We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet

Tonight while studying the scriptures, I started thinking about Joseph Smith.  I was reading his account of the First Vision and it hit me how truly amazing and astounding this experience must have been for him.

Imagine this.

You're fourteen years old.  I don't know about you, but at fourteen years old I was a weird little home schooled sophomore living in a foreign country.  I was most definitely not prepared at that time in my life to meet the Creator of the Universe face to face, I doubt you were either.  Honestly, Joseph probably wasn't!  He'd gone out to the woods to pray, not to speak directly to the Redeemer of Mankind.  You've been to barely enough school to read the Bible verse that inspired your actions and enough church experience to thoroughly confuse you.  My brother was probably more mentally prepared for an experience like this at fourteen.  I really can't judge spiritually, but my brother had at least been born and raised in a stable family that had the truth.  Joseph was raised in a family that moved a lot, lost family members from time to time, and was currently split between religions.

I can only imagine Joseph's horror, when, after deciding to quietly ask the Lord for some help, he was set upon by the terrible power of the adversary.  As a brand new teenager, woefully unprepared, he was hit with the full, destructive force of darkness.  I know people who have had similar experiences, and even a couple times been close enough to witness the physical power that he can have.  These are my most terrifying memories, ones that I do not dare dwell on.  I can only assume that for a fairly innocent boy, experiencing this must have been almost a literal hell on earth.

Until that moment when the Lord manifested Himself.  Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Savior, the Creator, the One True God, showing Himself to a fourteen-year-old, uneducated, probably grimy and tear-stained, farm boy from upstate New York.  Can you imagine some of the thought Joseph might have had about that fact?  Precious few men had every actually beheld the true, divine form of God.  Moses, Abraham, Adam, the original twelve apostles.  Suddenly he appears to you, an absolute nobody.  Except, the Lord doesn't physically speak to nobodies, obviously you are someone much more than a nobody.  Imagine that for a moment.  Completely unsuspecting Joseph is floored with the appearance of two beings "whose brightness and glory defy all description" who call him by name and then say he has a great work to do.  Moses had to be transfigured to speak to God, we can only assume that something similar must have happened to Joseph at that time, how else could he have handled that experience?  When Christ appeared to the Nephites, He told them things that no human tongue could even utter, because the human mind cannot comprehend.

We are so blessed that Joseph was preordained to this task.  He sacrificed his entire life to the mission the Lord gave him that day.  He restored the truth to us, who were spiritually starving without it, so we are now so full we can't stand it anymore and have to share with others to keep from bursting.  How blessed we are the the Lord chose the perfect boy for the future job.  To plagiarize Brigham Young a bit, I feel like shouting hallelujah all the time when I think that Joseph Smith the prophet really saw God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and was willing to give his all to bring light back to this dark world.  I know he was a prophet, do you?

The Condescension of God

I'm feeling horribly impatient, and yet excited right now.

Everything in my life is pointing to a mission right now, almost as if I'm walking down a path with giant arrows with flashing lights all around the edges, with the sound of my favorite song and the smell of my favorite food down at the end.  Unfortunately there's also a sign that tells me the traffic conditions and how long it will take me to get there.  Almost eight months!  It's amazing how three years to a mission was fine and far enough away for me and no suddenly I'm dying with two thirds of a year to go.  It's only been two weeks that my life has been like this.  Best two weeks of my life. Not the easiest, not by a long shot, but definitely the most rewarding as of yet.

Today I thought a lot about the Savior.  Last night I had a talk with Rachel about it.  Rachel is another Hinckley RA.  We were talking about Jesus and the sacrifices he made for us.  It hit us last night that Christ was judged beyond anything anyone else ever could be.  He was (and is) the literal Son of God, the one and only perfect being to live on the Earth.  He did no wrong and could be blamed for nothing.  Yet those Pharisees and Scribes and Sadducees who essentially devoted their lives to His word called Him a blasphemer, and of the devil.  That is about as far away as you can possibly get from the true nature of Christ. Yet Jesus meekly submitted to their judgement, even until they sentenced Him to death for his "sins."  If this had happened to anyone who was not Christ, it would have been humiliating!  Being destroyed by those whose job it is to know you because they did not recognize you.

The fact that He allowed it to happen so that I might be forgiven and resurrected is the greatest act of love that I can possibly imagine.  I am so grateful for His sacrifice.  Taking the sacrament today was a great experience, because I thought of what led to it, and some of the pain and love that was put into it.  I felt like shouting hallelujah when it entered my mind.  

I didn't though, I decided not to disturb those in my ward who were also having a spiritual experience.

Indexing!

So on Sunday I got a calling, surprise!  It was to me anyway.  I'm an indexer!  So basically in order to magnify my calling, I get to sit in the library and index for a few hours a week.  That's what I've been doing for the past couple of hours.  It's so great!  I get to look at really old documents and decipher crazy handwriting (really, why do people insist on using cursive?) and I also get to learn some really cool stuff.
I started off with some marriage licences from Canada.  I noticed that in a lot of the couples, the girl was actually a few years older than the guy.  I'm not sure if that is normal there, but I just found it really interesting because it's usually the other way around here.  Though I did see one where the groom was 32 and the bride was 18!  Ridiculous!  Well after that I got to do some WW1 draft registration cards.  

It's actually really peaceful.  I'm in the religion and family history section of the library, which is really cool because quite a few missionaries work here or come here for their studies.  I just that that is really cool and it got me thinking about the places I might serve my mission.  Sure, I'll probably serve a 'normal' mission, but I could be called to Temple Square, or Nauvoo, or one of the other major church history site.  That could be really amazing.  Sure, there wouldn't be the same sort of dynamic, but at the same time, I would be around all the amazing places where revelation occurred.  I would be able to show investigators the physical evidence of the Lord's work on the earth, how cool would that be?

Still, no matter where I go is where I need to be.  Thank goodness for those with the authority to send missionaries where the Spirit directs!

Well I have to go, been busier, but I've also been less busy.

Ta!

No Love Lost

I am very grateful today for how well the Lord knows me, and how He knows exactly how and when to comfort me.

Yesterday I was feeling a little bitter.  I was on Facebook, scrolling down the News Feed.  I started feeling this terrible, jealous, bitter feeling when I saw how many of my facebook friends are in relationship.  Changed relationship statuses, cute posts about how in love they are, kissing pictures, wedding announcements.  I kid you not.  Ten stories in a row were like this.  It was crazy!

Well I started feeling a bit angry, like "I chose to be single!  It was the right decision, why is it suddenly so sad that I'm not dating someone, that I'm focusing my efforts elsewhere?" 

Oh, for those who suddenly wonder what happened to Brandon, that's a long story.  Made short, I have a lot I need to focus on.  Mission, work, classes, rebuilding friendships, returning to the temple, my calling, etc. and I just didn't have room for him in my life anymore.  It's sad, yes, but hopefully there will be a day where we are both in a position to have it work out right.

Anyway, I was just feeling worse and worse so I switched off of Facebook and found something else to do. I prayed for a bit of comfort, I didn't want to feel this way.  I didn't receive comfort for a while actually, i was left to stew for a bit, around three hours I would say.  It did come though, right when I least expected it.  I was about to drift off to sleep when I suddenly was overwhelmed with this sense of love.  It was a physical sensation that made me gasp out loud and of course I started to cry.  In that instant, all the bad feelings about everything washed away.  I received a lot of insight on how I will feel about my future spouse and how he feels about me.  I know the kind of person he is.  There was a bit more, but I want to keep that a bit more private and personal as I feel it's a too sacred for a blog.  I will say that I felt absolute peace about it though, like "Don't worry, he already loves you, and has you in his thoughts."

This experience, combined with my scripture study this morning, which was perfectly tailored to what I need to do today, just demonstrates to me the all-knowing power of God.  He sees all.  He sees us, and the people and things that need to be in our lives, and He tweaks the universe to get them there.  He notices our feelings,  and takes action when we ask for comfort.  He might ask us to wait for a bit, but it always comes.  If I had received peace in my heart when I had asked, sure I would have felt better, but I would not have been as open to the heartwarming experience that occurred, my mind would not have been in the right place to have comprehended it.  He knows at what time we are ready, when His love will have the greatest effect on us.  He loves us, He loves you.  Don't forget that.

Chosen Daughters of God

Wow, best Sunday I've had in a long while!  Well....besides last week at General Conference.
But anyway.
I haven't been in the best place for the last while, so this is the first time in months that I've managed to be in all three hours of church.  I honestly don't know why that happened.  Why did I choose that?  Why did I pass up on this amazing experience?!  I guess I just didn't realize what I was missing.

9:00 a.m. church.  Usually I'm not a fan, most people aren't.  I woke up at 7:30 this morning!  I'm really productive in the mornings if I can actually get up, and today I did!  Just popped out of bed and got ready for the day.  I had my MOTAB playing, singing along, and thinking about what I needed to do today.  I got ready quick enough to chat in the hallway before heading out to the JKB.

Forward to church, during sacrament meeting we had the two relief society presidents and the two elders quorum presidents speak today about living by the Spirit and making decisions based on what the Lord wants you to do.  Obviously this was because of the announcement about changing missionary ages.  They were really inspirational, and got me thinking about how blessed I am.  The fact that I have an all-powerful, all-knowing deity on my side, letting me know what to do, and helping me get there?  That's amazing!  It's like playing t-ball when your dad is a professional baseball player and gets to shadow you during the game, telling you where to go and what to do.

Then I got to go to Temple Prep class, which was fantastic!  We talked about what things you need to do to go to the temple worthily.  I got an excellent booklet/manual on the subject that I have already started reading.  So great!  We talked a bit about the Word of Wisdom, which was great because that ended up being the lesson in Relief Society as well!  It's just so amazing!  All week my personal study has been about the nature of the soul, and how it is the body and the spirit, and how it was created and is part of the Lord.  Then the continuation of this being the Word of Wisdom?  I cannot describe how perfectly this fits in.  It is clear to me that the Lord is guiding me through my study, making every new thing a continuation on the previous.  Line on line, precept on precept you know?  Exactly what I need to know.  

Then there was floor meeting!  I don't know if I've said this before, but the girls in my hall are absolutely amazing!  Our meeting was essentially the same message as sacrament meeting.  I started them off by having them close their eyes.  I told them to imagine a page, on one half of the page I told them to write down the things they wanted to do with their lives.  Then after a bit, I asked them to write on the other half the sort of things their patriarchal blessing or the scriptures or any personal revelation they had ever received had said about these things.  Then we talked about how these lists were different.  Emmy said she felt that the first was more shallow and immediate, while the other had a more eternal perspective.  Then we talked about how the Lord has an eternal perspective and knows what the best possible path is for us to take.  I told them about my experiences this week and how everything has been lining up perfectly to confirm the revelation I received during the Saturday Morning session.  The we opened it up for discussion.  Hanna asked everyone what tings they did to ask for revelation, and the girls opened up!  Oh it was beautiful!  I am surrounded by the Lord's finest, most valiant souls.  Hearing the things they do to grow closer to their Heavenly Father was so inspiring.  I wish I had been like them last year.  Descriptions of temple visits, fasting, prayer, priesthood blessings, talking with family, and more were common.  Last year I would maybe pray, wait for a minute for an answer, maybe if it was a really big problem I would think about it in the temple, but often that would not be the case.

I see now partly why they opened up this age group for missions.  These girls are so willing and so ready.  They have great desire to serve the Lord.  For a while, I was worried that there would be some girls that would not make the right decision, or that they would choose it for the wrong reasons simply from peer pressure or personal weakness.  I have no fear now that they will lose their way.  Many of them already know what the Lord desires of them, and the rest have the faith and the patience to wait for their answer.

These are the Chosen Daughters of God, and I am so blessed to be among them at this time in my life.  They are a better influence on me, than I could ever possibly be on them.  I love them so much.

Lucky You!

Thinking, once again, of how lucky I am, and I want to give you some idea of how lucky you are.  I've never done something like this before, so bear with me, but hopefully this will turn out pretty cool.

Start here, I will ask you a question, your answer will direct you to a different paragraph, which will have some stuff and then another question, which directs you somewhere else and so on and so on.  So here goes.

Do you live in the United States?
Yes - 3
No - 7

1.  Awww sad!  Continuing your education past high school is great!  It opens a lot of opportunities for you. Here's the good thing though, it's not required for you to have a great job!
Do you have a job?
Yes - 10
No - 5

2.  Are you sure?  I know very few cases where a family doesn't love each other.  If that really is the case, you can always create that same sort of environment with your friends.
Do you have uplifting and supportive friends?
Yes - 12
No -  9

3.  What a blessing!  The United States of America is most definitely the best country in the world!  The opportunities here are beyond any in the world.  Here it is possible to go to school for free until 18 years old, when we can decide for ourselves where to continue our education in whatever area we want.
Have you been able to attend an institute for higher education? (university, state college, technical school, etc.)
Yes - 6
No - 1

4.  I'm so glad!  Being happy is the entire point of life!  With the entire world in the shape it's in, there are so many people that are unhappy, you are the luckiest person in the world!
The End, go to the next unnumbered paragraph!

5.  That's a bit unfortunate, but thankfully there are always jobs out there if you are a hard worker and patient.  It might not be easy, but it will work out.  Plus, having a job isn't necessary for a happy life.  Family is what makes life great.
Do you have a family laves loves and cares about you?
Yes - 8
No - 2

6.  How great!!  You are so lucky to be able to study what you want in a great environment.  I know some people say some schools are terrible, but it doesn't really matter, does it?  You only get out of it what you put in, and anyone can buy a text book and find out whatever they want to.  If you can work hard, your education can start you on a fantastic career path.
Do you have a job?
Yes - 10
No - 5

7.  I'm sorry, I love the USA.  I also love other countries.  As long as you have the drive to capitalize on whatever opportunities are present, your life will be fulfilling and amazing.  
Have you been able to attend an institute for higher education? (university, state college, technical school, etc.)

Yes - 6
No - 1


8.  Isn't it the best?!  My parents have been my biggest support through all my hard times, and my siblings have been my best friends over my whole life.  They inspire me, and they aren't afraid to nag me and tell me to do better.  Family is so important in my life.

Do you have uplifting and supportive friends?
Yes - 12
No -  9



9.  Oh sad, but here's the thing.  There are billions of people in the world, millions who would love to be great, supportive friends with you.  Don't be afraid to look for them, they are probably really close by, and you just don't know it yet.
Are you happy?
Yes - 4
No - 11

10.  Great!  You have something to put time and effort into to make the world a better place.  I hope it's something you love to do, or at least something that prepares the way for you to get there.  Having this great outlet will better your relationships with your friends and family.

Do you have a family laves loves and cares about you?
Yes - 8
No - 2


11.  Why not?  All the elements for joy are in your life, all you need to do is decide that you want to be happy.  Sure, sometimes it's tough, but my personal experience is that you can change your attitude quickly from sadness to happiness with a dash of the Spirit in your life. 
The End, go to the next unnumbered paragraph!

12.  Fantastic!  Friends can be a great influence in your life if you let them.  Who you choose to spend your time with is in part who you choose to become.  Don't forget to be a good influence on them as well.

Are you happy?
Yes - 4
No - 11

Well there it is.  This started out as a cool idea in my head, I don't know if it worked out that way.  I got a bit tired about halfway through.  Hopefully you feel a bit of the way I do, super blessed.  I was planning on adding some gospel related things, because that is what I feel most blessed with, but the state my mind is in, I wouldn't be able to do it justice.

Therefore I will simply bid you goodnight.

Goodnight!

Part of Your World

So I was reading in John tonight and I came across something really great.

1 John 3:6
         Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.

Then in verse 24
         And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him.  And hereby we know that He abideth in us, be the Spirit which He hath given us.

It struck me that we are literally part of Christ, we are connected on the deepest of levels.  This is how we can hear the Spirit of the Lord in our lives.  It is a great blessing.

On the other side of that though, is that when we do something to harm ourselves, our souls that He crafted for us (I talked about this here, in yesterday's entry) it affects our connection to Him.  We can no longer abide in Him so that we are protected from sin.  We must keep ourselves near Christ so that we may purify ourselves, even as He is pure (verse 3) and live righteous lives.

Well that's all I really have tonight, it made more of an impact in my own mind, but it's hard to write it out, my words don't do it justice.  I think this is more for me not to forget it tomorrow, but I hope you enjoyed it and that it opened your mind a bit.

If you like my body....

I am so grateful for what I have been given.  I have been given all the tools I need to live my life well.  Today I read a talk (or rather, devotional) given by Jeffrey R. Holland here at BYU in 1989 that explains a lot about the sanctity of our bodies and why we need to keep them pure.

The soul of man is a combination of body and spirit.  One cannot truly function without the other, so we need to keep them both in proper order. We cannot insist on slowly destroying ourselves with late night and unhealthy habits.  Last night I couldn't fall asleep until nearly four o'clock in the morning!  Today I have been sluggish and not nearly as responsive to the Spirit as I should have been.  In essence, there was a bit of separation between my body and my spirit, they could not easily communicate, like trying to talk to someone through a wall.

This is what the adversary wants.  He was never blessed with a body.  He can never experience any of the things we forget about because they become commonplace.  He doesn't know what it is to yawn, how fun it can be to sneeze, or how hilarious a high five gone wrong can be to watch.  He is so jealous of us!  He is angry and frustrated that he is missing out on these experiences.  This is why he gets us to do these terrible things to ourselves and each other.  He loves to see us unbalanced, unsteady, it validates his efforts.  If he can trip us up, we are more likely to make other mistakes, things that will damage our spirit as well, and widen the cracks this forms in our soul.

The Lord has given us stewardship over our bodies.  This means they are on loan, in a way.  We are watching after them in a way, until He returns to take charge once again.  This makes me think of the Parable of the Talents.  The Lord left talents with certain of His servants, giving them stewardship of them while He was gone.  The first two men took great care of their charges, even increasing them. The third did not, he buried it in the ground, it's potential was never realized.  When the Lord returned he took the talents from His servants.  Then He returned the talents to the first two men, plus an increase because of their faithfulness.  He did not return the talent to the third man.  This is akin to what God has done to our bodies.  He gave them to us for a time, until we die and He takes them back.  If we have taken good care of ourselves, kept our souls intact, He will return them to us even better than before.  If we have not cared for our souls and tended them well, then we will lose the glory that we originally had with no chance to improve our condition.

Thankfully, we have the chance to repent for any nicks or damage our souls experience.  The Atonement is all encompassing.  This includes what things we do to our bodies that we shouldn't.  This includes the Word of Wisdom, sexual transgression, and even not using them to their full potential.  This is amazing to me.  Christ was sent to redeem our souls, this includes our bodies!  I won't lie, I have not been the best steward of my body during my lifetime, but the opportunity I have to correct my mistakes is such a girft that I cannot even accurately describe the joy this gives me.

It's time to recommit to my life.  The Lord is not going to wait up for me.

That They Might Have Joy

Tonight was my first night studying with the help of Preach My Gospel.  I bought it today.  I want to read it cover to cover, so I started with the First Presidency Message.  That's as far as I got.

The first thing to strike me was in the first paragraph.  It says, "There is no ore compelling work than this, nor any which brings greater satisfaction."  The words compelling and satisfaction stood out to me.  At first glance they seem a bit off.  I'm not being forced to go on a mission, and satisfaction is used more to say that you're barely ok with it, that it fits the bill and that's about it.

Looking closer, and with the help of my handy dandy scriptures, there's a bit more too it.  Compelling is linked to Constraint in the Index.  Nephi was constrained to kill Laban in 1 Nephi 4:10.  Constraint is an action of the Spirit, confining you to the path you are meant to be on.  I am being constrained to go on a mission.  I am being compelled to serve.  I could deny the Spirit and find my own path, but it would not be nearly as fruitful as this one.  

I feel that being satisfied is more akin to when Jehovah ended a day of creating the Earth and called it "good" (Genesis 1) and then rested.  This satisfaction is of the eternal sort, by knowing that we have had a hand in someone changing their path and creating a better eternity for themselves and their family, we can rest and rejoice in the knowledge that we have done the work of the Lord.

Laborers in a Vineyard

That is something else that stood out to me.  In the third paragraph it says that every missionary is a part of the Lord's work and His glory.  I've never thought of it that way, but as a missionary, there are many descriptions of me in the scriptures.  Maybe not me specifically no, but when the Lord of the Vineyard labors with his servants in Jacob 5, that includes me now.  It's a bit daunting, but also really exciting.  I can already feel my horizons expanding.  My memory is improving, I haven't been able to pull scriptures out of my mind for a situation for a long while.  My mind is stretching, I can comprehend things or think of new ideas easier. Part of this is, I am aware, inspiration.  Tonight I was confronted with a choice, a conscious choice, of returning to my easier life that pleased the natural man in me, or shutting out someone who needs my help.  The Lord opened my mind to suggest something that keeps me focused on the Lord, "having an eye single to His glory" if you will, while also allowing me to be an instrument in His hands to help this young man.

It's like I've arrived in a whole new world.  Like I was blind, deaf, and utterly emotionless and cold to the world around me.  My world is exploding with color and music.  I can see the souls of my fellow man in the bright, beautiful sunbursts.  I cannot help but be astounded by it all.  The Lord's work is indeed good, and what's more, He is calling me to help Him improve it in my own way.

What can I say more?

Adieu!

Crazy Score for the Day: 7 of 10

Servants of the Lord, at Home and Abroad

My heart is full tonight for sure.

Last night I wasn't sure how much this change in the missionary age would affect the world, but talking to the people around me, I am filled with awe at the Lord's work.

Before yesterday, I knew so many people that were hesitant about missions. People that said "I don't want to," or "I don't know if I can," or even, "I don't feel like it's in my plan."  I was one of them.  As a girl, it is not mandated that I serve, so it has never been a big part of my life plan.  I've always thought that I would be married by then, that it wouldn't matter anyway.  Glory of glories, it is suddenly possible to serve now, and I am astounded by how many people are willing to serve, to leave school and sacrifice time to serve a mission.  They are everywhere, hundreds of them.

The best part is how serious they are taking it.  I talk to girls that say they have prayed and pondered and received their own personal witness.  I have talked to girls who are not as sure, and aren't afraid to say so.  They say, "I know it's in my plan, but I don't know yet if I'm meant to go now, or in a year, or even more."  I discussed for a while with a girl that is still unsure, but is leaning towards staying.  There is no shame in staying!  God's plan is different for all and for many it doesn't include a mission.  I am proud of those that are close enough to the Spirit to recognize that, and make their decision because of that, and not simply because they are afraid to go into the unknown.  

Those who have decided are inspirational.  
I have talked with many girls, and planned out the next eight or so months.  We are going to go through our closets and empty them of any clothes we cannot wear garments with.  We will only buy "mission modest" clothes from now on.  I recommitted with a few to learn the scripture mastery's again.  I will be taking mission prep with a few of them, and other religion classes.  We have a scripture reading group that people want to attend.  We are relearning the gospel, the scriptures, and the doctrine of the church with others in mind besides ourselves.  We are making plans with bishops and being productive.  These are all things that I knew I would do someday, and that day is today, it is now.  My life is changed.  I am changed.  I will never return to the darkness I knew before.

The Lord is expanding His work on the Earth, and asking for more qualified servants.  The valiant youth watch the bar raise even higher with a look in their eyes that says "bring it on." This is the time when we are all turning to the Lord to discover what His plan for us is.  Are we to go forth and serve, or stay behind and also serve?  Where does He want us?

I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord.

Over mountains or plains or sea.

I'll say want you want me to say, dear Lord.

I'll be what you want me to be.

The church, and therefore, the world, will never be the same again.  The righteous are stepping up,  and the Law of Opposition requires the same of the world.  It will not be easy, no matter where we are sent, but we are not alone.  The Lord watches over His children and keeps them safe.  To any of you who have stayed on this page long enough to get this far, do not be afraid, your Father in Heaven knows you, and knows where to send you.  Be willing to obey His commands, He will not lead you astray.

Until we meet again!

Crazy Score for the Day: 10 of 10

Called To Serve Him

Oh my gosh, crazy weekend!

Today it was announced that women can go on missions at age 19.  I'm almost 18 and a half.  The instant it was announced, I knew that I needed to go.  That was when I was called, or rather, when I realized that was being called.  Just the simple knowledge of this has pulled me out of my whole.  The last eight or nine months of my life have been really hard, I sort of lost myself.  The worst of it came this past week.  School has been terrible, classes that should be easy turning sour and concepts I used to know slipping out of my head.  Just the other day I was thinking, Why am I in school?  I'm not supposed to be here!  I set up an interview with my bishop, trying to get some help with things that I'm going through.  None of this made sense to me until today.

This is going to be an enormous change.  For me, for my friends, for BYU, and the entire church.

For me:  I'm going to spend 18 months of my life in the Lord's service.  Going on a mission was never something that  really considered, so this is a real change for me.  I've already taken a few prerequisites for the accounting program, and they usually advise you to wait until you come back to do that.  I'm not too worried.  I might need to retake a class or two, but I know that my sacrifice will benefit me in the end.  I'll need to take mission prep classes next semester and finish my GEs instead of accounting prereqs.  I'm actually really excited, it's going to be great!

For my friends:  We all suddenly have to decide what we want to do right now.  I know a lot of people who have said, "I'll go if I'm not married by then."  Well, suddenly then has arrived and we're not married.  Now we have to decide if we really wanted to or if we were just giving half hearted, cop-out answers.  We don't have to go, it's not a mandate, but why not? Why not serve the Lord?  He has done so much for him, why not give a bit more back than just tithing?  If we don't go, we might be judged, and while we don't want to care about that, obviously we do.  Our choice is to leave and serve the Lord, or stay and finish our education and find our husbands and start our families.

For BYU:  Suddenly, there are going to be a lot of freshman boys and upperclassmen girls that are going to be leaving in the next year.  There are going to be much fewer students for a while.  I talked to one of my friends about it and he was a bit worried about the dating pool.  For a while, the only girls at BYU will be freshman, RMs older than most single guys, married girls, engaged girls, girls who are not prepared emotionally or spiritually for missions, and the few girls who feel prompted to stay.  He is worried now that it will be even harder for him to find a good girl to marry, and that the competition from other guy RMs is going to be crazy.  Also, the freshman demographic will change as well.  There will mostly be girls, RMs, young guys that aren't 18 yet (they do exist!) and guys who choose not to or are unable to serve.  As an RA, I wonder how Helaman Halls will change.  Will there be RMs in the dorms?  Will they convert more of them to girl halls?  What happens to the wards?  RAs will have to step up.  There residents are now going to be either people preparing for and working towards missions, or returned missionaries that aren't used to college life.  Classes will also be full of these people.  Older, more experienced people will be participating in the lessons.  Everyone will have to step up their game.  

For the Entire Church:  The church is expanding explosively!  There will probably be 150 working temples in a couple years.  There are going to be thousands of new missionaries in the world, that means more missions, more mission presidents, and even more converts!  This is an amazing time for the church.  They are going to be more careful about who they send on missions, only the best will be allowed to represent the church, and Christ, who is the head thereof.

This has been such a long, amazing, life-changing day.  I have decided what the next two years of my life will entail, and set up the general framework of the two after that.  I am excited and ready to get where I want to go.

Until we meet again!

Crazy Score for the Day: 100 out of 10

Crazy Pills!

Hey there!  Been a loooong while since the last post!  My life has been crazy!  But I won't bore you with that, there's no point, it wouldn't hold your interest.

Oh well.

So there is some weird stuff going on right now.  I mean right now.  In my head.  As I type.  I'm drugged up!  Hooray!

No really, it was sad at first.  I've had a migraine all day.  I've never had one so I can't say for positive, but I could think that if it hurts so bad I can't stand up, it would have to be a migraine.  So, first for the day, migraine, awesome!

I'm not really one to take medication.  I had a knee surgery a couple of years ago and I only used half the bottle that I had refills on.  Plus, when I take it, it doesn't last very long.  But there's something about ibuprofen that gets in my head.  I don't get it.  I'm not an expert, but I've heard that you don't really get a weird effect, you can't OD or anything.  I swear though, two pills and I go crazy!  Seriously!  I get really giggly and fascinated with my own face. Like my lips get two sizes bigger and it takes me by complete surprise.
  
I'm totally not a druggie, not even a little bit, but it's the kind of feeling where I'm like "this is awesome, why can't I feel this way all the time?"

I have seen medicine cabinets 
that look like this.  This 
is not natural!

So now I'm coming off this weird 'high' of sorts and this has all got me thinking about how we use medications today.  We realize, or even just imagine that we realize, that there is something wrong with us, and we decide to pop a little pill to make ourselves feel all better.  Ow, stubbed my toe, oops, cut myself, wow, got the flu.  Pills, pills,pills.  It's all a bit crazy.  This is why I don't take meds often.  My body can fix itself and I'm not going to mess up my brain and body just so I get over it a day or two early.  I only take them when my mind would work better with the pills than the pain.  I just need to be able to function right?

Yeah, so all the crazy is gone now so I'm going to stop now, maybe pop a couple more painkillers and go to sleep.  If only I had some Ambien so I could just fall asleep right?

See ya later cool cats!

Crazy Score for the day: 8 of 10