ACCOMPLISHED

THIS PAST WEEK has been FILLED with wonderful events!

Last Friday I went through the Salt Lake City temple for the first time.

That place is amazing. I have a strong testimony that that truly is the Lord's house. He knows us personally. He will prepare us for the future. As simple as that is, it's so true. 

"I love to see the temple, I went there last Friday"

I am so blessed to have my sweet mother as my escort through the temple. Through it all, she has kept my faith going. My mom is always there for me. I love her so much! 

HALF MARATHON!!!! It came!!! Last Saturday my roommate Whitnee and I completed the Salt Lake City Half Marathon in 1:58!! We met our time of under two hours. 

I met my goal and showed myself that I really can achieve all my goals. 

There's a faked victory photo of me and my wonderful roommate Whitnee Bradford

AAAAAAND here's how it really went...

Moving on.

My roommates and I met Parachute at their concert! SO amazing!! We were front row against the rail for the concert. I loved it. Go listen to them.

Here goes the last week with my roommates. 

This week I've accomplished so much of what I've always dreamed of. I went to the temple after preparing for it my entire life! I was really intimidated by it at first. I cried the entire day before because I was FREAKING OUT. I didn't think I was ready for it, but the Lord prepares you. He confirmed that to me over and over again. I know He knows me and loves me! 

I ran a half marathon, which is something that I've always wanted to do. I ran a total of 193 miles in preparation for it! WHOO!! I'm done!!

Now for my final week in the LLC. Can't believe I leave in 37 days. Aghh so excited!

- Ash

Battle Log 1.0

Battle Log 1.0: Me and the Lord vs. Satan. 

Weekend report:

Once again, Satan tries to capture me in his battle of immorality. He knows what gets me, and what tempts me. It's worked in the past, so he thinks it should work this time. 

False.

I'm sick of his games. They're repetitive and old. He's tried the same things in the past, and it's always worked, but this time I can feel the Lord holding barriers against Satan. I feel His strength in my and I know He is protecting me. 

Friday night I got a text asking me to teach Sunday School the coming Sunday. Normally, I would've tried to get out of it, especially since that left me with no time to prepare! But nevertheless, challenge accepted.

I woke up Sunday morning and prayed that I'd be able to teach the lesson as guided by the spirit. I read the manual then went to church, knowing that the Lord's got my back. 

The lesson came, and unlike other lessons I felt calm and prepared, which is funny because I actually did no preparation. I taught the lesson according to the manual. Halfway through, I feel prompted to share one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon, Alma 29. My eyes drew me to Alma 29:9 (not even highlighted in my scriptures, have no idea why I was drawn to it!), which reads: "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some souls to repentance; and this is my joy." This is the scripture I'm putting on my missionary plaque. This is my joy. My joy is in the strength of the Lord, and in the joy I feel from His gospel. I feel free when I keep the commandments, and I want to share it with the world.

That's all I needed to hear. I testified of the truth in the Book of Mormon the rest of the time.

Think about it, it Christ was talking to you, wouldn't you listen to Him? I have a feeling we'd stop everything we were doing and listen! Thing is, the Book of Mormon is Christ speaking to us. Everything He wants us to know and hear is in this book; it is written by prophets of God for our time. 

2 Nephi 33:10-11 reads: "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye-for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, and at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar, and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness."

Read that if you didn't. Read it thoroughly. Nephi testifies that He has been called of God to write the words of Christ. 

My testimony has never been so strong for the Book of Mormon. It has engulfed me. I love it. If you haven't read it, read it.

I am clinging to the Book of Mormon. As I read it, I feel the Lord's defense going up for me against Satan. 

I have never felt Satan's presence so strongly in my life before, but I've also never felt the Lord's defense like I have now. Where there is so much goodness, there is just as much evil. You cannot have one without the other. Satan will try everything he can to keep me from going through the temple, and going on a mission. That's only because he knows I will make a difference. With the Lord, I can do anything. His strength and power is available to everyone who wants it. It's not a special elite club for cool kids. It's open for all!! Hold to the truth in the scriptures. Do the simple tasks Heavenly Father has commanded of us to do everyday. Endure. He will bless you with more than you could imagine. I know this for myself now. If you don't, I challenge you to find out for yourself. There is no greater blessing than to be a part of the Lord's team. If you're on His side, He is always on yours!

- Ash

Yep. I'm a Mormon.

So I just created a Mormon.org account last night and it has just been published! Feel free to check it out!
I'm Ashley, I'm a Mormon

Learn from it!

My roommate Mackenzie inspires me. I love that I live with her, because I am able to catch some of the light she has and put it into my own life!

A few months ago I was having a rough day! More like a rough week. I wanted to be anywhere but up here at Utah State. Kenz really put things inter perspective for me that day. She told me that the Lord put me here for a reason. What did He want me to learn by living here and experiencing life up at Utah State? She helped me see that the Lord's hand is in everything.

This girl has made such a difference in the way I see things! So grateful for her!

When things get hard now I stop and think, what does the Lord want me to learn from this experience?

1 Nephi 20:10 reads "For behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

Just like a tough workout, He prepares us for the greatness to come. He refines us so that someday we can be like Christ.

The Lord wants me to learn patience. He wants me to learn that I need to love everyone, and forgive always. It's a long progress, but with the Lord's hand I know he'll walk me through it. 

I want to do whatever it takes to be on the Lord's team. As I've immersed myself in the Book of Mormon this week I want NOTHING more than to be with my Heavenly Father again! I can feel His love for me as I read the Book of Mormon and learn for myself the truth of the gospel. I can't wait to share the gospel with the people of New England. I want them to be able to feel His love for them. God loves His children!

- Ash

TO DO/TO BUY/PACKING LIST

So I composed my own list off of the basic packing list found here. I added all my mission specific needs and my own personal needs! I already have a lot of the things on the list, it's just nice to see it all out in a list that I can check off as I go along.

TO DO LIST:

Mundane Tasks

-       SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS

-       Pack everything into boxes by what I’ll need for college when I come home

-       Lock up my bike

Spiritual Preparation

-       Talk to bishop about temple recommend

-       Have temple recommend interview with bishop

-       Have temple recommend interview with Stake Pres

-       Buy G’s

-       Go through the temple

-       Finish Book of Mormon

-       Write Atonement letter to mission president

-       Look for evidence of Christ’s atonement in my life

-       Share testimony repeatedly

-       Finish Mormon.org profile

-       Finish online mission prep

-       Study Ch. 3 in PMG

Bags and Suitcases

-       A larger cross-body purse

-       A smaller cross-body purse

-       Backpack

-       2 suitcases (62 dimensional inches)

-       1 carry-on suitcase (45 dimensional inches)

-       Camera case

-       Toiletry bags

-       Scripture case

Underclothes

-       8-10 regular garments

-       5-7 long garments

-       2 white running sports bras

-       3 white bras

-       3 white slips

-       5 nylons

-       7 wool tights

-       5 white Modbod shirts (high quality, long lasting)

-       3 black Modbod shirts (high quality, long lasting)

Feet

-       FLATS! … on flats on flats on flats

-       Waterproof black flats

-       Black Hunter rainboots

-       Tennis shoes

-       Leather boots

-       Sorels

-       10 pairs of little socks

-       5 pairs of running socks

-       5 pairs of wool socks

I work out

-       2 short sleeved running shirts

-       1 long sleeved running shirt

-       Knee-length shorts (ew)

-       Running pants

Other Activities – Sleeping too!

-       2 pairs of sweat pants

-       3 Baggy bed shirts

-       2 pairs of jeans (one black, one blue)

-       Regular shirts

Coats

-       1 sweatshirt

-       1 hoodie

-       1 ankle-length down coat

-       1 knee-length down coat

-       1 waist length down coat

-       2 dress coats

-       1 blazer

-       1 raincoat

Everyday Wear and Tear

-       8 skirts (4 pencil skirts, 4 A-line)

-       12 shirts

-       Dresses

-       Belts

-       Jewelry

-       Watches

Bathroom

-       2  bath towels

-       4 hand towels

-       Face soap

-       Face lotion

-       Mascara

-       Eyeshadow

-       Makeup brushes

-       Eyeliner

-       Chap stick

-       Shower gel

-       Razor

-       Perfume

-       Deodorant

-       Body lotion

-       Nail polish

-       Toothbrush

-       Toothpaste

-       Floss

-       Hair spray

-       Hair brush

-       Hair ties

-       Bobby pins

-       Blow drier

-       Straightener

-       Shampoo

-       Conditioner

-   Feminine supplies

Protection from the elements

-       Umbrella

-       Winter hat

-       Ear muffs

-       Gloves (ski gloves and liners)

-       Running headband

Bedding

-       2 twin sheets (one for MTC, one to send to the mission 2 weeks before I leave)

-       Pillow

-       Blanket

-       Electric blanket

Random

-       Alarm clock with no radio

-       Tide TO GO

-       Small photo album

-       GPS device

-       Address book

-       Stamps

-       Envelopes

-       CD’s with CHURCH MUSIC

-       All identification

-       Money

Church studying

-       Scriptures

-       Old scriptures

-       Permanent marker

-       Journal

-       Notepad

-       Copy of blessing

-       Copy of call letter

-       Mission approved books

-       Pedigree chart (4 generations back)

Funny Father

Funny father:

Dad sends me a text: "... How's school?"
Me: "Sick of it. So done. Hahaha. It's good though. Working hard. All I want to do is be on my mission waking up at 6:30 changing peoples lives!"
Dad: "I'll save that text."

I send my dad a picture of the ombre I want to get

Me: "Dad can I do this to my hair?!"
Dad: "You mean make it look like your roots are growing out?"
Me: "IT'S OMBRE."
Dad: "Whatever - it'll start growing out while you're on your mission - will look HOMBRE!!!"
Me: "But that's the ombre LOOK."
Dad: "Ugh..."

You shoot, you score.

I LOVE GOAL SETTING.
So I have this theory that if you make a goal and work up to it, you'll succeed.
Background: I've swam my entire life. When I got to high school I wanted nothing more than qualify for state and do my best.
Junior year I injured my shoulder, more specifically my rotator cuff. I had to go through physical therapy RIGHT before qualifying. I told myself that I wouldn't let it get me down and that I'd still do my absolute best to at least qualify in a relay with my team. I worked with my physical therapist and we ended up going to state in the 200 meter medley relay! Only downside was I didn't qualify in my favorite event, the 100 meter breaststroke - I was an alternate.
NOTHING is worse than being an alternate. You have to show up, warm up, and sit on deck knowing you were .07 seconds to being able to be in that pool with the other girls.
I worked out all summer long to build my endurance to meet my goal. When swimming started, I practiced harder and harder every day. I knew I wasn't doing my best if I didn't reach the wall and feel sick with exhaustion. I'd stay after and get extra coaching from my coaches.
The details cut SO much time away. I was obedient and did as they told me.
The race came where I finally qualified for state!!
My qualifying time: http://www.utswimcoach.com/4A1112.htm (under woman's 100 meter breaststroke).
SERIOUSLY this was the most excited I had ever been in my life!! I've never worked so hard at something and accomplished so much!!
State time: http://www.utswimcoach.com/4ASTATE1112.htm

My coaches and I after the race. What great women.

My family there to support me! ALL OF THEM (first time we've all been together in a loooong time). Gawl I love them so much.

Anyways, now I'm training for a half marathon. I love love LOVE the feeling of accomplishing goals. I'll let y'all know how it goes. I never in a million years thought I'd be running one, but I know that if I set my mind to something, I can do it.

It sounds corny, but I'm serious. I can do this.

What I'm getting at is that goal setting is a huge part of the mission. I have high goals and expectations heading out to into the field. 

High goals = lots of work = lots of growth = lots of relying on the atonement to perfect myself.

I know that if I want to have the spirit flow throughout me, I must be obedient and prove to the Lord that I am here to serve Him! The part about setting goals that I love, is that most the time you become more confident in yourself and your goal as time goes on and you stick with it. 

DO NOT BE A QUITTER. NO ONE LIKES THEM. I feel bad for them, because there's an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and joy when you succeed. I'm out to change the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. I'm preparing myself now so I can accomplish my goals and be a tool in the Lord's hands.

A few of my goals SO FAR:

- See someone go through a change of heart

- Watch blessings pour upon committed investigators

- Make the best of my time (which means staying focused)

- Making the best out of bad days, just like bad workouts, time keeps moving and things always get better

- KNOW the scripture stories and apply them everyday

- Love the people I serve, love my companions

- Have an optimistic outlook (the Lord doesn't put you through anything you can't handle)

- BE OBEDIENT! Almost to the point of annoyance

- Make a life long friend

- Change the lives of generations

- BALL my eyes out from utter joy

- Laugh everyday, especially the bad days

- Keep the goals I make on the mission

- Use the Atonement everyday, in everything

- Pray harder and with more sincerity

- Dance to MO TAB

The list could go on, and it probably will as I get closer to leaving. I just have a firm testimony of the power of goal setting, especially when you have Heavenly Father on your side. I can't wait to set goals everyday on my mission. I can't wait to follow through with my converts and see their lives change as my heart is touched. I feel love for the people I have yet to meet. I see their potential and can't wait to be a part of many life-changing/saving processes! Being the mouth of the Lord will be the greatest experience of my life. Accomplishing a mission with every effort I have in myself and in Christ will be the toughest, more rewarding thing I've done in my life so far. June 5th BRING IT.

- Ash