Over the past few weeks I have been communicating with my missionary Ben. Short conversations are the extent of it, but it puts me in a happy mood.
So when I couldn't start my car today, I knew what to do.
We changed out the ignition thingy (I don't know what it's actually called, the thing you stick the key into...) and for some reason it keeps getting stuck and I can't turn my car on. After a few tries it usually starts right up, though.
But today it didn't.
I was going to drive a friend home, so we got in my car and I tried to turn it. It. Wouldn't. Budge. I started to panic. How would I get us both home???
I saw Ben walking toward his car like 5 minutes earlier, so I got this feeling to call him for help. So I did.
He tried to help over the phone but my weak arms couldn't budge it (even my friend couldn't move it). So he told me that he would come over and help.
He ran over. Yes, ran. From a totally different parking lot. In the Texas heat.
Of course it worked in the first time he tried. (I probably loosened it for him ;P). But I am so grateful that he came to help even if me and him are not very good friends anymore. It warmed my heart and it made that parking lot feel like a holy place, because the spirit was brought by that Christ-like kindness. :)
This experience has moved me and I am going to be a better person because of it.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Late Night Baseball Games
Today, as I made pizza from scratch for dinner (a fantastic recipe that Katie Herald gave me) I had a spontaneous flashback to the days when I was taught by Ben, that I honestly forgot about.
My little brother Kyle was on the ASA Baseball team for a long time, Ben would come up to the games and me and him would spend time together. Most of the time we would talk about the Book of Mormon and he would answer my questions I had about the church (there werehundreds thousands millions, I might post a whole bunch of them from my journal with his answers at some point). There is one night I remember distinctly.
It was one of my brother's later games, they were the last ones in the park. Between the fields there is this concession stand, but since it was so late, it was closed. Me and Ben jumped up and sat together on the counters surrounding it.
"I want you to read the whole Book of Mormon," he said. "there is a promise in the end of it."
"What is it?" I asked. Like I said, I had millions of questions.
"I can't tell you, you have to see for yourself."
Soon enough I got the answer out of him, I think he enjoyed my curiosity. I soon learned about this promise, which led to learning about the Holy Ghost or the Spirit.
The Spirit was one of my most favorite things to learn about. I thought (and still think) its one of the coolest things. If you have ever felt it, you know what I mean.
The baseball park holds some of my dearest memories of learning about the gospel. I learned a lot of the things I know there. I remember things from when my mom asked what Ben had in his bag and he awkwardly looked down replying "Mormon books..." to me and Ben going through a huge trial together. I should explain that story, it was a really spiritual experience for me....
With tears in our eyes, broken hearts and crushed spirits we wandered into this nature trail. I followed him, bawling my eyes out. He was strong, but I could see the pain in his eyes. We walked along the trail silently for a few minutes. Then he did something that confused me.
He fell to his knees and looked up at me, asking if I would join him. I had no idea what he was doing at first, until he removed his hat and asked me to remove mine.
He prayed his heart out, saying everything I was thinking to our Heavenly Father. When we said amen, I opened my eyes and the sun was shining through a small hole in the trees at us. (This sounding familiar at all??) When we stood up we stood there for a minute, I was the first one to speak, commenting on the light that was surrounding us. But since I hadn't learned of Joseph Smith's first vision, I didn't think much of it.
I turned around and say a note on the tree, telling us to find light in our lives. (or something similar to that, I don't remember exactly because it was so long ago....) So we tried to keep our heads up and be happy.
Its amazing how much missionaries mean to their converts. I fondly look back on my memories of learning and I can remember just about every place I was taught something in the church. I am so happy to have this experience and even though being a convert is hard, I am so glad He picked me to do it. I have so much to be thankful for.
My little brother Kyle was on the ASA Baseball team for a long time, Ben would come up to the games and me and him would spend time together. Most of the time we would talk about the Book of Mormon and he would answer my questions I had about the church (there were
It was one of my brother's later games, they were the last ones in the park. Between the fields there is this concession stand, but since it was so late, it was closed. Me and Ben jumped up and sat together on the counters surrounding it.
"I want you to read the whole Book of Mormon," he said. "there is a promise in the end of it."
"What is it?" I asked. Like I said, I had millions of questions.
"I can't tell you, you have to see for yourself."
Soon enough I got the answer out of him, I think he enjoyed my curiosity. I soon learned about this promise, which led to learning about the Holy Ghost or the Spirit.
The Spirit was one of my most favorite things to learn about. I thought (and still think) its one of the coolest things. If you have ever felt it, you know what I mean.
The baseball park holds some of my dearest memories of learning about the gospel. I learned a lot of the things I know there. I remember things from when my mom asked what Ben had in his bag and he awkwardly looked down replying "Mormon books..." to me and Ben going through a huge trial together. I should explain that story, it was a really spiritual experience for me....
With tears in our eyes, broken hearts and crushed spirits we wandered into this nature trail. I followed him, bawling my eyes out. He was strong, but I could see the pain in his eyes. We walked along the trail silently for a few minutes. Then he did something that confused me.
He fell to his knees and looked up at me, asking if I would join him. I had no idea what he was doing at first, until he removed his hat and asked me to remove mine.
He prayed his heart out, saying everything I was thinking to our Heavenly Father. When we said amen, I opened my eyes and the sun was shining through a small hole in the trees at us. (This sounding familiar at all??) When we stood up we stood there for a minute, I was the first one to speak, commenting on the light that was surrounding us. But since I hadn't learned of Joseph Smith's first vision, I didn't think much of it.
I turned around and say a note on the tree, telling us to find light in our lives. (or something similar to that, I don't remember exactly because it was so long ago....) So we tried to keep our heads up and be happy.
Its amazing how much missionaries mean to their converts. I fondly look back on my memories of learning and I can remember just about every place I was taught something in the church. I am so happy to have this experience and even though being a convert is hard, I am so glad He picked me to do it. I have so much to be thankful for.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Acceptance
I'm a really lucky girl. Even though I argue with them, I have really amazing parents.
My mom has a huge heart. She's funny, she's caring, she's a lot of fun. I can talk to her about anything, whether it be about friend issues or just joking around. She's the best mom I could ask for.
My daddy is spontaneous, funny, and outgoing. He's a lot of fun to be around, too. He makes me laugh and he shares my love for shooting and country music. He's the best dad I could ask for.
They both are very open minded. At first, I didn't really think they were, but I've realized they are. I mean, their daughter is going to a church they don't really know anything about, and they let me go every Sunday, every morning for seminary, every Wednesday, every church dance, and even to other things going on at the church. I'm very grateful for them.
Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch playing with Allie (a 2 month old baby at my mom's daycare) when one of the moms came to pick up her daughter. The mom saw my quad in my church bag and asked "Are ya'll Mormon?" to my mom. My stomach dropped, what was my mom going to say?
"No, thats Casey's, Casey goes to a Mormon church. I'm Catholic, Keith's Baptist. We're a big mixed up family" She laughed. It made me feel really good because my mom recognized that I go to the LDS church, and wasn't afraid to say it. She accepts that thats who I am.
My parents have accepted my standards, too. Which makes me feel even better. They warn me when they're watching an R rated movie, they order me Sprite instead of Coke when we eat out, my mom helps me find dresses with sleeves, they realize I don't like when they swear and respect it.
I am very blessed to have the family I have. They accept me for who I have become, and they respect me. I love my family a lot. :)
My mom has a huge heart. She's funny, she's caring, she's a lot of fun. I can talk to her about anything, whether it be about friend issues or just joking around. She's the best mom I could ask for.
My daddy is spontaneous, funny, and outgoing. He's a lot of fun to be around, too. He makes me laugh and he shares my love for shooting and country music. He's the best dad I could ask for.
They both are very open minded. At first, I didn't really think they were, but I've realized they are. I mean, their daughter is going to a church they don't really know anything about, and they let me go every Sunday, every morning for seminary, every Wednesday, every church dance, and even to other things going on at the church. I'm very grateful for them.
Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch playing with Allie (a 2 month old baby at my mom's daycare) when one of the moms came to pick up her daughter. The mom saw my quad in my church bag and asked "Are ya'll Mormon?" to my mom. My stomach dropped, what was my mom going to say?
"No, thats Casey's, Casey goes to a Mormon church. I'm Catholic, Keith's Baptist. We're a big mixed up family" She laughed. It made me feel really good because my mom recognized that I go to the LDS church, and wasn't afraid to say it. She accepts that thats who I am.
My parents have accepted my standards, too. Which makes me feel even better. They warn me when they're watching an R rated movie, they order me Sprite instead of Coke when we eat out, my mom helps me find dresses with sleeves, they realize I don't like when they swear and respect it.
I am very blessed to have the family I have. They accept me for who I have become, and they respect me. I love my family a lot. :)
(This was at the beach, thats why we're all red.)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Today's Mutual
Today is Wednesday and that always means mutual. :)
We had Sundae Service today. That means that we all get split into groups and go to different parts of Allen to serve someone and then they give us ingredients for icecream. My group had some deacons (that honestly I don't know very well...) and the lovely Megan and Bailey. :) Megan is Savannah's little sister. She has the same sparkle in her eye as her big sister. Bailey is a huge inspiration to me. She is the strongest person I know.
We were sent to help the Zaugg's clean up. They have four kids: Jeffery, Dylan, Dawson, and Brooklyn. The girls did the dishes and then played with Brooklyn and cleaned her room. (She has so much room now!!!!)
So we got back to church and we had our icecream and it was fantastic. We went on a hunt to find Emma (Savannah's other lovely sister) and then we came home.
Some of the beehives seem to be in an argument, though. This bothers me greatly. I love my beehives, and the thought of them not getting along breaks my heart. I hope they work everything out.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
My beehives will be okay. I know they'll end up sorting things out. :)
(Like my signature? I stole the idea from Sister Thunell <3 I love you, Sister Thunell!!! )
We had Sundae Service today. That means that we all get split into groups and go to different parts of Allen to serve someone and then they give us ingredients for icecream. My group had some deacons (that honestly I don't know very well...) and the lovely Megan and Bailey. :) Megan is Savannah's little sister. She has the same sparkle in her eye as her big sister. Bailey is a huge inspiration to me. She is the strongest person I know.
We were sent to help the Zaugg's clean up. They have four kids: Jeffery, Dylan, Dawson, and Brooklyn. The girls did the dishes and then played with Brooklyn and cleaned her room. (She has so much room now!!!!)
So we got back to church and we had our icecream and it was fantastic. We went on a hunt to find Emma (Savannah's other lovely sister) and then we came home.
Some of the beehives seem to be in an argument, though. This bothers me greatly. I love my beehives, and the thought of them not getting along breaks my heart. I hope they work everything out.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
My beehives will be okay. I know they'll end up sorting things out. :)
(Like my signature? I stole the idea from Sister Thunell <3 I love you, Sister Thunell!!! )
Monday, March 4, 2013
Wondering and Pondering
Yesterday in church one of the people who got up to bear their testimony said something that struck me. He said to "never abandon your converts."
Me and my missionary, Ben, haven't spoken for three months now. And I did feel abandoned. Honestly, I still do at times.
At the beginning of my seminary year, my teacher told me she believed I was converted to Ben and not the gospel. I was devastated. I ran to the girls bathroom and cried my eyes out. I had experienced a fight with Ben right before that happened, so when Ben walked in and heard the end of the conversation, he said nothing. Right then I felt completely alone.
But with this experience I have learned that I am not converted to Ben. I have realized that this testimony is mine and, although he sparked my interest, I have grown it into a giant bonfire because I wanted to.
Which leads me to wonder this:
Does Ben really understand what he's given to me and how thankful I am? Sometimes I see him in church and I want to go personally thank him for everything he's done, but there's a barrier between the two of us.
I also wonder of Ben ever thinks about everything we went through when I was a brand new investigator.
What if he reads these too?
He answered my questions that I wrote in this notebook, he looked after me constantly because of my medical issue, he never got frustrated when I asked something about church, he lets me use his LDS.org account for various things (which he still does, he specifically told me I could still use it) and many more things.
Ben was a great friend while it lasted, and I hope with all my heart that he stays on the right track and has a wonderful life, even if I'm not by his side. He was a huge blessing in my life, and he opened doors for me.
Even though its ended, I'm grateful I was given him as a friend. He had a huge heart and I hope he continues to have it when he's on his mission. Love is the most important thing.
Check out the Mormon Ad for youth called Dare To Stand Alone. It's a fantastic one.
Me and my missionary, Ben, haven't spoken for three months now. And I did feel abandoned. Honestly, I still do at times.
At the beginning of my seminary year, my teacher told me she believed I was converted to Ben and not the gospel. I was devastated. I ran to the girls bathroom and cried my eyes out. I had experienced a fight with Ben right before that happened, so when Ben walked in and heard the end of the conversation, he said nothing. Right then I felt completely alone.
But with this experience I have learned that I am not converted to Ben. I have realized that this testimony is mine and, although he sparked my interest, I have grown it into a giant bonfire because I wanted to.
Which leads me to wonder this:
Does Ben really understand what he's given to me and how thankful I am? Sometimes I see him in church and I want to go personally thank him for everything he's done, but there's a barrier between the two of us.
I also wonder of Ben ever thinks about everything we went through when I was a brand new investigator.
What if he reads these too?
He answered my questions that I wrote in this notebook, he looked after me constantly because of my medical issue, he never got frustrated when I asked something about church, he lets me use his LDS.org account for various things (which he still does, he specifically told me I could still use it) and many more things.
Ben was a great friend while it lasted, and I hope with all my heart that he stays on the right track and has a wonderful life, even if I'm not by his side. He was a huge blessing in my life, and he opened doors for me.
Even though its ended, I'm grateful I was given him as a friend. He had a huge heart and I hope he continues to have it when he's on his mission. Love is the most important thing.
Check out the Mormon Ad for youth called Dare To Stand Alone. It's a fantastic one.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Personal Progress and my Beehives
I'm sorry I haven't gotten to write for a while.
Today was just such a huge day for me, I had to let everyone know.
Today I received my medallion for finishing personal progress. It was such an amazing experience. I loved it so much.
During young women's everyone would talk about personal progress, but I didn't know what it was. So I leaned over and asked Savannah (the sweetest little sparkle in my life, go check out my previous posts and you'll hear all about her and her beautiful mommy) and she got me the book. That night, I went home and read through it, and quickly got discouraged. "Family home evening? I can't do that!" I thought. As I continued to read I continued to pull myself down, saying I couldn't do it. I ended up shoving it in my bag and forgetting about it.
A few months later, I saw how happy the other girls were. One of my friends from school had finished hers, and told me all about it. So I started to look back into starting again.
And I did.
It was such an amazing experience. I had to find my own ways to complete the experiences, which made it more of a challenge but it made my testimony grow more than it would if I had just never picked it back up. I learned that everything you put your mind to is possibly through our selfless Father in Heaven. He wants the best for each and every one of us.
But as I sit here, pondering what has happened today, I realized that something else touched my heart.
I am close to the beehives in my ward. They are the sweetest things. They have this light to them that I can't get enough of. They are truly amazing.
The other day at mutual, I was sitting reading scriptures. Two little beehives walked over and sat down next to me, we talked for a few minutes, then they went on their own conversation. I went back to reading scriptures, partially listening to what they were saying.
One of the girls was having trouble with a girl at school who just didn't like her. She couldn't figure out why. She would send her mean texts and say mean things at school. She ended up replying to one of the texts with a not so nice response and this is what the two little ladies were talking about.
I looked up from my scriptures and said her name (which I won't say on here because I don't want to spill her secret)
"____, what did you say to this girl?"
"I'm not really sure, I deleted it and I don't remember exactly."
I turned so I was looking her in the eyes and said:
"I'm going to tell you something I learned. I know what it's like to not be liked by some people and you don't know why. At first, I wanted to do just what you did, I wanted to put them down and make them feel just as bad as they made me feel. But then I heard a lesson about forgiveness and service. So I forgave them. Now I know they might not have been sorry at the time, and they might never be. But I forgave them. Then, I started doing small acts of service towards them. Whether it be holding the door open, smiling at them, or just simply not be mean to them. Soon, they stopped being so mean towards me. I think you should try this. Be kind to this girl, she might be going through a hard time. Forgive her. Be kind to her. It might not work at first, but you know you will be doing the right thing."
She said okay and we went home. I didn't expect her to take my advice because its a hard thing to do.
Today the same girl came running to me exclaiming that I was right. When I asked what I was right about her response was "I started being nice to that girl and she complimented me this week!!!"
I am so proud of my little beehive for standing for what's right and being a loving daughter of God.
I think this meant as much to me as finishing my personal progress did, of not more. I am so happy that she did the right thing.
I know that if you are kind to those who are hurtful to you, your kindness will rub off on them. I know that if you ask Heavenly Father for help, He will help you. Everything is possibly through God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Today was just such a huge day for me, I had to let everyone know.
Today I received my medallion for finishing personal progress. It was such an amazing experience. I loved it so much.
During young women's everyone would talk about personal progress, but I didn't know what it was. So I leaned over and asked Savannah (the sweetest little sparkle in my life, go check out my previous posts and you'll hear all about her and her beautiful mommy) and she got me the book. That night, I went home and read through it, and quickly got discouraged. "Family home evening? I can't do that!" I thought. As I continued to read I continued to pull myself down, saying I couldn't do it. I ended up shoving it in my bag and forgetting about it.
A few months later, I saw how happy the other girls were. One of my friends from school had finished hers, and told me all about it. So I started to look back into starting again.
And I did.
It was such an amazing experience. I had to find my own ways to complete the experiences, which made it more of a challenge but it made my testimony grow more than it would if I had just never picked it back up. I learned that everything you put your mind to is possibly through our selfless Father in Heaven. He wants the best for each and every one of us.
But as I sit here, pondering what has happened today, I realized that something else touched my heart.
I am close to the beehives in my ward. They are the sweetest things. They have this light to them that I can't get enough of. They are truly amazing.
The other day at mutual, I was sitting reading scriptures. Two little beehives walked over and sat down next to me, we talked for a few minutes, then they went on their own conversation. I went back to reading scriptures, partially listening to what they were saying.
One of the girls was having trouble with a girl at school who just didn't like her. She couldn't figure out why. She would send her mean texts and say mean things at school. She ended up replying to one of the texts with a not so nice response and this is what the two little ladies were talking about.
I looked up from my scriptures and said her name (which I won't say on here because I don't want to spill her secret)
"____, what did you say to this girl?"
"I'm not really sure, I deleted it and I don't remember exactly."
I turned so I was looking her in the eyes and said:
"I'm going to tell you something I learned. I know what it's like to not be liked by some people and you don't know why. At first, I wanted to do just what you did, I wanted to put them down and make them feel just as bad as they made me feel. But then I heard a lesson about forgiveness and service. So I forgave them. Now I know they might not have been sorry at the time, and they might never be. But I forgave them. Then, I started doing small acts of service towards them. Whether it be holding the door open, smiling at them, or just simply not be mean to them. Soon, they stopped being so mean towards me. I think you should try this. Be kind to this girl, she might be going through a hard time. Forgive her. Be kind to her. It might not work at first, but you know you will be doing the right thing."
She said okay and we went home. I didn't expect her to take my advice because its a hard thing to do.
Today the same girl came running to me exclaiming that I was right. When I asked what I was right about her response was "I started being nice to that girl and she complimented me this week!!!"
I am so proud of my little beehive for standing for what's right and being a loving daughter of God.
I think this meant as much to me as finishing my personal progress did, of not more. I am so happy that she did the right thing.
I know that if you are kind to those who are hurtful to you, your kindness will rub off on them. I know that if you ask Heavenly Father for help, He will help you. Everything is possibly through God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The Jazz Dance
Thank you to everyone who has been reading my posts. :) Its fun for me to remember all the things that happened since I first went to church. :)
February of 2011, I had gone to church a few times, probably two or three. Ben invited me to a dinner/dance at the church. It wasn't a Stake dance, though. (For those of you that don't know, a Stake dance is a dance that happens on the 2nd Saturday of the month (usually) and its for the youth. Its a ton of fun and I really enjoy them, my first one was in August of 2011. I'll get into that story, later.)
I wore a blue dress with a little black jacket over it, oddly enough, Ben wore a blue button down shirt and his fancy tie. So we matched, which wasn't planned at all. When I got there, we sat down and ate. I picked at my food, eating a little here and there because I am picky and I didn't really like what we had for dinner. Brother Lemmon, the Young Men's leader, came to introduce himself and tease Ben about me. All in good fun, of course. He told Ben to ask me to dance and Ben said no. But not long after that, he stood up and extended his hand, asking me to dance.
Of course, I had never danced in my life and I did not want to embarrass myself in front of everyone, but I took his hand, anyway.
As we walked up, I mentioned I had never danced before, and once we got to the floor he showed me and everything was fine.
Later that night, me and Ben went to the foyer so we could hear each other talking, because it was super loud. I vaguely remember seeing Madison (who was wearing silver shoes, I specifically remember this because she was playing with her shoes) and another girl (possibly Mallory but I can't remember) in the foyer, too. We talked to them a little bit, I think.
The jazz dance was a lot of fun. I met a few more people there, slow danced for the first time, and got to go to the church an extra time that week.
I wonder if they'll do that again anytime soon. It would be a lot of fun if they did. :)
Now, I can't remember anything specific happening over the next few months, so I'll probably jump ahead a big gap of time the next post I write. Then if I remember, I'll fill the gap. :)
February of 2011, I had gone to church a few times, probably two or three. Ben invited me to a dinner/dance at the church. It wasn't a Stake dance, though. (For those of you that don't know, a Stake dance is a dance that happens on the 2nd Saturday of the month (usually) and its for the youth. Its a ton of fun and I really enjoy them, my first one was in August of 2011. I'll get into that story, later.)
I wore a blue dress with a little black jacket over it, oddly enough, Ben wore a blue button down shirt and his fancy tie. So we matched, which wasn't planned at all. When I got there, we sat down and ate. I picked at my food, eating a little here and there because I am picky and I didn't really like what we had for dinner. Brother Lemmon, the Young Men's leader, came to introduce himself and tease Ben about me. All in good fun, of course. He told Ben to ask me to dance and Ben said no. But not long after that, he stood up and extended his hand, asking me to dance.
Of course, I had never danced in my life and I did not want to embarrass myself in front of everyone, but I took his hand, anyway.
As we walked up, I mentioned I had never danced before, and once we got to the floor he showed me and everything was fine.
Later that night, me and Ben went to the foyer so we could hear each other talking, because it was super loud. I vaguely remember seeing Madison (who was wearing silver shoes, I specifically remember this because she was playing with her shoes) and another girl (possibly Mallory but I can't remember) in the foyer, too. We talked to them a little bit, I think.
The jazz dance was a lot of fun. I met a few more people there, slow danced for the first time, and got to go to the church an extra time that week.
I wonder if they'll do that again anytime soon. It would be a lot of fun if they did. :)
Now, I can't remember anything specific happening over the next few months, so I'll probably jump ahead a big gap of time the next post I write. Then if I remember, I'll fill the gap. :)
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