The Grace of God

I would be a very ungrateful person if I did not share my experience lately with the Grace of God. As you all know, I am leaving for my mission very very very soon! I have worked my butt off trying to save my portion of my mission. It was hard & took some sacrifices on my part & the help of so many people around me...

I guess you could say it all began when I moved to college. I had the intention of serving a mission then, I was not 100% sure though. I did know I should start saving money just in case. I applied for many CNA jobs and was offered one quickly. I accepted without missing a beat because as a college student, I couldn't waste any time! Well for some reason, I felt very uneasy about this job. I was making more than my last CNA job, but not much. The same day I accepted the job, I received a call from Kolob. They wanted to interview me. I felt that I should go and just check out the place. I was interviewed by the DON. I asked "When can you let me know by?" Her response "Right now, we would like to hire you." It happened so quickly, but I accepted and had a $2 raise from my last job & felt so much better about this place! Heavenly Father blessed me with a job that paid me more so that I could have a better opportunity to save the money I would need.

I had planned to stay in St. George for a couple of weeks after school got out so that I could save some more. Well, I had no place to live and had to move home. I was extremely nervous about having enough money. How was I going to come up with the rest of the money with no job & a million things that still needed to be purchased!? I stressed and stressed to my parents how worried I was about this! They told me that if I believed I was doing what I was supposed to (preparing for a mission) then I just needed to let go and trust in God. That is easier said than done. But I decided to truly give it a shot.

Well, I made a list of the many things I still had left to purchase and do before I leave. One of the top things on my list was immunizations. I have no insurance, so I would be paying for this out of my pocket! I called the health department and was told that it would cost over $100 for the two shots I needed. I was sick to my stomach and contemplated just telling the missionary department that I was "refusing" the immunizations. But I remembered that I just needed to put my trust in God. & also, the church wouldn't want you to do something for no reason (& i'm pretty sure that I would have gotten sick for being disobedient haha jk) So I went. Then something small but miraculous happened. The lady at the desk for some reason decided that she would only charge $5 for one of the shot & the regular price for the other. I was amazed. This was a small thing, but it meant the world to me. I realized then that Heavenly Father was touching my life in very simple and amazing ways.

The next big money sucker on my list was the dentist (again, I have NO insurance... and this was going to cost a lot!). Just a little background. I have terrible teeth. It does not matter how many times a day I brush and floss my teeth, without fail, every dentist appointment I have had one or more cavities. I was very sure that I was going to have a few. Well they did my check up & xrays and I waited nervously to hear how many cavities I had this time. "Well, all your teeth look great! No work needs to be done. See you when you get home from your mission!" My jaw dropped. Someone could easily brush this experience off as me getting lucky. But i know. I know that my Heavenly Father is continuing to bless me as I prepare to be a missionary.

Many other things have happened. Small things defiantly. Things like mission shoes being on sale, getting babysitting jobs, getting more on my last pay check than expected. But I know these blessings come because of the Lord. Not by any coincidence. There were times where it was hard to sacrafice for this. I stayed home spring break while all my friends went to Cali, I worked extra shifts when I was tired, I sucked all my plasma out, I paid my tithe when I didn't know how I would pay for things without that money. But when you do all that you can, God makes up for the rest!

My parents have beens SO kind to help me with so much also. My Grandparents has put out her fair share of money for this mission and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with such wonderful family members to help me along the way. Gods Grace is real everyone. 

love, mo.

Dear Sister Price...

To say I'm a little late for this post is quite the understatement. I thought about not writing anything at all since most of you already know where I have been called to serve. But just in case somewhere out there someone still has no idea... this ones for you.

So the wait was excruciating... I turned my papers in January 5th & it didn't come January 31st! The Friday before I asked my bishop if it had been assigned & he broke the news that it hadn't. I was bummed- another week without my call. I had thousands of doubts in my head & was just emotionally drained from thinking "where in the world will I go?" The next day I was just bored & out of curiosity decided to try logging into my ldsmail (those of you who have served or are going to serve know that you can't log in until your call has been assigned.) I had tried this a million and one times during the month of January and this time it let me in! Calliope & I had a freak out in the car, thats when it got more than real for me. I didn't want to jump to conclusions so I texted my bishop to make sure it had been assigned & he gave me the long awaited "It has been assigned!" Little did I know that, the waiting game was just going to get worse.

I figured I'd be like Braxton (Elder Bowden) & get my call the coming Wednesday. Nope. It didn't come Wednesday or Thursday... I gave up on the week. Who's mission call comes on a Friday!? To say I was disappointed was an understatement. Then Joshy texted me & told me it had come. Talk about excitement.

Well... I couldn't come from St. George to Syracuse until the next morning. Though, I didn't mind that short 24 hour wait! The drive home was one of excitement, anxiety & just felt like a blur of a dream. I came home and we had some family come over. My best friends on Skype & I was shaking.

Silly thing to be shaking over right?! I felt completely ridiculous & I really hope my guest didn't think I was being ungrateful but I couldn't even form words to hardly talk to anyone! hahaha. Then the moment I had dreamt & anticipated since last March was here. My hands shook as I opened the envelope & my heart was in my throat.

"Dear Sister Price,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary[This is the moment I accidentally looked down and saw where I was going] for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Knoxville Tennessee Mission."

& I really don't want to be cheesy or anything, because when people told me this I thought they were full of it. But as soon as I read Knoxville Tennessee... I KNEW that was exactly where I needed to be! I was so worried I would be called somewhere & be bummed or not excited. Nope. The Lord sure knows us & knows where we need be.

I leave June 4, 2014! Provo MTC.

I could not be more excited to serve in Tennessee!  People keep telling me... June is far away. Oh no... it feels SO close. Not that I'm counting or anything... but I 98 days until I go! Time seems to be flying by.

Thats the story.

Mo

P.S. If you're wondering how I broke the news to Elder Bowden... I felt super creative & ordered a Pizza to his apartment & had the Dominos people write Knoxville Tennessee June 4th! (They thought I was insane on the phone.) But he really loved that he got to know the same night I did. (: 

Faith & quite a bit of music.

First off, I really have missed blogging my heart out. But it turns our college makes you a little busier than expected. Since I ditched FHE to do homework (yes, go on, judge me.... hahaha!) & finished it way earlier than expected, instead of logging onto Netflix & catching up on PLL... I decided I'd write again. I have so much to tell all of you.

So guess what? You remember all of those countdowns I posted... like... the 100 days until my mission papers went in!? Well folks! My papers went in and just last Thursday MY mission call was assigned. That means 'the brethren' all looked at my dorky picture and were inspired to where I should spend the 18 months of my life serving the Lord. I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED.

It wasn't a smooth road like we all hope for. But boy does the man upstairs know what he is doing. I turned my papers in January 5th 2014. Not by chance, obviously I wanted to turn them in that day for SO long. But as the time got closer to me turning in my papers it seemed impossible to get them in on that exact day. I was frustrated, stubborn and in need of a little humbling. The Lord knows me so well. He relieved my anxieties and by nothing short of a miracle... my papers were submitted! Not even a week later my dear stake president sent an email to me telling me to get ahold of him. (eek! I knew something was wrong.) I was told that I needed to get some more information, then to re-submit my papers. I was really frustrated then. I did as I was told and was told my call could be delayed up to a week or two months. There was no way to know!

Lets just say God is full of sweet sweet mercy! That my call will most likely be here this week! I will finally get to hold a call in my hand and I cannot wait.

Through all these small but very hard trials, my faith was pushed along with my patience. I learned so much about myself & Heavenly Fathers plan for me. I learned how much easier life is, if you just put your complete faith in the Lord and press on. As Jeffery R Holland put so well "No misfortune is so bad that whining about it wont make it worse."

So thats that, stop your whining and try trusting the One who knows you better than anyone, who loves you more than you can imagine, and seems to have a better perspective on things than any mortal.

love,
Mo

best-last-date-for-two-years-ever!

The time came and it went... fast. The day me and Brax had talked about for our entire relationship. The conversation that made me sad, but it was so far away that it was so easy not to think about it!
Yesterday that sweet boy took me on our last date for two years! It was absolutely perfect. We spent the morning running little errands together, then he took me home to get all fancy! I loved that! The last time we dressed up together was senior prom & I couldn't wait to do it again! We drove to SLC and walked around temple square, then ate dinner at The Roof. I was on cloud 9! The food was fantastic and so was our view!

After dinner we continued to walk & talk around temple square... I made him be cheesy with me & take some 'cutesy' pictures. AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. (thank you much, iphone.)
We drove home and got in comfy's and cuddled on the couch watching TV. Although, I don't think I payed attention what-so-ever... my mind has been running a thousand miles at all times.
but I just have to keep reminding myself that
everything will be okay..

        This was our view from our table... can you say PERFECT!? 

He was a little nervous... I think (:

These pictures I just absolutely adore... like how much better can they get?? they can't!

But to end... Brax is the cutest sleepy boy ever! 

I love that boy.

I'm going to miss him beyond belief!

He lives.

"What comfort this sweet sentence gives."

Why am I up early Sunday morning (one in the morning early)?
Because I am obsessed with all the beautiful things you can find on the internet. Like, a beautiful CD done by a future-sister-missionary trying to pay for college. I cannot express how stressed I am with money right now. But I found this girls CD and discovered why she was selling it, then I couldn't resist.

On nights/mornings like these I am so thankful to have the gospel in my life. I absolutely cannot wait to serve a mission. I just know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints brings true happiness and I cannot wait to be the servant of God in bringing that happiness to someones life.
I keep this countdown app for many reasons, but turning in my mission papers is one!

My journey to serve a mission began the day I got my Patriarchal blessing, January 23, 2010. It clearly states that 'I will serve as a missionary'. Well that can mean anything? Can't it? My family always teased me that I was going on a mission. I was repulsed by the idea. I didn't want to be 21 and on a mission. I wanted to be married, or soon to be married at that age! Little did I know that, that opportunity would change. The day of the announcement I didn't even think of me serving a missions. My first thought was "Brax is leaving sooner!" Then I opened a text from my sister saying "looks like you're going on a mission!" Again, I was repulsed by the idea! As time went on I began to warm up to the idea, but was still off and on again with the idea. Then I decided to turn to the man upstairs! Thank heavens he is SO patient, because I have prayed over and over again to make sure I am making the correct decision to prepare and go. I have  received the same answer over and over again. But what a testimony builder it has been to get so many promptings for this!

anyways, I better get some sleep!

the countdown.

I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that my life is seriously about to change, but at the same time I KNOW it's going to! I leave for college in 23 days. That is seriously NOTHING. I am so excited to move and create my own improved self (or so i'm hoping...). BUT I am also extremely terrified for the changes that lie ahead for me. 

With my busy schedule it is very hard for me to even think about life after this week. I'm working two jobs, 40+ hours a week.  I'm not complaining because I enjoy being busy and earning some money, but with no time, I'm feeling quite unprepared! Not only for college, but for Brax to leave on his mission. Not that I have to physically prepare for anything, but I will be losing my best friend for TWO years. I also shouldn't say that I'm losing him, because I'm definitely not... but thing will definitely be different! 

These are two major events happening within days of each other and I'm hoping I can just cope with it all while being away from my family, home, and friends. 

I'm also realizing how different/sad it's going to be to leave some things behind... like...

My CNA job- I never thought I'd care for these Residents like I do. I haven't even gathered up the courage to mention it to them. Some may not care, but I know a few will; at least I hope so. Not only am I going to miss my residents, but my coworkers and management are seriously INCREDIBLE. I've never met so many great people in one setting. Whenever you think of a owner of something in this field (at least for me anyway) I pictured a money hungry selfish family. But boy, was I proved wrong. The owner of my facility is one of the most genuine people I've ever met! 

My family- Speaking of great people, my family is amazing. I may be a little biased, but for being polar opposites we all get along pretty well. I don't know what I'm going to do without...

Grandma and I's talks. Along with her impeccable ability to pick out produce (I know that may sound silly, but I'm in love with fruits and veggies, and she just gets it!) She has been such a huge influence on me in my life, and I don't know what I'll do without her constant encouragement. 

Grandpa's ability to fix things. Although he is so tired of fixing things, its his talent. I don't know what I'll do without him. Luckily, he has taught me things I will need away from home. Plus, he is so good he could tell me how to fix anything over the phone. I also am truly going to miss his sense of humor. Not a lot of people get his sense of humor... but boy... he is one funny man.

Joshy's humor. The difference between Joshy and Grandpa's humor, is that anyone and everyone laughs at whatever Josh says. I've accused my sister of laughing at him for the stupidest reasons (like when he isn't even trying to be funny). Josh is one of the best people I've ever met. You know how you pass a homeless person on the street without thinking about it? Josh is not like that. He'll stop and chat with the homeless person, give him the cash in his pocket. 

Alysia's sense of style. What am I going to do without being able to have her come over and say 'What should I wear?' She is a fashion queen. I absolutely love getting her help style, decor, and fitness. It will also be a bummer when I realize that I actually have to start taking pictures if I want them, because my sister-who-should-be-a-photographer isn't there to take them for me!

Jess and I's medical conversations (even though we drive everyone nuts). We seriously could talk for hours about blood, guts, and cells. (although, he is working on his bachelors right now and he surpassed my level. I'll catch up though ;)) 

Sophie- I JUST WILL MISS MY PUPPY OK?

Braxton's Family- I've become closer than expected to this family over the past year! I'm going to miss card games, family night, and halloween marathons with them! 

My Ward- Even though they may believe I am inactive now (which I'm not, so STOP... I just work EVERY sunday of my life). My ward is so great and I just can't imagine not having those few people who are like second families.

Well enough with the mushy stuff. Lets talk shopping! I have nearly got everything for college and I couldn't be more relieved! Her is a preview of my future-apartment!

This is my comforter, thank you target for helping me love my future bed. Seriously though... this was only $20!
I have never been so excited to buy such silly things... like- tupperware, hangers, pillow, sheets, and laundry baskets.

but I guess thats growing for ya!


anyways, see ya later.

Dear Elder Bowden....

So my best friend in the entire world got his mission call this week and I truly couldn't be prouder of his decision to go on a mission...
Anyway, Brax got his call to Reno, Nevada. He leaves August 21 to the Provo MTC.

He couldn't be anymore excited. Brax got everything he asked for:

• He didn't want to go foreign, he was actually praying for something like Idaho. (he got the next best thing)
   
• He didn't want to speak a different language.
   
• He wanted to leave before September.

People keep asking him if he's bummed about  not going very far away from home, but he honestly couldn't be happier.
plus, letters are going to be so fast. That's a huge plus.
p.s. when I move down for school and he is in Reno, we'll only be 535ish miles away from each other. <3