Look to God and Live

I don't know why but I have been reflecting a LOT on my experiences I had as a missionary 13-14 years ago. I have been reading in my journal and thinking a lot about the people I came in contact with and was blessed to teach. I have also been watching a show called "The District" on BYUtv. So great as it helps remind me of the experiences I had teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to His children. I was blessed to serve as a missionary for 18 months in the Carlsbad, California Mission. I truly loved the people I came in contact with. I loved my companions and learned something from each one of them. It was such a great blessing in my life to be a missionary and serve others. It was hard but so worth the joy and blessings that I received. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ truly brings me joy. I am reminded of this scripture: D&C 18:15 "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" It is a blessing to see how the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives.

Here is a small excerpt from my missionary journal I feel like sharing as it actually helped remind me what I need to be doing more of these days.  Some days it's hard to see past the right now and easy to feel nervous about the future.  Don't get me wrong we are happy, but sometimes I just wonder what the future holds and how much longer Kary has to suffer physically.  I can't see the big picture and sometimes I just wish I could see beyond the present.  I need to remember what I wrote here:

 I'm out sitting on the trampoline in the backyard. I'm looking around me and I can't believe I'm in California...me...a small country girl...in the middle of this big city. Palm trees all around me, houses all around me. I am used to wide open spaces and being able to see all around me and I feel very cooped up and almost trapped because I don't know what is going on around me. I can't see.   I realize that the only way for me to see anything is to look up. I guess that is how my life is. When I feel there is nowhere to turn or I feel like I'm not going anywhere, the only thing I can do is look up towards God and rely on Him to help me see the big picture and trust in Him because He is the one who can see the WHOLE picture. He knows what is best for me in my life. Look to God and LIVE!"

Anyway, I have just had some wonderful experiences with regards to my mission and someone I taught and met with then in the last few days that would take a really long time to share but it is another witness to me that God knows His children.  He knows our hearts.  He knows our thoughts.  He hears our prayers.  He answers them.  So grateful!

LIGHT

I recently had a conversation with a good friend about the Light of Christ, the Holy Ghost, and about Revelation. This is a 3 part video that discusses all three. Such a beautiful explanation. I'm so grateful for this knowledge and to be able to have the light of Christ, the Holy Ghost, and revelation to help guide me in this life. Our Father in Heaven has not left us in darkness. We have Christ, who is the LIGHT of the world, to show us the way. He has lit the path and all we must do is follow Him and we will not be led into darkness. Darkness will NEVER overpower us. We can receive personal revelation from God. He will brighten our path and show us the way. To me light equals happiness, warmth, and comfort. Darkness equals despair and fear. Why do people choose darkness over light? Some may get used to being in the dark for so long that they are afraid to come out of the dark into the light. They don't realize the joy and peace and comfort that only LIGHT can bring. Darkness will never bring those things. I wish I could help people experience the LIGHT. I love my Savior. He is such a comfort and a strength and a LIGHT to me. I wish all could experience His Light, His Love, His Peace, His Comfort, and His Guidance.