Sunday, February 24, 2013

Worth it.


I found this little gem today on pintrest! 
I am going to relate this to a mission because that's all you ever hear about missions, "Missions are great but so hard" or "Your mission will be the hardest but most rewarding time of your life" 
I am excited for my mission and I'm so excited to struggle is that weird? I am excited to struggle because I know that everyone one struggles on Missions whether its with the language, companions or even waking up early. No one is going to be a perfect missionary. That's the beauty of it all. when you struggle you become humble, you really lean on the lord and your companion. 
My grandpa told me that if you do everything you possibly can do and your worthy  and your still falling short the lord will help with the rest.
How awesome is that??? 
Struggling is part of life you can choose to give up and have a bad attitude about it or you can be positive and try your hardest to do your part. 
I think every Future Missionary needs to come to the realization that YOU ARE GOING TO STRUGGLE! Don't think that its going to be a cake walk, or you will have a major wake up call! 
Through my life I have noticed when I am faced with something unusual or difficult there is a point where you have to decided how your going to look at the situation. Will the glass be half full or half empty? Will you complain about it or try and fix or change it?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

MISSION PICTURES!

I have to give a Huge Thanks to JENNY HANSEN and SAM HALVERSON for dolling me up and taking some Awesome Pictures! 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

1 down 2 to go

Today Miss Kelsey Karen Lewis (Hunters Lady Friend) had her farewell. She did such a good job! 
Kelsey is a very gentle soft spoken girl. she is so kind and always willing to help someone out! I already know she is going to make a fantastic missionary. I look up to that girl so much! I love that girl like a sister! Watch out NYC she is coming for you!!!! 


I Love To See The Temple

February 9th is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.
That day started off a little rocky, I was having a bad hair day and kinda grumpy. We were running late, and it was snowing. after getting all ready we headed to Salt lake. As we passed Provo hunter informs us that he had left his garments at home. My mom and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes, we now had to turn all the way around to go get them.  
At last we finally arrived at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. as we walked in we met up with my Uncle Shawn who was escorting hunter (my dad couldn't because of his broken leg). This old cute man checked our recommend to make sure everything was correct. As we were talking to him he was telling us that him and his wife had served a mission in Accra Ghana! SMALL world right? Just wait it gets smaller! Anyways back to the story..  Hunter and Shawn when one way and my mom and I went another. I wasn't sure what I was about to do but I was so excited and ready for what came next! A nice old lady walked my through every step. Come to find out her neighbor was called to serve in Minneapolis Speaking Hmong.. My mom and I couldn't believe it! The Temple Matron came in to this room and talk to me about the Temple and the things that go on in the temple! She told me that what I was doing that day I would never do again, and that it was MY day. She asked me where I was serving and I replied Houston Texas, she Immediately  said thank goodness for Texas missionaries... ( She was converted in Houston Texas). We met someone who had a connection to all of our missions! It was totally meant to be! ;) 
I walked in to the chapel and saw Hunter,Shawn, Grams, Gramps it was so fun to see them! we waited and a bunch of friends showed up to support us. Smiths, Woods, Robyn, Bishop, Adrie and Laurin and her husband Brock. 
All I can say is the Temple is amazing! really guys! if you haven't gone through the temple
 MAKE IT A GOAL!!! 
I feel like the temple is home... It feels so familiar but so new at the same time it so weird! I am so excited to be able to go and do temple work. It really is amazing! I am so grateful for everyone who has supported me and been great examples I honestly don't think I would be where I am now if it weren't for you all!  My uncle gave me great advice before we started the session. he told me not to stress out and try to understand everything,  it will take a life time to understand everything. He said just to relax and enjoy it. BEST ADVICE ever!  
PEEPS GO TO THE TEMPLE!  
Get yourself worthy if your not I promise its worth the hard work!! 

. I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

2. I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A family is forever.

 This has been one of my favorite primary songs since I was little! I really do love to see the temple and I'm so excited to go back!! 

xoxo Kel 

Mom and Dad

Hunter and Uncle Shawn 

Love these peeps! 

My grandparents are amazing examples! 

Siblings 

My sister from another mister! ;) Besties


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

4 Weeks 6 Days 15 Hours 43 Min's


4 Weeks
6 Days
15 Hours
43 Min's
That may seem far away but I'm secretly freaking out! I have so much to do and so little time.
shopping, packing, shopping, marking things off the list, more shopping, more lists. I don't think the list will ever end.
lately my emotions have been SO bipolar! One minute I'm super happy and excited to go on a mission, the next minute I'm depressed, grumpy and nervous.

A lot of people told me that when you decided to go on a mission Satan works on you harder than ever.
SERIOUSLY SO TRUE!!.... ever since I made my mind up on a mission I feel like the temptation and discouragement is never ending. I try not to dwell on all the bad things, but its hard! 

Satan doesn't want me to go on a mission, he doesn't want me to touch people life's and teach them about Christ and his church. He doesn't want me or anyone else to be happy. He doesn't want people to learn about the plan of happiness. That is why he gets under missionary's or future missionary's  skin. He knows how much of an influence just one missionary has. That is why I have to be strong. I want to tell everyone about the happiness that the gospel gives to me and my family!
I heard a quote from a girl and I'm not sure where she got it but it really had an impact on me

" The Gospel gives me more Cans than Cants"
I love this quotes so much because it is so true. Latter Day Saints follow certain rules and commandments. by following these things we are promised SO many other things. I am grateful for family and friends who support me and my decision to serve.

WE ARE THE LAST GENERATION.
The lord is providing ways for his work to move forward. 
I am ready to get out in the mission field and work hard.
By April 3,400 new Sister missionary's will be out serving, by Oct there is expected to be 90,000 Full time missionary's, how amazing is that?  This is why Satan is working so hard on all of us, trying to get us to give up or fail. I'm not about to give up.
One of my favorite primary songs is, We'll Bring the World his Truth. one of the verses really made me emotional. I have sang this song for 22 years and this verse has just stuck out to me in the last couple of days. 

We have been saved for these latter days
To build the kingdom in righteous ways
We hear the words our Prophet declares
Let each who's worthy go forth and serve

We are as the Army of Helaman
We have been taught in our youth
And we will be the Lord's missionaries
To bring the world his truth



I am really excited to be a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that this Church is the only true church on the earth today. I know that Joesph Smith was a prophet and that he saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.I know that the Book of Mormon was written for us to use as a guide.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet. I am so grateful for amazing examples in my life. I know that My Heavenly Father has an amazing plan for me and that he listens an answers my prayers. I am extremely over come with the love that I feel each and everyday, I am very blessed.
Xoxo- Markel