Invisible Bruises

Everyone has "bruises". Whether you can see them or not, whether they are are inside or out, we all have them.
I've been thinking a bit about this since I get bruises a lot. They usually don't show up but they still hurt sometimes. Though it hurts, it is unnoticeable.
It has gotten me thinking about emotional and physical bruises that I have seen in other people's lives.
I know someone who was physically and mentally abused by family members and one even ended up in the foster care system. I know people who battled with pornography for years, and I've seen what the emotional bruises it has given them. I know someone that was so "bruised" inside they thought of ending their life.
Now all of these things you can't see with your eyes, just like the bruises that don't show on your skin, but they are still there, and they hurt.
Knowing this, doesn't it make you want to be nicer to people?
People struggle, so why would you want to make it worse?
We have light inside of us. The pure love of Christ is shining in our eyes. Let us not dismiss it and treat others with unkindness or disrespect. Embrace that light! Let it shine and do good! Build others up! Strengthen them!
Why would someone want to be kind to someone who is mean? It is so much harder. So if you are kind to someone chances are they will be kind back to you. But even if they aren't you can feel satisfied that you were kind to someone and maybe you even brightened their day. You never know.
People are always asking for "world peace". Well being kind and loving is the root to peace. So if you have charity for others and they have charity for you then neither of you are going to want to fight and that would could put an end to most wars.
I'm not saying that of we love everyone with a smile plastered on our lips that all the problems in the world would go away. No, what I am say is that if we have charity and are kind to others it will make a big difference to the world! Imagine how much the crime rate would go down, how much happier everyone would be, and how the world would be more united.
So always remember to smile and be kind because after all a smile and a little bit of kindness can be contagious.

Missionary Work

Lately, quite a few of my friends have been getting their mission calls and have been getting ready to go. (Some have already left). I have had bittersweet feelings about this. I am sad to see them go and I won't see some for longer than 2 years since I will be leaving on my own mission before they get back but I am also so happy for their decision to serve the Lord!
Today I want to highlight a few of these examples and thank them for what they have done for me.

One of the first of my friends to leave was Elder Stephen Millsap. Stephen was called to the Moscow Russia mission but while in the MTC was reassigned to theUkraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission. Stephen is so awesome and has an amazing soul that really has brightened my life. Even though I didn't know him for very long before he left he has influenced me a lot. Stephen is always so fun and happy. Stephen was also the one who got me hooked on Gilbert Juice (Pineapple Fanta) and I will always think of him and Gareth when I drink it. ;)
Elevation wouldn't have been the same without Stephen there. I'm really going to miss singing Hamilton with him on the car ride there and back.

The next friend to go was Annika Lundgren. Annika was called to the something Hawaii mission (I can't remember which mission ;P) How I love Annika!!! She has always been so kind and helpful to me and has been someone I have looked up to from the first time I met her. Annika is so bright, happy, and loving and has the best singing voice I have ever heard. Every time I'm around her I just want to sing because it brings so much sunshine to the world!!! She is so funny and I love her laugh!

The next friend to go is Elder Cody Standing. Cody had been called to the Texas Houston South mission and leaves for the MTC today. Cody is so great! I was able to spend two and a half weeks with this guy in Ecuador on a humanitarian trip. Cody is always so kind and is always looking after everyone. His testimony is strong and he just can't stop helping people and telling really funny stories that make everyone laugh. While in Ecuador our group went on a hike that was very difficult for some people in the group. The terrain was rocky and steep. On the way back some of us started lagging being and even though Cody had the energy to press forward he stayed behind to help everyone get safely down the mountain while telling us jokes, stories, and words of encouragement. Cody made the worksite a blast and helped make the workload lighter. Cody is so amazing!!

The next friend to go is Dallin Ward. He has been called to the Mexico Chihuahua mission.Gah Dallin is so great!!! He was an amazing SBP last year for Williamsburg Academy and I learned a lot from him! Dallin is so happy, kind, sweet, and is always looking out for others. He has such an amazing spirit and laugh. Dallin has a smile that can light up a room the moment he walks in. Dallin always made me feel included especially if I was feeling left out. Whenever Dallin talks to you he looks you in the eyes and really listens to what you have to say. Dallin made Elevation a blast as well!

The next friend to go is Dallin Shumway. Just yesterday he opened his mission call to Argentina Neuquen Mission. Dallin is great!! He is so funny! When I first met him at the Royal Simulation for Future Kings and Queens I knew there was something special about him. Then hearing his reenactment of how the general authorities eat their Reese's Peanutbutter Cups was amazing! Riding with him to Elevation was great where he bestowed the awesomeness of the peanut butter cup story once again. After coming home from Elevation I learned that Dallin is a mentor with Lionheart Mentoring and I was really blown away with Dallin's accomplishments in bettering the world and lives of others. He is changing the world everywhere he goes!!

Another friend who is getting ready to leave and has submitted her papers is Hannah Hoag. Hannah is so awesome and was the amazing person who introduced me to how great pixie sticks are at Elevation and now every time I go to Elevation I always have to bring some pixie sticks with me. Hannah is so awesome and sweet and has always been like a big sister to me. At my first Elevation she was an amazing pod sister who helped fit in and truly helped me realize that I can be myself, helped bring me out of my comfort zone, and helped push me through my challenges. How I love this girl!

I also want to give a shoutout to all of these missionaries mothers Angela Millsap, Jill Skeem Lundgren, Jill Ward, Celestia Shumway, and Stephanie Hoag who taught these awesome teens the importance of serving missions. I am so excited for all these missionaries!!

I also want to give a shoutout to all my friends who are preparing for a mission now. You guys are great examples to me!!
I can't wait to serve a mission myself!! I can't believe I have only a year and a half before I leave!! I can't wait to serve my Father in Heaven and bless others so that they can return to him one day!

Just look at these guys' shining faces!!! They are going to change the world and I am so honored that I have gotten the chance to know them! <3 <3