Happiness makes the world a better place

As this year has come to a close, I've thought a lot about where I am in life and how my life possibly could be different. A few weeks ago in Relief Society, the sister teaching the lesson posed the question "What if you got what you wanted when you were twelve or fifteen? How would your life be different?" I thought about it; it took me a sec to remember what I was even doing in my life at that time. I can wholeheartedly say I am a happier person then I was at twelve. I know there were many things I wanted at a young age that kind of turned me into a selfish person. And if I didn't get them, I was grumpy. It happened a lot. I would get jealous of what people had and how many friends they had. I wanted to have attention! But I realize now, no one wants to give a grumpy person attention. 

My attitude entirely changed when I moved away from home. (My home life didn't push me into a grumpy attitude, it was my own choosing). When I moved away, I had to depend on myself to get an education, make new friends, and do well in my job. It was hard because I had to come out of my shell a lot. And it was very rewarding! I had a change of mind and heart. I was able to rely on the Spirit better, and love more deeply. 

And today, I am grateful everyday that I had a change of attitude. I know I would be far off if I hadn't. And interestingly enough, I have everything I have ever wanted so far in life right now. I have a wonderful family that I talk to literally everyday. I was able to serve a mission and meet people that loved me and I loved them. I have been able to work and go to school, pursuing an education that is challenging and rewarding. I have many wonderful friends who support me and help me grow.

As I reflect, I think of the song "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. It represents a moment where you are in a relationship. Nothing compares to this relationship, not even all the stars in the night sky! This relationship is everything you have and it is the best thing in your life! This relationship can represent anything in your life. I take it as that nothing compares to the true happiness we can have in our lives. No gold or spotlights will ever represent the worth of my happiness. My happiness comes from my testimony in Jesus Christ, my family, and the experiences I have. 

2 Nephi 5:27 "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness" 

Starting out on a journey

"As with any Journey, who you travel with can be more important than your Destination."
            -Anonymous

Woah, where has these 3 months gone?! I can't believe we are at the end of another year. It is hard to move on to a new year. We have to do our best to hold onto the things that we have grown from and keep moving forward. 

As I have reflected on this past year, these are the moments I have grown the much and see God's hand in my life.

• The last six months of my mission were the hardest! It's crazy to think that I was on a mission earlier this year. I was tired, exhausted, sometimes lost, but always filled with the spirit. I had great companions who motivated me and loved me as I struggled. I came to love people I had never met before and serve them selflessly. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was built stronger. And I can say that I do depend on my Savior for a lot of things, but I am able to do that through the Atonement.
• Prayer is vital! And so is listening! We have the ability to receive our own revelation. But what are you doing in preparation to receive that revelation? You need to be going to your church meetings, reading the Book of Mormon everyday, and rely on the Holy Ghost. Praying is the way I communicate with my Heavenly Father. I tell Him my struggles, I thank Him for keeping me safe, and providing me with opportunities to grow.
• Families are forever! I will be able to see my nephew Matthew again! My brother and sister in law will have the opportunity to raise their son in the way of truth and light. And my family has always been there to support me in my decisions. They are my rock! 
• Utah is where I need to be right now. I will admit at the beginning of 2018, I was not planning on moving to Utah. But prayer became vital in this decision. Also talking with my parents. And it has been so great! I have met so many people that have helped me grow, and make memories. I was blessed with the best roommates anyone could ask for. I am continuing my education in a field I didn't plan on. I have a wonderful job, and a place to call home. 
• And I can't even express how grateful for the people in my life right now! Honestly my journey has been the best because I have so many people who love and support me. I have a new outlook on people. This is what I believe and how I treat those I meet. Everyone has a story, no matter where you are in life. If you are seven, twenty two, or sixty three, you have had experiences that I haven't. You have taken life by the reigns and said "yeehaw". My goal in meeting people is to learn their name, their story, and something new. I hope in return I can share a laugh with you or give you some advice. So far I have been successful. I invite you to try it! Also, I know it's not easy moving into a new area or ward. I always wanted someone to come to me to introduce themselves. But if we all saw it that way, no one would meet anyone. So I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and am the first person to make a move. I've met so many wonderful people!

Over all, 2018 has been a really great year! I don't know how 2019 could be better, but I know it has to be! What lies in store for 2019? Well, I am going to develop some talents, strengthen and make new relationships, and continue to try to be like Jesus. Also, I will be attending LDSBC to further my education! Bring it on 2019!

#LighttheWorld

Going into Social Media Marketing means I have access to news, movements, and moments that are posted on the fast pace world of the Internet. One that has caught me interest is #LighttheWorld presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the third year that they are doing it.

My first year I wasn't as involved as I hoped for. I was able to be on the front line of inviting others to light the world on my mission. As missionaries, we had a little calendar that we strategically added to our planners. I would write the scripture on the mirror everyday for my companions. I was very involved!

This year, the Church of Jesus Christ has invited us for four weeks to light the world in different, but specific ways. 

Week 1: Light the World-Focus on how to serve globally

Week 2: Light your Community-Find ways to help and serve in your community

Week 3: Light your Family-Show love to those closest to you

Week 4: Light your Faith-Increase your faith in Jesus Christ

I am so excited for one of the ways to serve. Last year, vending machines were placed in popular locations. People were able to purchase items for those in need. They will be having one at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I hope I can do it!

I am definitely going to take on this opportunity to Light the World! It will be different especially since I work with members of the church and only see members of the church. But this will help me reach out and stand out! There are blessings for taking the time to serve. And this isn't limited for 25 days, but we can Light the World 365 days. Be a light!

Back to the West

Hello there! Well, I have lived in Utah for two months! Crazy how fast time has gone! I know the feeling of flying into Utah was not a pleasant. I was so anxious on what to expect and how things would end up. 

Back story: I decided to move to Utah during my mission. I wanted to attend LDSBC, but couldn't get my application in by the due date. I applied to ten different jobs not hearing back from any of them. I didn't have an apartment, so I moved in with my friend's parents. I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life! But I reminded myself that I received confirmation that I needed to be here. 

So during my time of waiting for school to start, I kept myself busy by playing the ukulele and applying for more jobs. I started BYU-I online in September. Just taking two classes meant that I had a flexible schedule. I knew I wanted to move to SLC as soon as possible so I could be close to a job. 

I literally found my apartment and job with the help of the Lord. I can testify that if we are obedient and do the things we are suppose to, Heavenly Father will bless us! I moved into an apartment October 1st with the best roommates out there! I started my job at Down East a few weeks later. 

I made it a goal on my mission to attend the temple every week. So far I have missed only week since I have been home. The temple has made me feel at home. And the reason why is because that is where you can feel God's love! I have been able to attend with my cousin and my trainer from my mission. I haven't limited the service I do at the temple, but I do appreciate all the time I can spend there. And I have no excuse not to go when the temple is a 15 minute walk from me.

I attended my first BYU game with my roommate Eliza. And every night, we gather as roommates to read the Book of Mormon. We are getting so close to the end, and are so grateful for this challenge Pres. Nelson gave us.

I have a picture of me as a kid always drinking out of these water fountains. The Hogle Zoo was another home for me as a kid. That was a must during the summer as a kid. I got to go back, and it was fun to see it as an adult. Also to reflect on the memories I had here. 

And this cute lady is my best friend Erin! I moved in with her parents. They treated me so well! They make Utah home for me. Erin is so amazing and I just love that we can pick up from where we left off. It was so hard to move away from her those many years ago, but so happy we are reunited. We see each other as much as possible.

Now what is downtown life like? Well it is really fun! I have to remind myself sometimes that I am living in downtown SLC. I watched the movies of where people dreamed of living in downtown of a big city. They thought they "made it" by living there. I don't think that, but it is definitely a cool thing to say, haha. I live right behind the Gateway mall (which is now a ghost town). I live five minutes from Temple Square. I get to walk to a lot of places which I don't mind.

They YSA ward that I am in is so great! Literally! We call it the "Greatway Ward" instead of Gateway. We are always meeting up with fellow members who have become dear friends. We are always attending devotionals at the U. 

What I have come to understand living here is that God is very aware of me. I literally have the best roommates! I see family members that I love so dearly. I have a great job, and actually will be changing to another job soon. He has kept me safe living here. I have the opportunity to attend LDSBC this winter semester. And Utah has began to feel like home. It's not because Utah has the picturesque location to live in (it does, but that's not my idea of home). It's because the people I am surrounded by are important to me. They lift me up. They help me be a better person. I can go to the temple. I have access to call my family any day or time. I have experienced some trials, but I always have someone to lean on and talk to. 

If you want to feel at home, have people in your life that you can grow with. Go on adventures! Get to know the area you live. Talk to your Heavenly Father in the temple. And always strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ.  

Too perfect for this earth

I got the news on my mission that I was going to be an aunt. I probably told the whole world! I was so excited and anticpated the arrival of this baby. Born October 13, 2018 a little after 8pm, Matthew Logan 'because Wolverine was not appropriate' Ely came into this world. He was 6lbs and something ounces. He was a perfect baby! But prior to his birth, we knew that his heart was not quite there. The process was to have a surgery right after he was born to sustain his life. But his perfect body couldn't take the stress of surgery. Matthew returned to his Heavenly Father Sunday morning at 2:19am. He was surrounded by the best parents and many other family members. 

(His actual birth certificate)

I got the news of his birth, the complications, and his passing while in Rexburg. I look back on that and it was totally divine design that I received it there. I had cousins and friends surrounding me. We prayed for them and continued to wait. Living in Utah, I'm kind of on my own. But I am not entirely alone. Too feel comfort, I actually went to Temple Square to feel the peace I was seeking. I called a brother from my mission to talk to him about it. He really helped me a lot on my mission, and I just needed to tell someone who wasn't family. As a great person he is, he reached out to his son who lived in SLC to come give me a blessing. While waiting for his son, I sat in front of the Christus statue. Christ's voice came overhead, and I was pierced to the heart. The Holy Ghost overcame me, and the words spoken are written in John 14:1-4. 1 

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

I knew Matthew was going to be alright, but I didn't know that I would. I ended up crying on my friends shoulder. He just listened to me, but also reminded me of the truths I know of the plan of salvation. I was able to get a wonderful blessing from him and two elders. He was able to cheer me up.

I wanted to be strong for my family! I didn't know if I could or not. I wanted to bear their sorrows. I came to understand that I could, but I couldn't take it all on by myself. That is why Heavenly Father sent his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to atone for us. He didn't die just for our sins, but he died and rose again to show that there is more joy and more happiness through Him. I didn't have to be strong all by myself. Because we are rooted in the love of Christ, my family and I were able to console and lift eachother.

This past week, funeral arrangments were being prepared. I was able to get off work and head down to Arizona to be reunited with my family. It wasn't the best of circumstances, but it was still a joyful moment that I am grateful I could be there for. I dreaded having to cry so much! There were quite a few tears of sadness, but as we celebrated Matthew's life many were tears of joy. This little angel could return home to continue the work Heavenly Father needed him to do. My testimony of the plan of salvation is possible because of the Restoration of the gospel. I am so grateful Heavenly Father grants us a body, even if it is for a short while. I am so grateful my brother and sister in law were sealed in the temple for all time and eternity. We will see Matthew again, and it will be in the best of circumstances. 

His life told by his father, Nathaniel Hudson Ely

Ashley and I had been trying for only a short while to start our family. I came home for a long day of work at my new job on Valentines' Day. Ashley told me in the cutest way we were expecting. She did this with a little care saying that now I would be getting ice water for two. She had found out three hours before I got home. I think it is the longest she has ever kept a secret.

We started preparing. During the first ultrasound we named him Baby Speck. We knew from the beginning he was ours. A few months later, we were so excited to find out we were having a boy. We were asked to see a high risk specialist to get some additional ultrasounds.

We found out that Matthew had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HPLH) and Dextrocardia. HPLH is where the left side of the heart (the part that pumps blood through the lungs) was restricted due to thick walls in the heart. Dextrocardia is where the heart was on the right side of the chest. We studied someinformation but mostly waited for the doctors to help us. We knew that his life was going to be hard, and possibly very short. We rooted ourselves in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and primarily in the eternal plan of happiness that has been laid out and taught to us from an early age. 

His name came to us while I was giving Ashley a bad time about the name she had previously chosen "Matthew Jonas". We all chuckled a little at the middle name Jonas. We started coming up with alternative middle names. I wanted something powerful, so I thought of the warrior vikings. We went through a few of those and I came across Thor. That got us thinking of superhero names. We both thought that Wolverine was cool, but Rich pointed out it may not be appropriate. We chose Logan since that is Wolverine's alias. Matthew Logan was the result of a short afternoon of deliberations.

We had a few false alarms, but we always grateful for the help and support that we received both from family and medical professionals. Saturday, October 13,2018, Matthew decided that he was ready for this world. He pushed and pushed and tried to get out. We went to St. Joseph's hoping that it was not yet time. He had been scheduled to come on Monday, the 15th. He had his own thoughts about that and wanted his future birthdays to be on a Friday, the 13th. We knew he was ours based on this type of attitude. The doctors prepared both emergency teams at St. Joseph's and Phoenix Children's Hospital.

It was time! He was born at 8:12pm. He was 6lbs. 12oz. and 19" long. This made him a heavier baby than his dad. He was declared well enough to go to Phoenix Children's. He was rushed there in an ambulance minutes after birth. I followed in my own car. A while later multiple doctors came to me sharing that the surgery was proving to be difficult. I would have to make a choice. His heart wall was too thick to penetrate with this surgery. I had to choose between asking the doctors to do a surgery that may not help at all or to have them do everything they can to allow us a short time with Matthew.

The Spirit whispered to me what I had to choose, but I did not want to accept it. After multiple prayers that seemed to stretch into hours of pleading and begging the Lord for another way, the Lord touched my heart and told me that Matthew had accomplished the mission he was sent here to do. His frail, perfect body was the only requirement that he needed to fulfill. I told the doctors and they prepared a room for us. Ashley was smuggled out of St. Joseph's and rushed to PCH to hold her perfect baby boy. I turned to all the resources I had to prepare to give Matthew his name.

Around 10:30pm that night, we were all reunited. He is the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. The moment Ashley started talking to him he opened his eyes and looked around the room, got comfortable in his mother's arms, and went back to sleep. He had an exciting day. After a little bit, I got to hold my son for the first time. I just talked with him about his family and all the things that I wanted to do with him. I gave hime his blessing and his name. I miss my baby boy.

Saturday turned into Sunday, we knew that it was time for him to return to his Heavenly Father. The doctors and nurses passed him back to Ashley and took away the machines that we prolonging his earthly stay. He grabbed onto Ashley's finger and didn't let go. He was ours for just a short time. We are grateful that he picked us. He passed from this world Sunday morning at 2:19am.

HIs mission on Earth was short, but in those six hours he taught me more about the love of Christ, listening to the Spirit, and the Eternal Plan of Happiness than I have ever known. I know that Matthew is one of God's most loyal children, and that He could only allow Matthew to be away from Him for a short time. I know that one day soon, Ashley and I will be able to raise him thankfully far away from all the darkness. I know that Matthew loves us and he knows we love him. During all of this, I remember that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He has chosen, and I know that Matthew Logan Ely chose us.

We love and miss you, our beautiful baby boy.

I love my Savior Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 11:15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, my Savior laid down His life for me. He didn’t do it to get the glory. He didn’t do it to be popular. He willingly put the will of the Father before His own will. He was a healer, a friend, a teacher, and a servant.
As I reflect upon the powerful influence my Savior has on me, I know I am never alone. There have been times where I have felt completely alone. I didn’t know who I could turn to. And I felt the advisory just weighing me down. But through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I was able to break through that darkness! I know He has felt every thing I have felt. The small insecurities, the broken heart, and the mistakes I have made. He doesn’t look down to me. He looks at me with open arms. As I am sinking into the abyss, He has his hand out to mine. But am I willing to grab it? He is my only hope on being saved, but also to have the happiness Heavenly Father has granted to me.
Jesus Christ has also been a loving example. One by one the Nephites were able to touch the prints. One by one He ministers to our needs. One by one He suffered for each of us. I have been able to reach out to others in a better and loving way. I think of how my Savior would treat them. I can be His hands right now. I can love and serve others as He would. Because I love my Savior Jesus Christ who did everything for me.

A mission indeed

At a young age, I chose to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always dreamed of serving in the most magical place on earth, but that changed to serving in Colorado. I had many great role models in my life. I followed through with that desire. And now I have returned home from this journey always reflecting on what I have experienced and learned.

Missions are not easy! But they are worth it! Those days when its 89 degrees outside, and it seems that no one is opening their door or home, you've got to press forward! How did I do it? Well it was not easy. There were days I was so done with my companion, tired and hangry, and didn't have the spirit. I had to really see past myself. This work is not about me (but it is). It is about sharing your love of Jesus Christ with others and how He needs to be at the center of your life. It is about loving someone for you they are no matter their struggles. Remember you are not perfect either. It is about praying and fasting for those you meet that they will overcome and have a softened heart. Those are one of the most sincere prayers I ever gave. It is about sharing with others that their families can be together forever. And you seeing them get to the temple.

Two of the biggest lessons I learned on my mission was that repentance needs to be a daily action and your heart can be filled with so much love for others. Repentance is so vital to me, but should be for everyone else. Heavenly Father literally sacrificed His Only Begotten Son so we would be able to return to our Heavenly Father. I have understood a lot about repentance as I have understood my identity. Where will I return to after this life? How can I live up to a great potential? Knowing that I am a child of God helps me to understand that Heavenly Father isn't going to give up on His child, no matter what. But we have to be willing to receive His love and help. In Matthew 14:25-33 the account is of Jesus walking to his disciples on the water. Peter has the faith to walk out to His Savior. Peter is focused on getting to the Savior, but he then noticed the waves so he lost focus on his friend. As he was sinking, he cried out saying "Lord, save me." The Lord reached out for Peter and replied "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" The Lord is always reaching out to us, but are we willing to take His hand. I can testify that it is worth using the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We need to utilize it every day.

As I mentioned the second thing was the love that I filled my heart. I had no idea that I could love people I had never met. Being homeschooled, I didn't associate myself with a lot of people. I wouldn't go out of my way to reach out to someone, but I believe all of us are guilty of that. But that was the old me! I was able to "comfort those that needed comfort, and bear one another's burdens." These brothers and sisters of mine would open their hearts to me and share trials and happy moments with me. I am truly grateful they trusted me with those experiences. A song that I came to love on my mission was "Each Life That Touches Ours For Good". "When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts. A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee." I know I touched many people lives, but they in return have brought forth friendships I will cherish forever. Honestly with some people that I worked closely with, I knew I had known them before this life. We were able to pick up and connect like we have been lifetime friends.

My testimony is that missions are fun! As you are being obedient, you love the people, and your attitude is right, YOUR MISSION WILL BE FUN! These past 18 months have been the most important months of my life. I was able to bear the name of my Savior Jesus Christ every single day. And it continues with me after the mission. This is a lifelong commitment! This desire to follow Jesus Christ shapes how I live my life. And I chose to have it centered on Jesus Christ because of His ministry.