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,

finding.zion.

If you're not from Utah, you may not even know today is Pioneer Day.

Pioneer Day is absolutely one of my favorite holidays, in large part because I grew up in Salt Lake.  I have so many memories of this day and it's importance.  As a little girl, I felt so privileged sleeping outside on South Temple to get the best spot for the Days of '47 Parade.  We would ride the Temple Square carriage in the middle of the night and my older cousins would give me advice -- on everything from elementary school woes to kissing boys to making the best dirty Diet Coke.  Some of my best memories revolve around July 24th.

The Mormon Pioneers were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who were forced out of their homes in the Midwest and migrated West across the United States, arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, or what they called "Zion" on July 24th, 1847.

So, what is "Zion"?  Zion is "the pure in heart".  Zion is our hopes, our desires, our dreams.  As we turn to God and put His will first, all of these dreams and desires can be realized.  I think it is inherent human nature to be a part of the crowd, to be popular and in sync with the times.  We look for recognition and validation in our efforts, but often that is not where true conversion lies.  We must be forced out of our comfort zone, out of those social norms -- this is where we innovate and transform, this is where we become leaders.

We must love.  We must serve.  We must work.  We must consecrate ourselves and turn to God in all that we do.  Only then, can we become "pure in heart".  Only then can we build each other up.  Only then, all blessings that can be had, that God is willing to grant, will be ours.

{I love art & naturally, Vincent Van Gogh says it perfectly}

This Pioneer Day I am especially grateful to be on a mission, to be developing the characteristics and confidence to change, to be different, to be a pioneer.

xoxo,

emily.arden.

Hi All!  So this is officially my first post on my blog and my first post as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  So let me give ya'll a little bit of background info.  Serving a mission was the last thing I thought I would ever choose to do -- especially at 25...  But I'm so excited to see how I can share my love of the gospel with others!

I'm currently serving in Mesa, AZ and I'm speaking Spanish!  Such a tender mercy, considering I was dying to go to Argentina.  My family is from there!  My great-grandparents, Emilio & Donato Gianfelice, were actually the first converts to the LDS church from South America!  Talk about a legacy!  But yeah, Heavenly Father knows me too well and knew I would love learning Spanish.

You know what, missions are hard.  Sometimes I am frustrated and sometimes I question what I am doing.  That's real life, ya know?  But I love my Savior and I love this gospel.  I know how much God loves each and every one of us and I am SO excited to share that love with others!  So follow along, message me with any questions you might have, and let's enjoy this ride of a lifetime.  I know I'll be learning lots and I hope that you can too.

xoxo,