The {Story} of Conference Weekend

Hello!

How is everyone? 

Who watched conference? 

It was great, wasn't it? 

Amazing, right? 

Well, this was my first time in the conference center and it was amazing!

The Spirit is unbelievably strong! I have never been in a more spiritual, powerful, uplifting building. 

So, HIGHLIGHTS of Conference!

My aunt sent me a cute little card that says 

"Seek the Treasures of General Conference"

1. Ponder and Pray

2.Make a List

3.Listen Carefully

4.Give Thanks

5.Set Goals

So, over the week of conference I thought a lot about what kinds of talks would be given. I then prayed asking Heavenly Father what were some things that I needed to hear? Through the week I wrote down questions that came to mind. By the start of Saturday Morning I had 16 questions that I wanted answered.

So, I had my pen and paper ready to take notes! 

Robert D. Hales- the very first one to talked answered 2 of my questions right away!

I love how He pointed out that inspiration doesn't always come quickly. It takes prayer, pondering, studying, seeking for it to come! Then when it comes we have apply it and pray, ponder, study, and seek it again. Personal revelation comes to everyone, but in different ways, at different times, and means different things to someone.

Edward Dube- I loved his point of never looking back! Look at what we still have to do! I also learned that it's not where you serve, what you serve as, but how you serve! 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf- My Favorite Talk! :) I loved his talk! His talked added to my testimony about the Church, and why I am so grateful to be apart of the only true Church! 

and of course my new favorite quote is ---

(sorry, I still haven't figured out to rotate the pictures)
 

Well, that concluded the Saturday Morning session.

Sister Porter and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the Saturday Afternoon session :)

 

We invited a girl we often go and talk with. Her name is Amber, and she is so sweet. She was so excited when we asked her to go to conference with us. 

 

Amber rode the trax with us down to the conference center. We talked about some of her questions she had, that she wanted answered through the talks that were going to be given. 

 

Our Sweet Sister Barnhurst made us a sack lunch for us to eat while we were on the trax. 

 

The conference center was HUGE! After we arrived we had time to walk around and see more of the building, and of course take some pictures :)

 

(Amber, Sister Ashcroft & Sister Porter) 

 

 

We were pretty stoked to be there! 

 

The Spirit in the conference center, is so much stronger than watching it on TV. There is something about actually being in the same building as the Prophet, Apostles and Brethren from the Seventy. Especially when they stand up to talk! The Spirit just testifies to you that what these men and saying is true! 

 

I was totally amazed that these talks are not assigned. Each speaker chooses his own topic through personal revelation. It hit me time and time again whenever someone would stand up to speak. 

 

But it really hit me when Elder Holland stood up to talk. He is just a powerful speaker, and when he started his talk I was thinking "Okay, Elder Holland... Where are you going with this?"

But, of course his talk with so powerful! It's what I needed to hear. No matter the afflictions of pain, sorrow, illness, heart ache, etc. It's so crucial that we relay on the Atonement in times like that. Jesus Christ suffered for us, He knows the burdens we carry, and He is the only one who can life them. 

 

The Spirit really testified to me when he talk about Stephani Nelson and her tragic plan crash she was involved in. She is such a strong women, and she has showed me what it means to use the Atonement. 

 

Elder Holland concluded his talk by saying "Broken minds can be healed, just as Broken Bones can be healed." 

 

And, I knew that was so true! Through the Atonement anything can be healed. 

 

 

 

(Skipping to Sunday) 

Sister Porter and I had awesome tickets! Right where the Brethren walk in. :) 

We were lucky enough to go to both sessions on Sunday. We were so blessed! I can't begin to describe the experience. I needed to hear every talk, and I got so many of my questions answered! Sunday we took Brenda, our Investigator. She loved it. She too was impressed by the HUGE building. 

My favorite part of Sunday was when President Monson stood up to talk, and stated that this has been one of the most spiritual conferences. He knew that all these talks were inspired of the Spirit. I loved to hear his testimony about the power of the Spirit and the love he has for this Gospel.

It was so amazing to take people we are working with to conference. So, that they could experience first hand what we strive everyday to do. 

And, that is to invite the Spirit :) 

Conference was such a blessing! It was a privileged to attend! 
I am so grateful to be serving in Utah, I love my mission call and know this is where The Lord needed me. 


Favorite Statements---

Carole M. Stephens - "Heavenly Father is generous with His power."
Elder Ulisses Soares-  "Don't get discourage by failure. Keep trying."
Elder David A. Bednar - "Signification, but Subtle blessings."  
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - " Doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith."
Elder Boyd K. Packer- "There is a safe place to raise children, that place is a Gospel centered home."
&
"Righteousness is my powerful that wickedness."
Elder D. Todd Chrisoferson- "Women bring blessings down through prayers of Faith."
Elder M. Russel Ballard - "Radiate the Light of Christ."
Elder Jeffery R. Holland - "Broken minds can be healed, just as broken bones can be healed."
Elder Richard G. Scott - " Learn to recognize the Atonement." 
Thomas S. Monson - "May we strive to ever be close to our Heavenly Father."
&
"Continually Nourish your testimony."
Elder Russel M. Nelson - "You are never to young to learn and never to old to change."
 


Highlights of Conference Weekend---

-

Bumped into one of my best friend from High School who is serving in Ogden

 Also, ran into some more good friends from High School.

I did get to see my favorite Sister Joseph (yes, she is wearing my clothes...again)

 Awesome SEATS!!!!!

Being there for the First time!


AND OF COURSE! DOING SOME APOSTLE CREEPIN'

Elder Perry, I think so?

 President Uchtdorf and his wife... I'm sure!

Elder Oaks... I hope.

Thanks for reading! I love you all! This Church is true :) I know it is :) 

Love, Sister Ashcroft 

The {Story} of my Farwell...

Good morning brother and sisters, I am glad to be here today.  
For those of you who may not know, I have been called serve in the Utah Salt Lake City West Mission.  I report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
I would like to start my talk with a quote by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  He said, "To follow Christ is to become more like Him.  It is to learn from His character.  As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character.  The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings.  To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow.  This process is very complex and very simple at the same time.  Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words: 'Keep the commandments' —nothing more, nothing less." 
In 1 Peter 2:21 we read, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."
Most of you know that in high school I loved participating in soccer and track.  I had to work very hard in order to become successful.  Both sports have obstacles that you have to overcome in order to reach your goal.  In track I ran the 300-meter hurdles.  This is not an easy race to run as it is a demanding race that requires strength, speed, poise and strategizing.  You have to be able to keep yourself at a fast pace and to be ready to sprint at important parts of the race.  You also have to be able to step over not just one, but eight hurdles.  It is important to pay attention to what is coming ahead of you in this race, all the time having the faith, patience and confidence that you need to endure to the finish line.  
There are a few important dimensions to hurdling that are key.  Your flexibility and that you have mastered an important technique to go over the hurdle.  You have your 'lead leg' which extends in front of you and have your 'trail leg' which follows behind you bent at a 90-degree angle all while bending at the hips.
I would like to use hurdling as analogy in my talk today.
Let's say that each hurdle is an 'attribute of Christ' that we would like to develop, our 'lead leg' is Christ and we are the 'trail leg' following His example.  Through faith, patience and confidence we can develop these attributes of Christ.  It is all up to us how badly we want to become more like Christ.  We can choose to struggle and stumble over the hurdle or we can choose to go at it full force, with perfect formation, while Christ is our 'lead leg' and as we trail behind Him we can clear that hurdle and hit the ground running side-by-side to the next hurdle.  
Faith is my foundation to achieving every attribute of Christ.  Faith is my endurance to run the race.  When preparing to run a race I was always focused on having the endurance to make it to the finish line just like our goal here on Earth is to endure to the end.  
Faith without works is dead, just like hurdling without practice is worthless.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, " Faith is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion and authority over all things."
To have faith is to “hope for things which are not seen, which are true”.  Each day we act upon things we hope for, even before we see the end result.  Faith in God is more than a theoretical belief in Him.  To have faith in God is to trust Him, to have confidence in Him and to be willing to act on our belief in Him.
In a rural, quiet religious farm community, there was a drought and crops were dying.  In desperation, the local preacher announced that the whole community would assemble at the edge of one of the fields and pray for rain.  A large crowd gathered, and the preacher climbed on a bale of hay and surveyed the flock.  He said, "Brothers and sisters we have come here to pray for rain!"  "Amen!" said the crowd.  "Well," said the preacher, "do you have sufficient faith?" "Amen!" shouted the crowd.  "All right, all right" said the preacher, "but I have one question to ask you."  The crowd stood silent and puzzled.   "Brothers and sisters," said the preacher, "where are your umbrellas?"
President Thomas S. Monson said, 
"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that the Brother of Jared saw the finger of God tough the stones in response to his plea.
It was by faith, nothing wavering that Noah erected an ark in obedience to the command from God.
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Abraham was willing to offer up his beloved Isaac as a sacrifice.
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joshua and his followers brought the Walls of Jericho tumbling down.
It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joseph saw God our Eternal Father and His son, Jesus Christ.
There is a golden thread that runs through every account of faith from the beginning of the world to the present time.  Abraham, Noah, the Brother of Jared, the Prophet Joseph Smith and countless other wanted to be obedient to the will of God.  They had ears that could hear, eyes that could see and hearts that could know and feel."
They never doubted, they trusted.
Through personal prayers, through family prayer, by trusting in God with faith, nothing wavering, we can call down to our rescue His mighty power.  His call to us is as it has ever been, "Come Unto Me."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells us, "Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed.  Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!"
I would like to share a story about myself.
I was nearing the end of my Senior year of high school and my track career was coming to an end.  My focus was taking home the State title in the 300-meter hurdles for the third consecutive year.  I had trained myself all season for this one race; my hopes also included breaking the standing school record.  I had a rough start at the beginning of the season due to minor knee injuries, but by the time District came I had recovered and was where I needed to be.  Just a few weeks before the State track meet I really started to improve on my hurdling.  I was reaching my peak at the right time of the season.  My formation and flexibility were really coming along and I was building more endurance and speed in between my hurdles.  My time had dropped and I was just a shy of breaking the school record.  I went into State prepared.  I had waited patiently for this one race.  Prelims came and went and before I knew I was placing myself into those blocks of my finale race.  I remember shaking in my blocks and being more nervous than usual.  My mind was racing faster than my legs could run.  Trying to focus on the race in front of me, my nerves began to get the best of me, but like every race I believed that no matter the outcome of the race I would always have the 'faith to endure' to the finish line.
For those of you who have ever watched me run hurdles, you know that I run my race a little differently than most hurdlers.  I usually had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats, especially my coaches.  They tried to break my routine every year, but it worked for me and I stuck with it.  My coach would say, "Kourtni, you take it too easy!"  I was never the first one out of blocks; in fact I was probably the last one to leave my blocks.  I never was over the first hurdle before everyone else either.  Actually I was hardly ever was in the lead until the last straight away.  On the curve I slowly caught up to the runners in front of me and when I hit the straightaway I would give it everything I had until I reached the finish line.
{Okay, getting backing to my race!}
I remember hearing the sound of the starting gun.  What makes this race different from all of my other races was I pushed harder out of blocks and had a quicker start.  I was one of the first runners to the first hurdle.  As the race is going, we start to approach the curve and I began to move up faster on the other runner in front of me.  My race was turning out to be better than I had planned.  I was making good time and I was stepping each hurdle smoothly until I got to the straightaway.  I am just about tied for the lead with another runner, so I start my usual burst of speed on the straightaway and as I approach the oncoming hurdle I began to over stride my steps and my formation was a complete mess. I remember hitting the hurdle and falling to ground. I still remember the feeling of rolling across the track into the lanes next to me and watched seven girls speed past me. It was the first and the only hurdle I had ever fallen over in my entire track career competitions.  As you would guess I was pretty upset with the outcome of my final race.  I thought about all those years of hard practice and patiently waiting to run this one race.  It was over before I knew it and all I had to show for it was some scrapes and bruises.  My emotions quickly over took me.  I was angry, I was embarrassed and I was disappointed.  Knowing that those feelings would have taken me nowhere, I did the only thing I knew I could do.  I picked myself up and endured to the finish line.  
In Hebrews 12:1 the apostle Paul writes, "...let us run with patience the race that is set before us..."
"Each of us has been given the opportunity to run the race of life.  We are given two guidelines as we run the race — to run with patience and to look to Christ.  Running with patience suggests rhythm, pacing yourself and being able to endure.  Looking to Christ helps us understand that we are not sent to run the race alone.  He is given two names as our race partner — the author and the finisher.  The author suggests one with authority, who helps us align our course, someone who knows every step of the race and who can encourage us through the journey. The finisher suggests one who completes and perfects.  If we choose to let Him, He will assure that we run the race correctly and that we will be able to reach the finish line.  This name is one of comfort.  He promises the victory.  He will sustain us, even carry us if need be. He is the finisher.
There will be times, however, when we contemplate quitting the race because we cannot see the end in sight.  We may feel there are pro-s and con-s to giving up early, and we spend the majority of each day weighing each decision.  We forget to include our partner and try to find our own rhythm and pace, ending up exhausted and lacking the energy to continue.  When this happens we experience pain.  We cannot run the race alone.  He knows we cannot make it without Him.  We are told things that have happened, the things that are, and the things that will come.  He does not leave out any part of the course but he does offer relief in the form of the strength to endure.  He invites us to turn to our Father in Heaven with our needs as we continue the journey.  He asks us to pray. 
As I come to the conclusion of my talk I would like to share one attribute I wish to develop.  I have always struggled with this attribute and I am constantly working to develop it as characteristic of who I am.  That attribute and characteristic is confidence.  I think most of time we do not stop to think about confidence being an attribute of Christ. 
Confidence is the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something with firm trust.  I know that believing in you or in others is confidence." 
In Elder Jeffery R. Holland’s talk 'Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence' he says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  If any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  We are not of them who draw back unto perdition.”
Having confidence is an attribute of Christ and confidence is something all of us have, some lack more than others, but we see confidence all around us.  This is a characteristic I see in ancient prophets, and in modern day prophets. It was Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Joseph and many more who had the confidence to do the Lord's work no matter what the Adversary was trying to say.  I see and have confidence in President Thomas S. Monson and his apostles.  I see it many other church leaders too.  Looking back on my races, soccer games, schooling, work, preparing for a mission and preparing this talk I have come closer to developing confidence in myself.
I would like to close my talk with a scripture found in 1 Corinthians 9:24.  It reads, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one recieveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.”
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to each of you today, and more than that I am grateful to spend the next eighteen months serving the Lord and doing his work.  I am glad to have shared just a few attributes of Christ.  I know that as we all strive to become more like Christ we will be able to endure to the end.  I am very grateful for the gospel, to have had in my life and to be able to share it with others.  I know without a doubt that this is the true church and that Joseph Smith restored it on the Earth and that today we have a living prophet.  I have read and prayed about The Book of Mormon and I know that everything it teaches is true.  I am so thankful for my family and friends, and the great examples they have been to me.
I leave these things with you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Wow, I can't believe I gave this talk 6 months ago! I was TERRIFIED. To say the least. I was so scared to even come on a mission, I thought I was never going to make it at times. 

A mission is by far the hardest, scariest, most stressful thing I have ever done in my life.

 I remember my first day out in the field. I was so excited, but so overwhelmed, and just scared...then I realized I have 18 months left of this.  

AAAAHHHHH.....

What did I get myself into? I'm never going to make it home! My family isn't going to remember me! My friends will forget about me! I here for the rest of my entire life!!! 

(6 months later) 

It's going by too fast! I only have 12 months left. That's not enough time! I'm only here for 18 months of my entire life! A mission should be longer! 

I have loved my mission. I have learned so much! Things that meant so much to me before my mission, don't mean that much anymore. The many years of hurdling and playing soccer, and the athletic events and awards I was involved in don't mean near as much as what the Gospel means to me now. In just the past 6 months I have develop so many talents and gifts. I have gained a stronger testimony of the Gospel. And, I am so much happier than I would have ever been. 

It is such a blessing! 

I love you all! I love this Gospel! I love good ole' West Valley!

 I love all my mission companions! I just love my mission! There is so much to love in this world! 

:) 

Love, Sister Ashcroft

 

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.