Gift of Music

day 17

I think it is a miraculous thing- music that is.




When I think of music, I always think back to my musical career, playing in high school and college and then serving a mission where everything I did revolved around music.

I am sensitive to the spirit whenever music is involved. It is a way that the spirit can speak to me and help me feel the love that my Savior has for me.

He knows that I LOVE music. He has given me the talent of playing/performing music and I used it for good, to help others come unto the Him and partake of His love.

I LOVE THIS GOSPEL SO MUCH AND I KNOW IT IS TRUE!!!!!!!!!







#sharethegift #sharegoodness

Rejuvenate

Sometimes you need a good reminder that you can run faster than you think and love more than you believe.

• Once in a while go run a mile or two.

• See people you haven't in days, months, or even years.

• Be Ambitious To Be Great In The Eyes Of God.

• Do a little Yoga or Zumba or move something other than you eyes on the computer screen. 

• Deliver a loaf of pumpkin bread to a friend.

• Blast Christmas music throughout your entire kitchen.

• Read your scriptures for hours and realize how much you love the gospel.

• Make jokes about your life, always laughing and smiling.

I don't know what this week holds in store for me, but I can say that is going pretty good so far. I have come to understand that I am still that wonderful person that Nauvoo shaped me to be. And I can continue to be that person as long as I trust that that is who the Lord wants me to be. 

Today I went to the Gym with my bud Shelby and I happen to run into 5 different people that I haven't seen in a really long time. 2 of my wonderful sisters from Nauvoo, Natalie from Efy in 2011. 2011!!!  (That's a long time people) Then 2 people from work! It was a fun time and it reminded me of who I was when I knew them and how much I loved that person (all of the pros of the past). 

Today is a day when I realize how much I love my life.

Day 6

Today I am grateful for fried egg sandwiches.

In Nauvoo, we made our own dinners. We had to be creative and it worked most of the time. :)
My favorite meal was made by my companion. A fried egg sandwich, with the yolk popped. SOOOOO GOOOD! And sometimes we would get herbs from the Lyon Drug and Variety Store and added it to the meal. It was so simple. I think I loved it so much because she wanted to make it for me. The desire to serve on her face was so real and it was something as simple as a fried egg sandwich.

I made one today.

It wasn't nearly as good as Sister Reid's. I miss her.

I am grateful for service, for sister reid and for a fried egg sandwich.

Farewells and Hellos

So my companion in Nauvoo, who has officially become one of my bestest friends, said her farewells in her talk in church today.

She talked about how much Missionary Work means to her and you could just tell that she loves being a missionary for the Lord. Her smile is contagious and I couldn't stop smiling throughout her whole talk. I truly love her.... with ALL MY HEART!

Ain't she just grand?

So my farewell was to her, but my hellos were to a lot of my Nauvoo friends! I saw some people who changed my life and although not everyone was there, I felt their love and miss them continually. It felt like home to be surrounded by people who I grew to be so close to. Their hugs and questions about how my life was doing made me feel on top of the world. Sometimes, that is all that is needed to lift your spirits. 

These people were brought into my life by the Hand of the Lord. My relationships with them were divinely designed. Every moment I have with them means so much to me and I treasure them like a shepherd treasures his sheep.

Life takes us on adventures. Some we don't expect and some we desire to happen, but I have no doubt that the Lord has place in each of our adventures. There is a reason I am living in this apartment complex. There is a reason that I am living with these specific 5 girls. There is reason for my calling. There is a reason that my sister and her husband are still here in Provo (I am SOOOOOOO grateful to them and everything they do for me!) There is a reason that I visit teach certain girls and that I have the certain visiting/home teachers. 

I remember an experience in Nauvoo where I was having an extremely difficult time and I kept asking the Lord why. I told Him that I knew I was in Nauvoo for a reason, but I wanted to know why.  It was so overwhelming to me that I couldn't play in one of the concerts and I literally faked my way through the entire thing then ran to the bathroom to cry my eyes out. I needed to know why but I wasn't getting the answers that I wanted. 

That night I talked to some really special sisters and then sat in the kitchen and wrote down everything that I had learned while in Nauvoo and the things I was grateful for. Then I said a prayer and I wrote my prayer down. It was one of the most amazing expereineces because I got my answer that I didn't need to really know anything because I have already learned so much. 

Nauvoo was a pivotal turning point in my life and I can't wait for the next journey. The Lord has prepared me in ways I had no idea He would. How grateful I am to Him for all He has done for me. 

The people in Nauvoo are apart of my life.... even if they don't think they are, they are. 

I love all of them soooo much!

I didn't actually need the batteries...

So I had an amazing experience today.
The sort of experience you read about in books or hear a general authority tell.
and I can call it my experience.

So here is how it starts.



My statistics class requires an iclicker for all the in class quizzes and such. I already had one, but I had to register it again online. When I got home, I saw that it was out of batteries. "Flip!" Now I had to remember to buy some Double A batteries after my D&C class the next day (which is quite difficult.... so many things to remember....).

So I go to class and when I leave, I make sure I leave through the other exit so I can head towards the Bookstore. I am just walking, minding my own business while trying to navigate the overpacked hallway, when I hear someone say "Emily?" I turn to see my friend who I haven't seen in a year. It feels weird to say that, but really I think it has been a year since I have seen her face to face.....

Anyway, we step off to the side to avoid the massive migration of people. We hug, we laugh, and we just talk. It was so wonderful. She started asking me a lot about Nauvoo. It made me so happy to talk about it. None of my roommates ask me about it so I never really get to talk about it and in a way, relive the experiences I had.

While I was describing to her all the things I did, I recalled a moment when I was watching the Stage Missionaries perform and I thought of my friend. I remember thinking that it would so cool if she came and did this the next summer. So I told her of my memory. When I said it, she was very excited and happy and she wanted to know more. So we meandered over to the bookstore continuing catching up and stuff.

We stood in line to buy the batteries..... let me just comment on the RIDICULOUS pricing BYU has. 5 dollars for a package of 4 batteries. Wow, just wow! Anyway..... After I bought them, we found some seats and sat down and just talked. We talked about missionaries, old roommates, friends, boys, majors, future plans, etc. Ya know, everything girls talk about. :)

Well, when we talked about future plans, she mentioned her consideration of performing in Disney World or Sea World, but she hadn't really decided. I told her the url address to find the audition information for Nauvoo and said that auditions are due sometime in November.... I kept telling her that her future was up to her. And I shared with her something that I learned while in Nauvoo.

The Lord takes into consideration our desires, what we want for our future. If those desires are righteous and in accordance with His plan for us, then He will make a way for us to achieve it. He doesn't throw out what we want. I told her that if she wanted to perform in Walt Disney World more than anything else, and the Lord thought it was okay, then she is going to be performing there.

I have no doubts that she will make the decision that is best for her, even if it isn't Nauvoo. But my side of the experience was amazing.

After we said goodbye, I called my mom for the day and told her of this experience. While I was telling her what happened, I got the chills, and I was outside in the heat. It was the "Whoa" chills sensation. You probably have no idea what that is, but it felt so good. I stopped and told my mom that I had the chills just by telling her the story.

When I made it home, I opened my batteries and tried to put them in only to find out that it required Triple A batteries, which I already had.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. No doubt about it.

Whatever decision she makes, it will be the one that God wants her to take. He will provide a way for her and I am confident she will do great, wherever she goes. And I can be grateful for the experience that I had that testified to me that God is grateful for my service to Him in Nauvoo and He knows that my testimony of my experience is strong.

A week.

So it has been a week.
A week since I left Nauvoo
A week since I entered Idaho
A week since I was released
A week since came back to reality.

Wow.

My mom asked me today what I missed most about Nauvoo. Was it the place? the people? the costume?(heavens no) the music?

Everything. Everything about Nauvoo. The whole ambiance. (except the costume.... most definitely not the costume!)

Lately I have been trying to keep up with some of my friends in Nauvoo, but I have to remember that they have families too! They are in homes that they have grown up in, with friends that have known almost their entire life. I just moved to a new home in good ole' Idaho. I don't know anyone. I am at least 5 hours away from anyone I know. It's hard.
But enough with the pitying.....

Being home, I have been able to spend so much time with my mom and dad. helping them move into their new home and exploring the farm country that surrounds us.
(seriously, we were stuck behind this big vehicle today- on a main road!)

Is this for real?







I have loved the experiences I have had.
In a week I will be back in Provo headed to school.
I can't wait to get back to business and work my butt off getting those rockin' grades!

Here's where most of my motivation is coming from.

Optimism in ALL things.

Here is just a peak at the summer I had.

 aw... look at these silly elders :)

 ummmm. ya. that's a sunset- brilliant huh?

 the woman who changed my life

 those super fun packed lunches from the Myers

 Meeting the actor who played Joseph Smith in the Nauvoo Pageant

 shaking Dallin H. Oaks' hand 4 times

 this place. so beautiful

 super fun teamsters

 bike rides through old Nauvoo

 my Mission President and his wife!

 spinning- but not the costume- bleh

 random dental hygiene parties

 wagon- everyday

 working with these talented stage performers

 flowers as big as my head!

look at that view! never gets old

These experiences.... will last forever. How can you not look at them and just fall in love?

I left my heart in Old Nauvoo!

A quote that changed my life

“Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self---in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart.” 

― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Sometimes I think we can forget that the Atonement is more than just being able to be clean again.  It can give us strength to overcome the scariest of trials. His grace is sufficient.  We can become the people He needs us to be, but only if we give Him our self. Our imperfect self. 

I have experienced this firsthand. I can't deal with everything on my own. If I do, then I will fall. 

There was a song that we played in Nauvoo called "Pennsylvania 65000". The French Horn section had this big soli part that was very difficult to master. I spent 2 hours on this section with no improvement. I felt so discouraged. I thought to myself, "I know how to play this instrument. I know what this part is supposed to sound like. Why can't I just put it together??? Why?" We went to dinner that night and when we came back for evening rehearsal I said a prayer. I told my Heavenly Father that I have done all that I can do. I feel so discouraged. Please help me. Take it from me and help me. I reread that entry in my journal. I read how that evening rehearsal was one of the best rehearsals I have had. Pennsylvania 65000 was one of my favorite songs by the time I left. 

Something as simple as not being able to play a part in a song, He took care of it.

 

I'm HOME

Well folks,
this is me! Emily Jex back from the beautiful city of Nauvoo!

It's amazing how different I can be in just 3 1/2 months.

I know so much more!

What else can I say except this:
I know that God lives. He loves us and is so mindful of us. His hand is in our lives and it's there for a reason. I know we cannot succeed in this life without Him and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend, our Brother, and our Advocate did the most unselfish thing. As one of my friends quoted "He lowered himself to the lowest point of human existence so we could be exalted to the highest state of immortality." He knows us so well because He knows EXACTLY what we have gone through.

I won't say it has been easy being back. I miss Nauvoo and all the busy-ness of the days. But one missionary shared that in order to understand Nauvoo and the saints who lived there, you need to leave it. Leave it all behind. I have just an idea of what the Saints left when they crossed the Mississippi. But they didn't do it alone.  I have gained a testimony of angels and their strong power. Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, "...in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near..." I know that angels are here right now, bearing us up in our day to day trials and afflictions. Not one trial goes overlooked or unknown to our Heavenly Father.

I know that not only were the pioneers protected by angels but they were led by a living prophet, Joseph Smith. He, being only 14 years old, prayed for an answer and received something much greater. The Father and His Son visited Joseph. Two Heavenly beings talked with a young boy and led him in the ways of righteousness.  Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. He restored the true and everlasting gospel and because of him I have the privilege of being a part of this true church. He sacrificed so much for this gospel. I will always remember what he suffered so we could have the fullness of the gospel in our lives today. Because of him, we have the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. It's pages only reaffirm the truth of the gospel. By reading its pages we can feel closer to our Savior and feel His love for us.

I had the experience of a lifetime. I wouldn't have had it any other way. The city beautiful is a part of my heart and soul. "Press on, Press on, ye saints of God" ("Though Deeping Trials") I know that this church is true. I wear it on my sleeve and live it conspicuously. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that this church is the true and everlasting gospel brought forth in these latter days to help us return and live with our Father in Heaven again.
I invite those who do not know for themselves to read the Book of Mormon and ponder the challenge that Moroni leaves us the Moroni 10:3-5. Pray. Ask God if these things are true.
I bear my witness to you,
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Leaving

Alright folks, it is goodbye for now.

I am headed to dinner with my family, then I will be set apart by the wonderful President Todd.  After that, I will not be allowed to use any sort of electronics.

I cannot describe the happiness I am feeling. I am about to burst!!

Before I go, let me leave with you my testimony.

I know that Jesus is the Christ.  He is my Redeemer.  He suffered for me in the Garden.  Because of what I did, I can repent and be clean again.  I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.  He restored the Gospel on the Earth as it is today.  I know that the God the Father and His son, Jesus, appeared to Joseph. I love this gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God.  I know that the Lord listens.  He knows all and wants for us to do the very best we can do each and every day.  I know that we have a living Prophet on the Earth today. He is President Thomas S. Monson. He leads and guides us.  I know that if we are obedient to the laws and covenants we make with our Heavenly Father, He will bless us immensely.

I know these things to be true.

I thank each and every one of you for your constant support.

If you would like to write me while I am in Nauvoo, feel free.  I would love any correspondence.

Here will be my address

YPM Sister Jex
PO Box 215
Nauvoo, IL 62354


LOVE YOU ALL!!

Adios Amigos

My Farewell given in church today:


Early in his ministry, the Savior called his disciples to go forth and preach His word.  These were largely fishermen with little money.  They must have worried how they would provide for themselves and their families as they left to preach.  Calming their fears Jesus said, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses…for the workman is worthy of his meat."

The Savior, nearing the end of His life, could again sense the fear growing in His disciples.  He reminded them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?  And they said, nothing."
We live in times of great uncertainty when the necessities of life seem harder to come by and where the burden of providing for our families seems heavier than in days past.  Although the road may be rough, when we walk with Him we need not worry for in Christ we lack nothing.

These words are printed beneath a painting of Christ and His disciples by artist Liz Lemon Swindle.  When I first saw it I was reminded of Elder Neil L. Andersen's message from this past conference:

"Can you imagine the scene of the eleven Apostles on the mountain near Galilee when the risen Lord came to them and said: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”? …Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

He then asked the question:  “All nations”? “All the world”? “Every creature”?

Then Elder Andersen answered his own question and quoted D&C 58:64  

 “The voice of warning shall be unto all people.” “For, verily, the sound must go forth … into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Many of you will remember the words of President Monson from October 2012 General Conference
"As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21".

I was in my dorm kitchen watching the Saturday morning session of conference on a lap top with a few of my roommates when the change was announced.  For me, there has always been a desire to serve a mission and knowing that I would soon be turning 19   I started to seriously give place in my mind and heart to know how and when.

A few weeks later I was sitting in my band class when my director had a visitor come in to our room to speak with us about a musical opportunity in Nauvoo and anyone interested could send in a DVD of their audition.

As the days passed I couldn't get shake the feeling that I should send in a submission but with work and classes I couldn't find the time.   Days before it was due I scrambled to put something together and mailed it in with no expectation that it would even be considered.  An email came a week later notifying me that I was a finalist and that I would need to attend a live audition in Salt Lake City.

On January 5th I arrived early to the Joseph Smith Memorial building and made my way to the 10th floor.  As I was warming up my instrument I bent over to pull up my sagging tights and my nail ripped a hole in the right leg.  My first thought, "This must be bad luck".  Then someone came over to tell me that it was my turn.  My heart was pounding as I entered the room to see 4 Elderly brethren sitting down.  I happily introduced myself, smiled and used a little humor to help me feel less nervous and hoped they weren't looking at the hole in my tights.

After the auditions all the finalists were invited to stay for a special lunch and program.  At the very end the performing missionaries from previous years bore their testimonies and shared their experiences in Nauvoo.  It was at that moment when I felt the spirit witness to me and I knew that I wanted this opportunity…more than anything I've ever wanted before.

Two days later I received the call inviting me to serve with 16 other musicians as a Young Performing Missionary in Nauvoo.

“For, verily, the sound must go forth … into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Alma understood this when he declared in Alma 29

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth…

And then in D&C 29:4

…verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.

The first great sound of truth was declared by the Prophet Joseph:

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
“… When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

This truth is celebrated again and again every time we sing the words…Oh How Lovely was the Morning

…and it is felt again and again in the hearts of those who visit the city of Nauvoo.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit without a body of flesh and bones.        He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter. He works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

As a personage of spirit, the Holy Ghost can be in only one place at a time, but His influence can be everywhere at the same time.

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fiber and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.”

Music has been called the universal language. It crosses boundaries of language and culture and communicates depths of feeling words rarely can.  It can invite the spirit of revelation and reflection.

In October 1974 President Kimball asked: “What is the greatest blessing that can come to man? The answer was given to John and Peter Whitmer:     … ‘And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.’ (D&C 15:6.)”

President Kimball went on to say “If one labors all his days and brings save it be one soul! … One soul! How precious!  “Oh, that God would give us that kind of love for souls!”

Kendra  joined the church when she was 15.  She lived in Washington, the 6th of 7 girls.  Her father left their family when she was 7 years old and he has not seen them or talked to them since.  When in High School Kendra dated a young man who just happened to be a member of the church.  He introduced her to the missionaries and even after they stopped dating they remained friends and she continued taking the missionary discussions.   At first her mother would not let her get her baptized, thinking it was just a phase that her daughter was going through and she would eventually get over it.  Kendra continued seeing the missionaries and then approached her mother once again, asking if she could get baptized.  This time her mother consented.
Kendra is now 19.  She was my roommate at BYU this past year.  She once told me that no one else in her family has any interest in learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ but she did remember a time when she happened to overhear her mother talking with a few other ladies and telling them, "I know my daughter is a good girl and is making good choices…SHE IS GOING TO BYU!"

One of the things Kendra loves about the gospel is the warm and welcoming spirit of the members.  What a blessing it was for me to know and love her and be strengthened by her growing testimony.  How grateful I am for the missionaries who were instrumental in bringing her to a knowledge of the truth and helping her to feel the love of the Savior.

Traditionally, this time I have to speak to you today is called my "mission farewell" but it truly is a farewell…as we are moving in a few weeks.

I was 12 when we moved into this ward.  Sister Mathison was my first Young Women's president.
As I look out and see the familiar faces of those who greatly influenced me over these last seven years…and for whom I am most grateful

I now stand before you and testify that Jesus Christ lives.  This is His church upon the earth today and He continues to lead and direct it through a living prophet, President Monson.

Every day I feel the love and mercy of my Savior and I know that He forgives and makes it possible for us to hope and look forward to living again in His presence.

The Savior's love is real and it is available to everyone.  I especially feel this when I study and ponder the scriptures.   The Book of Mormon is the inspired word of God.  I know without any doubt that Joseph Smith translated this holy record by divine power and it is through him that the Lord restored His gospel again to the earth.

I have experienced the power of the Holy Ghost.  It is through the gift and influence of the Holy Ghost that I was guided and lead  to receive this special call to serve as a Young Performing Missionary in Nauvoo.
This special mission call presented me with the opportunity to enter the House of the Lord.  What a glorious experience to go into the Temple with my parents and my brother and sister near my side.  Each week in Nauvoo we will have the occasion to return to the Temple every Wednesday.

The Lord's plan is a plan of happiness.  It is a plan that provides laws and ordinances, that when followed and obeyed keep us on a course of progression that allows us to become more and more like Him and to experience great joy in this life.

I also know that in this life we will experience hard things.  Because the Savior also experienced hard things He is the perfect source to turn to for comfort and peace and the help to keep going.

One of the hardest things may be to share the message of the gospel with friends or neighbors.

You might remember this little story from an October 2000 conference talk:

Consider that you are invited to a friend’s house for breakfast. On the table you see a large pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice from which your host fills his glass. But he offers you none. Finally, you ask, “Could I have a glass of orange juice?”
He replies, “Oh, I am sorry. I was afraid you might not like orange juice, and I didn’t want to offend you by offering you something you didn’t desire.”

Maybe it's not quite exactly the same, but we have something even sweeter to share and we must accept the responsibility that is ours to share it.

I love my Savior.  He is my nearest and dearest friend.  It is my greatest privilege to serve Him and lend my musical talents to His work and the spreading of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help make ready the world for His great return as our Lord and King.

Coming to an End

So this is the official last week of school.... well finals week.
Then it's all done.
No more school.
or tests.
or apartment living.
or waking up at 3:50am.

It's all done.

I haven't really had a moment where I thought "Oh wow, I am going to miss all of this...."

But it will be bittersweet.
A farewell and good wishes to everyone I have met here at BYU my first year.

So as tribute to all the love in our apartment, we had our pictures taken, by none other than the wonderful Alissa.

Some will not be shown due to embarassing-ness or just plain awkward....

dude. I have never been able to take a jumping picture ever.... and I am pretty sure I beasted this one.

check out the booty on that blondie..... oh wait that's me.... ;)

This is one of my favorite people ever. I love her to death and am so grateful for her friendship!

This was the most painful picture ever!!! But oh so worth it.

I don't think I would be the person I am right now if it wasn't for these wonderful girls. I will miss them, but they have wonderful opportunities ahead of them.

PS don't forget I now have 11 days til I leave!!!!! AH!

the countdown begins

Exactly one month until I leave for Nauvoo!
woohoo!

I can't wait to serve the Lord.

NAUVOO!

So, I got an email the other day telling me that the YPM (young performing missionaries) are putting together a blog of experiences the preparation stuff.  I took FOREVER to send mine in, but I finally did and WALLAH!
check it out!

enochsband-ourstory.blogspot.com

NBD!
Gah!
I am soooo excited!

Some of my FAVORITE places

Oqurrih Mountain Utah

Denver Colorado

Sacramento California

Los Angeles California

Manti Utah

Nauvoo Illinois

Oakland California

These are temples.  Homes to God. A place of worship and sacredness. 

I can't wait to go inside one day.

Made me EXCITED!

So ya know when you like something on facebook, it has posts that pop up in your news feed... right?

Well I like President Thomas S. Monson (I mean, c'mon, who doesn't like him?) There was a post he put up that reminded me of what I will be surrounded by in Nauvoo.

"I love the words of President Brigham Young: 'I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth.' To this fitting tribute to our beloved Joseph, I add my own testimony that he was God's prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days."

I am going to be walking on the ground that the Prophet Joseph Smith walked on.  I will be surrounded by things that remind me of him every day and all the sacrifices he made as well as the Saints who followed him.

I know this church is true.  I know Joseph Smith was a TRUE prophet of God. Through his example and the example of my Savior, I know I can be better every day. I know that through the Lord, anything is possible.

He also had this video that I LOVED as well.

The Church is true.

If this doesn't make you believe it, I don't know what will!

It isn't fate.  It isn't destiny.
It is just how things were meant to happen.

I was in band class.  Elder Brague came up and began discussing an opportunity we could have to serve as a performing missionary in Nauvoo, IL. I thought, "Ya know, that would be kinda cool..... Sure, why not?"

Then as the deadline approached, I thought I should probably get practicing... hahaha.... I worked with my teacher and practiced on my own.  Then I planned how I would film myself.  In my kitchen using my laptop.  I mean, I didn't have any resources to go anywhere else.... Unfortunately, my laptop wasn't working and I was freaking out.  So my lovely roommate suggested I use a camera.... (wow em, seriously? haha) She spent about an hour to film me, I will always be eternally grateful. After several takes, I thought, I guess that is the best I can do.......

I mailed it in and prayed it would get there in time, and it did! Then I waited..... and waited..... not knowing and honestly, I wasn't too worried.  I wanted to know, but I wasn't at the point where I would die if I wasn't finalist, that sort of thing....

Then I got the email saying I was a finalist and my interest significantly rose...  I thought, "I filmed myself in my kitchen and they still want to hear me??" haha I was in disbelief, but it made me want to really work for this call back audition which was Jan 5th.  Literally 2 days ago.

I worked for my audition.  I practiced.  I worked my mind, telling myself I could do it and these people really WANT to hear me. (I was still doubting that they had emailed the right girl....) When I went to the audition, I was sitting waiting to go warmup, thinking I had a good 30 min, but nope.  5 min passed and I was asked to warm up for the audition.  I was like, OK.  I bent over to pull up my tights and of course I rip a huge run and a hole in them.....

I said, this is a sign bad luck, isn't it????  People laughed thinking I was being funny, but I was SERIOUS!

I warmed up and felt good.  When I went into the audition the people there were these cute little old men.  I talked with them and they were so NICE!  It made me very comfortable, but my audition itself.... eh. I have done better.

Then they had a luncheon for all the auditioners...  That is what changed my whole perspective.  They had past missionaries come and bear the testimonies.  I remember one girl said, "ya know, you are here for a reason.  Whether it be to meet certain people, or be invited into the program or at least have the experience of auditioning. But you are here for a reason."

They sang songs and I felt the spirit so strong.  I knew without a doubt this was something I WANTED! No longer an opportunity, but something I really wanted.

That night was spent saying a lot of prayers.  I realized something as well.
God doesn't plan out our entire life.  "Oh that girl was meant to drink that soda." No.  Those are our choices.  But after we have made choices and tried and made efforts, then He exercises His power in our life.

I made the choice to take the information paper and learn about this program.
I made the choice to film myself for the audition DVD. (and i didn't give up when my laptop didn't work out)
I made the choice (with the help of my sis and bro in law) to go to SLC and do the call back audition.
I made the choice to practice.
I made the choice to say my prayers and ask for help.
I made the choice to accept whatever the outcome would be.

Then. And only then did God put forth His hand and allowed for this opportunity to come to me.

Everything happens for a reason.

If you don't believe it, then re-read my story.
I auditioned in a college kitchen.  Bad video quality and I wasn't perfect.  I didn't practice much before the SLC audition.  My call back audition was not great..... But I still tried. I still put forth my best effort.

How did I get invited to be a part of this program if I wasn't perfect?
I don't know.... my mind works on the idea that "if you are meant to do something, to meet someone, etc. you will meet them, but only based on the choices you make."

I am so grateful for this chance to go to Nauvoo.  I know it can change my life, only if I let it and I work my BUTT off!

I also expect to see all of you in Nauvoo this summer! :)