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!!!! :) 

Nothing out of the ordinary.. Right?

I have failed with flying colors on blogging this past month... Not that anyone really reads this anyway. I have a little catching up to do! What a fantastic, crazy, hard, fun, awesome month it has been! I have done so many fun things and have kept a little bit to busy but I wouldn't really want it any other way. I will give you a semi-shortened and sweet version of what has been going on in my pre missionary crazy life:) It is quite entertaining :)

First, the beginning of February I was "blessed",using that term loosely, with the opportunity to speak in Stake Conference. Luckily it was the Saturday night session, I only had 5 minutes, and the topic of the evening was Hastening the Work. It was an incredible meeting with such great testimonies shared and given. Missionary Work is seriously the best thing EVER, just saying :).. I didn't really get nervous until I got a call from the Stake President reminding me Saturday morning. Which was good. But I never really prepared a talk, which can be good and bad. I have been given the talent of public speaking, but not writing very good talks. I basically just say whatever I feel and whatever the spirit directs me to which has always gotten me by in the past, so of course I wasn't about to change anything :).. I studied the scriptures, thought, prayed, and just hoped that the things I was feeling would come out alright… I started with the quote from a talk President Benson gave even before I was born.. "I have a vision of thousands of missionaries going into the mission field… to feed the needs of a spiritually famished world" … and then the rest after that was strictly from the heart.. haha can't really tell ya what I said cuz most of it I don't even remember:) Considering it all I think it went pretty good, and I was and am now very grateful for that opportunity and experience, and know that it is what was needed to help me prepare for this crazy adventure.

Next, probably one of the most exciting things that has ever taken place in my life spiritually was attending the temple to receive my endowments. What an incredible place! Words can't express how grateful I was and am to have those blessings and to be able to have so many so close!! It was a hoppin ;) place, and so many people were there that supported me and have helped me get to this point. It was such an amazing feeling, and so nice to be surrounded by the ones that mean the most to me.

I could go on and on about the temple for forever, but I'll save you all from that.. and sum it up for you in a sentence. One of my most favorite places on earth! 

Just recently there was a group of us that took a girls trip down to St. George one last time. :) It's kind of been tradition that we do it, and we figured all though it wasn't the usual June trip, at least we could catch some warmth and have a good time. My sister came along too making the trip that much better. The weather was a little crazy going down, and at times scary but we made it safely enjoyed a basketball game in Cedar City, talked with some old friends from college, and then continued on our way to St George. It wasn't super warm, but we shopped a lot, ate some seriously amazing food between the famous TIKI TIKI, Casablanca, and Camille's and stuffed our face with a lot of treats and of course sugar cookies!!! :) 

We found this candy store that is really awesome.. It has all of the old style candy from like forever ago, and the awesome glass styled drinks.. I think this picture basically explains itself.. Lucky for us you can't read what the name of the root beer we were drinking.. but it was pretty dang good :) Unfortunately we had to come home and resume our lives with work and school… but lucky for us there are more adventures soon approaching with one last vaca before we hit the mission field!!

Just a little Aggie Hoops :).. I think the conversion process to Utah State may be starting to take place.. guess will just have to see what 18 months has to bring :)

Whatever way you want to say it, but I have now 1 month,  4 weeks, 31 days, 1 Fast Sunday, 1 General Conference, or 5 Missionary Mondays or P days until I report! I couldn't tell ya where the time has gone, all I know is that April 9th is approaching quickly! The closer it gets the more nervous, anxious, excited, sad, and grateful that it is here! It has been the hardest but the best thing I could have ever done and I'm sure I will be saying that a lot as I get into the field. I love being a member of this everlasting gospel, and grateful for the knowledge that we have as members! I can't wait to share with others these truths and bring happiness into their lives. 

Until then… The clock clicks down!!! :) 

Loves and Hugs from me to you, forever and always!!! 

Mishae

The Struggle is Real… but so is God!

I have decided that instead of avoiding my blog because I don’t want to sound dumb or stupid should be the least of my concerns. In all reality know one could read it, and I would be fine with that because it truly is to help me and be a place where I can write down and share my feelings and experiences and be able to reflect back on what I have done, and what I am doing to help me be better and become who my Heavenly Father wants me to be. It's hard for me to share my struggles with my family, let alone the blogging world, but I just felt like I should. The mission experience is a roller coaster of emotions, but I wouldn't want it any other way. It's the way we learn and grow most, by experiences and challenges and by overcoming hard things. It's the way God intended it to be, and he has a reason for it. 

Tonight, and a lot of other nights recently, I have had a million thoughts going through my head; mostly excitement and eagerness to start my new adventure, but some uneasiness and inadequacy as well.  I don’t think I truly understood the commitment this would be when I hit that submit button, or when I was reading my call aloud for the first time. Even a week later I still felt like I was living in some sort of fantasy world, but soon after that the reality of it all would hit. I

At first I was scared. I couldn’t believe what I had gotten myself into, and why on earth I would ever commit myself to something so hard. I had many thoughts of discouragement, that there would be no way I could do something like this, that I would miss my family and little Tremonton way to much. It came at a time when my friends were leaving to head back to school, and I was stuck here delivering pizzas and waiting for April 9^th.  I had a friend send me an email that said make sure you stay busy, an idle mind is Satan’s playground, and I can truly testify to that. I found myself thinking way to much, and not being active or being engaged in any activity other than working, sleeping in, and checking Facebook.

It took some time pleading with the Lord to help me, to reignite my flame, and to reassure me that what I was doing was what he had in store for me. I had to recommit myself to the Lord, his plan, and what he wanted. I knew the only reason I was feeling this way was because of Satan. He works a lot harder, but in different ways, after you have received a mission call. I found myself lacking motivation to open my scriptures at night, to study my preach my gospel, and do the little things. Nothing big and crazy, but I have learned through experience that it’s the small things that add up, and little by little he can drag you down.

I decided one night that I was going to recommit myself to the Lord. That I was going to study my scriptures, and read the Book of Mormon all the way through again before I leave.(It is highly encouraged by general authorities)  I was going to pray often, and look for missionary experiences, and serve others. This has truly changed my attitude, my countenance, and the person that I am. I was reading my scriptures one night and came across the verse “there is opposition in all things” That hit me square in the face. I guess I though maybe because I was serving a mission, that the Lord would set the path and make it easy, but that is not how it works. It was a friendly, but stern reminder to saddle up and jump on because it wasn’t going to be easy but if I could make it the reward would be worth it. 

            I think it was exactly what the Lord needed me to do, to allow me to regain that excitement, to help me fight off the adversary, and to help me to be happy. I was reassured in my testimony of the little things, and how they become the big things. I came across the quote one night, and of course tweeted it, but it pertains here. “Patience isn’t the ability to wait, but the attitude of keeping a good attitude while waiting”  And although sometimes I get impatient and just wish it was here already, I truly am grateful for this whole process. I love the time that I am able to spend here at home with my family, and be able to share memories with those around me.

            God really knows what he is doing. He hears and answers our pleadings.  He knows exactly what we need to do and overcome to be able to succeed. I will say it a million times probably, but I am grateful for my challenges and trials. It has allowed me to grow in ways that nothing else could, and I know that because of them I am who I am. I have been put in places where it would be easier to just have thrown in the towel and be done with it, but I stuck to it. I know that my mission, and life in general will be like this a lot of the time. I will have hard days, and just want to come home. But because of my experiences I am more prepared to buckle down and put one foot in from of the other and know that all things I do through Christ and for Christ will benefit me. 

            I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve my Heavenly Father, and to share the gospel with the people of England.  This whole experience has already helped me be able to share the gospel with those that I am around, and have missionary experiences and opportunities already that I would not of had without preparing for my mission. I love this church with all of my heart, and I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I challenge you all … (it’s the future missionary in me) to share the gospel with others, whether its’ your testimony, or by actions of service and love. You never know what kind of outcome it might have on someone’s life. 

“No force in the entire world, can stop the work of God” –Neil L. Anderson

            *Hugs and Loves from tree town!!

                                Mishae

Writing my Story

How do I start this?... I guess will start from the very beginning, hopefully it doesn't get to long or lengthy.. If so, just skip to the end, I'm sure that will be the best part anyway!

Between school, studying, and contemplating one of the biggest decisions of my life I turned into what I call, an emotional girl... I was the girl that was NEVER EVER EVER going on a mission. That just wasn't for me. I had the next few years all planned out, and I was sticking to it. Go to college, become a nurse, find my prince charming, and live happily ever after.. Or so I thought. On June 6 I attended a few sisters' farewells that I had played ball with. I wrote in my journal that night, "Oh crap I'm starting to think about a mission". Well time went on and I left for college, and to fulfill my 5 year plan. 

It didn't take long until a mission was on my mind more and more frequently. I knew I would be turning 19 soon, and the opportunity was approaching quickly. I had decided I was going on a mission, before I even told my parents I was thinking about it.  (Sorry, didn't really want to get your hopes up, and have something come up) I came home for fall break, and went and visited my counseling center family. :) I had talked to them earlier in the week, so they knew I had a "secret" to tell them, they just didn't know what. Bless there hearts. They have been there through the lowest of lows, to now the highest of highs, poor people I'm surprised I haven't put them, and a lot of others in there graves by now... But I told them. It was the first step, in the many steps that I have climbed to get to today. 

I went back to school with a mission now weighing heavily on my mind. I thought about it 24-7. Sleepless nights, stress, tears.. After calling my mom and crying to her, she told me it would be okay basically if I made whatever decision. But reassured me that if I chose to serve sooner then later it would be okay to come home, and leave school (Which was extremely stressful). I sorta felt better after that. I thought okay, if I choose to come home and go it will be okay. I don't I felt like it would all play itself out and be great. I went over to Rylee's to do some studying and talk. I'm pretty sure she was about sick of me at this time because I was such a mental mess. We were sitting there talking when my phone rings. Ha My family ward bishop from Tremonton is calling me. I looked at Rylee and was seriously going to kill my mom. I told her I knew she had called him, and was contemplating even answering. Well, I answered in my "everything is great and dandy" kind of a voice. He really wasn't buying my act, and was going to be traveling through cedar the next weekend, and wondered if he would I would like him to stop and give me a blessing and talk. Of course I wasn't going to shut that down, so I accepted his invitation and went on doing my thing.

He came to my apartment Sunday with his wife, and sat and visited with me and one of my roommates. We discussed the worries, the plan of action, and life. As he gave me a blessing tears streamed down my face. It was one of the "AH HA" moments that you can't deny. After that I knew it with my whole heart that I would be serving a mission, and that I would be doing it sooner rather then later. 

I was looking a little rough, but this picture was taken the day I finally made a decision... :) I had to treat myself to some awesome dessert from Chili's. 

After that the rest is basically history. I came home a few weeks later, and got right to work on mission papers. It was exciting, nerve wracking, and comforting. I could see the Lords hand every step of the way reassuring me that what I was doing was right, and was going to be the best decision for me and my life ahead. 

Things went pretty smooth from then on out. The goal, in my head, was to have my papers all done and completed by the beginning of December, so that I could have a mission call for my birthday. Well, with me being so far away with college, and having to schedule interviews and drs appointments that didn't really happen, They ended up being sent to the church office the Sunday after my birthday. So I guess that would just have to do. I was prepared to wait until January 8 for my call. I had kind of been warned that the church office would be closed during christmas and new years and not to get to anxious  quite yet... :) 

I got this text Monday, December 16. I was for sure I was going to have to wait at least until January till I would get my call... but then I got this text three days later on Thursday when I was out on a delivery at work. 

I first called my mom and dad crazy excited. I think I was in shock to say the least... after that I had to call my mama Kim. We had just talked earlier that day about how it wouldn't come till January, and now it was coming in a week... Well after I told her and was so excited, I managed to get back to the store, clock in, and tell all of dominos. I was freaking out. I didn't know whether to cry because I was so excited or to throw up, because I was so nervous. Needless to say that was an extremely long night at work. 

The days after that went by really slowly. Not a lot of sleeping took place for awhile. The only time I was really nervous was when I found out my call had been issued and when I was physically opening it. I knew it was right, and where ever I was assigned was called by God. Christmas came and I got all of my missionary stuff, and I had told everyone that my call was supposed to be here Thursday, and was kind of planning a party type thing. 

I finally fell asleep at 3 am. I had set my alarm clock for 6 and 6:30 so that I would be awake when the post office called. Well at 7:15 they still hadn't called, and I was absolutely crushed. I called my mom while laying in my bed to ask her if they had called and if I had just slept through it or something. She told me know, and said it probably wouldn't come and was held up because of the holidays. Well at that exact moment my dads phone starts ringing.. my mom tells me to hold on because she thought she heard my dads phone go off. I immediately jump out of my bed and am on a dead sprint to the upstairs.. I'm sure it was really quite comical. The lady at the post office told me I could come get my call whenever. So, after that there was going to be no sleeping. Me and my dad and Jay went up to the post office and got it. ahh Just writing about it makes me all giddy! After that I hid it in a cupboard so know one would mess with it, and so it wouldn't taunt me quite as much. 

I went to breakfast with some friends after that, which was nice because it killed two hours. I came home where I cleaned, made treats, and tried to stay busy. It really wasn't bad until it hit like 3:45. I knew people would start showing up and that it was really happening. ha talk about a nervous crazy!!! 

4:30 came and my house was packed. I think we counted a total of 51 people here... and that was even with some friends not being able to make it. I truly and so blessed with all of the support and love that I have received.... well at about 4:40 the mission call was being opened, and I read the words... well i peaked before.. :) I just wanted to prepare myself to say it out loud!! 

Dear Sister Nelson: you are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the England London South Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months. You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English Language!

I was speechless!!! (which takes a lot) i was overcome with peace and comfort and gratitude. I knew this was where Lord and chosen specifically for me to go, and was so HAPPY!!!... 

Anyways... IM GOING TO LONDON!!!!!!!! 

This blog is now probably going to turn into more of a mission blog. I'm going to try and share experiences that I have up until I leave. Sorry for such the long post. Although I'm sharing it with you, where ever you are, it is to help me to be able to reflect back on as well, and it's the little details that I shared with you, that I will truly want to remember forever. 

This is the ONLY true church! God is real and understands what we are going through at every single moment of our life. Turn your burdens over to him, he truly can help take away the pain. I can't wait to share this amazing gospel with the people of England. I know God is preparing those that I will teach to receive my testimony. Listen to the Spirit always, and share your testimony with others as often as you can, not only in words but in actions and deeds... i have a story about that, but will save it for another day:).. I love this church with all my heart! :) 

 Hugs and Loves from Tree Town!!!

Mishae