My Yoke is Easy

• I've spoken of this experience before, but over this last Easter weekend, it has come back to my heart and mind. I hope that I can do some good in sharing it.

  Several years ago, I had the opportunity to go on an adventure!! I went with some other youth from my church. I tried to be minimalistic as I packed supplies for the week into a hiking backpack. My older brother kindly took the heavier things in his pack.

  We loaded up the cars and drove to the rim of the Grand Canyon where the trail began. From there, we hiked 10 miles to the Native American village of Havasupai and then another 2 miles to our campground. As a 14 year old, my pack felt pretty heavy by the end, but I soon forgot that as we set up camp and then jumped into the cool river to play. The week passed by and we all had a blast.

  Eventually, it was time to head home. We set out late afternoon and camped halfway along the trail. We hoped to miss the heat of the day as we finished our hike the next morning. Unfortunately, that didn't quite work.

  Exhausted and sweaty, I reached the switchbacks-- a part of the trail that zigzags back and forth to avoid creating an impossible incline. This was the last stretch. I tried to keep pace with another 14 year old, even smaller than I was. If he could do it, so could I. Every step, I told myself, "One more step. I can take at least one more. I just have to reach that rock ahead of me..."

  Fortunately, I had an older brother who was looking out for me. He was one of the first to make it up to the top. He saw me making my way and knew I was probably struggling and tired. He ran to me. He traded his bottle of water for my heavy burden. As I took a gulp of the cool water, I could feel the wind on my back. A burst of energy hit my limbs. I thought, "Yes, I can make it!"

  With my brother carrying my load, we walked side by side. Through his encouragement, I made the rest of the journey. With a sigh of relief, I was able to rest.

  Just like that, we all have mountains-- or canyons-- to climb. We may have a heavy load on our backs. You may wonder, "Can I really make this?" Maybe you wonder why you should even try.

  Don't give up.

  I testify that we all have an Elder Brother who went before us. As the Son of God, He walked this life, and He took our place. He sees our struggles and knows our pain. He suffered and died on the cross the He may know how to comfort His people "according to their infirmities." He rose from the dead, that we may also live. He showed us the way.

  As he walks by our side, He pleas:

  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Come Unto Christ

Sunday, we went to a member's house for dinner. Usually, we come prepared with a message about Christ to share with the families that feed us. We thought we were going to be the teachers. This time though, we were the ones who needed a message.

During dinner, one of the kids started talking about a video that they love to watch as a family. It was a new music video for youth called, "Come Unto Christ." The teenage daughter pulled it up on the television and we all gathered around to watch.

As I listened, I saw reflections of myself. I was given a unique perspective as I recalled who I was as a youth and where I found myself now. I know that it is only because of Christ that I was given the hope I needed to pull through my moments of darkness. Now, I can look up and see the light that was always there, leading me on.

We all face our moments of darkness. We all have different situations. We all feel heartache and sorrow. But one thing I know is that no matter who we are or what we face, our eternal worth is more than we can even begin to imagine. 

I know I have a Savior that loves me and can see that worth even when I can't and I know without a doubt that you do too. Never give up on yourself. Keep looking forward. When we walk in faith, the future is always brighter than the past.

I leave you my testimony that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very Son of God. He suffered and died for us so that we never have to be alone. He always has his arms outstretched. All we need to do is come unto Him.

Remember who you are.

My New Life

This week, one of my companions was sick, so I stayed home to care for her. At one point, we sat and watched practically every Mormon Message known to man. As we did, I rediscovered this video about Stephanie Neilson. What an amazing woman!

Learning about Stephanie and her story is actually what inspired me to start blogging. Two years ago, I started a blog called "The Wind is Blowing." It documented some of the trials and feelings I felt after the passing of my mother. Now, I have this blog to document all my new adventures as a missionary for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I pray that one day, I will be able to be as powerful of a force for good as Stephanie Neilson has allowed herself to be. Here is her story:

We all face different challenges in life. Some cope with loss of sight, hearing, or even a loved one. Others struggle to adapt to new challenges and cultures. However, each of us can rest assured that we have the strength to make it through because YOU have a Heavenly Father who loves you and a Savior to carry you. I know this to be true. I have seen it in my life and I promise you can see it too.

When life gets hard, just look forward in faith and say, "This is my new life."

I believe in you. Will you believe in yourself?

An Elect Lady

Last month, we had a special sisters meeting for all of the sister missionaries in my area. We were put into groups of four, given a woman from the scriptures along with a Christ-like attribute, and asked to give a discussion on how that woman showed that attribute.

My group was assigned Emma Smith and charity.

Emma Hale Smith: The first president of the oldest women's organization in the United States. The faithful, loving wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

Charity: n. the pure love of Christ. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul.

Getting to study her life more in depth was such an amazing experience. She has been an amazing example to me in my life. I have always felt a curious attachment to her, so I was ecstatic to hear the assignment.

Just before her husband, Joseph Smith, was martyred at Carthage Jail, he responded to her request for a blessing. He told her if she wrote one, he would sign it when he returned home. This is some of what she wrote:

"I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting. ...I desire... that I may wear a cheerful countenance... and be a blessing to all..."

Her words show such love and devotion to her Heavenly Father. In all she did, she showed charity for others, often caring for their welfare above her own. I believe that the words she wrote in that blessing from the Lord expresses the desires of my heart as well. I believe that is why I love Emma.

May we all love a little deeper, act a little kinder, and serve a little more.

What is Dignity?

Dignity: n. 1) impressive self-control of behavior in difficult situations. 2) self respect, a proper form of pride

So, last week, we had an interesting experience. We went over to visit a family we have been teaching. One of the father's friends was over. He suggested we speak outside.

He then proceeded to try to tear us down in every way. We just stood there and listened. He was far too heated to try to reason with him.

This got me thinking about what the Savior experienced. How did He handle situations like that? How about Joseph Smith and the early members of our Church?

As I stood there being called a liar, I was able to stand tall knowing that what I believe is true. I could think back on the poise and dignity of Joseph Smith and his beloved wife Emma. I knew that all I could do was represent the Savior and His love for all mankind.

Dignity comes from knowing who you truly are.

We all face adversity in life. We are all called to stand for what we know is right at some point or another. We all must choose to keep our dignity, to remember who we are.

The Ups and Downs

Just like every other week, there are ups and downs.

The Ups

The highlight of the week was probably the baptism that we had on Saturday. She was so happy, she was glowing. Everything about her just seemed radiant! I felt overwhelmed with joy just looking at her. I am so privileged to get to know her. She has strengthened me in so many ways.

The Downs

One of the biggest challenges of last week was probably just feeling down. Sometimes I just get those times where I find myself sad and it takes me a while to realize that it is because I miss my mom. She passed away last July.

Even when it is hard, I take comfort in studying the Plan of Salvation and knowing that she is with my two siblings that passed away, that she is resting from all her health problems, and that she is learning to appreciate the wonderful woman that she is. I look forward to getting to go to the temple at the end of this transfer. I can always feel her closer when I am in the temple. It has always been one of my favorite places; no matter what is going on in life, I walk into the temple and know that I am home.

A Loaf of Bread

Sometimes, it can be hard to feel so disconnected from the outside world. Especially when you have a tendency to worry about things...

One time, I was having a praticularly hard time. I felt alone. I confided in my companion some of my feelings, but that didn't make it go away. I prayed and prayed for the strength I needed. I asked for help trusting in the Lord and His promises. I asked for the peace and assurance from knowing that I was still important.

Nothing significant happened for a few days. I found some peace, but I still had to struggle.

Then, we went to the mission home to pick up some supplies. I was astonished to find that there was a package waiting for me. I thought it was from an old roommate, but upon examining the return address, I found I was mistaken.

It was from a family that I had never met. They were from my companion's home town, yet she did not even know them all that well.

I found inside the package some of my favorite things. Things that Sister Ward did not even know that I liked. Plus, she claimed to have no idea why they would have written me. Inside there was a simple note thanking me for my service and wishing me well.

That experience reminded me of a talk by President Monson.

I know that the Lord answers prayers and that each and every one of you matter to Him.

Lost and Found

Still searching for my path,
I fall upon the ground.
I'm sitting in the dirt
With thistles all around.

I stay there and I cry,
"Well, this must be my place;
The path, it may be grand,
But I'm a different case."

Just as I'm giving up,
Oh, I begin to see,
Brushing past the weeds,
A man has come for me!

I show to him my broken leg,
And he vows to carry me
We travel to the end of day,
With sweat across his brow.

Finally, we reach the gate
And my family's waiting there
O, I fall before my guide.
And wash his feet with my tears;

Unworthy of His love.
He lifts me up from in the dust,
And whispers in my ear,
"You were worth it, every step."

The Gardener

Sometimes we may wonder how a loving Heavenly Father could let so many things happen in our lives that tear us down. How could He let me hurt so much? How could I be denied such righteous desires?

As a missionary, this is a question I have heard time and time again. I think the secret to understanding why is faith. We must have the faith that God knows what we need better than we do. He knows what we can handle and has a plan for us.

This is something I have truly gained a testimony of over the years. Every hardship I have endured has somehow been able to bless my life and sometimes the lives of those around me. Because of certain trials and hardships, I have been blessed with empathy and understanding towards others.

This Mormon Message has brought so much strength and comfort to me over the last year. I pray that you may find the same peace.

"... And above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8

Welcome!!!

So, a little about me:

• I'm 20 years old.
• I'm from Escondido, CA
• I'm currently a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Not only will this blog chronicle my adventures in the wonderful state of Montana, I hope that it will also be a place of inspiring and uplifting thoughts and messages.

Often, life gets hard. Things are discouraging. Responsibilities are overwhelming.

When this happens, remember one thing: You are never in this alone.

God did not put you here to fail. He wants you to succeed. He is one of your biggest supporters. He has given everything for you.

So, when you are overwhelmed, turn to Him. He will give to you the strength you need to accomplish all that He asks of you. Nephi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon knew this and testified that, "the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7).

I know that we can do all we need when we put our strength in the Lord.

Don't forget to pray.