A note on my stance

I want you to know that this scares me, more than most things that I have ever done. My heart is pounding as I write these words. I fear that I could hurt others feelings, damage relationships, and even lose friendships because of my own opinion. But I have a very strong feeling that what I believe and know to be true, needs to be said. I pray that the spirit will direct me in the words I am going to share with you.

Please know that this is my testimony. If it wasn't my testimony it would be ok for you to argue. You can disagree, but I ask that you please be respectful of my own testimony. It is not my intent to argue or go into political issues. I love and respect everyone and this is just so I can make my stance clear, not to bash on others opinions. We are all very different, and are entitled to our own choices and opinions, so I ask you to respect mine and respect others as well.

You probably knew what was coming. Yes. I am going to talk about same-sex attraction and gay marriage.

My stance on the issue is exactly the same as what my church believes. This is because like I have said so many times before I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on this earth today. I sustain fully, without question, President Monson as prophet, seer, and revelator of our church, and his counselors, as well as the quorum of the twelve apostles as leaders of our church.

I know that our Heavenly Father speaks through our prophet President Thomas S. Monson. What our prophet says, is exactly what Heavenly Father wants us to know.

D&C 1:38 says- 
 38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my^aword shall not pass away, but shall all be ^bfulfilled, whether by mine own ^cvoice or by the ^dvoice of my ^eservants, it is the ^fsame.

Through that I take everything that our prophet says to heart. I believe every word that comes out of his mouth to counsel us is from our Father in Heaven. The counsel he gives us is the counsel that Heavenly Father is giving us. That should not be taken lightly. 

The LDS church has come out with a website called- mormonsandgays.org 
This website explains everything and more about how our church stands on the topic of same sex attraction. I believe and agree with everything that is put on this website.

In the header of the home page it says- 
"The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters."

That last sentence brings tears to my eyes, "including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters". OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. 
It makes my heart ache when I see fellow members of our church say unkind things to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. In the website our church leaders clearly state that we love them just as much as any other person. 

It also states that our church does believe that the feelings of same sex attraction are real. "The attraction itself is NOT a sin" but just like any other of the feelings we have, we should not act on it. Just like if someone had the desire to smoke, it is not a "sin" until it is acted upon. 

Now to get down to the real issue that has been making me squirm in my seat every time I log onto facebook. 

Here is another statement from the website- 
"The Church’s approach to this issue stands apart from society in many ways. And that’s alright. Reasonable people can and do differ. From a public relations perspective it would be easier for the Church to simply accept homosexual behavior. That we cannot
do, for God’s law is not ours to change. There is no change in the Church’s position of what is morally right. But what is changing — and what needs to change — is to help Church members respond sensitively and thoughtfully when they encounter same-sex attraction in their own families, among other Church members, or elsewhere."

From A Proclamation to the Family written by our brethren- 
"THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

Anyone who has studied the plan of salvation or have been through the temple know that marriage IS ordained of god, and the ONLY way for it to work is between a man and a women. That's how the plan has always been, and that is how it will always stay. 

Our church is NOT trying to force our views on anyone else. People have asked us what our view is on the topic, and we have come out in a mature respectful manner and said that what we believe, is what we have always believed. 

This is my only issue-
I have seen countess friends and family post things that are either for, or against the topic of gay rights or marriage. We need to love one another and accept, like I've already said, that we are all different and that we can, and will, have different opinions. Please be sensitive to others and I ask if you are a member of the LDS church that you be especially careful about what you say to others who do not have the same views. You are the face, and sometimes can be the voice of our church to your non-member friends. I ask that you pray and ask your Father in Heaven if you are unsure about what you should believe. He will NEVER steer you wrong. 

I know that my friends and family who ARE members of the church may not have the same views as our prophets or myself. But I want you to know that I still love you and respect your opinion. If you need help finding what our prophets have said, I encourage you to look at the countless straightforward things the church has put out. I warn you, only things that the church has approved of (lds.org, church magazines like the Ensign, New Era, LDSLiving or mormonsandgays.org like I have said).

I love you all and I hope you know that this is truly out of love and respect to everyone and that I felt like I needed to take a clear stance on the subject. :) 

Why I am who I am... I have proof.

Sometimes your parents tell you they are your parents.

Sometimes they show you your birth certificate or photos.

But sometimes, you just have plain proof.

This is why I am who I am... you will never doubt again that my parents made me after these... 

I'm pretty sure that I have taken a picture exactly like this before. 

I probably have one like this of me somewhere too... 

This is my ALL time favorite picture of my dad! My mom wouldn't let me hang it up :(

The matching one... at least there isn't one of them together... I wonder if they ever thought that their children would find these... lesson learned... burn the pictures you are questioning.  

Yepppp. That's me. I knew I took after my dad. 

This one is just a beauty! Matching stripped shirts they wore on their honey moon! 

This one shows that she is my creeper sister... seriously... this came right out of a horror movie!

Oh man. She's insane... 

That's our family for ya.... 

This was just a good year!

Here we are again, just as our brilliant selves. 

Ash is my older sister right? We look really happy... 

Here again. I would totally do something like this. My parents did make me (tear)

Here is me in my glory, and Ash in hers. 

Yep. That's my dad. He would have been the best grandpa ever ;) but I'm sure he is right now in heaven :)

My cousins caught it too! I think I have ADD... look at me in the back looking at or through that thing... 

Here is my creeper sister Ashley. 

Yes. This is just awesome.  

Hhahahahahaah I just love Katelyn's face! They look like mini grumpy grandmas

Oh man. This is my favorite picture of Kate and Karl. Seriously! Just stare at it for 10 seconds! Katelyn is NOT crying by the way. That's just a funny face she made. 

Here I am again... 

This is exactly how my wedding will be. I haven't seen like this one in a while... you know, where they ACTUALLY shove it in each other's faces. It's pure magic. And totally my mom and dad to do that. 

This is just... wrong...... hahaha

On the back of this picture is says they were sitting on ice and that's why their faces were like this. Hahaha they would. 

Here is me. Again. I got some weird genes people. 

Here is my dad in his glory :) 

A little more about... me

Peanut m&m's are NOT worth the calories. Even if it is chocolate.
I prefer all the blinds and the windows to be open. Because I like the smell of... air... outside.
If I was rich, I would have a house that was basically just windows. Even glass floors...
I hate it when people touch my butt. A lot. If someone slaps my butt I just want to punch them in the face. My mom knows that. She takes advantage of it, but she also pays for it.
I do not like pictures of myself. Unless I am making an abnormal hidious face. The uglier, the better! As you probably already knew...
I tend to over exaggerate... (tend is actually an under-exaguration)
If I could listen to one band for the rest of my life, hands down it would be Rascal Flatts. Album? Feels Like Today.
I punch really hard. Sometimes like a man.
I have strong muscles, and huge arms (thanks mom) it basically looks like I work out a lot. But they aren't worth anything. I am not strong at all.
I think I have weird shaped ears, earphones will not stay in, and if they do, they hurt me!
Sometimes I wish you could just listen to the conversation on the phone like you can go through texts. If someone invents that, they will be my hero. Or, if someone already has, I would like to be informed.
I do not like the new iTunes. At. All.
If I could pick one person to be on a desert island with me for the rest of my life, I'd probably be my mom, Ash, Karl, and Kate. Yeah. I can't pick one. They all make me laugh and I'm glad I'm stuck with them forever :)
I'd rather be a little bit sunburned all the time then my normal pasty white. I got mistaken for tan in a weird lighting the other day. It was a proud moment.
I wish everyone in the world kept a blog. It's pretty much my favorite thing.
I'm obsessed with quotes. I am planning on having a whole wall covered in quotes when I get a house.
I blow off steam or stress by playing the piano. Oddly, I didn't even figure this out on my own. My mom told me and I was like  oh yeah, I do.
I like to lay on the floor... I don't like comfy bed, I feel like I'm suffocating or something... I decided that when I get married and I'm poor, we'll just sleep on the floor... hope he's ok with it...
I could watch the same movie over and over again. I had a friend inform me that I would have seen as many movies as him in my life (which is a lot) if I didn't watch the same movie over and over again.
I can make the craziest faces probably in the world.
Sunday nights make me go crazy for some super odd reason.
I cannot play the piano while people are singing. It completely throws me off! I have no idea why... but I'm working on it.
I have to change the background on my phone every once in a while or I get bored.
I pretty much always have music playing. Either I'm singing it in my head, out loud, or it's playing in the car or the computer.
I hate the dentist.
I talk to much.
I have no clothing style. I copy what other people do, and usually fail at it. For fear of being put on What not to Wear, I counsel myself to not wear sweatshirts and sweats every day. It sometimes works.
I am super flaky. I don't mean, dandruff, I flake on people quite often. It's something I'm working on.
I don't do laundry until it is absolutely necessary.
Country is the only way to go.

Letter to me

There is a song by Brad Paisley called "Letter to Me." And before I go on, I think you all need to listen to it. It is truly awesome. Here ya go.
But I was listening to it and I was like ok if I could write one of these letters. Number one, it would not be as good as this one. But number two I have no idea what I would actually put in it...

I'd probably say to pay more attention to the road when you are driving Emily's car. I wouldn't mind going back to fix that. I have learned to pay a LOT better attention to the road from that. But I wouldn't call the cops so I could have saved 200$ and an hour of my life from traffic school.

I'd also probably tell myself to be a better girl friend to Austin. I know I know. Bear with me. I was horrible to him. In my small defense he was my first, but I just never learned how to be a good girlfriend for the whole year. You'd have thought that I would have figured it out by then. But I do nto regret actually going out with him. Mainly because I learned SOOO much about myself, friends, and relationships. It was a HUGE learning experience, and we had a TON of fun! That, I wouldn't take back.

I would have warned myself to pay a little better attention in Math and Astronomy. My first 2 C's were in my Junior year in those classes.

As of right now, I really can't think of anything else. But As you can see, it is hard for me to think of really anything huge that I would have changed in my life. Some people would think I would like to warn myself of my dads brain tumor earlier so maybe they could have done more. Of course I would give anything right now to have my dad with me. But you know what, I do. I get to have my dad on my mission with me. That, really is a true blessing for me. But really- I don't have any real regrets.
I have learned so much in my life from my mistakes. They have made me who I am today. If I were to change anything, I wouldn't have as strong of a testimony, or as good of friends. I wouldn't have as much knowledge about the "real world" either. Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us. It is meant to try us and help us grow, because sometimes their aren't any other ways to learn things than by making our own mistakes. Although those times can be extremely rough, if we come out on top with our Heavenly Father's help we will grow more than we ever even thought possible. And that is why looking back I don't have any real huge regrets, because I would not be the person I am today without them. :) and that's how life is designed to be. (I still love you Brad Paisley)

My Temple experience.

I've been sitting here trying to think of one word that would sum it all up... the only thing I can think of is indescribable (I know right. So unique). 

I kept telling people I was going to go through the temple soon and they would just say- "Oh it's weird. So don't get freaked out", or something to that extent. To tell the honest truth- I was not even a little bit weirded out. I have NO clue what they were talking about when they said weird. I had the most spiritual experience of my life and couldn't even control my emotions the whole time. Most of my extended family was there, and my mom was my escort. That made the whole overall experience even more special for countless reasons. I am so glad I have so many family members that are worthy to enter the temple, and that live so close so that I could share this special experience with them.

My mom and I began a fast the night before I was going to go through. I think that was one of the greatest strengths for me. I fasted that I would be able to listen to the spirit and that I would get the confirmation that what I was doing was all true, and that I would not be "weirded out." I think that was my biggest help. 

I feel so blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to be invited into our Lord and Saviors house. I am grateful for my wonderful parents who raised me to always keep my eyes on the temple as my eternal goal. I am excited that I have made it to this point in my life and that I was prepared for this time in my life not only through my parents, but my wonderful sisters, primary teachers, sunday school teachers, young women leaders, friends, family, the scriptures, and most importantly my brother, best friend, and Redeemer Jesus Christ. 

I know without a doubt that through the temple, is the only way that we are able to return and live with our Father in Heaven in the Celestial kingdom with our families again. What goes on inside is powerful, binding, and scared. I know that we are the closest to our Heavenly Father and our loved ones in heaven when we are in the temple. I know this through my own personal, sacred experiences. I am so glad that we have so many beautiful temples surrounding us. I hope that those of you who are not yet eligible for a temple recommend will set your sights on the temple and make it your goal in life right now, I cannot even explain the blessings you will receive through doing this. 

I hope that each of us can find the time to go to the temple as often as we can, there we can serve others and learn of His will and purpose for us. 

TMI about me!

Anything and Everything you need to know about me (plus a whole lot more) 

I love the Clicker sound on garage opener 

I love Getting mail 

I love Doing paper work 

I love The smell of freezers 

I love When it's rainy and cloudy 

I love Cute love stories 

I love Princess and Disney movies

I love Amusement parks 

I love The smell of the heat 

I love Cuddling in a warm blanket at night when it's snowing 

I love Playing games 

I love Winning games 

I love road trips 

I love Lakes/beaches/swimming/boating 

I love Camping/tents 

I love accomplishing all you wanted to in a day 

I love cold cereal 

I love alfredo 

I love chicken nuggets 

I love stir fry 

I love fish 

I love long warm showers 

I love long hugs (from people I know really well. That needs to be clarified) 

I love making people laugh 

I love it when people make me laugh 

I love my family 

I love my friends 

I love Psych 

I love sappy crying love movies 

I adore extended family gatherings 

I love getting asked what my major is 

I love meeting new people 

I love having my toenails painted 

I love getting new clothes

I can't dress myself 

I lose things a lot 

 

I have a bad memory 

I love taking pictures 

I love phone cases and wallets 

I love movies in general 

I love movie theater popcorn 

I love just talking to people 

I love laying on cool grass 

I love to think about the future 

I love spilling my beans to people 

I love playing with kids 

I suck at ironing 

I love polka dots 

My favorite flavors of everything are blue raspberry and orange and cotton candy 

I love to Play the piano 

I hate onions 

I like night time 

I love cloudy days 

I like trying on dresses. 

I like talking 

Basketball is my favorite sport to play and watch, besides men's swimming of course ;) 

I have a slightly girly side. 

Im deathly afraid of snakes 

I'm not afraid of bugs 

I'm not afraid of germs 

I hardly ever get sick 

If there's a question, the answer is probably chocolate 

I have almost my whole wedding planned out 

My favorite colors are turquoise and mustard yellow (I say mustard because it matters ;) 

I can get very emotional, but I'm fantastic at holding it in. 

I don't mind talking in front of a lot of people 

I suck at math 

I'm easy to please (in some aspects) 

 

I get entertained really easily 

I hate the DMV(who doesn't?)

I have probably the weirdest dreams ever. 

I can eat like a man 

I'm not very patient. 

I don't like being wrong (not helpful very much) 

I can really tell people like it is. 

After those few- I promise I'm still nice. 

My most proud moment was when I handed my mom and dad flowers at my last 9th grade basketball game 

I love all the seasons. But if I had to choose- spring would win by a sliver 

My favorite holiday is Halloween 

 

My dream vacation is to Rome Italy 

My cooler dream vacation is Australia ;)

My favorite accent is Australian 

My favorite TV show is So you think you Can dance 

My favorite place I've been is Jamacia 

The way I'd like to die is doing something I love. 

The worst way to die- either by a potato peeler or drowning 

I over exaggerate 

I'm not very strict 

I want at least 4 kids but I would have as many as 8 ;) 

My favorite drink is powerade or gadorade (as long as its blue or orange) 

My favorite restaurant is olive garden 

I would hate to learn chinese but I've always wanted to learn Italian

I like to turn the tv volume to an odd number to bug people 

I love pulling pranks and being pranked 

I have a super weird sense of humor... (basically I laugh at stuff normal people do not) 

My dream dog is a golden retriever 

My favorite chore is vacuuming or dishes 

My least favorite is sweeping 

My dream job is to be an OBGYN 

My first calling was the beehive second counselor 

My first job was for an online triathlon business 

I don't normally smile in pictures, I just make faces.

My favorite flavor or snow come depending on the day is either banana with cotton candy, or tigers blood 

I love coconut 

I love all fruit except melons 

I don't have very much self control 

I look into things too deeply 

I'm a horrible liar 

I hate making people mad or having people hate me 

I love quotes 

The movie I've cried the most in is Charlie 

I love road trips and traveling

My dream car is a Volkswagen hippie bus in bright green 

I can usually sleep anywhere at anytime 

I have never had surgery or stayed overnight in the hospital 

I love taking pictures 

My favorite era of music is now 

My other proudest moment was when I got into BYU 

I hate it when people touch my hair

I talk a lot 

I Volunteer at the MTC 

I love blogging 

Ariel is my favorite princess- close second rapunzel and close third Mulan (yes, she's a princess) 

I like shoes 

Salt Lake is my favorite temple 

I would like to be proposed to in a completely wacky unique way

I hate doing laundry 

Cereal is my favorite breakfast food 

I like my hair long and straight 

I love gross medical stuff 

Joseph Smith

I have been meaning to write in my blog FOREVER! I've just been so busy with work and vacations I haven't even had time! So, I had to make a little note in my phone about what I wanted to write about! Be prepared for updates! 

One of my favorite things to do is just sit down and play the hymns. It relaxes me and for some odd reason! I just love it a lot! I can play most of the well known hymns now and it excites me because now I may even be able to play for church a little if they needed me :) But I was sitting playing one of my favorite songs- "Joseph Smith's first prayer." As I played I sang the words out loud to myself and really thought about them. Then I had this overwhelming feeling of joy. I couldn't help from smiling. The spirit was unbelievably strong and it was surrounding me like a big giant hug! I knew with all my heart that the words I was singing were true. Joseph Smith was a true prophet and he did do all of those things that he said he did. I already had a strong testimony of this, but that just shows that there is always room for your testimony to grow, even if you think your testimony is already super strong, it can always grow! :) It was an amazing experience! Then today I was playing Praise to the Man, I have played this song more times than I can count, mainly because I did it for a recital piece and for my pageant, it's one of my favorites and I know it well. But the words "Jesus anointed that prophet and seer" stuck out. I know that he did. Joseph Smith was a man called of God and nothing will ever change that. He was chosen before he came to earth to restore the gospel to this church once more. I can never deny that. I don't know how someone could. The book of mormon is a completely true book and was written for us in this day and age, and the prophet Joseph Smith Junior translated it. 

It's funny to think all of these thoughts came into my mind through 2 little songs. Music is powerful! Imagine what else it can do! 

Get to know me- 30 day challenge

Sooooo the whole 30 day obviously... did not work out so well. Well, not even so well, not at all really. I don't blog every day. Buuuuutt I just decided that I'll put them all on one because it kind of helps you get to know me better :)

#9 A photo of the last item you purchased... so I guess that doesn't include food.... well, I bought a new wallet this week (see Lost wallet for the strength of youth), and yesterday I bought flowers for my mom :)

#10 A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Why do I need photos!? Come on.

#11 A picture of your favorite memory.
Oh man. Pictures. I have way too many. This is not going to be good. Besides that, I have WAY too many favorite memories! WAAAAY too many! And not all of them do I have pictures of (surprising, I know) them all. Here are so that were in my iPhoto that have been fairly recent that I love :)

Ha I think almost all of those are on this blog. ;)

#12 My current relationship status.
Interesting. Welp. In case anyone didn't know I. Am. SINGLE! And so so proud! Hahaha well being single is nice because you don't have to worry about a relationship. Mainly because being in a relationship can be really stressful! And being single at this point, is really my own fault, I have had options, nothing has clicked right now. I don't just date people "for the fun of it." Ha ok ok TMI! Let me put some extra imput on this... I would actually like to be in a relationship, if it was right. That's all!!! Haha I don't plan on being single the rest of my life. But I do want to go on a mission! So, if I could hold on till that, that would be awesome ;)

#13 A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Well. Rascal Flatts is my top.

But, there are many many more artist I love! But they are probably my top ;)

#14 A T.V. show you are currently addicted to. Addicted? Come on.
Well, ya. That might be the word. These are the shows I've been addicted to forever and probably forever will because they are just too awesome.
Psych
The Office
The end.

#15 Something I don't leave the house without.
Clothes.

#16 Short term goals for this month.
Find a new job.
Start exercising.
Stop writing weird blog posts.

#17 How I hope my future to be like.
I hope to married with children and to either be working or be a full time mother :) Also, I hope that I don't age............

#18 5 things that irritate me about the opposite sex.
OH where to begin! Hahahaaha ok jk jk.
1. They all seem to have ADD.
Ok, let's not do that.
How about 5 things I LOVE about men?
1. They are so simple.
2. They are beyond sweet and caring.
3. They show all their emotions.
4. They are hilarious.
5. They will do anything for the woman they love :)
+ more

#19 A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Don't we all?!
#20 The meaning behind your blog name?
The pickle juice. Well, my good friend Christina came up with it. I love love love pickles. And when someone asks you about something they sometimes say give me the juice. So here is all my pickle juice ;) haha cheesy alert.

#21 A photo of something that makes you happy.

Looking at this guys face! Come on! Let's be real here.

Now let's be real again.

My family :) of course!

#22 A letter to someone who has hurt your recently.
Really?
Not doin' that!
Mainly because, I do not have one! Who write letters anyway. Seriously.
How about my favorite scripture recently?! Sounds good!
2 Nephi 22:2
Look it up! :D

#23 15 facts about you
1. I hate snakes.
2. I am a dreamer.
3. I love randomness.
4. I laugh at almost anything.
5. I love roller coasters.
6. I'm mostly not afraid to be me.
7. My church and family are the most important things to me.
8. I own a BYU shirt for every day of the week plus more.
9. I am fine with eating things off the floor.
10. I might just have ADD.
11. I cannot double task.
12. I can say Dwight's perfect crime. Perfectly.
13. I hate doing my hair.
14. I love to go camping.
15. I want to be a mermaid.

#24 A photo of something that means a lot to you.
See #21 ;)

#25 Who are you? Click tab- Who I am?

#26 A photo of somewhere you want to go.
Me and Zach, we are goin' to iceland!

Then I am going to Italy!

#27 What kind of person attracts you?
I sure hope my future husband is reading this... jk ;) sorta...
Someone who loves their family.
Someone who is loyal.
Someone who is honest.
Someone who loves to serve others.
Someone who can make me laugh.
Someone who is helpful
Someone who knows who they are.
Someone who has a personal relationship with their Father in Heaven.
Someone who has goals and ambitions.
Someone who works hard.
Someone who is sweet.
Someone who is gentle.
There are plenty more, but those are just on the list in my mind as of right now.

#28 In the past month, what have you learned?
So much!

I learned that good friends can make or break you.
Growing up, isn't so fun.
Job hunting, is annoying.
Listen to the spirit.
Listen to your mom.
The church is all the really matters.
A simple thank you can go a long way.
Cleaning the house and flowers is the best way to say I'm sorry.
Snow cones are the best (already knew that, I had my first one yesterday and I can't stop dreaming)
Prince Charming exists.
Sometimes friends aren't who you think they are.
Only worry about what you are doing in your life. Other people's lives do not matter.
Stay out of other people's business.
Go with your first instinct.
More probably, but I have short term memory loss, remember?

#29 Something you could never get tired of doing.
EATING! Really! Also, being with my family on a more serious note :)

#30 A photograph of you today + 3 good things that have happens to you in the past 30 days.
This was not today, but it was a week ago!

1. I found a job.
2. I found some new unexpected amazing friends
3. I got to spend time with my mom and sisters :)

I want to be a missionary!

Seriously! This statement is beyond true!
On Monday Andrew, Zach, and I went to volunteer at the MTC.
I would first like to thank Sister. Jacknavorian for telling me about it. She actually is a missionary there with her husband (they are hilarious btw). She is there on Monday's and she told me I needed to come because it was fun and an amazing experience. I had heard of people in my old singles ward doing it, and I always wanted to! So, since I've hardly been doing anything all week I decided that I should give it a try.
So I invited Andrew because he's leaving soon on his mission to The Philippines'. He was beyond excited (who wouldn't be ;))! So then I decided to also invite Zach who will be going on a mission soon as well. I pretty much had to drag him, but I'm sure he was thankful in the end!
We got there and I scoped the premises for Elder Archuleta (who wouldn't!). No luck. No surprise.
So we got in and they gave us instructions. We were friends from High School who went to college together and had been forced to go to church our whole lives, and fell away when we got to college. It was actually pretty hard to act. The missionaries came in and they were so nice! They asked us about school and what we were doing and things. We told them. We couldn't lie. But, we were supposed to, so we tried. Hahaha actually, we ended up telling them that we were supposed to play less actives, but we couldn't do it. They told us to just be ourselves. So, we did.
The spirit was so strong! They shared their testimonies and scriptures with us! They didn't even follow the lesson plan like they were supposed to! One of them even started to cry he was so touched by the spirit. I seriously couldn't believe how strong the spirit was in that room. They shared personal experiences and taught us a lot! We loved them! I cannot even describe how amazing they were, and how amazing the experience was for all of us.
We were so glad we came!
We signed up to be regulars we loved it so much!
OH! And in case you were wondering, the missionaries didn't get in trouble, neither did we, for not following the "script." They actually watch you through a camera, so we knew...
We told the worker and he said he was watching the whole time and that we actually did really good. Mainly because they are trying to teach the missionaries to teach by revelation and inspiration.
THEY SURE DID THAT!
So the worker was impressed and said it was amazing to watch.
Man. I want to go back and live that moment. It was a blast! We can't wait to go back next week!

But, about the whole, me being a missionary thing... I really do! I even told the missionaries that I wanted to be a missionary so bad... if only I was a boy... I wouldn't have to wait as long!
But they said that they could see me as a really good missionary because I shared my testimony with them  :) that made me so happy! Plus, they were really impressed with Andrew and Zach and their amazing testimonies. So was I! As always! I love those guys!

OK, back to this whole, I wanna be a missionary thing. I really do! I want to go right now! I want to have the same experience I did with Jackie + more! I want to teach and lead people. The gospel changes lives and I know that for a fact! I love this church and I just want to share it with the world! I was extremely jealous of those amazing missionaries! I can't wait to get to that point in my life where I can send in my papers and serve my Heavenly Father! :)
Don't worry, I have plans to get there.... ;)

Car Ride Home

So many things happen for a reason. And listening to the spirit can help us in way that sometimes might be unexpected…

I was driving home from my house on Saturday night (Sunday morning really) and I just felt over whelmed with the spirit. I just prayed out-loud to my Heavenly Father the whole way home balling my eyes out. This was one of the few times that I have felt the spirit so strongly that I really can’t stop crying (that’s not good when you are driving). It was amazing and so spiritual to just be able to talk to someone like they were there in person right next to me listening to every single word I had to say. I knew he cared, and was listening to me at that very moment. I actually do this quite frequently when I’m in the car alone, it’s easier than praying in your head because you don’t get distracted because you are saying everything out-loud. Try it sometime; I know your testimony of prayer will be strengthened. ;) 

Anyways, so as I was doing this I was driving home (obviously) in my grandpa’s truck that I have been borrowing. Now we all already know about me getting in an accident with Emily’s car, so I *really hate driving other people’s cars now and I swore I would never do it. But it was just needed, I don’t have time or money to look for a car of my own right now… someday… so I was being very very very careful. I don’t speed or go to fast or take any chances. There were hardly any cars on I-15 because it was 1:00am. As I am balling my eyes out (I’m pretty sure I looked and sounded like a complete mess) a mustang passes me going pretty fast. I looked down, I was only going 55 (I usually go at least 5 over). So, that made sense. Then, I see flashing lights. He was getting pulled over. That TOTALLY could have been ME! I was so relived! I sort of started laughing while I was crying. But then I felt bad for the person. THEN, I started crying even more because I knew that Heavenly Father protected me from that. I was too concentrated on talking to him that I wasn’t worried about going fast, so hence, I didn’t get pulled over.

Now, I know that sounds really confusing, but I really do believe that experience that I had, had two meanings. One, just to be closer to my Heavenly Father and let him know how much I love him and my family. Two, to save me a lot of trouble, that I know I couldn’t deal with right now, with a speeding ticket (clarification, I would NOT have been speeding in my Grandpa’s truck, but still). He knows me, and loves me so much. I’m not trying to sound selfish, but I just know with all my heart that He knows me personally and he loves me more than I could ever imagine. He wants the best for me, but He knows that I need trials to grow stronger and become the person that I want to become. I just can hardly believe all the great and wonderful things that happen in my life and I KNOW that it is all from him and has a purpose. J