House of the Lord

I love the temple.  I'm sad that I don't get to see it very often, but I am blessed with the opportunity to attend the temple many times throughout the remainder of my life.  It has brought me so much happiness.  I hope all of us can attend the temple many times!

Manti Utah Temple 

I've decided to post pictures of different LDS temples on my facebook page every day.  It warms my heart to see such beautiful buildings dedicated to Our God.  He truly does love us so much.

In the April 2011 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson said:

“Today most of us do not have to suffer great hardships in order to attend the temple. Eighty-five percent of the membership of the Church now live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple, and for a great many of us, that distance is much shorter.

“If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly.“

“There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil. … My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do.”

Today's Blog Post is Brought to You by the Number 2.

This morning when I was on my walk with Sister Franson, we passsed by a dumpster.  On the side of a dumpster was a balloon, filled with helium, shaped as the number "2".  We cut the balloon loose from some of the other plain, deflated balloons, and carried it with us as we continued our walk.  I'm sure it was a site to see...  Two Sister Missionaries, awkward as can be, carrying an inflated "2" balloon.  As we walked up the hill we ran into the Spanish Elders playing Tennis for their morning workout.  We decided that our odd balloon was a perfect gift for them.  As I was tying the balloon to the tennis court fence, the Elders jusst chuckled. 

Later, I started thinking about the number two.  Other than it being a comic happen-stance for the morning, it was also a reminder that "In the mouth of two or three ^awitnesses shall every word be established." (2 Cor. 13:1)

Missionaries teach the gospel in a companionship of two or three.  Likewise, the word of the Lord has been established through 2 witnesses; the Bible, and the Book of Mormon.

As I've thought about this today, I've remembered how important my calling is to help others come closer to Christ.  I need to work at being an example every day.  I need to work on my teaching skills, and my ability to love unconditionally so that I can be a witness for my Savior.

List

I've decided to make a list of all the things I want to accomplish on this mission adventure.  Then, I'll keep my goals updated once they've been accomplished.  Many fun stories to come I'm sure!!

Come into the Fold of God

A friend of mine has been reading the Book of Mormon.  When I asked him what his favorite story was, he told me how much he enjoyed reading in Mosiah 18.  In this Chapter, Alma, a former wicked priest of King Noah, preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ in secret, and baptizes many believers.

I've always loved Alma for his willingness to change, or repent, and come closer to Christ.  In doing so, he has brought thousands to a knowledge of Christ.  He has always been a wonderful example to me of true repentance. 

He abandoned all he knew, safety, home, friends, ect.  Instead of remaining content with his lifestyle, he was willing to forsake what he had and follow Heavenly Father. 

I am grateful for all of the examples in my life.  I am grateful that they are willing to leave what they are comfortable with to further their faith, and to also further the Kingdom of God.

Let Them Eat Cake

When Marie Antoinette, Queen of France was told that the common people had no bread to eat, she replied, "Let them eat cake!"  Of course, they didn't have any cake either. 

Jesus Christ tells us, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger;"  (John 6:35). 

How can we have the bread of life that is as sweet and delicious to us as chocolate cake?

When we learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ we are spiritually fed.  When we teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are teaching people how to fill their lives with rich spiritual power.  It's like being filled with rich chocolate cake. 

Sister Franson and I have been teaching a wonderful family:  Yevette and Charles.  We just love them!  Yesterday was our P-day AND Yevette's birthday.  We decided to surprise her by making a cake. 

 Just like a cake takes many different ingredients, so does teaching the gospel.  First, you need the right tools.  With a cake you need a bowl, a mixer, measuring cups, a pan, an oven, and a spatula.  Then you have ingredients.  Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, frosting, and sprinkles.  But even then it's not enough.  You must DO something in order for the cake to be made.  You have to add the ingredients together; mix, stir, blend, whisk, pour, and cook.

It's similar when teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The tools you need consist of a Mission President, a Mission Call, an airplane ticket, MTC training, and a companion.   Then you have to get the ingredients; scriptures, Preach My Gospel manual, words of the Modern Prophets, a planner, and a journal.  Then, you must pray, study, search, teach, practice teaching, attend meetings, fellowship those around you and talk to everyone in order to be successful in teaching the gospel. 

There is no greater joy in life than sharing something with everyone that means everything to you.  That's how I feel about the gospel.  I love cake, and I want to share it with everyone!  But I have something much greater to offer-knowledge of the Living Christ and His True Church on the earth today. 

Sister Franson, Sister Valentine, Charles, Yevette, and Elder Lund

This is something I've been able to share with Charles and Yevette.  We have become life-long friends while we've learned and felt the spirit together.  They have both chosen to follow our Savior Jesus Christ by getting baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God.  I am so proud of their examples.  I am so happy to have them in my life.  As we celebrate their upcoming baptism, they are preparing by using the tools they've been given to learn every day about the gospel. 

Trial of Your Faith

One of my favorite songs is "Hallelujah."  Though I don't know who originally sings it, one of my favorite lines is, "Well your faith was strong, but you needed proof."

What is faith when we need proof?  I'm grateful that I have a God that gives me faith to rely on.  It's not always something that comes easy.  Believing in something I cannot see is sometimes difficult to do.  I have learned that Faith is something that must be tested. 

In the Book of Mormon we read "...faith is things which are hoped for and not seen: wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6)

When I see this scripture, two words stick out to me:  Witness and Trial.  It reminds me of a courtroom.  So lets follow the counsel in this scripture and put our faith on Trial.  Faith is being held accountable, to see if what I feel is true.  In order to do so, we must have a judge.  Christ is the ultimate judge of the World-so let us place him at the Judgement seat to direct the trial just as he directs our lives.

  We read that we will not recieve a witness  until we put our faith to the test.  Often times my faith is tested when there is a doctrine I don't understand, or when I am going through a difficult challenge in my life.  So with my faith on trial, I will call up Witnesses, like the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the words of the Modern Prophets, and search them for answers.  They never fail to increase my faith because they are reliable witnesses.  They are the convincing evidence "that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God... wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ." (Book of Mormon Title Page)

My faith, therefore, is found spotless before Christ when I search the scriptures for my answers.  My Heavenly Father will never lead me astray, and gives me the opportunity to test my faith out and learn for myself.  Not only do I learn to follow my faith, but I grow closer to God.

Choice

Life is full of choices.  We're supposed to blog about what is on our minds... and well, this week, this has been one of the things I just can't seem to shake.

When we learn about choices, we think of the basics:

What will I wear today?

Where will I go?

How will I get there?

What will I do?

Who will I be around?

But in real life, the choices are so much more difficult.  The following story is what happened in my life shortly before serving a mission.  It's long-so if you'd like to read, then please do.  But I ask that if you do read this post, you pray for my friend...



Josh and I goofing off at a ward activity



A little over a year ago, I made a friend in my singles ward.  His name was Josh.  We were instant friends.  We use to love to sit at this park that overlooked the valley and talk about all the important things in life.  Families, friends, God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Missions.  One day Josh told me he wanted to serve a mission.  Things in his life were going wonderfully despite the choices he had made the previous few years in his life.  His desire to serve a mission  made his life full of light.  Josh was one of the happiest people I've ever met.  He was always laughing!  His eyes lit up when someone told a joke, or whenever he just smiled.  He had a light I hadn't seen very often in people.

One day, I decided to make a quick pop-over visit to see Josh.  What I thought would be a short and happy visit, ended up being one of the most emotional moments of my life up to this point. 

I had just resolved to serve a mission.  I wasn't going to tell very many people until I turned in my papers, but Josh's desire to serve a mission had such a positive impact on me, that I wanted him to be one of the first people to know.  I remember almost skipping up to his front door and knocking.  His Grandmother answered.  She seemed surprised to see me.  She called Josh downstairs.  When I saw him, my heart sank.  His light was gone.  

Tears welled in my eyes, and spilled down my cheeks.  As he turned to hug me, to comfort me, the reality of what was actually happening made my heart sink.  Josh had turned back to his old drug addictions.

I never saw that light in Josh again.  He continued to make poor choices that led him down a dark and dangerous path.  Many times, I pled with him on the phone to abandon his behaviors and turn to the Lord.  One particular time, I began to cry, pleading with him to tell me where he was at, so that I could come and help him.  All I wanted for Josh was for him to turn to the atonement.  Instead he turned to temptation.

Feelings of despair frequently overwhelmed me as I prayed for guidance to help my poor friend.  Never had I felt so tattered as I watched one of my closest friends fall into the trap of drugs.  He was sent to a drug rehab center for 2 years.  Saying goodbye to Josh was difficult.  As I took pictures with his family at the airport, Josh suddenly grabbed me and gave me a tight hug.  Then, with tears in his eyes he looked at me and said, "I'm so sorry.  I didn't realize how much this would hurt everyone."

I spoke with his mom a few times after that.  They were always tearful reunions and conversations.

He and I will finish our missions around the same time.  I'm on a mission to help others find the light of Christ.  He is on a mission to find the light of Christ he once had. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with a drug addiction, please get help.  You don't know how much drug abuse can damage your family and those you love. 

http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,6629-1-3414-1,00.html
Click Here for Help

Thy Will Be Done...

Today I woke up tired.  I rolled out of bed onto my knees.  Silently praying, I asked for the strength I would need to fulfill yet another day of missionary work.  As I walked into the bathroom, I stared at myself in the mirror.  Who is this young woman looking back at me?  I truly looked as tired as I felt.  As I stared into my reflection, I wondered what my Heavenly Father thought of me.  I thought, "He knows how difficult it is for me to get up each morning and work throughout the day.  He knows how tired I am."

I thought about why he was asking me to be his servant. 

His missionary.

I quickly got ready.  Ate.  Studied.  And studied some more.  As we got ready to leave the house, it was painful to pull each shoe over my swollen heels.  Another day of walking. 

I thought of the Savior, as He hung on the cross with his feet nailed to a board.  The pain on my feet was lifted.  Later, while out contacting, the pain persisted.  Again, my Savior came to my mind, and I no longer felt sorry for myself.  I know longer felt the pressing pain in my feet.  Truly, Christ died for me that he would "know how to succor [me] according to [my infirmities]." 

I'm no longer tired.  No longer sore.  Heavenly Father loved me enough to ask me to be one of His missionaries.  He loved me enough to send me His Son, so that my pains, and my trials could be relieved.  He loved me enough to strengthen me by asking His Son to perform the ultimate sacrifice:  To do His Will. 

Now the Lord has asked me to perform His will and to be a servant and messenger to bring others the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fullest.  It is His Will, and just like my Savior performed the Father's will-I will do my best to perform my Father's will and follow his example.

Like a Seed...

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you." 

(D&C 88:63) 

Growing up, I learned a lot about what faith was and how it worked.  But until I reached my teen years, I did not know how it applied in my life.  I also learned that it was necessary for me to obtain faith on a day to day basis.  This helped me to draw closer to the Lord. 

As a small primary child, I had been taught that faith is like a small seed.  When we plant it in the ground, we must nourish that seed with light, water, nutrients, and any other care necessary to help the seed to grow.  As it grows, we are to continue nurturing it so that it may grow into its full potential.  Take the Coast Redwood seeds for example.  They are very tiny, only a portion of a childs fingernail, yet, when nurished, they grow into giant, majestic trees.

With our faith, we are taught to nuture it by studying the Bible and Book of Mormon, by praying, by obeying the Lord's Commandments-these are the things that increase our faith.  Then we can reach our potential as we continue to grow in faith.  I was taught this lesson many times as a child, and thought I understood it well enough to teach it myself!  But, did I understand it well enough to teach it to myself? 

In high school, I found myself asking, "What is faith?  Is it necessary?"  I knew the essential Sunday School answers to faith-It's believing in something you cannot see.  But did I really understand what faith was?  Was I willing to govern my life by believing in a greater Being that I could not see?  

Trials came into my life on occassion, and I turned to my faith for support.  It was miraculous to see the change in my life when I relied on faith.  However, somewhere down the line I forgot how miraculous it truly was. 

One day, as I photographed a wedding of a dear friend, the thought came into my head, "you should serve a mission."  Woah, that was random.  Nah-I'm too busy.  I've got my life here.  I love my friends.  I love my job.  I love being around my family.  I love the new place I'm living in.  I like the way my life is going.  I don't need to serve a mission.  I'm content with the way things are.

Again, the thought persisted.  "You should serve a mission." 

As I continued to photograph the wedding, I couldn't get this thought out of my mind!  After about an hour, my parents showed up to the wedding to congratulate the bride, my friend Hannah.  She beamed at them with such a happy smile, and the thought came into my head, "You will be as happy as Hannah.  You should serve a mission."  I pulled my parents aside, and told them of my decision to serve a mission.

They both appeared shocked and stunned.  So was I!

The next week, I made multiple pro-&-con lists to compare my options of serving a mission, to my options of living the way I had been.  I compared my job opportunities, school opportunities, dating opportunities, and spiritual opportunities.  The following Sunday, I sat in church going over the list in my head.  I opened my scriptures, and they fell to Ether 12.  I read; "And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God." 

"Joy, why don't you have enough faith to serve a mission?"  I knew that the thoughts in my head were not my own.  I knew they had come from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost.  It was a powerful confirmation to me that I had truly forgotten what faith was.  I went home and began my missionary application papers that day.  Though I knew leaving my family, missing my 6 younger brothers grow up, quitting school and a job that I loved, leaving my one and only adorable sister, and my loving parents-I knew that it would be difficult, and it would be a miracle if I could pry those precious treasures out of my hands for 18 months.  But I am doing it.  I am trying to live up to the potential that my Heavenly Father has given me.  Sometimes he prunes me or cuts me down to shape me a certain way-and when he does, it's not always easy.  However, I know that my Heavenly Father has led me here.  It has been the greatest test of my faith. 

One day, I will stand as a tall redwood tree, beaming to my Father above and say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."