Like so remember how there was a hurricane that swept through my neck of the woods last week? Well it left behind a heck of a lot of miracles and tender mercies mixed in with piles of debris that are currently being gathered by large Bunyan trucks from all over the country. The debris I mean... not the miracles.
I even found myself a Mormon Helping Hands T-Shirt. All of my wildest dreams have come true.
Sunday we got up and went to church. We only had sacrament meeting again so that the Mormon Helping Hands could attack some trees. Our bishop instigated a testimony meeting and let me tell you... it was a wet eyed testimony meeting all around.
Like you know how in between conference sessions they play stories about Mormons going into help in disaster struck countries and saving the day? Well my little community of New Smyrna Beach has been living those stories in real time. The Lord is with us friends. He really is here.
We have seen so many miracles from the hurricane clean up. We met a guy who told us that they hadn't had power in days and that his brother was sick and had been crying because he wanted the power to turn back on. He said at that point they were praying to God to give them a miracle. He told us that was the day that the Mormon's in the yellow shirts showed up, gave them a generator and cleaned up their yard. He looked at us with tears in his eyes and said "Our family will never forget what the Latter-Day Saints did for us."
He is now investigating the church.
The Lord works in mysterious ways!
I love you all and am SO THANKFUL for so many friends and family members that prayed for us during the hurricane. We definitely felt your prayers. So thank you!
My mom is updating my other blog feelmysunlight.blogspot.com with more info and pics about the hurricane so feel free to hop on over there for more miracle stories!
Well my friends, this is my last post for 18 months! I will be set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tonight! I am so excited for this opportunity to serve God's children in Orlando Florida! Even though I can't post for a while I won't leave you hanging! My mom will be posting my weekly emails so check back here every week to stay up to date with all my adventures as a missionary. You can also find all the information you need to keep in touch with me (email, address, etc.) under the "contact me" page. (And I'd LOVE to get mail from all of you so PLEASE send me some love!) Thank you so much for all the love and support over the last 19 years. I feel truly blessed to have so many amazing people in my life. I love you all more than you could ever know. I know The Church is true and it has brought me more joy than anything else ever has in my life and that is why I want to share it. I know the Book of Mormon is the most true book that we have on the earth today and that Joseph Smith was indeed a true prophet and that he really did translate it. I know God loves His children and that is why he sent his son, Jesus Christ to atone for all of our sins, our struggles, and ultimately to die for us so that we might be able to return to live with him again. I know he loves me and I know he loves each of you. I know that through Jesus Christ all families can be together forever. This is a magnificent time to live on this earth. How blessed we are to be able to experience it. I love you all! Read your scriptures, say your prayers, go to church, remember who you are, and so on, and so forth, and what not, and what have you. See you in 18. -Sister Reid
Isn't little Ave just the cutest? Congrats on getting baptized on Saturday little one!
Thanks for letting me take your pictures and for letting me be your tumbling coach.
I thought I'd do a quick blog post to give you guys an update and let you guys know about my mission farewell which is in two weeks. It will be on Sunday September 13th at 9am and anyone is invited to come join me in worshiping in this church service. While I will be speaking, I want you all to remember that this church service isn't about me, it's about our Savior Jesus Christ and I just hope that all of you that come will be able to feel of His love for you. So come hear me speak at my church and after church we are having breakfast at my house afterwords and I would love to see all of your bright smiling faces there so I can hug you all before I leave on my adventures in Florida. The address to my church is 1480 Phillips Street Kaysville Utah 84037-9672. See y'all there!
So... here's the update! As you've probably noticed this blog is slowly being converted to a mission blog. Which means as soon as I'm a missionary I won't be updating it anymore, but will hand it off to my mom who will post my emails on it for 18 months. I'm very excited about it and I hope you all keep checking back here every week to hear about my missionary adventures in Florida! You can also stay updated by typing your email in the 'bloglovin' box on the right hand column. You'll get emails letting you know about new posts every week! Since I won't be able to see comments on here you will only be able to contact me by sending me letters or through email, the addresses of which can be found under the "contact me" page at the top of this blog.
I have 23 days until my MTC report date. Many of my friends are already out serving missions and the rest of them are back in high school or in college now which means I have a slight obsession with emails, hand written letters, and FaceTime calls. I miss my friends a tenfold.
I had my wisdom teeth out on Thursday and I survived! After a few painful sick days I can now say that I just have super sore lower jaw and slightly fat chipmunk cheeks, but according to my little sister my "cheeks don't look as fat as they did yesterday" so that's good! I really just want a hamburger now.
The other day I was having a really rough day (having all the wisdom taken away from you can do that to a person.) and I was just feeling really down. When out of no where I received this message in my inbox from Dawn Armstrong (for those of you who don't remember who she is she's the mom from the movie Meet the Mormons.)
It was a simple gesture but it went a long way and I just wanted to give her a shout out and say thanks for being the person to reach out when I was having a hard day even though you didn't even know it! This was such a good reminder to me that a small act of kindness can change someone's day. And for all of you reading this you ought to go watch Meet the Mormons right this second. It's now on Netflix!
This week I'm going into mission crazy mode. Buying clothes, a bike, a bag, shoes, and all the other things one needs to be an effective sister missionary. Anything you RMs wish you would have brought on your mission that I don't want to forget?
So since I don't have a super uplifting post for you today I thought I'd share with you some of the music on my current playlist. Enjoy!
I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is indeed the true church and that it does indeed contain the fully restored gospel. I know we all have a purpose on this earth and I find my greatest joy in trying to find and fulfill that purpose. Right now that purpose is taking me to Florida to share the gospel and to serve God's children and I can't wait! I love you all!
A single person stands up and begins to sing or dance.
Everyone around them is surprised. In normal society it is uncommon for someone to break out into song and dance in public so bystanders might not know what to think.
Others begin join in.
People recognize that there is something cool going on.
As more and more people join in you start to feel excitement building in the air because what seemed as out of place is turning out to be something really cool.
People want to be a part of this extraordinary thing.
I am currently re-reading the Book of Mormon and trying to apply everything I can to missionary work since I'll be serving in just two months. I was reading in second Nephi 24:7 when I came across what seems to me to be a pretty dang cool flash mob.
"The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet; they break forth into singing."
Now I don't know if this is exactly what Isaiah meant by this, but since missionary work has been on my mind I began to realize that this wave of missionary work that the world has seen in the past few years is indeed a flash mob.
In October of 2012 President Thomas S. Monson made a historic announcement.
This was the beginning of a great flash mob that the world was about to see.
Thousands of young adults as if in sync began to sign up to join in this missionary service. It was as if they were prepared to surprise the world in a great flash mob of missionaries.
To those around them that didn't know about this "flash mob" it might seem confusing and they might not know what to think. It's something different and out of the ordinary for so many young people to give up eighteen months to two years of their life to do nothing but service.
But as more and more people began to join in this missionary service people began to recognize how cool this is. This is something that everyone wants to be a part of.
Russell M. Nelson gave us some advice on how we can all be a part of this missionary flash mob. Even those not planning on serving a full time mission or those who aren't of our faith.
This is a flash mob of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Moses 1:39 says "for behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass immortality and eternal life of man."
This flash mob is God's way of bringing this plan to all the world.
I can't wait to be a part of this marvelous flash mob of missionary work in two moths when I put on my name tag and join together with so many of my brothers and sisters in bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and especially to the people in Florida. I can't wait to be a part of this.
"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." (D&C 4:1) Let's be a part of this marvelous work.
feel my sunlight Since I'm a fan of flash mobs, here are some of my favorite flash mobs that I've seen!
It's past midnight and I've been sitting here emailing all my favorite missionaries. It's been fun watching all my friends ship off all over the world to join the ranks in God's sin-kicking army, but it's hard watching my favorites leave. I've got 76 days until I get to join them. Heaven help me.
The past few years I've been working on a few "Book of Mormon Projects." These projects have just been fun ways that I've been able to dive deeper into the scriptures and gain more understanding and a stronger testimony of their truthfulness, while always keeping things exciting and fresh. I've learned that for me just reading isn't enough; I need to invest in it. So here are a few things that have made scripture study an adventure.
1. Page Titles
This one was something I found on Pinterest. It was originally posted over at Confessions of a Slacker Mom and I found it on a blog called The Red Headed Hostes.
It is a PDF file that has a compiled list of titles for every page in The Book of Mormon. As one of my young womens projects I wrote every single title at the top of each page. It is SO incredibly helpful when reading scriptures because it is so easy to find the context of each page. It's also great when you're sitting in Sunday School and the teacher asks you to read a verse and tell what you think about it and you recount the story is behind the verse because you have cheats on the top of each page. You will end up looking really smart and well studied which is mighty fun I must say. I love them so much!
This is a project I did last time I read The Book of Mormon. Since The Book of Mormon is a bunch of records that were handed down from generation to generation I decided to make a flow chart of all the people and how the book got passed around. It started in one of my sketch journals (aha!) and eventually came up with this. This flow chart is in hopes of making the "so-and-so begat so-and-so" chapters a little more comprehensible.
3. Sketchbook Journals
For the last few years I have been obsessed with scripture journals and note-taking at things like firesides and when I'm in Sacrament meeting or other church meetings. Reticently I've decided to switch over from regular journals to sketchbooks. They aren't any more expensive and I just get mine from Walmart. I love using sketchbooks because they allow me to turn my notes into art. I am known for my sketchbook notes by everybody that I know. They are the best for personal study, listening to General Conference, Church classes, and Sacrament meetings. It is also a sneaky way to make yourself stay awake and pay attention in church, you know, because coloring books aren't appropriate when you're an adult.
Here are a few pages from my sketchbooks.
4. Clean Reading
This was an idea I got from my favorite blogger Al Fox Carraway. When she reads The Book of Mormon she always starts with a brand new book that hasn't been marked. I've been using the same scriptures since I was eight and let's just say I got a little highlighter happy when I was a beehive. This time around I decided to give Al's method a try.
I got a brand new cheap copy of The Book of Mormon and started reading. I found that with a clean copy I was more open to see how things apply to my life in this very moment, instead of focusing on what I thought about the versus when I was 12. Right now all of my markings have to do with missions and how to be a good missionary. I love it so much!
(from Al's blog because she's the bomb digity and I want to be her when I grow up.
I tried taking pictures of some of my pages but it's 1am and my lamp lighting just isn't cutting it.)
These projects have been a blast and a half and have made my scripture study a thousand times more meaningful. I'd love to hear some of your study methods so please comment!
I'm obsessed with The Book of Mormon and I know that it is true without a doubt in my heart. I have a testimony of the teachings written in it. I know that it is indeed another testament of Jesus Christ and I have felt the peace that it can bring to ones life. It is the whole reason I am planning on serving a mission; because I want everyone to have this same joy that comes from this book in their own lives. I also have a testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he really did translate The Book of Mormon. I love this book and I love this gospel.
My friend Briana gave me the cutest ceramic pineapple this week with the words "life is good" written on the inside because it reminded her of me. I think this just about sums up how I feel about The Book of Mormon.
Life is good.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
feel my sunlight
p.s. If you don't already have a copy, you can request a FREE one HERE!
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 Florida Orlando 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, September 23, 2015. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.
You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest Standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leave behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.
The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in his labor of love among His children. We place our confidence in you as you pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.
You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please go the missionary.lds.org promptly to acknowledge your acceptance of this call.
Sincerely,
Thomas S. Monson
President
This was my last time seeing Teri until 2017. She will be serving in the Maryland Baltimore Mission and she leaves next Wednesday. Good Luck Teri! I love you to pieces!
Adam will be serving in Orlando too!!! (note the hat) He leaves July 15th.
Sister Hartvigsen served her mission in Florida!
Thanks so much to everyone that came! I am definitely blessed with the best. Thanks for all of your love and support over the last 18.5 years. I wouldn't be where I am today without you guys. So thanks for your good examples and your loving smiles. I love you guys!
I feel so honored to be blessed with the opportunity to serve The Lord and his Children in Orlando. I pray that I will be able to be His hands in doing good in peoples lives. It's been a crazy week with graduation and a mission call within two days of each other. But I'm so happy about it. And as for September 23rd... I can't wait.
feel my sunlight
p.s. As soon as I got my call I posted on Instagram and Facebook the words "I GOT MY HOGWARTS LETTER!! (Aka my mission call!)" Little did I know Harry Potter World would actually be in my mission. The Lord has a sense of humor. I'm sure of it. p.s.s. Can you tell I'm a little excited?! p.s.s.s. Here are a few pictures from graduation last Wednesday. And you'd better know we nailed a high school musical jump. Because can you really graduate if you didn't take a HSM picture?
So... My mission call has been assigned which means I should get it in the near future! So that means it's time for you guys to make your guesses! You get a stateside and a foreign guess.... READY GO!
feel my sunlight
p.s. It's going to be a CRAZY week.
p.s.s. Gosh I can't wait to be a missionary!!!
These upcoming months are going to bring the biggest changes in my life that I have ever seen. I had my final interview for my mission with my Stake President today and have officially completed the process of mission papers. They will be submitted to the quorum of the twelve apostles this Thursday. (what what!?)
I watched my best friend since birth give her farewell talk today. The same girl that I played mermaid in hotel swimming pools will be teaching on the islands of Tahiti... although she can't go in the water I know she'll do great. I can't tell you how proud I am of this girl. She's going to be incredible and I can't wait to follow in her footsteps and serve a mission... even if it does mean we won't see each other until 2017. I love you Lauren!
We have 15 days left of this bliss and then our worlds are going to turn upside down. This post goes out to all the graduating seniors of the class of 2015. This is it guys.
I don't know if I can accurately portray the feeling in my heart through words right now.
Tonight was the senior testimony meeting and oh how my heart strings have been pulled. All I have to say is that our seniors are strong. We are an army that has been in training for the last 12 years together and we are about to go forth all over the world and combat the Satan's army. But guess what Satan? The class of 2015 is going to give you a run for your money because these kids are strong... Nephi strong... Stripling Warrior strong... Lancer Strong.
I want to share with you some of the quotes from tonight's testimony meeting spoken by the mouths of Seniors...
"This complex world can be overcome by the simplicity of this gospel." -Davis
"[the gospel] is a foundation that if men build upon, they shall not fall." -Keara
"Reading the scriptures will make life so much easier." -Brady
"This gospel is perfect." -Jazzy
"Life is about to get harder...embrace the suck...it can suck less if we apply the gospel." -Caleb
"It all boils down to two words: Jesus Christ. The tomb is empty." -Adam
"Read a little more, and pray a little more." -Allie
"All is well, all is well. Our God will never us abandon." -Anna
"I've never been so sure of a decision [to serve a mission] in my life." -Tayli
"Trials are blessings." -Aubri
"Your prayers will be answered." -Kylie
"I smile because I know I am a daughter of God." -SaBree
"Learn how to love." -Landon
"We won't screw up." -Spencer
"You get to be the one person that gets to change someones life." -Caden
"I stand all amazed... because of him, I could do them." -Megan
"I made a promise that I wouldn't give up." -Yolanda
"After the tribulation come the blessing." -Ambie
"Walk as the Savior walked." -Hannah
"Christ will allow us to suffer, but he will never allow us to suffer alone." -Celeste
"Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us and it's probably not what we have in mind." -Brianna
"I know that families can be together forever." -Kenna
"We have created a little army." -Shaylee
As individual seniors we are small... when we are on our own at least, but when you read these quotes you don't read the words of weak people. These are the words of mighty warriors. So how did the weak things of the earth speak these powerful truths?
Alma 37:6 says that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."
And how are they brought to pass? How does a little teenager that's barely old enough to legally call themselves an adult manage to be strong?
Ether 12:27 says that "If men high school seniors come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men high school seniors weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men high school seniors that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong unto them."
High schoolers are weak. School and life humbles us. Seminary and the gospel teaches us faith. And eventually what was once a freshman becomes a graduate with a mission call who is prepared to teach the Lord's Gospel. And Layton High has an army of these strong warriors
I just want to add my testimony to the words of my peers...
"because I have been given much I too must give."
I've been thinking about what I've been given. I've been given a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know with every fiber of my being that he suffered for all my sins and pain and affliction, I know that he died for me. I know that he rose from the tomb and that the tomb is empty. I know he lives. And I know that because He lives death has no sting. I have been given the knowledge that families can be together forever and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation." I have been given a testimony of the scriptures. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he really did translate the Book of Mormon. Oh how I love the Book of Mormon. I have been given a lot of knowledge that has gone unheard to much of the world.
I have also been pondering about what I must give because I have been given much. For me right now in this moment it is to serve an 18 month mission. Later it will be something else. For Nephi it was to build a boat, For Moses it was to guide his people out of Egypt, And for young Joseph Smith it was to restore the true church. What is remarkable about Nephi, Moses, and Joseph is that none of them would have been able to accomplish what they did on their own. They needed help. Likewise, we aren't able to give what we need to give without the help of our Savior, who is ever-willing to help us if we just accept His help.
I don't know what your gift will be, but I know we all have one. So I challenge you to ponder what you have been given, and also figure out what you too must give.
feel my sunlight
p.s. Next time I blog my mission papers will have been submitted and I may have a call...so that's a thought.
p.s.s. Look how cute our MORP pictures are! I had a blast and a half at my last high school dance. I'm pretty sure I had the best date... so just saying. Thanks Adam!
🏼
