Be a Light!

"And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:44-48)

To give you some context for this scripture, Paul (formerly Saul) and Barnabas were teaching in the city of Antioch. They had gathered many people from the city that wanted to hear the Gospel. When the Jews heard what they were teaching, they spoke against them. Paul and Barnabas said that they were suppose to teach them, so they would have the opportunity to either accept or reject Christ. Because they rejected Him, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles. The Gentiles rejoiced, and many joined the church that day.

Paul and Barnabas were missionaries, meant to be a light unto all the world, to bring the joyous news of the Gospel to all the corners of the earth. While on their journey, they encountered many trials, such as being thrown in jail, beaten, and even stoned and left for dead, all for what they believed in. I'm sure along the way, they were discouraged. I know I would've been.

But just think. If they turned around after their first failure, they would have lost so much. There would have been so many people who wouldn't have heard of the Gospel and baptized if Paul and Barnabas had just given up.

How often do we give up? How often do we let our flame of truth and testimony flicker in the wind at night? Just because there are trials, doesn't mean that we let our light go out. You don't know who needs it. And just think of the times that you needed someone else's light. What if they felt their shortcomings too great, or their testimony too weak, and they just let their flame go out? You wouldn't have been able to rely on their light and strength. So before you let your light go out, think of all those who need you, and keep it burning bright!

Because if you snuff that light, you can not be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. You won't be able to help spread the kingdom of God forward. I know I want to do my best to be involved in that work. Right now, I have been able to work a lot on family history. I have been able to help others find names to take to the temple, and I have taken a few myself. I know that our ancestors are always close by, helping guide us to find them, because we are their light, and they are ours. We are the ones who can help them to eternal life, and they help us as well. 

So, raise up your light! Be a beacon to all the world! Help bring those whom are lost back home.

 Come, all whose souls are lighted

With wisdom from on high.

Shall we, to men benighted,

The lamp of life deny?

Salvation! Oh, salvation!

The joyful sound proclaim,

Till earth's remotest nation

Has learned Messiah's name. (Hymn #268)    

Love your favorite adventurer,

Bekah

Fear not, little flock

"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

D&C 6:34-36

These past few months have been really rough for me. I've been trying to juggle school, work, health problems, and trying to re-apply for my mission.

I'm not gonna lie, it's been discouraging.

Really discouraging.

Last month, I got very sick. Long story short, I had to go to the doctor and an OBGYN and have an ultrasound (which is not fun by any means, especially when you're by yourself), almost had to go to the ER (thankfully I didn't), and racked up a $600 medical bill in one weekend alone (guess who met her deductible...). For a college student, $100 is a lot of money (Heck, $20 is a lot of money!). Imagine me when I got a $600 bill:

I was only freaking out a little bit. *please read that in a very sarcastic voice*

At the end of the weekend, I found out that I had PCOS, which is short for Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. (If you are squeamish or immature in any way, skip over this next part. I'll let you know when to start reading again) Basically, instead of an egg leaving my body after a fertile cycle, it sticks itself to my uterus and becomes a cyst. Yay.

(The squeamish and immature can start reading again)

I've been battling this since I was 14, but I didn't get an official diagnosis until December.

After talking to my bishop and old roommates that had served missions, I found out that there was a high chance that I would have been sent home from my mission to take care of myself, which would have been harder on me emotionally than staying home because of other health concerns.

Remember my butterfly story? Yeah, that was one of the things that tore my wings that I didn't know about.

But, it's given me other opportunities to serve! Last semester, I had the opportunity to take a family history class through BYUI. I learned so much and my love for family history grew. This semester, I have been called as my ward's family history leader.

If you know me, you know how much I love family history, and you can imagine my reaction to the news:

I was very excited.

I am also considering applying to a Young Church-Service Mission. You can serve from home, choose how long you serve, and you can put in recommendations for where you would like to serve. I am really hoping I can serve at the family history center in Idaho Falls or Rexburg! I'm thinking of applying for next year, that way I have time to save up and get ready. :)

And, while life is hard, things are starting to look up. When we follow the Lord, and acknowledge His hand in our lives, we are able to do so much more. He will protect us, and lead us on.

 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Psalms 23:1-6

Love your favorite adventurer,

Bekah

Band-aids

When I was little, I remember that any time we had to go and buy band-aids, I would beg my mom to by the "cool" ones- princess, superhero, or even just colored ones. And, every once and a while, I would get my wish. It seemed like a thing of novelty, getting the beautiful band-aids. They always seemed to magically heal my battle wounds faster than any other band-aid. And, of course, like a typical kid, I would try and make fake owies so I could get one of these beautiful band-aids.

And, of course, they would be gone in a week, because I would use them anytime I got hurt, even if I wasn't even bleeding!

I've been thinking of all the little broken things in life; anxieties, heartbreaks, depression, mental health issues, all things that can't be healed with band-aids. And, of course, the little girl in me then wished that those things could be healed with a princess band-aid and a kiss from mom. But they can't.

Well, maybe they can. It's just a little different.

I, personally, have found strength and healing through my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the mater healer of both physical and mental, things of the heart and things of the head. He can do it all! So, while I can't get a band-aid and a kiss for a quick fix heal, I can get spiritual strength and healing though Christ. And, while it may take a little longer, the rewards of healing are innumerable.

In Elder Jeffery R. Holland's talk, Broken Things to Mend, he talks about how coming to the Savior can help heal our wounds.

"He said to everyone, whatever their personal problems might be:

'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.'

In this promise, that introductory phrase, 'come unto me,' is crucial. It is the key to the peace and rest we seek."

Can I just say how much I love Elder Holland? Because I do. He is an amazing, fiery speaker. His words are eloquent and he always knows exactly what to say.

He talks about how when we come unto Christ, when we walk with Him, and learn of Him, we will learn more about ourselves and the answers to our problems. So, while we can't have a band-aid to quick-fix our problems, we can have the strength and healing from our Master Physician.

One of my other favorite talks by Elder Holland is titled, Like a Broken Vessel. It is a beautiful talk about mental health, but the main focus is on depression. I remember when he gave this talk. While I wasn't a psych major at the time, I was very interested in the field of psychology, and I really liked learning about it. I loved this talk so much! Take a moment to read it and post your thoughts in the comments!

So, maybe while we can't use band-aids to fix broken hearts, perhaps there is a better way <3

Thanks for reading! Comment and share this post with your friends!

Love your favorite adventurer,

Bekah

.

But I want to fly!

Hey there fam!

I have some good news and some bad news. It's taken me a while to put what I want to say in words, but I'm finally able to talk about it with ya'll.

I'll start off with a story :)

4 weeks ago, my bishop looked at his part of the mission portal and said that my call would come that week. I was so excited! The week passed, and nothing came. The next Sunday came, and I asked him to look again. He looked, and with a puzzled look on his face, he said that my papers had been sent back to my stake president.

!!??!!

Because I can never get a hold of my stake president, I just went right to the source and drove to Idaho Falls that day XD I was able to meet with him, and he said missionary medical sent them back, and that they would be sending a letter with what they want me to do.

Fast-forward 2 weeks to the 28th of June. I finally met with President Jacobson. He read the letter to me. In it it said that because of some health issues, I have to wait 6 months before I can re-submit my papers. During those six months, I will work on the things they have asked me to do.

Bad news:

My mission papers have been delayed for 6 months because of medical reasons. 

When I first got the news that I was being delayed, I wanted to cry. And I did. A lot. I couldn't understand why I was being delayed. I had such a strong desire to go, and I wanted to leave right then. I didn't want to wait.

Good news:

While I don't know if there's another reason why I'm being delayed (like maybe there's someone I'm suppose to meet while I'm on my mission that won't be there unless I leave later), I know that this is suppose to happen right now. No, it's not pleasant. If I had my way, I'd be leaving July 22, the day after I turn 19. But, the wonderful, beautiful thing is, it's not up to me. Trust me, I'd probably mess it up. Right now, my life is in the hands of my loving Heavenly Father, and He knows what He is doing. He can see everything! And His timing is beautiful. His plan for my life (and your life!) is absolutely wonderful; full of happiness and trials, times of rest and times of growing. I know that everything is suppose to happen for a reason- nothing happens by chance. 

And hey, I'll get more time to work so I can save up money, and I'll get more time to spend with my family. And I'll have more time to better prepare myself for my mission, because I want to be the best missionary I can be. 

{And I'll get to watch the newest season of Doctor Who and Mockingjay Part 2, but I would have waited for those}

And, other good news: I've now lost 23 pounds, and this Saturday I'll be walking/jogging a 5k! It's a color run! I couldn't be more excited!

I have a little story for you guys.

On the Fourth of July, my family and I went to Heise Hot Springs. After we went there, we drove to the square ice cream store in Swan Valley (I love their ice cream!). As we were driving home, something hit my side view mirror. Next thing I knew, there was a monarch butterfly with a severely damaged wing sitting on my mom's stomach. Her wing was almost completely off! I was going somewhere around 35-45 mph, so I asked mom to wait before letting her back out. My mom tried to cup her down, but the butterfly kept trying to fly out of my mom's hands, as if she didn't know that her wing was broken. She just wanted to fly and be happy. My mom, seeing that the butterfly didn't want to wait anymore (I was waiting for a stoplight so we could let her out safely), let her out the window. Knowing how damaged the butterfly was, how fast we were going, and how many cars were on the road, I realized that she probably didn't make it.

That's when I had the feeling that the Spirit was trying to teach me something.

I am that butterfly. I have things that I have to work on, and because of those things, I'm a little damaged. My mom was acting in the place of Heavenly Father. He's telling me, "Wait Bekah. You need to heal before I can let you go on a mission. A mission is hard, difficult work, and if I throw you out the window right now, you might not make it. You need to wait." But I've been jumping and pushing against His hands, saying, "No! No! Let me out! Let me go! I want to serve a mission!" I have now realized that I really do need to wait. I need to get my medical things ready now so when I go on my mission, I'll be ready :) He loves me enough to make me wait!

So, right now, if you feel like you have to wait for whatever reason, or you feel stuck, please know that you are waiting for a reason. If you are in a hard trial, you are in it for a reason. You may not know now, but you will some day. I promise you that.

So, while I've had a few setbacks, I know that this is suppose to happen, and hey, I'll get to spend a few more months with you guys before I leave. It's all in His timing, and the Lord is never late!

I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

Love your favorite adventurer,

Bekah

So, the past few days have been a little rough. I had to work yesterday (Sunday), so while I got to go to church, I still had to spend time calling people. I work at a call center. 90% of the time I talk to people who don't want to talk to me, and they make sure I know it (I've been cussed at many times, yelled at, made fun of... the list goes on and on and on). This week hasn't been too bad, but yesterday everyone was pretty mean. I mean, yes, they had a good reason to (with it being Father's Day and all) but they didn't have to be so rude.

I've also been working hard at losing weight so I can get ready for my mission. So far, I've lost about 20 lbs, which is great! It really is! But today, when I met with my nutritionist on campus, I found out that I bounced back a little bit. It was discouraging. I had worked so hard to lose that weight, and then it came back like nothing happened! But, I also found out that I've lost an inch around my waist!

But, because of everything that has been going on, from mission papers to work and everything in between, I learned today that I can't take life too seriously, because then I stress out and that doesn't help anything at all!

I learned that though some simple doodles. I started the taco one last night during work, and the others I did today. 

So don't be stressed!

Try not to worry too much! I know it's hard but try a little each day to find the good :)

Like, for instance, today I made my first omelette! I mean, it's super simple, but it had cheese and bell peppers and it was delicious, and I for one was very proud of myself! So try each day to find 3 good things that happened!

I'll start!

1. I made a very good omelette on my first try!
2. I got to work out and I worked so hard to make myself better! And even though I'll be sore, I will know that I'm sore because I worked hard and pushed myself.
3. I got to meet with my FHE family. I love them all very much. It's so much fun to plan activities and have fun and grow as a group!

See, that wasn't so hard! I bet if you can do the same thing, you will see your life change in miraculous ways! So remember, don't take life too seriously. Yes, there are serious times. But really, what I've learned in my first 11 months of being an adult is that we are all just really big kids masquerading as adults. So let your inner kid out and play! :) Be grateful! Stop and smell the roses! Because there will come a day when you can't.

I don't wanna be morbid or anything, but it's true. Take the time now to live right, be a good person, but also have some good, healthy fun :)

Have a great day everyone!

Love your favorite adventurer,

Bekah 

Hello!

Well, now that my blog is all set up and looking pretty, I should probably pop in and say hello!

My name is Rebekah, but you all can call me Bekah.

Right now I'm a Psychology major at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

And I love it here!

I want to go on and obtain my Master's degree in Counseling. I want to work with victims of abuse and sexual assault. 

Some other little (and not so little) facts about me

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Right now, I'm preparing to serve an 18 month full-time mission!

No, I'm not going to Germany (or German-speaking) even though I would LOVE to!

I have been a member my whole life! I was baptized when I was 8. I know the gospel is true with my whole heart and soul! Through my trials, I've grown my testimony. I now plan to go and serve the Lord for 18 months. Right now, I'm waiting for news about my papers. They've been delayed, so I keep praying everything will work out. I know it will though, because the Lord takes care of His missionaries. :) I'll be sure to post where I'm going once I get my call (so, who knows, I could still go to Germany!).

I play the Cello. I've been playing for 8 years.

Yep! That's me!! That was when I was in 8th grade.

I love the Cello. I think it's the most beautiful instrument in the world. It gives me the capacity to express myself and helps me see the beauty in the world. It's one of my favorite hobbies! For a while, I wanted to be a music teacher. While I still love music, and plan to teach my future children to have a love of music, I know that music education is not my calling. Music is still a huge part of my life, and always will be!

I crochet!

Now, I'm sure you are all thinking, "What? You crochet? But you're 18!! Only old people crochet!" Well, there's a little saying that I once saw that I feel applies to this situation.

"Yes, I crochet.

No, I'm not old!"

Sometimes I like to go on campus and crochet. People look at you funny because you don't usually see an 18 year-old crocheting, much less in public. I also like to crochet in church (it helps me focus) and everyone there has learned to accept it. I've made some great friends because of crochet!

There's something about the rhythm of a hook in one hand and yarn in another that brings peace to the soul... It's honestly one of my stress relievers. When it seems that I'm having a hard time, I just turn to the hook and yarn and everything works out in the end.

Well, I can't think of anything else! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me below! I'm going to try to post once a day to every other day, so please subscribe so you can receive updates! I promise I'll try to not bore you. :) I also want to use this as my mission blog after I leave, so I'll post my mission prep tips and other things too!

Have a great week everyone!

Your favorite adventurer,

Bekah