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

It Will All Be Worth It

Hey everyone! Welcome! Some of you may know that starting tonight, my life will change. A start to a new chapter in my life. Tonight, I will be set apart as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am set to serve in the California, San Diego Mission for the next 18 months to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, I am nervous and scared, because this is something out of my comfort zone. But I am excited for the new adventures. It will definatly be a sacrifice. I won't be able to see any of my family and friends throughout my whole mission, but I know blessings will come in my life through my service and sacrifices.

I can't thank my family and friends enough for what they have helped me with to get to this point in life. They are my life saviors. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for the examples they have set for me. They have lifted me up when I was in a deep hole of despair. They have shared all my joys with me.

Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing soon I will serve the people who reside within the San Diego Mission. But most importantly, I am excited to serve the Lord by doing His work which is to share His gospel. I know that this experience will make me a better person. Yes, there will be up and downs, but in the end, It will all be worth it. Until we meet again. Love you all.

Love,

Laurel Greathouse

LIVE LAUGH LOVE

Happiness in Family LIfe

The family is important not only to society and to the Church but to our hope for eternal life.

(Preach my Gospel page 32)

It says in the proclamation to the World:
Happiness in Family Life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful  families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
I would like to talk about some of these principles that contributes to happiness in the family.

1. The first one is faith. Faith in our family begins with trusting our Heavenly Father and His promises.
 Elder Dallin H. Oaks says, "As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust."
Act with faith; don’t react with fear.

2. Second is prayer. D&C 10:5

 President Thomas S. Monson states, "
Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray. Prayer is a defense against temptation. It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality."As a people, aren’t we grateful that family prayer is not an out-of-date practice with us? There is no more beautiful sight in all this world than to see a family praying together. There is real meaning behind the oft-quoted ‘The family that prays together stays together.’

*I have a funny experience to share. So when I was 13 yrs old, my family were headed back home to California from our vacation. We were around Baker, CA when we had to fill up the gas tank. My parents didn't want to pay like $2.50 in Baker, so they kept on driving towards Barstow, CA. They were hoping we would make it to the next gas station. It didn't happen. The gas tank was empty. So here we are parked on the side of the freeway in the heat. So my parents decided to say a prayer. I remember my mom started to say the prayer and she busted up laughing just because of how bizarre the situation was. I just remember sitting there waiting to find out what we were going to do. And all I remember was just playing the Gameboy and hearing one of my sisters complain about how she was going to miss American Idol on tv. She didn't care that the gas tank was empty. So my dad and I started to walk along the side of the freeway towards the nearest gas station. With big semi-trucks zooming past by within 20 feet of me and dad. This whole time I was having a prayer in my heart that I wouldn't get hit. We walked about 50 yards before a man pulled over on the road and gave us a ride to the gas station. Just from this experience I know prayers are answered.

3. Third, love in the family. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf states: "
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk."
Always tell your family you love them. Don't assume that they already know.
John 13:34-35
The greatest joys we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting others first before ourselves. That is what love is.

4. Fourth is compassion. Compassion means to feel love and mercy toward another person. It means to have sympathy and desire to relieve the suffering of others. It means to show kindness and tenderness toward another. The Savior has asked us to do the things which He has done, to bear one another’s burdens, to comfort those who need comfort, to mourn with those who mourn, to feed the hungry, visit the sick, to succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and to ‘teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom’
When life seems tough, home can be a place where we
find love, compassion, and warmth. Within our family, we feel reassured that someone understands and cares how we feel. And the compassion we witness and experience at home inspires us to be more compassionate to others.

5. The fifth one is doing activities together. Families that play together stay together, especially when their play is uplifting and wholesome. Family vacations, holidays, birthday celebrations, and other activities build strong bonds within the family.

*I know the saying, Families that play together, stay together is true. There is another family memorable moment I like to share. When I was about 6, my family decided to go camping for a mini vacation. I remember being really excited to go. We set up the tent and then it  started to rain the whole time we were there. My excitement just dropped, because I loved to explore. I didn't like being in the cold. So I remember playing Uno with the family majority of the time in the tent. And my mom kinda demanded my sisters and I, "You will enjoy our time here." This camping trip was one to remember. Even though it rained the whole time, spending time with the family made it a whole lot better.
Nothing is better than creating great memories with our own families. Those are the times where we can grow closer as a family unit.

Elder Robert Hales said,

Strengthening families is our sacred duty as parents, children, extended family members, leaders, teachers, and individual members of the Church. Make our homes a safe place where each family member feels love and a sense of belonging. Realize that each child has varying gifts and abilities; each is an individual requiring special love and care.
 He then listed some ways oh how we can strengthen our families like serve together, pray together, read the scriptures and having family home evening.
I believe the key to strengthening our families is having the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be on the strait and narrow path. 2 Nephi 31:18. How great are the blessings we may receive by being on the strait and narrow path.

The word, "Family" means a lot to me. Being part of a family is wonderful. It means you will love and be loved no matter what may happen in life. Families are always there for each other. They are there to lift you up with the hard times and share the joys you experience while here on earth. Families grow together and stay together. Families are forever.

A Family Is Like
© Nicole M. O'Neil
A Family is like a circle
the connection never ends
and even if at times it breaks
in time it always mends
a family is like the stars
somehow there always there
families are those who help
who support and always care
A Family is like a book
the endings never clear
but through the pages of the book
their love is always near
A family is many things
with endless words that show
who they are and what they do
and how they teach you so you know
but don’t be weary if it's broken
or if through time its been so worn
families are like that-
they're split up and always torn
but even if this happens
your family will always be
they help define just who you are
and will be apart of you eternally

TESTIMONY
I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know The Book of Mormon is true. I know families are eternal and can be together forever. I know that Heavenly Father has prepared a way for us to return to live with Him again. I am grateful for my own family who have helped me to get to this point in life where I will become a  missionary. Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing that I will soon serve the people in San Diego and be an instrument in the Lord's work. I have a testimony that the Atonement is real. I know Christ lives. With Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father in our lives, there is no need to fear. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and what he says comes directly from the Lord.
　

Happy Like Jesus

Today during church, we were talking about Jesus and what He has done in our lives. A girl was sharing this book called, Happy Like Jesus. It brought much perspective of how a happy man He is and what brought Him happiness in His life. I like to talk about two attributes about Him that really stuck out to me. They are serving people. And loving all people.

I learned throughout my life that Jesus Christ is the perfect example of selfless service. He dedicated His whole life to serving others. How incredible is that? He performed many miracles to others and taught many people about the word of God.

Jesus Christ is also the perfect example of loving all people with a perfect love. He loves us all equally. Whenever I look at a painted picture of Christ, I can't help but look at how welcoming and loving He is.

I have been raised in a religious family all my life. My parents always taught me about Jesus. It took me awhile to find out for myself if Jesus was actually real or not. It is hard to explain the different experiences, but I know He is real. I know He is always there for us. I know He is always there to help us every single day. My relationship with Him has grown over the years. I am grateful everyday for His loving kindness. There is nobody or anything that can ever convince me to deny Him. I know He helps me everyday to become the best person I can be. It is very humbling and such a blessing to have Him in my life. Knowing that Jesus Christ is real has changed my life for good. He is the reason why I get up every morning and do my best in whatever I do. I do it for Him. He gave me so much. I am forever grateful for Him. May we all recognize the love of Jesus Christ for all of us and be grateful for Him in our daily lives. There is no need to fear about anything with Jesus in our lives. :)

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Love,

Laurel Greathouse

Sisterly Love

This blog is going to be a little different today. I will be writing a portion. Then I will have 2 guest writers. Which will be my 2 sisters. We are very close to each other, so each of us will describe the other 2 sisters in our own words.

Alison (The one on the left in the picture) is my "unoffical twin." She is hilarious when she is really tired. She might come up behind you when you are not looking and when you turn around, there she is just smiling at you. That is when you know she is really tired when she starts to do funny things. She is the dancer in the family. She makes me look bad when she dances. She also loves to play the piano. She is the sister that will text me 5 minutes after we end a phone call and to see what I am up to. If we are separated, we will find a way to talk everyday. Also, she has a really funny happy dance. You will feel special if she does it for you. She is my little big sister (She is older, but I am 6 inches taller than she is). She is a fast runner. She claims she can beat everyone at hand wrestling. She loved playing store when she was little. She always played the cashier which was her dream job. She is kid-lover. She has so much patience with them. Now she is fulfilling her real dream job by being a preschool teacher. She is one of the most loving people I know. She will always be there for you. No doubt. She is my twin.

Heidi (The one on the far right in the picture) is quite the entertainer. She acts. She plays the flute. She sings. Lets just say she is musically gifted. She loves to dance in the car. People look when we pass by, but Heidi doesn't care. She is always in for a good time. I swear she has 20,000 different laughs (ok, maybe 7 laughs). Her laughs are often funnier than the jokes that are being said. It is just really hilarious. She giggles/laughs basically after she talks. :) She is really smart. The smartest out of all of us. She got her Bachelors degree from BYU-Idaho. Then later graduated with her Masters from University of Arizona. She loves to write. She loves everybody she is around. She has a great sense of humor. She loves everything about nature. She used to write plays when she was little. Basically spin-offs off of disney movies. Somehow she always made me have the male role. What a loving sister she is. She loves her family like nothing else. She is double-jointed in her fingers and arms. Maybe someday she will show you if she hasn't already. She is a great sister and friend. She will always be there for her family and friends. No doubt about it.

-Written by Laurel

Laurel is known to be the tomboy and sports girl in our family. She has been on the AYSO soccer team and several basketball teams in the community and high school. She loves sports so much that she used to wake up at 6 in the morning just to watch ESPN sports. I used to get upset because I missed my Saturday morning cartoons while she watched ESPN. Even though she loved sports, she loved theater as well. She has been in choir and also helped back stage in play productions. Laurel and I have this special “twin” bond with each other. We are 15 months a part, but we always knew we were supposed to be twins. Many people in our family and at school would get us mixed up because we looked a lot alike and were around the same height. Eventually, Laurel grew much taller than I am, and people still get us mixed up today. Laurel is an awesome little but “big” sister and I will never trade her for anything

Heidi is the oldest girl and child in our family. She always loved to be in theater. At Orem Elementary, she has been in small productions such as “Scrooge” and “Alice in Wonderland”. In high school, she was involved in many of the high school play productions such as “Our Town” and also played the flute in the play “The Sound of Music.” Heidi and I are very close! We always text or call each other every day and can talk about mostly anything, especially boys. Heidi is known as “Giggles.” She loves to laugh and can laugh in many different ways. I am so grateful that she is my sister! She is a great example to me and love to spend time with her.

-Written by Alison.

For Laurel:

 What comes to my head about Laurel is sports! I remember when we were little, she watched ESPN Sportscenter. She did not want to get up early during the week, but on weekends she would get up around 5:00 am to watch sports! She was the ultimate tomboy! She would always wear something sporty and for Halloween she would wear boy costumes. Some of those costumes were a Ninja and a Firefighter! She even did not like to play the girl Barbies; she would always play the boy Barbies aka….Ken!…..heheheheh.
One current memory is watching Eight Simple Rules with her! That was always fun and cracked me up! We also went to play miniature golfing and she beat me! It was a hot day and lots of bees were around, but we got snow cones, which totally made up for it! We both got half Tiger Blood and half blue raspberry! Yummy! She is awesome and I am going to miss her when she goes on her mission, but I know she will do great!

 For Alison:
The best memories I have with Alison is talking about boys! I always got excited to tell her my boy stories and she would always talked to me about her stories. We had fun conversations about boys-whether we met a wonderful guy or thought they were “pigs”….lol. When I was in Tucson, we talked to each other like everyday. If we missed a couple of days, it was weird.
Some funny memories with her is about jokes. We have a joke in the family that she doesn’t get jokes. Even though most of the time she gets them, we still joke around that she doesn’t get them…..heheheheh. Even though Alison has moved away to Pleasant Grove, she still comes to visit and I have visited her there. I don’t know where I am going to be when I find a library job, but one thing I know, we will always keep in contact!

-Written by Heidi

Childhood Memories

I thought I would share with you some of my childhood memories! :)

1. When I was the age of 2 or 3, I got into my parents car and somehow made it roll backwards out of the driveway.

2. My oldest sister always wrote these plays and made me be in them. Somehow I always ended up being the Male role...

3. When I was in the 2nd grade, my older sister Heidi who was in the 5th grade wanted me to catch her as she was hanging upside down from the tree. She landed in my arms and rolled out so fast, her face landed on the trunk of the tree. Wasn't funny back then, but now we think its hilarious.

4. I used to play with bugs and worms. And I used to chase other girls with worms too. Yes, sounds mean, but it was fun at the moment...haha.

5. My everyday attire would consist of sports apparel of some sort. Whether it was a jersey, hat, shoes etc...

6. I pretty much convinced myself that I would be a Professional Soccer Player or WNBA player. Didn't happen.

7. One of my favorite memories was when I was at a family reunion. My cousin and I would sneak off early in the morning and go to the lake and watch the sunrise and skip rocks. Later we fell asleep in the hammock and woke up after everybody was already up.

8. In the 6th grade, I joined the City league for soccer. Started off as a midfielder then ended up being goalie. My team went to the playoffs and I was chosen as one of the two goalies for the All-Star team. Most memorable game was when my All-Star team beat this other team who were twice our size via penalty shootout at the end of the game. I made the last save. It was awesome.

9. My favorite pair of shoes were of Jurassic Park. They lit up cool colors.

10. Basically, everybody that knew me can confirm I was a tomboy. Hated curls, wearing pink, loved playing in the dirt and being outside pretending I was a ninja of some sorts.

You Just Never Know

A lot has been happening in the past little while. I only had about 2-3 semesters left to graduate with a BA in Sociology from BYU-Idaho. I had to differ several semesters due to some circumstances. To be honest, I wasn't motivated at all with my major after my first year. In my eyes, I just wanted to graduate quickly so I can go and serve a church mission. While I was at home differing a semester, thats when I realized that Sociology wasn't for me. So I tried to change my major to Exercise Science. They rejected my petition. So that left me in a hole. What was I wanting to do now? Finishing the Sociology degree was out of the question. Then the school changed my major to General Studies without my permission. So thats when I knew my days at BYU-Idaho were over. I didn't want a General Studies degree. It wouldn't help my future career goals one bit. Then I started to look at different schools to transfer to, so I can study in my field that I wanted to be part of. I was literally lost and confused. Where was I supposed to go? I had no idea. Then the thought of serving a church mission came to mind. But I ignored it, because I wanted to finish school first. Then the thought kept on coming back stronger than ever. I thought to myself, "No way. Not yet. Its not my time to serve a mission yet." Then again, came back even more stronger. Then I finally had the urge to pray about and to see what happens. I always wanted to the Lord's will in my life. Thats when I got the answer. This is the time for me to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Its amazing to me how my desires and the Lord's will for me goes hand in hand. Its a perfect fit. The last piece to the puzzle. I learned in my life, that my timing in things are different than the Lord's timing. The Lord knows us in every way possible. He knows of our sorrows and happiness. He is always near even though you can't see Him. He is always there to help us. He wants us to succeed. He would never lead us astray. I learned how to put God and Jesus first in my life. I do everything for them for they are the ones that gave me gifts and talents to become what I have wanted to become.

Now starting on September 19th, 2012, I will be a full-time missionary. I am so excited. I chose to serve a mission, not because I was told to, but only to serve the Lord and the people in the California, San Diego Mission. I am willing to put my life on hold and set everything aside to serve. I have been blessed in so many ways that I see it fit to give 18 months out of my life to serve. I will always glorify in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and Their work to bring souls unto them.

Live, Laugh, Love

Love,

Laurel G.