“Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy... With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light." -- Marvin J. Ashton, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign, May 1986, 66
I love taking the sacrament. Today I got to take it twice when I visited another ward after my own, and I was reminded what a precious ordinance it is. Every week we have the opportunity to reflect on our lives, recognize our mistakes and weaknesses and commit anew to be better and stronger and happier the next week. We get a fresh start plus a little extra reminder to help us keep the promises we made when we were baptized.
I love people! And I saw so many that I love at church today. It is amazing to me how you just connect with some people and even though you may not see them for years, you love them more than ever and talk like you were never apart. I love that. Another side of that is how you can connect so quickly with some people that it feels like you’ve known each other for years. I’m telling you, the pre-existence must have been such a party!
Sunshine. Real actual rays from the sun that pushed through even the thickest grey, French clouds, to warm both body and spirit.
Missionary work rocks. How amazing it is that I am a member of the true church of Jesus Christ where every person who has or ever will live has their own opportunity to partake of the blessings of His great plan and atoning sacrifice? Awesome! And there are so many people from so many different places here that have no idea; they are seeking fulfillment in their lives but don’t know where to look. Civilian missionary work is so cool. I have so much more freedom to go wherever and built relationships to help people learn of the gospel truths. And there’s no fear or obligation involved, it’s just part of who I am, and I get to share it: )
Flirting with boys makes me happy. Most of that has been done at long distance since I got here (which is ok cuz he’s worth it!). Though I’ve met a few decent guys, generally speaking, people are very distant here. But I already have common ground with the boys at church. It really does me so much good to flirt! I’m sure most of you are rolling your eyes and shaking your heads, but seriously, I think it is really emotionally healthy to flirt with the opposite sex every so often. It makes you feel confident and pretty. It gives you an opportunity to laugh and smile, and make another person smile too. Girls need to feel pretty. Guys need to feel confident. A little innocent flirtation accomplishes that. I think even marriages would be happier if you just flirted a little more with your spouse. As for follow-through… I leave that to personal discretion. I won’t be doing much since they’re all so young, but I’ll keep flirting:)
Families are the heart and soul of everything good in this world, and the greatest witness to the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have re-found so many wonderful families here. The kids have grown, and a few more have joined the troupe. Others have grown up and left to start their own families. I know they all have their struggles and frustrations, but they are coming to church and teaching their children to love God and each other, and they show it in their every action. And on top of all that, they love and include me, so that even a million miles from home, I am with family.
Plants are fascinating to me. There is something about seeing something grow, expand and change that gives me so much hope for each day. I love ma petite plante. (Shout out to my weed babysitter in Florida: thank you Hannah for keeping my plants alive. Someday that dang orchid will bloom again!)
Sleep is a beautiful thing. I used to get away with 4-6 hours in Florida. There was just so much to do, I just kept going! (Mind you, that’s also how I ended up miserably sick in bed for a week…) Anyway, here, my body simply won’t let me do that. If I get less than 8 hours a might, my body will crash. Example: I worked early every day this week. I also went out with friends 3 times (a new record). Well, Friday night I had three different invitations and had every intention to go out. I sat down on my bed for a few minutes to relax before, and the next thing I know, it was 2 am. I passed out cold, fully dressed, with the lights on and Jason Mraz crooning from my laptop. Apparently I was tired! I also took a 3-hour nap today, so my body is much happier with me now. Yay for Sunday naps :)
I love people! And I saw so many that I love at church today. It is amazing to me how you just connect with some people and even though you may not see them for years, you love them more than ever and talk like you were never apart. I love that. Another side of that is how you can connect so quickly with some people that it feels like you’ve known each other for years. I’m telling you, the pre-existence must have been such a party!
Sunshine. Real actual rays from the sun that pushed through even the thickest grey, French clouds, to warm both body and spirit.
Missionary work rocks. How amazing it is that I am a member of the true church of Jesus Christ where every person who has or ever will live has their own opportunity to partake of the blessings of His great plan and atoning sacrifice? Awesome! And there are so many people from so many different places here that have no idea; they are seeking fulfillment in their lives but don’t know where to look. Civilian missionary work is so cool. I have so much more freedom to go wherever and built relationships to help people learn of the gospel truths. And there’s no fear or obligation involved, it’s just part of who I am, and I get to share it: )
Flirting with boys makes me happy. Most of that has been done at long distance since I got here (which is ok cuz he’s worth it!). Though I’ve met a few decent guys, generally speaking, people are very distant here. But I already have common ground with the boys at church. It really does me so much good to flirt! I’m sure most of you are rolling your eyes and shaking your heads, but seriously, I think it is really emotionally healthy to flirt with the opposite sex every so often. It makes you feel confident and pretty. It gives you an opportunity to laugh and smile, and make another person smile too. Girls need to feel pretty. Guys need to feel confident. A little innocent flirtation accomplishes that. I think even marriages would be happier if you just flirted a little more with your spouse. As for follow-through… I leave that to personal discretion. I won’t be doing much since they’re all so young, but I’ll keep flirting:)
Families are the heart and soul of everything good in this world, and the greatest witness to the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have re-found so many wonderful families here. The kids have grown, and a few more have joined the troupe. Others have grown up and left to start their own families. I know they all have their struggles and frustrations, but they are coming to church and teaching their children to love God and each other, and they show it in their every action. And on top of all that, they love and include me, so that even a million miles from home, I am with family.
Plants are fascinating to me. There is something about seeing something grow, expand and change that gives me so much hope for each day. I love ma petite plante. (Shout out to my weed babysitter in Florida: thank you Hannah for keeping my plants alive. Someday that dang orchid will bloom again!)
Sleep is a beautiful thing. I used to get away with 4-6 hours in Florida. There was just so much to do, I just kept going! (Mind you, that’s also how I ended up miserably sick in bed for a week…) Anyway, here, my body simply won’t let me do that. If I get less than 8 hours a might, my body will crash. Example: I worked early every day this week. I also went out with friends 3 times (a new record). Well, Friday night I had three different invitations and had every intention to go out. I sat down on my bed for a few minutes to relax before, and the next thing I know, it was 2 am. I passed out cold, fully dressed, with the lights on and Jason Mraz crooning from my laptop. Apparently I was tired! I also took a 3-hour nap today, so my body is much happier with me now. Yay for Sunday naps :)
A good haircut can change the world! I have a great haircut, thanks to a great stylist back in Orlando (woohoo Emily!). In fact, I have had many great haircuts over the past year, mostly because when I need a change, I get a haircut! But haircuts are expensive here, and I want to grow my hair out a little. Sadly, the wind and humidity here have not been kind to my hair, and I haven’t really felt pretty – at all – since I got here. I know, lame. Anyway, last night I cut myself some bangs. It may seem like a simple thing, but it changed things just enough to help me feel downright sassy today. I’m telling you, the right haircut can make a world of difference, and even a little change is a great thing.
I am not alone. Isn’t it strange how one can feel so alone in a city of millions? I have a wonderful family I still talk to regularly. I have so many awesome friends who write me notes and keep me going. And even here, I am reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. But in the midst of all that, I am alone a lot more than I ever have been before. I am starved for in-depth, personal, long conversation – one of my favorite things ever. I am worn down from trying to communicate in several different languages, deciphering the bizarre realm that is working in France, and trying to please everyone. It’s exhausting! And at the end of the day I find myself on my own with my Grey’s Anatomy men, and my daydreams of home. But today at church I felt so much love I couldn’t stop smiling! And as I listened to my Sunday songs while preparing dinner, a song spoke the simplest words, but they seemed to step straight into my heart and radiate from the inside out. I stopped where I was, just listened and cried. He loves me, He knows me, and I am where I am supposed to be. I have so much light in my life. I will receive the blessings he has promised me, and I will be able to share these lessons with my own companion and children someday. I’m not alone. My prayers are always heard. I just have to hold on, the light will come.
I am not alone. Isn’t it strange how one can feel so alone in a city of millions? I have a wonderful family I still talk to regularly. I have so many awesome friends who write me notes and keep me going. And even here, I am reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. But in the midst of all that, I am alone a lot more than I ever have been before. I am starved for in-depth, personal, long conversation – one of my favorite things ever. I am worn down from trying to communicate in several different languages, deciphering the bizarre realm that is working in France, and trying to please everyone. It’s exhausting! And at the end of the day I find myself on my own with my Grey’s Anatomy men, and my daydreams of home. But today at church I felt so much love I couldn’t stop smiling! And as I listened to my Sunday songs while preparing dinner, a song spoke the simplest words, but they seemed to step straight into my heart and radiate from the inside out. I stopped where I was, just listened and cried. He loves me, He knows me, and I am where I am supposed to be. I have so much light in my life. I will receive the blessings he has promised me, and I will be able to share these lessons with my own companion and children someday. I’m not alone. My prayers are always heard. I just have to hold on, the light will come.
Yay for Sundays! They are always great, but especially here and now, today was a beautiful blessing. Sunday was made to power you up for the rest of the week. Mission accomplished :)
4 comments:
We are glad you're so happy, Amy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)
I miss Amy.
I miss you too! Yay for sunday sunshine and Amys:)
I love how candid you are about said boy in your blogs.
And I don't know what to do about your weed. I am still keeping it and the other bush alive. (Bush meaning the one in the front room under the tv.)
Glad that Sunday Sunshine was so good for you. LOVE YOU!
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