"If You Want Me To"

This is one of my absolute favourite songs. The thing is, I had completely forgotten about it until the other day when it started running through my head! "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens has such a beautiful and encouraging message. Not only does it apply to everyone dealing with difficulties in their lives, but it also puts into perspective the attitude of our Saviour Jesus Christ. He was humble and submitted to his father's will, having faith that everything would work out. I hope we can each try a little harder to have this same outlook each time we are faced with a trial. <3 

Mission Call Vid.

Sooo here's the youtube link to my mission call opening video! Thanks to my wonderful father for compiling this lovely little movie! :D 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM-a8s1XnPM

Fight the New Drug / Mission Open House

So church today was a little bit different... BUT in a great way. For the second and third blocks, instead of Sunday school and Relief Society/Priesthood we had a two hour presentation on the dangers of pornography. All the youth and adults were invited to attend and I'm so glad that this was something that our ward took part in!
The instructor worked in line with 'Fight the New Drug'. A company that is striving to shut down the pornography industry by spreading the facts about the addictive problem.
He had of course altered his presentation to fit within church policy.
I don't know what else to say about it other than it was extremely eye opening and helpful!
I would encourage everyone to take a look at the website connected to the link below.

 http://www.fightthenewdrug.org/#get-the-facts

Book of Mormon challenge complete!

Twenty three days ago, two days after receiving my call, I made a deal with my cousin Justin Walker (he got his call to Las Vegas on the same day as me!)  We set a goal to read the Book of Mormon in 20 days as part of our mission preparation. Well amid the crazy things going on in my life I fell a few days behind, but as of today (day 23) I have once again finished reading my favourite book in the world.
Now I know people say it's important to read the Book of Mormon slowly so you can study it more deeply as you go, and I totally agree with that! Although, I have also found that in reading it quickly there is a different opportunity to learn and gain understanding of it. When I read it faster, it helps me to link the stories and time line together better. I find it easier to connect the individuals and families relations together, as well as form a better picture of the Book of Mormon as a whole in my mind! I love it!
Anyways, this book is just amazing. It is full of truth, light, and all things relatable to our day in age. I know it is the word of God and that Joseph Smith translated it by our Heavenly Father's power. Most importantly, I am beyond excited to share the message of this special book with those who are in search of greater light and truth in their own lives.

Visiting Grandpa

Today my brother and I drove down to Calgary to pick our parents up at the airport. It was a beautiful Sunday and before heading home we stopped at the cemetery to visit grandpa.
I never met him but he is dear to my heart and I know he must've been an amazing man to raise someone as wonderful as my father!
I'm so grateful we took the opportunity to go and say 'hi' before moving once again and leaving on my mission. I know that Grandpa John will be by my side as I serve my mission just as he was by my dad's side on his. <3

I Love to See the Temple

From the time I was a little thing in primary I can remember singing the song "I Love to See the Temple". The teachings of parents, teachers, and leaders helped to make the lyrics of this song a goal in my life at a very young age. "I'll go inside someday. I'll covenant with my father; I'll promise to obey." This is what I always wanted to do!

Well yesterday I had the opportunity to turn that childhood dream into a reality. Entering the Lords holy temple was truly the most special and memorable moment of my life up to this point. The peace and comfort I felt was indescribable and I knew it was truly a house of God.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my family right now!  For my amazing little brother who has such a strong testimony and desire to serve and help people, for my amazing parents, for the way they raised me, and for the way they have taught and supported me in the gospel throughout my life. I'm grateful that my parents were married in the temple and I know that because they were, we are a forever family; sealed together for time and all eternity. Most importantly, I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for his true church upon the earth today.

 The Lovely Lyrics :) 

The beautiful Cardston Temple

I love to see the temple.

I'm going there someday

To feel the Holy Spirit,

To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,

A place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young;

This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.

I'll go inside someday.

I'll cov'nant with my Father;

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a holy place

Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth:

A fam'ly is forever.

We'll Bring The World His Truth

Felt the spirit so strong today... and bawled my eyes out in the car when this song started playing! haha.
...This mission prep stuff is making me a real crier.
To all who are preparing to serve; this song is about you! Pretty cool right?
I love it <3

Take a listen !
http://www.allmusic.com/song/well-bring-the-world-his-truth-army-of-helaman-mt0049476852

O Canada

So I was thinking today about how grateful I am to have been born and raised in such an amazing country. I was also thinking how grateful I am to be able to serve a mission in that same country!

 This past Sunday the congregation sang O Canada as the opening hymn to our sacrament meeting. It really is like a hymn so I thought I would post the lyrics. They are so beautiful! Most people know, or have at least heard the first verse in which the chorus is established, asking God to "keep our land, glorious and free". The following three verses are a further tribute to this beautiful country and the fourth in particular is fully directed to our Heavenly Father. <3

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land, glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee;
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow!
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!
The land of hope for all who toil,
The true North strong and free!
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies,
May Stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise.
To keep thee steadfast thro’ the years,
From East to Western sea.
Our own beloved native land,
Our true North strong and free!
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion, in thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in thee,
A lasting rich reward.
As waiting for the better day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

         

The Real Deal :D

Dear Sister Jensen:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Canada Toronto mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Enlish language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.

I have been waiting to read those words my whole life and here they are on a piece of paper with my name on it!!!

My family was working in the yard again this morning when we got a call from the post office. You would've though I was trying to fly if you'd seen me jumping up and down and flapping my hands when my mom announced "It's a good day to check the mail!" haha... I was a little excited.

The hardest part was the waiting. Waiting two hours to finish the yard work before going to the mailbox and waiting until 5:00 to open it with family and friends. But really, what's a few hours compared to 37 days (plus my whole life) of waiting for the call to actually arrive?? :)

I had no idea where I was going to go before I opened that big white beautiful envelope, but let me tell ya; when I read 'Toronto' it felt right. I basically cried my whole way through reading it aloud... and then cried a lot after I had finished too. The spirit was so strong and I know that Toronto is where I'm supposed to go! Mission calls are divinely inspired. The Lord calls you to the area He needs you most and I feel that I have been called with a purpose; To help others come unto Christ and to recieve the joy of the gospel.
I look forward to meeting all of the people that I am meant to help, as well as all the people who are meant to help me!

Me and my fam-jam...We're super excited! 

Just to end this blog entry I figure should express all the deep down feelings I'm containing about my call right now: 

I'M GOING TO TORONTO!!!!!!!! :D AHHHHHHHH!!!! Words cannot even express my feelings right now. PLUS I report the day after my 19th BIRTHDAY!! <3 

Happy Canada Day!

Today has been the most beautiful day! My family and I woke up to this cheerful flag on our lawn this morning flapping in the AB breeze. (The scouts do a fundraiser every year where you "buy" a flag and they will place it on your lawn each holiday.) 
There was plenty of yard work to be done and my mom made a rhubarb/custard pie in honour of the red and white. It was DELICIOUS! 
Luckily all of this helped to keep my mind off the fact that the post office was closed today... haha. I have been waiting exactly 5 weeks for my call! I must be in need of a little more patience. :)
I'm crossing my fingers it's there tomorrow though! If it's not I might cry. If it is... I'll still cry... for joy of course!
Oh dear.