Monday, December 30, 2013

Semana Veinte

Well.  I counted how many semanas I have in my mission and I only have 80 semanas! (week)  How crazy is that?!? That´s super short and I have already done 20 semanas!  Que loco!

This week was Christmas and I honestly think it was really hard for a lot of the missionaries.  It´s a time that is beautiful and wonderful becasue it is the birthday of Christ.  But at the same time it was a little hard because we aren´t with our families.  There were a lot of people that were in the mood of going home.  Wanting to be home and everything.  It was kind of sad but everything is good now. :P I think we are all back in the mood of missionaries :P  One week of missing home like crazy. Only Christmas day was hard for me.

So a funny thing happened.  When I was skyping with my family, they told me that my kitty passed away.  Really sad yes, but I knew that she wouldn´t be there when I returned from my mission.  She was really old and getting really sick.  Like everytime she would eat she would just throw it up..... Really sad to watch her.
But the funny thing is I didn´t cry that she died. Until Yesterday.  lol I don´t even know why I started to cry about her.  Yea I´ll miss her, but everything is okay. I can see my kitty again.  Just like I can see my Grandpa again :)  And my whole family after this life. 

Todo Bien! All Good!

Espeically because!!!! I had someone tell me that my accent in Spanish is really good. XD She was a latina! Which means a lot to me! Meaning my Spanish is great!!! XD  She also told me that my Spanish is better than some of the other missionaries that have been in the field for a lot longer than me 0_0 WOOHOOO!!!!!

I know this church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and through Him we are all saved.  We can live with our families forever as long as we are trying to do everything to follow the plan of God.  We need to follow the words of God and His instructions.  

I love you!

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, December 23, 2013

Semana Decinueve

¡¡¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!

Can you believe that it is already Christmas?¿?  I can´t because it is SUPER HOT here! :P  haha But there is something that I would love to talk about and that is the Spirit of Christmas.  For about 3 years now I have been struggling with feeling the Spirit of Chirstmas.  When I was around my family and doing things with them, yes, I could feel it and I loved ever moment.  But when I was alone and trying to think of things and why we celebrated Christmas. It was dificult.
The song from the Polar Express. That says: Where are you Christmas? Why can´t I find you?..... Is the song that I felt was my song everytime that Christmas came around the corner.  But this year.  Is a little different.

Okay a lot different.


It´s super hot.  I´m in another country.  I´m not even close to anyone that belongs to my family.  I´m a missionary.  And other things like that.

But the thing that is the most different is that fact that I have found the Spirit of Christmas.  I have found the reason why we celebrate it.  I understand it now.
Christmas, believe it or not, is in Jesus. :)
His Atonement.  His love.  His service.  His life.  
When we think of Christ we think of the miracles He has done.  The fact that He is the only perfect person that has lived on this earth. 
We think of His birth and how many people went to find Him because of the bright new star that was found in the sky.  
We think of His life and the joy that other people felt because of the things that He did.  His pacience for everyone that He came in contact with.  The fact that He allowed the children to come to Him.  He talked to everyone and He showed His love for everyone. 
We think of His death and the reason why He died.  We think of the sufferings in the Garden and upon the cross.
And most importantly we think of His Resurection.  When he broke the bonds of death and made it possible for all of us to be resurrected like Him.  He made it possible to live with God again.  He has saved us from the bonds of death and if we are faithful to Him, He will save us from the bonds of Hell.

I am so grateful for everything I have in this life. I know that everything that I have is from God.  I love my family and for this chance to be in Argentina with this part of the Children of God.  I love learning more about the Gospel and the blessings that God has in store for everyone of His children.  I love talking about the Gospel and sharing the happiness that it brings to my life with the people that live in this area.

I love Christmas and the reason that we celebrate it.

Remember Jesus Christ this year and remember His life.  Remember the reason for Christmas.

God loves you!
Christ loves you!
I love you!

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, December 16, 2013

FOOD!!!

Here are a few pictures of the food for my Grandma B XD

They cook really good!!!! I love their food!!!! There is a lot of pasta and a TON of meat!!!! xD Which is perfectly okay with me xD
With every meal there is salud.  We don´t eat ranch.  Usually it is with vegetable oil and lemon juice! XD It´s really good! Definitely something that I will be bringing home with me XD
 
Ummmmm..... yea OH!!! and dessert! Most of the time is a fruit! XD So great! Sometimes they have something else that is really good and fattening! But most of the time is a fruit XD
--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Semana Dieciocho :)

Hola un otra semana ha pasado! Que loco es el tiempo! Es muy rápido!

Pero las cosas que me encanta es la oportunidad servir mi misión en Argentina Neuquén. :) Estoy muy agradecida por las bendiciones en mi vida especialmente mi familia. La amo mi familia muchísimo! Y espero que todas las personas en mi familia saben eso.
Le amo el Señor y estoy animada aprender mas sobre el Evangelio de Jesucristo! Me encanta aprender mas sobre el propósito de la vida de mi hermano mayor, Jesucristo.  
Esta Iglesia es verdadera, sé que este.

Sé que por medio de Jesucristo, podemos vivir con Dios otra vez, y con nuestraa familias para siempre.

Having the chance to see the hand of the Lord in my life every day is a huge blessing and I know that Heavenly Father is helping you in your life too.  

Learn about God and understand all that you can about His plan for you.  He wants you to return to live with Him again.  He doesn´t want to lose you, but He isn´t going to force you to Heaven.  He has given you the gift of agency and He wants you to choose for yourself.  To choose happiness and eternal life, or  to choose pain and eternal misery.  IT IS UP TO YOU!
The Lord has given you a family so that you can have the most happiness in this world.  You are here to learn and to grow.  To understand how to become like God.  God loves you and will give you everything that you need in this life.  He wants to bless you, but He can´t do anything unless you ask Him and trust in Him.  Have the faith of God with you always and remember that He is always here to help you.  All you have to do is ask and He will give you the blesses that are waiting for you.
All He asks is for you to follow the example of Christ and try to do everything you can to follow Him and His teachings. Have Faith and Act according!

I love you all XD 

Hasta luego :)
Tengan buena semana!

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, December 9, 2013

Hermano Travis Stevenson's Life Advice

*Never eat the 20 piece Mcnugget in one sitting

* Don´t drink chocolate milk then ride your bike to work

* Don´t mix 3 spices at one time

*Elders are cacti. "Fun to look at but you don´t want to touch them"


--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

Semana 16

My grandma asked me last week to talk about the culture and so this week´s post will be about the culture of Argentina :)

First off.  When you greet someone, you always give a kiss on the cheek.  So this means that every day I get kissed by tons of people :)  I really like this, I think it brings people closer together than a handshake.  But because I am a missionary, I am only allowed to kiss the cheeks of the females. :) Handshakes for the males, which I am completely okay with.  But I will defintiely be bringing this part of the culture home with me.  I want my family to have this culture, though in the States it will probably only be within my little family. :P

Second The members of the church, call us. the missionaries, angels.  It is so sweet and it makes me smile everytime that a members says it.  I never really thought that I could be an angel.  
But at this time I would like to invite all of you to try to be an angel in the life of someone that you know.  Do something help them.  Talk to them.  Make them smile.  Do something nice for them.  Be there angel for this moment in time.

Third.  Pedestrians DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT AWAY :P haha we are careful and watch for cars everytime that we cross the street.

Fourth. If the auto has 2 wheels or more and can go faster than a bike.  It can be on the road. :P

Anything else that you want to know about my experience.  The area.  The people. Let me know :)

Now something Spiritual :)  
We have had prophets in the past and each of them have had an apostacy because the people didn´t believe in their words.  The people didn´t believe in God and the possibility of having a God.
After a few prophets and when the time was right. God sent His son Jesus Christ to the earth.  1 to fullfill the Plan of Salvation so that we may be saved and 2 to spread the word of God and establish the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. In the manner that God wanted the church to be.  But also.... the people didn´t believe Christ and He was killed along with the apostles of Christ.  Thus, once again sending the world into a state of apostacy. 
This is called the Great Apostacy because there was a great space of time without the knowledge of God and the plan He has for us. There were many churches created and started.  But they were made by man, not by the Living God.

Now.... what do you think God would do?  God loves us and wants us to know the truth.  He wants us to be happy and to have everything chance to be able to return to live with Him once again.

God would call another prophet to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But not only that,  this time God came Himself.  God and Jesus Christ came to the earth, to call a prophet.  They came to tell a young boy, who wanted to know which church was the right one and which one he should join.  God and Christ, came to answer his prayer and now we have the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth once again.  We have the fullness of the Gospel of Christ.  We have the way to return to God.  We have the instructions of the best way to live this life to have happiness, joy, and the manner in which we are return to live with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.  

Sé que esta iglesia es la iglesia de Jesucristo y por medio de esta iglesia podemos vivir con Dios y nuestras familias para siempre.  Sé que Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial y Él quiere ayudarnos en cada cosa en nuestras vidas.  Dios nos ama.  Sé que Cristo es mi Salvador!  Y que mediante Él y El Plan de Salvación puedo estar perdonado por todo de mis pecados.
La amo esta iglesia y seguiré el ejemplo de Jesucristo en mi vida para siempre.

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, December 2, 2013

Semana Quince

CLAUDIA SE BAUTIZO!!! XD 30 de Noviembre XD

Everything is going great.

Sorry for the short post, but I really don´t know what to write this time.

I love you all. I love the Lord and am excited to continue learning more about the Gospel and more of Spanish!

This is an amazing oportunidad en mi vida!  Estoy animada venir mas cerca a Dios y Jesucristo.  Espero que todo está bien con ustedes.  Yo sé que Dios nos ama y por medio El Plan de Salvación podemos volver y vivir con Dios otra vez.  Todas las cosas que tenemos en esta vida es de Dios.  Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial y Él queire lo mejor por nosotros.

Esté feliz! y Siempre tengan una sonrisa!

Los amo!

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, November 25, 2013

Semana Quatorce

Esta semana has been intersting :)  We have transfers, Hermana Medero se fue a.... no sé como deletrearla.  Y Hermana Rainsdon se fue a Roca. :)
I miss them sí, pero tengo una compañera nueva que es re capa! hahaha

My new companion is Hermana Ruiz and she is absolutely amazing. She is from Peru.  She is so nice and helpful, especially with my Spanish.  I feel like my Spanish has grown so much in this past week!  Hermana Ruiz is the best! And she knows a little bit of English, which helps, when I can´t think of how to say it in Spanish.  It´s funny, because she can understand most of the time and there are times that the investigatores don´t understand me at all and Hermana Ruiz has to explain it to them really quickly.  AND Hermana Ruiz wants to learn English! I get the great oppurtunity to help her learn English!!!! XD

I feel like she is already one of my best friends in the mission. :) I love her! hehe XD I hope I will be able to see her again when transfers happen and one of us leaves. 

The work is going forward and my love for Christ and the Plan of Salvation has grown A TON!!!!  I love the oppurtunity that I have to serve the Lord and to have Christ´s name on me everyday.  I love being a representative de Jesucristo!

Everything is going great here! I hope everything is going great every where you are in your lives! :)

Estoy muy agradecida por esta oportunidad servir el Señor. Yo sé que por medio de el poder de Dios, puedo hacer todas las cosas que necesito hacer durante este tiempo en mi vida. Me encanta el Evangelio de Jesucristo y el Plan de Felicidades.  Sé que Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial y que Él nos ama muchísimo! Le amo nuestro Padre Celestial y nuestro hermano, Jesucristo.  Estoy muy agradecida por la Expiación y por todas las cosas en mi vida. Dios sabe todo! Y mediante Dios podemos saber que necesitamos hacer en esta vida! Esta Iglesia es verdadera! Y por medio de este Evangelio, podemos tener felicidades que no podemos imaginar! 

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, November 18, 2013

Semana Trece

Well.... Aren´t my days and week just mixed up! This is week 13 XD hahaha

I´ve hit a bit of a rough patch this week with everything.  I didn´t know why I would cry, but I was crying for at least three days straight.  It was driving me crazy, especially because I really don´t like to cry. :P But everything is alright now! I feel great thanks to help of my amazing zone leaders, Elder Slavens and Elder Chandler.  They gave me a blessing and their words of encouragement have helped me a ton!!! I am so grateful for them!

Claudia is so amazing and she is so willing to keep all the commandments of the Lord.  She wants to make sure that she is doing everything correctly.  She is a wonderful woman and I know that this Gospel is going to bless her life and her family a ton!  She is so beautiful and she is so excited to be baptised on the 30th of this month! I am so excited for her also.  

I am grateful for so many things! And I am excited to continue on this journey of learning more of the Gospel and be able to speak more in Spanish.  This is such a huge blessing and opportunity in my life and I am loving every single moment of it, even the hard things, because those are the times that I can come closer to God and Christ and be strengthen in my weaknesses. :)

I am been looking for a miracle a day.  And I have been able to find at least one a day and it is absolutely beautiful.  Now they are the huge miracles that blow your mind, but it´s in the simple and small things that make everything worth it. It´s in the simple and small things that great things are brought to pass! 

I want to challenge everyone to read, in the Book of Mormon, the introduction page.  Especially the last two paragraphs.  Read it carefully.  It is beautiful! I love the promise in the last two paragraphs!  Absolutely amazing!

I love the Lord and I love the Gospel that He has given to us in this day in age.  I know that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and through following Christ we can become like God.  We can become complete with the help of Christ.  Through Christ we can do all things!

I love you!  

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

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Monday, November 11, 2013

Semana Once

Looking at my history of blog posts.... I think I have mis counted a couple times :P I really think I am in Semana 11 now :P Oopsie


This week has been good.  I can´t complain, other than the lingering of this cough that I have… It´s really gross and I hate it. :P  But I am sure that I am nearing the end with it.

I love my companions and the area that I am in at the moment ( Neuquén Oeste).  I love the people and the food. I honestly won´t be surprised if I am fat by the time I come home :P hahaha

I want to learn how to make Pan Dolce, Sweet bread.

I want to learn how to make their tortas, cakes.

I already know hot to make their pancakes and they wre wonderful! I will be a master of them by the time I return :P

I love the Lord and am very grateful for this blessing that He has granted me with serving a mission and learning Spanish. J  There are many times that it is hard, but I know that through it all I am able to do it because I have the Lord on my side.  I think that if it wasn´t hard it woudln´t be worth it.  I love it here, the tough and the excellent. J

I am so grateful to know that I am a Daughter of God. A daughter of a King.  I love my family and the great example they have been in my life and I hope that everything is going well, back at home.

 

There is a small topic that I would like to address. Which is you should never Deny the Knowledge that you have of God.

Gods knows you and He knows what you know.  He loves you and wants you to return to Him.  God is our Father in Heaven and through the knowledge that we learn of Him we are able to have a better relationship and grow stronger in faith.  When you deny the knowledge that you have…. It´s almost like you are denying God, and I know that God would never deny you.  He loves you. J

Also, no matter what choices you make and however you make yourself in this life.  There is one thing you CANNOT change.  And that is…. You are a Child of God. J


--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain. 

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
Casilla de Correro 321
8300 Neuquén
Neuquén Argentina

DO NOT SEND PACKAGES PLEASE!
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Monday, November 4, 2013

Semana Nueve

To be honest, there was a couple days... Well more of just a day... that I was wondering why am I here and what am I really doing?  Because yes, I don´t know the language and it is really hard to help people when you can´t communicate with them.  But The language is going to come and I know that.  I know that Spanish with soon be a second nature and I won´t have to worry about how to say stuff.
But until then, I need to make sure that I keep the language of love in my heart for the people.  I need to love them and continue to show my love for them through my smile, through my willingness to try to understand them, and through my willingness to serve the Lord.

I am so glad that I was called to serve a mission and so grateful that I was called to serve in Argentina :)

This week has been great, the only down fall was the cough that I have had, but it seems to be leaving me now. Slowly, but surely.

This week we had an investigator, Claudia, commit to a baptism date and this Sunday she came to church with us. :) She is absolutely amazing and I could see how her and I were similiar. There was a lot to take in the first time coming to church. A lot for her and you could tell as she tried to secretly wipe the tears from her eyes, which I have done a lot when it comes to Spanish. But I know that with our help, she will be ready for baptism and will be able to understand everything that is nesecary (sp?) for her to before baptism. I am so excited for her and her journey with coming closer to God and Jesus Christ. :)

I am also excited for our new investigater Anita. :) Before she didn´t really have an interest, she kinda threw away everything that we told her. But after we took the time and helped her with something in her garden, her heart has softened and she is more willing to talk with us and take in what we are telling her. Yesterday we had a nice talk about our families and I was able to share about my family and who they were, luckily I always keep a picture of my family with me :) We were able to talk a little bit about how families are able to be together forever :)
Little by little, we will be able to help Anita come closer to Christ.

I feel great! I love this place! I love the people! I love the language (wish I could understand more but that will come with time)! And I love the Lord and his word!
I am excited for the weeks to come :)

I am so grateful for this oppurtunity to be here in Argentina with the amazing people here.  I love the people so much and I hope they are able to see that because I can´t yet express that with words in Spanish XD

I am working hard and I will continue working hard for the rest of my life!  I love the Lord and all the blessings He willing gives to His children. (Everyone!)  I love this Gospel and I know that it is the true Gospel on the earth today.  I know that Jesus Christ will come again and I am excited to see that day. I am grateful that my family is able to be together forever :)

Thank you so much for your love and Support! I am looking forward to this week. I am looking forward to seeing you all again :P After I finish this mission with honor xD  and I love you!

El amor de Dios is a poder que todas las personas pueden sentir.  Mediante el amor de Dios tenemos El Plan De Salvación.  :)  Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial y mediante Su amor, podemos hacer todas las cosas. :) Le amo Dios y mi Salvador, Jesucristo. Estoy muy agradecida por esta oportunidad estar acá en Argentina y que quedo servir el Señor en mi vida.  Doy gracias a Dios por mi vida y mi familia. :)  

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Semana Nueve

Well.... What can I say?  A lot has happened this week and I don´t know where I want to start or if I can even remember everything.

I have started to write in my journal as much Spanish as I can, it is a great way for me to get practice.  I am able to speak a whole bunch more than my first day here and also able to understand a lot more.  At the beginning I couldn´t pick out the different words, but now I feel like I am able to seperate the words from each other as people speak.  Now... All I need to be able to do is understand it completely and be able to respond quickly.  But that´s okay.  I don´t expect myself to know everything right now and I know that no one else does.  (Well other than the people that don´t know that I don´t know much Spanish :P)

Hay muchas veces que puedo sentir el Espíritu Santo.  Estoy muy agradecida por esta oportunidad estar acá en Argentina.  Estoy agradecida por esta oportunidad aprender Español y aprender mas sobre este Evangelio.  Amo el Señor.

And now my head hurts... I don´t think I can type anymore in Spanish :)
Hahaha

But everything is just great here on my mission.  Days are long, but the weeks are short.  I can´t even believe that it already Monday O_O

Even more I can´t believe that today is my 2 month mark O_O

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Semana Ocho

So I realized that I actually missed a week because of traveling so.... This is week eight.  Last time was week siete. I missed week seis :P

But everything is going great here.

I can honestly say that this is the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life.  I know that this is preparing me for whatever will happen in the future. :)  Not only is this the hardest thing I have chosen to do, but it also the best thing that I could of chosen to do.

I love it here. :)

The Lord has blessed me with so much!  The ability to learn a new langauge. :)  The lanugage that I wanted to learn :)  And the ability to go to a new country and see how people on the other side of the world (north to south wise) live.  

I am grateful for this Gospel and all the blessings it has brought in my life and will bring.  I love the Lord and am so happy to be here on this earth today. I hope and pray that my family is doing well. :)  I miss them, but I will be able to be with them for eternity when I return, for now I am here to help other people have the oppurtunity to be able to live with their families forever.

I know this Church is true.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and brother.  I know that God loves every one of his children and that He has created this plan for us to learn, grow, and to become like Him someday.
I know that this life is hard, but I also know that we can do anything if we always look unto the Lord for help. :)


--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Semana Seis

(Mixing my mass email with my blog email, for time purposes.  Sorry if this confuses anyone! :P)


Everything is going well here in Argentina.  I got here on Thursday morning.  Well.... okay here is the story of my first plane ride, first time out of the country, and many more firsts for me :P

We woke up Wednesday morning at 4:00 am  after going to bed around midnight because the excitement and last minute packing details that needed to be done.
Waking up was not hard, which was really surprising to me.  We got on a bus to go the the Provo Frontrunner station that would take us down to the North Temple station so that we could hope on the trax to get to the airport.  Pretty nice how easy it is to transport people to places now :P
Once we got to the airport,  oh the we is the 19 missionaries that were traveling together to get Argentina Neuquén that day.
The plane left at 10:00ish am
I was nervous, MY FIRST PLANE RIDE xD  haha but my fears were calmed as I asked for some simple comfort from the Lord.  Although, when we started to take off the fear came back a little.  BUT quickly left once I started laughing.  My stomach dropped, that fun roller coaster feeling.  Yeah, all in all I like plan rides.  Well I did for that one.... :P
We got to Los Angeles California to get on another plane to Atlanta Georgia.  And from Atlanta we would get on the plane to Buenos Aires... which was a 16 hour plane ride.  No me gusta.... pero está bien!
Once we got to Buenos Aires we were taken around a little bit, talked and ate with the mission office in Buenos Aires and then we were put on one last plane to Neuquén.
All the other plane rides, I kinda slept the whole time.  I was tired and moving vehicles seem to always put me to sleep.
But on this ride to Neuqén I was sitting next to another missionary and a woman that lived in Neuquén so we were able to talk to her the whole time about Neuquén, her beliefs, her life, and whatever else.  At the end of it all I left her with a pass-a-long card that was a pretty picture of Jesucristo.
I felt good, even though I understand almost NOTHING of what she talked about.  

Pero, está bien!  I will learn and understand Spanish with time.   I feel like I am slowly starting to understand the people here in Argentina, but they seem to talk REALLY REALLY fast and then I can´t get anything but a few words.

The ward that I am serving in is so nice!  They are so welcoming and helpful with my non-ability to speak Spanish :P

I cried the first two days, simply because I didn´t understand what anyone was saying and I want to be able to so bad!!!! I am okay though!  This place is amazing and I am loving every single minute of it.  EVEN the hard times that I don´t know anything that is happening so I just sit there and try my hardest to understand...
Let´s just say.... I have said almost nothing is all the lessons we have taught so far.

My companion are Hermana Medero from Uruguay XD and Hermana Rainsdon from Alpine Utah.  Which is fantastic! I get to be able to speak with a native Spanish person, which will help me a ton!  And get the help from someone that knows English also. :P BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.


I feel like just being here in the time that I have, has humbled me a ton.  The way of life here is completely different.  The houses and apartments that are lived in are different! I just couldn´t of have been able to imagine how this place would have been like if I wasn´t here now.
The people here are great, I just wish I knew what they were saying most of the time. :P

Poco a poco
Sea feliz!



Oh! If you live in the USA and want to send me letters with the need of three stamps you can send them via pouch mail.
Pouch is letters only!
No envelopes
1 stamp
tri-folded
Taped closed on the TOP ONLY

And you send it to....

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
Argentina Neuquén Mission
POB 30150
SLC, Utah 84130-0150

Other than that the mailing address should be somewhere on the blog or on my facebook cover picture.

Have a wonderful day! 

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Semana Cinco

Hola mi familia y mis amigos.  XD

Time is sure flying by,  I can't believe that the time for leaving the MTC has already come.  I am so excited for this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  I love the fact that I am able to now bring people unto Christ and give them the chance to feel the love of God through the love I show them.

I know that God is our Father in Heaven and that He is constantly watching over us.  I know that God hears our prayers and that if we are willing to ask Him for help, He will always be willing to help.  I love the Lord and His son Jesucristo.  I love the words of God that are found in the Book of Mormon.  I know with all my heart that if we are willing to keep the commandments of God we will be able to return to live with Him again.  
I know that God has made it possible to live with our families forever.  I know that through The Great Plan of Salvation, we are able to be saved and be happy for all eternity.  

Yo tengo mucho amor por La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días.

Thank you so much for all the love and support.  I love you so much!!!! xD

God be with you till we meet again xD

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian

Searching for Stars among the Fish :)

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

O_O

I GOT MY VISA!!!!!!!

Well it's a travelers visa BUT I'M GOING TO ARGENTINA WEDNESDAY 09, 2013!!!!! xD

Mama I will be calling home when I get to airports, so forewarned it may be really early in the morning xD
  
--

Friday, September 27, 2013

Semana Cinco

A little story that I experienced and I love so much that I would like everyone to hear about.

Hermana Woodruff and I were teaching a lesson to an investigator, Luis Alejandro. (The teachers play the role of investigators) We were talking to him about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel.  It was a good lesson and we were able to answer his questions about why the Book of Mormon is so vital to the Gospel. I feel like my companion and I worked well together at asking questions and answering to the best of our abilities. 
When we were about to end the lesson I had the thoughts come to my mind. "Ask him to be baptize."  Now that was a big jump, but I pulled baptism into the conversation.  But when it came time to ask him if he would be baptized, I couldn't even think of how to ask that question.
After the lesson the teacher came out and talked to us.  Asking how we felt about the lesson and what our thoughts were.  I explained to him how I wanted to ask Luis Alejandro to be baptized, but I didn't know how.
The teacher smile and nodded and then told us that near the end he wanted us to ask him to be baptized.  Now that part of him was teacher part of him that wanted us to ask Luis Alejandro to be baptized, but he did say that Luis Alejandro would have accepted the offer. :)
It was so amazing to be able to feel the Spirit telling me what I needed to do.  I just wish I would have taken the time to ask the Lord to help me know how to say it, because I believe that if I would have asked He would have told me the exact words.

I know this church is true and that through God, Joseph Smith was able to receive the Golden Plates and translate them into what we know as The Book of Mormon. :)  I love this Gospel and will invite all that will come unto Christ to learn of the truth and hold the fullness of the Gospel.  I love my God, our Father in Heaven.  I love Jesus Christ, our brother. :)

A funny story.

Hermana Woodruff and I were walking back to our room to grab a few things.  We randomly started to speed walk and then started to run.  When we were halfway down the pathway, a tiny little mouse ran across our path.  For reasons I do not know.  But Hermana Woodruff ended up stepping on the mouse and screaming at the top of her lungs.  The poor little mouse did a flip or two before landing back on the ground.  The little mouse limped off in to the bushes out of sight. :(  While Hermana Woodruff was freaking out about stepping on the mouse.  Her shoes immediately came off her feet and she declared how disgusting that was and how her shoes were now going in the garbage. The whole time O_O  I was laughing so hard!  It was the funniest thing ever, just to see her freak out about stepping on that mouse.  Poor little mousie!  It was so funny that I almost ended up peeing right there, luckily I was able to hold it till we got back to the room.  
Now I joke to her about stepping on a mouse ;)  So funny, I really do hope that the mouse is okay.

A little update.  
Bad News: I haven't gotten my Visa for Argentina yet.
Good News:  I may get to have the opportunity to serve in two places xD SO EXCITING! It's little getting a second mini Mission call xD

Tomorrow I get to sing in the choir for the General Relief Society Meeting  :)  It's pretty great! The songs are absolutely beautiful and I am super excited to be able to be there in the Conference Center for this meeting. xD
We are singing:
Redeemer of Israel
Go Forth/ As Sisters in Zion
I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go
More Holiness Give Me

They are so beautiful and I learn so much from the songs everyday that we sing them, which has been every morning from 7:30-9:00

--
With Love,
Hermana Bastian

Hermana Chelsea Bastian
OCT08 ARG-NEU
2007 N 900 E Unit 3
Provo Utah 84602



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Mass Email xD

1 If you don't want to receive this let me know
2 If you want a more personal email just send me a response :)
3 My blog has more updates than this email :)
4 I love questions and we answer any :)
5 Write me letters if you have the time!
Hermana Chelsea Bastian
OCT08 ARG-NEU
2007 N 900 E Unit 3
Provo Utah, 84602
6 I should depart from the Missionary Training Center on the 8th of October, if everything works out.  So make sure the letters can get to me before then if you send them to the MTC

This past week has been too fast :P  There has been so many ups and a few downs.  The crazy thing.  Last week, we got a new district and this week we got another district!  Now that doesn't always happen, but we were lucky enough to get another set of missionaries.  Two weeks in a row of newbies! xD Pretty great.  I love everyone in my zone.  I seriously think I have the best zone.

Everyone in my zone
Elder Padgett
Elder Goar
Elder Valdez
Hermana Woodruff
ME xD

Elder Moody
Elder Blake
Elder Bradshaw
Hermana Gonzales
Hermana Goodale

Elder Omorodian-Bowie
Elder Persad
Elder Sharp 
Elder Teio
Elder Tai
Hermana Boyce
Hermana Cattich

Elder Johnson
Elder Batt
Elder Heaton
Hermana Scarrlet
Hermana Hanks
Hermana Hickman 
Hermana Fullmer

Everything is going great xD

A little story that I experienced and I love so much that I would like everyone to hear about.

Hermana Woodruff and I were teaching a lesson to an investigator, Luis Alejandro. (The teachers play the role of investigators) We were talking to him about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel.  It was a good lesson and we were able to answer his questions about why the Book of Mormon is so vital to the Gospel. I feel like my companion and I worked well together at asking questions and answering to the best of our abilities. 
When we were about to end the lesson I had the thoughts come to my mind. "Ask him to be baptize."  Now that was a big jump, but I pulled baptism into the conversation.  But when it came time to ask him if he would be baptized, I couldn't even think of how to ask that question.
After the lesson the teacher came out and talked to us.  Asking how we felt about the lesson and what our thoughts were.  I explained to him how I wanted to ask Luis Alejandro to be baptized, but I didn't know how.
The teacher smile and nodded and then told us that near the end he wanted us to ask him to be baptized.  Now that part of him was teacher part of him that wanted us to ask Luis Alejandro to be baptized, but he did say that Luis Alejandro would have accepted the offer. :)
It was so amazing to be able to feel the Spirit telling me what I needed to do.  I just wish I would have taken the time to ask the Lord to help me know how to say it, because I believe that if I would have asked He would have told me the exact words.

But everything is good :)  Everything is amazing. :)

I love you all!

--
Con amor,
Hermana Bastian



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Semana Cautro

Monday was a great day to start out with.  The time for everything works great and I just feel like Mondays go by so fast.  I was able to play basketball with Elder Valdez, Elder Goar, and Hermana Woodruff.  It was a fun game, two other heramanas (not in my zone) joined.  Hermana Loutz and oh man.... I can't remember the other's name..... SAD DAY!!! They are so cute and I love them already!  During the basketball game I was able to slam my arm into Hermana Woodruff's elbow and yes I did take that opportunity. Hahaha I now have this BEAUTIFUL bruise on my arm. xD I really do like bruises
The older district left.  We lost 9 Elders and oh man how great it was to see them be able to go out into the world and invite others to come unto Christ, but how sad it was to see them go.
We have new Elders and Hermanas.  Which I don't remember how to spell all of their names so that will be updated next week ;)
I was able to walk off the MTC campus.  WE WENT INTO THE REAL WORLD!!!!! hahaha Well long story short.  I got terrified by a bike! xD

MY BROTHERS: (anyone can read) But I am just letting you know that I have seen two people smell their shoes now!  So You are not the only weird ones in the world that smells their shoes!!! xD

Love this quote from Hermano Tyler Parke
"Knowledge with application is wisdom, knowledge without application is vain."
  
Another quote that I like is from Elder Padegett.
"When Hermana Bastian cries its okay because you know it's spiritual.  But if Hermana Woodruff cries, it must be something bad"

Hahah thanks Elder Padegett!!! I don't like to cry but I won't deny it.  I cry a lot, just like my beautiful mama xD  I am not ashamed!  Especially since Jesus wept too. xD I will gladly weep with him!

I AM SINGING IN THE GENERAL RELIEF SOCIETY GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!! xD
And I met another Sister Bastian xD
She knows about Jacob and his multiple wives! So we much be related!
I love my family! Even if I don't know them xD

Families are the best. Families are forever.  Families are Beautiful.

Hope everything is going alright!

--
With Love,
Hermana Bastian


Hermana Chelsea Bastian
OCT08 ARG-NEU
2007 N 900 E Unit 3
Prove Utah 84602



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


MASS EMAIL!!!!

1 If you don't want to receive this let me know
2 If you want a more personal email, let me know
3 Sorry about last week the internet was freaking out and I couldn't get on to really send anything.  I was lucky enough to be able to email a few select people.  I love you all though!

This week has been really great!  Hard but so worth it!  I have prayed for trials.  Weird to ask for, but at the same time I need them to grow stronger and to learn more of God and his love and also about myself.  I love everything here.  The struggles are nothing compared to the things that are so wonderful and joyful.  This place is indescribable!  INCREDIBLE!!!

Spanish is coming along great, I surprise myself with how much I have learned and how much I can talk.  There is still a ton that I need to work on, but it will come.  Poco a Poco xD (I use that line alot!)  I love the language, it's so beautiful and wonderful and I couldn't ask for anything more.  I am so glad that I have this amazing chance to learn the Spanish language and then to go and serve the people in Argentina.  I am so excited to learn of their customs.  Theirs cultures.  The accent they have and much much more! 

Write me, email me, check out my blog!  Today's technology is absolutely amazing xD
Stay strong and remember who you are!

Sea feliz!

--
With Love,
Hermana Bastian



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Semana Tres

First off I want to say that you are more than the things you like and do.  Once you learn how to get past the little things, you are able to find out who you really are and then allows God to show you what He wants you to be.  And He will always make you to the best.

A crazy little thought was that before I went to bed,  I knelled down before the Lord and prayed to him.  I had prayed for eight minutes.  It was really crazy for me, because prayer wasn't a strength for me, but recently it has become one of my favorite things to do.  I am constantly praying.  For help, for thanks, for food, for questions, for guidance.  I talk to the Lord constantly.  Daily.  Hourly.

Something that is hard to do is to look down every day and just see your stomach grow.  This is my way of telling myself that I need to do better at watching what I am eating.  Or else I will be fat before I get home and that was something that I never wanted to happen.  I want to stay the same, lose weight, or gain muscle.  I will not gain fat!!! I will not!!!

My Family has started reading the Book of Mormon before Justen's 18th birthday and they sent me the schedule I am so excited to be able to continue in this tradition with my family, even with being away from my family.  I love my family!

Small fact that I learned.  The eagle uses three points to make sure that they know where they are and where their eggs are.  My mission president talked about how  we also have three points in our life that can make sure we know right where we are at all times.  They are

Being Foreordained
Patriarchal Blessing
and the Here After :)

I wish I could write more but the server is being funny and so only one computer is working right now.  So I have three girls waiting for me while I write this.  O_O I feel so bad


WRITE ME!



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Friday, September 6, 2013

Mass Email

This is a mass email to everyone that I have.  Things may be repeated if I have already emailed you or if you have looked at my blog.  But this way people get a chance for an update. 

If you reply you will get a more personal update. :)
Or writing is always loved! I love letters!  
Hermana Bastian
OCT08 ARG-NEU
2007 N 900 E Unit 3
Provo, Utah 84602

Everything is great. There are ups and downs, but I'm sure that everyone gets those.  :P  I was the only one to not receive a letter, but that changed on Wednesday when I got my first letter from my mama :)

I will post once a week to my blog


Any questions? Needs? Wants? Requests?  Anything! Let me know and I will do it!



--
With Love,
Hermana Bastian



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Semana Dos

This week was really good.  There is a lot going on every day, so when I have a little bit of down time it feels absolutely weird.  The MTC is amazing and the people here are amazing also.  

There used to be six girls in our room but one went home to get married.  And another was sent to the Salt Lake South Mission till she gets her Visa to Spain.  Everything happens so quickly here, it's crazy to think we have only be here for about two weeks or so.

The language is coming along slowly.  I will get it though, as long as I rely on the Lord to help me and I make sure that I do everything that I can to learn.  I know the Lord will bless me with the gift of tongues.

To be honest, I have never cried this much in one week.  EVER!  I have cried about four days of the seven, sometimes more than once a day.  It's been crazy.  But I don't want to leave, through the hard times I still feel loved and so welcomed here.  I don't like the struggles, but what would we be without struggles and trails in our lives? I know the Lord gives us struggles to strengthen us.  And he would never give us something that we are not able to handle.

I am so grateful for what I have experienced so far.  It is so amazing!

I hope you all know that the Lord loves you and will bless your life if you are willing to follow Him. 


Please write, I would love to hear from you!
Hermana Bastian
OCT08 ARG-NEU
2007 N 900 E Unit 3
Provo, Utah 84602
--



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Thursday, September 5, 2013

My Testimony - Mi Testimonio - August 31, 2013

August 31, 2013

Mi Testimonio

Yo se' que Jesucristo es me redentor. Yo se' que Dios es me Padre Celestial y El es muy amoroso. Yo se' que Santos Biblia y El Libro de Mormon es verdadero. Las escrituras son grand bendiciones. y inspiridad. Yo soy agradeado por Jesucristo y de Iglesia Dias. Yo se' que el Evangelio de Cristo es venir a Cristo nostros podemo recibir benediciones.

En el monbre de Jesucristo, Ame'n


Friday, August 30, 2013

Week Uno

So the first week has been hectic, but in a very good way.  There is no way that I would change my mind about going to serve the Lord.  It was tough yesterday in my first full day of language class, but luckily I have amazing Hermanas in my district and they were able to help me through it.  Their comforting words were very helpful, along with the comfort of the Spirit.  

I first want to start off with a few highlights of my days so far, even though I have only been here since Wednesday.

-Word of advice.   Know if you are an Elder or Hermana.  I, myself, just happened to call myself Elder Bastian when introducing myself.  Oops :P  Good thing I know how to laugh at myself and everyone was able to laugh with me.  I love the people in my district they are absolutely amazing!
-One of the Elders decided that while his companion was praying he would take his banana and bite into the side.  Peel and all.  That was funny to see, but at the same time a little gross. :P
-My companion and I got lost, woohoo for greenies!  But we were able to find our way back to where we were trying to go.  Hermana Woodruff is a wonderful girl and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to have her has my companion. 
-I have learned that Elders, no matter what, will always get distracted easily :P  They are wonderful and have great insight, but oh the distractions :)
-And for all you beautiful people out there that complain about church at 9:00 in the morning.  I would like you to know that I have just found out that my church starts at 7:30am xD woohoo!!!

Waking up early isn't as hard as I thought it would be.  It's actually pretty easy, although I will definitely have to get used to being awake the whole day! XD

Anyway I am off to write my family, I hope all you are doing well.  I love you all and am excited to tell you the news that happens throughout my mission!

Love the Lord, for He will always love you!

poco y poco

--



NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Little Ones Are Smarter Than You Think

A teacher is using the "scientific method" to teach the class about evolution...

TEACHER: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
TEACHER: Did you see God?
TOMMY: No.
TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. He doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl questioned the boy.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions this time).
LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?
TOMMY: Yessssss.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
TOMMY: Yes
LITTLE GIRL: Do you see the teacher's mind?
TOMMY: No.
LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she must not have one!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Time is at Hand!

The time is at hand to put my best foot forward.
The time has come to give all my time to the Lord for 18 months.
Today, August 28 2013, at 12:30pm I start my life as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I was set apart last night, August 27th at 7:00pm and hopefully I will remind myself to write about it here. :)  If not just know that this was written a couple days before to make sure that I got it posted on my first day as a Missionary.

Everything is so crazy, the time has flown by and I can't believe that the time has come.  I don't remember where those first 128 days went.  They are gone and now all I can do is press forward, trust in the Lord, and give him all my heart, might, mind and strength.

I love the Lord and will do anything to meet his needs.  I will shine my light to those in the darkness and I will never be ashamed.  The Lord has prepared the way and I will do everything in my power to stay on that path.  I know I am not perfect and I will fall, but with the help of people around me and the Lord and his atonement I will be able to make it back home safely.

I know the Lord will protect me in all that I do as long as my heart and mind are in the right place.


I will see everyone in 18 months and I will hopefully be able to post on here every week :)
I love you all.


James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Love,
Hermana Bastian :)

If you would like to contact me you can email me at Chelsea.Bastian@myldsmail.net
And my letter address is posted to the right :)

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Worth Waiting For

Worth Waiting For 
By: Jenny Phillips 


Daughter of a royal birth
You are a temple
Sacred and of infinite worth
And though evil seems like the normal thing The light inside you 

Will help you see through the deceit Hold on to your purity
Rise up and
Defend your destiny 

Your peace
Your light
Your eternal life
Are worth waiting for
To kneel in God’s house
Being sealed forevermore
With a love that is strong and pure 
That’s worth waiting for 

If you live pure and worthy You’ll enter the temple
To claim your eternal blessings Be a guardian of your virtue Let the light inside you
Flood all the world around you Hold on to your purity
Rise up and
Defend your destiny 

Your peace
Your light
Your eternal life
Are worth waiting for
To kneel in God’s house
Being sealed forevermore
With a love that is strong and pure 
That’s worth waiting for 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Beauty Is

Beauty Is
By: Jenny Phillips

Has the world ever been so confused
About what beauty is?
It's not the girl on the magazine
That you were sent here
To try to be.
A focus on body image
Is not what true beauty is.

Chorus:
Beauty is found
in the girl who believes
In the power of her divinity
The light in ger eyes,
shows her goodness inside
She is honest and kind at all times
When you care more about,
living the way Christ did
That's when you'll know
What beauty is

Just like a temple that shines,
Cared for on the outside
The beauty inside the doors
Is the thing that matters
a miliion times more
So magnify the holiness within you
Let purity dwell inside

Chorus:
Beauty is found
in the girl who believes
In the power of her divinity
The light in ger eyes,
shows her goodness inside
She is honest and kind at all times
When you care more about,
living the way Christ did
That's when you'll know
What beauty is

That's when you'll know what beauty is.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Plan of Love

The Plan of Love
I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity. Finally, I’ve gotten my chance to come up here and speak to all of you.  I feel so blessed that I am able to have my whole family here. And I definitely will not forget the many friends that have also come this day to hear me speak.  It means a lot to me to know that I have your love and support with me today, and with my choice of serving a mission.
Now usually people start off with a joke, but seeing as I’m not one that can think of a funny joke right off the back, or even get the punch line correct. I won’t even try to attempt that route.  But instead, I want to ask you a simple question….
Who do you love?
Mom
Dad
Siblings
Aunts, Uncles
Grandparents
Friends
Now…. Who loves you?
I’m sure that all of us are able to name the same people on that list.  Parents, grandparents, and so on…

Keep those two small questions in mind. You’ll need to remember them for later.  :)

Elder Tingey, spoke in General Conference, April of 2006.  This talk called The Great Plan of Happiness. Is the talk that I was asked to base my talk off of.
 
As I read through this talk there was one word that stood out before me.  One word that kept coming to my mind.  One word that I have been hearing over and over again from people I have been around.
And if you couldn’t already guess what the one word is…
 Love.

I want to focus on the word love itself. Because of how much I have had this word come up in my life.

On a Sister Missionary page on Facebook and I posted a simple question.
“How would you describe love?”
A few girls replied with these answers, and I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Love is the greatest emotion that we can feel.  And when love is most perfect, love becomes a selfless act.

Love is an action word. It doesn't just happen, it takes work and effort. If you're willing to put in the time, though at times, it doesn't really feel like work at all.
It's caring about someone or something so much that you would sacrifice anything to meet their needs. It is selfless service and unconditional charity.

The word charity was used in almost all the comments, this sparked my interest in how love and charity are tied together so well.
 To find out the full meaning of charity I turned to the scriptures and in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 and 13 it reads…

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
13 And now bideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Continuing to go off of the word Charity,

I turned  to Moroni 7:46-47

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Charity is the pure love of Christ. Love and Charity walk hand in hand.  But why is love so important?  Why is it mentioned so much? 


In St Matthew 22:37-39 it reads…..

 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
 38 This is the first and great commandment.
 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
 
We are commanded to Love Him, to love our Father in Heaven.
In order to love the Lord, we must know of the Lord.  We must take the time out of our lives to study, ponder, pray. 
The Lord wants to talk to you and he wants to hear from you.  He loves you in a way that no one else can love you, because he knows you better than you know yourself.  The Lord knows your mistakes and your choices.  He knows what you will do along with what you have already done.  He knows your weaknesses, your strengths, and your insecurities.
But most importantly the Lord knows who you are and what you can become.

John Bytheway said. “If you want to talk to God, great! If you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures.”

Our Heavenly Father has reached out to His children in Love to reveal His Plan of Happiness.  
This Plan explains what our Loving Father in Heaven does to help us make it through this journey successfully, so that we may return to His presence and become like Him.

God is our Father
He loves us
We are a part of His Family
We are His children.
He loves you no matter what.

My favorite scripture in the Book or Mormon is found in 2 Nephi 1:15.  This scripture has a promise that we can be eternally held in the arms of his love.
 It reads…

15 Behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.

The love from our Heavenly Father and the love from our Brother Jesus Christ, is a perfect and pure love.  This love is found everywhere throughout the scriptures, throughout our day to day lives. 

Elder Richard G. Scott said “Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good.”

This incomparable and potent power for good is shown through the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our Savior came to earth to be tempted, mocked, tried, judged, and crucified, even though He had the power and authority to prevent such actions from occurring.

President John Taylor described the condescension of Christ in these beautiful words: “It was further necessary that He should descend below all things, in order that He might raise others above all things; for if He could not raise Himself and be exalted through those principles brought about by the atonement, He could not raise others; He could not do for others what He could not do for Himself.”

In addition to President Taylor’s words, Elder Tingey said “Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane epitomizes the most magnificent of all the attributes of Christ, His perfect love.  Here we see that He truly loved all of us.”

Christ’s words in D&C 19:18 reads…

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit”

This act of love from the Savior was done so that we wouldn’t have to feel that pain.  He chose to go through it all.  He felt what you have felt, he knows what you’re feeling and going through in life. And he will do anything to help lift you up.
Christ gave up his life for you.  A one and only gift given to you from Christ himself.


The way that you may be able to show the love you have for the Lord is to live his word.  If you live the Gospel of Christ you will prove to the Lord that you love him.



Through
FAITH in Jesus Christ, shows that you know that the pure love of Christ is able to do all things.
Through
REPENTANCE you love him enough to submit to His will. You show that you are willing to change as he asks, for he is perfect.  And he will never mislead you.
Through
BAPTISM  is shows that you trust him, shows your loyalty to him.  Giving him your trust proves to him you truly love him. 
Through
ENDURING TO THE END.  Love is patient.  Love endureth all things, suffereth all things, and hopeth all things.

As we show the Lord that we love him and are willing to follow in him and his plan, he blesses us.
The Lord knows……

As humans,
We are all imperfect.
But while being imperfect,
We are all perfectly beautiful.

There is a strength within every one of us,
There is a will to be the best that we can be.
There is beauty within each and everyone's soul.

I know within all my heart that the Lord loves every one of us.
The Lord wants us to return home, to live with him again.
He will do everything in his power, to help everyone return.
But God will never force anyone to Heaven.

The Love of God is Perfect!
The Love of God can be felt anywhere,
By anyone who needs and wants it.

He knows we are imperfect,
He knows we need help,
But He needs you to ask first.

Don't be afraid to ask.
He wants you to.
He loves you.


Always remember,
That although we are all imperfect,
We are Perfectly Beautiful,
And we will always be loved.

By our Father in Heaven and His son, Our Brother, Jesus Christ.



President Boyd K. Packer: “If you understand the great plan of happiness and follow it, what goes on in the world will not determine your happiness.”

For this moment in time, I would like to add another name to the name of The Plan of Salvation or the The Great Plan of Happiness.
This name I would like to add is…. The Plan of Love.
 (Now keep in mind, this isn’t a legit change.  This is in my head. In my heart, another way that this marvelous plan can be called.)

1. Reverently and meekly now,
Let thy head most humbly bow.
Think of me, thou ransomed one;
Think what I for thee have done.
With my blood that dripped like rain,
Sweat in agony of pain,
With my body on the tree
I have ransomed even thee.

2….Oh, remember what was done
That the sinner might be won.
On the cross of Calvary
I have suffered death for thee.

3. Bid thine heart all strife to cease;
With thy brethren be at peace.
Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be
Even forgiven now by me.
In the solemn faith of prayer
Cast upon me all thy care,
And my Spirit's grace shall be
Like a fountain unto thee.

4. At the throne I intercede;
For thee ever do I plead.
I have loved thee as thy friend,
With a love that cannot end.
Be obedient, I implore,
Prayerful, watchful evermore,
And be constant unto me,
That thy Savior I may be.

As I leave this message with you today I hope that you have felt the love I have for you and Our Savior.  And the love the Savior has for you.
I hope and pray that this feeling of love stays with you as you continue on with your lives.

I know Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ love each and every one of us personally.  I know they are looking down and watching over us.
I know this church is true and I love it with all my heart.
I hope that I may be able to fill the lives of everyone, I come in contact with, with the pure love of Christ


I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen