Say It, Mean It, and To Show It

This post is based on a October 2009 General Conference talk is called "More Diligent and Concerned at Home by David A. Bednar." 

I may not say it to you as individual or as a group of girls together but I honestly love you all. I love how most of us is going through the same thing at the same time. Although some of us has waited longer than others but that's okay. It is worth the wait to reach where another girl who waited longer.  

If you can't see the Image above, it says "We should remember that saying 'I love you' is only a BEGINNING. We need to SAY IT, we need to MEAN IT, and most importantly we need consistently TO SHOW IT. - David A, Bednar."  

I will share with you some highlights that I loved while reading along with the video was playing the talk. "I want to suggest three ways each of us can become more diligent and concerned in our homes. 

Suggestion Number One: Express Love—and Show It

Just as our love of and for the Lord is evidenced by walking ever in His ways (see Deuteronomy 19:9), so our love for spouse, parents, and children is reflected most powerfully in our thoughts, our words, and our deeds (see Mosiah 4:30).

Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts out fear (see 1 John 4:18). Such love is the desire of every human soul. We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we express love—and consistently show it.

Suggestion Number Two: Bear Testimony—and Live It

The relationship between testimony and appropriate action is emphasized in the Savior’s instruction to the Saints in Kirtland: “That which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do” (D&C 46:7). Our testimony of gospel truth should be reflected both in our words and in our deeds. And our testimonies are proclaimed and lived most powerfully in our own homes. Spouses, parents, and children should strive to overcome any hesitancy, reluctance, or embarrassment about bearing testimony. We should both create and look for opportunities to bear testimony of gospel truths—and live them.

A testimony is what we know to be true in our minds and in our hearts by the witness of the Holy Ghost (see D&C 8:2). As we profess truth rather than admonish, exhort, or simply share interesting experiences, we invite the Holy Ghost to confirm the verity of our words. The power of pure testimony (see Alma 4:19) does not come from sophisticated language or effective presentation; rather, it is the result of revelation conveyed by the third member of the Godhead, even the Holy Ghost.

Suggestion Number Three: Be Consistent

“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.

Being consistent in our homes is important for another reason. Many of the Savior’s harshest rebukes were directed to hypocrites. Jesus warned His disciples concerning the scribes and Pharisees: “Do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3). This strong admonition is sobering given the counsel to “express love—and show it,” to “bear testimony—and live it,” and to “be consistent.”

We need to be and become more consistent. “But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

As we seek the Lord’s help and in His strength, we can gradually reduce the disparity between what we say and what we do, between expressing love and consistently showing it, and between bearing testimony and steadfastly living it. We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."

In your own time, you can read the whole talk, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.

www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home

Stay Tuned.

Why Do I Care So Much?

I encourage you to think about "What does I care means to you?" There could be heaps of meanings of I care.

If you can't see the Image below, it says "I CARE. I will always care."

Girls, I want you all to know that I do care and I will always care. I don't ever see myself not a caring person. I always try my best to show you that I DO care.

I DO care when something doesn't go well with you. I DO care when your Missionary doesn't email you. I DO care when your Missionary doesn't send you a letter, I DO care when your Missionary doesn't send you a package in return.

I DO care about what you are doing during the wait. I DO care about what you are doing during today. I DO care to take up my time to get to know you better.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "Why do I care so much?"

I care so much because I do understand how it feels when my Missionary doesn't email me, I care so much because I do understand how it feels when my Missionary doesn't send me a letter. I care so much because I do understand how it feels when my Missionary doesn't send me a package in return.

I care so much because I always try my best to understand what you are going through. Waiting for a Missionary wasn't easy. You can message me through Facebook anytime.

Stay Tuned.

I Miss You When

This post is short and sweet. I had no idea what to post until I have came up with some ideas. It was a hard decision from one idea to another. This post will be on "I miss you when .." This post may make you cry.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "I miss you when something really good happens, because you're the one I want to share it with. I miss you when something is troubling me, because you're the only one who understands me so well. I miss you when I laugh and cry, because I know that you're the one who makes my laughter grow and my tears disappear. I miss you all the time, but I miss you the most when I lie awake at night and think of all the wonderful times we spent with each other for those were of the best memorable times of my life."

It is so true for the Image says. This post has helped me realised that I have been missing some friends a lot than I expected.

A few suggestions that I have to make you happy, try not to think about the memories of you and your Missionary before he left because it would make you cry. As well as you could attend the Temple often to make you feel happy and comfort.

Girls, I encourage you try to think about a few questions "When do you miss your Missionary the most?" "What do you do when you miss your Missionary?" "Do you tell others when you miss your Missionary?" and "Do they care when you tell them that you miss your Missionary?"

Stay Tuned.

Service and More Service

Girls, who would have thought being with the Missionaries for almost the whole day and all evening that you would learn so much? Well I learnt so much when I was with my friend Sister Burgess and her companion Sister Mwea for almost the whole day and all evening.

One of the major things that I have learnt was "Never estimate of how much the hard work that Missionaries do day to day and night to night." I loved one of the scripture references that Sister Mwea was sharing with an investigator for a spiritual thought.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God. Mosiah 2:17."

I shared the experience of the day and evening through my other blog called 'Hold Onto This Journey" and it's under a post called "Temple Work + Missionary Work." Here's a link below, www.holdontothisjourney.blogspot.com/2015/02/temple-work-plus-missionary-work.html

Girls, I encourage you to go with the Sister Missionaries to spend a week or a day with them. It is definitely useful for preparing for serving a mission. I used to have a desire to serve a mission, then I lost the desire for 1 year or so. By spending the time that I had with my friend Sister Burgess and her companion makes me really want to go and serve a mission. I also learnt if an appointment gets cancelled, continue to be happy and try to reschedule another appointment like straight away.

It's not so bad and it was my first time spending time out of my day with Sister Missionaries. In the past, I was able to spend some time out of my day with Elders who has served in my ward to help investigators to come to Church. Go and have fun with the Missionaries.

Stay Tuned.

What Faith Can Do?

This post is short and sweet. This post is based on a song called "What Faith Can Do by Kutless." It's a song out of the EFY songs "Take It Home Album." We all need to have faith to believe. If you haven't heard the song before, I encourage you to listen to it in your own time.

If you can't see the Video, here's the link for the video below.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo

Girls if you just listened to the song, what did you think about the song. What part of the song did you liked the most? Below is an Image of the Lyrics that part of the song that I liked the most.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "It doesn't matter what you've heard. Impossible is not a word. It's just a reason for someone not to try. What Faith Can Do. Kutless."

If you don't have a fully understanding about faith, I encourage you to find out what faith is and try to gain an understanding about faith.

I encourage you think about the following next questions, 'What faith can do for you?" "What faith can do for others around you?" "What does faith means to you?" and "What does faith means to others around you?"

FAITH can be by believing that the wait is worth it and many more.

Stay Tuned.

True Friends Stays Forever

This post isn't about me leaving the group as yet. It's about True Friends. I have made some true friends from the groups that I have been apart of. Many times, I always thought that I already knew who my true friends was until it really hit me that it's not true. I always making new friends, and hoping that those new friends will stick with me for a lifetime.

I encourage you to think about the few following questions, "What does true friends means to you?" "What does true friends mean to someone else?" "What can you do for a friendship to turn into true friends?"

If you can't see the Image, it says "GOOD FRIENDS care for each other.. CLOSE FRIENDS understand each other, But True Friends Stay forever .. beyond words, beyond distance, beyond time..!" It's so true. 

One of my closest friends surprises me recently because I received mail from her. I didn't expect that she will be getting me something for my Birthday. She didn't wish me a Happy Birthday until I have a looked of what she has sent to me through the mail. I loved it and made me realised that she is one of my true friends. I know another friend that she used to wait for her Missionary, we both were planning to leave the groups at the same time but I stayed in the groups when she left. She broke up with her Missionary because he was becoming very different guy that she knew that she wouldn't be spending in eternity with him. We have been friends for 1 year and a few months. 

Girls, we all make new friends either making new friends from the group or wherever we go. Stay true to all of our friends. I'm sure we all want to keep all of our friendships strong and true. It's your time to work out who your true friends are and ask yourself questions such as will they make me happy when I am down, and will they do something for me in return after me doing something for them? etc.

Stay Tuned.

Striving Continuously

I had no idea what to post today. This post is based on "Striving Continuously." This post is short and sweet. I love a song called "Live Like You Believe by Jenny Phillips." It's a great song and I encourage you to listen to the song. I hope you can see the Video below.

If you can't see the Video above, here's the link below;
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2dWn8cuSg

I shared the song with you because all of my life I have lived like I believe. I always strive to continue to have high standards. I always strive to do what is right. I always strive to stand up what I believe in by not getting myself into situations that I will lose the spirit and there are other things that I have always strived.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "Striving for excellence will cause success with anything you do."

Girls, I encourage you to think about the following few questions in your own time. "What does it mean to striving continuously?" "What does it mean for others?" and "What can you do to strive continuously?"

Stay Tuned.

Press Forward

I encourage you to think about the following 3 questions in your own time. "What does it mean to press forward to you?" "What would it be mean to press forward to someone else?" "What do you do to press forward?" 

If you can't see the Image it says,"We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help. - David A. Bednar."

Girls, I'm not saying to move on with your life during the wait. If you don't want to think about waiting, then you can move on with your life and helps the time goes faster. I still remember day 1 and I was crying so much that I didn't want to stop.

"You aren't alone. Don't ever imagine yourself that you were waiting alone. Always remember there are others who are waiting too. They are waiting for the same or similar hope as yours." 

Girls, I put what I have said in bold because it's important to understand that you aren't alone and there are always others who could be on the other side of the world doing the same thing. It reminds me of a song called "Somewhere in The World by Altiyan Childs." I hope you will able to see the video below.

If you can't see the Video above, here's the link below.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G69YWb28ekc

Girls, you can press forward by through faith and hope. When you make a mistake, you press forward and hope that you wouldn't do the same mistake again. We all are tempted with many choices to make through the day and the evening. There is where we can ask Heavenly Father if we are doing the right thing.

Stay Tuned.

Enjoy this Moment

I don't know how I came up the idea to create a post on "Enjoy this Moment." I was reflecting a summary about my life, what did I achieved in this life so far and how did I get there.

If you can't see the Image below, it says "I am always present and in the MOMENT."

Girls, enjoy this moment right now without your Missionary. There are some things that you could achieve without your Missionary. Don't be wasting this moment of sitting down and reflecting about the memories that has happened before your Missionary left. Do something with your life.

Complete a course, or travel to somewhere that you haven't been there before. If you have a desire to serve a mission while waiting for your Missionary, go on a mission. If you come home before him, that's good. If you come home after him, that's alright if he is willing to wait for you.

I encourage you to attend a lot of spiritual events such as YSA/Youth Firesides, attending Seminary or Institute, attending the Temple often and other spiritual events. It will help you become closer to Heavenly Father and you will be able to share those experiences with your Missionary. I remembered sharing a few of my Missionary experiences with my Missionary and he told me to "keep up the good Missionary work!!!" I was so happy when he said that to me. It meant a lot to me.

If you are dating while waiting, it's a good idea and it can help you draw closer to your Missionary. Hailey Devine emailed me and she mentioned a lot of things. She mentioned that she did date other guys but there was no one to compare to her relationship with Brad.

If you aren't dating while waiting, that's alright. You don't have to feel that you have to date while waiting. Don't feel that you have been pressured to do something that you don't like doing.

Stay Tuned.

It's About Yourself

This post is short and sweet. Girls, I encourage you to be yourself and not pretending to be someone else. Otherwise it would be heartbreaking when someone finds out the real you after you pretended to be someone else for awhile.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "Be Yourself. Accept Yourself. Value Yourself. Forgive Yourself. Bless Yourself. Express Yourself. Trust Yourself. Love Yourself. Empower Yourself."

Be honest of you truly are and don't be afraid of telling others who you are because people would like to get to know you. Also people would like to be able to build trust with you as the friendship grows, as grows for the length of time of being friends with. I strongly encourage you to think about what the Image says.

If you aren't doing some of them, I encourage you to try your best to act upon it. It can take time, effort and other trusting a lot to yourself that you can do it. Don't allow others to stop you of being yourself. It's good to be yourself!

Stay Tuned.

Stay Positive

Girls, many times in our daily lives, it can be hard to stay positive throughout the daytime and evening when we are going through trails, tribulations, stress and struggles. I know there are things that we don't want to do throughout the day and evening, it could be doing general house chores, attending appointments, and many more.

If you can't see the Image, it says "STAY POSITIVE even when it feels like your life is falling apart." I know throughout some posts that I mentioned "stay positive" but I haven't put it into a post until today.

If someone has a Temple Recommend, and worthy to enter to the Temple, you could invite her or him to go to the Temple. He or she could join a session with you. It's a good way to stay positive. Another way to stay positive could be attending Institute with someone new to Institute.

STAY POSITIVE means to me to stay positive thinking and try not to think about the negatives, Think about the ways that doesn't work out and turned the ways to a better perspective. Being happy that I have made it throughout another day.

Girls, I encourage you all to think about the following 4 questions,
"What can you do to encourage someone else to stay positive?"
"What does it mean to stay positive to others around you?"
"What will you do to stay positive for the rest of the wait?"
"What does it mean to stay positive to you?"

Stay Tuned.

Perfect Peace

This post is based on a song called "Perfect Peace by Laura Story." I have been able to hear this song often. Girls, I encourage you to listen to the song in your own time and think about these two following questions.

"What does perfect peace" means to you?" "Do you think about the feelings comes with it when you feel peace?"

If you can't see the Image above, it says "Stay by my side, keep your eyes on me though this life is hard, I will give you PERFECT PEACE in this moment of trail that no one sees trust me when I say I will give you PERFECT PEACE. You will never walk alone, never be in need. I may not calm the storms around you but you can hide in me burdens that you bear offer no relief. Let me bear your load because I will give you PERFECT PEACE. Stay by my side and you will never walk alone, know that I will always give you PERFECT PEACE."

What does that mean to you as you was reading that Image? Did it change the way you were thinking before you read the Image?" Girls, I suggest you to think about that Heavenly Father does gives us perfect peace and we aren't alone. He is always with us. He can give us peace and comfort when we ask for it. It's a good time to ask him when we needed it the most.

If you can't see the Video above, here's the link for the song that you could listen to it in your own time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eDvl4Xbh8

Girls, I encourage you to rethink about the questions from the start, "What does perfect peace" means to you now?" "What do you think about the feelings comes with it when you feel peace?"

Stay Tuned. 

Who Will I Be Today?

This post will be short and sweet. What does it mean when you hear "Who will I be today?" Would this post relate to you during the wait? This post does relate to you during the wait, we all make decisions of who we will be today, day by day and night by night.

Girls, if you can't see the Image above, it says "Who will I be today? What dreams will I chase? What will I create and accomplish no matter what? Who will I give value, love, or appreciation to? What will I do or experience that will help me feel fulfilled and grateful when I rest my head to pillow later tonight?"

In your own time, I encourage you girls to think about those questions that has mentioned on the Image. I have a question for you to answer, "What do you think about as you were reading those questions?" I thought about of how much it could change my attitude and gratitude about things that are around me.

I suggest you to share that Image with other friends, or it would be a good Image to base it on a family home evening lesson. 

Stay Tuned.

Importance of Keeping a Journal

This post is on Importance of Keeping a Journal, because some of us may not keep a journal. 

If you can't see the Image below, it says "A Personal Journal is an ideal environment in which to "BECOME." It is a perfect place for you to Think, Feel, Discover, Expand, Remember and Dream - Brad Wilcox."

Girls, I encourage you to keep a journal. A journal that you will write in it often. A journal could be filled with funny stories during the wait, how you are feeling today, what was the highlights that happened during the week and many more ideas.

I loved what Brad Wilcox says in the Image because it's true. Girls, take the advantage starting from today or tomorrow to get a journal and start writing in it. Some people probably use a journal to either take notes from what they felt or learning from reading their scriptures daily and/or taking notes for what they have learnt during class time for Church, such as Firesides, Classes, etc. 

When the journal is filled, it is worth to look back and read through it on the days that you feel down or happy in general. Please,  keep a journal. You can share others with what you have written in a journal if it isn't too personal. 

Stay Tuned.

Reason For the World

This post is based on a song that I loved, called "Reason For the World by Mercy River." This post is short and sweet.

If you can't see the Image below, it says "Reason For the World."

Girls, I encourage you in your own time to listen to the song if you have purchased the album called "Come Alive by Mercy River" CD.

What does it mean when you hear "Reason For the World" for the first time?

I love the Lyrics when it says "Maybe the reason for the pain is so we would pray for strength. And maybe the reason for the strength, is so that we would not lose hope. And maybe the reason for all hope is so that we could face the world. And the reason for the world is to make us long for home."

Girls, always remember to pray for strength, comfort, peace, hope and other things. It will help you to get through trails and tribulations. I know when Heavenly Father doesn't answer my prayers, I always feel comfort, happiness and joy that he does hears my prayers and when I ask for things, it comes true. I was happy during the start of the week to read an email from a friend about his experience that he had for the previous week. It helps me realise that he truly does hears our prayers. we shouldn't expect answers all the time. It could be what we are asking for, happens for us or for our friends or our relatives or other people around us. 

Stay Tuned. 

It Might Be Hope

This post is based on a song that I loved, called "It Might Be Hope by Mercy River." This post is short and sweet.

In your own time, I suggest you to listen to the song by watching the Video below.

If you can't see the Video above, here's the link below.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL6jrWPDGJY

I love the lyrics when it mentioned "Hope has a way of turning its face to you, just when you least expect it. You walk in a room, You look out a window and something there leaves you breathless. You say to yourself, it’s been a while since I felt this but it feels like it might be hope."

If you can't see the Image below, it says "It Might Be Hope"

Girls, I encourage you to think about the following two questions, "What does hope means to you?" and "How does hope helps you during the wait so far?"

Stay Tuned.

How to be Supportive and Help Others?

What does it mean when you hear these 3 following questions "How to be Supportive?" "What does being Supportive means?" and "What does it mean to Help Others?"

Girls, being Supportive means a lot, being supportive means "being there for you to encourage you and help you through difficult times" and Help Others means to give service to one another.

If you can't see Image above, it says "People help you, or you help them, and when we offer or receive help, we take in each other. And then we are saved.. - Anne Lamott."

How to be Supportive?

- You could tell another girl who is having a hard time, that you are always willing to listen to her

- You could tell another girl who is having a hard time, that you are here for her.

- You could tell another girl who is having a hard time, that you love her

- You would try being her friend and try to build a friendship with her

Suggestions of Help Others
- If you live near her, you could ask her if she is available and ask her if she would be interested to spend some quality time with you

- You could always send encouragement words of advice to another girl through messages

- You could pray to Heavenly Father to ask another girl receive peace and comfort

- You could add her name in the prayer roll at the nearest Temple

- You could ask her if there is anything that you could do for her

- If you live near her, you could give her a long hug

- If you live near her, you could come and visit her

Girls, I can promise you when you help others and being supportive to someone else, you will receive great blessings from Heavenly Father. Another girl can build trust to you and if she feels safe to tell you anything, allow her to say anything. Try not to interrupt when you see she is typing on Facebook. It shows respect. A friendly reminder, you are a daughter of our loving Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him. I hope this post helps you of having an understanding of how to be supportive and help others.

Stay Tuned.

Keep Holding On

This post is based on a song called "Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne." This post is short and sweet.

If you can't see the Image below, it says "KEEP HOLDING ON"

What stood out the most for the lyrics was "Keep holding on 'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through. Just stay strong 'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you."

If you haven't heard the song before, or want to hear it in your own time, here's the video below.

If you can't see the video, here's the link; www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmukW1sNlIk

That part of the lyrics relates to you waiting for your Missionary, because it's all about keep holding on, staying strong, being positive that you both will make it through the whole wait (if it meant to be) and if your Missionary knows you are waiting, you are here waiting for him.

Girls, I know I said this before, don't allow anything bring you down. Remember to stay strong, keep holding on and remind positive thinking during the rest of the wait. You got this! I know when I keep holding on, it has help me to become stronger as the time goes by. Don't ask for the time goes faster, take one day at a time, and take one step at a time.

Stay Tuned.

In the End

This post will be short and sweet.

If you can't see the Image below, it says "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end. - John Lennon."

Girls, I'm warning you now "sometimes during the wait, you will be going through a lot of happiness, sadness, disappointments and other emotions. The wait isn't going to be easy. It will definitely take a lot of patience."

I said that because I didn't want you to get hurt if it is not meant to be. I'm happy for you if it is meant to be. I know a few girls who are dating while waiting and I also know a few girls who have moved on with their life while waiting.

Don't be afraid to tell your Missionary if you are dating while waiting. I'm sure that he will understand. It can be a temptation if you do education at BYU Idaho or BYU Provo or else where has "RM's" Returned Missionaries.

If you aren't dating while waiting, please stay strong. "YOU CAN DO THIS, TRUST IN HEAVENLY FATHER AND DON'T ALLOW ANYTHING BRING YOU DOWN!" 

p.s. it's my Birthday today!

Stay Tuned.

Of Regrets and Resolutions

This post is based on a October 2012 General Conference talk called "Of Regrets and Resolutions by Dieter F. Uchtdorf." I love how at the start of the talk and it says "The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets."

If you can't see Image below, it says "We should be looking less with our eyes and more with our hearts <3 <3 <3 <3 - Dieter Uchtdorf."

I will share with you some highlights that I loved while reading.

"Of Regrets;
None of us will be on earth very long. We have a number of precious years which, in the eternal perspective, barely amount to the blink of an eye. And then we depart. Our spirits “are taken home to that God who gave [us] life.” We lay our bodies down and leave behind the things of this world as we move to the next realm of our existence.

When we are young, it seems that we will live forever. However, the older we get, the more we tend to look back and marvel at how short that road really is. We wonder how the years could have passed so quickly. And we begin to think about the choices we made and the things we have done. In the process, we remember many sweet moments that give warmth to our souls and joy to our hearts. But we also remember the regrets - the things we wish we could go back and change.

I Wish I Had Spent More Time with the People I Love;
Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories.

I Wish I Had Let Myself Be Happier;
You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness. We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.”

No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.

Of Resolutions;
To avoid some of the deepest regrets of life, it would be wise to make some resolutions today. Therefore, let us:
• Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
• Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.

• Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances."

In your own time, you can read the whole talk, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.

www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/of-regrets-and-resolutions

Girls, ask yourself this question "what are your resolutions from your regrets?" in your own time.

Stay Tuned.

Preparing Yourselves for Missionary Service

I noticed some girls has a desire to serve their missions while their missionaries are gone. I think that's great of them to have a desire. It's always wonderful thing that you will able to share with him, your Missionary experiences too. Whenever I have a missionary opportunity during the week, I always try my best to share it with my Missionary. He loves it and he still encourages me to go on a mission.

Girls, there is nothing wrong of having a desire. There is nothing wrong of having no desire to serve a mission. Many times, I have been asked if I was a Returned Missionary by a few of my older church member friends. It's funny when I see their disappointing faces and I explained to them that I have no desire. 

If you can't see the Image, it says "Future Missionary The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This post is shortly based on a Priesthood Session talk on April 1985 called "Prepare Yourselves for Missionary Service by Ezra Taft Benson." I will modify some words that it will relate to you. I will share with you some highlights that I love. 

"Let me suggest four ways that you young women can prepare now for your missions"

First, prepare yourselves physically. 

A eighteen mission today requires good physical health. It requires that you keep your body clean. In your early teenage years, when temptations come to you to take things into your body which are unsuitable, have the courage to resist. Live the Word of Wisdom - no smoking, no drinking of any alcoholic beverages, and no drugs. Keep your body pure.

Stay morally clean. This means that you keep a clean mind. Your thoughts will determine your actions, and so they must be controlled. It’s difficult to control those thoughts if you submit yourself to temptation. So you will have to carefully select your reading material, the movies you see, and the other forms of entertainment in order to have good thoughts rather than unwholesome desires.

Second, prepare yourselves mentally. A mission requires a great deal of mental preparation. You must memorize missionary discussions, memorise scriptures, and ofttimes learn a new language. The discipline to do this is learned in your early years.

Establish now the daily practice of reading the scriptures ten to fifteen minutes each day. If you do so, by the time you reach the mission field, you will have read all four of the standard works. I urge you to read particularly the Book of Mormon so that you can testify of its truthfulness as the Lord has directed.

Third, prepare yourselves socially. A mission requires that you get along with others. You must get along with your companion, who is with you twenty-four hours a day. You must learn to meet people and be gracious and practice good manners. One of the greatest assets that a person has in life is the ability to make friends. When you make a friend of a person, you can teach him the gospel.

Fourth, prepare yourselves spiritually. A spiritual person obeys all the Lord’s commandments. He prays to our Heavenly Father, and he gives service to others.

Yes, young women, prepare now. Prepare yourselves physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Always be obedient to authority. Start a savings account for your mission if you haven’t done so already. Pay your tithing, and seek a testimony of the gospel through study and prayer."

Girls, take your time while preparing. Don't rush through it all!

In your own time, you can read the whole talk, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.
www.lds.org/general-conference/1985/04/preparing-yourselves-for-missionary-service

Stay Tuned.

The Hope of God's Light

This post is based on a April 2013 General Conference talk called "The Hope of God's Light by Dieter F. Uchtdorf." This talk is one of my favourite General Conference talks.

If you can't see the Image below, it says "With Christ, darkness cannot succeed. Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ. - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf."

I will share with you some highlights throughout this talk, plus a video that goes with it too.

"So how do we open our eyes to the hope of God’s light?
First, start where you are.
The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn't matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.

Second, turn your heart toward the Lord. 
Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.

Third, walk in the light.
Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes. He knows that you will stumble perhaps many times. This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be.

To that end, He sent His Son to this earth to illuminate the way and show us how to safely cross the stumbling blocks placed in our path. He has given us the gospel, which teaches the way of the disciple. It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in His light, following in the footsteps of His Beloved Son, our Savior."

In your own time, you can read the whole talk, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it. www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light

There is a video that goes with the talk. It is called "The Hope of God's Light" found in Mormon Channel. You can watch the video in your own time. If you can't see the Video below, here's the link. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w49_1a9X0Q

Girls, think about these few questions "In what way or ways do you find hope?" "Was it easy?" "Was it hard?" "Are you still finding hope?" "How can I show hope towards others?"

Stay Tuned.

The Privilege of Prayer

This post is based on a October 2011 General Conference called "The Privilege of Prayer by J Devan. Cornish."

If you can't see the Image below, it says "Prayer is one of the most precious gifts of God to man." 

I will share with you some highlights that I loved throughout this talk. 

"In His mercy, the God of heaven, the Creator and Ruler of all things everywhere, had heard a prayer about a very minor thing. One might well ask why He would concern Himself with something so small. I am led to believe that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that the things that are important to us become important to Him, just because He loves us. 

We must not imagine that any kind of prayer, no matter how sincere, will be very effective if all we do is to say the prayer. We must not only say our prayers; we must also live them. The Lord is much more pleased with the person who prays and then goes to work than with the person who only prays. Much like medicine, prayer works only when we use it as directed.

When I say that prayer is a sweet privilege, it is not just because I am grateful to be able to talk to Heavenly Father and to feel His Spirit when I pray. It is also because He actually answers and speaks to us. Of course, the way He speaks to us is usually not with a voice we hear. President Boyd K. Packer explained: “That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions” (“Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009).

Sometimes we seem to get no answer to our sincere and striving prayers. It takes faith to remember that the Lord answers in His time and in His way so as to best bless us. Or, on further reflection, we will often realize that we already know full well what we should do.

Please do not be discouraged if this does not work for you all at once. Like learning a foreign language, it takes practice and effort. Please know, though, that you can learn the language of the Spirit, and when you do, it will give you great faith and power in righteousness.

I cherish the counsel of our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, who said: “To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer” (“Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009).

In your own time, you can read the whole talk, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it. www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-privilege-of-prayer

Stay Tuned.

The Beginning

Girls, this post is list of my suggestions what to do before your Missionary leaves and after he leaves. I hope this post will become useful to you.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE HE LEAVES:
- Ask him what he would feel about if you decided to wait for him
- Encourage him to go to Mission Prep Classes (if there is a class)
- Encourage him to attend Temple Prep Classes (if there is a class)
- Encourage him to attend a Institute Class often
- Encourage him to attend the Temple often
- Spend heaps of time with him
- Stay in contact with him a lot
- Tell him how you are feeling

If you can't see the Image above, it says "The Beginning" on a sign.

WHAT TO DO AFTER HE LEAVES:
- Build a close relationship with his immediate family members (if you aren't already)

- Send him items that will be useful during his mission (such as journals, pens)

- Write letters to him (share encouraging quotes and spiritual experiences)

- Email him with weekly updates (always encouraging and uplifting)

- Spoil him with packages (for Birthday, Christmas Day, etc)

Stay Tuned.

Plans

A week ago, I have made some plans and I was hoping the plans will turn into action. I have made back up plans if the first plan didn't work out. I felt a little annoyed when the first plan didn't work out. I continued hoping that my back up plan will work out. I still felt a little annoyed when the back up plan didn't work out.

Instead, it felt there was a reason why Heavenly Father does this to us. It helps us to make effective and better plans. It could either be saving our lives or not. We can't just think of something to do as a plan and don't make the time to put it all together within 3 minutes. We can think of something and allow time to put it all together as long as it takes.

If you can't see the Image above, it says "Sometimes your plans don't work out because GOD has better ones!"

I love that quote, and it is true. I can relate that quote very much. Can you relate to this quote? Girls, think about your past plans and did those plans was able to be accomplished? Think about your current plans, is it effective and do you have back up plans that is also effective?

Don't feel annoyed because something didn't work out straight away. Some things may take the second time or a few times later to able to accomplished that plan. I will share with you two experiences.

Almost 2 Years ago, I was doing a written test for getting my learners. I failed for the first time because I was over convenient and thought I would knew all the answers to all of the questions. I didn't prayed to Heavenly Father with guidance, I just wanted to pass at first attempt. I tried again about a week later, I prayed to Heavenly Father to ask if I can have guidance and help me to able to pass for the second attempt. I also studied more, by practicing the test online and reading a pamphlet that my Mum has given me.

Another experience happened recently. I thought I was ready to go for my practical driving test last May. I just wanted to pass and get the freedom to drive without having supervisors in the car with me. I had a week to prepare. I received a priesthood blessing the night before and I drove the car that I didn't drive in before. I still failed.

When I take the second attempt for taking the practical driving test, I had 5 weeks to prepare and my Mum got me to drive more to get heaps of practice. I remembered mentioning to emails to some of friends who are serving their missions to tell them that I will be going for a practical driving test for that was coming up. A few of them has wished me good luck. I also prayed that I will pass and I focused more of the practice of where I went wrong for the first attempt. I also drove in the car that I am used to and I passed. I was so happy.

There are so many advantages and disadvantages of having a drivers licence. Each time I drive, I see it as a privilege. I love driving independently, attend my own appointments alone, attend my own course, make the effort to go to the Temple often, attend Institute and other places.

Stay Tuned.

Distance

This post is about Distance. This post is also will be short and sweet.

If you can't see the Image below it says "DISTANCE is not for the fearful. It's for the BOLD for those willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they LOVE <3. It's for those who know a good thing when they see it, even if they don't see it nearly enough ..."

Girls, you may be further away from your Missionary after he left but that's alright. I wouldn't worry too much about the distance how far you and your Missionary are after he left. Just focus on staying in contact with him, spoil him with letters, spoil him with packages and anything else that he deserves to get from you during his mission.

Some of you girls was lucky to live close to your Missionary before he left. I thought about 3 things that you could always remember during the wait as listed below. He will appreciate it.

Always stay positive, always stay honest with your Missionary and always send letters and emails that is always gives uplifting/encouragement to your Missionary.

Stay Tuned.

Live the Gospel Joyful

This post is based on a October 2014 General Conference talk called "Live the Gospel Joyful by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf."

I love what he mentions for the Image below. If you can't see the Image below, it says "He is not waiting to love you until after you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf."

I will share with you some highlights that I love. 

“It is good to remember that you are always a child of God,” he said. “This knowledge will carry you through the most difficult times in your life and will inspire you to accomplish remarkable things. However, it is also important to remember that being a daughter of eternal parents is not a distinction you earned or you will ever lose. You will always and forever remain a daughter of God. Your Heavenly Father has high aspirations for you, but your divine origin alone does not guarantee you a divine inheritance. God sent you here to prepare for a future greater than anything you can imagine.”

The promised blessings of God to the faithful are glorious and inspiring, he said. “And it takes more than a spiritual birth certificate or a child of God membership card to qualify for these incomprehensible blessings.”

“Part of our challenge is, I think, that we imagine that God has all of His blessings locked in a huge cloud up in heaven, refusing to give them to us unless we comply with some strict, paternalistic requirements He has set up. But the commandments aren’t like that at all. In reality, Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us.”

President Uchtdorf said the Creator is reaching out to His children. “He is offering the grand recipe for happiness, peace, and eternal life! To qualify for these glorious blessings, you must humble yourself, exercise faith, take upon you the name of Christ, seek Him in word and deed, and resolutely ‘stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places’ (Mosiah 18:9).”

“Walking in the path of discipleship does not need to be a bitter experience,” President Uchtdorf said. “It is not a burden that weighs us down. Discipleship lifts our spirits and lightens our hearts. It inspires us with faith, hope, and charity. It fills our spirits with light in times of darkness and serenity during times of sorrow.

“It gives us divine power and lasting joy.”

“He loves you not only for who you are this very day, but also for the person of glory and light you have the potential and the desire to become. “More than you could ever imagine, He wants you to achieve your destiny—to return to your heavenly home in honor.

In your own time, you can read the whole talk, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it. www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/living-the-gospel-joyful

Girls, I encourage you to think about these 2 questions "how do you live the gospel joyful?" "How have you set an example to your non-member friend about the gospel?"

When I was so happy during my middle year of schooling, a non-member friend asked why I was so happy. My response was to immediately invite her to go to Church for a mutual activity. She felt she has been welcomed, accepted and not judged when she went. She continued going, she saw the missionaries for Discussions. She went through all the discussions successfully and I was able to witnessed her baptism. She has been a member for almost 2 years. She was so happy that she became a church member. 

Stay Tuned.

Recognise, Remember and Give Thanks

There are many things that you could thank for. This post is based on a Liahona Article called "Recognize, Remember, and Give Thanks by Henry B. Eyring."

I found a Image that will go well with this post. If you can't see the Image below, it says "I will give thanks unto my God FOREVER. - Alma 26:37"

I will be sharing with you some highlights.

"God asks that we give thanks to Him for whatever blessings we receive from Him. It is easy for us to become mechanical in our prayers of gratitude, often repeating the same words but without the intent to give our thanks as a gift of the heart to God. We are to “give thanks in the Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:32) so we can feel real gratitude for what God has given us.

How can we remember even a part of all God has done for us? The Apostle John recorded what the Savior taught us about a gift of remembrance that comes through the gift of the Holy Ghost: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

The Holy Ghost brings back memories of what God has taught us. And one of the ways God teaches us is with His blessings; and so, if we choose to exercise faith, the Holy Ghost will bring God’s kindnesses to our remembrance. You could test that in prayer today. You could follow the command “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:7).

You could have such an experience with the gift of the Holy Ghost today. You could begin a private prayer with thanks. You could start to count your blessings and then pause for a moment. If you exercise faith, with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will find that memories of other blessings will flood into your mind. If you begin to express gratitude for each of them, your prayer may take a little longer than usual. Remembrance will come, and so will gratitude."

In your own time, you can read the whole article, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.

www.lds.org/liahona/2013/08/recognize-remember-and-give-thanks

Some non-members may ask what are the things that we can be thanking for, Well we could thanking for keeping me safe and protected throughout the travels for this day, thank for the plans working out well, thank for allowing me to have a good and there are many more suggestions that you could think of.

Stay Tuned.