One Year Ago...

I've been in a very reflective mood all day and was thinking how one year ago today, my Heavenly Father gave me a 2nd Christmas gift of eternal significance. He prompted my bishop to have the Elders put me in touch with the only Sister missionaries in the area. One year ago today I met with my Hermanas for the very first time... Little did I know when I first welcomed Hermana Schroeppel and Hermana Coleman into my home and my life, just how much things would change.

One year ago, I attended church a couple times a month and wasn’t really “there”…

Now, I may go to two wards in a single day and enjoy what I learn.

One year ago, I had not even begun to understand the Atonement…
            Now, I can barely comprehend how I ever lived without applying it in my life.

One year ago, I had no idea when I would be ready to be re-baptized.

Now, I delight in taking the Sacrament each week to renew the baptismal covenants I made on September 3^rd.

One year ago, I would have laughed at the idea of myself serving a mission…

Now, I am counting down the days ‘til I can apply for permission to serve, and I take every opportunity I get to help the Sisters with the work.

One year ago, I thought losing weight was impossible…
            Now, I have lost over 20% of my body weight.

One year ago, I had barely opened my scriptures a dozen times outside of church…

Now, I’ve read the Book of Mormon 3 times this year and am starting to make my own connections between the scriptures.

One year ago, I thought learning a language was beyond me…

Ahora, yo encontrar gozo en aprendiendo y estudiando español.

Twelve months seems so long and so short at the same time. I feel like I have lived several lifetimes in the last year; it doesn’t seem possible that so much can be lived in such a short time.

This life truly is a gift from God and I testify that it works best when we follow the instruction book that came with the gift.