I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

So. I've made a huge decision. It's one that I'm very excited about and one that will definitely change my life for the best. As you all know, in October of 2012 President Thomas S Monson (head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) made an announcement that was truly wonderful and exciting. He lowered the age at which missions could be served. Instead of 19, boys will be able to leave on missions at 18. Instead of 21, women could serve at 19. It was a pretty huge deal! Many sisters put in their papers by the end of the next week. I on the other hand didn't think a mission would be in my plans. I had too much going on. I wanted to get through school, I wanted to get married, basically I didn't want to put my life on hold for 18 months because I didn't know what I would come back to. I was thinking selfishly. I didn't want to let my Father in Heaven down though. I did pray. I prayed that I would know if a mission was what I was supposed to do. I told myself that if I was supposed to serve a mission then I would. For weeks I didn't receive any answers. I still wasn't planning on a mission. I registered for classes at school. About a month passed and I attended a baptism for 5 kids in the ward. I'd been asked to play the piano, but the problem was is that I was scheduled to work that day. I called everyone. No one could cover. I worried I might have to back out of playing the piano. I really wanted to be at the baptism. A little girl I babysat was going to be baptized. I asked everyone at work and then I asked everyone again. No one was able to cover for me.  It may have been the day before or two days before when a miracle occurred. A girl that works int eh kitchen heard I needed someone to cover me. She was already scheduled at the same time, but she told me I could ask the kitchen staff if anyone could cover her shift in the kitchen and she would then cover mine. I found someone at the last second and it all worked out. I was able to go to the baptism.

I'm so grateful that I was.

I played the piano and all was fine. I sat and watched the kids as they were baptized. As I watched each one enter the waters of baptism I thought on my own baptism. How happy I was. I felt the spirit so strong and my prayer was answered at that moment. I needed to serve a mission. I wanted so badly to bring people to be baptized so that they could be as happy as I was. I sat there as a few tears escaped my eyes and knew I was going to serve a mission. I wasn't scared or nervous. I was extremely excited and happy. I felt at peace. 

I AM GOING ON A MISSION! 

That's the big news. I went straight home and told my dad who was of course extremely supportive. I will definitely keep you all updated on the mission front and Ill post here where I am to be called. 

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only church on this earth that contains the entire gospel as it was when Christ was on the earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is the word of God through the mouths of His prophets. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet called of God to restore the true church and to translate the Book of Mormon. He is a man I admire very much. I know that my Savior Jesus Christ lived on this earth and preformed many miracles. He died on the cross for me that I may be resurrected after my death and return to live with Him in His glory. I owe Him everything and I will serve my mission to the best of my ability. I am so excited!

Today I am feeling...

Even adult women need a time out!

I know I've already blogged two stories today, but I can't promise I'll be on again soon and I would like to make sure that this story is told. I'll be up front. This one isn't funny. It's just a recount of my weekend.

So I don't know if you've ever heard of the conference "Time Out for Women" it's a weekend thing for women. It's a time to get away and listen to wonderful talks given by wonderful people and the chance to hear lovely musical numbers. This was the first one I'd had the opportunity to go to. My mom asked if I wanted to go. I wasn't really looking forward to sitting still for hours on end to listen to people I didn't know talk about church stuff. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy going to church, but I feel like 3 hours on Sunday was enough church for a weekend, I didn't want to give up 3 hours on Friday and 6 on Saturday for it as well.

I'm SO glad I went. I usually have an extremely hard time paying attention to one person talking for more than 15 minutes. I swear I'm ADD. Even if it looks like I'm paying attention to someone chances are my mind is elsewhere. It's not a lack of interest. It's literally just a lack of focus. I really went so that I could have an excuse not to work for the weekend. I planned on snoozing through a talk or two and catching up on some sleep that I'd been lacking.

Here is the link to what our line up was for the weekend.

I don't know if you've heard of any of these people. (If you have it's most likely Hilary Weeks or Brad Wilcox) but they were all AMAZING speakers. They each had fantastic stories to tell. I cried. I'll be real I cried. I don't cry, and I cried. Just watch this video and you'll probably want to go too.



We had the opportunity to hear from this woman Mariama Kallon. She has an amazing and sad story. She inspires me.



She is also featured in this music video from Hilary Weeks who was another presenter. I fell in love with her music and she is also a very entertaining speaker. This song is fantastic and so sad yet spiritually edifying.




Anyway it was a GREAT weekend. I didn't fall asleep once and I paid attention to each and every speaker which I realize is a miracle in itself.

Lastly I want to thank my mom. I can't express in words how much I love my mom. She is an inspiration to me and a great example of the truth and love that comes with being a part of this wonderful gospel that she has raised me in. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without her constant love and example of service and kindness that she has been. I know we don't always get along, but if we did then people would probably thing there was something wrong with us. Seriously she is the best. I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a great and steadfast mother who has never failed to stand up for truth and righteousness in my eyes. I love you mom.