OKAY! Ready Set Go!

Okay! Starting now I will be posting every single day. But first, I want to share my feelings on General Conference last week.

I felt as though a lot of speakers really focused on the prophet which is amazing I think. I enjoyed learning more about how we could listen to his words and be able to remember our past prophets as well.

Something I would like to share is my favorite talk from Elder Bednar. He mainly addressed things to the people who were not members of the church, however, I myself got a lot out of it as well. I feel as though even though it was addressed to the non members, I was able to learn and ponder how to teach theses things to my investigators in Alabama.

Also, I though the story of the little boy was adorable! If you don't remember, it was a story how a little brother got a scrape on his arm. His brother rushed to his side and took him inside to get the scratch all cleaned and taken care of. Even though the soap hurt the little brother, he was appreciative as the soothing effects of the cream was on his torn up skin. The little brother, now with bandaids all up his arm, took the tube of cream and gave some to his friends because he remembered when he was in pain, that was the stuff that helped him feel better. He wanted to share with his friends a way for them to feel good when they did not.

I feel this story sums up the main reason why I want to go on a mission.You know, before, I was really debating on if I wanted to go on one. I had no clue if I was supposed to serve now or when I am older with my husband. I never really had the desire to serve until I actually graduated. Since then, preparing for a mission has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. This talk sealed the deal of me going on a mission.

 The Lord has helped me so much in my life and I continue to see his hand in my life every single day. In addition, I have been blessed with so many things. The Lord has provided me with the best family, the best siblings, SPECTACULAR parents, the best friends, a great and happy home, many wonderful talents, and trust me, many many more things, I have felt how happy it is to live in a home where the spirit is around, and a home where the a priesthood holder lives. I know how it wonderful feels like to take the sacrament, and how peaceful it is inside Gods temple. I know the blessings that come out of an eternal celestial marriage. I see many many children in primary who are more then happy to learn about the gospel and sing songs to praise our Heavenly father. I know how it feels when I am in pain or am sad, and I open the scriptures for heavenly father to help my pain and sadness go away. Just like the ointment that helped the little boy, the gospel is that way to me. And that is the reason why I want to go on a mission. Not because it says so in my patriarchal blessing, or that my siblings went on one, ( Though those are great contributing factors and I am thankful for my siblings great examples and love and support they give me). I want to be able to share the gospel with others, so that when they are sad, hurt, anguished, or lost, they will know how to rely on the Lord with anything and know of the many blessings that come out of living this true gospel.

For the cultral celebration, we made a white flag and on the flag we were supposed to write something that would help us live true so that we could go to the temple. On my flag I wrote "Because I have been given much I too must give." This is a really great song and the words are wonderful.

Because I have been given much I too must give
Because Of thy great bounty lord each day I live
I shall divide gifts from thee with every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me


I didn't watch all of this talk because dad fast forwarded it before I \told him I wanted to listen to it, but when he played it the most inspiring thing came to my brain.

Elder Bednar stated, " The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the cleanser necessary to be made pure and clean, the soothing salve to heal spiritual wounds and remove guilt, and the protection that enables us to be faithful in times both good and bad."

I am glad I was able to listen during this talk I got so much out of it and my prayer was answered. I am now for sure willing to stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places.

I love the gospel so much, and I am so happy to be born into it.

Tori