It's kind of a big deal...

For those of you who've not yet heard, or maybe you have and forgot, or you didn't and I'm a super excited big sister: my brother got his mission call and...

...drum roll please!!...

Elder Shaun Christian has been called to serve and Lord and the people in the Mexico Hermosillo Mission!!!!

In honor of an im-port-tan-te dia a mi casa.

Today is a day we've been anxiously waiting for for the past...

19 years

(and I've kinda secretly been dreading for the past year or so). Today Shaun got his "big white envelope" in the mail. For those of you who aren't familiar with the significance of this let me fill ya in.

My family and I are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Part of our religion requires all faithful young men to serve a mission where they will spread the Gospel (our beliefs) to a specified place in the world. This mission will be full time for up to two years, at their own expense. I know this sounds like a lot to sacrifice, and it is. However I've seen the fruits of partaking in such a work as I watched my older brother serve and I know the blessings from Our Creator surpass everything that could be obtained otherwise.

Missionaries often wear tags like the one below setting them apart from the average person you'd meet on the street. They work hard everyday from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm teaching, serving and looking for people who are interested in hearing their message.

As I process the significance of today I find myself incredibly excited for this new chapter in not only my brother's life, but also in the life of my entire family. Missions have helped to bring my family together in the past and I anticipate that again in the future. My excitement for my brother most certainly out-weighs the sadness I'll feel as he leaves but I couldn't be more pleased to have such a good example of obedience in a best friend.

So until you open the white envelope that holds so much of your not so distant future... thanks for everything Buddy!

The Perfect Plan

A friend of mine recently inspired me to journal/blog as though I'm writing a letter to someone. I hope that this will make my posts a little more personal and less "postish." I'm going to try it for a while and see what I think...

Dear Blog Stalkers,

It's funny yet perfect how the Lord works. I find that as I strive to be more obedient that which was once an impossibility, now has the ability to become a reality.

Recently my gratitude for my blessings was increased ten-fold. (Yes... I am referring to my Mexico trip. See here if you'd like to read about my adventures.) Since then my outlook on life has been totally changed. I've noticed that prior to this series of events I was completely self centered, and now I find myself trying to look more towards the needs of others. I absolutely love it!

This last Sunday I was talking with some friends... okay I was speaking in my ward... about service. As I studied the topic and reflected on my own experiences I realized again that this life isn't about just me (Duh!... I know), but that it's about helping each other make it back to our Heavenly Home. In Genesis 2:15-24 it talks about why God made Eve. She wasn't just there to be a baby making machine, she was created to be a help-meet to Adam. Likewise whether we are married or not, we were created to be help-meets to each other. To support, love and lift our brothers and sister through the good and the bad.

My charge for all you blog stalkers this week (I encourage you to try it everyday) is to: look for a way to be a help-meet to someone. The easiest way to do this is to just be a friend. Give someone a call, stop by and say hi, leave an anonymous note, take brownies, offer your skills, or show someone you love them. It's amazing how far a little encouragement can go!

Until next time,
This is Brittish Knees Signing Out.

Unrecognized Blessings

Last night I had a conversation with a friend that caused me to reflect on the blessing my Heavenly Father constantly provides for me, despite my arrogance or ignorance.

Today as I was revisiting about that experience I was lead back to times when I too have waded through hard and heavy times. As I did so it dawned on me: the experiences we have in this life really are able to bless lives outside of our own: They bless me by strengthening my testimony and remind me to turn towards the Lord, but our experiences also have the ability to bless those we love. They can likewise provide strength and comfort to those who are in need. (There is a reason that we don't have to experience mortality alone, because it isn't part of the plan! We need, desperately need each other. The beautiful part being that Heavenly Father knew it! He knew we'd need each other, so he puts us in the right places days, months, and years prior so relationships can be developed and fostered for our benefit. A little overwhelming, isn't it?)

The conversation ended and I proceeded to get ready for bed. As I continued with my ritual: turn on heating blanket (I sleep in the basement - back off), pjs, remove contacts, brush teeth, prayers and scriptures I found that my scripture reading wasn't as ... rushed as it normally is. I found myself looking for things that particularly stood out and struck me as important for the days events. Irony? I think not, or rather, I know not.

In synopsis: I found it such a beautiful blessing to be able to see the Lord's hand in my life. To be able to have the spirit help me recognize how all of these experiences (whether pleasant or painful) really are for our good; our short-term, long-term and eternally. I was again touched to know what a loving Heavenly Father we (yes, you AND I) have. His love and concern for us is very individual, but He knows that as we help and love others that our love for those around us and for Him will grow. Through this Christ-like love and service we are provided with opportunities to uplift and strengthen each other so together we can draw nearer unto Him. Genius! The man really knows what He's doing!

Until next time, keep your chin up. There is a God, and He loves YOU.