A sister's experience on bike

These past 2 days we have had the chance to do what the rest of the elder missionaries do... That is to ride bike.

We peddled all over Napa, or so it seems like. Visiting people and talking to many people on the streets. We had some good conversations about our Savior Jesus Christ. Its great that so many people know of Him, but there are those that do not.

We ran into one gentleman, we had a good conversation with him. He said something that really touched my heart. He said, "if you pay attention to the people walking down the street and stop ignoring them... You'll be amazed of what you find." I have a strong testimony of this statement. I have met some amazing people on the streets when walking or, now, biking. 

Talking to people is something that I have struggled with. Its just hard for me to strike up conversations. My friend back home is really good at it, and so is my dad. They can talk to anyone they come in contact with. Before I left on my mission I told myself that by the time my mission is over I want to be able to talk to anyone about anything. 
In the scriptures it says (Matt, Mark, Luke & John) that Christ taught His people. In the Book of Mormon, starting at 3 Nephi 11, Christ visits the people in the Americas after His resurrection and He teaches the people.
Jesus Christ is that example of a true missionary. It shows the love that we have for our brothers and sisters and our love for our Savior.

You never know who is looking for happiness, or who is looking to find truth. I testify to you that following Jesus Christ does bring happiness and He is truth. We never know how we, personally, can help others by our testimonies of Jesus Christ.

I love my Savior, I am grateful for the people that I have had a chance to meet. I'm grateful that He and His gospel is in my life and i have this time to teach others and help others find happiness. It wont stop for me after my mission, I will continue to do my best at talking to people I come in contact with. "You'll be amazed of what you find."
I love this gospel with all my heart. I'm very grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for the Atonement. I love being a missionary and serving the Lord my God. Remember who you are and what you stand for!

The Lord NEVER leaves us

I love the poem "Foot Prints in the Sand" by Carolyn Joyce Carty.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son [daughter], my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

This poem touches my heart every time I read it, because its so true. The Lord never leaves us. He is always there to help carry us in our time of need. I know this to be true. I can testify that Our Savior does love each and every ONE of us. He does help lead and guide us. I'm grateful for the scriptures, for the living prophet Thomas S. Monson, and His commandments to help lift us up when we need to be lifted up.

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

 Foot Prints in The Sand

Never Leave Him

So we had a really awesome lesson in relief society yesterday at church. I thought I would share a couple of my thoughts.

It was on the Conference talk "Never Leave Him" by Neil L. Anderson. I was really touched by some of the things that were said. If you have a chance check out the WHOLE talk and read it/watch it..
One of the first things that caught my attention was the question that Christ asks His apostles... "Will ye also go away?"

What will we answer?? Just how willing are we to follow are Savior. Will we only when times are tough, or when they are easy or both?

When we follow our Savior we must follow Him in all things. Sometimes we may ask ourselves, "Do I have to be so different from others? Cant I be a disciple of Christ without thinking so much about my behavior? Cant I love Christ without keep the law of Chasity? Cant I love Him and do what I want on Sunday?" I think we all ask ourselves these questions. I know that I have, and I know I didn't make the right choices. But we cant be on both sides, we cant love our Savior and do what we want. We cant be in the middle. The Savior said in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Its that simple. So... Whatever challenges arise, we never, NEVER leave Him.
Keep the Faith my friends. Jesus Christ lives, and we aren't perfect. Continue to go forward with faith, repent everyday. I know that we can and will return to live with Him again.
Follow Him, Keep His commandments I promise that you will be happy. I'm happier than I ever have been, and I know that it is because i am doing my best at keeping His commandments.
Remember who you are and what you stand for.

Remember... CHRISTmas in Napa

Well Merry Christmas everyone! Its a rainy Christmas morning here in Napa. Its been a great Christmas.. Full of so many miracles.

Yesterday, Christmas Eve, was a great day. In the morning we went to as many people as we could to wish them a Merry Christmas. Some we ran into on the street and had a great conversation about Jesus Christ. For He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Later that night we had dinner at a members house. It was so great to see them, and see their Christmas traditions.
It was a beautiful night so after dinner we, all the missionaries in Napa, Sonoma, and St. Helena, went caroling in downtown Napa. I've never been caroling before so it was a great experience for me.  Seeing the people on the street smiling and clapping for us was so amazing. I know that they were touched just as I was. So many smiling faces, and we all were just full of the Christmas spirit.
So this morning we went to have breakfast. It was great to see the family all open presents, smiling and laughing. We played games then ate a wonderful breakfast. We all sat around the table just sharing experiences and talking about Christmas and why we celebrate it.

When this Christmas season started, I'm not going to lie I started missing my hometown and my family. I thought of all of our many traditions as family. But these past 2-3 days... I've never been so happy and never wanted to be anywhere else. I've enjoyed going to visit people on Christmas eve and have enjoyed spending time with my new family and friends and loved ones out here. Its been awesome sharing with people the real reason why we celebrate Christmas and what is important to me.

I'm so grateful I'm here this time of the year serving the Lord. Everyone said that there was no Christmas like being on a mission. I didn't believe them at first but its so true. There is nothing better.. I love my Heavenly Father, I love this gospel. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for my family back home, for their love and support. I'm grateful for the family and friends that i have met out here, and I'm happy that they are in my life and i am able to spend my Christmas with them out here.

Merry Christmas! Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember.. With a bit of light, we can see many things.

I have often thought about why do we put up lights at Christmas time? Yes they are beautiful but what is the reason? To be honest.. I do not know. But I'm grateful that we do have the lights up and here's why.
In the scriptures (Bible and Book of Mormon) we learn that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Through Him we can find our way out of darkness.

We were teaching a girl, today, who really wants to know about God and have faith that He is there. She said its hard for her sometimes because of some things that happen in life. My companion said something to her that really touched my heart and opened my eyes. She said, "no matter what we see and how crazy things are in life it brings hope to me, to know that the light will always win, the light will always conquer darkness. Even with the tiniest bit of light we can see many things." I thought about this for awhile and its so true.. It reminds me of a scripture in Alma chapter 32:35-36.. it says, "Oh then is not this real? I say unto you Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed is good."

I love this scripture, "whatsoever is light is good." Even though we have tasted the light it doesn't mean that our knowledge is perfect. We all learn new things everyday. Its by our faith and us exercising that faith that our seed will grow stronger and stronger and our light will shine brighter and brighter.

Look around at all the Christmas decorations. The lights, candy canes, oranges, presents, Santa Clause and the Christmas trees. They all represent Christ in some way to help remind us the true meaning of Christmas.
I know that my Savior Jesus Christ is the light of this world, it is through Him that we can have everlasting life. I love my Savior and My Father in Heaven, I'm grateful for this time of year that we have to be reminded of Him. Remember with that little bit of light, we can see many things.
I want that light in my life... Do you?
I know that this gospel is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God and with His help, Joseph Smith restored the church. I know that Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember to keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas

"How can we celebrate Christmas so it is meaningful to each member of the family? How can we keep the Savior at the center of Christmas? What traditions can help us remember Him and His birth?"

I love these questions and have often thought about it alot lately..

This time of year is very exciting for me. Christmas time brings back some good memories. Alot have to do with me and my brother.

Christmas Eve we would go to my grandmothers house and have dinner. My aunts, uncles and cousins would all come. It's so nice to talk and catch up on good times and just spend time together. 

Christmas day we would wake up and we kids were always up hecka early, even when we got to be teenagers. My parents would always make us wait so that they could sleep in. So during this time of anxiously waiting, I would go into my brothers room and watch cartoons with him. We would watch cartoons all morning!!! 

I'm grateful for that time that I had to spend in the morning with my brother and sister. That is some good memories for me and I enjoy it. 

I always knew that Christmas was the time that we celebrated the Lords birth, but I don't think that I fully understood it. 

Christmas means so much to me now. Yes, it is a time to be with family and enjoy them and there company, a time of laughter. But it is a time to remember Our Savior and His birth. Its a great Christmas gift that Our Heavenly Father has given to all of us.

I have many ideas of some family traditions of my own that I would like to do with my future family. I want my future family to remember and understand the reasons why we celebrate Christmas and how they can remember Him this time of year.

I would like to invite all of you to think of ideas that you want to have with your families. If you have a family now think of something you can do to help your family focus on Jesus Christ. I know that if we do this that we will have a closer relationship with Him and our families.

I love you all and Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember the symbol of the CANDY CANE

THE STORY OF THE CANDY CANE MAKER
The Legend of the Candy Cane, written by Lori Walburg

There once was a candy maker who wanted to make a candy that would be very special for Christmas. He decided to make a candy cane because he knew he could include a lot of signs and symbols to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. He used white as a symbol that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary who was always so pure and holy. He made it hard and crunchy to symbolize the solid rock on which the church is founded.

He bent over the top of the candy cane to make a hook like a shepherd’s staff. He remembered that Jesus called himself “The Good Shepherd” The candy maker remembered too that the first people who come to worship Jesus at the manger after he was born were shepherds.

Then the candy maker looked at his candy cane and thought it looked a little plain. “It needs some color,” he said. Something red,” he thought. “That will give it Christmas look!” So, he began to stain the white candy cane with red stripes. First, he put on three thin red stripes. You see, he remembered that Jesus went through terrible torture before he died and was whipped across his back. The candy maker decided that the red stripes on the candy cane would remind everybody that Jesus shed his blood for us when he died on the cross on Good Friday.

The candy maker was doing well with his candy cane. He had a lot signs of Jesus in there but he wasn’t satisfied. Then he began to pray, “Dear Jesus, help me to make my candy cane show the true meaning of Christmas.” Then suddenly the candy cane slipped from his hands. It fell upside down on the floor. When he looked, he noticed that the candy cane was no longer a candy cane, but it was the letter “J”. It stands for “Jesus.” Jesus is really what Christmas is all about.

Every time I see a candy cane I think of this story and it helps me remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Remember that Jesus Christ loves us all, and He wants us to return to live with Him again. He made it possiable for us.

I love my Savior and am very grateful for His atoning sacrifice for us. Please remember Him and all that He has done.

Remember who you are and what you stand for. Keep the Faith.

Remember to serve Him

Yes I know I keep posting videos but I love this video!
What a great gift they gave our dear Savior Jesus Christ for His day. They were serving others, & when we serve others we are serving the Lord.
Remember our Savior and Remember, when we help and serve other people we are serving our Father in Heaven.
I know that my Redeemer lives, I know that we will be able to see Him again. I love my Savior and am very grateful for everything that He has done for me.
Remember who you are and what you stand for. Keep the Faith

The Christmas Story "Birth of Jesus Christ" Silent Night Music by L...

                                           
I love my Savior Jesus Christ and am so grateful for His atoning sacrifice for us.
Remember Him at this time of year and Remember who you are and what you stand for!  

Remember.... The true meaning of Christmas.

My mom has this book at home.. I LOVE reading it every year for Christmas, it helps me to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
The book is by Diane G. Adamson and the illustrations is by M. Chad Randall.

Imagine Santa...... What is He like?

Now imagine Jesus...... What is He like?

Santa Clause is a symbol of Christmas. The symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Remember, Jesus Christ! Our Savior and Redeemer of the world! Thank you Heavenly Father, for sending Him to us. I love my Savior and am forever grateful for His sacrifice for us.

Merry Christmas

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember... Mary, Mother of Jesus

This song brings tears to my eyes, especially the first time I heard it. It's a beautiful song.

I've been thinking alot about Mary lately after reading that question I read, "What qualities did Mary have to be Jesus' mother?" I think about if Mary really knew what her son was here to do. I cant even imagine the way she felt for the wonderful things that He did. "The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again, the lame will leap, the dumb will speak."

If she knew that He was here to save OUR sons and daughters. The part that really brings tears to my eyes is when it says, "This child that you delivered will soon deliver you."  Ah, so amazing. I cant even imagine knowing that my son was going to do the things that He did for me.

I look up to Mary in many different ways. Her faith, obedience and Love that she shows. Just looking at this picture of Mary and Jesus I know she was a good mother. I'm very grateful for her obedience.

 "Mary Did You Know"
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Remember.. Mary

So I read a something the other day and I've been thinking alot about it. It was a question, "What qualities did Mary have to be Jesus' mother? Do I have some of these qualities?"

Mary Mother of Jesus

I cant even imagine how scared she would feel. In Luke 1:30 it says that an angel came to her and said,"....Thou hast found favour with God." "Although little of Mary’s life is actually recorded, what is recorded reveals a pattern of righteousness. She was faithful & obedience to the word of God, expressive joy for God’s blessings, readiness to receive God’s witness and counsel from His servants, and rearing a posterity who glorified God."

The Lord trusted Mary to be the mother of His son Jesus Christ, who was to come and redeem the world. When I see a picture of her or read of her, I can feel the love, obedience and faith that she had. I hope that I can one day be like that. Be as obedient to Gods commandments, and have so much faith in Him and trusting Him that He does know best and He wants nothing but the best for us.

I love this song. I can't stop listening to it.

"Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

everything, everything, every day
Hallelujah

My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now I'm found
A baby changes everything"

I love you all,

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember... The 3 trees that did something great

The Three Trees

Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.

The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: " I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!"
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. " I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.

Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain.
The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said.

The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. " I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
 
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
 

Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. " This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.





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  One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.

 

One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.



The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.



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I woke up thinking of this story for some reason. I read over it before posting it on here and I couldn't help but to cry. These 3 trees had great dreams. Even though they didnt get the dreams they wanted they got something better. They were all part of Our Saviors life. Remember that this Christmas. If we don't get the things we want, just remember something better is coming. Something that we don't expect.

I love you all. Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember....CHRISTmas

                     
On sunday we had a pretty awsome sacrament meeting. There were some good talks. The speakers that were chosen to speak, spoke on "What to give Jesus for Christmas." I thought this was a very interesting topic and it caught my attention. They all did an amazing job and shared some of the things they would give Jesus for Christmas. Some examples are like serving someone, or reading the scriptures everyday. It can be anything. One of the speakers invited us to wrap a present of something that we want to give Jesus for Christmas and put it under the Christmas tree. Then on Christmas day open it, and give that gift to Jesus.
I personally don't know what I'm going to give Jesus for Christmas, but I'm thinking alot about it. When I think of something I'm going to do it, I'm going to wrap a present then give it to Christ on Christmas.


Just imagine how Christ will feel if we all do this. I can just imagine His face on Christmas day! His smile and His eyes filled with tears, because we all love and care about Him so much that we are willing to give Him a Christmas present and live that present every single day for the rest of our lives. I know that by doing this we will feel closer to Our Savior and Our Heavenly Father as well. What a proud Father, Heavenly Father, would be! 
I love you all and I know that Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of you! 
Remember whoy you are and what you stand for!