The {stories} of good music

I have a NEW COMPANION!!!!

Yes, my dear friend Sister Christensen has been transferred. She will be missed!  :(

So, The Lord has me training...again! He really likes to put alot of trust in me. (YIKES) But it's a real blessing to train. I've learned that the "trainie" becomes the "trainer". I end up learning more from the new sisters than they learn from me. 

Her is name is Sister Porter, from Virgina! She just got out of the MTC! She is the sweetest thing. She is a very soft spoken girl, so she doesn't say much. Ha, I'm sure she wont have ears by the end of this transfer, because I will probably talk them right off. 

Fun Fact about Sister Porter she was going to school for horticulture, which is a mixed between botany and agriculture. Her hobbies are gardening, and she LOVES to pull weeds! (She needs to go to my Mom's house)

I recently learned today that she has a very pretty voice! Which is great! The Lord blessed me with many gifts and talents, but singing was not one of them. If her ears don't fall off by me talking so much, they'll bleed due to my hideous voice that she hears constantly. :P

But I am so excited for this new transfer! Sister Porter is going to be great! She has a strong testimony and loves this gospel! I can already tell people are going to be so happy to serve with her. 

Today we had rehearsal for our missionary devotional. We have one once a month and the missionaries have the opportunity to sing in our mission choir. We are starting to sound like the MoTab. ;)

Songs we Sing:

Army of Helaman

Because I have been given much (in Spanish)

Praise to the Man

Brightly Beams, Our Father Mercy

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd

And two new ones we will sing in the near future Lead, Kindly Light and This is The Christ.

So, even though I can't sing. I love to sing. Ha... crazy, I know. But isn't it amazing how music can set the mood of things?

I love how church hymns can invite the spirit, sometimes more than just a speaker. 

D&C 25:12

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart: yea, the song of the righteous prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

When I read this scripture it reminded of when I was preparing for a mission. I use to be a music junkie! I loved my music. I always had it on, no matter what I was doing; getting ready, driving, surfing the web, running, just anything. I loved my music. 

So, leaving music was one of the hardest things to leave behind coming on a mission. But I have learned how music really does effect our thoughts and actions. 

I remember a time in Seminary! (by the way I had the BEST seminary teacher, Brother Bauer) A lesson that he had given about music, and I remember it changed my mind on what kind of music I should be listening too. 

He had taken a few of the "hits" of that year, and played them for the class to listen. Of course all the kids start singing them word for word, then he went in deeper into the words. And so many times I was found guilty of listening to songs for the beat or rhythm, and I wasn't listening to the words, or the meanings. 

I remember him reciting the lyrics to one of my favorite songs at the time by Fergie. Aghh.... YIKES!!!! I was so mortified by what the song actually meant. He made a great point! Because, I never listened to that song again. 

When we sing appropriate songs that invite the spirit it is a prayer to The Lord. Which is why we should sing songs about the Savior in a proper manner, because we are singing them with a righteous desire. Think of the blessings that can come upon us! The scriptures tell us we sing songs unto The Lord. 

Music is one of Satan temptations, I am first to admit it! Even on a mission it's a temptation. When we walk into Wal-Mart for our weekly shopping and one of my favorite songs is playing in the store. My first instinct is to listen to it, and sing along. But my companion (my old companion Sister Christensen) and I just look at each with huge eyes and start singing our favorite primary song. It's sounds silly, but we really have to do it!

In the "For the Strength of Youth" it says "Music has a profound effect on your mind, spirit, and behavior. Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Some music can carry evil and destructive messages. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or glorifies violence through lyrics, beat, or intensity. Do not listen to music that uses vulgar or offensive language or promotes evil practices. Such music can dull your spiritual sensitivity."

I know that music can have an affect on one's thoughts and attitude. I have learned the importance of listening to good music. By listening to clean music, our thoughts are cleaner. We are focused on good morals. I know that that through good music we can invite the spirit of our Heavenly Father, and draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Music can inspire the soul, and invite the Spirit. It can help us withstand the temptations that are filled in the world.

 Keep in mind that when we sing a song of righteous desire it is a prayer to our Heavenly Father. I am so blessed to serve a mission. I am grateful for music and all the wonderful ways it can be used. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know that this is the true church. 

Thank you all for reading! I love you all! Keep listening to good music! Have a great day :) 

Love You All

-Sister Ashcroft :)

The {Story} of running to do The Lords work

Good day Everyone!

It's been such a busy week! We have had so many meetings! But that is just apart of missionary life :)

Well, Wednesday. Wednesday was quit the day!

So, funny story to start it off. The night before I went on splits with a girl who is getting ready to leave for her mission. It went great!

So, now it's Wednesday morning, it's personal study time and I get up to use the bathroom. When I walk back into the room, my companion is sitting there with a mischievous smile. I say "Sister, what can you not wait till companion study to tell me?" 

She replies (with a giggle) "Your not going to be happy."

Me "Why?"

She then hands me the phone to read an open text saying "Hello, you met with my daughter last night. She has lice. So watch yourself. So sorry."

Me "....(long pause)... awesome."

My companion then bust out in laughter. I sarcastically said "well, I used your brush today! 

Muhahah... teach her to laugh at me again!

Ha, no it was funny. Although I did jump in the shower and turn the water to boiling hot and scrubbed my scalp until it was raw. I then tossed all my bedding in the washer, and anything I was in contact with that day.

By the way, all is good. No lice :)

So, the day goes on. One of the Sisters we live with was sick, so her and her companion came home for the day. My companion and I go out for the day, and had to return home early, because my companion got sick too.

So, Sister Comer and I decided "Hey, why don't we just go out and do each others areas!" The two sick sisters can sleep and hang out together!

Great idea!

Sister Comer had an appointment in 20 minuets, so we called someone to come get us and drive us across town to a less-actives home. Well, it's in a complex of apartments and Sister Comer wasn't familiar with the area, so we had a hard time finding the home. We run up and down stairs looking for the right door.

20 minuets later... We finally find it! We had a great lesson. It's now time for my lesson! We call someone to pick us up...again.

So, as we are driving back to my area I get a hold of the member who was planning on going with us to let her know we are on our way, but just a little late. Well... turns out we had a mis-communication, they didn't think we were coming till later that evening.Which really was a blessing in disguise. 

We then go home with only 15 minuets left before dinner to check on our sick little sisters. We get them each something to eat and then literally sprint to dinner. We decided to take a short cut through some fields to get to dinner. As we are running we have stickers getting every where in our shoes.

We make it to dinner, just a few minuets late. But it was with one of the Bishops I serve with and he is a Saint. He was so understanding. We sit down and have to eat dinner fast, because we had another appointment to get to. We enjoyed those Hawaiian Hay Stacks. Then both of our phones were going nuts because appointments were cancelling, people wanted to meet with us, then we needed to find rides, and we couldn't. We felt horrible. We never have our phones out at dinner, but this Bishop was just so understanding.We promised him blessings, and that he would go to the Celestial Kingdom.

So, we have to leave dinner early and we start running! Not the best feeling on a full stomach. Because my appointment was about a 20 minuet walk. We figure we could make it a 10 minuet run and only be a few minuets late. But then Heavenly Father steps in and provides us a ride! Thank Heavens!

We actually made it to my appointment on time. We taught The Restoration, and had a great lesson, the spirit was so strong. We then look at the clock and realized it was time for Sister Comers appointment. We close up with a prayer and start sprinting... again. Sister Comer did find us a ride, but we had to make it home first.

So as we are running up a hill we have to stop at the intersection before we can cross. The light was not turning green anytime soon. So, this time I look at Sister Comer and vocally ask God to help us. The Light turns red and we get the cross walk light. And we are off to another foot race.

We make it home and run inside to use the bathroom (because we have been holding it far to long) Our ride is waiting outside for us. We hop in the car and she takes us to Sister Comer's area for another appointment. This sweet sister saved our day! There would have been no way we would have made it all the way to our appointment. And also promised her the Celestial Kingdom! Of course everyone is promised the Celestial Kingdom if we live by God's commandments.

This time it was at the church, we taught The Gospel of Jesus Christ, again, the spirit was so strong. Sadly those wonderful  lessons have to come to an end.

This is where the night gets hard, as if it wasn't hard already. We each have a lesson at 8pm and neither of us have a companion. So, luckily Sister Comer already has a girl coming to her lesson, so she is good to go. I called for me to have a companion, and no one was available. But my actual companion is a trooper! And she was ready to get out of bed to come to our last appointment. I find a ride to take me back home, get my companion and then drive to our next appointment. Yet, again, we are late. Not to add, we were going to a new place, and we got lost trying to find it in the dark.

This appointment was just a meeting with a ward mission leader, we are discussing some of the people we are visiting in his area when I turn to look at my companion. She looks like she is ready to pass out. There was actually one point of the evening we were walking and she was so dizzy she fell to the ground. I wrap things up and say we got to go! The ward Mission leader and his wife we more than willing to take us home. While getting ready to leave the Elders call asking if any of the Sisters need a blessing. We met them at our house, they give one Sister a blessing and then they were in a hurry to do some exchanges. 

20 minuets later they are back at our house to give another sick Sister a blessing. 

I am so grateful for the Priesthood Power!

Well, the night did come to an end, and I was exhausted. But I had so much fun! Missionary work really is a blast. Even though we were running to and from each others areas, and trying to find rides and were late to almost everything, and we may have promised a few people the Celestial Kingdom (of course, if they continue to follow God's commandments) We still got the work done!

It just goes to show The Lord will always be there to help! I have a strong testimony of that. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us, but I never realized how much He truly loves each and everyone of His children until my mission. 

I never realized how important this Gospel is, and it's so important that we share it with everyone! 

I'm an so grateful to be apart of this wonderful work! I'm grateful for Sister Comer and the champ she is, and that she was willing to help serve in my area as well as hers.

D&C 18:10

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."

I love you all! I love this Gospel! I love The Book of Mormon! I love West Valley! I just love it all! 

Love, 

-Sister Ashcroft 

 

The {Story} of the relating to the scriptures

Hi!!

Well, okay so I LOVE MY MISSION!

I know, I know, I say that in every post. But I just love my Mission. It's a such a {blessing} Again, I know, I say that in every post too.

But my Mission will forever change my life, I don't even know where I would be in life right now. Serving a mission has made me appreciate the gospel so much, it as strengthened my testimony immensely, and even more I have gained a testimony of The Book of Mormon. As, I read more and more everyday I learn more and more from it.

People always told me growing up that I can find "similar" experiences or that I could easily relate the stories of The Book of Mormon to my everyday life.

Yeah, right I thought.

Noppers, I was so wrong!

You can totally personalize the scripture context to you---

(1 Nephi 19:23) "...for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

Every time I open the scriptures I learn more, more and more!

(1 Nephi 1:1) I, Nephi having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yeah, have had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

Description to the T!! I, (Kourtni) Sister Ashcroft having been born of goodly parents. Seriously, I have the {greatest} parents! And I was in the learning of my Father, I'm {extremely} blessed to have parents that taught me how much my Heavenly Father loves me! I've had my own afflictions in the course of my 20 years! I do have a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God, and I get to keep record of them through my journals and blogs!

(1 Nephi 3:7) "... I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the Children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Where do I begin? The Lord called me to SALT LAKE CITY WEST! He called me to serve a mission. When was this in the plans? Then He called me to be a trainer... and white wash at the same time! What? I wasn't so sure when my Mission President called me, but The Lord will always prepare a way! I have a sure testimony of that! 

 (Ether 12:2) "...for he could not be restrained because of the spirit of the Lord which was in Him." 

That "spiritual high" missionaries are always on is so real! There have been so many times where I have just been caught up in the work I can't wait to go share the Gospel again the next day! Or when I hear a powerful testimony of a fellow missionary, member, Mission President, or anyone! And I can hardly sit still. I just want to jump up and down and share the gospel! 

(1 Nephi 4:6) "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do."

What the spirit has taught me on my mission, is to just listen! Seriously. Just listen. There have been times where I have been put on the spot not knowing what to say and suddenly words filled my mouth, with exactly what I needed to say. 

(1 Nephi 6:5) "Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world."

Serving a mission has left me in the world, but not of the world! I never understood the meaning of that scripture, until I served a mission. It's funny to go to young women's on Sunday and sit in the back of the class and listen to all the girls talk... I honestly have no idea what they are talking about? They talk about what celebrity just got married, what is the latest trend, what is the recent songs to listen too, who is who? I don't know? And Relief Society isn't any better! They talk about the news, and what is happening in the world! Who just had a baby, or who passed away, who is getting married.

I just live in my own little "Missionary Bubble" and sometimes I just want to jump in mid-conversation and be like have you heard the latest in The Book of Mormon?I hear it contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel! I was reading about Lehi and His dream! Seriously, I need to get my hands on that fruit! It's sounds like the bomb-diggity! I was told Nephi is building a boat! Man, that kid is proactive! Then Samuel the laminate was trying to post the truth on his wall and he had arrows and rocks thrown at him. Yikes! Talk about about scary! It sounds like Laman and Lemuel are at again... geezz.. when are they going to learn? And Enos! Man, oh, Man can he pray! I heard about the stripling warriors latest battle, all 2,000 of them returned without a single death. They really listened to their mothers! Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah had a change of heart, and know they are out sharing the gospel! The Brother of Jared saw The Lord's finger! Wow! Talk about real faith! I also read that Moroni made a promise in the end! If we read it with a sincere heart and pray to ask if it is true The Lord will reveal it unto us! That sounds so cool! We should totally do that!

I wonder how many stares I would get? 

(Mosiah 2:17) "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn what when ya are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

 The scriptures really have taught me what true service is, and when I serve others, I'm serving my God. 

(Ether 12:24) "And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands..."

Okay.. My favorite! I know how poor of a writer I am. I spell horribly, and I sometimes skip words in my sentences, or write them twice... I struggle.  I have "awkward" hands. We'll just leave it at that.

Well, I could do this all day long, but I think you all get the hint! You can relate to the scriptures. Whether it's great detail or just simple. But we all can.The scriptures were put here for a reason! So, read them! There is so much to learn from them! 

I encourage everyone to gain a testimony of The Book of Mormon! And see for yourself if it is true.

(Moroni 10:4) tells us "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

I bare my testimony that if you do as this scripture directs you will receive personal revelation that The Book of Mormon is true! I know it is. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm blessed to live in this time of era where I have the truth, and that I get to go out and share it everyday. I love this gospel and know that it can only improve the quality of ones life. This is the only true church established on earth today. 

I love you all! Thanks for reading my post. I really do appreciate it! Check back next week! 

Love You All

-Sister Ashcroft 

Oh, you know! Just an awkward picture of my companion using my foot to testify  "The Church is true! The Book is blue! And God loves you!" Totally Normally, I know.

The {Story} of a Sister's Luncheon...and a Special Guest... who might that be?!

Howdy-do-da!

It's been a pretty exciting day! I learned so much! I got some questions answered! I had a wonderful lunch! I got to see so many wonderful sisters of the mission, and I had the privileged to not only meet an amazing women, but I got to listen to her speak!

You all are probably wondering WHO?!?

Right?

Well, keep reading and you will find out!

It's been a great day! Our mission had a "Sister Luncheon" this morning. So, our sweet Mission President Wife organizes this event every so often, and she gathers all the Sisters in the mission together and we eat, mingle, laugh, and take a gazillion and one pictures! (No exaggeration)

She has her daughters and grandaughters help prepare this special day! Of course it's always decorated so beautifully! (Her daughter has quit the talent to make such fun center pieces...sorry, I'm lame and of course forgot a picture.) And, of course we have a delicious meal prepared for us. Today we had white rice with some meat ball saucey thing! It was sooo GOOD! Then a salad on the side, some fresh grapes, and you can't complete the meal without some gooey mint brownies. YUMmmmm....

So, we did what we sisters to best! Eat. Talk. and take more pictures!

Then we proceed into another room, you know after we spend an hour taking pictures (and yet I took very few pictures. I have some serious probs)

We walk down the hall way! Doing our thing walking, talking, and picture taking! Seriously, we Sisters have some talent!

We take more pictures and then find our seats as we continue to take 50 more pictures of the same pose.

Sister Swain stands up, the cameras then disappear. She shares a few words, we sing a song, have an opening prayer and then invites (drum roll please) Sister Wendy Nelson, Elder Russel M. Nelson wife to come and talk to us.

And, oh my sweet heavens! She is an amazing person! I just love her!

She is a very talented women! She is beautiful. She is Strong. She is funny. And she LOVES the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

She talked to us about personal revelation. --- Perfect, right?

So, she talked to us about exercising the spirit and inviting it in. Sister Nelson also talked about how the spirit talks to us personally. We can all hear the same talk, but get different views from it, because the spirit adjusts his teaching to us.

She used the analogy of a one size fits all.

"One Size does not fit all, that is code for that is going to look awful" -Sister Nelson

A side from her funny comment, she explained so simply that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can fit all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is here for us, the Holy Ghost is here for us, why not use it? It's tailored to fit our needs.

She bore her testimony of the power of the Spirit, and to ask questions! The Lord will answer. When we are serious about receiving personal revelation The Lord will reveal it to you!

Sister Nelson also spoke briefly to us on obedience and that we are divine errands. Which means show up where The Lord needs you and do what he wants you to do! He called me to the Utah, Salt Lake City West Mission and I'm here to do His work! She pointed out that this mission will teach me obedience, exact obedience that is.

"Obedience brings blessings, exact obedience brings miracles."  -Unknown Missionary 

My Favorite part of her talk was the "Pre-mortal DVD"

Sadly, church head quarters does not have a Pre-mortal DVD :( haha...

But said if we had the chance to sit in a room for 10 minuets and we could choose any eon of the pre-mortal existence, we would all see that every trial and tribulation in this life is all worth it! Not only that, but we would remembered that we signed up for it. We agreed to coming to this life. We chose to come here, we all wanted a body, and we wanted to gain experience! It's pretty cool to think about, huh? Now if we would  think about that the next time life throws us a curve ball our attitude would change. We would appreciate  this life maybe a little more.

I took the time to truly think about the "Pre-mortal DVD" and I saw myself standing next to Christ. I saw my true self, who God really intends for me to be, then I realized that it is so important for me to live this life. To accept all the bad things that have happened to me, and be grateful for all the good things that have happened to me. Because I did agree to this life, and it's all a "test". It's all for experience and greater understanding of God's Plan.

And when you see your true self, pre-mortally every trial, tribulation, and heart ache seems to fall away. 

Sister Nelson then challenge all the Sister to draw a four column chart in our Journals. 

The each of the four columns

*Date

*A Question

*Where we found it

*What was the answer

Then challenge us for the next 30 days to prayerfully ask The Lord a question every day, any question we have. Then flip open to the scriptures and read until we find out answer. The just journal it down. 

I learned so much for Sister Nelson, she is an amazing women! A great role model. She made me love my mission even more. She has helped me see my true self and see what God has planned for me. She just taught me so much. Sister Nelson has one of the sweetest spirits, she loves the gospel, and has a very strong testimony of the truthfulness of the everlasting gospel. 

She taught me the importance of asking questions. And ask The Lord hard one, because He can and He will answer them. To also ask for angles to help us. Because we don't have to do it alone, this is a hard, and it will all be worth it one day.

I love this Gospel so much! It is true! That I am sure of! I know The Book of Mormon is true! I am so grateful to serve in the Salt Lake City West Mission! The Lord called me here, how cool, right? I love my family so much, and can't even being to express the appreciation I have for them! I have the best support system cheering me on back home, and on the other side.

Thanks for Reading. I truly do love doing what I do. Keep Reading my Posts who knows what The Lord has up His sleeve next for me. 

:) :) :)

Love You All

-Sister Ashcroft

 Kindred Spirits... I'm sure of it!

(Left to Right) Sister Joseph, Sister Whitney, Sister Judd, Sister Christensen, and well then there is the awkward Sister Aschroft

 (Left to Right) Sister Christensen, Sister Ashcroft, Sister Unga, Sister Joseph

 (Left to Right) Sister Joseph, Sister Nelson, Sister Ashcroft

 (Left to Right) Sister Ashcroft, Sister Unga, Sister Joseph

 All the Sisters in the Mission

Sister Ashcroft, Sister Christensen, Sister Nelson, Sister Hollier

The {Story} of a simple prayer

Good Afternoon! 

Yet, again, it's another toasty day! 

Well, I just wanted to share one of my {favorite} scriptures

James 1:5

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all man liberally, and ubraideth not, and it shall be given him."

I just love this scripture! I often read it, and I very often do what it says! There are several times a day where I have to find a quiet spot and ask God all the {desires} of my heart. 

I know, I know, how cliche, right?

WRONG!!! 

I think of Joseph Smith's experience each time I read it. This past Wednesday we went to temple square to watch the Joseph Smith Movie: The Restoration, so it's pretty {fresh} in my mind lately. 

I think about the young 14 year-old boy, who wanted so badly to know which church was true. I could only imagine how confused Joseph Smith was? Especially with the {huge} excitement of religion going on! He was so humble and wanted to know, that he knelt down in a peaceful prayer to ask God. 

Then I think about my 20-year old self and praying to Heavenly Father asking him which skirt I want to wear today?! (only slightly kidding)

Joseph Smith did many things he was instrument in God's hands to restore The Gospel of Jesus Christ back to earth and translated The Book of Mormon (The {greatest} Book ever.)

Joseph lived a life of being mocked, he was tarred and feathered, many men tried to harm him and tear him down, he put his life on the line, and died for this great cause. 

And, even when Joseph was brutally beat, mocked, and attacked he still forgave everyone.

But in all seriousness I have a {huge} testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. I admire him for how young he was to ask God, I admire him for his willingness to serve God and sacrifice so much! He never once doubted or denied what he saw. I'm also grateful for the faithful men who stood by Joseph and helped and supported him through it all.

I know that Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, I know that they had a great job for Joseph Smith to do. 

When we talk about the importance of prayer we hear a lot ... "why do I have to pray? God already knows what I'm doing." 

Which is true.

But how else are we to know God? 

Without prayer, the communication with God, how else could we know what he expects from us? How could we receive revelation? or Inspiration? How could we feel his love? 

Prayer is how God communicates to us. Prayer is how we develop a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. 

We also get asked a lot... "why wont God appear himself to me like he did for Joseph Smith?" 

Well, why does he need to? 

Isn't the confirmation of the Holy Ghost good enough? 

God loves you and isn't going to lie. He isn't going keep the truth from you, he wants to hear your prayers, he wants to answer them! 

Sure, chances are that he isn't going to appear as a shining glorious pillar to you when you kneel down in prayer. I'm sure Joseph Smith didn't expect to see a vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. But God will always answer you :) He will confirm to you the truthfulness of the everlasting Gospel.

So ask God, why not? What do we have to lose? We can ask Him anything! He may not answer right away, or it may not be the answer you wanted, but he will always answer. And it will always be for the better.

I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet called of God. I know that God and Jesus Christ are real, they truly love and care for each and everyone of God's children.

I love this GOSPEL!! so Much!!! Thanks for following along with my {blog} Keep in touch :)

Love You All

-Sister Ashcroft

The {Story} of the Power of the Holy Ghost

Good Day!

Well, it's a great Friday afternoon.

As I was thinking of something I could {blog} about, I couldn't decide which of my {favorites} I wanted to share.

Because everyday I see something I want to share! Serving a mission has made a huge impact on my life, it has strengthened my testimony so much! I believe in this Gospel even more than I did yesterday, and I will continue to believe in this Gospel {more} and {more} everyday!

But as I reflected back on the past 5 months I was thinking about some of the {experiences} I have had. And, I remember the first time I felt the spirit so {strong} the first time I was speaking by the spirit, the first time I saw a miracle on my mission, the first for everything on my mission.

The Bishop had called us and asked us to visit his neighbor, who recently was diagnosed with an incurable illness.

We went to go visit him, he was a very {pleasant} man. Super nice and just real {fun} to be around. He was caring and giving, he was just a real {genuine} guy!

My heart broke when he told us about his {fears} and concerns, he was dealing with an illness that was incurable and there was nothing he could do but live with it, eventually it will kill him.

He had some built up anger towards God. He didn't {understand} why this had to happen? He had family and friends who he didn't want to leave. He had endless questions of what happens from here? What happens after death? Where do we go? Where will I go? What about my family? etc.

We first talked to him about the Plan of Salvation and how God's plan is perfect in every way. That there is life after this, and this life is so important and valuable. We discussed how he had a purpose on this earth.

After teaching the Plan of Salvation we asked him what he was feeling? He sat silently for a moment and looked at us with tear filled eyes and said "how is it that the presence of 5 people come into my home and bring me so much peace and comfort to me, when my own family or friends can't."

He then proceeded to talk about what he was feeling, and that even though he was still angry and scared he had never felt so much peace at the same time...

It then hit me what he had said. He said that he felt 5 people in the room, as I stopped to {listen} to the spirit and counted how many people were in the room, I counted only 4 people.

And then the {power} of the Holy Ghost became even stronger.

Because he said he felt another persons {love} and presence, and I know without a {doubt} it was the Holy Ghost he felt. Something so strong and powerful could not have been a {coincidence.}

In closing to the discussion we asked him to pray, at first he was a little hesitant and didn't want to, but after briefly talking about prayer and bearing our testimonies of how {powerful} prayer is he was more than willing to do it. 

As we knelt down together on the floor,  he offered up the most {sincere} prayer. At the end of the prayer he just stayed kneeling and weeping, because, again, he felt the power of the spirit. 

I know to this day that the power of the Holy Ghost can become so strong, it can {testify} again and again. I'm {beyond} grateful that I had the chance to meet this wonderful man, and to share the Gospel with him. I know that this is the {greatest} thing anyone could ever receive.

And, again it is such a huge {blessing} to be serving a mission! I love this Gospel so much! I know that this is the {only} true Church establish today. Heavenly Father will continue to bless us as we strive to follow Him, and abide by His commandments. I'm {grateful} for his son, and the sacrifice He did for me. 

I can never find GREATER {happiness} in life! 

I love you all! Thanks for following my {BLOG} Keep seeking those answers! God will {always} answer! 

-Sister Ashcroft :)

The {Story} of a humbling from The Lord

Hello Everyone! 

I hope everyone is having a grand, splendid day! West Valley is {finally} starting to cool off, not much though, but it will get there! 

Well, I have a funny story today! About how humbling The Lord can be. It's funny, but at the same time it taught me a lot... 

Okay, so just a real quick background about Sister Ashcroft... she is very competitive (yes, I love to talk in third person) She is really competitive, and it sometimes gets in her in a {pickle}.

So, we were sitting in District Meeting at a start of a new transfer going around the room introducing ourselves and giving  little backgrounds about who we are. You know the same old thing--

Hello, I'm Sister Ashcroft

I'm from New Mexico

I have 2 Sisters, 2 Brother, a Mom and Dad, I have a great family. 

Before my mission I was working in a pharmacy and going to school

And something I love to do is play sports, especially Soccer and Track. 

So, and Elder whose name shall not be reviled said...

"Oh, cool Track, huh? What did you run?"

Me-"I run hurdles." 

Elder -"Oh, yeah were you any good." 

Me-"Yeah, I did well."

Elder-"Oh, well, no offense, but you do not seem like you would be fast!" 

So, What Sister Ashcroft should have done is just let it go. But what Sister Ashcroft did do was get {really} competitive, and {really} wanted to prove him wrong. (Not a smart idea, please don't follow by example)

I did try to not let it bother me... but it didn't work.  So, as I try to prove myself I hear someone say 

"RACE! RACE HIM!" 

 At first I ignored it, but then my pride got the best of me. (Long Story, Short) And then one thing kept leading to another, and before I knew it I was standing outside in the church parking lot bare foot, stretched and ready to race against this Elder. 

"On your marks... Get Set (The Elder takes off running).... GOO!!!!!"

And we are off to our foot race!

Well, I am just  running as fast as my little legs can! And then I do a }{beautiful} crash, tumble, slide across the pavement, and roll!

I popped right up, and acted like I did not just face plant in front of a crowd of Elders and my companion.

Well, than I see a crowd of Elders run towards to see if I'm okay, and you know, then there goes my pride talking again...

"oh, yeah I'm fine! Don't worry! I'm not hurt at all"

Then one Elder says "Sister! Look at you leg!"

I look and see road rash up my leg, and up my arms, but my skirt didn't tear! That's a plus!

I then suddenly felt the pain. I spent the next 2 hours picking gravel out of my leg and arms...

Well, that was a pretty sleepless night. I woke up the next morning totally exhausted and went to read my scriptures and just randomly flipped to a page... my eyes went right to Mosiah 4:27

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength;. And, again it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."

Talk about humbling, right? The Lord humbled me everyday after that experience.

But I learned a lot from that scripture! We don't need to try and go over and beyond on everything, we don't have to be the best, we don't have to do things we are not capable of doing. 

The Lord doesn't asks us to do things that we can't handle, but that we try our best to follow and listen to Him. When we are wise in our choices, and we are diligent in all things he asks of us, he promises us the greatest prize of all. 

I love this gospel, I'm grateful for our loving Heavenly Father. I'm grateful that no matter how many times I might fall He will always help me back up, He will never leave me alone or lead me astray. That His love for me is unconditional. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I know that this is the greatest prize that anyone could ever receive.  

I love you all! 

-Sister Ashcroft