Day #20: Zone Conference

Today we had Zone Conference in Nashville Tennessee.  It was one of my favorite days.  Ever. 

Like one of the best days of my life!

I feel in a daze... I'm so happy.  I feel the spirit.  I know this Church is True.  I love the Bible.  I loved learning about our Savior Jesus Christ today.  I love the Book of Mormon.  I love that it testifies of the Messiah.

I learned so many wonderful things, but today I only want to share one of them.

(A special thanks to an amazing Mission President-President McKee for teaching us such great ways to cope with trial and pain)

This box has a bandaid in it.  This bandaid represents the pain, heartache, frustrations, and all the unfair things in life.  Some days, when we get out of bed in the morning, this is all we see...

the pain!

When we focus on the pain, that's all we see.

But if we take a broader view and look at the things we can accomplish and the blessings we have, then our perspective is changed.

We see a bigger picture.  Once we look for things we CAN change and we begin to look at the blessings we have, then it's easier for us to find even more blessings.

The trials we have are not diminished.  The pain is still there.  But we are focused on the good things in life.  We are focused on our blessings. 

We have the gift of choice.  Each day, we can choose whether to act to situations, or react.

This Christmas is a time to ACT!  Choose to act.  Avoid the tendencies we all have to look at the "down-side" of things.

"Just because you are in pain doesn't mean you need to be a pain." 

-President and Sister McKee

The Tennessean

Lets first start off with a joke.

Okay, so it's a little lame.  But I hope it brought a smile to your face!

Last week, Sister Jensen and I had the opportunity to meet with Bob Smietana, The Religion Reporter for the Tennessean.  It was a great opportunity for us to bear our testimonies of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

I felt blessed that we were able to meet with Bob.  As he talked with us, J and I felt the spirit strongly testify to us that what we were out here doing was right, and that the gospel was true. 

Bob asked us about our families.  He wanted to know how the Gospel has blessed my family at home.  In my head I thought, "How has it not blessed my family!"  My parents are so great.  As I spoke with Bob, I kept thinking about how grateful I was to have the family I have.  They have been wonderful examples to me of love and patience.  I am so grateful for their attitudes about the gospel.  My family has a lot of faith.  I'm so grateful for their support out here in the jungles of Nashville!

Bob also inquired about our favorite scripture.  Immediately I thought of 3 Nephi 22:7-8.  I love this scripture.  To hear why, watch this video. 

Every day we have opportunities at our feet to share the gospel.  Go out today and share your faith!