion. I could make connections with talks and scriptures. I could remember what I read the previous night and was able to apply it to my day. I was able to hear direction more clearly from the Lord. I honestly felt the whisperings of the Holy Ghost touch my heart and my mind in ways that I haven't had for a while. His words and guidance were not clouded by the loud voices on social media or other impure media. I also filtered out shows on Netflix that weren't bad, but they also weren't good. That increased my ability to learn spiritually.

• It's easier to make better choices without social media (or at least limited social media use)
• This was so neat to me. It's not that I was making bad choices while using social media but it did eat up my time and consumed my thoughts. I found myself using this extra time to workout and to study the scriptures and conference talks. I found more time to serve and love others. Here's a tie in to two other challenges; I really wanted to spend more time at the temple and more time in the Book of Mormon. SO I DID.

• It's okay to filter crap out of your life and out of your news feed
• I actually really enjoy social media, mostly for the sake of keeping up with friends and family that don't live nearby, but I do enjoy it. I think it has the power to be an influence for good if we let it but you also have to learn to filter out the crap! Unfollow, unfriend, and disengage. It's ALL okay to do! When you feel contention because of a post, unfollow or unfriend this group or person. When someone retaliates against a comment you make, LET IT GO. There are times when you might feel inspired to make yourself clear, stand up for what you believe in or share something otherwise, I think that is great! I would just urge that you don't let one comment made take over your day, emotion or happiness. 

• My soul and mind were being held captive
• This was something I didn't realize AT ALL. A few days went by during the first while and I wasn't feeling trapped or tied down anymore. I began to experience more joy, confidence and understanding in my life. Social media and other impure media (like my silly Netflix binges) were holding me down. During my day, I was thinking about a comment made instead of a service I could be doing. I was thinking about how the next episode was going to go instead of putting in more study time for my next institute class. I was wondering what I should post concerning a political or religious discussion instead of taking more time to pray about truth. I was held captive by this fast-paced, fantasy, online world. FOR WHAT? Nothing. Nothing can replace real, meaningful moments in your real, unfiltered life. Do NOT sacrifice those. BREAK FREE from the demands of society and social media.

• People are struggling throughout the world AND in my own family
• Social media was constantly bringing to my attention the trials of others throughout the world. During this fast I was able to see more clearly, the trials within my own family and friends. This is not meant to be a negative realization, just one that opened my eyes and sparked a desire to serve those that are close to me AS WELL as those throughout the world in need.

• It's more interesting and more fun to talk to people (other living, breathing humans next to you) than to stare at your phone
• Now, this is something I firmly believed before this 10-day fast but I too am guilty. When sitting next to a stranger at the doctor, school, store, office, etc. I sometimes use my phone/social media as a crutch to not have to start a conversation with someone I don't even know. You know why? I'm fearful of being awkward. But during these 10 days I watched faces literally light up as I made an effort to talk to new people. One was at a pharmacy, there was a long wait to get a flu shot so in the waiting room I sat next to an older gentleman and I simply asked, "How are you doing today?" He replied with his life story. Haha! But hey! I met someone new and got to learn a thing or two. 

TWO THUMBS UP RECOMMEND THIS EXPERIENCE!

I learned so much during these 10-days, these are just a few of those realizations. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to take a break, to open my eyes and to learn that it's okay to limit my time online and on my phone. I'm grateful that through this experience the desire to serve others, serve in the temple, and study the Book of Mormon became much stronger in my life. 

I would also like to make mention that I do NOT think the Lord is asking we take ourselves off of social media, I think He is only asking that we limit our time online and spend more time in the moment. I also think He is asking that we have a purpose in our use of media; how might we make the world a better place while using social media?

If you're still reading, thank you! Also, feel free to share and comment :) I would also like to point you to another post I made a while back concerning your phone/media and your relationships. Click here!!

While Standing In the Middle of a Busy D.I.

Today I went into D.I. (Deseret Industries) in search of some clothes. I was minding my own business just sifting through the racks. Suddenly I heard, "Excuse me ma'am, can I ask you a question?" I looked up to see a sweet elderly man holding a pair of women's pants in one hand and his dear wife's hand was clasped in his other. 

"Of course!" I responded.

The man proceeded to say to me."Do you think these pants would fit her? They're a stretchy waist band and they look like they might. She wears a size five, they say ten but they don't look that big, I think they'll work. Do you?"

I looked at her and back at this pair of pants. Then, I looked back over to this woman who was still gripping the hand of her husband. My heart was immediately filled with love. I looked at her husband and said, "I think they will do." 

He smiled a faint smile and then said to me,"I think so too. Thank you. I have never had to dress a woman before, but she has dementia now, so I'm learning. The stretchy waist band will make this easier for me to do." Then he walked away, still holding his wife's hand and that pair of pants. She followed him, not saying a word, but you could tell she was confused by the conversation.

At the time, my heart was filled with love for this sweet couple. Now, as I type this experience to share with you, my heart is still full but my eyes are now wet. I cannot express to you the gratitude I have for this sweet man who is faithfully living vows I'm sure he made to his wife while they were young and healthy; for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.

I do not know if this couple shares a union that ends with "until death do us part" or "for time and all eternity" but I do know the Lord loves them. I felt it today, while standing in the middle of a busy D.I.. 

You yourself may be single, engaged, married by law, sealed in the House of the Lord, or maybe your journey has you elsewhere. But, wherever you are in this life and in your marital status, I would like to share these thoughts that have entered my heart today, because of my experience. 

First, love the Lord more than you love your spouse. If your love for Him is pure and is worked on daily, the love for your spouse will develop into something more beautiful than you anticipated. For those still seeking, be sure you find a man or woman whose actions show that they love you but that they love the Lord more.

Second, work towards a sealing in the Holy Temple of the Lord and keep that covenant pure. It will bind you for time and all eternity. It will give you access to the powers of Heaven, bring stability in your marriage, bless your children and protect your family. Being married by the power of a judge/man's law, will bless you in this life until physical death. But being married by the power of the Eternal Judge/divine law, will bless you eternally and your union will be recognized and sanctified after this life. Allow the Lord to be the third person in your relationship, it is the way to have eternal joy. 

Third, please never go to bed angry. Tomorrow is not a promise for our bodies or for our minds. Never fail to let someone you love, know that they are loved by you. Life is too short. 

Lastly, do not take what I have shared today lightly. I never have really understood the power of a temple sealing until lately. Even so, I still have questions and I still don't know all the answers but I do know you will NEVER regret the decision to follow the Lord and be bound in a union with Him. Without this union, there would be much confusion at the Day of His Coming. Because we have the proper sealing powers, we are linked together and linked to our Savior and Father in Heaven. 

If you have questions, ask them. 
Take action and move forward in faith. 
If you aren't on your knees daily, speaking with your Father in Heaven, start TODAY. 
He can hear you and He will answer you.
His promises are sure.
He loves you. 
He loves all of His children and that's something we can always feel, even if it's in the middle of a busy D.I..

The Divine Calling of a Father

Our Heavenly Father has an infinite and undying love for each and every single one of His children. He knows, loves, understands and wants to bless all 7.6 billion of them on this Earth; in addition, every child who came before and those who have yet to come. He is incredible, infinite and beyond our capacity to understand. But He is real and very aware of us.

Heavenly Father gave us a beautiful gift to have while here on this Earth. In fact, this gift was so important that He made it impossible for us to be here without it. It is required. He blessed us with an earthly father.

I think in the Pre-Earth Life (where we lived with our Heavenly Parents before this life)  He had a very special conversation with all of the men. To them I think He said something like, "I cannot go with you, I cannot raise up children in mortality. That is YOUR opportunity, YOUR job, YOUR divine calling. You have a sacred obligation to be the best example of me that you can. They will look up to you, they will need you. I want them to see a glimpse of me in you.

"Some of you may be required to perform this calling alone, due to earthly trial and sorrow. Others of you may not have such opportunities on earth, but fear not, all will be made right through your Brother, Jesus Christ.

"For those of you who will raise earthly children in this time, please rely on that same Brother when nothing seems to be going right. Rely on Him when you feel you have made every mistake that there is to make and that there is just no hope left. You cannot go wrong. I trusted you enough to let you raise up my children as their earthly father, provider, exemplar, caretaker and friend. Do not give up. Your perfection comes later; for now I only ask that you do your very best."

But then I believe He lowered His head in a way that you could see the heartache He felt. "Unfortunately," He softly continued, "Some of you will choose to use your agency otherwise. You will neglect, you will walk away, you will choose a darker path than you now anticipate. In these moments I will only be able to do my best in showing your earthly children that I am still here and that I have not forgotten them. But also, please try to remember Sons, in those same moments, I will not have forgotten you."

Our earthly fathers have a large role to play. Some of them have succeeded; they have loved us, raised us and taught us much about the character of our Heavenly Father. To each of those fathers, I am grateful. I am sure it has not been an easy path, but if you did your best, if you tried, if you did all you could to right your wrongs, YOU have pleased your Heavenly Father. You have risen to the call you were asked to perform here.

Unfortunately, there are some earthly fathers who have neglected the responsibility of fatherhood. They haven't been as faithful in fulfilling their calling to raise and love their beautiful offspring who are a gift directly from their Heavenly Father. They have fallen short. 

Those children who are faced with this trial are loved deeply by their Heavenly Father. He sent His Son for them that they might experience joy despite the loss in their childhood they may have endured. The Savior has felt their pain and their sorrow. He suffered that they may feel whole in all circumstances.

But for their fathers, He also suffered. He suffered so that their shortcomings might be forgiven through sincere repentance. He suffered because His Father, our Father, said He wanted ALL of His children to return Home to Him and that was the only way.

The point is, Heavenly Father is eternal. No matter our circumstance, He is there. And He, even in our weakest and darkest moments, continues to love us because once, in that Pre-mortal council, we ALL chose Him; we ALL chose to work hard to become like Him. We accepted His plan, knowing that we would have trials, regrets, and sorrows but also very happy and beautiful moments throughout this earthly journey. 

Today, I only encourage you to love and show gratitude to your earthly father who is trying. For those of you in less than ideal situations, forgive. Forgive your father or forgive yourself. It's the purest way to heal. Then go to your knees and express your gratitude for your Father in Heaven who tries every day to show you His love. 

WWW.LDS.ORG

Living Waters

While I was in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, we took a walk to the temple. I noticed the water running down on the walls near the sidewalk. That is something that I have noticed before but I always thought this was just for landscaping purposes; water is beautiful and it tends to catch the eye. I don’t remember who, but someone shared with me the symbolism of the water that is found outside of Latter-Day Saint temples. 

The water found at the temples symbolizes Jesus Christ as the Living Waters. Found in the Book of Mormon is an explanation to the prophet Nephi about the dream his prophet father, Lehi, had. It says, “And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.” (1 Nephi 11:25).

The comparison of the love of God and water has stood out in my mind for quite some time. Allow me to share some of my thoughts!

Water makes up 50-65% of the human body. It is essential for us to have, to live! If the body didn’t have the nourishment of water, it would begin to show signs of dehydration. We would experience dry skin, lack of energy, dizziness, fainting, etc. Lack of water puts our physical health in danger. (This wasn’t intended to be a health lesson, but DANG I need to drink more water… haha).

The same goes for our spiritual health when we are not partakers of the Living Water. We show signs of a spiritual dehydration which is just as dangerous. We lack the energy that brings us to a higher level of joy. Our spiritual shields begin to dry up, crack and eventually break leaving us exposed to the world’s darkness. We experience a sense of confusion while making decisions and on occasion, feel a little lost.  At times, it feels almost impossible to stand on our own feet. 

Now when it comes to water, I’m the first to admit I would much rather a Coke. I don’t always like to drink water and sometimes I go the whole day without even thinking about it. The same goes for my daily intake of the love of God. Sometimes, I would rather binge watch Netflix than open the Book of Mormon and some nights I’m laying bed about to drift off and realize I forgot to kneel and say a prayer. Like water, the love of Jesus Christ needs and deserves a place in our being. We need DAILY intake, the recommended “8 glasses”. 

Remember the promise from the Savior to the woman at the well. He said unto her, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The Savior NEVER breaks His promises. He lives and He is the Living Water of which we are asked to partake.

                        

 

He is Hope

This Easter Sabbath day has brought a simple peace to my heart. 

Easter is a day to remember our loving Savior Jesus Christ who died, but more importantly lives, for each of us. He saves us from the depths of misery and pain, from sorrow and loneliness. With our sweet Savior, we are never alone and our lives can be eternally joyful. 

Each of has and will experience trials, hardships and moments of despair in our lives. This mortal journey is not an easy one but it is of great worth. It is a trial of faith; it is a time to get to know, believe in, love and stand by our Savior. 

Because He lives we are enabled to live a life of happiness. 

Because He lives we are able to find peace, hope and love in every day.

Because He lives we are able to overcome all the hardships that we face.

Because He lives we can have our families through the eternities.

Because He lives, we can live. 

He atoned for our sins, died and was resurrected because of His divine love for each and every one of God's children.  He gives us hope for a new day, a new life and a new chance. 

The picture I am sharing is one that has come through my Facebook news feed several times this month. The message it shares is one of hope - He is hope. 

Because of Him, what transformation can we make in the next three days? Where will we decide to drive our mortal journey? Who will we have at our side and in our heart?

Happy Easter :) 

The Church is Not for Everyone

I have been told various times, "The Church is not for everyone." I have been told this by members, non-members, less-actives... you name it. 

When it comes to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they are right. It isn't for everyone. In fact, there are specific people that the church is not for. 

• The Church is not for people who want to feel broken. 

• The Church is not for people who want to live in guilt.

• The Church is not for people who want to be lost in the darkness without any truth.

• The Church is not for people who want to feel worthless.

• The Church is not for people who want to be separated from loved ones forever at the time of death.

• The Church is not for people who want to be separated from the Father in Heaven and their Savior forever.

• The Church is not for people who want to live a life of unhappiness. 

I am not saying that as a non-member or inactive member you cannot have a good life. However, I will assure you that you can be happier than you are. You have every opportunity to know true happiness.  

The Church offers peace and comfort. It provides the truths that today's society is missing and desperately needs. 

The Church also offers you 15 million people who are not perfect. 15 million people who are making mistakes and trying to fix them every single day. There is only one member of The Church who has reached a state of perfection. This member is the head of The Church; He is our loving, living Savior, Jesus Christ.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you are wrong or a bad person if you are not part of  The Church because I don't believe that. There are many people in my life who are not members or inactive members, that I love dearly. However, I am going to tell you that you deserve happiness, healing from your pains, eternal love, forgiveness, to know your worth and to know the truth.

And that is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can provide for you. 

Have I Made Satan Proud?

It matters to me if I have made Satan proud or not.  If I have lit his fire just enough for him to smile. If I have handed him the keys to my life and asked him to drive. It matters to me. 

Maybe at this point you're asking yourself some questions but maybe you already know where I'm going with this. Satan's view of me matters. Why? Because I know that if he is proud of me, I should not be proud of myself. 

Satan works on us every single day, doing his best work to push us down to our lowest point. This was said in General Conference this past April by Elder Kevin W. Pearson:

Satan wants us on his team, he wants us to be miserable... misery loves company. 

Some mornings when I'm about to get up for the day, I'll have the thought of, "Do I really need to go to class today?" Guess who's smiling at that thought? Satan. Why? Because he is discouraging education, which is important for everyone. President Hinckley mentioned that many times.

When I'm about to go to bed and I've had a long day, feeling completely exhausted, I decide not to read my scriptures... Guess who's smiling? Satan. Why? Because without the words of God, I cannot progress and come to know the truths of our Father in Heaven.

When I make a judgmental or unnecessary comment about another individual... Satan is smiling. Why? Because Jesus Christ has asked us to love one another as He loves us, even our enemies. If we judge or have hatred, Satan is getting his way.

These are a few ways that Satan is working on me and you every single day. They are simple parts of our daily lives he is getting his hands on. Not only does Satan work on the day-to-day parts of our life, but he loves to break us down when we are standing our tallest.

Have you ever been at a place in your life where everything is going great and everything seems to be working out, but then you're hit with a trial? It happens all the time, to all of us. This is Satan's way of dragging us down; emotionally, physically and spiritually. He knows what he's doing and that's the scariest part. Satan is smart and sneaky; he knows the absolute best ways to get at you as an individual. 

I think many of us know someone who was progressing so well in their life and then they were hit with a trial. They believed that what they were going through wasn't something they could overcome. It was too hard. They didn't turn to Heavenly Father and ask for help, they gave into Satan and let him win... 

They made him proud.

To all of you that are struggling through a trial that seems unbearable or watching someone you love suffer through a trial, I offer you this:

You CAN overcome your trial. Or in other words, you CAN overcome Satan. Life is hard and that's why it is so important to lean on our Father in Heaven who can help us through absolutely everything. We cannot succumb to Satan and his will to destroy the children of God, their families and the world in which we live. Stand strong in all that you do and love those around you. Share your relationship with God with those who do not have that knowledge yet. They NEED you. 

Continue to be the good person that you are and rely on Heavenly Father. Rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ and make the changes you need to, to be happy. Don't let Satan be the decision maker in your life; show him that you will beat his game. He cannot win. 

So let me ask you, is Satan proud of you? If yes, what can you do to change?

Breaking News; Healing Hearts

            If you’re reading this, chances are you know my big news or you’re about to find out.  I have decided to finish up my associate’s degree this spring (2016), and then serve as a full-time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  There are very few words to honestly explain the excitement and nervousness I feel.  I am incredibly excited to be able to serve The Lord and help bring His kingdom back together again.  I may not have all the knowledge of the Gospel, but I have a growing testimony that this church is the only true church and it is the entry way back to our Father in Heaven.  I also know that as I teach others about the gospel and face challenges as a missionary, my knowledge will grow.

            I want to share some of the things that led me to making this decision.  My hope is that it will possibly help those of you who are making the decision yourself and that anyone else who reads this might take something from it.  So here we go!

1. The Promptings

            In eight different talks our beloved Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, tells us to “never, never postpone a prompting from the Lord.”  How right he is.  A few months ago serving a mission crossed my mind. I thought about the idea for a while but then I pushed it aside. I had honestly felt peace in my heart about staying home or going, so I decided I was just going to stay and finish school.  But then just recently, the thought of a mission entered my mind again. To be honest I wasn’t exactly accepting of the idea, I thought about it but I continued to push it aside.

            It turns out this wasn’t just a thought in my mind but a prompting of the Spirit. I was doing the wrong thing in ignoring it. However, when I put my will aside and realized this was the Lord talking to me and it was His will, I began to more prayerfully consider serving a full-time mission. Later that week, I saw the quote from President Monson that I previously stated and I knew that I had made the right decision to begin praying with pure intent to find an answer.

2. Prayer

            When I began to pray about serving a mission I wasn’t receiving any answers. Looking back now I realize the reason I wasn’t was because of the hardness in my own heart.  I was truly scared because I didn’t necessarily want the answer that told me to go and serve.   After a little while I understood that every fear I had about leaving demonstrated lack of faith in my Savior. I was concerned about leaving family who ‘needed me’, leaving and missing the opportunity to date and find my special someone, serving somewhere where my health might disable me, and not having enough knowledge of the church to truly tell people about it and bring them unto Christ… the list goes on and on.

            Putting all my fears aside I prayed that I might find peace. The more I prayed the more I understood that these weren’t really necessary fears at all. All I had to do was trust in my Heavenly Father and my loving brother and Savior Jesus Christ. When I finally came to this realization I was able to really listen to the answer I was given.  Not many prayers later I knew I was supposed to serve but I also knew that my Father in Heaven would take care of all of the things I was worried about.

            Prayer is a way to talk to the person who loves us most and let Him calm our fears.   Through prayer any question can be answered we just have to have faith in God’s timing.

3. Scripture Study

            Recently as I have read the scriptures, I have found myself not even noticing the time again for hours.  I have found an amazing love for the scriptures and they have truly changed my life, especially the Book of Mormon.  As I read, I find answers to my questions.  I have found many verses in my reading lately that have described serving a mission for The Lord.  It is simply just another confirmation to me that this is what I need to be preparing for.  A lot of my answers were found in Alma 29.  My favorite part is Alma 29: 9-10.  It says, “I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.  And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.”

            Go into your scripture study truly prepared to feast on the words.  Also before you begin reading, pray and ask The Lord the questions you have in your life.  I promise you it is not a coincidence when you begin reading and certain verses or words stand out to you.  This is The Lord’s way of speaking directly to you and helping you through your mortal journey.  Take advantage of the answers that you have right in front of you… read and then really listen.  He is speaking to you!

4. Priesthood Blessings

            The priesthood is one of the most amazing gifts that The Lord has placed on this earth.  It’s so wonderful that Joseph Smith has been able to restore that for us today.  I received my patriarchal blessing less than a year ago.  It is a blessing from your Heavenly Father directly to you as an individual.  It helps to guide and direct your life.  After reading and studying my own, I knew a mission was the pathway being provided for me and that I should take that opportunity.

            My patriarchal blessing wasn’t the only blessing to give me answers.  After quite a while of wondering if a mission was the right decision for me, I was given a wonderful blessing by a worthy and spiritually in-tune priesthood holder.  Through that blessing, I was able to hear that my calling was to serve.  I cannot describe to you how great it felt to hear that answer come from my loving Father in Heaven through one of His sons.  Pay attention to the words spoken to you in blessings, they will guide you and heal you.

5. Humbleness

            Humbling myself was a HUGE step to understanding what The Lord’s will was.  I was going through some hard times this past summer and I went into my room, sat on the floor and truly cried.  I poured my heart out to my Heavenly Father, telling him my worries, struggles and fears.  The next morning I woke up with so much peace in my heart and from then on, I humbled myself and trusted in Him more than ever before.  I KNEW my Heavenly Father loved me because He was there for me that night.  He made it possible to change my life almost overnight and my faith grew so much.  Because I was shown what it is to be humble and feel a change in my life, I have a desire to help others feel that same thing… thus, a mission. 

            If you haven’t spent time like that with your Heavenly Father, I encourage you to do so.  Find a way to OUT LOUD speak to Him, cry to Him, whatever it may be.  He will listen and I promise you, your life will be changed for the better and you will come to know the mercy and love of your Father.

6. The Big Change

            Another reason I have chosen to serve a mission is because of the change and happiness the gospel has brought to my life and the life of those around me.  I have had the opportunity to watch close friends come unto Christ as well as feel the change in myself as I came back to Christ.  He really is our Savior and He loves us no matter how far away we get.  If we can humble ourselves so that we may change to become His again, we will find ultimate happiness.  Change is GOOD.  Understanding the love that our Savior has for us will help us make positive changes in our lives. 

            The choices we make right now are guaranteed to affect the lives of our prosperity and isn’t that such a cool thought?  That is why a mission and serving The Lord in general is so important to me.  I want my children to have the spirit in their lives and be able to pass on that joy forever. 

7. The Atonement of Jesus Christ

            One of the biggest reasons I have decided on serving a mission is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Our Savior did something SO wonderful for us.  He died so that we might be able to live and be forgiven.  After 6+ years of being an inactive member, I was able to repent and return to the gospel that now fills my heart.  This was possible because of a Savior who loves me and loves you so much.  If I can bring even a little bit of the happiness I’m feeling into the life of someone else, I will be satisfied. 

            Another way I look at this is, the Savior made the ultimate sacrifice for me, so why can’t I spend a short period of time in my life to fully serve Him?  He loved me enough to give up everything and I love Him enough to share His gospel for the short time He is asking me for.  John 21:17 says, “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him a third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

            Even as members, we are asked to feed His sheep.   I hope that on my mission I can have that opportunity and that until then, I will find ways to share the gospel around me to those who might be searching for it.  I truly love my Savior and I am blessed to have the gift and opportunity to serve a mission in the near future.  I am so excited and so grateful for the love and support I am receiving from many of you!  Thanks for reading this post and have an amazing day! <3