Still Small Voice

This next story could be found in the Action/Adventure section of Netflix. On June 20, 2010 you were more than likely celebrating Father's Day. At roughly 4:00 PM you may or may not have been coming out of church, or watching a game, or baking a ham, or making your Father's Day card. If you were in Billings, you were watching a rainstorm turn into a hailstorm. You then began to watch the marble size hail turn into golf ball size hail. At least, that's what Sister Stalions and I did. This is all based on true events.

Exactness

I have had to go to the doctor twice on my mission. Once was for an intense handshake which included a puddle of water, a tile floor and gravity. The other time was for a football thrown with impressive speed that collided with my head. For the handshake, the concern was that I had torn my rotator cuff. For the football, it was a concussion. Needless to say, the work of the Lord can be at times dangerous.

My Friend Ted

I'd like to tell you a story about my friend Ted. My friend Ted and his family are some of my favorite people. Every time we go to their house, my friend Ted teaches me something new. He's taught me about different coins used throughout United States history. He's taught me all about hunting, and the difference between a mule deer's antlers and a white tail deer's antlers, and how to tell how many points they are. Most importantly, my friend Ted has taught me the power of the Book of Mormon. This is his story.

Car Accidents

In 2004 I turned the blessed age of 16. This was a great day. This meant that I had freedom; that freedom came in the form of a driver's licence. Best day ever. I completed all of those painstakingly long hours of driving time, passed my tests, and waited for what seemed like 87 hours at the DMV for my little card of freedom. I felt like a rock star the first time I took my mom's gold mini van out for a spin by myself. I was pretty classy. About a month after I got my licence I decided to take a little trip to to visit the shoe section of Target. Not finding anything to my liking, I headed back out into the sunny day to claim my sweet mini van. I pulled out of my parking stall when to my horror I heard a tremendous CRUNCH. "Oh snap." I thought to myself. This was not good. I got out to assess the damage. I had dented and scratched the corner of a hunter green Subaru Outback. Panicking, I began to pray that the owner of the car would come out quickly so I could explain what had happened. I had never felt so bad in my life. Luckily, in just a few minutes time they came, puzzled by the frantic teenager who, close to a total meltdown, was standing next to their car. I explained what happened, we swapped insurance, I drove home in shame as hot tears fell down my cheeks, adding insult to injury.

The Girl.

There once was a girl. She was young, and still had a lot to learn from God, her family, and the world. The girl was unhappy. She had been taught from a young age what was right. But she was head strong and arrogant. She thought she knew what was better, however her ways brought her unhappiness and lonliness. Her parents spoke of an easier way, a way paved before her by a man named Jesus Christ. The girl scoffed. She knew only of this man. She had yet to know him.

Savior, Redeemer of My Soul

Savior, Redeemer of my soul,
Whose mighty hand, hath made me whole,
Whose wondrous power hath raised me up
And filled with sweet my bitter cup!
What tongue my gratitude can tell,

Oh gracious God of Israel.

Never can I repay thee, Lord,
But I can love thee. Thy pure word

Hath it not been my one delight,

My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim it still,
And all my life, reflect thy will.

O'er rule mine acts to serve thine ends.

Change frowning foes to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul till I shall be
In perfect harmony with thee.
Make me more worthy of thy love,
And fit me for the life above.

If I had to describe how I feel about Jesus Christ and the Atonement, it would be in the form of this beautiful, and most sacred hymn. I testify of the purifying, and enabling, power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Test it out in your own life. Turn to the Lord, and he shall heal you. Jesus Christ is my joy, and my song. I know that He lives. I know he will come again.

To Bless the Life of Another

Last night I was on my knees. I've been worried and concerned about a few things, and last night it became all too overwhelming for me, and I had to take it to the Lord. While praying, a feeling of peace came and I was filled with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who provides us with the Gift of the Holy Ghost. While talking with my Heavenly Father, the thought came to read Alma 17. Great. Love that chapter. It's when Ammon and the Sons of Mosiah begin their missions. I thought that was an appropriate reading assignment.

Bother Me.

The other day, Sister Randall and I were tracting in a charming little town called Red Lodge. It's pretty cute. We were knocking on this one door where there was no answer. We knocked again. Still nothing. We were about to leave our card when a man from across the street yells at us, "No one lives there!" We yell back our thanks, and head over to talk with him. We ask him if he lives here, to which he responds, "Depends on what you want." We told him that we were the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To this, he put up his hands in the air, and said that he didn't want to talk to us. "Oh, well we are sorry." I offered. I then asked what I thought was an innocent question: "Have you ever talked to missionaries before?" To this the man became livid, and began yelling, "I said I don't want to talk to you! I'm nice the first time, but the second time I get cranky! Get out of here! Stop bothering people!" We wished him a good day, and walked away.

"Except a man be born again..."

I have recently had the occasion to reflect on the concept of being "Born Again." Indeed, as a missionary I have been asked on numerous occasions if we, as member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint believe in being born again. In response to this question, I pose a question of my own. Are we not Christians? Do our beliefs not all center in our Savior, our Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, the Holy one of Israel, the Son of God, even Jesus the Christ?

Come and Fear Not

I believe in miracles. Maybe you do also. I've seen enough of them in my life to know that they exist, and they remind us of God.

"And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles." (Mormon 9: 18-19)

Life Lessons

Reflect back on your life. I know, right? There's a lot to it. Now focus in on school; let's say 3rd Grade. That's when you were more likely than not learning multiplication and division. Remember those questions Mrs. Jones would ask you? "What is 12 multiplied by 6?" Oh snap. Your heart would beat a little faster, your palms would sweat, and the cogs of your mind would struggle to function a little faster. Your face would screw up in concentration, and suddenly your mind tried to compute the hardest question of your life. "18, no wait, 72." Got it. Mrs. Jones nodded, and moved on to the next victim. Phew. You sigh a deep sigh of relief, lean back in your seat, and feel pretty darn good that you got the answer right.

5th Grade Hero

One of my most important lessons was taught to me in the 5th Grade by a fellow classmate named Katie Kellog. I have never, nor will I ever forget who she was or what she taught me. This is a lesson on forgiveness.

The Atonement 2

Jesus Christ was not forced to perform the Atonement and offer his life as a ransom for many. Rather, through exact obedience, charity, love and humility, he perfectly aligned His will with the Fathers, thereby securing our salvation as well as our hope for the future. In order to qualify for the most precious gift, we too must follow in the footsteps of our sinless older brother and align our will with that of our Father in Heaven. Each child of God has the potential to take advantage of the Atonement and therefore partake in all that the Father has- but we will use our agency to get there.

The Atonement 1

124 years before the birth of Christ, there lived a man named Benjamin. This man was a king, as well as a prophet. He was "a just man before the Lord." (Omni 1:25) He knew that he was about to die, and being filled with a great love and concern for his people, he commanded them to gather together so he could address them one final time. King Benjamin built a tower so that all who were there could hear him speak, even the little children.

Jeremie Flanigan

There once was a place called Kalispell, Montana. In fact, if you travel about 450 miles north west from Billings you may still find it. In that little town lived a man; his name is Jeremie Flanigan.

Together Forever

As a child, I grew up singing the song, "Families Can Be Together Forever." The concept is simple, really, but the truth that it teaches is eternal.

I have a family here on earth,

They are so good to me.

Siblings: Cooper, Nate and McKenzie

I want to share my life with them through all eternity.

Families can be together forever

Through Heavenly Father's plan.

I always want to be with my own family,

And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.

Testimony

This is not going to be profound. If you are looking for something life changing, or earth shattering, I can direct you to somewhere else. But once again like Nephi, here I write the things of my soul.


Recently, I have been thinking a lot about a testimony. By definition, a testimony is a witness that we gain through the power of the Holy Ghost of spiritual truths. It can come in many ways. I've been thinking of the different ways that my own testimony has been strengthened.

 And he [took] upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he [took] upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

It really happened. Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world. Because of this, he perfectly knows how to comfort, and succor each of us, because he experienced it first. I testify that through Jesus Christ we can be cleansed from sin. He has the power and the capacity to heal whatever ails us. I have felt the reality of that power in my life time and time again. Christ lives.

Each and every child of God can know this as well. It comes through the power of the Holy Ghost. I invite all to study the Book of Mormon, and with real intent, as God the Eternal Father in the name of Christ whether it is not true. By the power of the Holy Ghost, I testify and promise that you will receive a witness. It may not come all at once; it may come in a variety of different ways. But it will come, and you will come to know that Jesus is the Christ, and that his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on the earth today. It was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and God still speaks to us today. I add my witness and testimony that these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lifting Burdens

This is my favorite Mormon message. It is so powerful, and I testify to the truthfulness of it. No matter what our burden is, I add my witness that He can and does heal us. There is nothing that we cannot overcome; no burden to heavy to bear. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. I will shout it from the housetops. He lives, and because this an eternal truth, we can live forever in peace and happiness because of His sacrifice. Jesus is the Christ. He is the son of God. He did come the the world in the Meridian of time to redeem His people from their lost and fallen state. He gave is life, and bore all of our sins, pains, and infirmities. I testify to His merciful power. I have felt it abundantly in my life. I know He lives. I know He loves us. Let Him heal you. In the sacred name, of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Restless Nights

Last night was the worst nights sleep I've had in a long time. I tossed and turned all night, could never get comfortable, and could never seem to shut my brain off long enough to allow sleep to overcome me. I rolled over, and bright red numbers reading 3:02 stared back at me from my alarm clock. Laughing a little bit, I thought to myself, "Well... I must be a princess..." as the memory of the childhood fairytale The Princess and the Pea filled my mind.

A young prince was looking for a fair princess to wed. He searched high and low all throughout the kingdom looking for his royal bride. Yet, he could never find a maiden of royal birth. One night, while a terrible tempest was raging outside, there was a knock at the castle door.

The Power of Choice

I want to be like my brother Nephi of old, and write the things of my soul. I remember when I got my mission call. It was 2 in the morning the day after Thanksgiving on a frigid night in Rexburg. I had just taken a 4 hour shuttle with no heat, and was exhausted from traveling all day. That morning, I had been sitting in the San Fransisco airport when my roommate calls to tell me that my mission call finally had come. Woo Hoo!!!! It had taken 7 weeks. My 7 week roller coaster of emotion had finally come to an end; my call had come. I was anxious to hear where I would be serving. I had in my mind some far off destination like the jungles of Brazil, or the city streets of Paris, but I told myself that I would be happy no matter where I was called to labor.

Choose This Day

This is one of my favorite mormon messages. I always have good intentions to serve others, and make the most of what the Lord has blessed me with, but often times I fall short. How grateful I am for the reminder of living prophets that it is up to us to choose to serve God today. I testify that as we serve with all of our heart, might, mind and strength, we will be so blessed. We will come to feel the redeeming love and power of our Savior's Atonement. Truly, He lives!

Bears

A couple of weeks ago, Sister Mace and I were driving from Joliet to Roberts. It's a 13 mile stretch that we drive almost every day. While cruising along the 212, my thoughts were everywhere from the service we had just done at the public library to our next appointment to discuss our musical fireside. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I saw a big black animal along the side of the road. "Oh my goodness," I thought to myself. "It's a bear! I've always wanted to see a bear!!"

My Brother, My Hero

Meet my brother, Recruit Cooper Buchanan. Currently, my hero. In October of 2010 Cooper entered boot camp for the US Marine Corps. Growing up, I remember telling my brother specifically, "Don't you ever join the military!!" I loved my brother, and didn't want anything to happen to him. The military meant battles, war, guns, fighting, and fatalities. 13 years later, Cooper was signing a contract and planning a future career with our country's finest.

Never too Busy

Have you ever had something really important to say? Something that consumed your very being it seemed, yet there was no one there to listen? Or perhaps there were many people that could have listened, but you couldn't get their attention. Life is hectic. Life is busy. Too often we are asked to take a proverbial "number" in order to be heard. Many times we fight to be heard; clamor for the attention of another. Suddenly, in the battle of being heard, this becomes our anthem: "Listen to me!! I have something worthwhile and important to say!"

As children of the most high God, our very beings are filled with great worth. We are precious in the sight of God. He is are maker, we are his creation. As such, should that not suggest that our very thoughts, concerns, fears, questions, joys, sorrows, successes and triumphs ought to have the utmost importance to Him who created us?

Faith vs. Fear

I was very fearful of serving a mission. I had no idea what to expect, nor did I want to fail. I had decided to serve a mission twice before, but each time had let my fear overcome me, and had given up. But the Lord had a plan for me, and that plan included a mission. I decided again that it was the right thing for me to do. So I began again that process of preparing for a mission. Needless to say, this caused a lot of stress in my life. Running and biking became my number one stress relievers. One day, I was riding my bike around my hometown. I turned a corner and saw a deer crossing the road. Upon seeing me, the deer froze, paralyzed by fear.

Another Testament of Christ

I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It was translated by the power of God through His servant, the prophet. I testify that that prophet was Joseph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is a second witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can know of the fullness of the Doctrine of Christ. I have found the Savior on every page of that most sacred book.

I recently have had the opportunity to kneel before my Father in Heaven in prayer, and ask him if the Book of Mormon is true. Having faith, and with real intent, I poured out my soul to my Maker. Peace filled my heart and my mind. An answer from the Lord came.

I leave you my witness that the Book of Mormon is true. I invite you to find out for yourselves by sincerely asking God, our loving Father in Heaven. You will receive an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. This promise is given to all.

Epic Adventures

Preparation Day. Monday. P-Day. Day of Rest. However you look at it, Mondays are blessed days in the life of a missionary. As missionaries we devote all of our time and attention to serving the Lord, and in return, find no greater joy. However, it's nice to have 8 hours each Monday to take care of the necessary things. Such as shopping, cleaning, and dodge ball. Essentials.

When I was serving in Kalispell this past summer, Sister Ivie and I got a phone call saying that next P-Day we were going to take a little field trip. We would be heading to Big Fork to go hike Mt. Aeneas. We were so excited to embark on this adventure of all adventures. We traveled to the base of the mountain with 10 other missionaries where we would begin our climb. I was ready to prove to all of those Elders that I wasn't a wimpy girl; that I could climb a mountain with the best of them.

Look Not Behind Thee

New Years. That thrill and promise of January, and by an extention, the new year that rings in the hearts and minds of people all over the world. It is a time of introspection and improvement. This year I will loose weight. This year, I will stay on top of the finances. This year I will make amends with that long lost someone. This year I will put myself last. This year. Goal are beautiful things. I believe in goal setting. I also believe in looking towards the future for success, rather than clinging to the past. If we are focused on a righteous goal, and have our eyes set toward heaven, we cannot go astray. I will be able to follow in the light of our Savior, Jesus Christ, one step at a time.

Online Proselyting

I have a little announcement to make. I am an online missionary. We are blessed to be able to share the gospel with the world in ways that have never been done before. There are a handful of missions all over the world that have been chosen for online proselyting. What is online proselyting you may ask? Well, this consists of missionaries within those missions using tools such as blogs, facebook, and mormon.org to share the gospel.

Pretty cool huh? So welcome to the blog. Here you will find insights, scriptures, and testimony centered around our Savior, Jesus Christ and His gospel that has been restored. The Gospel, or the "good news" of Jesus Christ is now even more accessible to the world with just a click of a button.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. That is the reason why I am here- to testify to the world that He does in fact live.

How Great a Debtor

About a year ago, I was at home packing up the last of my things. My life for the next 18 months was going to be packed away into brown boxes, and placed in a storage unit. Everything was in order. My enrollment at BYU-Idaho was deferred, my facebook account was closed, and I had traded in my favorite red ballet flats for black, sturdy walking shoes. I had been called by a Prophet of God to labor in the Montana Billings Mission. The upcoming 18 months were to be completely foreign to me. I didn't know what to expect, and quite frankly, I was terrified.