Tender mercies

When I went to Amanda's churches party (Baptist church) I met a ton of different people. They asked what church I went to and for some reason it was extremely hard for me to say I am a Mormon. Not that this is an excuse but when meeting new people you want them to have a good impression and sometimes when thats the first thing people know(that you are Lds) they can have the wrong impression. Such as you practice polygamy, are in a cult, have magic underwear, or they have just never really met a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. It took me almost thirty seconds to respond to the first person who asked me. I felt so ashamed of the fact that I almost couldn't say it. Like as if I had something to hide. I still am not proud of the fact that I hesitated but from now one I won't. Because I know this church is something to be proud of. Something that I want everyone to know I am apart of, that I love this Gospel and everything about it. Its apart of me and I ALWAYS want it to be. I never before had had a hard time telling people this, it is still mind boggling that it actually happened. The Lord works in mysterious ways and so does Satan. I realized that as a future missionary I will physically be wearing a nametag representing the church but until then I will emotionally and mentally be wearing one. We can all be missionaries in different ways. Sometimes its hard Sharing something that is close to us and personal but it is important that other people know who we are and what we stand for. You never know who it will influence and impact. Sharing our testimony is soo important. And I realized this as I was talking with a friend from high school in North Dakota. I had thanked her for her example and courage that she has to stand up for what she believes in. She isn't a member of the church but she recently became Christian. She is always posting inspirational thoughts and just uplifting things and I know it leaves such a good influence on people I just love it. The world needs more of it. More love, more prayers, and more Jesus.

Elder Cooks visit to BR, LA

This is what we talked about on Sunday:
-We need to look like, act like, and groom like a latter day saint so we can be saved. If we have the appearance, the character, and the attire that we belong to this church than it is far easier to be living the way we are supposed to be.
-Satan can disguise himself as anything. It can be something good or something thats not bad at all. But it will be something that can and will take us a step away from God. A step away from where we need to be. We need to recognize these things and look for the best opportunities in our lives, the ones that bring us the closest to our heavenly father.
- It doesn't always matter where we live. Temples are all over the world so that members can be all over the world. There are just 3 things to always remember. 1- build zion in our hearts and in our homes 2- be an example wherever we go 3- focus our family and goals on the temple. This is the key to success wherever we are.

So it was a really good conference with Elder Cook:) I loved being able to shake his hand and sing in the choir for him. Such an amazing day!

End of January party

Spent some time watching Lsu mens lacrosse team win against ole miss. It was so fun to watch lacrosse in person again! I sang in a choir for elder cook on Sunday and it went awesome! And had an amazing superbowl party with friends from my ward. So I would say it was a very successful week. Plus Mardi Gras is coming soon and carnival (what they call their celebrating before the actual daybor Mardi Gras) has been going on so it has been super fun and interesting to see all of it. Plus King cake is amazing.
I also went to Amanda's churches party and met some new people!

Also spent sister Dixon's birthday with her. Taylor and I took them out to celebrate! 

A beautiful past couple of days

The past four days have been amazing weather! 65-73 degrees. Unfortunately it ends tonight and will be colder but it has been lovely. I love being able to go running at night in January.

January 20th 2015

I officially started my mission papers today. Exciting news!
I spoke in sacrament on Sunday, on faith and testimony. It went good thankfully. I am still staying pretty busy and I am thankful for it I guess.
This is a picture of Sister Dixon and I from Sunday. She is a missionary here and has been here since I have. I love her dearly we have become such great friends and she is from Draper Utah! I love teaching lessons with the missionaries and I can't wait to receive my own mission call.

Exciting(ish) moments

This week was full of some exciting moments and some sad moments. Like my passport came in the mail, got my nails done,  and finished writing my talk for sacrament next week! But unfortunately the cowboys lost.

I have stayed pretty busy since I got back here and looks like I will be busy until we get back from the cruise.  Which is mostly good. So until March I am crazy booked with things on a to do list. But its all super exciting. Love and miss all of y'all! I greatly appreciate your support that has been given and is continued to be gave.

New Year's Eve

Had a party that started at our bishops house then we all drove downtown to see the fireworks/concert. The fireworks were over the Mississippi River so that was pretty cool!