Blessed.

Yesterday was my Farewell and there was something that was on my mind constantly the whooooollle day long.
                    
                  >>>>I AM BLESSED<<<<

I truly am. 
>I have a Father in Heaven
>He loves me so much
>I love him
>He sent his son, who died so that we ALL might live again! Live with our father and mother in heaven, and our families and friends, with perfect bodies and knowledge.
>He died and suffered for our sins out of LOVE 
>Christ knows exactly what i'm going through, how i'm feeling, all the time because he felt that way too. Just for me. and for you. 
>I am FREE to choose for myself! 
>I was given a body that works just the way that I need it to
>I was given a [sometimes] functional brain, that stores so much knowledge to help me know right from wrong, good from evil, stores precious memories, and much more.
>I've always had an opportunity to attend good schools for learning
>My Heavenly Father gave me many talents for me to use, not for selfish purposes but to bless the lives of others. One of these specifically that i am most grateful for is my Musical abilities
>I was accepted into an AMAZING music program at Snow College
>I have been sealed for eternity to a wonderful, loving, caring, [and occasionally crazy]family
>I have met some very inspiring people in my life
>I have always had a lot of good examples to look up to. Whether it be my siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, leaders, teachers, or just people in history, theres always been someone to help show me the way
>I have the GREATEST friends in the whole world. You guys are the best.Whether I've known you my whole life, for 7 years, 1 year, or even a week. You know who you are. And you have all influenced my life for the better. and I love every one of you
>I have been able to see & do a lot of cool things via great school programs such as choir and drama
>I have the opportunity to have a constant guide, comforter, & companion [the Holy Ghost] IF i should choose to live my life in harmony with the way Christ lived
>I was not born into a family that had the gospel, but the Lord knew I needed it, & he directed my life to where I would receive this good news & would grow up LOVING it!
>I live in one of the most beautiful places ever! The mountains are my backyard & the the beauty of Utah never ceases to take my breath away
>I live so close to so many different temples! I can go whenever I please. That is a major blessing 
> I've had so many wonderful teachers & leaders that have shaped me into the woman(am I even a woman yet? I feel like i'm still a small child....) I am today 
> I have been called to serve in a Beautiful place that is so rich with history! And I know that I am inadequate for this calling to serve the lord and invite people to come unto Christ, but I know that with FAITH, PRAYER, & PERSEVERANCE the Lord will provide a way & means so that I may accomplish all that he asks/needs from me.


>>I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow Him in faith. I Believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor His name. I'll do what is right, I'll follow His light. His Truth I will proclaim<<


I am so grateful for everything the Lord has blessed me with. Words really don't describe what my heart is truly feeling. 
I love the Lord, in him my soul delights.
These are my thoughts and feelings on my beliefs and blessings. 

      >How are YOU blessed??

                  

                       

Life as a Missionary-to-be

"Dear Sister Lewis:

                       You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington DC South Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, July 9, 2014."

I have had my call for almost three months now, and let me tell you something: 

Those (almost) 3 months have been the BEST months of my life thus far.

Never in my entire life have I felt so joyful, full of life, determined or closer to the Lord. At the same time, I have never felt more discouraged, anxious, overwhelmed, or scared. However, such is the way of life. There must needs be opposition in all things, and I wouldn't trade the trials for anything because they have helped me learn and grow in so many ways... and here's the good news:

In the end, none of the bad stuff matters. 

The joy will ALWAYS out-weigh the sorrow.

In good VS evil, good wins EVERY TIME.

Darkness will NEVER overcome the Light. 

I am seriously SOOO excited to serve a mission for the lord for 18 months! The preparation has been crazy, fun, and scary all at once, and it's really strange to think that I leave in just 34 days. July 9th is coming too fast and not fast enough all at the same time! 

Anyway. this is the end of my short, and sweet blog post:)

p.s. Washington D.C. temple?? SO GORGEOUS

xoxo

Carly