Happy Christmas Break!

We made it! This is the last week of the semester! Good luck to all who have finals this week, and good luck to all who have work projects due before the holiday. Don't forget to do your visiting teaching and alleviate some of the stress that will probably be present this week.

Announcements:
1. Next Sunday and the one after that, the 22nd and 29th, there will be a combined Stake Sacrament meeting @10am @ the Pioneer Building. That is located at 900W 100N here in Provo. There will be a munch and mingle afterwards.
2. If anyone is staying in the area longer than desirable and find themselves spending a few days without family, Bishop has offered to let y'all stop by and spend time with his family.
3. Travel safe! We love you and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

Here's the lesson recap for today. Brittany Bailey did a wonderful job sharing President Uchtdorf's talk. Here's the link for that: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light

“I heard the bell’s on Christmas day”
The guy that wrote this hymn had a few really hard years just before. His wife died of really bad burns, then his son was injured in the military. He didn’t think there was peace in the world. verses 4&5 in particular make me think that it’s just powerful that someone could have a hard time and still believe in God.

Nelson Mandela recently passed away. And I just want to point our a few things from his life. He was born in 1918 in South Africa during Apartheid. He was put in jail unjustly for 27 years for his activism. “I was called a terrorist yesterday. But when I came out of jail I was praised and embraced even by my enemies.” He never chose to be bitter. I think that would have been justified. As I walked toward the door I knew that if I didn’t leave behind my bitterness and despair, I would still be in prison. He was free because he chose something else to feel.

We all have challenges in our lives. There are 2 place you can go from here. One is (HOPE). The other is (DESPAIR).
What do you think the difference is? Is the only thing that changes is our attitude, or do other things get affected?

Ashley: It takes faith to have miracles, but we need faith to see miracles. You completely miss those things as miracles if you don’t have hope and faith. It does actually kind of change more than just my attitude. It changes everything I see in my life. I can see “Oh, that’s God’s hand in my life.”

Caitlin: At work we had someone who was teaching us about ghost hunting. He’s on a team with equipment and they get calls all the time. They go to disprove the calls. If I truly believed in this, it made me think that you’ll see what you want to see. If we want to see despair, pain and sadness, we’ll have that. If we choose to have faith and hope in the Savior, we’ll have that because Heavenly Father will help us see the good in the world.

Angela: I just read Elizabeth Smart’s book, but at the end her mom tells her that you can either move on with your life in hope or you can live in despair of what this man did to you. Don’t let him take another moment away from you. She’s so much happier now because she chose to hope. She served a mission and is married now.

Brittany: What are some outcomes of both hope and despair?

Ky: This week, I feel like this whole concept you’ve put on the board, describes the week. We have a friend who just died after his wife gave birth to their first child. Carly has looked at all the good things that have come from this, while I was kind of wallowing in sorrow. I realized it’s easy to keep falling.

Brittany: How often are we in a bad mood and we want to stay in a bad mood? I hope that when you find yourself in that moment, you exert some hope.

Mackenzie: Despair is like feeling stuck.

Ky: After finding out the husband died, Carly immediately jumped into service. I felt sad, but she started to serve the person who was going through the trial. When we become aware of the needs of others, we’re able to bring God’s light to others.

Arianne: Elder Bednar April 2012, kind of talks about this whole idea where when you’re having trials you can either despair or hope and rely on Christ and his atonement. He gave different scriptural stories I hadn’t thought of in this way. When Nephi was tied up by his brothers on their way back with Ishmael’s family Nephi could’ve despaired, or relied on Christ, like he . Everything in this was that Christ’s Atonement does more than just forgive us of our sins. It gives us power to get through our trials. Another example was when the people of Alma the Elder were captured by the Lamanites. They were stuck being treated like slaves. They didn’t ask to be taken out of the situation, but strength to overcome the trial. As soon as they asked, the Lamanites put greater tasks on them, but they were made light unto them. The power of the Atonement gave them power to get through it.

Ginger’s mom: I have a good friend who finds it hard to rejoice in other people’s good things. If she were able to hope more, she could be happier for them and herself. It’s easy to get caught up in not rejoicing for others.

Mackenzie: Logically, no one would choose despair, but it takes less effort. We need to be willing to work for hope and to keep choosing it.

Jackie: Sometimes I don’t realize I’m falling into this trap until I stop and think about why I’m feeling this way. When I’m tired, stressed, anxious, bored or lonely, it’s easier for Satan to step in and cause despair. When I feel like that, that’s when I need to go out and force myself to be happy.

Brittany: Think about something that’s hard right now that you could choose to be more hopeful. Or someone else’s life. Hopefully you’ll be inspired as we go through Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk.

Ashley: I think in general, it’s more natural to despair. Christ is the only thing that can take us out of that. I think Satan pushes us over to despair through perfectionism or doing everything by myself.

Brittany: This is pres. Uchtdorf’s promise: As we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us.

I have a cherished painting in my office that is titled Entrance to Enlightenment. It was created by a friend of mine, the Danish artist Johan Benthin, who was the first stake president in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The painting shows a dark room with an open door from which light is shining. It is interesting to me that the light coming through the door does not illuminate the entire room—only the space immediately in front of the door.
To me, the darkness and light in this painting are a metaphor for life. It is part of our condition as mortal beings to sometimes feel as though we are surrounded by darkness. We might have lost a loved one; a child might have strayed; we might have received a troubling medical diagnosis; we might have employment challenges and be burdened by doubts or fears; or we might feel alone or unloved.
But even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light—He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness.

What do you think God’s light is? How would you explain it to me?

Sis. Dall: It’s love, light, knowledge, inspiration. It’s overwhelming love. Especially during music, like the hymns, it just hits you. It’s that feeling where your intelligence is enlarged in a way.

Brittany: I like that you associate it with intelligence.

Christine: It’s our potential to become like God and be better.

Brittany: When we’re talking about a trial we’re having and maybe have down feelings, is hope only for the future, or can it be applied today?

Christine: I think happiness is something to be achieved right now. I think that’s God’s plan. When we’re going through a trial, it’s the plan to be happy now.

Kiersten: It is a blessing to be single, married, barren, with children. Be happy wherever you are. If you’re not happy with where you are right now, Heavenly Father won’t want to give us more.

Brittany: Happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a state of being. If we just know we’re doing what Heavenly Father wants us to do and tap into his love, we can be happy now as well in the future.

Ginger: Christ can make your trials into blessings. If you look for that you will see it as a blessing. What can I learn from this? How can I use this to help others? Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ really do give you things to learn and be happy.

Ky: My mind kept going to the light of Christ and how we’re all born with it. Sometimes these trials cloak that light within us, so remember that you always have that light. Sometimes it’s dimmed, but you can always uncover it. Elder Bednar’s patterns of light.

Rachel: Talking about the light of christ, I had an experience at school with a girl in my class. This girl found out my brother is in a band. She told me that my brother saved her life. This girl got to meet him after a show. As her brother was talking he asked, “Why are you here? This music isn’t good for you or the place to be. She stopped and thought about her life and decisions she was going to make. Even though my brother has fallen away from the Church, there’s still a light in him. Knowing that that light of Christ is inside of us can help us through whatever we need.

Brittany: President Uchtdorf talks bout how to obtain this light. “There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God’s light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.” Then he goes on to say how. It’s there, we just need to open our eyes.
First, start where you are. We don’t have to cross the finish line to receive blessings. The second we choose to start following Heavenly Father, the blessings of heaven start pouring out in that second. You don’t have to be perfect to have those blessings. Everything won’t go away at once, but “The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.”
It might sound really idealistic, I could believe that if your’e struggling, but it didn’t sound idealistic to Nelson Mandela. His life was abundantly blessed because of that choice.
You can start wherever you are and immediately receive blessings. Then turn your heart toward the Lord. “Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.”
Please read the rest of this talk. Ask that your eyes and ears be opened. President Eyring also gave a talk about where the Pavilion is. Heavenly Father never moves away. He is here right now waiting for you to ask for help.

Yes, from time to time our lives may seem to be touched by, or even wrapped in, darkness. Sometimes the night that surrounds us will appear oppressive, disheartening, and frightening.
My heart grieves for the many sorrows some of you face, for the painful loneliness and wearisome fears you may be experiencing.
Nevertheless, I bear witness that our living hope is in Christ Jesus! He is the true, pure, and powerful entrance to divine enlightenment.
I testify that with Christ, darkness cannot succeed. Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ.
I bear witness that darkness cannot stand before the brilliant light of the Son of the living God!
I invite each of you to open your heart to Him. Seek Him through study and prayer. Come to His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn of Him and of His gospel, participate actively, help each other, and joyfully serve our God.
Brothers and sisters, even after the darkest night, the Savior of the world will lead you to a gradual, sweet, and bright dawn that will assuredly rise within you.
As you walk toward the hope of God’s light, you will discover the compassion, love, and goodness of a loving Heavenly Father, “in [whom there] is no darkness at all.” Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I know that what Pres. Uchtodorf said is true. His light can help you in any situation you’re in. As you put your trust in Christ and His Atonement, Christ is still big enough and cares to help you with anything you’re going through.

Ky: My heart is so full because of what has been shared. I’m grateful for the comments because they’ve helped me. I'm grateful for you sharing your testimonies.

December 8th

Hello wonderful Sisters!

Sorry I wasn't here last week to take notes. I was traveling back from my mission and got back way later than anticipated. I hope everyone had a great break and is surviving the workload that comes with the last two weeks of school. Or just work in general. I invite you to not slack in your daily prayer, scripture study, or Church attendance during difficult times. You will receive the revelation you need to overcome your challenges.

Anyhow, I didn't get a program today... So here's what I know is definitely happening this week:
1. Institute will be held on Wednesday @7pm in B092 of the JFSB. I think it's the last one of the semester. So don't miss it!
2. Thursday is our Ward Christmas Party @6:30pm! It will be at the Stake Center our Bishopric goes to when they're not serving us. Directions and more info are on the ward Facebook page. Please RSVP if you haven't already to 509-741-7926.
3. For anyone who might be in town during the Christmas break, the Stake will be holding a combined sacrament meeting for the 22nd and 29th of December @10am at the Pioneer Building. The address is 900E 100N here in Provo. There will be a munch and mingle after each one.

All right, now for the best part, the lesson recap! Rachel McCracken did a wonderful job of sharing President Snow's lesson on missionary work. (P.S. I took some artistic liberty to fill in my shorthand notes. If you don't like it, please let me know so I can fix it.)

First off, Ky shared her testimony with us: "I know Christ is your Savior. He knows what you're going through. If you turn to him, you will find peace and comfort."

Rachel: About a month ago I went to a play called "Deep Love." It's written by some people from BYU-Idaho so I was excited to see it. I was so happy and excited to watch it. What are some things that you have experienced that you just really loved, it made you super happy, and you wanted to share with everyone else?
-Ginger: The Lamb of God
-Mackenzie: Mexican hot chocolate
-Ryan: Frozen
During my internship in Georgia I realized how much the gospel meant to me and I wanted to share it so badly. I wanted to tell everyone I was working with that the Atonement can help. I wanted to reach out to them so badly.
We're going to study this chapter from the life of President Lorenzo Snow "Missionary Work: To reach every human heart."
I just love this story from his life:

He hoped to someday pursue a “classical education” at a college in the eastern United States. But as he worked toward this goal, he began to feel a pull toward another purpose. He later recalled:

“I received [the truths of the gospel] with an open heart, and I was determined not to rest there. … I began to be a little worried in my mind whether, after having received this wonderful knowledge, it was proper for me to remain without testifying in reference to it. Young men who had been sent out upon missions were returning and testifying of the blessings that had attended them … , and I began to think that, instead of preparing myself for an eastern college or university, I ought to start out and bear testimony to what the Lord had so fully given me a knowledge of. At the same time I did not like to give up my prospects of an education, because I had had it in mind for a long time, and I then had the opportunity and the means to accomplish it.”

Struggling with his feelings, he asked a trusted friend for advice: “I told him what I wanted, and he said, ‘Brother Snow, I would not give anyone else such counsel as I feel to give you, under the circumstances. If I were in your place, I would go on with my intentions and get an education.’ That was just the very thing I wanted him to say, and it pleased me. I was contented for a time; but in the winter season, hearing these young Elders testify of their success in preaching the Gospel, I began to think about it still more. The Lord had given me a knowledge that He was coming upon the earth, and that there was a preparation necessary to be made: He had given me all that I had asked for, and more; for the baptism which I received of the Holy Ghost and the perfect knowledge then given to me was more real and convincing than my immersion in the cold water; and I felt that there was a responsibility resting upon me. So I shut up my books [and] laid my Latin and Greek aside.”

It's interesting how he didn't want to serve a mission because he wanted to continue his education, but then he ended up serving 9 missions. When we listen to the Lord we will bless the lives of many people around us.

Amber: I have always wanted to serve a mission, and still do, but when I prayed about it, I felt very strongly that I shouldn't; that I have people I can work with here.
Evie: I really wanted to serve a mission too. I was told 5 times, by three different Bishops, to not serve a mission. That was hard to take. I think God will give you the hardest thing for you. I wanted to travel and learn a language and give people flowers and be a missionary! But that's not what God wanted for me.

Rachel: Sometimes it's trying to figure out the position we're in. I've asked myself a lot, "why am I here? why am I doing this?" When I was in school I had the opportunity to be a coordinator for EFY; which is something I've always wanted to do. Then a little later I was asked to be the area director for New Student Orientation; which I also wanted to do. They were at the same time, but I ended up choosing to be the director for New Student Orientation. While I was working there, I often wondered, "why am I here? I'm not doing much in this position." There was one director that I really struggled with. We just didn't get along. But as I reached out to her and talked with her, we were able to work out our differences. The Lord opened my eyes.
Brittany: A lot of the time, whatever our calling is we think it has to be profound. But that's not it. We can have a purpose everywhere. You have spiritual gifts that you take with you everywhere you go. That can be missionary work or perfecting the saints.
Mackenzie: Make it become a part of you. We're here to influence others. We need to have the kingdom of God on our minds.

Rachel: "For this is my work and my glory; to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Be there for others. I have a broken foot and it's hard for me to accept help, but the love and service that I've received from the ward has been amazing. Be willing to let others receive blessings by allowing them to help you.
Brittany: Our work isn't what gives us purpose, but what God wants. (Sorry I couldn't hear very well, but I know this was a profound statement.)

Rachel: Put the Kingdom of God first. What are some of the fears that you might have about sharing the gospel or helping someone come closer to Christ?
-Ginger: Perfectionism. Sometimes I think I have to be able to share what I know perfectly before I can share anything and sometimes I feel like I'm just at 50%.
-Marren: In my Book of Mormon class we were talking about this. A lot of people see sharing the Gospel as an item on their to-do list. If people would just be diligent/consistent, it would be so much better. Don't see it as just a checklist item. Just share it.
-Caitlin: Sometimes I'm hesitant, and I was like this on my mission too, or afraid people will mock something that's so important to me. That's selfish. It's not about me and how I feel, they need the blessings.
-Jackie: I'm afraid people might think that I'm only their friend to share the Gospel, that they might not get that I'm sharing with them because their my friend. I don't want to ruin a relationship.
-Brittany: I feel like I have to wait for that perfect moment to share the Gospel.
-Mackenzie: I worry that they might characterize me as Molly Mormon or that they'll think I'm trying to be better than them.
-Megan: Sometimes I've felt the impression to talk to people that I haven't spoken to for years, and didn't get any positive response. That would make me doubt the prompting I had to share with that person. But maybe it's preparing me to follow a prompting later.

Rachel: Okay, now throw all those fears and concerns away. Even though we don't have the missionary tag, we're still ambassadors of the Lord.
Ky: Brooke was a missionary today. She has a friend here at BYU who isn't a member. Most people when they hear you aren't a member immediately say, "So have you heard about the Gospel?" And that can get really annoying. Brooke wanted to invite her to Church to listen to her talk, but was nervous about it. She eventually did and Brooke's friend commented, "wow, Brooke shared some really great things."

Then Rachel did a really cool visual. Ryan read D&C 84:88 while Rachel had some volunteers help her out. First, Brittany was standing by herself with the charge to share the gospel. As Ryan read the scripture, however, Mackenzie stood in front of Brittany, Ashley stood on Brittany's right, Brittany's friend Christine stood on her left, and Jackie stood behind her.

88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Ryan: When I went to Ukraine, I learned that I was meant to be a missionary to my host family. I could do things with them I couldn't have done as a missionary. I legally couldn't teach them the Gospel with my visa, but I knew they needed it. I had the impression, "Have faith in me. You don't know what's going on behind the scenes." Trust what you know and what you've been told by the Spirit.
Brittany: That was a cool experience for me. I felt alone, but as I was surrounded by four girls I know, I knew I could do it. For all we know there are angels with us right now.

Rachel: We have the Spirit and angels to help us. They are physically around us. Sometimes we can't see them, but sometimes they are the people around us. That's visiting teaching. I hope you realize the importance of missionary work. "Missionaries should never forget that they are ambassadors of heaven, bearers of good and glad tidings." "There is a way to reach every human heart, and it is your business to find the way to the hearts of those to whom you are called." I challenge you to reach out to someone to share the Gospel. This is the happy message that we should all want to share. I want to share it with the world.

I would like to add that something I told my new companions when I trained them, was that they have no need to fear rejection because they aren't serving a mission for themselves. They wear Christ's name and He is the one being rejected. But He wouldn't hold back from sharing the truth. They have no need to fear sharing the Gospel. Neither do we. Like Rachel said, "we might not be wearing the name tag, but we're still ambassadors." Elder Andersen has said several times that even though we don't have the name tag pinned to our shirt, have the name tag painted on your heart. That's enough for me to remember that my missionary service didn't end when I removed my name tag. That's when it really started.

It was a powerful lesson. I definitely felt the Spirit testify of the truth today. God luck this week, everyone!