Missionary Photoshoot

The wonderful Kim Morgan (check out her art blog here) did a missionary photo shot for us on our last Sunday at BYU. The pictures turned out great, and it was super fun taking them with these incredible girls. They inspire me and make me want to become a better missionary.

Showing Love by Works and Deeds

This week in my New Testament class we studied 1 John. One of the scriptures that really stood out to me is 1 John 3:17-18. It reads, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”. This verse shows us how we, as Christians, are to act and become. We have a responsibility to love and care for our fellowman, and we show that love not just in word but also in deed. That is how we follow the example of Jesus Christ. He, during His earthly ministry, “went about doing good”. The Savior did not only say good and think good, but He did good. Likewise, we--as His followers--are also responsible for doing good to others. It is this desire to do good and become more like Jesus Christ that leads me to want to serve a mission. I feel there is no better way for me to show my love for others through deed than to bring them the message of the restored gospel. It is also a way for me to express my love to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and show my commitment to follow Them. I love the gospel. I know it is true, and it leads me to show my love for others by my works and deeds.

Conference Weekend

Twice a year members of the church hear from the general authorities in general conference. It is a great experience. There are four two hour general sessions throughout the weekend (two on Saturday and two on Sunday). On Saturday a group from my ward went to Salt Lake City. We stood in the stand by line for the morning session, but we didn't get in so we just watched in the tabernacle.

Saturday Morning in the standby line

watching in the tabernacle!

Temple Square on conference weekend is a happening place

But I had tickets for the afternoon session so Adelynn and I got to watch it in the Conference Center! It was so cool. After conference, we went out for dinner in Salt Lake and then did a little shopping at the mall.

inside the conference center

this picture turned out kind of blurry but I love this girl!

Sunday we stayed in our PJs ALL day.

conference party in my room!

I love general conference. I know that the church is true and that its leaders are inspired men and women. They tell us exactly what Heavenly Father wants us to hear. Some of my favorite talks were from Sister Dalton, President Uchtdorf, President Monson, and Elder Holland. You can also watch the highlights from all of the sessions here, and if you send me an e-mail I can recommend a talk I think you would like :)