GROUPIES (group email)

Actually, I wish I had more groupies... but I'm glad for the fans that I do have.

Of all the things that happened this week, I would like to start off by talking about a few of my thoughts I had during my personal study this morning.

First, I read from the "Walk with Christ Week" envelope that my wonderful cousin, Bryce, mailed me. It has 7 different days of scripture references leading up until the Savior's ultimate resurrection. It was powerful. I didn't get to read the final Easter one for yesterday because we were so busy and I had to prepare for my talk in sacrament meeting (I'll get to that later). Anyway, I read the scriptures it referenced today and it was POWERFUL. Of course, it was from the 20th chapter in the book of John. It gives the account of when Mary turns around and is the first recorded witness of the resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. As I read those commonly read Easter verses, the Spirit was so, so strong in our apartment. I thought of the many times we have watched the "Because of Him" Easter video this week (at the request of our mission president and other leaders to show it to as many people as possible) and how wonderful the music and the video sync up in the video clip. THAT MOMENT IS POWERFUL! I love that part so much and I get chills every time I watch it.

After I read that section, I continued to read the remainder of that chapter and the next one as well. I love learning about the Savior's interactions with His Apostles. In chapter 21 of John, the verses that stuck out to me were 15-17, when Christ asked Peter three times if he loves Him. This set of verses also stuck out to my last companion in Durham. Actually, these verses completely changed her life, alongside the words and explanation that Elder Holland gave in a general conference talk in Oct. 2012 called, "The First Great Commandment." This is what motivated her to serve a full-time mission.

It reminded me of the time we told the story of her decision making process teaching at a Zone Training back in Durham. We taught about yielding our hearts to God, and based our talk around the scripture found in Helaman 3:35. At the end of the teaching, Sis. E bore powerful testimony of the need to turn our heart to God and truly follow His will, despite what we might have originally wanted. It was so powerful.

It is incredible to me how the Lord inspires so many of us to serve. All in different capacities. All in different ways. My statement does not extend just to full-time missionaries. It is for all people, both members and nonmembers of the church. I've been so humbled to see and hear about how so many people are willing to serve the Lord.

But... sometimes when we acknowledge the loving service of others, we often fall into Satan's trap of comparing our efforts with the outward and seen efforts of others. I have learned, and continue to learn, that this is one of the vices that the adversary uses to sway and weaken our faith.

Which leads to another thought I had in my personal study today. As I was studying about the wonderful life of Christ that was filled with examples of showing charity to others, I couldn't help but think about how I could be better at showing charity to others. The thought that came to my mind was, "You need to have charity for yourself." This was such an inspiring and thought-provoking phrase for me. I realized that I was trying my best to love the people both in Knightdale and in Raleigh, and my companions, and my family, and everyone... but myself! I realized, through the help of one of my companions, that I have been beating myself up WAY TOO MUCH! I have fallen into the classic trap and I have been letting the adversary have hold of some of my thoughts and actions.

AND THAT JUST ISN'T RIGHT! 

I know that I, like you, need to seek to view ourselves as God does. And that is with patience, humility, and the ability to see our spiritual gifts, our talents, and our abilities.

We must begin to realize the potential we have to impact others' lives for God. Our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Not only to be a good example, but to truly invite them to become closer to their Savior.

We must view that we are of more infinite worth than we see ourselves. We have the potential to become more like our Savior and eventually like our Heavenly Father.

As I have worked to become more meek as a goal for this transfer, I have worked steadily to become more humble and teachable. I have sought to have more self-control (and I still work on that EVERY DAY) and now I think it is time to sit down and work on a final component of meekness that I definitely need strengthened: a positive self-image. ("Meek and Lowly of Heart" by Elder Soares IS THE BESTTTT!!!)

I need to apply the counsel I love found in Preach My Gospel, "You will avoiding judging [yourself], criticizing [yourself], or saying negative things about [yourself]." And this will all be done after we pray for the gift of charity and after we follow our righteous desires.

OH YEAH! I never wrote about my talk in sacrament! YUP! I got called a few days before because a youth speaker couldn't do it anymore!!! I spoke for 5 minutes on witnesses of Christ!

Sis Kriz, companions & friends at church

here is omar hahahhahaha he's so great

Sonic selfie :)