Getting Closer...

The COUNTDOWN is in action! My Mission Farewell will be in 15 days and I will enter the Provo MTC in 18 days on September 15th at 1:00 pm!!! Im thrilled! So a lot of different things have happened. For starters Im not sure if I posted any blogs about the whole run down of being sick or anything but to sum it all up quick,
BEING SICK
a week after I got back from Lake Powell I became extremely sick with severe pain that just kept getting worse. I fainted at Temple square in Salt Lake and was rushed off to the hospital. Anna took very good care of me. Turned out I caught a parasite from the lake water that spread rapidly through my system and attacked my kidney. It was trying to kill me and I was taking 7 lortab's a day for pain that made it impossible to walk. I went back to the hospital to get more tests run and different medication. I started to progress by the 16th day of this and then got Trush from the strong medicine I was taking. This whole experience, along with some other things, really tested my faith. I became to frustrated to the point of asking why this was neccesary for my progress and I came to realize, there are not always divine purposes for everything when it comes to health, its just part of mortality. I went to church only to have my testimony reconfirmed by another person expressing their love for this gospel and trials that make us stronger. He reminded me of Joseph Smith who was locked in a jail for the longest time and asked God "how long shall thy hand be stayed?" He too wondered why and how long the suffering would go on. It hit me for the umpteenth time that the Savior truly suffered the ultimate price for all of us. We must first be brought down before we can be risen up and we are first tried a great amount before we can recieve a great amount of blessings. I became humbled even more than I had ever been before and soon I was completely healed. My first day that I felt better Mitch Witcamp, Tigg and I all went to Zion National Park and hiked in the river all the way up the Narrows. Ive always thought the best way to recover is being out in nature and enjoying the fresh air. After coming out of a coma of bed I felt like I could climb all of Mount Everest. I felt SO much better.

FAREWELL PREPARATION
I also recieved my Farewell Talk Topic and I have been really searching the scriptures for all the things I feel inspired to share. I finally finished ALL of the Old Testament of the Bible yesterday! Im half way through the New Testament! I love the Bible and the incredible stories of faith that it preserves. I know that if I got thrown into a furnice or lions den or swallowed by a whale I would probably not be the bravest person. Countless examples of faith and righteous men. I love reading about our Heavenly Father's power and his love for us.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Recently I went down to Las Vegas with Brooke and Mike Seely for the battle of the bands. Shallow Day made it to the top 5 out of 800 bands to begin with! I was disguised as the Marilyn Monroe for their newer song Hollywood Lady and we had a good time. The Vaughns, Seelys, Champlins and neighbors all were there to rock out and support them. It was a good time!


GETTING READY
I have been so completely busy with getting everything together preparitory to the mish and I have truly witnessed how EXPENSIVE EVERYTHING is for a mission! Its costed me so much money already! But worth it to be in the service of my neighbors and the Savior whom I am indebted to. So its a blessing. Everyone who has helped me is also in my prayers. Ive been nervous but extrememly excited for my journey living in Argentina! I have been able to spend quality time with some very special people here that mean a lot to me. Alex, Kyle, Scott, Marlin, Michaela, Lisa, Rory, Gav, Mitch you guys are awesome! I am so blessed to live with Anna and Dave they are the greatest people. I am forever grateful for them. I have been able to spend some time with my Mom. I was able to express a lot of my feelings to her over the years that shes never known about me. I miss my little sister like crazy but she is up at her fathers house in Idaho and I hope to have her come down and spend time with me before I leave. I will miss her so much! She will grow and change the most while Im gone and I hate to miss any of it but I will come back a changed person also and I hope to be a great example for her always.

RECENTLY
Last night I was able to spend time with my Mom. We bumped into Wes and Tal in Mesquite and it was so nice to see their faces even though I just saw them the other day, I just love them so much and miss seeing them every single day. Makes me smile just to see them. I ended up staying the night with my Mom (cant remember the last time Ive been able to do that). We prayed together, I thanked Heavenly Father for the time I have been given to spend with her and I felt a great feeling that my family will be very taken care of and safe while im gone. When I woke up this morning at about 8 am the sun barely cracked through the window and fell on my face It grew brighter and brighter and I was filled with this incredible feeling of peace and happiness. I starred at the brightness and felt so good about my life right now. I walked to the window and could see the St. George Temple just as bright as the sun. An exciting feeling came over me to go back in there again. My first time going through was strange to take in all kinds of things at once but the feeling of Heaven is the best part. Today is our family reunion at my Aunts house in Winchester and Im so excited to see my family that I haven't seen for so long. This will be my goodbye to the them because Im not sure if or when Ill see them all next. We all live so far spread out and far away.

INCREDIBLY HAPPY
Im so grateful for everything that I have. I am blessed to have what I do and I couldn't possibly focus on what I lack. Im so very happy because I CHOOSE to be and it feels amazing. Life is getting better each day. I wish all of you the same sunshine to wake you in the mornings that helps you choose to be as happy as possible. Take ahold of your life and make it what you want. Be the change you want to see happen. Come what may, Love, Laugh, make your own fairytale and Live your dreams.

This is my response to all the Anti-Mormon comments people make...

I believe this post to be good for any member and non-member to read about and clear up any confusion there may be with what our beliefs are. Now for those of you who call yourself Christian's, I assume you will diligently read these words and not skim over them nor overlook any of them, but earnestly study each sentence in your mind to know for a fact the TRUTH of what we believe rather than waste time reading up on fake websites with false information right? You might as well save yourself the time thats wasted on breaking the commandment: THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS by falsely accusing our Church. When there is bashing involved you are most likely going to be breaking this commandment because you are more than likely to be wrong about your statements, not to mention that wouldn't really be showing love to your neighbor either now would it? You may as well learn CORRECT Doctrine before voicing a strong opinion.

The irony of Anti-Mormon Protester signs are the fact that they are never accurate with our doctrine of what we really believe. Prop 8 on the other hand,just like many Religions, it is true that we believe God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden not Adam and Steve and that was for the divine purpose of sacred procreation to replentish the earth but that doesn't mean we hate Gays or think Gays are going to Hell. We believe every man must obey the commandments and laws there of in order to gain reward. We believe every man will be judged according to their knowledge and God loves all of his children. We see society ripping apart families and higher divorce rates with sin spinning out of control and considered normal in society now and our church just wants to keep things modest and in order. Is that so wrong? Since when is conforming to a societys "norms" of wild behavior a safe thing to do? Look at the differnce in T.V. these days. The stuff that is PG now would of been XRated or not allowed at all back in the 50's yet sex, drugs, violence and crime are spreading viciously and people are being easily swayed. If we stand firm and uphold our standards we show much more organization and concern for our society. The reason we as LDS Members don't even bother talking to Anti-Mormon protesters who desire so much to tear us down, put words in our mouths and tell us we are all damned is simply because, “contention is of the Devil” Where there is contention, there cannot be a spiritual influence anyway so nothing good comes from battles of arguments. Nor will Heavenly Father show unto you the truth unless you are sincerely seeking it. Anti-Mormon protestors whether on the street or on the internet create rage and arguments by getting all of their information from false doctrine of the LDS Church from false doctrine sources! Why not try checking with the actual Church and actual doctrine in which we believe and not let others twist it into what THEY think, when they do not have the authority nor do they have enough knowledge to do so. If I walk into Barnes & Noble expecting to gain information on Historical Sites in a foreign country I’m definitely not going to go look in the Marilyn Monroe Biography section. I’m going to research the actual topic from its own background and heritage. At least that would be the smart thing to do, but its surprising how many people believe anything and everything they hear without looking at how inaccurate the source may be.

Articles of Faith:
1-we believe in God the eternal Father and in His son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost.(Not just YOUR God, he is OUR God also and no we are not damned or hated by Him because we are Mormon, He is the Father in Heaven of ALL his children)

3-We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, ALL mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (Not that we will only be saved if we accept Joseph Smith jr. as a prophet, that is false. I heard false belief that someone thought we had to accept Joseph Smith as a prophet of God to enter into Heaven and even though we do testify that he was, we do not teach that everyone has to accept that to enter into Heaven) We believe, AND Joseph taught also, that there is no other name by which man may be saved except the name of our savior Jesus Christ.

8-We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

Let’s go into depth on this part…. In CORRECT DOCTRINE….

The Book of Mormon Testifies of Christ, a Central purpose of it is to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ! It testifies of Him by affirming the reality of His life, His mission, and His ministry/power. It teaches true doctrine concerning the Atonement of the Savior- the foundation for the plan of salvation.
Mormon, Moroni, Jared, Nephi, and Jacob among many others, wrote testaments of Christ and those words were preserved in the Book of Mormon. Do you realize that the Bible is only an account of CERTAIN people in a CERTAIN area at a CERTAIN time? Do you realize that the Bible has been tampered with by flawed men and branched off of SOOO many countless times? That’s why the fullness of the Gospel needed to be restored. God revealed things in the Bible days just as he reveals things now in our day. He is God and he is everlasting, eternal, forever, alpha and omega and always will be. He has revealed he does reveal and he has YET to reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Gospel.

Multitudes of people SAW and witnessed and kept accounts of the coming of the Messiah in the Americas after his death {3 NEPHI 11-28} and that is FOUND IN THE BOOK OF MORMON not the Bible.
The testimony of the Book of Mormon confirms the testimony of the Bible that Jesus is the Only begotten Son of God. You want scriptures? I have plenty!
From Preach My Gospel here are the following to references to consider: 1 Nephi 6:4-6 1 Nephi 9:3-5 2Nephi 25:23-29 2Nephi 33:13-15 Jacob 4:1-6 Enos 1:13 Words of Mormon 1:3-8 3Nephi 5:14-15 … I have plenty more…
Peoples beliefs of the Bible vary widely. Latter-Day Saints believe the Bible to be the word of God if translated correctly. Far from competing with the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports it entirely, exhorts us to read it continually, and testifies of the truthfulness of its message.

Whether you choose to see it or not, the Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand in hand.
**The Book of Mormon speaks of the ancient covenants God made with His children; **The Bible tells of great prophets who also received these covenants by faith. ** The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and His Atonement ** The Bible provides the account of His birth, ministry, death, Atonement, and Resurrection. Thus, the Bible and BOM complement and enrich each other.
The STICK of Judah (the Bible) – (Ezekiel 37:15-17 and also 1 Nephi 13:34-41; 2 Nephi 3:12;29:8)
The STICK of Joseph (the Book of Mormon)- (also see above scriptures)
Bible states: Christ was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, Book of Mormon states: what that means!
2Nephi 3:12 – if you use them both together it will overcome all false accusation and misunderstanding.
The Bible teaches the following about the law of witnesses: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” – 1 Corinthians 13:1 THAT’S what is funny about Anti-Mormon critics, they think we are the crazy ones for having MORE BOOKS OF PROOF and MORE testimonies of Christ our Savior and God the Father when clearly that’s A GOOD THING! & clearly we have been told that by two or three witnesses His word will be established!

What does the Bible say about the Book of Mormon you ask? Well here are more references for you… John 10:16 – Ezekiel 37:15-17 – Isaiah 29:4, 11-18 and What does the Book of Mormon say about the Bible you ask? Here are more references: 1 Nephi 13:20-29, 40-41 also 3 Nephi 23:1 or Mormon 7:8-9 or 2 Nephi 29:3-14 and HAND IN HAND TOGETHER HOW DO THEY SERVE AS TESTAMENTS? 2 Nephi 29:8 or John 20:31 or also Acts 10:43
With all of that said, Gods greatest commandment of all, is Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart might mind and strength and second which is like unto the first is LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF! Any TRUE follower of Christ does not puff himself up in pride or try to offend nor tear down or mock, nor does a true follower BASH others beliefs when we ALL are Gods children! I think its crazy when people say Oh A BIBLE WE HAVE A BIBLE AND THAT’S ALL THERE EVER WILL BE! Are you serious? So the world and its chaos are never changing? So technology and Satan’s temptations are never progressing? Hmm pretty sure that the whole world is changing all the time and therefore God reveals what he needs to in order to help us have light according to his will and timetable. He doesn’t just leave us in the darkness with only one book from centuries ago that has been tampered with. The following is God speaking:
• 6 - thou fool shall say a Bible, we have got a Bible, & we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?
7 - know ye not there are more nations than one?
8- murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? know ye not the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God
• 9 - I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; ... because I have spoken one word, ye suppose I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man
11- I command all men... they shall write the words which i speak unto them... I will judge the world, according to that which is written.

We worship the name upon which our Church rests, The Church of Jesus Christ! We do not worship Joseph Smith Jr. We praise Him for his wonderful hard work and love for all people and bringing forth this work through the power of God. If it weren’t for him, we would still be in darkness. Do you even know of the countless times he brought about miracles to so many people that lived to tell about it? Do you know all the sacrifices he made for everyone? Do you know that he could of boasted in his ways, gone against God’s will and sold the gold plates or handed them off to anyone but he DIDN’T, he was a simple humble,

loving, genuine righteous man that even when a few of his friends turned other ways they still testified that it was true. Peter was a great man just like many other Prophets and Apostles of the Bible who testified of Christ and his teachings, but if you can see that, then how hard is it to see that Joseph Smith was also a great man

who did the same thing in a later time, defending Christ even through extensive torture, pain, agony, sorrow, beatings, being held captive, having hot tar poured on his body, losing many children, and the list goes on and on. He too defended Christ and the accounts of the preserved words in the Book of Mormon until the day that he was murdered.

He says in Doctrine & Covenants: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. … And it shall yet be said of me—he was murdered in cold blood”
Why did he not turn back? There was time to escape. He was not yet in the hands of his enemies. Friends were at his side who would die for him if necessary. Some suggested he flee across the Mississippi where he would be safe. But he continued to Carthage.

Do you honestly think any man would suffer all those things as long as he did and blaspheme before God the day he was shot knowing he would be held accountable?
Do you think that Joseph with only three years of schooling and knowing nothing of other languages could have translated 239 chapters, 54 about great wars, 21 about history, 55 about prophecy, 71 about doctrine, 17 about missionaries and 21 strictly about Christ’s mission? IT’S NOT POSSIBLE UNLESS IT WERE BY GOD!
Do you realize that 8 witnesses and also 3 witnesses scripted their name in the first pages that they know of a surety the Gold plates were given from God!?

Do you think the Pioneers would have undergone what they did if it were fake?

As if that’s not all enough, think about it seriously, do you honestly think if this Church and Gospel were as fake as the critics try and make it, WHY ON EARTH has it spread like wildfire touching the hearts and changing the lives of all those that read it and testify that its true?

The people are not perfect however, the Church is in perfect order the way it is organized is just as God sees it should be, our Church has the Authority and the only True Priesthood that was specifically restored to Joseph Smith.

People can choose to mock him and our Church all they want but they should remember this one thing, that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ at judgement will without a doubt be able to read every word and deed of ours that we have written, spoken and acted upon, for they will be engraved upon our bones and sinews and very souls and read as if they were clear words in a book. We will be judged according to our faith, honesty, charity, compassion and purity of heart. As I said before, you have no room to mock that which you do not understand!
It’s not rocket science. Look at all the millions of Latter-Day Saints who are so happy and so giving to everyone, look at the charity and humanitarian work,

[Residents of the Sandan District of Cambodia sit next to 100-pound bags of rice distributed by senior missionaries. Missionaries distributed 40 tons of rice, providing almost 800 families with the only rice they may see this year.]

look at the love and respect and the dedication of missionary work the Church provides all across the world. It’s obvious its TRUE but it takes an open heart, a submissive meek soul that hungers for truth and searches in the right places and pays no mind to critics that lie. A soul that asks to be filled with Christ-like compassion for all people and judges not.

We have a living Prophet on the Earth today that reveals to us God’s will and all things necessary for our eternal progression.

If we keep the commandments, listen to the words of the Prophet, hold tight to the iron rod feasting upon the words of Christ we will be able to endure all things and be lifted up at the last days to a state of happiness. The Lord Has restored the Gospel in these Latter-Days and anyone would be blind not to listen to The Book of Mormon’s teachings of righteousness.

We would all be wise to listen to the lessons of those who have gone before and preserved their ancient records that we all have available for us to read as the Book of Mormon another testament of Christ. I want to be able to be wrapped in the arms of my Savior when the time comes and have him tell me well done. I want to know that I testified along with millions of others across the earth that all of these things I know to be true, God as my witness, in the sacred and Holy name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

His Perfect Love...

"perfect love, purest love
breaking through my anguish
precious love, endless love
his love never fails me
he leads my heart when my eyes can't see
when my soul is lost he carries me
he comforts me in all my pain
and so i trust in his perfect love"

Well as usual, much has happened since my last entry. I have been very busy. I have all my Mission Checklist to get checked off, have tried to accomplish some more things on my Bucketlist, have been doing a lot of studying, and I finally finished school this last semester.

NOW THAT SCHOOLS OUT
Walking out of class for the last time was like "ahh freedom, now what shall I do first?" haha It was really so nice to now solely focus on my Mission. I went to dinner at Chili's with an old friend and it was nice to catch up on everything we have going on in our lives. He gave me his old spanish hymn book he had on his Mission in Quito so that I can use it in Argentina. Inside was a letter that I found to be very touching. It included many powerful scriptures that will help keep me going throughout all those rough spots on the mish. He is an amazing person and im grateful for his support along with the rest of you who have all helped me also. I feel so very blessed to know the people that I do.

LAKE POWELL
I finally got a chance to go to Lake Powell for the first time this summer.



We went and camped out the first half and then stayed on Mike's houseboat the last part of the week with like 40 people or so. It was definately a great time. Kelsey almost killed us on the Jet Ski's but she's right it would have been a cool way to go.

I just kept yelling, "Kels! I cannot break my neck before my mission!" haha. I met a lot of great people and had some really great conversations with some friends. They had a huge Free BBQ on the dock for everyone it was awesome!

Chloe and I had a pretty spiritual talk on the beachside and I was so glad to feel like I left some good with her when we left. Being in Missionary mode, I tend to always bring out those kind of thoughts in people. It was kind of wierd for me around some things that some people did and said. Its wierd how much vulgarity in every sentance is like a societal norm to many people but to me, with as much as Ive surrounded myself with a clean lifestyle, it was difficult for me to hear and be around. Im not sure exactly why that is, I just don't find any reason to speak foul or disrespectfully. Im sure some people thought I must be crazy for letting it bother me but im proud of my self-mastered vocabulary and im glad that It matters to me how I express my character. I don't judge people I just choose to refrain from words of no worth. I met another guy out there that will be in the MTC with me at the same time which is pretty awesome!



The whole time I was in Powell I was amazed by the beauty out there. The clouds and water were perfect. I couldn't help but look around and be baffled by the thought of people not believing in God when clearly his miraculous wonders are all around us.

FRIENDSHIPS
I got to spend more time getting to know Travis Theobald and I came to know what an amazing person he is. We have been talking a lot more and plan on helping eachother towards our goals. My mission and the temple. He makes me very happy to be around him and he is very excited for me. We went up to his house and he showed me his drag car. Let me just say that it was intense! I love that kind of stuff. We spent time in Pine Valley with some friends and it was a lot of fun. We had dinner with his little brother Parker and his grandparents yesterday and they told me all about their mission to the same place that I have been called to. Buenos Aires North! They live right next to the St. George Temple by all the Sister Missionaries, it made me miss Sister Erica Page and Sister Heidi Morris that recently went back home. Every time spent with Trav is always a great time. I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other. I'm looking forward to getting to know each person that the Lord places in my life here before I leave, and also very excited to grow to love the families I teach in Buenos.

VISTORS CENTER
I had a lot of appointments and things to do yesterday that were all spread out at different times of the day so I killed some time at the Temple Visitors Center and chatted with the Sister and Elder missionaries.

They gave me all kinds of advice and helpful hints. I have a much better idea of what to prepare for out there now. A lot of missionaries are still waiting for their Visa's to come so they can go out where they were first called. I hope my Visa doesn't take too long because I really just want to get out there and start teaching the people of Buenos so I can start learning the language and culture more quickly. Either way I have unwaivering faith that God will provide the right way before me no matter what. This one amazing sister from Hawaii approached me and said,
"Ashley, Tereasa; the woman from your class at Dixie has had the lessons from us and she goes to church every Sunday! She loves it. The Bishop helped her with her finances and the ward has completely reached out to her to help her with everything and she wants to be baptized! She brags about you to everyone and carries around the sweet letter you gave her everywhere she goes! Ashley, you don't understand how much you have done for her! She calls you her angel!"
I was overwhelmed with joy to hear this. I couldn't believe the woman that sat in front of me in class has been forever changed and has found lasting happiness by my choice to reach out and hold her and help her along the way to finding truth and purpose. I always remind her I give credit where it's due and it's not ME who has done this alone, but its the Lord who has transformed me into a brand new person. He has answered my prayers and made me an instrument in thy hands to help others. My eyes filled with tears to know the I have brought yet another soul to realize their great worth in God's eyes. This is why im doing this. To me, there is no greater joy then the joy of living well for others. Im just being the good person many have been to me, and through example of peace and kindness, flowers of hope bloom where there were only weeds of doubt and worry.

TEMPLE CLOTHES
Yesterday I also went to Deseret Book with Brooke, Hailey and Robin and we purchased all my sacred white clothes for the Temple. It was such an incredible and emotional experience for me. As I took off my worldly clothes and they helped me into my purely white ones, I stared into the mirror at myself in awe. As I tried them on I thought how on earth could I feel that special standing their with this overwhelming happiness if this were not a sacred process? For the first time I felt so beautiful and pure. I felt like this is what I will look like in the next life. When I hope to be surrounded by my Heavenly Father's merciful arms and the joy I will feel when my brother and savior Jesus Christ shows me his hands that were pierced for you and I. I felt completely whole while stepping into that dress I was stepping into the greatest part of my life so far. It looked as if I was to be getting married but the great thing is that before that special day in my life, I am setting out on the Lord's work. Im forgetting myself to follow Him so that way, when the time is right, I may get married/sealed and He will follow me! The whole thing is so sybolic and beautifully organized as our Heavenly Father sees it should be. Even though none of my blood family could be there and it was hard for me that my mother couldnt be there, I still had two of the greatest angels I know. Brooke and Robin made this experience even more special for me. When Robin's eyes tear so do mine and I felt so important while she stared at me in the mirror and told me how proud she was. I will make sure that will only continue and I will strive every day to be a little better and work a little harder. Their embrace and encouragement humbled me entirely. The cashier called her my mom and she just said, yes i'm her Mom. She never fails to build me up and remind me that i'm not alone on this journey. I love them so much.

perfect love, surest love
grace beyond my failings
deepest love, truest love
strong enough to save me
he leads my heart when my eyes can't see
when my soul is lost he carries me
he comforts me in all my pain
and so i trust in his perfect love

ANNA AND DAVE
Anna and Dave are the biggest blessings to me right now. I have been really sick today with a sore throat and feeling really under the wheather but they call me their daughter and do all that they can to care for me. They are such selfless people. I never cease to be amazed by their selflessness for everyone. They go above and beyond to make people comfortable and take care of them. I cry when I think about it. My Mom has gone out of town for two weeks and Its hard for me without her. She has always come and gone since I was small but the Lord knows what I need to comfort me and Anna and Dave have been sent to me through his tender mercy. They make me feel so valued and important to them. I really have been so blessed for Heavenly Father to fill in the pot holes along my beaten path. He has sent me angels here on earth to keep me safe and loved so that I may hold tight to the iron rod of his truth. My heart overflows with gratitude each day for each bit of kindness that is shed on me. Even though I have been sick and weak today, i have turned to reading the scriptures to fill my spirit while my body is out of commission for the time being haha. The scriptures have again brought me comfort, as they always do.

TEMPLE ENDOWMENTS
"Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father."—Brigham Young
I will be getting my Endowments out tomorrow at the 11:20 am session in the St. George Temple and making sacred covenants that I promise to uphold and keep always. It will be an eye opening experience after much preparation to finally be able partake in these ordinances. I am going to be forever changed.

"it calms my fears and peace breathes
through me, he moves me
and he knows my heart even when i don't
he reaches me when i need him most
he rescues me from all my shame
he lifts me up, in his perfect love!"

Without him, I can do nothing, of these things I testify,
In the Holy name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

GOT THE MISSION CALL!

WELL ALOT HAS HAPPENED SINCE MY LAST BLOG BUT I FEEL IT SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH BY JUST POSTING ABOUT MY MISSION CALL! SO HERES THE VIDEO OF OPENING IT! THE REST OF THE FOOTAGE WILL BE PLAYED AT MY FAREWELL WHICH INCLUDES ALL THE PEOPLE I LOVE AND APPRECIATE AS WELL... SO HERE YOU GO!


MISSION ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SOME FAM AND FRIENDS


A R G E N T I N A - so beautiful the Lord truly knows where you are meant to serve.
It already feels like home and I am looking forward to serving the Lord and people of Buenos Aires North with all my heart and soul!



The Latter Day Saint progress in South America

AMAZING morning :D

N E W B E G I N N I N G S... a good life :D

Okay so theres some new news!
6 AM - Woke up and read two chapters of the Bible in Matthew. I love reading about the Lords ministry and the charity that he had. Every time I need an answer for something or a better understanding of what to do, the scriptures have endless examples and words of wisdom that I always find to be profound. Starting the day off spiritually is the best.

By the way, I just moved into Anna and Dave Wheelers house (Anna is in one of my classes at Dixie) They live in Hurricane just outside of St. George and its a gorgeous location. It reminds me so much of home in California and theres so many rolling hills and trees everywhere.

6:45 AM - Took vitamins and protein with a glass of water. Water plants and garden, stretch out. We then got our running shoes on. Good thing it was much cooler than usual at this time because Anna and I went on an awesome run.
Its a nice get-away and change of scenery. We ran with Baxter, their dog, up the hill and did our set of lunges. She showed me her regular routine of incline and decline, speed walking and running, lunges up hill and run downhill and we jogged down aroung the pretty neighborhood with all the nice neighbors waving and perfect weather! It was awesome!

When we got home we ended up eating some watermelon, cleaning the whole house and getting the laundry and dishes done while listen to oldies (my favorite) I had time to shower, talk with Anna, start on my assignments for next week, schedule an appointment with the the Bishop who's heling with my mission, talk to my mom, plan out my day and feel very accomplished. ahhhh what a great feeling! I love it here, I love this new beginning and positive enviorment. I feel like my life is getting better and better. I'm proud to be so focused at this time.

I've had a lot of time to ponder things and get in touch with my innerself again. I have had so much peace here to prioritize things and I haven't been this happy in a long time. I realize, it's the first time I don't have any guys in my life that I am paying any attention to at all. I'm friends with all of those that I've spent time with over this last year and thats all I care to have. I love just worrying about myself and being independent and giving my full attention to the Lord and striving to be a better person each day. I've always put forth energy in loving everyone and trying to make people happy and now for once I love who I am and love that I am happy. In my opinion, I have changed so much for the better and all I want is for that desire to never leave me. All this positivity comes from a strong testimony of truth and light. Not just KNOWING it, but LIVING it. The gospel brings it into anyones life and I am so grateful.

Also, I should be getting my Mission Call TODAY in the mail!!! I'm overjoyed and anxious to say the least. Hopefully we will be able to plan a family BBQ and I plan on reading my call to everyone when I open it. People ask me where I would like to be called and I say Hawaii, New Zealand, South America, Australia, Spain or anywhere at all SPANISH SPEAKING! but then they ask the last place I want to serve and I think... hmm... Nebraska or Kansas haha. I strongly feel like I may be called there to Nebraska or Kansas just because its random and it would be a lesson learned to be humble and not have expectations or desires of where im going but rather to remember its the service and people that matter. It's not a vacation, it's work for the Lord, it's a sacrafice and its fulfilling anywhere. I'm so excited to go where ever the Lord needs me to go and I have full confidence that he will send me exactly where I need to be. ahh Im SO EXCITED! Talia, keep your eyes peeled for it to be coming in the mail! :)

I'm going to lay out basking in the sun for a half hour now while I have some free time and then I have to head into town to run some errands and get to my appointment with the bishop. I think Im going to meet up with Mom and spend some time with her if I can too. I miss my sister so much but she is staying with her dad in Idaho for a couple months and they have missed her as well. This song goes perfectly with the happy vibe that I'm feeling so I felt appropriate to share and post it. Hope you can feel that same positivity when you hear it. I can't help but be happy when I do.

Well, gotta go because there's a lot to do so God Bless, and chao for now!


- Ash

The book of love has music in it, in fact thats where music's from

"...Thought we were doing fine with our lives, there are people who will tell ya, there is always something betta." MattPond

Clouds and days pass. Some are better than others. You wear a smile the majority of the time finding joy in natures detail. Keeping busy is best until you hit one of those days where you feel like curling up in an oversized sweater and comforting arms. Those days are harder when you see that the only arms open are Heavenly Fathers who's arms are sometimes harder for us to feel. A talk by Sheri Dew explained this detail when she told the story of a young girl who explained to her Mother it was sometimes nice to have someone "with skin on." I thought this was a cute perception of young girl that seemed to put it just right for "those" days. I am surrounded by comfort by the spirit when Im doing all I can to invite it and do whats right but there are times that we wish for one second we had comfort with "skin" on.

Saturday, a day that normally I would be feeling like my usual self and yet I wasn't. I have no idea why I had this shaded, unlucky, calm, complicated day. It turned out that a couple of my friends caught this little unusual feeling also. I'm not talking about being sick or anything physical either. It was just one of those days where we had a lot on our minds. Nothing sounded better than a shower, yoga pants, movies and some popcorn with only the closest of friends. Two of them decide we should run to get icecream and while im deep in thought and kind of oblivious to whats around, then back to the house for our night. Its funny though, how on these kind of days, what you least expect comes along. Not always a happy surprise either.



We have all the time in the world to get it right...


I find Serendipity to not only be one of my all time favorite movies but also the humor of life. It brings us to be aware of the irony specific to our indiviual lives. Irony can be awkward or silly or it can be enlightening. Above all I see irony as something healthy for us all. Irony helps us to become much more self-aware sometimes. Like seeing a person of your past that you really didn't expect or hope to see, then recognizing how it makes you feel that you were not aware of. Like surprisingly running into that special person sitting by your forgotten Planner that you haven't seen for so long, or that person you were looking forward to seeing that you find is now traveling the opposite way. Whether it be awkward, surprising, or disappointing irony, all of these leave you to ponder: serendipity. Accidents on purpose. If there even is a purpose and I believe there is for everything. Music has always been important to me. It seems to sum up every word and emotion perfectly.
What better story of life is there, than one with music in place of narration? In my mind... I know of none.


We've still got time raise your hopeful voice. You have a choice... you've made it now...

HAPPY FATHERS DAY ..... mom! :]

Well, as most people know, my father is unknown and my Mother played the role of Mom AND Dad so here's a little blog of appreciation to her for all the struggles she has pulled through while she was packing me around with her. Here are some words that my Mom wrote me in a book that she gave me as a gift.

"My joy as a mother began the moment I knew life was stirring inside me. And those next few months, waiting for you to arrive, were a ride of excitement, joy, nervousness and "first time" experiences. Underneath the excitement, I wondered if I was ready for you. But deep inside, I suspected that those feelings were just nature's way of changing things around and making room for you. Wow, what a feeling... excitement for the tiny beating heart inside me. and then concern for how will I do this all on my own? What will Grandma Ann think? and where is that man that swept me off my feet? How will I ever find him again? The story behind your name goes like this. it was going to be Ashley or Jocelyn... when i laid eyes on you for the first time, I exclaimed: "Shes a beauty, shes a beauty! Look at her tiny hands and feet oh my goodness shes so pretty my little Ashley Ann." Finally when you were here I held Heaven in my arms. I remember watching you sleep thinking of how many big dreams were dancing behind those tiny eyelids. My hopes and dreams then, was to be able to protect you from harm. I hoped to find your father so that we could share the joy together and he would be a part of your life! The most memorable milestone was when you were learning to ride your first two wheeler alone and you finally got it! You turned around to see if I was watching... and you crashed! Ouch!
You weren't little anymore when you wanted to go to the movies by yourself and pick out your own styles of clothes. Miss independent. First time I saw you as a young lady was your first prom with your first corsage... my eyes filled with tears as I starred at your infinite beauty and realized what a beautiful young lady you've become. I only wished your father could have been there with me! As our relationship continues i look forward to the moment you become a mother for the first time and see the miracle of creation and birth. See you with the joy of motherhood on your face. That is when the relationship of a mother and daughter become ever sooo strong. and only a mother can truly experience that feeling of closeness with her child! I knew someday you would leave and have your own hopes and dreams to fulfill and no one else can live your life for you. Discover yourself and be happy with who you are. I wish you strength through challenges, wisdom to choose battles carefully,serenity from your inner voice while the world rushes around you. Now my hopes and dreams for you are that you continue to set and reach your goals as you have been. That all YOUR dreams may come true! What I miss most about you being little was how curious you were about EVERYTHING. and as you were learning to walk if you stumbled I would be there to catch you. and that proud look on 'Grandma Ann's' face as she showed you off to the whole world! Your little precious voice always asked, "Whas tha Mommy?" What I love most about the daughter you are now... Is the daughter you've become... from all your life experiences and unfortunate trauma's (and you've had more than most people in a lifetime) You've bloomed into the most caring person I know. You have a huge heart of gold for everyone. You are the very strength of our family. You are so wise beyond your years. I look up to you. I love and thank you for that! Love, Mom"


If I could sum up all the expression of gratitude in words, I could end up writing an endless novel for my love and appreciation for you Mom. We have been through a lot together and life has not always been easy but I promise to never forget all you have done. Even though some times have been so rocky with lifes trials, know that I love you tremendously. As much as I have wished to know my father throughout all my life and wished he could of been there too, YOU have always been enough. You are my favorite person and when its just you and I hanging out I couldn't be more happy. I love you Mama, thank you so much for all your kindness and supporting me to serve an LDS Mission. I hope and pray that our relationship will only grow closer even with the distance of miles between us. I will miss you everyday but will never forget to work hard and make you as proud as ever!

To ALL the Fathers and OR Mothers out there that are doing all they can to raise their children with love and support them with their dreams: Bravo, pat on the back, golden star, and a lifetime of well done!

For all that this applies to: H A P P Y F A T H E R S D A Y !!!

Love, Ash