Announcement of a Lifetime

This past weekend was General Conference and was such a fun and amazing two days! Nick Flint, Kenzie Benson, Josh Blom, Andrew Fisher, Steve Good, Gavin Butler, and I went and stayed at Nick’s house for the weekend. These boys are like our best friends and we spend every day together! We drove down to Nick’s mansion Saturday morning and watched the first sessions of conference. His mom made delicious food and we headed into Salt Lake for the Priesthood session since the boys had tickets.  

Kenzie and I had a lot of fun. We got to know each other better and became closer friends. We went to Nordstrom and played dress up in gorgeous dresses, went to Deseret Book, and walked around temple square and the visitor’s center. We had some really good talks too :)

That night we went swimming! Nick’s dad heated the pool so it was super warm, and we played an intense game of basketball! Then we all told first kiss stories which was too much fun. Around midnight we headed inside to watch Enchanted!

Now for the most important part of the weekend…Saturday morning during General Conference, an announcement was made that sister missionaries could now serve missions as early as age 19. I literally squealed when the announcement was made. I have always been dedicated and committed to serving a mission, but this just opens up so many possibilities! First, I was excited beyond belief and wanted to leave as soon as possible, then I was scared as reality set it, and then throughout the entire first session of conference, there just this quiet peace that confirmed my desire to serve. I feel that a mission is right for me, something that I could really be good at, as well as, an opportunity to bless and influence so many lives.

 Upon first hearing the news my parents were a little freaked out and I could hear it in their tones on the phone. I just felt such a quiet strength and peace about accepting a call.

I love that the theme of this conference tied into this announcement with so many talks centered on missionary work and becoming truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt the need to improve my life and really kick my preparation and gospel study up a notch. 

Brigham City Temple

  

Yesterday morning, my ward boarded some yellow school buses and traveled to Brigham City for the open house of the newly finished Brigham City Temple. On the bus ride I got to know some more kids from my ward. We each told our “life story” and we honestly got so comfortable with each other so fast!

The actual temple walk through was amazing and one of the defining moments of my life. The temple was absolutely beautiful and the Spirit was stronger than I’ve ever felt it. I guess I’ve just really only tuned into the baptismal part of the temple. Those feelings are amazing, but it’s not the same as the feelings in the celestial, endowment, or sealing rooms. I can literally feel myself being drawn heavenward and spiritually closer to my Father in Heaven. The celestial, endowment, and sealing rooms are beautiful; I’ll never be married anywhere else! I knew this truth before, but a different commitment and desire lodged itself inside me the minute I made my way through these rooms. I am so grateful for temples and the wonderful gifts they are from our Father in Heaven. I love the peace and quiet strength that comes from spending time in the temple or even just on the grounds.

This statement was posted in the reception area: “Everything in the temple testifies of the divinity and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and teaches us to follow His example of love and service.” 

Welcome to BYU

  

            Well, within the past week, I have been making the move to BYU-Provo. This has been the most difficult as well as the most exciting week of my life! I teared up and broke down multiple times with my parents. Our family is incredibly close and saying goodbye to my sisters and then my parents was so hard. I worried about roommates, classes, church, everything. I had so many insecurities and wondered was really such a good idea! I didn’t sleep in the dorm until Saturday night because I wanted to enjoy every last minute with my parents.

            Brad and Laura Henderson came down to visit and they brought me two baskets of fun stuff for my dorm. They are too sweet their support means the world to me. Natalie and Tony Blevins, RJay and Sheree Henderson and their kids, and my Grandma Kathy Henderson came down to visit as well. We had a blast at Trafalga and I’m so grateful for a loving family that truly wants the best for me.

            I’ve just been so nervous this week and I asked my dad for a father’s blessing Saturday night. It was perfect because just before Brad, Laura, my parents and I walked the campus and found my classes. There is an incredible spirit on campus that quieted so many of my fears and helped me to feel confident. Later that night I received my blessing and I will never forget how strong that Spirit was. All of my insecurities vanished for the time being and I knew BYU was where I’m supposed to be. My Father in Heaven counseled me multiple times throughout the blessing to smile and share my joy and warmth with all of those around me because I would never know who really needed it. It was also revealed to me that I have been given multiple spiritual gifts and it’s my job to discover how to use them to bless the lives of those around me. My Heavenly Father told me how proud of me He was so far and it was said multiple times that I’m one of His choice spirits. Interestingly, most of my blessing centered on serving others, blessing the lives of those around me and little on school. Although my education is incredibly important, and I will be studying all the time, I need to make sure I jump in and serve as often as I can. I know that I am here for a purpose and that the Lord has a plan for me. I’ve made it a goal this year to make my life about other people rather than myself and to truly seek out Christ.

            Sunday morning all of the roommates and I went to church together and it was literally amazing. Our bishopric loves us so much and they gave some truly inspiring talks. It was dead silent in sacrament and the Spirit was so strong. A boy named Conner Simmons gave the Sunday School; he spoke about a sure foundation and the power that comes from having one. I was impressed by his testimony and the different perspectives he shared. I’m excited for my calling in the ward; I’m ready to get involved! My roommates are adorable and I feel like I truly lucked out! They are Jennie Moon, Miquela Stokes, Emma Jones, Tamsyn Randall, and Linsie Wong. We get along really well and yesterday we spent the afternoon painting letters for our dorm room. I’m so grateful my mom had the idea because it got us all talking! I’m excited for this semester even though I’m a little nervous about balancing everything. I know though that as long as I live the commandments, rely on the strength of my Father, and have faith, everything will work out.