Pure Religion: Recap

I am so thankful for the opportunity we had this month to focus on Pure Religion. It was really convenient to have planned activities and setups to make service easy, and I'm really thankful for all of the committees and people who took the time to make that all possible. However, the most meaningful experiences for me this month were the ones that just happened; possibly because I had a heightened awareness of the promptings of the Spirit that encouraged me to serve.

One of the ways that I served this month was by performing baptisms in the temple. My aunt had given me some family names to take to the temple months ago, and they had been sitting on my desk for all that time...just waiting to receive the ordinances. After our kickoff on March 2, I felt a very strong PUSH to go get those names done. So that Friday, I went with a couple friends in my chemistry class. As we were waiting in the temple chapel, I read the names of my ancestors on those little pink cards and thought about their lives, their stories. I also happened to be studying 3 Nephi chapter 11, where Christ introduces the baptismal ordinance to the Nephites. As I read about His doctrine, I felt the presence of my family members. I read Christ's words saying that "whoso is baptized, the same shall be saved, and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God." and I felt the joy of my family through a very thin veil. I knew that Grace and Marian and Elisabeth were celebrating because they had just come one step closer to Christ, through my service in temple. Brother Merrill has taught me this year that as we serve those across the veil, our bond is strengthened, and they will in turn serve us, helping us resist temptation, manage time wisely, or simply feel their love. I know that this is true.

Another way that I was able to serve this month was a couple Saturdays ago at Macey's. Our friend Alli was here from out-of-town, and since she has a car, we conveniently "used" her to get groceries. As we pulled into the parking lot, I saw a haggard man holding a sign that read "Struggling for work and food. Please help wife and kids." I was suddenly struck with the thought, "you MUST get him some food." The impression was startlingly strong and I immediately pulled out a pen and wrote it down on my shopping list, so I wouldn't forget while I was mindlessly shopping for my own groceries. 

I traipsed through the store, grabbing double of the non-perishable things on my list, with some extra produce and bread. While I was putting all these extra items in my cart, I thought about how much additional, unnecessary money I was spending...how my groceries this week would cost 5.6 hours of answering phone calls in the ASB, instead of the usual 2.7, and how I was a poor college student, what I am doing trying to buy food for another family. I was thinking about all of the other things I could buy with that money, but I checked out, looked at my receipt, and then it was too late. We drove out the way we came in, and I was praying the man would still be there. And sure enough, he was! We slowed to stop and rolled down a window. I said hello and gave him the heavy bag of groceries. He said a gruff "thanks," and that was that. We drove away. But then, I felt so touched by the love the Heavenly Father had for this man, that He nudged me SO hard just to get me to think outside of myself. 

When Bishop first told us about Pure Religion month, he gave us a devotional address given by Elder Don Clarke. In that talk, Elder Clarke promises a strengthening of the effectiveness of spiritual connections as we practice pure religion. I testify that I HAVE felt a stronger spiritual connection with my Heavenly Father as I look for ways to serve His other Beloved Children. I am so thankful to be part of this ward and associate with some of His choicest disciples here at BYU. I hope that we can all continue to let Pure Religion be a part of our everyday lives, and reap the blessings that are promised. I have a testimony that we will be blessed, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Virtue

In mission prep this week, we focused on the Christlike attribute of virtue. Virtue is often coupled with terms like "chastity" and "morality," but I like to think of it more as purity in every regard- in thoughts, desires, actions, service, and intent.

Proverbs 31:10-31 tells of a virtuous woman. She is a woman who deserves the trust of her husband, who works willingly, and who is considerate. She reaches to the needy, and lives with strength and honor. I want to be like this woman. I want to invite purity into every aspect of my life, and to develop and act on righteous desires. My patriarchal blessing states that I will one day fulfill my innermost desire to become a mother in Israel. To do this, I will need to continue to live a virtuous life so that I will be worthy to marry in the temple with my lucky husband.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton is one of my heroes and another perfect example of a virtuous woman. Sister Dalton counsels us to never underestimate the power of our righteous influence. I believe that living virtuously is the strength and power of daughters of God, and that influence may be felt by my children, Relief Society sisters, boyfriend, or a stranger- really anyone who I come in contact with. I want to be sure my influence is a good one- one that will bring others closer to Christ.

I was challenged in class to include virtuous goals in my conversations with Heavenly Father. He encouraged us to pray for more virtue in the mornings, and report our progress to Him at night. This is something that I want to practice for the rest of my life, because I truly felt the influence of a loving Spirit throughout my days.

I know that living virtuously will help me be a better missionary, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and mother. Even though I haven't fulfilled all of these roles yet, I can continue to prepare for the temple and for my future family by implementing these attributes in my life now- each and every day.

Charity and Love

Elder Gene R. Cook said that charity is "perfect and everlasting love."

As we increasingly think and act like Him, the attributes of the natural man will slip away to be replaced by the heart and mind of Christ.

This talk wonderfully defines charity and how we can implement the teachings and attitudes of Christ in our own lives.

Thoughts about covenants.

 Throughout the course of this semester, I have gained a greater understanding of Christ’s Atonement and how to apply it in my own life. I have also learned a great deal more about the covenants I have made through baptism and sacrament ordinances, and am now preparing to make in the temple. The purpose of this paper is to further explore the meaning of “covenants” as stated in Mosiah 18:8-10, and how I can continue to prepare to make eternal promises with our Heavenly Father.

The first covenant I would like to discuss is the first essential covenant we make to enter into the kingdom of God: that is, baptism. Mosiah 18:8-10 states:

“And now as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens that they may be light;

“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrections, that ye may have eternal life-

“Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you.”

There are several main points in this passage of scripture that I’d like to address: First of all, it is made clear that those who make covenants with God must be desirous and willing. I recently attended the baptism of Simon, who lives in my YSA ward here in Provo. He has been attending BYU as a non-LDS student and after investigating the Church, chose to be baptized. At the end of the meeting, our bishop said something that struck me. He addressed Simon, and told him that many people have served him over the last years and months to be prepared to enter into the waters of baptism; but now, as a member of the Church and a disciple of Christ, it is his responsibility to serve others. It is very evident that Simon understood the covenant that he just made with God, as spelled out in D&C 20:37:

 “All those who humble themselves before God and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hears and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end…”

Simon is an example to me because he is clearly full of desire to join the ranks with Jesus Christ through the covenant of baptism. I imagine that it would be a difficult decision as an 18 year-old young man, 2000 miles away from home and family to change his entire lifestyle. However, it is not that hard to envision in my own life, because throughout this semester, I have learned that I make that same commitment each week when I take the sacrament. Partaking of the bread and water is a literal renewal of all of the covenants I have made.

I have already covenanted with my Heavenly Father by being baptized at age eight and partaking of the sacrament each week. I keep my end of this two-way promise by humbly repenting of my sins and all of the aforementioned things. In return, I can be worthy to have the Spirit of God accompany me through out my life, as long as I am living worthily. Honoring baptismal covenants is an important part of making all of the covenants on the path to eternal life. As I honor my baptismal covenants, I am also preparing to make other covenants. The next covenant is the endowment.

I have not yet received my endowment, but attending a temple preparation class helped me to better understand what covenants I will be making when I do. These instructions and covenants will prepare me for the blessings of eternal life as long as I am faithful to my end of the promise. In my temple preparation class, I learned that contrary to previous policy, I do not have to wait to receive my endowment until I am about to leave on a mission or be married. My instructor told me that a new statement given by the Brethren of the First Presidency has encouraged bishops and stake presidents to be aware of this policy change. Knowing this has changed my outlook on preparing to make covenants with God. I want to let my endowment—a personal experience about my own eternal progression—be a separate experience from my wedding or impending mission, so that I will not be distracted from the importance of my covenants. I hope that this will let my endowment experience be very personal and meaningful. Because I now know that I can prepare to enter the temple before I go on a mission or get married, my desire and motivation to do so has increased exponentially. I have been studying the Plan of Salvation and trying to improve many areas of my life in preparation to make covenants in the temple, alongside keeping my baptismal covenants. I also learned this semester that partaking of the sacrament not only renews baptismal covenants, but all promises and covenants made with our Heavenly Father.

Going back to the theme of this paper as found in Mosiah 18, one of my promises to Heavenly Father necessary to keep my covenants with him is to “stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places,” which is also included in the Young Women Theme. I have been reciting this convicting statement ever since I was twelve years old. This means to me that I will act in accordance with His will across all situations and against all opposition. I consider myself lucky that I have not encountered many opposing forces to my faith, however, by reading and understanding this scripture I have learned that the request to stand as a witness of God did not end when I graduated out of the Young Women’s program.

D&C 66:2 says:

“Blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fullness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days.”

God is so good. He provides me with opportunities to exercise faith and trust by allowing me to make covenants with Him. Even though I already experience many benefits from these covenants, He continues to pour out blessings of the fullness of the gospel and offers unfathomable glory in the kingdoms to come. Throughout this semester—by taking a Book of Mormon class and attending temple preparation, by learning more about the sacrament and studying the Plan of Salvation—I have developed my relationship with my Heavenly Father exponentially. I have a better understanding of Christ’s atonement and how it is applicable in my life, and I strive to understand the importance of making and keeping my covenants with God. As stated in the July 2012 Ensign article, “keeping our covenants is a commitment to become like the Savior” (Understanding Our Covenants with God). I am committed to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ, and thus will strive for the rest of my life to keep the covenants that are made possible through Him. 

Welcome, God.

I am writing my journal this week on my experience with Elder Ballard’s talk, “The Joy of Hope Fulfilled.” The main point that I received from this talk was that the Lord is in control. Elder Ballard quoted Doctrine and Covenants 6:43, which reads, “Fear not little flock. Do good. Look unto God in every thought.”

God has always been an essential part of my home, family, and life in general. I grew up in the gospel and I don’t think a day has gone by when I haven’t communicated with God in at least one blessing of the food with my family. However, in the last few weeks, I have found myself coming closer and closer to this admonishment in my own personal life. I now cherish my relationship with God because I depend on it. He gets me through the hard days and listens no matter what.

One of my dear friends has a habit of praying before every single meal, even at restaurants or in a noisy food court. He doesn’t do it to show off righteousness, it is always very subtle and humble. Recently, I pointed this out to him and said that I really admired that habit (it is one that I could definitely improve on). He told me about a scripture that he came across while on his mission. It is 2 Nephi 32:8 which reads, "For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray."

In a roundabout way, this scripture shows the power that can be drawn from having the Lord in our every thought. The Lord is in control and he is aware of me individually. Jesus Christ has atoned for me and His sacrifice gives me peace, comfort, and refuge. The least I can do in return is to let Him into my life and “look unto Him in every thought.”

Do you ever just delight in the gospel?

On Thursday this week, we discussed a passage in 2 Nephi 11:4-6. It reads:

“4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

 5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.

6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.”

We were asked the rhetorical question- do you ever just delight in the gospel? For my journal this week, I want to answer that question with a resounding “Yes!” I delight in the coming of Christ. I delight in knowing that soon I will be able to make more covenants with the Lord in His holy temple. I delight in the grace of the Savior and in His Atonement. I delight in my testimony:

I delight in the Atonement. I know that it can be drawn upon not only for repentance from sin, but for relief from pain, for comfort, for understanding, and much more. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and am only beginning to know and understand Him in my life. I am nowhere close to perfect, but through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can draw closer to Jesus and become more like Him. I strive to emulate His countenance each day.

I delight in my family. They are essential to my happiness. I spend quality time with my family whenever possible, and I believe that by living righteously according to the commandments of God, I can be with them forever, into the eternities.I  know that families are central to Heavenly Father's plan of Salvation and I can't wait to create my own. I delight in my aspiration to be a mother in Israel, and I also hope to rear my children in the teachings of the Church. 

I have a strong testimony of the Word of Wisdom and the gift of our physical bodies. I know that my body is a gift and that I must treat it as a temple of God. Because that's exactly what it is! I have a testimony of temples, and I have no stronger desire than to go to the temple for myself to learn more about God's plan and make lasting covenants with Him. I have an intense testimony of Priesthood power. I know that it is truly the power of God and I am so thankful for men who exercise it worthily.

I delight in the opportunity I had this weekend to review my patriarchal blessing and listen to prophets speak in General Conference. I have a testimony of personal revelation. I know that everyone is entitled to receive their own personal revelation and I have experienced that connection with heaven for myself. I also know that we are led by true and living prophets who receive divine revelations that speak to me directly, and the Church as a whole.

I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon that grows each time I read.  I know it comes from God because it gives me peace and happiness and wonder when I study it. I have felt the spirit of the Restoration in the Sacred Grove and I know and love Joseph Smith. This is just a small inkling of my testimony, but these things I share in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Rise and shout, this Cougar is out.

College life is up and running. Bekah sometimes gets up and goes running. We are still figuring this whole thing out. Wish us the best, and hope to hear more soon, because that will mean that we are surviving.

Again, I love writing to real people instead of the zero virtual eyes who read this blog. So again, here is an update in the form of a missionary letter:

My roommates are fabulous. They are all very nice and easy to live with. We don't have a lot of organization, like chore charts and dinner assignments, because it just gets done anyway. Everyone picks up after themselves, makes sure that no one needs the bathroom before we shower, vacuums twice a week. It's perfect. Bekah is the best roommate I could ever ask for. She is such a blessing in my life and I am very grateful to have her!

School is a grind. I love it. But I hate it. But it's amazing. But it's killing me. I am taking 14 credit hours and I am on campus at work and studying and in lectures from 8:00am to 6:00pm every day. My classes are all very interesting and I like attending lectures and lab hours, but the homework is death. Hours upon hours upon hours of just READING. So it's like, what do I study? What should I know for the exam? Who knows, so I just feel like I need to know all of it. Most of my teachers are great though.

Work is going well. I am working in the admissions office, and learning so much about what students go through in order to come to BYU. And it makes me even more grateful for the opportunity I have to be here, at little to no cost, studying with the best of the best. So even though school is hard and homework is annoying, I love it. And I feel extremely blessed for the circumstances I find myself in.

Our YSA ward is great. We have ward prayer every Sunday night, FHE on Mondays with 2 other apartments, and lots of intramurals. I am playing on an Ultimate Frisbee team and it is so fun. We're pretty good, too! I also have the opportunity/curse to be very involved with the ward, because I have been called to be the Relief Society President. I love it, but I just feel a little inadequate and a little bit wondering, "Why me? Why me, when I am stressing out to keep my scholarship and take lots of credit hours and work every day?" I am striving to have a better attitude and embrace the calling. It is extremely busy. And stressful. And emotionally draining.  

And rewarding. And beautiful. To be able to get to know the sisters in my ward on such a personal basis, and be provided with tangible opportunities to serve every day is amazing. I am grateful for those things. And I just pray that I can find time in my busy days to magnify this calling and do the best that I can. Also, I'm getting really good at delegating.  

Speaking of church, there's been a lot of it. In the last week, I have attended about fourteen hours of church meetings. Also in the last week, I have listened to four Apostles speak live. President Eyring, Elder Nelson, Elder Scott, and Elder Christofferson have given messages at the Inauguration, Regional Conference, and our Tuesday devotional. I feel so blessed to not only be earning a secular education here at BYU, but to have so many testimony building experiences available to me. I am inspired by so many people here. My testimony has grown so much. It's really different going to church without parents and YW leaders expecting me to be there. It's also really different having sacrament meeting in a YSA ward because it is absolutely silent. It's kind of eerie to not hear crying babies and complaining children while the Priesthood is passing the bread and water. I love it. Taking the Sacrament has been a completely different experience for me these last couple of weeks, and it's amazing what a difference that reverence makes. 

I have gone on quite a few dates already. Some with an RM from my grandma and grandpa's mission in Australia. He is clearly very interested and I am befuddled with how to tell him that I am clearly not interested at all. He is a nice person, though.  

The others have been with AH. Do you know him at all? I guess you could say we're dating. Wha?! It has all happened so fast, but I feel really wonderful about it. From the moment we met, I feel like there was this inherent trust where I could tell him anything without fear of judgement or "you're weird" and he was listening, and did the same. We have continued to spend a lot of time together- studying on campus, lunch dates, tennis, watching football at his apartment, jam sessions, walks around the block, night hikes up the canyon, four-wheeling at his cabin, football games, phone calls every night, just everything!  

He served his mission in North Carolina and got home a year ago in October. So even though he is three years older than me, he's only one semester ahead of me in school. I have found out pretty quickly that in college, age doesn't matter. He is almost 22. Which is a little bit freaky, if you think about it that way, but honestly, we're both just people and we're both just in college and figuring out what to do with our lives and like spending time together and I trust him and he is so fun and handsome and so it is all just really pretty great. Plus, I am almost 19, and that's pretty old too. 

I have found lots of time to play tennis. I love playing on the BYU courts, and I think of you every time I do! BYU had a match against USU this week, but unfortunately I couldn't go. Instead I went to a movie showing for my American Heritage class. 

I can't think of any other major updates. Hopefully you made it though that novel. I'm sure I would also have a lot more questions for you if I knew what was going on! Does your mom send out general updates?

...But the thing I have discovered with writing missionaries (and please tell me if this is true for you) is that they don't care much for questions about the mission, because they live and experience that every day. So as exciting as it is, it's not that exciting for all of your emails/letters to be focused on the mission.  

If I were a missionary, I would like to feel as if I had real connections at home that were telling me what was actually going on, instead of censoring for what missionaries are "supposed" to think about, etc. I mean, you are still a human being with family and friends and a life. Your focus is on the Lord for these two years, but on P days you get a little taste of home again. Please let me know if you'd like me to omit any details such as dating (because that is totally taboo for some missionaries) or something else like that. My main mission is to let you know that I support you! Now, I have successfully made this even more of a novel.  

I love you! I pray for you often. I hope Spanish is coming more naturally for you every single day. I have learned so many things about myself in these three short weeks of school, so far. I am grateful for eye-opening experiences. This college thing is so hard, but it is so worth it. And I'm positive that your mission is the same way. What have you learned about yourself in these last few weeks? 

Have a wonderful week. Be safe and good and trust in the Lord. That is what I have learned most of all during this short time. Sometimes I feel alone here at school, and need to remember to trust in the Lord. He is always with me. And He is always with you. Just turn to Him and include Him in all of your decisions. I'm sure you know that better than I do, but a reminder like that never hurts.  

Love, Nena

"Insurance"

My name is Nena and I am eighteen years old. I am an avid tennis player and a semi-professional sleeper. I wish I could say that I like running, but I have tried and failed too many times to feel honest about that tidbit. I like to eat cookies and spinach and milk, not necessarily together. Born and raised in Davis County UT—surrounded by immediate and extended family—I don’t consider myself extremely cultured. I am perfectly at ease with that realization.

 As the oldest daughter of eight children, I do however consider myself well versed in Disney songs and SpongeBob episodes. Let’s begin with the youngest—Gabriel—who is eleven months old. His jowls are reminiscent of Elder Holland’s, which is a good thing because he is clearly an amazing man. Jack is three and Anna is eight going on fifteen. They are the beautiful ones of the family and they know it. Ashlei is the tender age of ten, and she enjoys waking up in the early morning to read less-than-noteworthy literature before school. Grace began high school this year, and I am quite jealous that she gets to play on the tennis team. Jens is a junior, sixteen years old, and a total lady slayer. My oldest brother—Max—is twenty and currently serving a mission in Mexico City. My parents met in high school, dated, went to Hawaii and Canada for school and a mission, got engaged ten days after my dad returned home, and the rest is history. We are a happy family!

We are a happy family. My home truly is my favorite place to be. As excited as I am for school here at BYU, it is difficult to know that Gabe is cutting teeth and Jack is starting preschool and Anna is breaking hearts and Ash is growing up and Grace is finding her niche and Jens is dating girls without my approval, all while I am gone. At least Max is still on his mission so I’m not the only one away. It has been a transition to say the least: living with one really clean, really quiet, really wonderful person as opposed to nine really messy, really loud, really wonderful people. I love it.

I am unequivocally grateful for the opportunity that is mine to continue my education here at BYU. Already, I am being pulled from every direction. My classes are rigorous and time-consuming. My job is not so rigorous, but equally time-consuming. My calling is insanely rigorous and very time-consuming. Yet, simultaneously I feel immense joy from the service and education and love and patience and people-skills and humility that come with these duties. So with the help of a day-planner and the comforting influence of the Holy Spirit, I know that I can do this.

            You may think I am your typical Mormon: born into the covenant, baptized at age eight, gone to church with my large family for my whole entire life. While all of those statements are true, I am not your typical Mormon. How can something that is so personal and sacred to me be merely typical? I digress. My testimony is not ordinary, nor is it complete. My goal this year is to continue to develop a working, trusting relationship with Heavenly Father. That is my desire, and it is also a necessity. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and am only beginning to know and understand Him in my life. I have a testimony of the Atonement. I know that it can be drawn upon for comfort, for understanding, and for a lot of love. 

Catching up: via a letter to Max

Dear Maxie-Poo,

I'm sorry I haven't written you a letter for awhile. Mom always tells me when she is sealing an envelope and I begin writing you a letter, and it is consistently left unfinished. Not today.

Right now, all is well and peaceful at home. Dad and Jens and Grace and Ash and Anna and Jack are at Anderson Camp. That leaves you in Mexico. And only me and Mom and Gabriel at home. It is so quiet. And clean. Too quiet and clean, if you ask me. But it is nice everyonceinawhile. <-- Yes, that is one word. I don't remember much about Anderson Camp because I think I was 6 or 7 the last time I was privileged enough to attend. Mom and I just returned home from dinner at Robintino's- all by ourselves. I felt bad leaving for work this morning because she had no company except Gabriel.

Speaking of work... My last day at Gordon's Copyprint happened this week, on Tuesday. Surprisingly, I was very sad! J finally did get fired and he was the only things about that job I didn't really like, so I will miss it there.  Also, my last day of City Recreation (tennis and kid's kamp) was today. So sad. Now I won't have anything to do until I move down to Provo. Which, in case you were wondering, is in 24 DAYS!!!!!!!!!! Holy Hannah I am so excited. I already have a job lined up down there- working in the Admissions Office as a receptionist, 14 hrs a week. it's going to be perfect. Bekah and I have all sorts of wonderful plans. Did I tell you about my roommates? 2 of them are from Texas. The others haven't responded to any emails.

Mom says I can't use more than one page, so now I have to use a pen that won't bleed through the paper. Holy cow, Max. This summer has been so long, yet somehow just flown by. I feel weird being in this limbo stage because it feels like a lifetime ago that I graduated high school but I am so close to college. Ya know?

I have been on a hecka lot of dates lately. 19 in 4 weeks. It's so fun! Haha and a little bit ridiculous. I have been wondering at what point will I stop thinking about S and comparing all these boys I meet to him? Hasn't happened yet. But...it is getting a little difficult to write S because he hardly gives me any response. Like he'll reply pretty regularly, but never more than a few words. Laaamme. I don't really know why. He is just trying to use his time in the best/most effective way as a missionary? He doesn't care about me? He doesn't remember he cares about me? Oh well. Not a huge deal.

I keep looking around at the munchkins who live here... I mean, our family, and thinking about how weird it will be to not be around them all the time. I am excited to get out of Mom's chore rotation. I think that's the only thing I am excited about leaving. The rest I will miss. And the rest of my excitement is just for the new things in Provo, not because I am just dying to leave home. In fact, I am heartbroken over leaving home. I have had to say goodbye to so many dear friends over the last year- leaving me for missions and college... It's so weird when it is my turn, people are saying goodbye to me. You know? Just a part of life, I s'pose.

Life is good.  Life is weird. Sometime I feel like I am just pretending and waiting for real life to begin. I love you so much and hope all is going well.  I talk to someone almost everyday about what a wonderful missionary you are. You teach me every week even though we are so far apart. I love you.

Your adoring little sister,

nena

People are Beautiful

"People are beautiful. You know?" This was a thought presented by one of my missionaries in a letter she sent home. And it struck me hard.

Even in my limited experience, I am getting to know a lot of different people and life stories. And I am beginning to realize, just arriving at the tip of the iceburg really...We are all children of our Heavenly Father, just with different experiences to share. And we can learn from each other!

There is a boy. One of my dear friends, actually. He is struggling a lot with the Church and pressure to go on a mission (because ninety-eight percent of our graduating class is leaving right after high school, it seems. I feel that pressure too.) Anyway, I have found myself in a situation where I try to help him understand the love God has for him. And that God's love is ultimately more important than anything else. We talk together about his struggles and it has been such an amazing testimony builder...for ME. I feel so selfish sharing the gospel, sharing the love, sharing His love- because I feel like I am gaining infinitely more blessings than my friend! Oh but I love it. I love it.

Tangent: Those people I always thought were always perfect? NEWSFLASH, they're not. My brother Max, for example. I have always looked up to him and he created an impossible standard in my mind. But the more I grow up and realize that he is not perfect, the more I love him. I have seen his imperfections especially through the difficulty of missionary work, which is ironic because he strives for perfection on his mission more than ever before. 

Without going into more detail about my perceptions of others' imperfections (motes, beams, Hymn 273), I have developed a theory:

THEORY

When considering the interconnection one has with another, the aforementioned propinquity is thus unconsciously fortified by the culmination of awareness that a given species has more similarities than anomalies in all respects of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences.

Haha. In English, that means that I believe that when I realize other people are like me...busy, forgetful, self-conscious, cough, HUMAN...my relationship with them is strengthened. The gap is closed. There is less distance between us, and so we become closer. 

I begin to see similarities and cute quirks in traits that were once annoyances and blemishes. I am more inclined to accept, even if I don't agree. 

What it all boils down to is this: take away the judgement, the predicament, the difference. Take it all away, and what do you and I have in common? WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD. Who loves us and we love Him. 

While this is true, the judgements and predicaments and differences unfortunately do still exist, and occasionally arise in conflict. It is difficult for me to imagine situations from another person's point of view. I often wonder, as Elder W. Craig Zwick did in our most recent General Conference, "What are you thinking!?" (Read his talk here)

However, between the mistakes, flaws, faults, bumheadedness, and pain- there is beauty. People are beautiful, and they deserve to know it. Over the last few weeks, I have received many promptings to consider my own judgements, and simply accept, even if I don't agree. So I am taking this charge to minister grace and let you know that you are beautiful.

(Or handsome. Whichever one applies.)