"Be of Good Cheer. The Future is as Bright as your Faith" -President Thomas S. Monson

I have been contemplating quite deeply the last few days the meaning of the simple phrase mentioned over and over again by modern day prophets as well as ancient prophets "Be of Good Cheer", or in todays vocabulary, 'Be Happy'. I have asked myself these questions personally in order to self exam the journey and path that I am on and  and seek improvement in order to truly help me apply this principle, guidance, council and command from Jesus Christ himself and ultimately change, grow, and improve; What does it take on my part to be happy? What is hindering the spirit in my life to allow me not to be my "best" happy? And What needs to change specifically?  

I wouldn't consider myself an unhappy person, or a person that is submersed in soar trials or afflictions. I feel extremely blessed and grateful for the family and friends that I get to surround myself with on a daily basis that exemplify attributes of Christ, and for the spirit guiding me in the areas that I am lacking in. And at this moment I feel like this is something that I am seeking to improve on. Because I know that "Men are that they might have Joy".

I can't recall one exact moment in my life that I have been the happiest, or "the greatest day of my life". I have had most definitely some moments that have stood out to me for instance a few being: Graduating from High School, Moving away to University, Going on a Mission, Seeing someone take the steps to change and prepare for baptism, and seeing my friends and family after an 18 month period of being away in England. These are all moments that have given me profound and significant life changing happiness. But they did not come with out pain and challenge. I didn't know if I was literally going to live through High School, saying goodbye to and moving a distance away from home for the first time was scary, my mission stretched me at several points to the thought that I might break, having friends give up when they just about had it and knew the truth broke my heart,  and seeing my family meant saying goodbye and leaving behind people that I loved more then anything in the whole entire world and leaving an experience that has left a lasting impression on my life and changed me to be who I am.  These happy and cheerful moments have most definitely been key defining and refining moments in my life. They have been hard, by far the hardest things that I have ever done, but in the end the most rewarding, cheerful, and joyful moments of the short life that I have lived so far. 

I love my life and I love being happy. I love being me. I have been strengthened because of my faith, and my ability to seek, ask, and knock. With Faith, nothing is impossible. The Bible dictionary itself states "A lack of faith leads one to despair". We don't want to be sad or despair do we? We want to be happy, in whatever circumstances the Lord sees fit. Whether that is here in Tremonton Utah delivering pizza's and saving money for school, or serving as one of his authorised representatives in England. He wants us to be happy. I have felt this. He wants us all to find joy in the simple and little things in life that really matter. 

 One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon can be found in Mormon chapter 9. In verse 21 it says "Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him: and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth". I know that this is true. If we ask for that desire to be grateful and of "Good Cheer" in our circumstances God will grant it unto us. 

My Friends and family, and strangers that may see and read this. The sole purpose of this entry was for me, as I search and strengthen my testimony in the Plan that God has for me as an individual here. As I try daily to be better and "Be of Good Cheer" in all of my circumstances I find myself being truly Happy despite difficulty and adversity. 

I love this Gospel. It opens doors to personal insights and revelation that anyone can receive. I know that it is true. I am grateful for Jesus Christ. He is my Rock and my Redeemer. Because of Him, Who He was, who He is, and what He did, I am strengthened and given great peace, reassurance and happiness. He says directly in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

I Love You All :) 

Mishae Lee Nelson 

Learn More at: Mormon.org

https://www.mormon.org/me/DW6Y/Mishae

Some Very insightful conference talks- Be Of Good Cheer by President Thomas S. Monson

Grateful in Any Circumstance by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A New Beginning

18 months gone just like that. I feel like I blinked and here I am sitting in Tremonton, working at the local dominos delivering pizza, and attempting to adjust back to life in the same world that I left, but a completely changed and different person. 

When expressing my thoughts on my mission and the "frequently asked questions" all I can say is it truly was amazing. It was the best 18 months for my life. It was cold, wet, hard, exhausting, happy, funny, miraculous, amazing, and basically the best thing ever. I truly loved being a representative of the Lord and not a single day goes by that I don't think about the amazing journey that God blessed me with. 

I could sit here all day and talk about my mission. I am really good at that. I am comfortable with it, I miss it, I would go back in a heart beat, but this post is not necessarily designed for that. Its to start the new adventures and to get back into the present time period that I am living in. I am sure I will share experiences and special stories on here, as well as spiritual insights that I have received as I continue to deepen my faith and conversion. 

This is me. This is my new beginning. This is who I am. 

My name is Mishae Nelson. I am a small town, country loving, princess, with 4 brothers. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a Return Missionary. I am a Mormon. I am not afraid to say what I know to be true and to be different. I know that this is the truth, the everlasting and fullness of the Gospel and that anyone can truly know these things for themselves. I love it with my whole heart. I will proclaim this with every breath that I have. I know it is true!

                         The crowd at the Salt Lake City International airport that welcomed me home!

            14 October 2015 - One of the hardest days of my life being released as a full time missionary.

            My daddy and mum. I am proud of them. They were the best missionary parents ever.

              and just like that the badge was taken off, the blue jeans were put on and I am back at home. 

                                Heres to the next new and great adventures I am blessed to call my life. 

Blessed with the Best!!!

I can't imagine my life any other way. With the ups and the downs and the highs and the lows of this journey I have found some of my truest friends, and have created ever lasting memories. Last Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the General Women's Meeting with my mom. It was awesome! Not only did I get to do some last minute shopping, but I got to spend the entire day with her, and be spiritually charged in that meeting. As the speakers shared what was in their hearts, I felt as if they were talking directly to me. One of the main messages that I got out of it was that there is no age barrier for service. We as women of the church have to help each other out when things get a little rocky. I had to chuckle at this a little bit just because I felt like this was and has already taken place in my life. God gave me some great mentors and examples to help see me through the difficult time, as well as the best of times. 

Tuesday, Wednesday, and tonight, I have had the opportunity to go to the temple. It has been kind of my refuge from life and the struggles and challenges that have been uprising. Each time I have gone I have learned something different, experienced different things, and have come out feeling like I can handle the next day. I can't believe here in the next few days i'll be saying goodbye to all of you awesome people… that's gonna be a little rough. Goll I wish you all weren't so stinking great so it would be a little bit easier. I love you!!!!! :)… and that's the honest truth. God blessed me with some incredible parents that have raised me in the gospel, and have loved me even when I was and am a brat. It's safe to say I am blessed with the greatest family, best adopted families, and best friend a girl could ever have. Thanks for being you and helping a "sister" out! I love you!!! 

Hugs and Loves … and possibly a few tears (happy ones at that)

Mishae

Single Digits… 8 days:)

I can't believe in exactly one week from today, I will have been set apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!!!!! To say I am ready to take this journey is an understatement. I can feel Satan working on me harder now then ever. It's crazy how miserable he will try and make you, especially so close to leaving. Today I have chosen to put the negative aside and be happy. I can't control others, or the way I am treated, but I can control the way I react and how I respond. Today and every day I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is such an incredible gift we have been given. I know that when I am feeling all alone, and no one can possibly understand the way I am feeling my Savior does. He bled from every poor, and suffered individually every affliction, sin, sickness and emotion just for me. I am so excited and grateful that I get to spend 18 months of my life helping people understand this amazing principle that allows us to return back to our Heavenly Home.
I love this gospel and everything it has to offers with all of my heart!!! :)

 Because tonight I got to spend the evening at the ball park one last time for 18 months. All though this boy probably gets sick of listening to me nag at him, get after him, cheer for him, and of course tell him to pick up the plow or kick the tractor into 2nd. I wouldn't trade these memories for anything. He is turning into one heck of a ball player… even if he is a spit image of myself. I have to laugh at some of the things he does, because it reminds me so much of myself. Keep after it Jay!!! Trust me, you're not gonna get away with slacking off just because I'm not there to let you know everything you are doing wrong… or right:)! Can't wait to watch you and see how far you have come when I get home!!!

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"
<3 Hugs and Loves!!! :)
Mishae!!

The Farewell… check! :)

I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and support that I received on Sunday! The chapel was filled, the overflow was filled, and it was all for me. I am so blessed to have so many incredible examples and role models to follow. A thank you, or hug, does not even compare to how grateful I am that you were there. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for the people I have been given in this life to help me, and to love me through this journey! I love you all! <EXTRA TIGHT HUGS AND LOVES> 

Mishae!

Some Late Night Thoughts

Well Ladies and Gentlemen we are officially in the teens…. 19, but still!!! I can't believe how quickly it   has came. I think back to where it all began and how one simple thought, led to another, which led to a prayer, which led to an action, which led to exactly where my Heavenly Father wants me to be.  I couldn't be more blessed to be able to take 18 months of my life and devote it to bringing forth the true and everlasting gospel. 

My heart is full tonight. It's a little late, but that's alright. Usually my best thoughts come after 1 or 2 in the morning. I have been struggling with exactly where and what the Lord wants me to share on Sunday. I'm starting to think I'm going back to my old ways as an athlete and over thinking the "game" you could say. Being afraid of turning the ball over instead of being confident and taking that shot, or being aggressive and driving to the basket, and not being worried about being blocked. 

Today all of those worries seemed to disappear. Was it because I was up half the night studying and praying for guidance and courage, or I guess it could of been because I decided to get up out of bed early and attend the temple. I don't know the exact reason behind it all, but I don't really need too. I know that my burdens and worries have been made light because of my Savior Jesus Christ. If we do our part, he will not leave us alone to suffer. He understands what is in our heart. 

I wish I could say I'm all geared up and ready to go for Sunday, but that would be a joke in itself. Neil L. Anderson said in a conference talk "Fear and Faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time". I think I was struggling so bad and worrying so much because of this exactly. I was choosing to be scared, to have my thoughts directed more to hoping I don't sound stupid, or what others think. I have figured out now that I can't do that, it doesn't really matter what others think. I have said it before, and I'm sure I will say it again.. probably at this time in a few short weeks. I am choosing Faith not Fear. I trust that whatever I am supposed to say and do the Lord will lead me through it. 

My worries right now are probably different from a lot of yours, but I can tell you one thing thats for certain. You have someone to turn to. D&C 58:4 "For after MUCH tribulation come the BLESSINGS. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand" All you have to do is ask. D&C 4:7 "Ask, and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen" I pray for you all that are struggling, not necessarily that your burdens may be made light, but that you can find peace and comfort through your Savior Jesus Christ. He is the only person in this world that has walked in your shoes. He has been there before, and he is there to take your hand and help you through.

Hugs and Loves!!! :)

Mishae!

Sisters in Sin City!! :)

Making memories, and having fun is something I am getting quite good at. I love just living life and being happy. I wish I would have taken advantage more often earlier on to do the little things, because they really make the biggest memories. Rylee invited me on one last adventure before we both hit the mission field… and what better place for two future sister missionaries to go than Las Vegas!!!! :) 

It was definitely a trip to remember. I didn't really know what to expect, other than what I had been told, and warned from several people questioning of why I would even go there, especially to so close to me leaving… Just so you know there is a lot of fun, safe, and adventurous things to do in Vegas, for anyone, especially those who are willing to walk 10 miles every day!!! :) 

Just a quick photo to start our road trip!!!

 We did a lot of fun things!!! And stayed incredibly busy! Tuesday morning we got there, and we didn't stop. From the Shark Reef, which was super cool, to touching weird little swimming fish, to watching dolphins do tricks in the warm sun, a titanic exhibit, endless shopping, and lots of laughing

A funny story that happened while we were there.. haha still makes me laugh:) Me and Rylee were left alone to travel to the Dolphins exhibit, while the other two went to see bodies. We were meeting up in the mall later on after we both got done. Well we finished before and decided to sit down and eat some Gelato, which for the record is not even real Gelato and doesn't even compare to the kind you would get in Italy, but next thing I know someone is poking the bun on top of my head. I turn to Rylee with frightened eyes and said.. "Umm is someone touching my hair" and she just shook her head. I turned around to find this Asian Lady and her husband admiring us. Umm AWKWARD!!!.. They pointed to there camera, and then took pictures of us… At this point we are laughing, and trying to figure out why they found the buns on our head so exciting…. Anyways the Asians left and have pictures of us.. Needless to say maybe we will become famous because of it!… It was funny though!!!.. and a little creepy!

 

We rode the Roller Coast at New York New York in the dark, visited the M&M factory, where I got some pretty awesome M&Ms and, went to probably my favoritest place of all time… The COKE FACTORY!!! It was so awesome.. and well needless to say I could probably live there! I felt right at home. They have this thing where you can try all of the drinks from around the world that are famous in different countries, so we all would take a drink and pass it around. That was really interesting. Some of them tasted worse then cough syrup! .. I think watching everyone else's reaction made it all the worse to! It made for some really good laughs though!

 I could live in this place thats for sure!!! Love me some Coca Cola!! 

Just doing some drink tasting with the whole gang!!

My favorite picture from the whole trip! This captures the real us, and Vegas all in one! I couldn't of been blessed with a better best friend. She's been there for me through the good, the bad, and the ugly! I am so glad I got to experience Vegas and have some pretty good laughs with this one! I gotta pretty lucky! 

This is just a small glimpse of the memories made, and the laughs shared. I'll treasure it forever! 

Hugs and Loves!!!! :)