ALSO: disclaimer- basically, I write about whatever I want. Sometimes I try to impress or please people with what I write and it just gets frustrating. As I said last week, I can not compare my efforts with the efforts of others. So... I will write what I want and not worry about getting every detail in of what I did this week. I had amazing experiences this week but I would rather write about the things that have been weighing heavily on my mind this week!
First off, I had a big thought about "change" this week. My trainer always bore testimony and said this gospel had changed her life. I did not doubt that it did, but I never felt the same way about my own life because I felt like it was always a part of my life, and therefore, did not change my life. I was reading in, "Our Search For Happiness" by Elder Ballard (great book) and he wrote about the time that his testimony, one of faith, turned into one of knowledge. For some of us (I would submit-most of us), this occurs as a gradual process. For him, it occurred on his mission, walking along the edge of the Trent River. This event CHANGED his life. Completely and wholly.
First off, I had a big thought about "change" this week. My trainer always bore testimony and said this gospel had changed her life. I did not doubt that it did, but I never felt the same way about my own life because I felt like it was always a part of my life, and therefore, did not change my life. I was reading in, "Our Search For Happiness" by Elder Ballard (great book) and he wrote about the time that his testimony, one of faith, turned into one of knowledge. For some of us (I would submit-most of us), this occurs as a gradual process. For him, it occurred on his mission, walking along the edge of the Trent River. This event CHANGED his life. Completely and wholly.
I talked with some other missionaries about events in their lives that had changed them or that they held dear. I came to find out that many of them, like me, had had wonderful opportunities provided to them that allowed them to get a different view of the world around them. One worked at Disney World for a time (and met her future spouse) and that changed the way she looked at so many things. She had never lived away from home before and that was one major life changing event. Another, went to BYU and did a study abroad in Jerusalem (I WANT TO DO THAT SO BADLY after talking with her). Another went to BYU-H for a summer term and that was one of the main ways she gained a testimony of the restored gospel.
This got me wondering what events had in fact changed MY life. The events that I wish to expound (I used to hate that word) upon are as follows: service (I'll give more details of what I mean), church history tour, Fiji humanitarian project, being a temple ordinance worker, and serving a mission. These are the five stand out events that have truly CHANGED my life.
This got me wondering what events had in fact changed MY life. The events that I wish to expound (I used to hate that word) upon are as follows: service (I'll give more details of what I mean), church history tour, Fiji humanitarian project, being a temple ordinance worker, and serving a mission. These are the five stand out events that have truly CHANGED my life.
First off... when I say "service," I am specifically referring to the time in high school where I spent countless hours making banana bread and dipping chocolate covered strawberries, writing notes to people, and the like. I do not say this to brag or to boast, but to give you a better idea of what I mean. The reason I did it was sort of selfish. It made me happy. It was one of the few things that helped me have a better outlook on life during a few darker years of my life. It got me out of my house (I love my house though) and got me away from laying on my bed and thinking of my own problems.
I didn't notice that that had changed something that my lovely ginger friend, Kaitlin, said when she came to my house shortly before I left on my mission. She told me that during that hard time of my life in high school, she had been praying that I would be able to feel better and get better. I guess in my warped mindset, I figured that no one cared because I didn't see more outward manifestations of people's immediate cares. Little did I know that my very best friend had prayed almost tirelessly for the aid of my wounded heart. When she said that, it changed me. It completely did. And I don't think I ever told her what a big impact that made on my life. She congratulated me on my efforts to serve others in that time of my own need. It changed the way I looked at life, her, and myself. It made me realize that people love me and that I don't know all the efforts people do. Even if I don't view their efforts as what I "need."
I didn't notice that that had changed something that my lovely ginger friend, Kaitlin, said when she came to my house shortly before I left on my mission. She told me that during that hard time of my life in high school, she had been praying that I would be able to feel better and get better. I guess in my warped mindset, I figured that no one cared because I didn't see more outward manifestations of people's immediate cares. Little did I know that my very best friend had prayed almost tirelessly for the aid of my wounded heart. When she said that, it changed me. It completely did. And I don't think I ever told her what a big impact that made on my life. She congratulated me on my efforts to serve others in that time of my own need. It changed the way I looked at life, her, and myself. It made me realize that people love me and that I don't know all the efforts people do. Even if I don't view their efforts as what I "need."
The next thing that changed my life was the Church History Tour. Not only did I get to see so many amazing church and historical sites, but that is when I made a very important promise to myself and to God. During that trip, I promised that I would never leave the Church. What a big promise to make to myself (although I had already technically made that promise at baptism). I realized that there could be nothing that would take me away from the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It had always stuck out to me that Grace says even to this day, she prays and thanks Heavenly Father for allowing her to go on that trip. I feel the same way. I'm so grateful to my parents as well for letting me have such an incredible experience learning more about the history of the Church.
OKAY. break for a little while!!!
She also asked, "What is your favorite type of shopping? Shoe shopping. Skirt shopping. Or bracelet shopping." And then I said skirt. And she said, "Oh, my favorite is dress shopping." haha I LOVE HER SO MUCH! We are having a lesson with her in the mission president's home tonight (he lives in the Raleigh boundaries!) and it will be such an incredible (and intense) experience. Teaching unity with a trio is quite interesting.
Fun things:
I am serving in Knightdale and Raleigh. (KR- my initials)
I am serving in Knightdale and Raleigh. (KR- my initials)
My companions and I are Sister Klinger, Shaum, Ray (KSR- my initials)
We taught a wonderful 16 year old and she had sooo many funny things to say. I wish I could have written them all down but that would have been kind of rude in the lesson... haha. I do remember she said very abruptly, "Do not give me soda and cookies at the same time. It has to be either one or the other. Or I will go crazy and bounce off the walls." hahaha Then she said we needed to know three things about her.. I can only remember two. The second one was, "I never lie. Sometimes a white lie, but only if it's about candy." hahaha And then third thing was," I never cheat. Not even in a relay race. And I hate running." She is incredible. She came to church and sat next to us and wrote us this little adorable poem and said she loved us.
She also asked, "What is your favorite type of shopping? Shoe shopping. Skirt shopping. Or bracelet shopping." And then I said skirt. And she said, "Oh, my favorite is dress shopping." haha I LOVE HER SO MUCH! We are having a lesson with her in the mission president's home tonight (he lives in the Raleigh boundaries!) and it will be such an incredible (and intense) experience. Teaching unity with a trio is quite interesting.
ALSO... I'm training! Yup. A brand new missionary is coming my way. I have been praying for her since she entered the MTC last Wednesday (when I first figured out). I'm excited! I will only be covering one ward and it will be a little easier than the moving all the time from both wards! YAY!
Okay... I would go back to my earlier thoughts about change... but I don't really feel like that. Maybe some other time.
First thing- the beautiful announcement of the TrippSwags (idk... does he even go by that anymore??) So classy. Especially that MODEST dress. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Sorry if this post has been a little bit weird, it's been a weird week but so good haha- Fiji- opened my eyes to culture, poverty, and making friends aka being alone on an experience like that. AKA my friends I met on that trip have a huge part in my life.
- Temple Ordinance worker- changed my view of promises with God and Amy Newson gave me the courage to be able to do it. After she bore testimony to me on that Friday, I was so touched that I could not deny the prompting to serve in the temple any longer.
- Mission--- ummmm... how could it not change you? Full dedication to the Lord. Better study habits, better small talker, stronger testimony, ETC, ETC, ETC.
Okay... now onto my next thought...
MARRIAGE. haha As Sister Beech and I would say, "HEAR ME OUT." Not thinking (too much) about my own wedding and marriage and all that. But... the importance of it in life. In society. And in the great plan of happiness. So many things this week have lead my heart and mind to ponder on the essential truth and doctrine of eternal marriage.
First thing- the beautiful announcement of the TrippSwags (idk... does he even go by that anymore??) So classy. Especially that MODEST dress. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Anyway, I have heard too many times this week about broken marriages. Way too many times. It gives me a little fear and anxiety as that will be part of the next stage of my life in about 10 months. I know it is a long ways off... but... it is still something to be aware of. Not that I'm the expert, but marriages need to be constantly nourished. And even then, tragedy can still occur. How do I know that? Because it happens here. It happens everywhere. And it really breaks my heart. The mission is opening my eyes to so, so, so much. Last week I couldn't stop contemplating about what excommunication really means and does... and this week the topic is definitely marriage. Broken or fulfilling. Both. In all forms. Not to mention two people bore testimony about marriage and the highs and lows of saving a marriage, or lack thereof. It is just hard stuff.
It leads me to think of what I want in a husband. Sometimes you can find out what you want in a husband by what your companion does or doesn't have. hahahhaha WHOOPS. Anyway... here is a brief list.
1. They absolutely NEED to validate me. If I speak, I need a response. ALWAYS. haha. I might sound high maintenance saying that, but I don't care.
2. I need someone who likes exercise, but maybe is not OBSESSED. Why? Because exercise makes me happy! But... I don't want them to think I'm out of shape. haha..... which I am... so I guess that would be okay if they thought that.. haha.
3. Someone who is not critical. I CAN'T STAND THAT! haha... which means... I need to improve a lot in that category too. But seriously. I need someone who is obedient, yet open-minded.
Anyway, sorry that my thoughts are all over the place this week!!! :)
We had amazing missionary experiences this week too... I PROMISE! haha I am not pushing that aside... well I am... but I really would rather tell you about my thoughts this week. And it's my blog.. So there.
One more funny quote: "It's never a bad time for a biscuit." haha
Anyway... LAST THINGS LAST!!! I GOT TO GO BACK TO DURHAM! My heart is still in Durham. Haha I hate to say that but it's true.. haha I got to see Sister RABIDEAU (she wanted this shoutout haha) and it was amazing!!! I love her and she better stay with my parents in LV!
We went to the Gladys Knight Fireside and brought 3 nonmembers and go to go to two different shows. I love the Spirit and I love black people. So it was a perfect evening!
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