Happiness is...

Happiness is...

Seeing my youngest brother be the fan of the game at a Volleyball match.
Meeting new people and befriending them.
Going to sporting events/Playing the sports I love
Flowers of all kind
Seeing the first snow of the season on the mountain top
Seeing couples so happy around each other.
The ocean and how peaceful it really can be.
Long walks on the beach or hiking
Stopping and thinking of how I am truly blessed with everything I have
The love I feel from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
Watching the sunrise/sunset over the valley/ocean and reflecting on life.
Giving and receiving hugs
Laughing endlessly with my family.
Having a place to live
Finding joy in my journey through life.
Learning from inspired people
Smiling at strangers
Dancing in the rain
Snowball fights
Building igloos/Making Snow Angels
Filling the adrenaline rush from Roller Coasters. I love Six Flags.
Talking with friends and just listening to them
Accomplishing my goals
Funny jokes
Phones: So that we may talk with loved ones who live far away
Living each day to the fullest.
Loving and accepting people beyond measure!

*I can go on and on for days, but I won't. What brings you happiness?

Live, Laugh Love

God's Will For Me

So, I was called to the California San Diego Mission. I am so grateful I got to serve there. I was healthy up until a week into the MTC. I entered September 19, 2012. I had coughing attacks and a really bad cold. In fact, I left 1 week later to San Diego than everybody else did. I was a mess. I wasn't happy to stay an extra week. The Lord knew I would, but I was asking why. Why do I have to stay? Of course I was sick, but in God's will, he has sent me to help a district that was struggling. Talk about a very humbling experience.

 Having been sick in the MTC caused my anxiety to go on full force. I did the best I can to be the missionary that would make Heavenly Father proud. My anxiety caused my body to just ache and not feel good 24/7. I went to the doctor's and that kinda helped. A month later into the mission field, I was on a conference call with my doctor back home, my parents and my Mission President. I was very hesitant to be on the phone fearing what would happen. Would I be sent home? Would this be it?

I had many miracles with my 2 trainers that confirmed that I needed to stick it out and continue in the mission field. Sister Hudson and Sister Riggs really cared for me. I was happy that I got an answer that I needed to stay. Then about a week later, anxiety got the best of me. I prayed about whether I should stay or not. I got the answer I needed to go home and get on meds so I can be the missionary that Heavenly Father sent me out to do. So I went home on November 12, 2012. 

It was quite the transition. I felt pain and sorrow when I had to take off my badge. I was afraid of people questioning why I was home. I felt like I was a failure up until I realized that Heavenly Father doesn't send us to fail. I had the 100% desire to return to my mission. I knew I wasn't done. So I thought to myself, "What can I do to keep that desire there?" First off, instead of going to the singles ward, I ended up being in my home family ward. Then the 2nd day I was home, I got called to be a youth Sunday School teacher. I was so grateful. Then I got to spend two 12 hour days with the sister missionaries here in Logan, UT. Biggest blessing was that I was called to be a temple ordinance worker twice a week. I loved it so much. That alone has strengthened my testimony. There was a tough patch when I was home. I just got comfortable staying home and was thinking of going back to school. Every time I thought of school, I had a sick feeling to my stomach. So I knew at that point I needed to go back on a mission.

6 months has passed! Guess what, I got better and returned to my own mission. Boy was I thrilled. I made it through the hardest 6 months of my life. So I went back and saw missionaries that I served with. The reunion with Sister Riggs was one that I will never forget. Pure happiness. So I got two more companions. Sister Brown and Sister Bishop. I love them so much. They knew how to make me laugh and smile. They are heaven sent. I was finally feeling that I was the missionary that I was meant to be. Then about a month passed and my anxiety was starting to come back. I couldn't focus on the studies. I couldn't stay awake. I couldn't even stay asleep at nights. It was a real downer. Not going to lie on that one. I just went on. I made it through 2 transfers before I felt that something wasn't right. Little did I know the P-Day at Sunset Cliffs was going to be my last. We went there to say goodbye to other missionaries. Little did I know, I would be one of those. The weekend before I left, I felt impressed to call President Clayton. He had an impression that something was wrong too. I told him of what was going on then we came to conclusion that I my mission was done. I found out the next Monday that I was to leave on Tuesday. I held it together until I was at the airport to say goodbye to President Clayton and Sister Clayton. I lost it. I cried my eyes out. I was just heart broken and confused. I never thought I was going to be sent home at all in the first place let alone twice.

When I was released, my Stake President gave me a blessing and said that I accomplished everything that Heavenly Father has sent me forth to do. I was just thankful to hear that. When I got home, I said a prayer prior to take off my badge for the last time. I never felt so much peace, love and comfort from Heavenly Father. It is the feeling I will never forget. I accept that it is the Lord's will for me to be home right now. I am so humbled that the Lord truly knows our path in this life and what we need to accomplish to build up His Kingdom. As we come to accept the Lord's will for us, it will soon be our own will as well. That's when the puzzle is complete. As I look back at the trials and good times on my mission, I wouldn't change a thing. I am grateful for everything that happened. Heavenly Father knows us all and ways to become the sons or daughters of God we are meant to become.

Enjoy! My life in a very small nutshell.

Promise to not lie or erase any of these questions?Yes

Don’t tell me lies, so where’s your significant other?Don't have one

Last thing to disappoint you? I rarely get disappointed or mad

Think back to June. Do you remember who you liked? No

Do you still like that person?N/A

What do you do when you have a bad day?Listen to music

Do you care what people think about you?Nope, not really

Is it usually easy for someone to make you smile?YES

Are you planning on going to college? In the process of transferring

Are your friends just like you?Not exactly like me

Would you ever get a tattoo?Hmmm, better not. Don't like needles.

Spell your name without an A:Lurel

Do you like hugs?I love hugs

What are you listening to?The Vacuum

Has anybody ever told you that you have pretty eyes? Yes they have 

Anything you’re avoiding?No

Last time you were truly upset? Don't get upset often

Does everyone deserve a second chance?It depends on the situation

Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to?No, I love my Popsy

Are you emotionally strong? Does not crying in movies or tv shows count?

Do you act differently around the person you like? No, just being myself

Are you one of those people who hate crying in front of others?Yeah

How would your parents react if you got a tattoo?They wouldn't be happy

Why did your parents last yell at you?I don't remember

Do you believe that there are certain circumstances where cheating is okay?No

Are you lying to yourself about something?No

Have you ever kissed someone with the first initial K?Nope

Are you happier now or three months ago?About the same! Life is good.

Can you have more than one best friend?Yeah

How many pairs of Converse do you own? None

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you had?Milk

Do you have a bestfriend?I have several close friends.

Why are you happy?Because life is grand.

Have you ever gotten a 100 in a class?No

How’s your heart lately?Pretty good

If someone told you they’re interested in you right now, what would you say?It depends on who it is

Do you follow your head or your heart?Both mainly my heart then my mind

When was the last time you cried? I don't remember

Do you think the last person you kissed is amazing?Never been kissed...yup

If you could have one wish right now, what would that be? Go to San Diego and surf.

Your plans for tomorrow?Watch Conference

What's your midde name?Rose

Do you prefer Italian or Ranch salad dressing?Italian

Do you have an ex?Yes

Still miss them? No

Last time you saw snow?The other day

Who was the last person you were under a blanket with? My sister, slumber party

Do you like to cuddle?Yes

Do you like your life as of now?Love it

What were you doing 20 minutes ago?Filling this thing out.

Did you kiss or hug anyone today?Yes, hugged my lil brothers

What color is your hair?Brown with some highlights

Whats the last movie you watched?Some hallmark chick flick

Be True To Who You Are

Many people these days are hesitant and scared to be true to themselves. Some of the reasons may vary. They want to fit in with a certain group or they may be afraid that they may be judged.

You are created to be yourself. Not anybody else. You are the best person that can be yourself. You have 2 choices. You can either be the worst of somebody else or you can be the best you. Which one would you choose?

People just ask you to be true to yourself. Regardless of your lifestyle, religion, personality, your goals etc... They love you for being you. By showing your true self may be the answer to somebody's prayers. You have the talents and gifts that can help people here on earth. That is why you are so important. You are worth it. Don't let people have you think otherwise. Keep smiling, keep shining and be true to who you are.

Since I love music so much, here are lyrics to one of my favorite songs. This pretty much sums up everything.

Who You Are by Jessie J.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror
Why am I doing this to myself?
Losing my mind on a tiny error
I nearly left the real me on the shelf
No, no, no, no, no,no

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

Tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
Just be true to who you are

Who you are, who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are, who you are

Brushing my hair, do I look perfect?
I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah
The more I try the less it's working, yeah, yeah, yeah
'Cause everything inside me screams
No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

But tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
There's nothing wrong with who you are

Yes, no's, egos, fake shows like whoa
Just go and leave me alone
Real talk, real life, good luck, good night
With a smile, that's my home, that's my home, no
No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose who you are all in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

Tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
Just be true to who you are
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Journey back to my Mission

Some of you may know that I was sent home from my church mission quite early. I only served 2 months out of the 18 months before I was sent home. The reason being was due to health issues. I was too sick to be a missionary. I tried to be on my mission as long as I could until I couldn't do it anymore. I have my 2 trainers to thank, Sister Riggs and Sister Hudson for helping me stay out in San Diego for as long as I did. When I arrived home, it was a start of a whole new journey.

When I arrived home, I had no idea what was going to happen. I feared of what people would do or say when they found out I came home. It wasn't easy. I have great leaders, family and friends to support me to get back on my mission to San Diego. The second day I got home, I got a calling in my ward. I was called to be a Youth Sunday school teacher for 17-18 yr olds. I was at first skeptical about it, but I loved the people I taught. I loved every minute of it.

I was instructed to simulate the missionary schedule as close as possible when I came home. It was easy for the first week, then things started to change. Not going to lie, it was super hard to be home. I just wanted to go back to the mission. I doubted and questioned myself whether I would be able to handle going back on the mission. I was lost and confused. I then realized that I didn't have a lot of faith. For Faith and fear don't mix at all. Then that's when I knew I had to work on having faith in Jesus Christ and let Him guide me towards the right direction. For Jesus Christ knows the way and knows better than me.

I have been blessed in working with sister missionaries on the USU campus. I helped teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and see how people came closer to Christ. When I helped the missionaries, it regained my desire and "fire" to go back on the mission. It really has been a blessing from Heaven to work with Sisters' Wunderli, MacMillan, Kruetzer and Campbell. All of them have become really close friends. I can't thank them enough.

I also got the calling to be a worker in the Utah Logan Temple. The feeling to be inside the temple is incredible. That is when I feel the closest to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That has been the biggest blessing of all for me.

As I was contemplating whether I wanted to go back on the mission or not, I thought of my vision statement of the kind of missionary I wanted to become. My vision has to do with Live. Laugh. Love.

Live: Live in such a way that is pleasing unto God. Live for the people that you are teaching so that they may feel the Holy Spirit testifying to them the truths that are being taught.

Laugh: Laughing is the best medicine. It relieves stress and pain.

Love: Love your mission companions, other missionaries, Mission leaders, the Lord and those people who you come in contact with. Love others so that they may feel the love of Christ through you.

The past 5 months have been quite the learning experience. I learned how to rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all things. I learned how to fully humble myself. I learned how powerful the Atonement really is. Let Jesus Christ enter into your life. Let others help you. For no one can go through life alone. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves your with an infinite amount of love. He loves us all equally.

And I am happy to say that I will be returning to my mission within several weeks. No set date yet. I got my clearance from both of my doctors and church leaders to return very soon. I love the feeling when I triumphed over the hardest trial I experienced.

Live. Laugh. Love.

Love,

Laurel Greathouse