My Mission Call

Hello everyone I have some very, very exciting news! As of December 28, 2013 I received my mission call. As we (my mother, two of my sisters and their kids, and my third sister via Skype) all gathered around, my heart was pounding and I was sweating like crazy. I opened my letter and pulled out the sheet of paper which I knew contained my assignment. I began to read:

"Dear Sister Mims,

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 El Salvador San Salvador West/Belie Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months

You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, April 16, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language."

There is more to that but I want to point out something. "You are assigned to labor..." I love that! A mission is not an easy thing. You work a ton and at the end of the day your feet will hurt and you will be tired. Never the less, you will feel blessings like never before because you are serving. You are constantly serving the people of your assigned area, and you know "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," (Matthew 25:40). Although our main purpose as a missionary is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are also meant to serve. When Ammon went to teach the Lamanites and was taken captive by King Lamoni. When Lamoni began to ask him questions, he was very pleased with the answers he received enough to offer a daughter to Ammon. Of course, as any good missionary, Ammon refused this invitation. Ammon said "Nay, but I will be thy servant," (Alma 17:25). Ammon understood he was meant to be a servant among the people he was called to preach to, just like I am meant to be a servant to the people in El Salvador and Belize.

I want to leave my testimony, that I know that the true gospel has been restored to the earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is the true word of God and is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know the Plan of Salvation to be correct. I know through faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion by someone holding the proper Priesthood authority, and through the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost, I will stand before Christ in that last day and know I am home. In this I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, Amen.

Until the next time,

Sister Mims

You are Beautiful.

We all have those days (for some of us they turn into weeks or even months) when we just really don’t like ourselves. When we look in the mirror and see someone who is tired and distraught, someone who is mean and cranky. Then to add on top of our own personal feelings of loathsomeness someone tells us: “Wow! You look really tired.” or asks  “Are you stressed?” or “Have you been sleeping? You look so worn out.” Or the one I get a lot “Are you getting over a cold? You look really sick.” I know those friends are usually trying to be compassionate but it ends up making our self-esteem plummet even more. After that we realize it’s a bad day and everyone can see it, we begin to compare. Every girl has those couple of friends that are always looking pretty, sounding articulate, being funny, and are smart. They are the friends that are (as we see it) “Put together”. That just adds to our disappointments and frustrations. Well I’m here to say it’s not just you. We all have those days, and if you say you don’t, you’re a liar.  I’m also here to hopefully help you get out of those days.

You are a beautiful woman. No matter what you think the definition of beauty is. The definition of beauty is the combination of features that appeases one’s sight. I guess that is the beauty of beauty. Everyone has his or her own definition. You probably will not fit ALL of the characteristics of one person’s definition. However, you can always fit your own.

Also physical features don’t have to attribute to your definition of beauty. I know for me the most handsome quality a man can have is the ability to not only make me laugh, but who can laugh at himself. The physical aspect is not always the most important; beauty will fade much quicker than humor or intelligence.

Tina Fey once mentioned in her book Bossy pants that “Now every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t find this as beautiful. Yes, I think full lips are beautiful and I love Michelle Obama’s arms, however, nine-year-old boy hips? No way! I’d never trade my huge (and I do mean HUGE) hips for anything! Blue eyes? Yes very pretty, but I’d never swap my emerald beauties for anyone else’s.

I’m breaking away from the stereotyped beauty and making my own definition. You know what I think is beautiful? People, who are nice, people who are funny. Beauty lies in a sweet spirited person. A person, who is charitable and optimistic, is beautiful. If you are sweet, kind, caring, or thoughtful, you ARE beautiful. At the very least, you can know you are beautiful to me.

It doesn’t matter your skin color, your hair type, or your pant size. You are a beautiful daughter of a glorious Heavenly Father. He loves you just the way you are. He also thinks you are so very beautiful, because you are.

Peanut Butter Reese Cup Cookies

Yeah, you heard me right. These are a twist on the delicious Peanut Butter Kiss cookies (also known to many as Peanut Butter Blossom cookies). While enjoying some family baking time, with my great friend Emily and her mother, we were making Kiss cookies. Towards the last few cookie sheets we realized we didn't have enough kisses for some of them. Emily's mother is brilliant! She suggested we put Reese cups on instead of Kisses! Saaaaaaaay whaaaaat!? And they were delicious, especially if you enjoy peanut butter. So here's a recipe for Peanut Butter Reese cup cookies, which could also be used with Kisses (if you want to be boring and make Kiss cookies, that is). They're pretty easy and super delicious, unfortunately not very visually appealing, but hey, who cares? Not this girl. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Peanut Butter Reese Cup Cookies

• 1/2 C. butter
• 1/2 C. peanut butter (creamy of course)
• 1/2 C. brown sugar
• 1/2 C. white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 3/4 C. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Extra sugar to roll dough in
• And a bag of Reese's cups

Mix butter and peanut butter. Add both sugars, egg, and vanilla then mix. Once mixed together add flour, soda, and salt. Preheat oven to 375. Next roll dough into little balls. Roll dough in the extra sugar then place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 7 minutes. Press Reese cup into each cookie and return to the oven for 2 minutes (just long enough to get the Reese cup melty). Enjoy. 

A Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31 Style)

How many times have you read Proverbs chapter 31 verses ten through thirty-one? It’s a beautiful set of scriptures. It gives a vivid imagery of what I think the “perfect” woman would be. Even though we are all very far from perfection, we should be striving to be “perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Each time I read about this perfect woman I feel a need to better myself, a burning desire to be more than who I am now. Which is one of the BEST FEELINGS! I love it when anything (especially people) can bring it out that aspiration in you. I’m so lucky. My Elder always makes me feel this way. And it is the best. Moving on..., how can we become more virtuous? Proverbs 31 gives us some good insight on achieving a way to curb that craving. Here's a little challenge, choose this week, one attribute that you will strive to work at, just one. Then you will be one step closer to being a Proverbs 31 woman. Keep working one at a time and you'll be there before you know it.

Proverbs 31:11
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
-She is trustworthy, loyal, and dependable. When she makes promises and covenants, she keeps them. Her eyes don’t lust after what she doesn’t have. She loves her husband and he loves her.

Proverbs 31:12
“She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
-She is a righteous woman, a sincere woman. She wishes to serve, not be a servant or a maid, but to assist him. To help him be the best that he can be, and he should be doing the same in return.

Proverbs 31:13
“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”
-Again, service. She also works hard; she’s willing to sacrifice things for her family, and for what she believes. She makes her home a safe haven and a place all wish to dwell in.

Proverbs 31:14
“She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”
-She is diligent in all she does. She does service (that’s the third time if you’re counting… notice a trend).

Proverbs 31:15
“She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”
-She is wise with the time she is given and she watches over those she is put over. She rises early to make sure everything works well.

Proverbs 31:16
“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”
-She’s a smart woman. She’s perceptive. A virtuous woman doesn’t need her man’s help, but his opinion is put into consideration. Not to mention she’s ambitious, and has goals. She got right to work and planted a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:17
“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”
-She is strong, in her arms, and in other ways. She is strong in spirit, in mind, and in her testimony. She won’t give into temptations. She is strong-willed, yet not too strong-willed that she is stubborn.

Proverbs 31:18 “She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.”
-You know how it is often said; “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16)? Her works are good in the sight of the Lord. She’s a righteous woman. She also has the light of Christ in her, a light that does not falter in the darkness.

Proverbs 31:19
“She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.”
-She is a hard worker and is willing to work with her hands. She keeps herself busy.

Proverbs 31:20
“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
-She is charitable. She does service to those who need it, and I bet she does it without being asked too. She cares for the sick and the needy.

Proverb 31:21
“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.”
-She keeps her house in order and she doesn’t fear what may come. She is always a season ahead and is prepared.

Proverbs 31:22
“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”
-She is modest in dress. She covers herself, and is humble. Attention is not something she seeks. Also, purple has always been the color of royalty. In this case they are not speaking of her being physically royal, but being a princess of our Father in heaven. She knows he worth as a daughter of God.

Proverbs 31:23
“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”
-She has a righteous husband who knows his duty to the Lord and to her.

Proverbs 31:24
“She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.”
-She works hard to provide for her family. She can do some type of craft or service that she can use to sustain her family.

Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
-She is honorable and strong. A virtuous woman is optimistic and looks with hope for the future. She knows that she has been righteous and has done her best to be a choice daughter of God.

Proverbs 31:26
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
-She speaks kindly. A virtuous woman does not gossip, speak mean words, or intend to hurt people. She is a sweet and kind woman who is wise. She uses Christ as an example in her life (which is something we should all do).

Proverbs 31:27
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”
-She keeps her household in order and doesn’t waste her time. She refuses to be idle. This is the one I’m choosing to work on. There are many times that I am far too idle and slightly wasteful of my time. I have to start discarding my bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:28
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
-She is blessed and praised for the good works that she does.

Proverbs 31:29 “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”
-Virtuous women, who continue to strive for virtue are so highly praised compared to those who are not full of virtue or do not stove to be the most virtuous they can be.

Proverbs 31:30 “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
-She is not vain neither does she desire to be beautiful. She is humble and fears the judgments of the Lord, not of men.

Proverbs 31:31 “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
-You are responsible for your life. Your works will determine your praise.

Margaret D. Nadauld once said: 

“The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. … There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity” (“The Joy of Womanhood,” Liahona, January 2001, 18).

This is virtue, being faithful, kind, generous, pure, selfless, smart, hard working, and strong. Virtue is having high morals, and showing them. We are judge by our fruits, will your fruits be virtuous enough for praise at the gates?

Appreciating Romans Chapter Eight

Have you ever read something and you thought to yourself, 'this is exactly what I needed to hear'? Romans chapter eight is one of those kind of chapters for me. I remember going through a rough patch earlier this year, and I was unsure what I should do with my life. I felt so lost. After a minute of thinking, I remembered the how many times I've been told things like: "When you need peace of mind turn to the scriptures" or "In times of trouble, read the scriptures." Following this advice that seemed to be etched into my mind, so I opened my scriptures. Almost right away I found Romans chapter eight... and let me tell you, I fell in love with it! I read it and felt like the apostle Paul was talking directly to me! I felt like he just sat down one day and was like "Ugh, that trouble maker of a girl, Keli, is going to really need this. You think by now she'd have all this crap under control. Bless her little heart." Anyways, the whole chapter is just wonderful and I love it (and suggest you read it all), but there are some parts that just appeals to my heart more than others. 

Romans 8:6
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
-This is a good reminder that being spiritually minded, having virtuous thought, and doing the things Christ would do, is a way to get your life to make more sense. I know when I am being "spiritually minded" I feel much closer to the Lord and I am more at peace.

Romans 8:14-17
"14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
-We are spirit children of God. We are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. Being the sons and daughters of a mighty king, makes us His children, princes and princesses. Not only are we children of God, but Christ is our brother. With whom we share a chance and opportunity to share in the richness of the inheritance that we are promised in this section of scripture. Everything on this earth belongs to our Heavenly Father, and if we are following his guidance and striving to be like him, we are promised a splendid inheritance. If we suffer through this life, enduring to the end, we will be "glorified together" with our Father and our Brother.

Romans 8:18
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
-The things we are going through now, wether it be pain, heartache, loneliness, repentance, any type of trial, will be upstaged by the wonder and glory we will receive when we come unto Christ. Remember, Christ suffered all things. He knows of grief, loneliness, and anxiety. He too has wished for the "bitter cup to pass". If He has drunk of the entire cup, which contained all the sins of the world, then can we not drink the few drops of our own?

Romans 8:24-25
"24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
-This is all about our faith. We may not always see the Lord's plans nor do we always see His hands in our lives, yet they are there. We must have that hope, that desire to believe, that feeling of knowing the truthfulness. We must have patience as we are faithful. In some circumstances we will obey, not knowing exactly why, but we must have the faith and patience to know the Lord will reveal all things in His own time.

Romans 8:31 

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
-I just love this, for real. If the Lord is on our side and us on His, who would dare come against us? How could we falter? Be not ashamed, proclaim your side, and never forget the Lord watches over and blesses His own. We are part of God's family, we have royalty in our blood, we are His, and none can come against us and win..., unless we let them. Be strong, be courageous, and be faithful.

This last one is my favorite scripture. These next few verses are probably what helped me the most. I could make a full blog post just about these verses, and shoot, I probably will. However, for now, enjoy my summary.

Romans 8:35-39
"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Just let that sink in. Perhaps read it again. I am convinced there is nothing on this earth, nor in the Heavens, that is stronger than our Father and our Brother's love for us. And I know, with every ounce and fiber of my very being, that nothing we do will separate us from Their love. There are some days that I am persuaded to think that I am the absolute worse person on the earth, and that there is no way anyone could love me, those are the days I read this a couple of times, and I let it sink in. Even if I have made wrong choices, I am a conqueror, and I can overcome all things with the help of Christ.

I know that Christ lives. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, and I know that Jesus loves us. I know that through our trials, if we endure with devoted faith in Christ, we will be crowned with a beautiful inheritance. Of this I testify, in Christ's name, amen.

First Time Making Hard Candy

"It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas" (in my beautifully horrible singing voice)

Christmas time always makes me want hard candy that's been dusted with powdered sugar. I have some good memories of my parents' friends bring over hard candy ever Christmas season. We haven't seen them in years, which means there has been NO hard candy! I have been so, so very deprived of this deliciousness for so long that I decided I have to attempt to make some. I used this recipe from Allrecipes.com. It was so simple to follow! I was a little scared that making it all by myself would be a little challenging but it ended up working out pretty well. I messed up and didn't cook it as long as I should of, silly impatient me. Since I didn't cook it long enough it's pretty pliable. Nonetheless, it is mouthwatering. I like color and flavor >insert fond memories of watermelon, cinnamon, and peppermint hard candy here<, so once it was finished I poured some of it into another, smaller pot and added orange coloring and cinnamon (little tip, warm this pan up a little before you do that, or else it will become really thick, real quick). However, I left most of it in the bigger pot and added green coloring and watermelon flavoring. They smell so amazing as you pour them onto the cookie sheets! My house is filled with scents of such delicious flavors. 

What you need:

• 3 3/4 C. white sugar
• 1 1/2 C. light corn syrup
• 1 C. water
• 1 T. flavored extract
• 1/2 t. food coloring (I didn't measure these two, I just put some in until I got the color I wanted)
• 1/4 C. powdered sugar (I also didn't measure this)
• Medium sauce pan (another pan if you want to make two flavors)
• Cookie sheets (greased)
• Candy thermometer or a glass of really cold water.

What you do:

• Mix white sugar, corn syrup, and water into the pan.
• Put on medium heat until sugar is all dissolved.
• Once dissolved bring it up to high, and stop stirring. (Seriously, it's great because you don't have to constantly stir! I just about flipped my lid when I found out. Plus, it doesn't burn to the bottom like when I make toffee.)
• If you're making two different flavors you'll want to heat the second pan up about now. If you don't it'll still work just fine, but the candy will begin to cool more quickly in the small pan making it harder to mix all of the stuff up with.
• Once it's been brought up to 300-310 degrees (or it forms really brittle and hard strands in the water) take it off the heat and mix in your food coloring and deliciousness (the flavor). If you're making two pour some out into the other pan, then add your color and flavoring.
• Next pour it out onto the greased cookie sheets and dust powdered sugar over the tops.
• Finally, (the hardest part) wait for it to cool and then break into pieces. I'm not even joking waiting is the hardest part, your kitchen will smell so delicious. 
• If you have some left over to store, do so in an airtight container. 

Also makes a great gift. Who doesn't love getting a homemade treat!? I know I do.

Preparing to Serve

I've been waiting for about one week for my mission call and I've been very antsy about it. I've been wanting to serve for a long while now, and with it being so close I just can't handle the anticipation! I'm gonna go crazy! Plus, I don't want to have too much time on my hands between classes ending and leaving, ya know what I'm saying? I'm sure you do. Anywhosies, this post is about what I have been doing to prepare myself. Some of this I've been working on for some time and some of it I've just barely started doing. This biggest (and sometimes hardest) thing is making time for it and getting into a set routine. Here it goes.

My Personal Preparation:

1. Establishing a habit of prayer. Start with small goals first. I prayed often, but some nights I would be too tired and some morning I would be too rushed. And I decided I wanted to be doing my best to be remembering the Lord and being grateful to Him. Start with the small goal of saying morning prayers at least twice and night prayers at least three times a week. I say start small, because if you make a huge goal to pray every single morning, then you forget on morning, you'll be beating yourself up and that's no good. So start small and work up. Also, pray on your knees. There's a special feeling you get when you pray in such a humbling position.
2. An hour of scripture study. I have been studying the Book of Mormon with the help of the Book of Mormon institute study manual. It gives a lot of insight and quotes from leaders of the church. 
3. I write in my "Spiritual Journal" as I study. I write down feelings I get when I read or scriptures that have great importance to me. If I am listening to a talk I lots of times have to pause it and write. It's important to write down thoughts, feelings, and impressions you get, it will help you recognize the Spirit quicker.
4. I talk to people. I make lots of friends at Mott and I am not ashamed to tell them about my plans and why I won't be attending school in the winter semester. It gives me lots of practice in talking about the church. Also I wear things like my Young Women's medallion or this necklace I own with a medallion of the Nauvoo, Illinois temple. When people compliment me on them it gives me an opening to discuss some of what we believe. 
5. Small acts of service. When you're being a missionary, you're constantly serving. I look for times when I can serve others. Even if it's just holding a door open for someone. I look for things I can do to help another person. Also recently, I've been working on doing this at home more. I realize I won't get to do much for them (at least physically that is) for 18 months, so I should serve them while I still can.
6. Being modest. I was always big on modesty. Just about every article of clothing I own is garment appropriate. However missionary guidelines are a little more strict. I've been working very hard on making sure I'm following the guidelines when getting ready on Sundays and for other events in where I would have to dress up. Plus, it helps me see what I have and gives me ideas of what else I could get.
7. The things I listen to and watch. I've become more and more cautious of what kind of media I partake in. I think to myself a lot, "Is this helping me spiritually progress? Is this hindering my spiritual progress? Is it neutral?" If it helps, I don't mind it. If it hinders, I cut it out. If it's neutral, it happens in moderation.

That about sums up my my spiritual preparation. I also go on blog searches every now and then. You can find some neat things when you look. Also, whenever a friend of mine leaves on a mission, I ask them for their advice, I love hearing their thoughts. I've complied a list of things that you should incorporate into your study and a list that I've found helpful.

The must reads:

1. The Book of Mormon. I know this seems silly, like duh. However, even if you're in the middle, start over. Start from the title page. And really read it. Don't forget the witness testimonies. (Fun fact: two of the witnesses were excommunicated and then returned later, two were excommunicated and never returned, and one apostatized and never came back, despite all of that not a single one of them ever denied their testimony. Amazing huh?) Gain a testimony of this book, if you don't have one, how will you expect to help others receive one of it?
2. Preach my Gospel. Seriously, this is a beautiful book. Focus on the lessons in chapter three, but I suggest you read all of it. You'll be using this a lot in your personal and companion study, and to decide on what you'll be teaching to your investigators. 
3. The Missionary Handbook. You will receive one of these at the MTC or perhaps from your stake president. I like to carry mine around in my purse. I read it in-between classes and I learned a few new things about missionary life which I hadn't known before. You will read this multiple times on your mission (at least that's what I've been told), so start getting used to it. 
4. Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple. This is such a great book, for members and non-members a like. I suggest reading this, I know I was feeling very anxious about entering the temple for the first time (which is still a little ways down the road) and it put my mind at ease. So give this book a read.

Other Good Things to Read/Listen to:

1. John Bytheway's book "What I wish I'd Known Before my Mission". It's a fun read and it helps put you in a mind set of what'll be going on in the next little while. 
2. Ten Things to Know Before You Go, a talk by President James E Faust. It's a good way to get your mind in perspective.
3. This letter. The sister who wrote this was only on her mission for four months. She has some type of health problem that causes headaches and she was released early from her mission. She has wonderful tips that I have started applying in my life. 
4. There was a special broadcast earlier this year about Hastening the Work of Salvation. I enjoyed listening to the wonderful talks and it just made me so excited to serve the Lord.

Advice For Missionary Girlfriends

I've been a missionary girlfriend for a little over one month (1 month, 3 days, and 20 hours to be exact..., but hey, who's counting?). So that sorta, kinda, totally, does not, in the slightest makes me an expert. However, I have made it through this first month really well. Understand, there are lots of other girls out there much better at it than me (I'm still working at it), but hopefully this can you help in some way. Because, honestly, it's a difficult task. Even so, looking back on this lengthy month, I would still make the same choice I did a month ago. I'm going to see this to the very end. Without any further ado here's some of the advice I've gotten and what I've found that works for me.

My Advice:
1. Keep busy. You'll hear this one over and over and over again, but it is the best advice I have ever gotten. I was lucky and my Elder Stud Muffin left when I was in the middle of a semester in my sophomore year of college. I was swamped with school work, actual work, not to mention two callings, and preparing my self to serve a mission. I rarely give myself time to be idle. (My room has never looked so nice and organized!) Just remember, he's being anxiously engaged in a good cause, you should be too! Having that tired feeling from being busy at the end of the day, helps you sleep so much better.
2. When you miss him work on an email. My friend gave me this advice and I love it! When you get to a point where you are missing him. Work on an email, and save it as a draft until Sunday, or whenever you send your emails. I started to do this, and it helps me out a lot. Plus, I don't forget things I want to tell him, as easily. It helps organize your thoughts too, because no girl wants to come off clingy or super emotional.
3. Write one of your favorite texts/note from him on a note card or paper and post it somewhere you'll see it often. I have my favorite text from him taped to my desk which is right next to my bed. So before bed and when I wake up, I get to see it. It reminds me that this whole ordeal will be worth it. Plus, it makes me smile like a dang fool! I also posted a few quotes that made remind me what it's all for. One of my favorites, that I found from Pinterest of course, is "Chin up. I'm still here, I'm just not there."
4. Find other missionary girlfriends. Believe me, they are the best! Some girls enjoy Facebook pages about being a missionary girlfriend, I on the other hand don't care for them. However, I do have four wonderful friends who are all at different stages who are so sweet and so helpful. You'll get a little introduction to them later on in this post, along with some of their advice. They will help support you! They are amazing!

5. Take time to focus on YOU! Have a girls night, give yourself a mani/pedi, take a bath, workout, try something new with your hair, make new friends, buy a totally cute outfit. Do something that makes you feel good. It will keep your mind off of him for a little and make you feel more confident.
6. Hand written letters are beautiful. Yes, weekly emails are great. But a hand written from the heart letter, is my Elder's favorite. Plus he doesn't have to wait until his P-day to read it! Which is super nice.
7. Get in good with his parents! Seriously, I love my Elder Stud Muffin's mother. She is such a sweet woman! Anyhow, it helps. Especially because if they like you, they might let you in on the Christmas/Mother's day Skype. Plus, if they end up being your future in-laws. Might as well like them, right? ;)
8. Go out on dates. Now some girls actual date while their missionaries are gone, I know some missionaries who encourage their girlfriends to do so. Dates can be so much fun. I "date" some of my guy friends. We'll have lunch dates on my breaks between classes. They're fun and they help get your mind off of you missionary. Plus, free lunch and a bunch of laughs? Totally worth it! (Here's a Facebook group that one of my MGs is a admin of, Waiting and Dating)

Advice from more experienced Missionary Girlfriends:
Megan B.

Elder Cocke, Pocatello Idaho Mission

Three months as a missionary girlfriend

"Be patient and pray."

Emily W.

Elder Wareham, Las Vegas Nevada Mission

Four month as a missionary girlfriend

"Let him breathe! I see so many missionary girlfriends that just smother their missionary. He needs to be focusing on the Lord, so as nice as it is to send him a care package every day, don't. Don't tell him how much you miss him every other line of your letters, it makes it harder for him. He misses you, you should know that. There's no need to keep bringing it back up."

Emily B.
Six months as a missionary girlfriend
"Make sure to have lots of things to talk about because emailing can be hard. Take lots of pictures. They love seeing you and keeping up with what you're doing...Be strong don't give up."

(This one is my favorite, so I saved it for last.)
Kristen S.

Elder Harker, Portland Oregon Mission

Nine months as a missionary girlfriend

"I think the biggest piece of advice I could ever give a girl who is waiting on a missionary is to honestly keep busy! It seems so simple, but sometimes it’s the hardest thing to do! You’ll find that the times you are wishing the most that he is with you or that he was here is when you aren’t busy! So honestly, whether it’s a girl’s night out, girls night in, or staying so on top of your homework that you are weeks ahead, it doesn’t matter just stay occupied! Not every day can be so occupied that you won’t think of him. I’m definitely not saying don’t think about him, but it always seemed like I had forever until I would be with him again when I he was consistently on my mind. But on the days that you are truly struggling not having your missionary there is where I have found that the Lord steps in. The Lord is so amazing because he is that listening ear when all you want to do is have him around you! The Lord has given me more strength to get through this wait than I could have ever imagined. Not only will having the Lord by your side on this wait will you find the struggles are lessened, but having him in your life consistently will help you to grow along side with your missionary! The Lord only gives us trials and struggles that he knows we can get through, and this is definitely something he knew we each could handle! So we have to be sure to make the two years these boys are gone that we are learning something each and every day, whether it’s preparing to be that amazing homemaking wife, that peace keeper, or expanding in our education at school! I think the biggest thing that has helped me when I am missing him is turning to all the amazing other missionary girlfriends and just talking things out. Who understands your exact situation more than other missionary girlfriends?! Each girl may be at a different point of waiting, but each girl certainly knows exactly what to say to help you get through those days where you feel you’re riding the struggle bus! But I also feel like listening to songs that he has told me reminds him of me. Sounds super cheesy, but it totally works! These boys are out there growing closer to our Heavenly Father so that they can change the many lives of the people they interact with, including you! Just remember he is growing closer to our Father in Heaven so he can prepare the way to make himself a better man for the woman he is going to marry. But at the same time, we need to be growing closer to our Father in Heaven so that we can prepare to be the best wife to the man we marry. In best hopes, may we all find the love we desire in these missionaries!"

A Christmas Package For My Elder

If you've read my little about me over there to the right...

You heard about my amazing boyfriend and that he is serving a mission.
Gosh, the Colorado Springs Mission is SO lucky!
With Christmas coming up, I've been throwing myself into making an awesome (and totally cheesy) Christmas gift. After hours and hours of Pinning..., I found the gift! Well, gifts. I wanted to do a 12 days of Christmas type thing. Now, I took an idea and made my own variation of it. I am using an idea from the Two by Two blog for days 2-11, based on a talk by President Hinckley called "Gifts to Bring Home From the Mission Field". (PS. All links at the end.)

So let's just jump right into Day One:
I wrote a letter, along with the talk, and explained from day 2-11 he would read part of it according to my notes with each present. His first gift is a Lego Christmas tree. Yup, you heard me. I ordered one off of Amazon. I know most boys, of all ages, enjoy building things. However, my Elder, LOVES playing with Legos. Perfect day one gift! Plus he can put all of his other gifts under the little Lego tree.

Day Two:
Missionaries should bring home a knowledge of and love for God our Eternal Father and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Gift: For this day, I took the idea from Two by Two. I warned him on the envelope that it was extremely cheesy (But hey, I'm a MG, I have the right to be cheesy!). So I took ribbon and made a "hug to mail". With a little note, in the envelope, I wrote "Let the love of our Heavenly Father surround you like this big hug".

Day Three:
Missionaries should bring home a knowledge of and love for the scriptures, the word of God.
Gift: A bag of smarties, and the note read "I know you're working really hard to be a scripture 'smarty'".

Day Four:
Missionaries should receive an increased love for parents. (insert awwwww here)
Gift: A bag of Hershey Kisses, and a note reading: "I know you're itching to give your family some hugs and kisses".

Day Five:
Missionaries should gain a love for the people among whom they labor.
Gift: A box of Swedish Fish and a note reading: "A missionary is quite the fisher, of men that is".

Day Six:
Missionaries should have an appreciation for hard work.
Gift: A bag of gummy bear and a note reading: "The lord sure will bless you for working 'beady' hard."

Day Seven:
Missionaries should gain the assurance that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is available to each of us when we live for it.
Gift:A bag of Lifesavers and a note reading: "The Spirit is quite helpful, when in need, the Spirit sure is a Life saver."

Day Eight:
Missionaries should have an understanding of the importance of team work.
Gift: Salty and sweet trail mix and a note reading: "Is there anything better than a salty and sweet pair?"

Day Nine:
Missionaries should know the value of personal virtue.
Gift: I had a really, really difficult time with deciding what to do for this one, so I ended up writing a letter describing his worth and value to me.

Day Ten:
Missionaries should have the faith to act.
Gift: Cracker and cheese dippers called "Fun Dippers" and I put a piece of paper over the fun that read "faith" and of course paired it with a note reading: "I know spirits get low sometimes, so be sure to dip into these "faith" dips.

Day Eleven:
Missionaries should bring home the humility to pray.
Gift: A bag of chocolate covered pretzels and a bag of white fudge pretzels. Do you know the history of pretzels? It's actually kind of neat. So this monk, back in 610 made them as a treat for kids who remembered their prayers. See in that time, Christians would pray with each hand touching the opposite shoulder with arms across their chests. This awesome monk shaped the dough that way. I told you it was neat. For this note I gave him that little fun fact with the pretzels.

Day Twelve:
Yay! Christmas!
I am a HUGE fan of Etsy. I found temple cufflinks. I love the Detroit temple, and that is where my Elder received his endowment, so I figured it has a little meaning for both of us. They came just the other day and I fell in love with them. They're so cute, and don't just take my word for it. Here's a picture.

Also I included a letter with his last gift. I'm a big one on hand written letters so he knows that it's something special.

Now go send a missionary you care about a package!

Links
Hinckley's talk: http://www.lds.org/new-era/2007/03/the-message-gifts-to-bring-home-from-the-mission-field?lang=eng
Two By Two Blog: http://missionariestwobytwo.blogspot.com/2013/05/10-things-gained-from-mission-package.html.
Christmas Tree: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A5S6XO/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cufflinks: https://www.etsy.com/listing/162415548/nauvoo-temple-lds-mormon-cuff-links?ref=related-0 (She can do other temples too, just shoot her an email)

Until the next time,

Sister Mims

When? Why? And How Did You Decide You Want to Serve?

"You're doing, what?"

"I plan to serve a mission for my church for eighteen months."

"Eighteen months!?"

Yeah..., that's usually how my conversations go once people hear my plans. It's funny how shocked people get, and what a wonderful missionary experience I get to have as I explain how I love the Lord so much that I'm willing to serve a year and a half devoting my life and my service to Him. I've gone through a lot in the past two years that has gotten me to this point. And honestly, it has all been worth it. I get asked a lot about when, why, and how I came to this wonderful decision. Lots of other girls, are unsure if they should go, so I hope my story will inspire them. So here it goes...

When And How Did I Decide to Serve
During my Junior and senior year of high school I had a wonderful seminary teacher who truly touched my life. One morning, near the end of my junior year (2011) while waiting on my other two classmates to join us I asked her how she decided she should go on a mission. She told me that when shortly before her twenty-first birthday she had a prompting and so she went. I was terrified! What if that was to happen to me? So that night, I prayed earnestly to know if I would be asked to go. That night I found a beautiful answer, I was so excited. I had the next five years to prepare to serve a mission.
(Little did I know that a month after my eighteenth birthday in October 2012, President Thomas S. Monson declared the lowering of the mission age to nineteen. It was truly amazing.)

Why Did I Decide to Serve
Have you ever loved something so much that you wanted to run up and down the streets telling EVERYONE!? Have you ever felt so happy you wished everyone else could feel even a portion of what you feel? I feel that way about the gospel. I mean, I have a testimony of the restored gospel, I receive personal revelations, I get to have the Holy Ghost with me constantly, and I get to have my family of all eternity. I want everyone to have that. Being a missionary won't make everyone have that, but perhaps, just maybe, I can help one person feel that.

So there it is, my story.

Until the next time,

Sister Mims