a marvelous work

[disclaimer: sometimes i speak in third person or speak to myself. do not be alarmed, it is only a minor quirk.]

kandis has had a tough time lately.

at this time in her life, the majority of her good friends are either on an lds mission, or are leaving on one in the next couple of months.

i have always thought missionary work is a powerful, important thing. and it is. but the past few days i've had a lot of thoughts like: "i really wish i could talk to him right now" or "what on earth am i going to do when you leave also?" or "good luck! i'll see you in two years...i hope." and "okay, that was fun...my friends can all come home now."

i was doing so good for a few weeks, but with one little setback i have complained, cried, missed zach and my other friends immensely, and let myself get bitter lately about the whole thing. i know, i've been really selfish. so in yet another selfish act, i am writing this blog for myself.

here ya go kandis.

first and foremost...why?
why! WHY? WHY!?

why? this is a dangerous question to ask, but fortunately i've always known the answer, i just have to remind myself of it from time to time. Elder Russel M. Nelson even said, "sometimes we need to remind ourselves why we have missionaries." well, what it really comes down to is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true, and it changes lives, and the whole point of missionary work is to bring the truth to the Lord's children so they can receive the blessings that come from it. Elder Nelson answers the "why?" with "because the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness." he also says "missionaries serve to make life better for God's children."

according to the missionary handbook preach my gospel, missionaries are called to represent Jesus Christ. they are to invite others to come unto Jesus Christ.

at the temple today, i was sitting waiting to be confirmed when i looked up and saw this picture right in front of me.

staring into Prophet Joseph's face, everything came back into perspective for me as i thought about all the sacrifices he made in his earthly life for the salvation of others.

the truth of the gospel brings so many blessings into my life and is the reason i am happy, the reason i can make it through any trial, the reason my life is worth living. other people deserve the truth also.

so chin up, kandis. you have some amazing friends doing an amazing thing, and you are blessed to know them.

they're becoming better people, i'm becoming a better person, and people's lives are being impacted.

so it's a win-win-win situation, really.

-kandi