The Homecoming Of Hermana Jorgensen!

I can't let the month of September go by without writing about Lexie's return from her church mission. She flew in late on a warm Tuesday night in August around 11pm and I couldn't believe how awake I was. It was so nice to have had all my crew to welcome her home including one of her dearest friends from high school. Owen is literally one of my favorites and he has always treated Lexie with respect. He was such a great sport to have waited with us so late and to have visited with us before we left. She was super excited to see him and we were super thrilled to see her. I could tell she needed mom hugs more than anything. I'm sure every missionary who returns home is so thankful to have survived and made it home to their families. Especially during a pandemic and I am extremely grateful that The Lord watched out for our daughter these past 16 months. What an amazing feeling to have her home with us and that she will be here with us until Christmas! Now that's exciting. 

Now for some welcome home photos...

One Year Church Mission Anniversary!

Today marks one year since our hermanitas mission began and we are so proud of all the work she has done n not only in sharing the gospel but in serving others in the simplest of ways. Serving in Arizona has brought her many adventures and unique experiences. Her emails are interesting and funny and I look forward to reading them every week. There were times where she didn't send one but nonetheless she keeps us posted and the fact that she had Covid and has since then recovered from it recently prevented her from writing so much. But as she wrote in one of her recent emails... the work goes on and advises us to do the same and look for the miracles. To be kind through a smile or a wave. To remind us that we all have the capacity to be a better person and to spread the love out there. I love her so much and she is literally my rock.

Life for her has been very unique these days. Being a missionary during a pandemic has been extremely different for her as it has been for all the missionaries who are currently serving right now. Her and her dad will exchange missionary experiences and talk about how indeed times have changed from when he served 30 years ago-without a pandemic! They have so much in common and it makes me happy to hear them have these spiritual discussions. These missionaries have so much to endure, and because some areas still can't enter into peoples homes have found ways to be creative. Their creativity expresses love and devotion and it shows through her smile in photos and her words in her emails. Her example is a strength to all of us and we can't wait for her to come home to us in six months! 

Lexie Lately: A Farewell To Her First Missionary Companion & How 'Change' Blesses Her Life On Her Mission.

She reminded her of her younger sister Chelsea which is why they got along so well. Yeah, like literal sisters. They each had their own different views but somehow got along. They leaned and learned a lot from each other even when times got hard because isn't that how people...particularly church missionaries spiritually grow? Together. Discussing about who their teaching and sharing the gospel to. Creating. Finding ways to reach out to others in a pandemic especially when they are still quarantined in Arizona. But life goes on, and transfers come. Missionary companions will come and go. Investigators who are interested in the church will also come and go, or stay. And then a new missionary arrives and it starts all over again. Growing and learning something new from each missionary. And perhaps even investigators. Being teachable to every one they meet. Lexie continues to love her mission in spite of change. She knows this is what it's all about and how she sees change as a blessing.

Hermana Cook seemed kind and I for one was glad to have met her via Facebook when I would talk to Lexie. She even wrote me a letter! She was a pretty good first companion but her time has come to transfer and for Lexie to have a new sister! Farewell Hermana Cook! 

More photos below:

Lexie Lately: 4th Of July Weekend!

Talking to Lexie twice a week feels like as if she's still in college and the weeks without her continue to fly by.  I miss her presence in our home but technology is a miracle and a blessing and we absolute enjoy hearing about her week and the weekend on Mondays. We recently talked about the 4th of July and how she celebrated the holiday in Arizona. One thing for sure is that she is the life of a "missionary party." Her photos literally brighten my Monday's when she emails them. You're missing out on her musings which sometimes have grammatical errors but blame that on typing it from her smartphone and the fact that she wants to type in spanish instead of English.  Ha Ha! She probably takes after me in that department! Luckily I get the gist of her emails and they are wonderfully written. 

No matter what her days bring she truly relies on hope and faith in God. In her email last week she mentioned how neighboring communities go all out for the fourth and how united all the missionaries are in her district. She has more ups and fun with her sisters than lows. Even when things don't go as planned after one has lost interest or is not ready in the Lord's gospel her faith is unwavering and she continues to stand tall and love her mission more and more...and she is humbled.

Lexie Lately: 100 Days of Quarantine As A Mission, Four Months As A Missionary But Technically Six Weeks In The Field!

Reading Lexie's emails sparks so many thoughts in my head and because she is my daughter can't help but to wish I can help her somehow. I know I can pray, but sometimes we need so much more than that. And one thing that has helped me is having faith. And I know that hanging on to faith is what helps her. If you read her emails you'll understand why I am writing this.

I know that we all lead busy lives right now whether we work from home or not but for those of us who know all about the missionaries from the church of Jesus Christ and what they do I plead with you to please make time for them.

Lexie Lately In Tempe: Three Months In the Mission Field.

When we spoke with Lexie last week she mentioned to us how she has already been on her mission for three months. "THREE months." Technically she's only been in the mission field for two weeks but she still can't believe that between learning the language in the MTC in Mexico City, being quarantined at home for seven weeks then finally leaving to Arizona it all added up to three months. But who's counting. She continues to shelter in place with five other sisters living in a huge house and her dad even recommended cold calling from a phone book (if they still exist) to share the gospel. Take it from one who did that in the 90's as a missionary with excellent results as well as being a sales guy. Very easy to do if you're fearless! She took him up on that and also connected with people via Facebook and had some luck! They met their goal of five people and two "went to church" via zoom last Sunday! Awesome experiences this sis of ours is having in her second week of her mission. Sure she's had a couple of lows but nothing that she can't handle. Her unwavering faith is amazing and she knows the gospel brings truth and light when it's read and seriously studied with a lot of prayer involved. She has learned that more now than ever before and it shows! So proud of her!

Lexie Lately: Second Time Is A Charm!

It's been seven weeks since Lexie returned home from the MTC in Mexico City and like all other missionaries was waiting to hear when she would be back in the field. We finally got word from our stake president that Lexie's itinerary for travel will be on May 12! That was today and in spite of all the feels she was so excited for this day to come! I'm just so happy that she was spared to spend one last Mother's Day with me! Her time with us has been fun and productive and we made many more memories with her. I know that time will pass quickly and that she will be home before we know it. The Lord is in charge and in spite of the pandemic which is still happening know she will be in good hands. She is needed out in the world and the people of Tempe Arizona will be very lucky to have her  and to know her! She truly is a special spirit and you can see it in her face as we say our goodbyes how happy she is for this day to come! 

Released Over Conference Weekend.

The weekend of general conference will certainly be one to remember. Not only were the talks given amazing and inspiring, they were thought provoking. And the fact that our daughter was released from her mission that weekend is something that I'll never forget. I never thought that a global pandemic would disrupt the missionaries from furthering the work of The Lord. The day she called telling me she had to leave Mexico to return home to finish her training online was mind boggling.  Little did we know that those two weeks would turn into an unknown date as to when she will return to the mission field. All missionaries who came home from different countries were released that week and my heart was breaking for her knowing that her time to be released was coming.

The Only Missionary Who Was Waiting At The Curb At Newark Airport.

I know this is old news but I wanted to express how thankful I am that Lexie arrived home safe and sound last week. Even though she was rushed to leave the country from Mexico City it was nice knowing that she wasn't among the 1600 plus missionaries who arrived in Utah. I also count my blessings for not living in Utah (lived there experienced that) and that she and her companions were the only missionaries at LAX to switch planes and that she was the only missionary at the Newark airport to pick up! After reading this article on how sooooooooo many families in Salt Lake City were NOT waiting at the curb for their missionary but instead were allllllllll NOT practicing social distancing blew my mind! It didn't surprise me with that many missionary families did not follow protocol. I get that families were excited to greet and have their missionary home, and maybe they feel invincible from this virus but they really should have practiced caution. I only hope that none of those missionaries or their families got infected because of NOT social distancing and minding protocol. 

Lexie Lately: Home From The MTC For A Two Week Quarantine.

I knew sooner or later that Lexie was either going to come home to be quarantined for awhile or go straight to the mission field once it was announced that all U.S. citizens must leave the country. So when Lexie phoned me this past Sunday to let me know what was happening and how quickly she was leaving was excited, confused and sad for her at the same time. Excited because after four weeks of being away on her mission I was going to see her again, confused because I wondered why she was coming back to Jersey where there are more cases of covid19 here than in Mexico City or Arizona, and sad for her because she was truly going to miss learning with her mission peeps whom she grew to love at the MTC. I could literally hear the tears over the phone as she was sharing her beautiful testimony of her love for God, and friendship. 

Lexie Lately In Mexico City MTC - Week Three.

"Although hearing the news about everything back at home and some missions being closed blows my mind. It's insane how things are happening but I know that we will all be okay and just have trust in the Lord. It's crazy so many of the devotionals that we've been having, I feel like they are meant for me. And it's comforting to know that we have an older brother always looking out for us." 

That was a snippet from Hermana Jorgensen's email today. It just brings me peace knowing that she is safe surrounded by others who are there for the same reason. To study and to know God more. To spiritually grow. To have a refuge of peace and love. And because of her faiths knows "what will be will be." Things are not too bad where she is at compared to here in Jersey, but because of the fact that I know our Father in Heaven is looking down on us I know that we will be ok. We cannot let fear take over our life and allow the chaos to make us forget all about humanity and what the purpose of life really is. The smile on her face in all these photos are all too real and it just shows me that she is loving the missionary training center even though there is a lot to learn! And she is blessed to have these eight other people in her life! 

Lexie Lately In Mexico City MTC- Week Two.

With everything that’s going on in the world with the Coronavirus having a missionary in the field is my solace and a blessing. Video chatting with mi hermanita & receiving these photos of the one place that brings her and I peace totally made my day. Although there were a few missionaries who were puking and had explosive diarrhea she was one of the few who didn't get sick. They are all doing better now and some of them were able to go to the temple. She's doing well, and I am just so glad she made it to Mexico City in time before all the closures.

Lexie Lately At The MTC In Mexico City!

Surprise video chat call from Lexie happened last Saturday due to arriving midweek & not having a p-day (for those who don’t know what a p-day is it’s a preparation day which is a free day for missionaries where they do their laundry, errands, clean apartment, write letters and call family only) Not only is she enjoying the beautiful weather while hearing the constant sounds of colorful birds chirping she’s super excited to learn and grow with The Lord. She knows what her purpose is as a missionary & what she needs to do. And even though there is a lot to study she finds joy in the work. The Spanish Language is coming pretty easy for her. It is amazing how in the three days she has been there she has spoken more Spanish than ever before! She's in a trio companionship and lucky for her they are all going to serve in Tempe too! I am truly happy for her and as we spoke with her we saw the glow of joy on her face just as you see in these photos. Video chatting with her was the best and I’m so glad I’ll be able to do that each week until she comes home!

Farewell To Elder Johnson.

First and foremost I'd like to say that all missionaries from our church serving all over the world are amazing, and that i've met some who are super awesome. It's very rare that I write about a missionary who served in our church, (unless your my husband, Sisters Barton, Ricks, Moeia, Nichols, Jensen, LeFevre, Nutting, and my fave...Stacie, but I'd be remiss if i didn't add Elder Johnson to my list.

When A Missionary Comes Home Early.

"After much thought and prayer, I've come to the conclusion that a mission is not in my plans. The MTC was a trying, yet beautiful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met some amazing missionaries, my companions were wonderful sisters, and the language was easy to pick up. But I've come home and am at peace with my decision. The testimony I have for mission work, for families, and for the scriptures have grown tremendously. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful for my experience. If you're preparing to serve or thinking about serving, please earnestly pray about your decision, and go! It'll change your life. My time as a missionary may have been short, but I'm still excited to teach others about this beautiful gospel and I know my mission on earth is not over. I appreciate the sacrifice missionaries make, it is not easy. But it's worth it. I am proud to be a Mormon, and I know this gospel is meant to bring people to God and create happiness in their lives."-Sister Sierra Jorgensen 

My daughter posted this status on her Facebook last Friday to let everyone know of her returning home early from the MTC. All i have to say is that I'm so proud of her for having the desire to serve the Lord, and for taking it as far as she did. Heavenly Father certainly knows His children, and if you knew my daughter, and I mean really knew her, you would come to know that she is an amazing girl, a true sweetheart, and someone who would literally be there for you at the drop of a hat whenever someone is in need. 

The few weeks that she spent at the MTC was all the time she needed to focus, learn, and to spiritually grow. To truly know that the scriptures are to never be taken for granted, that families are forever, and to never take family for granted either. She needed to be there for that short time to prove to the Lord that after all her praying, and preparation for a mission that all she needed was to make it all the way to the MTC to learn the language, but after much thought and prayer in the temple, realized from the divine that she is destined for something else, but not to serve an 18 month mission in the Philippines. 

But most of all...to listen to her answer.

In the church I attend we are all considered a missionary, and when it comes to serving a mission, it is not a priesthood responsibility for our daughters. I was so excited knowing that she was willing to serve, but even more at peace knowing that she's is happy, and at peace too. Sure I was a bit in shock when I received that phone call because of how excited she was when she got her mission call, but when she told us what prompted her to pray about coming home, our main focus was making sure she was alright, and that she did everything correct while making her decision.   

I was very impressed hearing as to how she came about her answer, and knowing that she prayed to Heavenly Father about the feelings she was experiencing while in the MTC, and to actually feel that burning in her bosom when she received her answer is a testament to how in tune she was in listening to her response coming from the divine. And no matter how much she wanted it to be a different answer, and how wonderful serving in the Philippines sounded, she knew she couldn't go against that prompting. She was honest, and brave, and we are so pleased with her in obeying that answer, and not going against it. That's true discipleship if you ask me. 

A few days after she came home I asked her what she missed most about the MTC. Her response, "I mostly miss the classes because they helped me grow spiritually, and my missionary companions because they all brought something in my life that I needed." She still continues to keep in touch with them through emails, and is happy to hear how well they're doing...without any regret.

I have no doubt that things will work out for her. She has goals, and is very ambitious, and who knows what the future has in store for her, but for now she is at peace with herself, and is happy where she's at, and that's all that matters. 

As a parent it's important to support our children in all that they do...especially when a missionary comes home early. She is certainly not the first, and won't be the last. I have various friends who have had missionaries come home early, and for different reasons, but what is most relevant to the situation is not the "why's", the "how could you's", the stares, or the whisperings we may get behind our backs, but the "it's okay's", the smiles, and the true fellowshipping. The Lord is in charge, and knows exactly what is best for all of us. Missionaries coming home early is becoming more common these days, and what they need first and foremost is unconditional love, and support. 

I'm grateful for the gospel, and that Sierra has a testimony of it, and that she's not afraid to share it with others. Even if it will be in her community, at school, or at work. She will always be a first class sister no matter what!

Welcome home mama! (I can call you that now!) 

We love you girlie! (i can call you that too!) 

xoxo

Meeting Stephanie Nielsen, & Appreciating the Gospel.

"Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice, but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times, and in all places." -Dallin H. Oaks

Now it's very rare that I post or go on social media on Sundays, but this past Sunday I couldn't help but to scroll down my feed, and look on Stephanie Nielsen's Instagram, because every Sunday she always posts a photo of her sweet family along with an inspirational message. When Sierra emailed me to let me know that she finally met one of my favorite bloggers I knew who she was referring too. Then again I had seen it on Instagram way before her email! 

She mentioned that they have some time on Sundays to go to the temple for a walk, and as she and a few other sisters were walking noticed the Nielsen family. They all wanted to take a picture with them, and then afterwards she approached Stephanie to let her know how much I adored her, her blog, and her book. In return Stephanie told Sierra to let me know that she loves me, and thanked her. That really made my week, and it's so nice that Sierra was able to meet such an inspiring woman who has been through a very hard ordeal. 

I think it's moments like this where Sierra feels strengthened, and seeing how other people have endured harder trials, but in a different way helps her to become even closer to her Heavenly Father. She loves learning, and making new friends. It's amazing to hear how quickly she has picked up the language. She also mentioned how she can bear her testimony in tagalog, and speak in tagalog while sharing the gospel. The gift of tongues is truly amazing, and she truly has felt the spirit more than ever before. In her last email there was a girl she was teaching named April, and this past Sunday got baptized. She was so happy, and being able to go to the temple was the icing on the cake to end her week. She loves her zone, and her companion. She sounds like she's doing well, but I still pray my heart out for her.

I ask that y'all continue to pray for her and all the other missionaries. These brothers and sisters sacrifice so much, and learn so much while being there. Just talking to my husband about the MTC, and how he mentioned how intense the learning can be especially when learning another language can be tough, but it seems that Sierra is grasping on very quickly and appreciating the gospel more now, than ever before. 

When Faced With Adversity.

So we finally heard from Sierra, and now that we know that her preparation day is on Thursdays we can hope to expect emails from her on a weekly basis. I can't even begin to tell you how anxious I was feeling when I hadn't heard from her! Jon just kept telling me to be patient, and that her p-day could be any day of the week. I know she's in good hands, and all, but still...she's my baby! And I'm a rookie missionary mom learning as my firstborn is serving a mission! We were just so glad to have finally heard from her. Her email was short, but mentioned she's doing well. She admits it's a bit lonely at times, but we reminded her that she is never alone, and that Heavenly Father is always there for her. She also mentioned going to the temple with other missionaries in her zone, and how that helped uplift her. I'm sure we'll hear from her more as the weeks pass us by, but for now she says that the MTC is a "spiritual high prison." Not sure if I should take that as a compliment, but overall she seemed fine. Thank goodness for weekly emails! So after hearing from her yesterday I thought about the sunday school lesson we had at church this past Sunday, and I mentioned it to her in my response to her email. 

In my husbands sunday school class he pointed something out on a very important question that was asked as to why we face adversity. Two answers were given: one, for the righteous to be blessed, and second, for others to be called to repentance. Totally not the answer I thought about in our lesson, but after hearing those answers over, and over again in my head...they ring so true. 

I know this because we have totally been through it as a couple, as a family, and I, as an individual before, and after joining the church. So when I emailed Sierra on that particular subject I reminded her that in order for us to learn that we have to face adversity in order for us to be blessed. We need adversity to help us grow, to get uncomfortable, and to be blessed by the challenges once we've endured them. I told her that if she goes through any challenges in the MTC such as learning the language, or feeling homesick, or second guessing herself at being a missionary that all she has to do is have faith, and pray her heart out to Heavenly Father. My husband reminded her that the gift of tounges is amazing, and that the holy ghost will guide her every step of the way. 

A couple of weeks ago we gathered as a family in the living room, and listened to her farewell talk for family home evening. She sounded so confident, and true. We discussed her talk afterwards to our kids, and explained to them how in order for their sister to be where she's at today she had to go through some pretty rough patches. 

Adversity. 

I'm sure that the Lord is going to lead her to the right people in the mission field who have been through her similar cirumstances. I know that she's going to be empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgemental because she's "lived in the world." She is really anchored in the gospel, and has a firm testimony on the atonement. It's so amazing to hear her words on that topic, and how mature she sounded. I know that in the next 18 months her testimony will grow, and that she will prosper not only within herself as a person, but in the gospel as well. 

I want to share another snippet from her farewell talk in hopes that if some of us are struggling with adversity, or in understanding the atonement that it will help. 

"One aspect of the gospel that really stood out at me was the Atonement. How it really does help in our lives, and the power of the "Grace of God", and what it can do for a missionary. The grace that God gives us is immeasurable to anything we can comprehend. 

In Brad Wilcox's talk titled, "His Grace is Sufficient" he compares Grace to a piano player. (Of course she had to add that particular part of the talk because she's a pianist!) "But don't you realize how hard it is to practice the piano? I'm just not very good at it. I hit a lot of wrong notes. It takes me forever to get it right." 

Now, isn't that all part of the learning process? When a young pianist hits a wrong note, we don't say he is not worthy to keep practicing. We don't expect him to be flawless. We can just expect him to keep trying. Perfection may be his ultimate goal, but for now we can be content with progress in the right direction. Why is this perspective so easy to see in the context of learning piano, but so hard to see in the context of learning heaven? Too many are giving up on the church because they are tired of constantly feeling like they are just falling short. They have tried in the past, but they continually feel like they're just not good enough. They don't understand grace. There should never be just two options: perfection, or giving up. When learning the piano, are the only options performing at Carnegie hall, or quitting? 

No. 

Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives." 

I really enjoyed that part of her talk, because it really resonated with me at one point. Even today there are times when it would be nice if we could just get a break from all the trials we face, but if we understand grace, and apply the atonement in our lives I firmly believe that things will work out, and when we turn our hearts to God all will be well. No matter how much I'd like to throw in the towel, I just won't. 

Because in the end, living the life I live while facing adversity will all be worth it, and that'll be because I chose for it to be." 

Have a wonderful weekend folks, and I'll continue to keep you updated on emails from our dear sister! If you have a moment, please write to her too! I know she'll love that! She'll be in the MTC in Provo until the end of March!  

Provo MTC address:
Sister Sierra Jorgensen
MAR30 PHI-URD
2005 N. 900 E. Unit 204
Provo, UT 84602

And The Gospel Continues To Be Shared...

I am going to rewind a bit to the day Sierra had her open house. There are so many things I want to share about Sierra's special day, and because I wasn't there to help her in any way physically, I went to town texting, and calling my friends I left behind in Utah all about my daughter's missionary farewell! I am grateful for the many friends that showed up to express their love, and support to her. 

But there is one particular person that I am most grateful for showing up, and the words "thank you" don't seem like enough. This one person (along with this other dear friend who couldn't make it) were there for me 23 years ago while I was investigating the church. 

// My dear friend Susanna, (who I knew as Sister Lee) taught me the gospel, and here she is with our lovely daughter! //

I don't want to be prolix in sharing every single detail of how I became a member because you can read my entire conversion story in this post. It's amazing to look back at that post, and see myself in a different light. Sometimes it's hard for me to fathom it! Who knew that because of my joining the church, I'd marry a wonderful man in the church, have children, and almost 24 years later have my firstborn serving a mission! Unbelievable, and remarkable at the same time! 

The Lord definitely knows our plan in this life, and because of Heavenly Father's plan I know that I had to endure every single thing that I have come to pass on this earth until now, and the same goes for my family. In order for all of us to be where we are at in this life we had to endure all things. And for our oldest daughter to be where she's at today...serving a mission. 

I want to share a snippet from her farewell talk that relates to this post. I can't even begin to express my gratitude to her in deciding to serve a mission, because she is indeed going to have a huge impact on so many people. I know that for a fact because two missionaries had a huge impact on my life! 

"Now, we all know the Atonement accounts for two parts of death...physical, and spiritual. Physical death is the first part that we all have the right of overcoming. But the second part, the spiritual death, is an aspect that everyone on this earth has to attain. We are not entitled to overcome spiritual death, it is a reward we must work towards. 

As a missionary, I'm going to the Philippines to remind those who've lived without the gospel, that they chose to come here. In the pre-mortal existence, everyone who has a body on this earth wanted to follow God's plan, and volunteered to come here, go through an individual experience of trials, tribulations, and lessons that would help us to remember our life before, and have the opportunity to come back to Him. Unfortunately, we also passed through "the veil", and that hindered our ability to retain all of our spiritual knowledge of the life hereafter, of God's plan of happiness. Missionaries help bridge that gap. We are some of the ones who help others realize their purpose on Earth, and recognize the spirit and what a beautiful change it can bring." 

I know from experience that missionaries do help bridge that gap because they helped me along the way. They helped me to understand what the atonement meant, and what i needed to do in order to be clean again. I know for a surety that the atonement is real. Without it I would not be who I am today. For many of you who somewhat knew how I used to be in my younger years should be a testament to my actions today. I love the Lord, and with all the imperfections I am given I know that I can continue to work on them. Although I may have a few small regrets I am grateful for the hard experiences I endured thoughout my life until now because without them, I wouldn't be challenged enough to grow spiritually. 

Our daughter's past, like mine, has been dotted with "stupid actions" (those are her words.) But without the repentance process, and the opportunity to turn ourselves around, and be able to be clean before Him once again, she would have never considered a mission. And for that I am truly grateful. 

And so I end this post with a quote from her favorite apostles (and mine too) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. This talk was given back in 2000 when he spoke at the Provo MTC. 

"Throughout the teaching experience, missionaries must bear testimony of the Savior, and His gift of salvation to us. Obviously you should bear testimony regularly of all the principles you are teaching, but it is especially important that you bear testimony of this central doctrine in the plan of our Heavenly Father. There are several reasons for bearing testimony. One, is that when you declare the truth, it will bring an echo, a memory, even if it is an unconscious memory to the investigator, that they have heard this truth before--and of course they have. A missionary's testimony invokes a great legacy of testimony dating back to the councils in heaven before this world was. There, in an earlier place, these same people heard this same plan outlined, and heard there the role that Jesus Christ would play in their salvation." 

Elder Holland's words ring true, and as I was being taught the gospel I knew immediately that what I was learning was true. I wanted to change my path in the life I was living. I was tired of not succeeding, being a failure, feeling as if I was truly alone. I wanted to make sure that through all the abuse I endured that I was still loved by God. It was then when the sisters stepped foot inside the small apartment I was living in with my mom that I wasn't alone. That I wasn't a failure. That I was supposed to have endured all those things. And that I chose to come here to work at gaining eternal life. That Heavenly Father is there for me. That He has a plan, a way to where I can value my life now, and in the eternities. 

So thankful for the missionaries that saved my life, for the restored gospel that puts everything in perspective, and that our daughter has chosen to serve a mission. That she is out there learning a different language, and growing more by being around other missionaries in becoming more knowledgeable with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The word of God is amazing. It truly brings an unspeakable happiness that sometimes I just can't explain. It's a warmth, a joy, a fulfilling "drug" if you will, that is needed on a daily basis, and like the Bible, I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that it was restored for us today so that we can learn from it. So that one day we can return back to our Father in Heaven in full glory without feeling any guilt. I know that if we try each day to correct our wrongs, and just love without any backlashing, backbiting, or unfriendliness, that the Lord will help us to be better. I know this is true. I see it in myself everyday. The harder I try, the happier I am. The more I love, the more joy I have. The more I put the Lord first with His teachings, the stronger I become. 

If you are interested in learning more about the missionaries, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, please don't hesitate to email me or log onto lds.org. to learn more. I can even send you a Book of Mormon for free! There are missionaries all over the world who can contact you too! 

**Also...if you want to send our sister Sierra any letters while she's in the MTC please do so! I know she'd love snail mail. She'll be there until the end of March! 

Provo MTC address:
Sister Sierra Jorgensen
MAR30 PHI-URD
2005 N. 900 E. Unit 204
Provo, UT 84602

Temple Day With Sierra!

Yesterday I totally balled like a baby when I saw my daughter in her temple dress getting ready to go through for the first time. I hugged her so tight, and cried so hard. It was a surreal moment for me, and something that I still can't believe has happened. Not because she wasn't ready, but because she was indeed ready, and in my eyes she'll always be my baby girl. If I cried this much while she went through the temple for her mission, I can't even imagine how I'm going to react when the time comes for her to get married! I'm sure it'll be easier as each kid grows up, and although I see all my kids as special individuals this one has come along way in all that she has done, and prepared to get to this spiritual point in her life. 

And I hope she'll never forget it! 

Here are a few photos from our special day! 

 // Even in the middle of winter, attending the temple is a beautiful place. The weather was perfect. No freezing temps, and good enough to snap a few shots without our coats on! //

 // Okay...some random lady snapped this shot of us in a hurry, and it's the only one she took. Not the best quality, but in my eyes it's picture perfect! Thanks to sierra's editing expertise! ///

// After the temple we at ate 2 Amys which is literally the best pizza in the District! //

 // A very nice man offered to take our photo as Jon was pulling the car closer to the visitors center. It was such a sunny day, and I think he captured this shot perfectly! //

// Proud papa. //

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "The temple is a point of intersection between heaven and earth. In this sacred place, holy work will be performed through selfless service, and love. The temple reminds me of all that is good, and beautiful in this world." 

I'm so grateful for the temples that are built upon this earth that strengthens, and binds us together as eternal families. Sierra is going to experience a lot as she departs to the Philippines to share the joy that comes from the Lord, the goodness that's inside of her, and the reason behind what helps her stand firm. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what helps us hang on to the modern chaos that occurs in the world, and as President Hinckley stated... going to the temple is one thing that helps us to remember that life is beautiful. 

For spiritual inspiration read this. 

Here's to a great weekend! 

One Last Hurrah Before Her Mission.

I tell ya, no matter what life throws at us January just keeps getting better and better. I love how this year has begun with Sierra getting her mission call, and in spite of our van breaking down recently we are extremely grateful for generous friends to be lending us their car until we fix ours. 

With Sierra leaving in February, and since we won't be able to fly out to Utah to see her off at the MTC in Provo we decided she'd fly out to Jersey for one last hurrah. Not only to spend quality time with us, but to receive her endowments at the temple as well. 

She arrived yesterday, and the first thing she wanted to do was grab some grub at Waffle House. Just the two of us! We didn't get to take her on her last visit, and being the cool mom that I am drove out to the closest one which is in Maryland, and granted her request. 

Her siblings are always happy to see her, and in all honesty it feels as if she was just here yesterday. There are days when I feel she is still living here. The fact that she still has some of her stuff here reminds me that she is. We love her presence, and the spirit that she brings into our home. Oh the people in the Philippines are going to adore her! 

With her leaving next month there is so much for her to do with so little time, but pretty much has accomplished a few things since quitting her job, and before flying out to see us. One thing I'm excited for her is the opportunity she'll have to finally enter the temple with us, and for her to be here for both of her sisters birthdays. It is going to be a busy weekend for us, but are going to make this one last visit with her count before she is off for 18 months! 

I am so thankful for this time we get to spend with her, and look forward to her adventures once she departs, and begins her mission. 

Hope 2016 continues to be a great one, and if it has started off with sadness, bad news, or any kind of negativity remember to always think positive, and keep going! We are all in this together! 

Happy Wednesday!