Music of the Gospel

"The music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost. It brings a change of heart." Elder Wilford W. Andersen

One day driving to a teaching appointment, this beautiful song came on-Forever Changed. As I listened to these words, they expressed the very words I felt! These 18 months of serving were the hardest thing I loved to do. Even on the hardest of days, a song would come on that I felt was just for me in that moment. He has spoken to my heart and my mind through song, scriptures, conference talks and many times through other people. Because of Him, everything truly will be all right. The Savior taught, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
I am so grateful for a loving Savior who would love me the way He does. To volunteer Himself as a ransom for all mankind. And by the shedding of His blood, our imperfect bodies could become perfect. He gives me strength to keep going. Day by day, I come to know more perfectly the hope that comes from a Savior who rose from the tomb. I loved my mission! I miss it! This opportunity to serve as a representative of Jesus Christ has blessed me in more ways than I can describe and in ways I never could have anticipated. Thank goodness I am only in the middle of my mission. :) Because of Him and the wonderful people I am blessed to meet, I am forever changed.
‪#‎sharegoodness‬ ‪#‎foreverchanged‬ ‪#‎Ilovebeingamissionary‬ ‪#‎NCRM‬

Just A Mere Comma

My dear Grandma passed away on Friday. When the news came from my Mission President, I have never felt such peace in all my life and at that moment. I know that the Plan of Salvation is real. I know that death is not the end, but a mere comma in our story. I have learned so much about myself this week, I am stronger then I ever thought I would be! I will continue to carry a smile on my face knowing that I will see my Grandma again and that she will be with me and my family for eternity! I know that she gets to be reunited with my loving Grandpa. I am sure it will be a very HAPPY reunion. I am so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that families are forever!
‪#‎familiesforeternity‬

Endured to the End!

As a missionary, the most satisfying experience I have is to see what the Gospel of Jesus Christ does for people. It gives them a new outlook on life. It gives them a perspective that they have never felt before. They look to Christ and come alive.
Tomorrow is a very special day! A family I have been able to teach and watch step in the waters of baptism, is now going through the temple to make even more promises with Heavenly Father and becoming an eternal family. :) I am looking forward to spending such a special day with them.
‪#‎sharegoodness‬
‪#‎eternalfamilies‬
‪#‎Ilovebeingamissionary

National Sibling Day

Happy National Sibling Day to my amazing two brothers and sister! In the routine of life, we often take our families for granted. But there is no question that what we care about most is our families! What matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity. :)

Through thick and thin, my siblings have been there! I am so grateful for them and for always being there for me! I sure love you Jake Arave, Spencer Arave and Jaclyn Arave!
‪#‎BecauseHeLives‬

Repentance

"Without repentance, there is no real progress or improvement in life. Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. smile emoticon It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace. Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration. Repentance exists as an option only because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is His infinite sacrifice that “bringeth about means unto men that they ma...y have faith unto repentance” (Alma 34:15)." Elder D Todd Christofferson

I am so grateful for this special gift! Without it, I would not be where I am today! Repentance leads us to change. Because we have a loving Heavenly Father, He has made it possible for you and for me to be forgiven because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Repentance is the KEY to happiness. “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

Forever Changed ;)

   This past year, 2014, has definitely been one of the greatest and most memorable years of my life!  I've had the incredible opportunity to be a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this entire year and I've loved every single second of it!! I'm so grateful for all the amazing people I've met, will continue to meet and for how much my testimony of this gospel has grown! This one year has changed my life more than I can ever put into words, and I can never thank everyone enough who's been a part of it! I cried making this video, because my heart is so full with love for the people in it.  Thank you, and if you're not in the video, thank you also, because sometimes the things that mean the most aren't captured by my camera(: Love you all! Here is to the New Year! Let's make it count! ;D

 Make Time Count, Count the Miracles! :)

Spirit of Christmas ;)

“When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning." While the Christmas season is typically a time for looking back and celebrating the birth of our Lord, it seems to me that it should also be a time of looking to the future. Let us look forward. Let us prepare for that blessed day when He will come again. Let us be as wise as those ancients who watched for His coming. As His disciples, let us have in our hearts and minds the words of John: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Sometimes it is difficult to find those peaceful moments that are so important during Christmas time. It’s in those moments that we remember our Savior Jesus Christ, and we grow closer to Him. I am so grateful to be a witness of Him this holiday season and to spread what brings me the most happiness. We each have the wonderful opportunity to be His angels in spreading glad tidings of great joy to all of His children. How can we celebrate the true reason for this holiday season?
‪#‎Heisthegift‬
‪#‎sharethegift‬
‪#‎tistheseason‬
‪#‎KeepChristinChristmas‬