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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2 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday! I was thinking about you all day! Mesa is such a doll to have lovely weather for a run on your birthday! Keep having fun!

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  2. Happy birthday Emily! Beautiful testimony. Love you!

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