Thursday, February 12, 2015

MLH.

I truly have come to believe that
everything happens for a reason.

God puts specific people into our lives
each & every day.
Some teach us about love.
Some teach us about sacrifice.
Some teach us about service.
Some teach us about the light of Christ.
They bring Him into our lives.

That was & is my friend, Madeline.


This Valentine's Day marks 10 years
since she embarked on a new, grande adventure.
She had done just what her Father in Heaven needed her to do 
{here on earth}
and He was ready for her help in Heaven.

Madeline was a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
She taught me more about His love
than possibly anyone else I know.
She radiated with His light and she shared it with all she knew.
Her light and her example saved me countless times.
She saved me from selfishness.
She saved me from regret.
She saved me from heartache.
She was my angel.
For her, I am forever grateful.
I know that my Heavenly Father blessed me 
with her influence in my life.

I have learned time and time again, 
that there really are no coincidences.
God has a plan specific to each one of us.
Each of our paths cross for a reason.

I am a missionary 
for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I have a purpose.
The Lord expects me as His servant to bring His light into the lives of others.
I hope and pray every day that I may share of His light and His love.

I know that God lives.
I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His life for us.
I know that His Atonement is infinite and real.
I know that His love is all encompassing.
I also know, that I will see my Madeline again.
I rejoice in that knowledge 
and in the peace that the Savior brings me.
I know that we have a Father in Heaven,
who loves us,
and is mindful of each and every one of us.

Let Him teach you.
Let Him love you.
Let Him show you the way.
Follow His light and never let it go.

xoxo,
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Monday, January 5, 2015

26.

Wow.  
Happy birthday to me.  
This is literally the last place I thought I would be 
for my 26th birthday....but I'm so glad to be here.

Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 
have the opportunity to serve at the age of 18 for Elders & the age of 19 for Sisters. 
So, as you can imagine, I am one of few within 
the Arizona Mesa Mission who is over 25 to say the least.

Age is something that I have thought a lot about as I have found myself here. 
My mission has truly reminded me that God has a plan that is 
individual & unique 
to each one of us. 
He knows us perfectly.
He knows what we need. 
He knew that I needed this service and this opportunity. 
I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Elder Russell M. Nelson has said, 
"When we comprehend His voluntary Atonement, 
any sense of sacrifice on our part becomes completely overshadowed 
by a profound sense of gratitude for the privilege of serving Him."

I've never doubted Elder Nelson, but man is he right. 
The Atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is central to 
all human history and each one of our individual plans. 
Each of us have the opportunity to turn to Him and to change
I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be here, serving Him. 
I know that we can serve Him, no matter our circumstance. 
Although this is my only birthday as His full-time servant, 
I hope to remember Him each & every birthday to come.

{you know I celebrated with a birthday run}

xoxo,
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