June 20th 2014: The Start of Something New
Well, I've done something AWESOME lately. I've started my mission papers, and submitted them to my bishop!
and just a little hint. My parents have absolutely no idea. Actually no one really does, besides a few friends. I'm not trying to be mean or secretive, I just want my parents to focus solely on my brother leaving, he's really excited, and I want this to be a big deal for him. Also, I want to be able to make this decision over and over again, without any outside pressures. I'm a sucker for peer pressure.
I believe a mission is less about where you are going, and more about what you're going to do once you get there. I love the huge gatherings, the large spreading of the spirit being felt at the letter openings of missionaries, I love that people get to share their testimony and the beauty of the choice of going on a mission with all those they know and love. A lot of people get to feel the spirit that day due to a missionary opening his letter and them being invited.
& that is great.
But I'm not like that. I want my mission call to be a sacred experience shared with my family and my closest friends. I want this to be between me, The Lord, and my Family.
So. If you're reading this and wondering why you were left out of the loop or why you didn't get invited, just know that it was not personal at all. I love all of you the same, I just needed this to be mine.(:
{lets be real. If I can surprise my parents and just whip out a white envelope, that'll be awesome.}
July 14th 2014 I Love to See the Temple
I've been waiting ever so patiently, and it is so hard to keep it a secret. My brother, Drake, went through the draper temple and GOODNESS the spirit was so strong. I know this church is true, I know Heavenly Father loves me and He has a plan for me and for all of you reading this. Whether our plans include doing things we don't like, or doing things we do like, there is no going against The Lord. He only gives us hard times and hard choices because He wants us to become better and grow closer to Him. I'm having a lot of thoughts regarding a mission and lately its been really hard trying to sort them all out, but I know that as long as I stay close to The Lord, He'll take care of me and guide me to the right choices. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I know it, I live it, I LOVE IT.
July 23rd 2014 - Miracles & Blessings
To say that making the 'mission decision' is easy, is a huge lie. Deciding to go on a mission is a constant thought of if's and should's and maybe's. Very few people or places give me comfort, but thank goodness for the temple. The Timpanogos Temple always calms me down, even by just simply walking on it's grounds.
Yesterday, I got an extremely brilliant job offer. I'm filling in for a gal at my work, Cara, while she's recovering from a serious bike accident, as a Temp. In that time, I'll get a bit of a raise, a learn new skills, work more hours, and get to leave when I need too. I cannot believe how The Lord watches over me. I know that he loves me, and wants what is best for me and my future. I feel so incredibly loved, and I urge you to look for the ways in your life that The Lord blesses and protects you.
Even if, in the end, a mission is not right, at that point I can leave and find a new job. and I feel really calm and peaceful about that. I know that as long as I'm doing my part, The Lord will not let me fall. He is my God, and He will give me aid.
August 7th 2014: "I hope they call me on a mission..."
The day has arrived. I know that I'm going on a mission and I couldn't be more excited!! It was such a hard decision for me, even after I finished my papers I was relying on the Lord to help me submit them. With so much social pressure and uncertainty, I needed to take a break, breathe, pray, and attend the temple. I needed to imagine both sides of my life, and figure out which road I wanted to take.
At the end of the day, I knew that I wanted to follow The Lord, even if it means leaving a adorable family, a amazing boyfriend, and my two closest friends. I'm not exactly sure all of the reasons I'm going, but I do know this. Heavenly Father knows, He understands why I'll need this, who I can impact, and how this will help me for years to come.
I didn't know that I wanted to go on a mission until decided not to go. I started my papers almost 2 years ago, and realized I was going for the wrong reasons, I had a desire to travel, not to serve. I'm so glad I realized that before I submitted them. I was able to stay another year in school, serve on the LDS Institute Council at Utah Valley University and grow with a group of people who changed my life. I was able to attend a new singles ward and fall in love with the people (especially my sweet relief society sisters) and that's where my love for the gospel grew and made me realize that the time was right for me to serve a mission. I may have been stubborn at first, but I chose to follow The Lord, and go. The plan and the timing are right, and I know that I want to do this.
The Lord loves all of his children, and He has a plan for each and every one of us, and He's watching over you. Always. If you ever need to remember that, just pray. He is waiting to hear from you.
I'm so nervous and excited and sad and happy, but over-all I feel ready. READY. I'm ready to go wherever, immerse myself in the gospel, love the people, and bring them to Christ.
August 14th 2014: Dear Sister Puzey...
Well, the day and the call have came. I told my parents and they didn't believe it, but its very real my friends, very real indeed.
"Dear Sister Puzey,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the ITALY ROME mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday October 29, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Italian language. "
The rest of letter, is beautiful. It talks about the blessings and commandments of being a missionary, and I know that we always get more from The Lord than we could ever give to him. I'm so incredibly excited, humbled, and most of all grateful to have this opportunity.
Referring to my more recent post, I did not get a much wanted job in Italy this summer, and now I know why. The Lord wanted me there to preach, and to serve, in His own time. Out of all the places, I wanted to go here, and I came to terms with NOT going here, and I agreed that if needed, I could learn to kill big spiders, or eat chicken hearts or be an hour away from my parents. When I gave The Lord control over my life, He gave me a life I never knew was possible.
I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is TRUE. I know that we have a living prophet today, and that he receives modern-day revelation. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true and it will change your life. I know that The Lord loves us, knows us, and watches out for us. I know that through the atonement, we can do anything. I'm so grateful for the gospel and I cannot wait to share it.
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