Was that MY voice?!?

To preface today's post I want to write a little bit about who the Holy Ghost is. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost). He does not have a body but he is one of God's spirit children. He plays many roles in our lives. He comforts, teaches, bares witness of truth, cleanses, warns us of danger, and so much more.

For the sake of simplicity and me actually being able to write this post, we'll use one specific example from my own life about when I felt the Holy Ghost influencing me.

Once upon a time I was out running. I planned out my run so it would take about an hour, but I left a lot later than I had originally planned so it was already dark about half an hour into my run. The trail I was running was mostly lit, but not always. Now I was running in Eagle, Idaho, a tiny little town that's extremely safe. I had never before felt like I was in any danger there. This time however, I was coming up on one particularly dark stretch of trail covered by some trees. Creepy, right? I was running along feeling fine when I suddenly jerked to a stop. I literally could not run any farther. I wasn't out of breath, my legs felt fine, but I could not make myself move forward. I wanted to run my full hour but something inside me was telling me to turn around and run home.

Question of the Day: Was that me or the Holy Ghost?

Now, let's evaluate. From one view point this could have been my body's natural fight-or-flight defense system kicking in, telling me that running in the dark wasn't the safest idea and maybe I shouldn't take my chances. But from another view point I thought something else had to have been guiding me. (Admittedly this is an extreme example, but hey, go big or go home right?)

Ok, I know you all are on the edge of your chairs with your noses an inch away from the computer screen. I'll let the suspense go. I turned around and ran home. Nothing happened and I was completely safe.

But anyway! When I got home I had time to think, "why did I receive that prompting? Was I being silly and scared? Or was there a real reason that I had to turn around?"

This seems to be the question of the dispensation! If you've never questioned whether a thought was your own brain making it up or an actual prompting from the Holy Ghost then I would like to meet you and learn all of your secrets to life and the universe.

"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny Him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

Moroni 7: 13, 15-17

Ok, Moroni, enough with the run on sentences. Let's break this down.

How To Tell if That Thought Was You or The Holy Ghost:
(According to Moroni)

1. Will the results of the thought/action be good?
2. Will the thought result in service?
3. Is the thought inviting you to make the right choice?
4. Will the thought lead to any kind of happiness?
5. Does the thought lead you to Christ?
6. Does the thought lead away from Satan or anything he supports?
7. Does the thought feel good?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, most likely, that thought was from the spirit!

Bottom line: If the thought was positive, it was from God. If the thought was negative, it was probably Satan. If the thought was about how you could really go for some ice cream right now, it was probably from me.

So, using my example, the thought I had to turn around and run home was probably the Spirit. I'll never know if there was actually any danger waiting around the dark corner, but I'm happier knowing that I was 100% sure of my safety by turning around and running home.

"The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither 'loud' nor 'harsh.' It is 'not a voice of thunder, neither...voice of a great tumultuous noise.' but rather, 'a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,' and it can 'pierce even to the very soul' and 'cause [the heart] to burn.' Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a 'still small voice.' 

"The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. (No wonder that the Word of Wisdom was revealed to us, for how could the drunkard or the addict feel such a voice?) 

"Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, 'Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.'"

President Boyd K. Packer

My New Guardian Angel

On Monday, June 2nd, 2014, I received an email informing me that my grandpa on my dad's side had passed away that morning.

It was a beautiful day. Despite the tears and the sense of loss and longing I felt oddly comforted knowing I had gained a brand new guardian angel.

George Steve Sparhawk. The only way I can think to describe him is through my personal memories of him. I can remember countless boat shows and boating trips on many a sail boat and kayak. I can remember picking up the phone and being asked "Am I talking to a pretty girl? It sounds like I'm talking to a pretty girl!!" 

Before I left on my mission my family and I took a trip out to South Dakota to visit him and when we drove up in the mini van he teetered out onto the front lawn with his cane greeting us with his usual enthusiasm. During that visit I was allowed to take his sky blue '67 Mercedes Benz out for a short test drive. A few days later when we were packing up to leave he promised me that when I came home from my mission he would take me out on a real joy ride in the Mercedes.

After I left on my mission, I had been out for about 2 months when I got this picture in an email. My grandpa and his wife were baptized! And my little brother got to baptize them! It was the sweetest email I had ever received on my mission. 

The morning he passed away I was compelled to study the Plan of Salvation from Preach My Gospel. It was so comforting and strengthened my testimony that families are forever. I was also comforted knowing that my grandpa had made essential covenants in this life and that those covenants would allow him to live with our Heavenly Father again.

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my grandpa is in the spirit world making everyone laugh and helping others come to Christ. He loved the gospel and he loved the missionaries he got to work with. I know that I will see him again and that he won't be held down by the diseases that held back his mortal body in this life.

I know that he will be with me for the rest of my mission. He will be here to comfort me and encourage me when I need it. And I am eternally grateful for that.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Today I want to share a few of my favorite things with you all. Some of these things are big deals that make all of life's trials worth going through and some of them are those little things in life that make every day a little sweeter.

Scriptures

Some people say life didn't come with an Instructions Manual, I would beg to differ. This is my Book of Life Instruction. Also known as The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. These four books of scripture make up the teachings of Jesus Christ, an account of His personal ministry, and revelation given to prophets throughout all time.

I have had this book since I was 8 years old! It was a gift to me when I was baptized. As you can see, this book has been well loved and well picked through. And I have yet to be disappointed! Whenever I have a question about anything I know I can turn to the scriptures and find doctrine to instruct me, examples from Christ's life that I can try to exemplify, and stories of prophets to inspire me to become a better disciple of Christ.

Sharing the Gospel

Have you ever recommended a favorite book or movie to someone? I know that when I discover a new favorite flavor of ice cream I want to make sure the whole world knows about it! When something brings you so much joy and so many blessings, what do you have to lose by sharing that joy with others? 

Ice Cream

Because how else am I supposed to keep cool during a hot Arizona summer day?

Temples

One of my favorite hymns is titled "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" Whenever I think about temples this song pops up in my mind. I know that temples are houses of the Lord, I know that being in the temple has given me so many opportunities for personal revelation and learning, I know that in the temple I can someday be sealed to my future husband (whoever he may be!) for time and all eternity. In the temple I can feel peace and I can feel close to the Lord.

Prayer

When I need advice, revelation, peace, comfort, or just some one to be there for me, I know I can turn directly to my Heavenly Father. Being able to communicate with my Creator has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life and has also helped me celebrate some of the best times of my life.

"But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
2 Nephi 32:9

Puppies

Honestly, who wouldn't have this on their list of favorite things?

Family

Last but far from least on my list of favorite things is my family. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today if I hadn't had my family to support me. I am so comforted knowing that we can be a family not only for this life but for eternity after this life! And I am so excited to someday have my own family, I only hope and pray that I can be half as good an example to my children as my mom and dad were to me.

Happy Mother's Day!

With only two days until Mother's Day, missionaries around the world are buzzing and getting ready to do something we only get to do twice a year.

Call our families!

When people find out we can only talk to our families on Christmas and Mother's Day the first question out of their mouths is... why Mother's Day? Why not on Father's Day or Easter or Birthdays?

I want to dedicate this blog post to why I'm so glad I get to call my family on Mother's Day!

My mom is AWESOME!!

We're also pretty dang cute.

Here's a short list of just a few of the things my mom has done for me:

Given me an example of pure love

Shown me how to follow promptings from the Spirit

Taught me how important being healthy is

Stayed cool when I told her about the dumb things I've done

Forgiven me countless times

Curled my hair for me when I was little

Let me curl her hair for her when I was older

Didn't make me eat the foods I didn't like (usually)

Given me an example of the kind of wife and mother I want to be someday

(I guess she always wears sunglasses?)

Anyway.... before I overwhelm you with the level of amazing that my mother has achieved, let me tell you that the best thing my mom has ever done for me is that she raised me in the church.

She gave me the example of attending church every week, living the commandments, loving Christ and the Atonement, and fulfilling every calling given to her.

This Sunday, do something to show your mom that you love her and that you appreciate everything she did and still does for you.

I love you Mom!!!

Check out this video that the church made to celebrate moms everywhere!

Love,

Sister Sparhawk

Change Is Good!!

The inevitable part of serving a mission is the fact that there will be lots of changes. You will change. The areas you serve in will change. Even the people you know back home will change (on a completely unrelated note, I saw a picture of my brother on Facebook today and I didn't recognize him, so that was just great).

Change is pretty much a universal fear among the human family. But sometimes it's exactly what you need!

One of the changes that will happen on a mission is transfers. Every 6 weeks a new transfer begins. There are two things that can happen to you during a transfer, either you stay in the same area or you get transferred to a new one. I survived four whole transfers in the same area. It was the biggest blessing of my life! I have spent the past six months in the Highgroves YSA ward. It feels like home. But as the next transfer came creeping up I could feel a change coming. I have been called to serve in a family ward in Apache Junction, Arizona!

This change is hard. Highgroves is home, I have made so many wonderful friends here, and I have learned a lot about myself and how to be a member of the church when I get home from my mission.

But I know that I am going to learn so much in my new area! I know that the knowledge and experiences I have gained in Highgroves will bless me and help me in my work in the Ocotillo ward. I know that Heavenly Father called me to my new ward because there are people I need to meet and things I need to do there.

So thank you Highgroves. Thank you for all the fun times and opportunities to grow. See you on the flip side!

Ocotillo ward, you better be ready, because this sister missionary is ready to take on Apache Junction.

When things change, don't worry. That's how Heavenly Father works. He knows what is best for you and He has a plan for you. Trust in Him and rely on Him in everything that you do.

Love,

Sister Sparhawk

Where Did I Come From? Why Am I Here? Where Am I Going?

Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? If you or someone you love has ever asked any of these questions then this is the blog post for you!

I am so blessed to have a knowledge of the plan Heavenly Father has for me! It's all thanks to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I know that I have a purpose in life.

And your Heavenly Father has a plan for YOU too! As His children, God wants the best for us and has set us up for success in this life. I have such a strong testimony that God has organized this life and our experience here to lead us back to Him.

But first of all: where did we come from?? Well, we lived with Heavenly Father before this life. He created us as His spirit children and we dwelt with Him. But... we didn't have bodies. God has a body and He wanted us to be just like Him so we could enjoy all the blessings and experiences that He does.

So God had Jesus Christ create the Earth and place Adam and Eve on it. Adam and Eve, at that point, were still in God's presence. They were in total innocence. But eventually Satan tempted them to sin and they were cast out of God's presence. Because of this their bodies became mortal and subject to pain and disease. But they could have children and experience happiness and progress.

But that leads to why WE are here!!

"Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25

Men are that they might have joy!! Doesn't it make you happy just to know that the reason you exist is to be happy?? When I think about my purpose in life and know that God wants me to be as happy as possible I think about all the experiences I've had in my life, both bad and good, and know that all those experiences happened so I can be happy.

So HOW can we be happy in this life? Obviously we are all imperfect and experience less-than-happy things during this life time. But I know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can find true joy in this life. Because of the sacrifice that Christ made for all of God's children, you can be wiped clean of all mistakes, all pain, all heartache, and experience true and everlasting joy.

So now that we've covered this life, where do we go after this? We go to the spirit world! We are waiting for Christ to come again and after we experience physical death we go to a waiting place until the Second Coming (when Christ comes to the Earth for a second time).

"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubes and from all care, and sorrow."
Alma 40:12

When Christ comes again we will all be resurrected! It is an amazing gift we are promised, that our bodies and our spirits will be reunited again. Because Christ overcame physical death for us, we will be able to live again with the same body we have now except it will be glorified and perfected, like God's body.

We are all promised this gift of immortality, and depending on how we used our time in this life, we may be granted the gift of eternal life. If we followed the gospel of Jesus Christ by having faith and repenting, being baptized and confirmed, and enduring to the end we will be permitted to live with our Heavenly Father once again in the celestial kingdom!

I know that I want to live with God again. When I think about being able to be in His presence I know that I would do anything to receive that gift. And I have come to know that that gift is available to me and to everyone on the Earth who is willing to put in the work for it.

I am so grateful for this plan that Heavenly Father has for me. I know that through keeping the commandments, learning about and following my Savior, and sharing the good word I can live with God again someday and experience eternal happiness.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: ye shall have eternal life."
2 Nephi 31:20

Here's my family, enjoy. I'm glad I get to be with this crazy bunch forever :)

Love,
Sister Sparhawk

What Really Made Me Decide To Go On A Mission?

Ok everybody, we're about to get candid. You're about to get the inside scoop on how I got to where I am right now!

As missionaries we get asked how we decided to come on a mission ALL THE TIME. Here's the full story with all the details in all their glory. Enjoy.

Let me tell you a story about the moment that changed my life forever...even though I didn't realize it until months later.

October of 2012. I was living in Rexburg, going to school, enjoying life, and making plans for my future. It the first weekend of October and I was sitting in my living room with all my room mates watching General Conference. We had all settled in ready to hear the prophet and apostles impart great wisdom upon us.

Then it happened.

The prophet, Thomas S. Monson, in his routine "Welcome to Conference" address stated; "I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men... will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19.... As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."

Something inside me stirred.

It was shocked silence in between me and room mates at that moment. We looked at each other and listened to the audible gasp that resonated within the conference center straight through the TV. One of my room mates was about to get married, another already had her mission call to Taiwan and was leaving in a few weeks. But two of my room mates and I were under 21 and visibly shaken by this announcement. (Spoiler Alert! All three of us are on missions or have a mission call now!)

President Monson cheerfully carried on with his address as if he hadn't just changed the history of the church forever, meanwhile I had to leave my living room and call my mom so I could cry for some reason unbeknownst to me (the Spirit!).

The weird thing was... I had never wanted to serve a mission. It had never been on the table for me. My plan went something like this: graduate from high school, go to college, get my degree in five years (take a year off to travel), get engaged sometime during my senior year, get married right after graduating, get a career started, have kids, live happily ever after. Seems like a good plan, right? Well, Heavenly Father had something entirely different in store for me.

I went on through the rest of the semester thinking about why President Monson decided on that moment, when I was 18, to change the age requirement for sister missionaries. But I got busy, you know, school stuff, and that stirring left me. I went home for Christmas break entirely intending on coming back for the Spring semester.

Boy, was I wrong!

I got home, got a job, got all settled in. I was living the life in Boise! But there was always that little something tugging at the back of my mind.

Finally, February of 2013 I needed to put an end to my questioning. I needed to know what I was going to do for the next step in my life.

Fast forward through days of fasting and prayer

"Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth." Mosiah 23:10

Oh my Holy Nutella, I'm going on a mission!!!

Within a few months I had my school deferment, I had a doctor tell me I was healthy enough to serve in Africa (ha ha), I told my boss I would be leaving soon, and I had my wisdom teeth yanked out of my head! I was ready to go!

Fast forward a few weeks of overly stressed out impatient waiting.

Oh my French Fried Potato Chips! My mission call is sitting in my mail box!!!

Fast forward a few hours of waiting impatiently for everyone to be home from work and all the phone lines ready for friends and relatives.

"Ok, can everyone hear me? Are you recording? Ok, here I go.... (tearing open the envelope) Dear Sister Sparhawk: You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to serve in the Arizona Mesa Mission"

Clapping and cheers all around! Lots of tears on my part!!

(I have the video of me opening my call, don't ask for it, you won't get it.)

Oh my Chocolate Dipped Turkey Bowl!! I'm going to Mesa!!!!

(Yes, I'm just making these exclamations up as I sit here at the computer, don't judge.)

But really! I am being entirely honest with you when I say my initial reaction to being called to Mesa was pure joy. I knew that it was meant to be. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was where I needed to spend 18 months of my life. Satan tried to tell me that was a boring place to get called to, but he couldn't over power the happiness I felt for finally knowing where I belong!

And so commenced the shopping and packing and saying good byes!

(This is me and 3 of my best friends! Going from left to right we are serving in: Georgia, California, Arizona, and Honduras!)

Fast Forward these past 5 months...

These have been the best 5 months of my life! Also the hardest! I have been so blessed on my mission, and I'm still just getting started! I have met so many amazing people, made some great friends, grown exponentially, and hopefully made a small difference in the area that I am serving in.

I can't even begin to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for sending me to such a wonderful place. But for now I will settle with telling you that my life will absolutely be blessed for eternity because I listened to the Spirit and decided to serve.

I know that Heavenly Father loves and protects His missionaries. I know that He knows us all individually and places people and experiences in our lives to benefit us.

Love,
Sister Sparhawk