Hello everyone. I am just going to admit right now, I am a bad blogger. I promised to post everyday and I did not. Also, I attempted to vlog, and it stunk.
So I am going to blog as often as I can and not vlog ever. :)
I will tell you what I did today. It didn't involve any mission prep at all. Just learning how to talk to people I don't know and come out of my shy shell a little.
I went to a YSA Memorial day BBQ with a good friend. I did not know very many people at all, but I ended up making some friends. And having a lot of fun. We ate first, then we went inside and played these awkward "team building" games. One of them was where there were two lines of people. In each line, there was a pattern of "boy girl, boy girl". We each got a tootpick. Then a mint started off in front of the two lines. The object was to pass on the mint (Lifesaver wintermint) with just the toothpick. But here was the rough part: we could not hold the toothpick with anything but our mouths. It was awkward and you were close enough to the person you were receiving the mint from or giving the mint to, to kiss them. Seriously. It was too close for words. I don't think I have ever been that close to a guy's face before without kissing them or them kissing me. But that's besides the point.
Then we played volleyball, which was a ton of fun. After that, a few of us went to menchies, a frozen yogurt place by the JCPenney where I used to work. Then we met another friend to go see star trek. My friend was so sweet and paid for my ticket. He didn't have to, but he did. It's so nice to see a man with manners.
So there you have it. I did however, get my space bags, address book, face lotion, and tide to go sticks today. So that means tomorrow I will probably start doing some packing. As in packing my clothes into my suitcase... but I mean I really have 22 days left. I might just wait until next week.
It's crazy. Only 3 weeks left.
3 weeks.
3.
Right now I am so super tired, but I will leave you with a spiritual thought.
Here is what I have been thinking about this weekend... relationships and marriage. If you're a church leader and you're reading this... hear me out and don't freak out before you read what I have to say.
I believe that a relationship should be based on mutual trust and love. Otherwise it's pointless. I personally have only dated 2 non LDS members in my entire life. Does that mean I don't trust non members? No. It means that I simply want someone who shares my values and love and affinity for the gospel. I know the church is true and I know that I want to be married in the temple and raise my children in the gospel. I know it is the way to having a happy family.
I personally believe that no relationship is complete without Christ. You must must MUST live the gospel even and perhaps - especially in relationships and dating.
I will broaden it even further. With ANYTHING you do, you must center it on love, trust, and the gospel. Or, Christ. When I do this I am much happier and successful in the instance.
I'm really so so so tired. I've been up for 18 hours, doing a ton the whole day. I'm sorry if that spiritual thought doesn't make sense. It may not. But that's what's on my mind at the moment.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Spiritual thought for today
Tomorrow would have been my mother's 40th birthday. I don't know how I really feel about that. I don't grieve a lot in public anymore over the loss of my mother. Actually I don't really grieve over the loss of her at all. Every once in a while I might have a pang of sadness. It is rare for me to break down in grief. But I do miss her every second of every day.
Sometimes if she would walk by, I would just walk up to her and hug her. Sometimes she would do the same for me. Most of the time we never said anything, just the hug and we would keep walking or doing what we were doing. That was our thing.
I remember 12 years ago (ish) one Halloween, my mom was 7 months pregnant. My sisters were tired, but I still wanted to trick or treat. She didn't get mad at me or say no, she just took me around. Afterward it was obvious that her back and her feet hurt. She didn't make me feel bad about it. She just did it to make me happy.
I remember when I brought ...home my white high school graduation robes. She smiled and said "FINALLY!"
Even in October, just 2 1/2 months before she died, it was the week of my 19th birthday. I had awful pain in my face from a cyst above my left front tooth and bad headaches because of my wisdom teeth. I was on vicodin the whole weekend and then on Monday I had a 2 (ish) hour last minute root canal done. It was painful and scary, but then three days later, I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. The only thing I remember that Thursday when I got them pulled was my mom saying she was happy she finally got to take care of me in some way. She rubbed my back while I cried because my face hurt so stinking bad and I was confused because of the pain meds. She comforted me when I cried because I thought I wouldn't be able to go on a mission because they had pulled all the teeth in my mouth out (true story, I actually thought I had all my teeth pulled out and that I wouldn't be able to go anymore.). She bought applesauce and helped me eat it for four days.
I don't grieve, because I have all these memories. I had my time on earth with my mom. And now I get to look forward to my time with my mom in the Celestial Kingdom because I know that families are forever. That when we die, and others die, we are not gone. We don't just vanish, neither do our souls or our spirits. We are judged according to our works on earth. So I know that I will see my mom again because I will work hard to make sure I do.
For this reason, I don't have any regrets. I know my mom knew I loved her.
Sometimes if she would walk by, I would just walk up to her and hug her. Sometimes she would do the same for me. Most of the time we never said anything, just the hug and we would keep walking or doing what we were doing. That was our thing.
I remember 12 years ago (ish) one Halloween, my mom was 7 months pregnant. My sisters were tired, but I still wanted to trick or treat. She didn't get mad at me or say no, she just took me around. Afterward it was obvious that her back and her feet hurt. She didn't make me feel bad about it. She just did it to make me happy.
I remember when I brought ...home my white high school graduation robes. She smiled and said "FINALLY!"
Even in October, just 2 1/2 months before she died, it was the week of my 19th birthday. I had awful pain in my face from a cyst above my left front tooth and bad headaches because of my wisdom teeth. I was on vicodin the whole weekend and then on Monday I had a 2 (ish) hour last minute root canal done. It was painful and scary, but then three days later, I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. The only thing I remember that Thursday when I got them pulled was my mom saying she was happy she finally got to take care of me in some way. She rubbed my back while I cried because my face hurt so stinking bad and I was confused because of the pain meds. She comforted me when I cried because I thought I wouldn't be able to go on a mission because they had pulled all the teeth in my mouth out (true story, I actually thought I had all my teeth pulled out and that I wouldn't be able to go anymore.). She bought applesauce and helped me eat it for four days.
I don't grieve, because I have all these memories. I had my time on earth with my mom. And now I get to look forward to my time with my mom in the Celestial Kingdom because I know that families are forever. That when we die, and others die, we are not gone. We don't just vanish, neither do our souls or our spirits. We are judged according to our works on earth. So I know that I will see my mom again because I will work hard to make sure I do.
For this reason, I don't have any regrets. I know my mom knew I loved her.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Oops I keep forgetting to post... Day 18 of 48
I have 30 days left...
And I can't even begin to describe how happy I will be to be on my mission. I am so excited.
As of today, I only need to buy these things:
-umbrella
-shoe polish kit
-passport holder
-22V converter
-carry on bag
You guys, my list is SO SMALL now. It makes me so happy to have all of that crossed off and out of the way. But I am so low on funds that I don't think I'll be able to pay for the actual mission part at all. I saved and saved but I didn't have a lot of money that I earned at work to begin with.
I've done so much the past week to get ready to go. I bought so much and I went to the temple again on Thursday. I love the temple. I can't wait to go again.
I need to study like crazy on my scriptures. I also need to get my two shots done this week or next.
I seriously cannot wait to go. I'm so excited. I only have one more month. My plaque has already been ordered and delivered to my bishop too. I get to see it either Wednesday night or this sunday. I still need to choose a picture, but oh my gosh. This is all becoming so real. It makes me extremely happy.
I haven't tried any new hairstyles yet. My bangs are growing out nicely so I will be able to just tuck them entirely behind my ear soon. Which will be nice. That will make things easier.
I gained a lot of weight this past month. I think I may have mentioned that before. But today I don't even feel like eating at all. Ever since I ran a 5k race on Saturday, (which by the way, I did not get last place :), I think I've only eaten 3 times. Out of 7 meals already passed, I've only eaten two meals and one snack. I'm trying to be healthy. But I'm just not hungry. I think it's nerves and excitement about going to Russia.
Well, that's all I really have. But I found this really cool resource for sister missionaries to find good bags. Here's the link:
http://giftsformormons.com/?tag=sister-missionary-bags
I actually bought one of the bags listed there.
And I can't even begin to describe how happy I will be to be on my mission. I am so excited.
As of today, I only need to buy these things:
-umbrella
-shoe polish kit
-passport holder
-22V converter
-carry on bag
You guys, my list is SO SMALL now. It makes me so happy to have all of that crossed off and out of the way. But I am so low on funds that I don't think I'll be able to pay for the actual mission part at all. I saved and saved but I didn't have a lot of money that I earned at work to begin with.
I've done so much the past week to get ready to go. I bought so much and I went to the temple again on Thursday. I love the temple. I can't wait to go again.
I need to study like crazy on my scriptures. I also need to get my two shots done this week or next.
I seriously cannot wait to go. I'm so excited. I only have one more month. My plaque has already been ordered and delivered to my bishop too. I get to see it either Wednesday night or this sunday. I still need to choose a picture, but oh my gosh. This is all becoming so real. It makes me extremely happy.
I haven't tried any new hairstyles yet. My bangs are growing out nicely so I will be able to just tuck them entirely behind my ear soon. Which will be nice. That will make things easier.
I gained a lot of weight this past month. I think I may have mentioned that before. But today I don't even feel like eating at all. Ever since I ran a 5k race on Saturday, (which by the way, I did not get last place :), I think I've only eaten 3 times. Out of 7 meals already passed, I've only eaten two meals and one snack. I'm trying to be healthy. But I'm just not hungry. I think it's nerves and excitement about going to Russia.
Well, that's all I really have. But I found this really cool resource for sister missionaries to find good bags. Here's the link:
http://giftsformormons.com/?tag=sister-missionary-bags
I actually bought one of the bags listed there.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Spiritual thoughts, at midnight.
So I started my Book of Mormon reading the other night. I am in chapter three of Nephi right now. So far, Nephi's family has fled from Jerusalem because the Jews sought after Lehi's life. Lehi had seen a vision of a pillar of fire. He foretold the coming of Christ and the destruction of the wicked people in Jerusalem. Now they are taking the journey into the wilderness. That's as far as I've gotten as of right now.
I was thinking about how small scripture verses can have profound meaning. For example, the shortest verse in the Book of Mormon is in the second chapter, when it says "and my father dwelt in a tent". This scripture shows humility, faith, and love all at once. I will prove it to you by using examples in the BOM so far in just two chapters.
Humility.
Nephi's family had gave up their valuables (gold, silver, precious things) to follow their father into the wilderness. I have been camping, and I have lived in a house. I have to say, given the choice most people would live in the house. Lehi chose to follow the counsel and promptings of the Lord, and in doing so, he humbled himself to the point where he dwelled in a tent. Not many men (or women) would do the same.
Therefore...
Faith.
Great faith is shown by Lehi. He prayed and shared with others. He wished for his sons to follow him and his counsel; and also to follow God and His counsel. He had faith that this was the path to follow to protect himself and his family. He had faith that if he left his comforts in Jerusalem, that the Lord would bless him.
Love.
Obviously Lehi is a great father. He fled Jerusalem with his family. One verse that shows how much he loves his family is in 2:4 "And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and adeparted into the wilderness."
It compares his family to the gold and silver and precious things... his inheritance and his home... to his family. And shows that he chose family over all of those things of temporal worth because family is of celestial worth.
I know that Lehi was inspired of God to do these things and I know that following his example of making sacrifices and humbling ourselves as missionaries to do the work of the Lord and uplift others and protect others, will bring us blessings. It is what the Lord wants of us as missionaries and as latter-day saints.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
I was thinking about how small scripture verses can have profound meaning. For example, the shortest verse in the Book of Mormon is in the second chapter, when it says "and my father dwelt in a tent". This scripture shows humility, faith, and love all at once. I will prove it to you by using examples in the BOM so far in just two chapters.
Humility.
Nephi's family had gave up their valuables (gold, silver, precious things) to follow their father into the wilderness. I have been camping, and I have lived in a house. I have to say, given the choice most people would live in the house. Lehi chose to follow the counsel and promptings of the Lord, and in doing so, he humbled himself to the point where he dwelled in a tent. Not many men (or women) would do the same.
Therefore...
Faith.
Great faith is shown by Lehi. He prayed and shared with others. He wished for his sons to follow him and his counsel; and also to follow God and His counsel. He had faith that this was the path to follow to protect himself and his family. He had faith that if he left his comforts in Jerusalem, that the Lord would bless him.
Love.
Obviously Lehi is a great father. He fled Jerusalem with his family. One verse that shows how much he loves his family is in 2:4 "And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and adeparted into the wilderness."
It compares his family to the gold and silver and precious things... his inheritance and his home... to his family. And shows that he chose family over all of those things of temporal worth because family is of celestial worth.
I know that Lehi was inspired of God to do these things and I know that following his example of making sacrifices and humbling ourselves as missionaries to do the work of the Lord and uplift others and protect others, will bring us blessings. It is what the Lord wants of us as missionaries and as latter-day saints.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Day 12 of 48... Sorry. I've negelected you.
I'm sorry my lovies. I've neglected you with spiritual thoughts, tips and stories.
For shame.
So I'll make it up to you with two extra long and packed posts. k? k. :)
Sunday was pretty good this week. The hymns were lovely and I did pretty well leading the congregation this week. (By the way, if possible learn how to lead hymns before you go, you never know when you might help the ward out!) The topics of course were centered around mothers so it was a little awkward for me, but I loved it. The primary sang beautifully and so did the priesthood. I don't remember what they sang, but it was great. This sunday made me really excited to be a mom in the future.
As far as preparing, I re-evaluated my to do and to buy lists. I got to cross a lot off of both (Hooray!) I bought comfortable, black, leather shoes for super cheap off of 6pm.com (seriously check it out sisters.) I am still waiting on that skirt and that coat to come from when I ordered online, but I know they'll show soon.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my last day at work, therefore I will only get one more small paycheck, so I really have to stretch my money and make it last so I can get all of the initial costs paid (clothes, incidentals, etc.) I worked really hard and so far I have paid for almost all of my packing list myself. I am very proud because all of this stuff together is expensive. But I've stretched it and found good quality stuff and found really good bargains. I'm worried about that last paycheck though. I know I will have about 100 dollars and honestly, I don't know how much that will cover.
But I will pray and I know that it will all be okay and it will all turn out. I've worked hard and saved so I could buy all this stuff for the mission. So I know it will not be a wasted effort.
Hmmm... what else...
Oh yeah! So I have been studying up on my Russian quite a bit. A friend at work taught me to say "thank you." and tonight I learned how to say "Rice, woman, swim, run, water, yes, no, dog, and cat". I also learned that the sound for "and" in between listing things in a sentence is pronounced the same way it is in Spanish "ee". It's a backwards N, but it's the same sound.
My best friend, Elder Johnson, is in Ukraine right now on his mission. In fact, his mission (Donetsk, Ukraine) is the mission right next to mine. We are going to be speaking the same language. So on Mother's day, his family taped him talking in Russian a little. He said basically "Hello, thank you mothers for all you do. Happy Mothers day." I recognized "Hello" and "thank you"! It's so exciting to hear and recognize words in another language. I do really need to work on my pronunciation though.
Advice I have for you today... hmm... I know that for me, I have been a little angsty and irritated lately. Especially toward my family. It's hard having two teenage sisters in the house. It really is. But I need to get over myself and act civil because even though they do things that hurt my feelings and irritate me, they are family. And I bet I do things that irritate them. (I don't try to, I've come a long way and learned how to be mature in that sense.) I'm not perfect, so I can't expect them to be.
SO my advice is, you have a short time with your family while you are preparing for your mission. Don't be so sensitive or irritable. I know, easier said than done. When you're on your mission you only get 2 phone calls or Skype calls a year. You get to email once a week and write whenever you want, but it is nothing compared to the contact you have right now with them. Don't take it for granted.
I'll post a spiritual thought in the next post. Thank you for reading my blog. I have had so many pageviews this week! Almost 200 in 7 days. That's more than any other blog I've produced. Thank you thank you, and please as always, feel free to post comments with questions or suggestions or tips you might have.
For shame.
So I'll make it up to you with two extra long and packed posts. k? k. :)
Sunday was pretty good this week. The hymns were lovely and I did pretty well leading the congregation this week. (By the way, if possible learn how to lead hymns before you go, you never know when you might help the ward out!) The topics of course were centered around mothers so it was a little awkward for me, but I loved it. The primary sang beautifully and so did the priesthood. I don't remember what they sang, but it was great. This sunday made me really excited to be a mom in the future.
As far as preparing, I re-evaluated my to do and to buy lists. I got to cross a lot off of both (Hooray!) I bought comfortable, black, leather shoes for super cheap off of 6pm.com (seriously check it out sisters.) I am still waiting on that skirt and that coat to come from when I ordered online, but I know they'll show soon.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my last day at work, therefore I will only get one more small paycheck, so I really have to stretch my money and make it last so I can get all of the initial costs paid (clothes, incidentals, etc.) I worked really hard and so far I have paid for almost all of my packing list myself. I am very proud because all of this stuff together is expensive. But I've stretched it and found good quality stuff and found really good bargains. I'm worried about that last paycheck though. I know I will have about 100 dollars and honestly, I don't know how much that will cover.
But I will pray and I know that it will all be okay and it will all turn out. I've worked hard and saved so I could buy all this stuff for the mission. So I know it will not be a wasted effort.
Hmmm... what else...
Oh yeah! So I have been studying up on my Russian quite a bit. A friend at work taught me to say "thank you." and tonight I learned how to say "Rice, woman, swim, run, water, yes, no, dog, and cat". I also learned that the sound for "and" in between listing things in a sentence is pronounced the same way it is in Spanish "ee". It's a backwards N, but it's the same sound.
My best friend, Elder Johnson, is in Ukraine right now on his mission. In fact, his mission (Donetsk, Ukraine) is the mission right next to mine. We are going to be speaking the same language. So on Mother's day, his family taped him talking in Russian a little. He said basically "Hello, thank you mothers for all you do. Happy Mothers day." I recognized "Hello" and "thank you"! It's so exciting to hear and recognize words in another language. I do really need to work on my pronunciation though.
Advice I have for you today... hmm... I know that for me, I have been a little angsty and irritated lately. Especially toward my family. It's hard having two teenage sisters in the house. It really is. But I need to get over myself and act civil because even though they do things that hurt my feelings and irritate me, they are family. And I bet I do things that irritate them. (I don't try to, I've come a long way and learned how to be mature in that sense.) I'm not perfect, so I can't expect them to be.
SO my advice is, you have a short time with your family while you are preparing for your mission. Don't be so sensitive or irritable. I know, easier said than done. When you're on your mission you only get 2 phone calls or Skype calls a year. You get to email once a week and write whenever you want, but it is nothing compared to the contact you have right now with them. Don't take it for granted.
I'll post a spiritual thought in the next post. Thank you for reading my blog. I have had so many pageviews this week! Almost 200 in 7 days. That's more than any other blog I've produced. Thank you thank you, and please as always, feel free to post comments with questions or suggestions or tips you might have.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Spiritual thought
I hope this makes sense to more people than me, it's 4 minutes to midnight and I'm really tired.
A coworker of mine asked when I leave for Russia. I told him in July or August, after I am at the MTC to prepare. He was really rude and asked in a rude tone "why would you go to Utah, that doesn't make any sense."
It made me think of the opposition we face as Latter Day Saints. I once was walking into a temple and there were actually people protesting our religion.
We are going to face a lot of opposition because Satan will work hard to drive people to hate us or our beliefs. Because He knows the truth, but he is unable to live as we are and he will be unable to live with God or in Celestial Glory.
He will work hard to bring us down.
All we can do is love one another and love our fellow man. That's the ultimate commandment that will lead us closer to God.
It will be hard, but seriously, we just have to endure. Stay true to who we are and what we know and love. Stick close to the spirit.
I know this to be truth.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
A coworker of mine asked when I leave for Russia. I told him in July or August, after I am at the MTC to prepare. He was really rude and asked in a rude tone "why would you go to Utah, that doesn't make any sense."
It made me think of the opposition we face as Latter Day Saints. I once was walking into a temple and there were actually people protesting our religion.
We are going to face a lot of opposition because Satan will work hard to drive people to hate us or our beliefs. Because He knows the truth, but he is unable to live as we are and he will be unable to live with God or in Celestial Glory.
He will work hard to bring us down.
All we can do is love one another and love our fellow man. That's the ultimate commandment that will lead us closer to God.
It will be hard, but seriously, we just have to endure. Stay true to who we are and what we know and love. Stick close to the spirit.
I know this to be truth.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Day 8 of 48
Hello again.
So when I went through the temple in April, I got 10 garment sets of Carinessa 2s. They are absolutely great, as I've mentioned before, and I highly recommend them to all sisters. But today I also bought one thermal top garment and one mesh top garment. I am going to try these out, because I will be in Utah June through August when it's really hot. It also gets really humid during the summer in Samara, Russia. And I want to try the thermal garment. I might just buy a few of those instead of buying all long underwear.
Anyway, so I ordered those and a new mini preach my gospel because I left mine behind in Sunriver, Oregon on a vacation by mistake.
So those should be here next week or the week after.
I have checked one more thing off my to do list!! :)
Today I am going to get a few more things done as well. I need to buy pajamas because it turns out I really don't have any. I sleep in jeans or just garments. That's just what's comfortable for me.
So when I go to work tonight at 4:30, I need to buy those.
Now here's something I'm embarrassed to talk about. I have gained a lot of weight since I got my call. I usually gain weight when I am really stressed. My mother passed away in January and then I got my call. And I've been working almost 40 hours a week for the past two months. I also petsat and babysat in between. Funds are still stressing me out. I still need to get my driver's license...
the list goes on.
Anyway, I've been going to the gym at least 3 times a week for about two months as well, but my diet has not been very healthy. I eat out a lot because I am doing so much during the day that I forget to make a sandwich or something for lunch at work. The three closest places to eat are Sonic, Burger King, and Five Guys Burgers. So I usually end up going there last minute. However, I'm trying to be better about it. I love to ride my bike to work and I love subway. I'm a huge sandwich fan. So today after I get my laundry done and get ready for work, I am going early at about 3 so I can stop by a grocery store on the way and get something healthier.
I have been told that since there are so little members in Russia, there won't be many dinner appointments. Plus, I'm a picky eater. So I have been told that most of the sisters lose a lot of weight when they go.
So I am going to try very hard to get healthy before I go.
I'll get off work at 10 PM (Washington state time...?) so when I get home, I'll post a spiritual thought.
So when I went through the temple in April, I got 10 garment sets of Carinessa 2s. They are absolutely great, as I've mentioned before, and I highly recommend them to all sisters. But today I also bought one thermal top garment and one mesh top garment. I am going to try these out, because I will be in Utah June through August when it's really hot. It also gets really humid during the summer in Samara, Russia. And I want to try the thermal garment. I might just buy a few of those instead of buying all long underwear.
Anyway, so I ordered those and a new mini preach my gospel because I left mine behind in Sunriver, Oregon on a vacation by mistake.
So those should be here next week or the week after.
I have checked one more thing off my to do list!! :)
Today I am going to get a few more things done as well. I need to buy pajamas because it turns out I really don't have any. I sleep in jeans or just garments. That's just what's comfortable for me.
So when I go to work tonight at 4:30, I need to buy those.
Now here's something I'm embarrassed to talk about. I have gained a lot of weight since I got my call. I usually gain weight when I am really stressed. My mother passed away in January and then I got my call. And I've been working almost 40 hours a week for the past two months. I also petsat and babysat in between. Funds are still stressing me out. I still need to get my driver's license...
the list goes on.
Anyway, I've been going to the gym at least 3 times a week for about two months as well, but my diet has not been very healthy. I eat out a lot because I am doing so much during the day that I forget to make a sandwich or something for lunch at work. The three closest places to eat are Sonic, Burger King, and Five Guys Burgers. So I usually end up going there last minute. However, I'm trying to be better about it. I love to ride my bike to work and I love subway. I'm a huge sandwich fan. So today after I get my laundry done and get ready for work, I am going early at about 3 so I can stop by a grocery store on the way and get something healthier.
I have been told that since there are so little members in Russia, there won't be many dinner appointments. Plus, I'm a picky eater. So I have been told that most of the sisters lose a lot of weight when they go.
So I am going to try very hard to get healthy before I go.
I'll get off work at 10 PM (Washington state time...?) so when I get home, I'll post a spiritual thought.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Random tips
Hello again, lovelies.
Here are some tips I have from my experiences so far or from what others have told me. Some apply to only Sisters and some apply to both Sisters and Elders. I may have a couple for Elders as well (I helped an ex boyfriend get ready for his mission)
Passport:
-You have a certain date where you have to send in a copy of your passport to the mission travel office. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF. Get your passport as soon as you possibly can. My passport was expedited and took two weeks to get here rather than the usual expedited timeframe. It would be unfortunate to send it in late to the mission travel office. Your departure date could actually be pushed to a further date if you do not get it in.
-Don't print out the passport forms front and back. They will make you redo the whole thing.
-Bring as many forms of ID as you can. I brought my valid certificate of live birth and my driving permit. The guy still wanted another photo ID (this usually never happens, and I am still not sure why it did.) but luckily that day I had other forms of ID on me. Bring as much as you can just in case.
-know your social security number.
-passport pictures are more expensive at the post office. I got mine done at Costco. They gave me 4 pictures and it only cost 5 dollars. At the post office, it was something like one photo for 15 bucks or something like that. Costco is your best bet.
Packing:
-bring a collapsible duffel bag because you are probably going to have more things to cart around for transfers. I know when I get to Russia I will have extras like my winter coat, winter boots, and long underwear.
-Space bags! If you're worried about your clothes fitting in with your incidentals or shoes, buy space bags. With my boyfriend, he was going to Canada and had to bring his winter coat and all his clothes and all his winter stuff. So we bought him some space bags. They work really well and you can just squeeze the air out. You don't need a vacuum. They're less than 20 dollars at Walmart.
-If you can, take all your incidentals (IE: toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, etc.) out of the boxes. Put them in Ziploc bags. This will save a lot more space.
-
Clothes:
-Elders: Trust me, iron your shirts and suits BEFORE you pack them. And fold EVERYTHING neatly. You don't want to show up to the MTC with wrinkled clothes. Especially because you only get one day a week for laundry and you won't have a lot of time to iron.
-Sisters: make sure you can do a lot of combinations with your clothes and that different things work together. The more combinations you have, the better off you'll probably be.
-Make sure your shoes match your outfits... so far I only have two pairs of brown shoes. So obviously I need to buy black shoes.
Misc:
-Go to the temple early if you can. Don't wait until one month before your mission. I got my endowments out about two months before and so far it has richly blessed me. Russia doesn't have any temples, so I may not get to go much if at all. Even if youre going to live close to a temple, it never hurts to seek blessings! :)
-Watch all the episodes of the district. Seriously, it helps. And it's so interesting (to me anyway) and spiritual. It made me really excited about my mission!
That's all I have so far. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head at the moment. Leave comments below or questions below. I will do my best to answer them.
Here are some tips I have from my experiences so far or from what others have told me. Some apply to only Sisters and some apply to both Sisters and Elders. I may have a couple for Elders as well (I helped an ex boyfriend get ready for his mission)
Passport:
-You have a certain date where you have to send in a copy of your passport to the mission travel office. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF. Get your passport as soon as you possibly can. My passport was expedited and took two weeks to get here rather than the usual expedited timeframe. It would be unfortunate to send it in late to the mission travel office. Your departure date could actually be pushed to a further date if you do not get it in.
-Don't print out the passport forms front and back. They will make you redo the whole thing.
-Bring as many forms of ID as you can. I brought my valid certificate of live birth and my driving permit. The guy still wanted another photo ID (this usually never happens, and I am still not sure why it did.) but luckily that day I had other forms of ID on me. Bring as much as you can just in case.
-know your social security number.
-passport pictures are more expensive at the post office. I got mine done at Costco. They gave me 4 pictures and it only cost 5 dollars. At the post office, it was something like one photo for 15 bucks or something like that. Costco is your best bet.
Packing:
-bring a collapsible duffel bag because you are probably going to have more things to cart around for transfers. I know when I get to Russia I will have extras like my winter coat, winter boots, and long underwear.
-Space bags! If you're worried about your clothes fitting in with your incidentals or shoes, buy space bags. With my boyfriend, he was going to Canada and had to bring his winter coat and all his clothes and all his winter stuff. So we bought him some space bags. They work really well and you can just squeeze the air out. You don't need a vacuum. They're less than 20 dollars at Walmart.
-If you can, take all your incidentals (IE: toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, etc.) out of the boxes. Put them in Ziploc bags. This will save a lot more space.
-
Clothes:
-Elders: Trust me, iron your shirts and suits BEFORE you pack them. And fold EVERYTHING neatly. You don't want to show up to the MTC with wrinkled clothes. Especially because you only get one day a week for laundry and you won't have a lot of time to iron.
-Sisters: make sure you can do a lot of combinations with your clothes and that different things work together. The more combinations you have, the better off you'll probably be.
-Make sure your shoes match your outfits... so far I only have two pairs of brown shoes. So obviously I need to buy black shoes.
Misc:
-Go to the temple early if you can. Don't wait until one month before your mission. I got my endowments out about two months before and so far it has richly blessed me. Russia doesn't have any temples, so I may not get to go much if at all. Even if youre going to live close to a temple, it never hurts to seek blessings! :)
-Watch all the episodes of the district. Seriously, it helps. And it's so interesting (to me anyway) and spiritual. It made me really excited about my mission!
That's all I have so far. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head at the moment. Leave comments below or questions below. I will do my best to answer them.
Day 5 of 48 **UPDATE: IT'S ACTUALLY DAY 7...
**update: I just recounted my days... I made a mistake. I'm actually on day 7 of 48. Sooooo.... my bad. I'll do another post today with just tips to make it up to you for losing those other 2 days.
Hello, lovelies.
Yesterday I spent a lot of my day packing up my room and cleaning it. Then I sorted through my laundry. (I keep forgetting I have garments, so I keep throwing them in with my regular clothes). But honestly I don't mind my garments. In fact, I like wearing them. Mine are really comfortable and they keep me reasonably warm when I'm cold, but they aren't thick. I bought the carinessa 2's in XSB. I love them! I'm going to buy a couple more pairs in a different, warmer fabric just to make sure I have some when I get really cold. So sisters, I highly recommend getting the carinessa 2's.
Anyway, today I tried one of the hairstlyes I pinned on pinterest yesterday. This is the tutorial for it:
What I did too, since my hair is really curly, I brushed it out really well beforehand. I did this with semi-wet washed hair. I don't like having messy or day old hair. Since my hair is red, leaving it for a day makes it look ultra-greasy. So I have to wash it everyday. The first picture was the style without my hair accessory in it. The other three are with. I bought this hair accessory at the Portland, OR Saturday market about 2 weeks ago. This really talented guy works with wire and metal. He makes tons of rings and hair sticks and other metal jewelry. I really like this hairpiece.
So today's hair tutorial was a success. We'll see what happens with tomorrows. I am still deciding on one to do. Since I have to go back to work tomorrow it might just be a simple one.
The only things I really have left to do require money, and until tomorrow (payday), I have 6 dollars to my name. Luckily I don't owe anyone money so I don't have to give up my 6 dollars :)
But I still need to get two shots done... yuck. I am going to wait until I stop working to get those done because my arms are really sensitive to shots. And in retail, I use my arms A LOT. Also, I'm a wimp and I don't wanna :)
So a spiritual thought for the day...
Some advice I have for both Sisters and Elders, is to make sure you repent totally of everything before your mission. If you suffer from any kind of addiction, it isn't going to just go away when you are out. Of course you won't have access to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, pornography, etc. while in the field as a missionary; but the addiction won't go away on it's own. You need to talk to your bishop and get it off your shoulders. Your bishop has been set apart to help the members of the ward with things like this. He isn't going to tell anyone (maybe your parents if it's serious enough I guess). He isn't going to judge you. He is there to help you. Addiction is not something you can simply get rid of in a day. Nor is any other serious sin.
It's okay to ask for help. Reaching out to others for help is a skill that everyone must learn because at some point in your life you will need help from others.
Plus, you need to remain worthy in order to go through the temple, which is one of the greatest blessings I have found in my life. I love the temple.
I do not know much about helping people with addictions, but I know of some people who were actually addicted to video games to the point where that is all they ever did in their spare time. I have also known people who suffer an addiction to pornography.
If you are struggling with any kind of addiction like that, I highly recommend this talk by David A. Bednar:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng
I know it may seem hard to dig yourself out of a hole you have created for yourself. Sometimes it seems hopeless, but it's really not. You can always repent and make an effort to remain virtuous. Like I said yesterday, the Savior atoned for the sins of all men so that they can repent and make it back to live with Heavenly Father.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Hello, lovelies.
Yesterday I spent a lot of my day packing up my room and cleaning it. Then I sorted through my laundry. (I keep forgetting I have garments, so I keep throwing them in with my regular clothes). But honestly I don't mind my garments. In fact, I like wearing them. Mine are really comfortable and they keep me reasonably warm when I'm cold, but they aren't thick. I bought the carinessa 2's in XSB. I love them! I'm going to buy a couple more pairs in a different, warmer fabric just to make sure I have some when I get really cold. So sisters, I highly recommend getting the carinessa 2's.
Anyway, today I tried one of the hairstlyes I pinned on pinterest yesterday. This is the tutorial for it:
This was super easy to do. And it worked really well for me. I only used a ponytail holder, 4 bobby pins and a hair accessory. (Girls with longer hair, might need more bobby pins. My hair is two inches below my shoulders.) It took about 5 minutes at the most. So there's the tutorial and here's how mine turned out:
So today's hair tutorial was a success. We'll see what happens with tomorrows. I am still deciding on one to do. Since I have to go back to work tomorrow it might just be a simple one.
The only things I really have left to do require money, and until tomorrow (payday), I have 6 dollars to my name. Luckily I don't owe anyone money so I don't have to give up my 6 dollars :)
But I still need to get two shots done... yuck. I am going to wait until I stop working to get those done because my arms are really sensitive to shots. And in retail, I use my arms A LOT. Also, I'm a wimp and I don't wanna :)
So a spiritual thought for the day...
Some advice I have for both Sisters and Elders, is to make sure you repent totally of everything before your mission. If you suffer from any kind of addiction, it isn't going to just go away when you are out. Of course you won't have access to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, pornography, etc. while in the field as a missionary; but the addiction won't go away on it's own. You need to talk to your bishop and get it off your shoulders. Your bishop has been set apart to help the members of the ward with things like this. He isn't going to tell anyone (maybe your parents if it's serious enough I guess). He isn't going to judge you. He is there to help you. Addiction is not something you can simply get rid of in a day. Nor is any other serious sin.
It's okay to ask for help. Reaching out to others for help is a skill that everyone must learn because at some point in your life you will need help from others.
Plus, you need to remain worthy in order to go through the temple, which is one of the greatest blessings I have found in my life. I love the temple.
I do not know much about helping people with addictions, but I know of some people who were actually addicted to video games to the point where that is all they ever did in their spare time. I have also known people who suffer an addiction to pornography.
If you are struggling with any kind of addiction like that, I highly recommend this talk by David A. Bednar:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng
I know it may seem hard to dig yourself out of a hole you have created for yourself. Sometimes it seems hopeless, but it's really not. You can always repent and make an effort to remain virtuous. Like I said yesterday, the Savior atoned for the sins of all men so that they can repent and make it back to live with Heavenly Father.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Day 4, yes I forgot to post the other days
Today I actually did quite a bit to get ready for my mission!
I woke up and realized my room is so jam packed full of STUFF.
And it was everywhere.
So I grabbed two big plastic tubs and started to clean. I packed up about half of my room as well. That way my dad won't have to do it after I leave.
I also went through the missionary stuff I have already in a tub downstairs. I discovered I still have quite a few things to buy. But nothing really too expensive.
I have 42 days left. It seems surreal. My friend Sister Killen reported to the MTC today. She's going to the Philippines. I think her leaving really opened up my eyes to see that I really don't have a lot of time left to prepare!
I have to read the BOM in 42 days, and get everything packed and ready. I have to get a few shots, and get my driver's license and international permit.
42 days.
Dang.
I'm going to start trying out missionary hairstyles and posting the ones that work and the ones that don't. I'm also going to start packing up my suitcase. And I can already tell that I will need space bags for my clothes. I have wool skirts and blazers, and they aren't too thick or anything but they are a bit bulky. And I need a varied wardrobe because it gets hot in the summer but it's absolutely freezing in the winter (gets to -20).
Here is the link to my pinterest, I will be repining hairstyles, tips, etc that I find useful and I will blog about the ones that have worked for me.
I'll take pictures of the hairstyles I try. My hair is really difficult because it's naturally curly on the bottom layers and just wavy on the top layers. It's strawberry blonde (leaning just a tad more toward red) and hard to keep from frizzing. So hopefully I can help out you sisters with difficult hair.
My Russian is coming along a little at a time. Very little bits at a time.
As for a spiritual thought, I've mentioned before that I adore music. Especially to become uplifted or feel the spirit during the day. And there's this Alex Boye song that has been stuck in my head and on my mind for about three or four days.
It's called "I will rise". It's epic. For real.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FQb-cVwbKE
I love it because it's a simple set of lyrics with a powerful message regarding the resurrection. We will all be resurrected and judged according to our works here on Earth. The Savior atoned for our sins. The line "Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed" strikes me quite a bit. It makes me think of the pain Jesus overcame and how He was resurrected. I know that He did that for us and that He lives.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Anyway, not a very long spiritual thought because I have quite a bit to do.
Here's my pinterest, go ahead and follow me :)
http://pinterest.com/songbird1615/
I woke up and realized my room is so jam packed full of STUFF.
And it was everywhere.
So I grabbed two big plastic tubs and started to clean. I packed up about half of my room as well. That way my dad won't have to do it after I leave.
I also went through the missionary stuff I have already in a tub downstairs. I discovered I still have quite a few things to buy. But nothing really too expensive.
I have 42 days left. It seems surreal. My friend Sister Killen reported to the MTC today. She's going to the Philippines. I think her leaving really opened up my eyes to see that I really don't have a lot of time left to prepare!
I have to read the BOM in 42 days, and get everything packed and ready. I have to get a few shots, and get my driver's license and international permit.
42 days.
Dang.
I'm going to start trying out missionary hairstyles and posting the ones that work and the ones that don't. I'm also going to start packing up my suitcase. And I can already tell that I will need space bags for my clothes. I have wool skirts and blazers, and they aren't too thick or anything but they are a bit bulky. And I need a varied wardrobe because it gets hot in the summer but it's absolutely freezing in the winter (gets to -20).
Here is the link to my pinterest, I will be repining hairstyles, tips, etc that I find useful and I will blog about the ones that have worked for me.
I'll take pictures of the hairstyles I try. My hair is really difficult because it's naturally curly on the bottom layers and just wavy on the top layers. It's strawberry blonde (leaning just a tad more toward red) and hard to keep from frizzing. So hopefully I can help out you sisters with difficult hair.
My Russian is coming along a little at a time. Very little bits at a time.
As for a spiritual thought, I've mentioned before that I adore music. Especially to become uplifted or feel the spirit during the day. And there's this Alex Boye song that has been stuck in my head and on my mind for about three or four days.
It's called "I will rise". It's epic. For real.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FQb-cVwbKE
I love it because it's a simple set of lyrics with a powerful message regarding the resurrection. We will all be resurrected and judged according to our works here on Earth. The Savior atoned for our sins. The line "Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed" strikes me quite a bit. It makes me think of the pain Jesus overcame and how He was resurrected. I know that He did that for us and that He lives.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Anyway, not a very long spiritual thought because I have quite a bit to do.
Here's my pinterest, go ahead and follow me :)
http://pinterest.com/songbird1615/
Sunday, May 5, 2013
A spiritual tidbit
If you need a spiritual boost from something simple, I always find that music lifts my spirits quicker and better than anything else. So without further ado; your spiritual smorgasbord...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8r0ftjCTNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqWKuq510pI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8TNpZOdYA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2dWn8cuSg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8r0ftjCTNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqWKuq510pI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8TNpZOdYA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2dWn8cuSg
Day 2 of 46
So today was a pretty good day. Although, toward the end I had some frustration that was hard to deal with and not react to.
Anyway, today was fast and testimony meeting and I actually fasted for the first time in a while. It's really hard for me to fast because I get really shaky and sick feeling. And I wasn't going to bear my testimony but I ended up getting up there. It was really awkward because it was about 4 minutes until they usually wrap it up and end the meeting and the 2nd counselor was about to get up and end the meeting, but the bishop told him "no someone else needs to". I got up and did. They told me that happened after the meeting. It was a really cool experience and another testament that our bishop is truly inspired of God.
I didn't do any mission prep today at all. But I came to the realization that I need a blessing and I need to go to the temple this week.
I will write more tomorrow, but this evening I have gotten to be really frustrated and I need to just spend some time getting ready for the week.
Anyway, today was fast and testimony meeting and I actually fasted for the first time in a while. It's really hard for me to fast because I get really shaky and sick feeling. And I wasn't going to bear my testimony but I ended up getting up there. It was really awkward because it was about 4 minutes until they usually wrap it up and end the meeting and the 2nd counselor was about to get up and end the meeting, but the bishop told him "no someone else needs to". I got up and did. They told me that happened after the meeting. It was a really cool experience and another testament that our bishop is truly inspired of God.
I didn't do any mission prep today at all. But I came to the realization that I need a blessing and I need to go to the temple this week.
I will write more tomorrow, but this evening I have gotten to be really frustrated and I need to just spend some time getting ready for the week.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Day 1 of 46.
I started this blog to help other sisters who are preparing to go on missions or who are thinking of going on missions. And in all honesty, I haven't been able to post because I've been so busy, which is I think the best way of illustrating preparation for a mission. Especially if you're working to pay for your mission or part of it.
I work at JCPenney, a well known and generally well respected retail chain. With the new CEO, things are going back to the way they used to be and we are getting a lot of our customers back. So the past two days I worked super long shifts at the front end registers. Last night I closed (2:30 PM to 10.) and today I opened (we open at 10, but I came in at 7 AM to straighten the store.)
So the past two days have been EXTREMELY busy with a couple coupons, and sales in the store.
And, every week each associate on the floor has an expected goal to get at least one customer to apply for a JCP credit card. This week, I kid you not, I got 10. So for the month I had 11 or 12. Our goal for the month is 4. I feel really proud because I worked hard and one of my bosses recognized my effort and I was awarded this little thank you card associates sometimes get. It has a code on it and we go on a special website and choose a reward. It was nice, I got a free subscription to Rolling Stone out of it. (I collect the covers. I have a ton in a box in my closet. And I love to read the articles and music reviews.)
Anyway, so I have been working hard to do a good job in my last couple weeks at this job.
As of this moment, I have 46 days left until my departure for the provo MTC.
As of this moment, I know about 15 words in Russian. I know 3 or 4 phrases. I can recognize when you're talking about a group of people or one person individually or male or female.
I have a lot of sorting I need to do, through my clothes and through the mission stuff I already have bought. I have Sunday through Thursday off this week and I plan to use those days to my full advantage. IE, getting some shopping done, and studying Russian every possible second.
Oh! I have a couple interesting experiences from today. So, at work, when I was helping a woman apply for her credit card, she was Russian and spoke very little English. In the end, I was able to convey the necessary questions and information to her. But sadly, I did not remember any of the Russian I know at the time. I was flustered and the line was getting long. She said a couple times "Sorry, I do not understand." So I had to push myself to think of ways to communicate with her. That moment made me grit my teeth and wish I had started studying Russian earlier.
But I am making some strides.
When I got home, my sister was watching Iron man 2. In the movie, there's a part set in Russia where the bad guy was hiding out. And I recognized the language when I saw signs on the scenery in the movie. I could verbalize a couple of the letters but I did not know what they meant. BUT I am getting to the point where I know the Russian alphabet and can read it.
So there's two motivations to KEEP STUDYING :)
I haven't gotten to read the scriptures lately, so I don't really have a scripture to share. But I have been thinking a lot about the temple ever since I went through to get my endowments. Obviously now I wear garments everyday and I have noticed a change in myself. I find that I am a lot more faithful. I don't always remember to pray in the morning, at night, or before meals, but I do pray often. Probably 3 or 4 times a day at least. Today for example, I prayed in my head to be able to communicate with that woman on the credit app. I was able to get through it with grace. I prayed that I would be able to stay awake the whole day at work. I did. And I prayed for some other more personal things.
I also thought about my patriarchal blessing. I haven't read it in a long time and I think that in my few days off, I will need to really read it a few times. I plan to read it every day and before I read my scriptures.
So there you have it. Just some simple thoughts today. I am really tired right now and I want to get some other things done before church tomorrow. I am ward chorister and I need to practice the hymns a couple times before I lead the congregation tomorrow. Last sunday I didn't practice and I was so embarrassed that I messed up so bad. This sunday will be different.
I think tomorrow I will post a scripture or a story and what I read or something. Then on Monday, I'll post again. I will do my very best to make it a daily thing so that I can help some of my friends and other sisters prepare.
One tip for the day: be PATIENT with yourself. Also, time goes by quickly when you're idling your time away. Don't be idle because one day you'll have a startling realization that you have very little time left to complete the things that stand in need of completion.
I work at JCPenney, a well known and generally well respected retail chain. With the new CEO, things are going back to the way they used to be and we are getting a lot of our customers back. So the past two days I worked super long shifts at the front end registers. Last night I closed (2:30 PM to 10.) and today I opened (we open at 10, but I came in at 7 AM to straighten the store.)
So the past two days have been EXTREMELY busy with a couple coupons, and sales in the store.
And, every week each associate on the floor has an expected goal to get at least one customer to apply for a JCP credit card. This week, I kid you not, I got 10. So for the month I had 11 or 12. Our goal for the month is 4. I feel really proud because I worked hard and one of my bosses recognized my effort and I was awarded this little thank you card associates sometimes get. It has a code on it and we go on a special website and choose a reward. It was nice, I got a free subscription to Rolling Stone out of it. (I collect the covers. I have a ton in a box in my closet. And I love to read the articles and music reviews.)
Anyway, so I have been working hard to do a good job in my last couple weeks at this job.
As of this moment, I have 46 days left until my departure for the provo MTC.
As of this moment, I know about 15 words in Russian. I know 3 or 4 phrases. I can recognize when you're talking about a group of people or one person individually or male or female.
I have a lot of sorting I need to do, through my clothes and through the mission stuff I already have bought. I have Sunday through Thursday off this week and I plan to use those days to my full advantage. IE, getting some shopping done, and studying Russian every possible second.
Oh! I have a couple interesting experiences from today. So, at work, when I was helping a woman apply for her credit card, she was Russian and spoke very little English. In the end, I was able to convey the necessary questions and information to her. But sadly, I did not remember any of the Russian I know at the time. I was flustered and the line was getting long. She said a couple times "Sorry, I do not understand." So I had to push myself to think of ways to communicate with her. That moment made me grit my teeth and wish I had started studying Russian earlier.
But I am making some strides.
When I got home, my sister was watching Iron man 2. In the movie, there's a part set in Russia where the bad guy was hiding out. And I recognized the language when I saw signs on the scenery in the movie. I could verbalize a couple of the letters but I did not know what they meant. BUT I am getting to the point where I know the Russian alphabet and can read it.
So there's two motivations to KEEP STUDYING :)
I haven't gotten to read the scriptures lately, so I don't really have a scripture to share. But I have been thinking a lot about the temple ever since I went through to get my endowments. Obviously now I wear garments everyday and I have noticed a change in myself. I find that I am a lot more faithful. I don't always remember to pray in the morning, at night, or before meals, but I do pray often. Probably 3 or 4 times a day at least. Today for example, I prayed in my head to be able to communicate with that woman on the credit app. I was able to get through it with grace. I prayed that I would be able to stay awake the whole day at work. I did. And I prayed for some other more personal things.
I also thought about my patriarchal blessing. I haven't read it in a long time and I think that in my few days off, I will need to really read it a few times. I plan to read it every day and before I read my scriptures.
So there you have it. Just some simple thoughts today. I am really tired right now and I want to get some other things done before church tomorrow. I am ward chorister and I need to practice the hymns a couple times before I lead the congregation tomorrow. Last sunday I didn't practice and I was so embarrassed that I messed up so bad. This sunday will be different.
I think tomorrow I will post a scripture or a story and what I read or something. Then on Monday, I'll post again. I will do my very best to make it a daily thing so that I can help some of my friends and other sisters prepare.
One tip for the day: be PATIENT with yourself. Also, time goes by quickly when you're idling your time away. Don't be idle because one day you'll have a startling realization that you have very little time left to complete the things that stand in need of completion.
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