I am trying to focus on my Self Mastery in the next month in prep for my mission. Here is one of my favorite Devotional talks. I listened to this live at BYU-Idaho in March of 2013 and it's been my favorite since. It will not be a wasted 30 minutes and 55 seconds, I PROMISE. Please watch "Fear Not" by David C. Nielson (LINK: https://video.byui.edu/media/David+C.+Nielson+%22Fear+Not%22/0_lytfyigc).  I invite you to ponder on points that hit home for you. What gives you peace? What makes sense? Write it down and journal it!


Here's my list:
1) I am grateful for Scripture heroes and all the heroes in my life. There are MANY, some not even knowing their impact on my life
2) I can work harder to lighten others burdens
3) Everyone has a rough battle, love them through it
4) Realize my flaws
5) Follow the counsel I've been given, Read, Pray, Ponder, Don't Worry! 
6) I can find peace in the darkest of my hours
7) Things will take care of themselves if I live with faithful intent

There are much more lessons I took from this devo although it is getting too late for my brain to function. Once again, Please please PLEASE watch this video. Focus solely on the message and you will feel the meanings given and the importance of letting go of fear. 

xo,
(Future) Sister Bennett

Today has been a stomach wrenching, heartwarming, fuzzy feeling kind of day. I am at my 30 day mark. THIRTY DAYS. In one month, I will be tucked into bed at the Mexico CCM(MTC).  I will have kissed my father, mother, sister, three brothers, grandmas, friends and of course my dog Rex goodbye for 18 months, with faith that I will do what I need to do. I will willingly be giving up my time with them to do what my Lord would have me do. Is this scary? Yes. Am I scared? No. I have deeply contemplated my role as a missionary. I have firsthand seen the purpose of certain events in my life that have lead me to this point. Everything the Lord has placed in front of my was NOT always a part of my plan. Until I started college (grew up, a tad) and realized what I needed to succeed as  a Child of God, I was stuck in my own ways. I was stuck with my comfort zone, my ideas, possibly my own opinion and I was always right. Oh but I was wrong. 

One of my dearest friends names is Danielle Cook. Danielle has been a huge light of peace in my life, even when I have been blind-sighted in my own ways. She was my first roommate in college. We had many ups and downs, as does most roommates although through it all, I can still turn to her. My favorite thing about Danielle is that she can bring light and joy to any room. She constantly has a smile on her face and really believes that peace comes from Heavenly Father. One of the greatest lessons I learned from her in that short semester was how to let go of doubtful/fearful feelings. If I was having a rough day, Danielle was the first to notice and ask me "Are you ok?", she is so great at realizing others pains. She would follow this statement up by trying to calm me. She would take my hand and massage it and talk about certain aspects of my day that were negative. She would tell me to picture myself handing over that negative thought/sin/imperfection to the Lord. Danielle would wait patiently until I could actually picture myself doing so(Does that even make sense? lol) She is truly a treasure. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing this experience but I really took for granite these times. It has helped me lately get through my worries as well. Having only one month to go is nerve-wracking(Spelling?). It is so typical and almost inspired that she is leaving to Santiago, Chile exactly a month before me. She is the perfect person to pave the way into missionary work. I just love her and got to give her the biggest hug today. I wish I could put the hug in a time capsule and SAVE it. It was a tender mercy to see her and spend her final moments at home with her. See you in 18, hermana!

Whew! I finally figured out this blog thing. HA! Hola! I am Hermana (Sister) Bennett. Here are 10 random things  about me:


1) I am a silly and spontaneous and a lover of cheese and anything SPARKLY!
 2) I love to be in the service of others. 
3) I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I will soon be headed off to Guayaquil, Ecuador on a church based mission to teach others of the things that have brought me the most joy in my life. 
4) I am tall..about 5'10
5) I can bake the most delicious cookies
6) I love to laugh. 
7) I do not like to use plates.. with any meal.. I love bowls (Is that weird?)
8) I am a ham! I have a dry sense of humor like my father.
9) I work at a gym and workout at work.. That's a tongue twister!
10) I have eaten alligator..tastes like chicken!

LOOK! Now there are ten (and then some) new things that you probably didn't know about me 5 minutes ago. I created this blog to follow my journey to South America. I hope that I can make a difference in someone's life in Ecuador and maybe on this blog as well! My main goal for the next 18 months is to teach others that there is a Heavenly Father, He is OUR Heavenly Father and he has a great love for each and every one of his children. If I had one message to leave with someone, that would be it. 

I am so grateful to be strong and able to serve my Lord. Since I've made the decision to do so, I have found a great amount of surety that it is right for me and have grown a stronger love for El Libro De Mormón! If you would like a copy for yourself, go to this website! http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon 

Once I get a hang of this website, I will post more often and after August 28th, mi madre y hermana will post on my behalf! 

Love always,

Hermana Bennett