Current Understanding of Obedience

I would love to share a bit of what I have learned. I pray that as I testify, the Holy Ghost will be in your heart to teach you the tidbit of Gospel that you need in your home this week. To me, the Holy Ghost feels like a warm swelling in my heart, which is similar to the feeling of heartburn I get after eating a meal like the one on Thanksgiving. So, sometimes it’s hard to tell. But, if we listen, the Holy Ghost will quietly testify to you in a way that is specific to you. This is how we learn truth.





I am Brooklyn Tanner, Jonathan is my husband. I am from Murray, a suburb in south Salt Lake, and fabulous Jon is from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. We met as missionaries in Matsumoto, Japan. We worked in the same ward for the very last month of Jon’s time as a missionary. We were friends there, but I never really expected to see him again. However, I came home about four months after him, just in time for his spring break trip to Arizona. He called and asked me for a ride to the airport, took me to breakfast, and now we are married! It has been my greatest joy being his wife for 300 days so far. A bit about me, I work as a family entertainer, performing a magic variety show for private events, I love pies and I am rather loud but relatively lovable all the same.


A bit about Jon, he is a studying at BYU to become a software developer. He a dog lover and a very good dish-doer. He is humble and sweet, and silly and fun to talk to, but he is best at listening intently and thoughtfully. His personality is charming and he is so loving. He is selfless and knows and acts upon his priorities. He is a hard worker and obedient to God. I am learning about the Savior through Jonathan and reading the Book of Mormon.


I feel privileged to have known Jon as a missionary, because I saw him in a place where he was working very hard to please nobody but his Heavenly Father. He really showed me the true meaning of obedience, just like the Savior did for us. Jesus Christ was obedient to God in order to accomplish his divine potential. Our divine potential is to become like Jesus Christ, which we can do by knowing his teachings, and doing as he would do. This cycle of Know, Do, Become has helped me more clearly understand the importance and joy of being obedient.


So let’s read about it in the scriptures. Please, turn with me to Alma chapter 12. For those of us who are stylishly vintage, this is on page 237 of the Book of Mormon. Here we are in the midst of the ministry of Alma and Amulek. These two are awesome. I think the mission president was very happy about this companionship. In chapter 12, they are working with a particularly difficult investigator, Zeezrom. Amulek just finished testifying about God and the purpose of Jesus Christ. Zeezrom still doesn’t understand, but is speechless, so Alma takes this opportunity to step in and give it a shot. Verse 9.


Diligence. I this that is a good synonym for obedience. We have the great blessing of being taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we accept it, and live it, we are rewarded with eternal life. Alma promises us that if we listen to the word of God, we will have more access to understanding the word of God. Let’s keep reading. Verse 14.


Ouch. Sounds a little scary. The only thing that can condemn us, that can keep us from eternal life is our own words and works. When I was younger I thought this meant God wanted to control me, and blindly follow him even though I didn’t understand very much. He is waiting to punish me if I do something wrong. But that is NOT how it is. Next verse (15). This will not do!


God is EAGER to reward us, bless us, live with us, His children. His work and glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. He sent His son, to live for us and to die for us. He lived a perfect life to show us the commandments, how to be obedient. Then, He took upon Him the suffering for our sins, so redemption would be possible. He died physical and spiritual death so we would have the chance to repent when we mistake in our obedience. This is a grandiose and humble act of love. Verse 33-34.


Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52

The Lovliest

When Jon and I began dating, my father was impressed with  a him immediately. So impressed, he worried just a bit about my  chances. He told him, "You so know she comes from clown stock, right?"

Jon just laughed and continued to support me in my work and pursuits. That is when I was able to recognize he started showing his love  for me, just how I was and what I was trying to be. I recognized it because that is the type of love I feel from Heavenly Father. Kind, unconditional, and supportive. Another way Jon shows me he loves me every day is by communicating with me well. He let me know how he feels and what he is thinking thoroughly, concisely, and consistently. We are able to be or get on the same page because he communicates so well. 

I also feel love from Heavenly Father because He communicates with me, and allows me to communicate with Him. 

In prayer, we can report to Him all our feelings and happenings. In prayer we can express thanks, and faithfully ask for blessings for ourselves and the people we love. At baptism He gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost, so He can send messages back through good feelings and experiences. He speaks clearly in words when we read His holy scriptures, and listen to the words of the modern prophet. 

I feel love through all these wonderful vessels of love, and know they truly are His words.

I have been specifically blessed by God's prophets and apostles. He calls humble and strong men and their families to serve His children, therefore Him (Mosiah 2:17). Prophets receive, study, and interpret messages from God that apply to all of His children. We can read the words of the prophets of old in the scriptures and the words of the prophets of these latter days (prophets starting with and proceeding Joseph Smith) in General Conference. In October 2011 I was a junior in high school, listening to this Conference. Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita gave a talk expressing his love for missionaries, and giving prospective missionaries three areas of focus to prepare for service: Desire, Testimony and Love. I really enjoyed this talk, wrote down those three focuses, and strove to develop them to be ready for my own missionary service one day. 

I was delighted to be called to serve in the Japan Nagoya Mission three years later. While studying in the MTC, I opened my notebook to find my notes on Elder Yamashita's three points. In that moment, I excitedly realized that Elder Yamashita was now President Yamashita, my very own mission president! I felt Heavenly Father's strongly from President Yamashita during all my time as a missionary. 

I know the words of the prophets guide us to joy and protect us from all types of harm (D&C 21:5-6). Just while a missionary, principles I learned from the prophets and apostles protected me from harm in a bike crash, sickness stopping me from work, anxiety attacks, depression bouts, and temptation for sin. 

I know President Monson loves us, and I know he receives his ability to love us like that from God. I know God called him specifically to lead us this time, this month. What he testifies of is true and we will be safe as we learn to follow Christ by following His prophets. I love Jesus. Jesus love me, and I know He lives, among us. He shows us his love through communication, healing, comfort, and so much more.  

Konnichiwa from the Other Side (ただいま!)

Returning missionaries compare going home from the field to death, which is rather dramatic. We have built this new life, and sometimes a new person based on that little white book and big-deal of a blue book. We are on a now-familiar, stringent 16-hour work schedule and most of us have come to really enjoy it. We are blessed with plenty of time to study the gospel and many opportunities to bear testimony.

You are doing all that one day, and then tomorrow comes and you step off an airplane into another world, different from the new environment and loved ones you have grown in and close to. It's all snatched away at once.

It's kind of like...going on a mission in the first place! Ahahaha, everything is an interesting eternal round. I didn't quite feel like I died coming home, but it was very strange. The mission seems like a short, wonderful, weird dream I had. 

The good news is, it was real! Real, just like real life; the mission was exciting, beautiful, very difficult, confusing, strengthening, challenging, loving, and full of evidence of God. 

As a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I was called to serve in Nagoya, Japan. The cities I worked in were Okazaki, Kariya, and Toyohashi of Aichi Prefecture; and Nagano and Matsumoto of Nagano Prefecture. 

The weather was similar to Utah, four seasons with increased humidity. We traveled by bicycle, train, and a good amount of sweat or rain! My companions and I met and taught many humble, kind, passionate, Christlike Japanese people, along with people from Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile, China, Korea, Vietnam, Egypt, the Philippines, USA, Thailand, and Morocco. I proselyted in Japanese, but was also assigned to study and teach in Portuguese for the last three months of the mission.

My mission presidents: President and Sister Yamashita, and President and Sister Ishii, are each native to Japan and provided excellent examples of the type of missionary I wanted to be. I remember consistently feeling immense love from them and learned much about diligence, consecration, love, and teaching from them. I served with nine different companions, learning something important about Jesus Christ from each of them. I can honestly report that I love each of my companions dearly.

A highlight of my time as a full-time missionary was the opportunity to testify of Jesus Christ every day. I am grateful for truth to testify of, and doing so gave me an electric feeling I absolutely love. Feeling the Holy Ghost with people, watching Christ change them, therefore being inspired by them. That's magic!

What anyone will tell any "discouraged" missionary is that your efforts are not measured by your results. Of course not. We can't make any conclusion like that because we have such a minuscule view of this thing as humans. No one can or does promise you "baptisms" as a missionary. As a missionary, your purpose is to help people develop the faith to be baptized, and keep those commitments eternally. No one my companions and I talked to or taught have been baptized yet, and sometimes that made me feel like a lousy missionary. Somedays, I probably was a lousy missionary. That's why I am grateful for repentance, and the Atonement. God commanded me to do something I wasn't able to do as a missionary in Japan. Though it meant I failed, if I didn't put all I could into accomplishing that purpose just because I knew I wouldn't be able to do it, I wouldn't have done what He needed, become what He needed me to do. If I knew I wouldn't see baptisms, I wouldn't have worked for baptisms, and learned so much on the way. That's also not what we're working for, baptisms. We are working for people, for Christ. The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught. (Doctrine and Covenants 3:1) 
I testify that what He commands us IS what is best and right and eternally progressive. He can see it. He lets us see what we need to as we grow along. He teaches us the answers to the questions He will ask us. 
Going on a mission was a rewarding experience and the right thing for me. I am grateful for the way it has influenced my character and decision. I am happy to be back in the SLC and love being a muggle as well! I hope to always be a missionary. I love God and His many creations. Jesus loves us, He is among us.
Love,
Brooklyn 姉妹

Farewell Talk

Intro

Good morning Brothers and Sisters, I am so grateful to be able to call you that. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family. Brother Dallas Anderson and I get to speak today because we have been called to serve as missionaries for this, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On Wednesday, October 1, we report to the Missionary Training Center at 12:30 to prepare to preach this gospel in our respective areas. I have been assigned to labor in the Japan Nagoya mission.

How exciting! I think we can agree that we have received an outpouring of loving support from our families, our ward and friends visiting today. Thank you for being generous with your love, morale, and advice.

I have wanted to serve a mission since I was pretty young and in Primary. Now that it is at last and yet all of the sudden here, I think I finally know why I want to go.  In 3 Nephi 27:21, Jesus is commands the people to be like Him: 21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do;   and then in 18:16 He iterated it clearly, Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you.

It’s nice to have light in a dark room, so you can see clearly your path and accomplish the tasks you are assigned to do. 

The Savior spent His earthly ministry teaching and serving people, and developing and full and pure love for each of us, His brothers and sisters. If I want a love similar to the Savior’s, I need to follow in His example by learning from Him and those around me whole exemplify His qualities.

I am grateful for the power of prayer, and the sacred spirit in the temple, through which I know that going on a mission is what I, personally need and get to do to progress further in becoming like the Savior.

In the scriptures we can find the attributes of Christ, and today I would like to highlight four of them, and share how I learned them from the great disciples  of Christ around me. 

Faith

First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  First. Faith is our very first step in accomplishing anything spiritually. 

Last night in the Women’s Conference Broadcast, Jean A. Stevens said,  "Your choice to believe and keep covenants will leave a rich legacy of faith for those who follow you." 

Jesus Christ left us a legacy of faith by fulfilling His Father’s will without fault. We have been blessed with the agency to choose to have faith, and blessed with the Atonement to become better when we falter. As long and we have and act upon our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can come back to Him, grow with Him, and become like Him. 

I love to observe the examples of others and they magnify their faith. At the meeting for the Ogden Temple Rededication last Sunday, as I watched Brother Ben Newbold carefully and lovingly bring his daughter Maddy into my heart filled all the way to the top. He made sure she could see the speakers and feel the spirit that was there. I am grateful for her mother, Emily Newbold, who has taught me in since she served in Young Womens how to be patient, how to help others, and how to love unconditionally. I know she gains these qualities through faith in her Savior. She is generous in sharing her spirit and experiences with us, we are blessed as a ward to have their family in ours. I admire the faith of their entire family as they live the life they have been given, and show faith in Christ every step of the way.

Humility

The next attribute is one that has been difficult for me to work on: Humility. It’s hard for me to find the balance between being bold and being meek, Although in my case I think “bold” just equivalates to “loud.” But the Savior was powerful in His ministry, and simultaneously humble, submitted to the will of His father and consistently praising Him. I hope I can be like the humble people in our ward, like Wayne Bott, my friend who is always willing to teach me something good. Or like Tara and Dustin Applegate, who are so receptive the the goodness of the gospel, and willing to do what is best for their family. I admire them so much and am so glad I got to meet them.

I think someone who displays Christlike humility is our lovely prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. Whenever He speaks, I never feel reprimanded.  I feel the love and command of Christ. He is never hesitant to share a story from his life, explaining how he grew, or made a mistake, or followed the example of the Savior to gain his great knowledge. He counsels, “To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility.” (President Monson: Each Soul Matters)

Diligence

With faith in Christ and humility to follow His commandments, the Savior asked that we be diligent in enduring to the end. We know this one well, but in Doctrine & Covenants 58:27, Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

When I read this scripture, I think of the Rodriguez family, anxiously engaged in a good cause. Brother Rodriguez has served us as bishop, and in the stake presidency. He is now the ward mission leader. He is the epitome of “magnifying your calling.” Lisa blesses the Young Women and our ward with her testimony, bright spirit, and brownies. Karli has always been diligent in developing her multiple talents and helping others, Elder Rodriguez is on his mission, diligently and daily on the errand of the Lord. Stephani has grown up to be a great leader, diligently sets a great example for her many friends around her. 

I testify that blessings come when we are diligent in the Lord’s work like Jesus Christ is. He loves us, and He desires to continually bless us in and for our work. 

Love and Charity

Lastly is the attribute most important to my heart. We know from Moroni 7:47 that “charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” 

The Savior’s life was governed by His love for us. His birth, baptism, sermons, miracles, and Atonement. The whole thing was to let us know, personally, that He loves us, knows us, and wants the best for us. He is the light and He shows the way. To feel love, He gave it. I feel my Savior’s love. I feel it from Him directly, and from the abundance of love and charity I have received from you. 

I know you have noticed, my mother also fills her life with love and charity. She accepts her callings from the Lord, and infuses her loving efforts into them. She has been so charitable in raising me, and my sister. She prays every day, and never for herself. She thoughtfully includes everyone she feels needs a blessing. Then, she goes and loves people every day. She is an excellent and true friend. She is a smart, talented, strong, nurturing, fashionable, helpful and beautiful daughter of God. All of those things are true. I’m honored to have her as my mother.

I would like to share a short passage from a novel. This is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, the first in a series of seven. Harry, the main character, has just finished the first of many battles with the evil antagonist. The headmaster of his school gives him this answer, after he asks why he won the battle even though the odds were stacked highly against him: (page 299; “If there is...something good.”) We are protected by the love of our Savior, forever. 

Do You Want to Be Friends Again?

Me, Teagan, Alyssa. Two of my best friends, the day Teag got her mission call.

This weekend I was doing a show at a seven-year-old's birthday party, and as I was setting up, I noticed the middle of a scene. Two of the party guests seem to have a minor quarrel, which ended in "Fine!" from the first girl and "FINE!" from the one talking with her. I'm not sure what happened, but that second grade drama is serious stuff, as many of you know. As the show went on, they laughed and had a good time but did not sit by or talk to one another. At the end, all the kids sit in a circle to meet and pet the rabbit. Bitter Girl tried picking up the rabbit and stumbled with how to hold it. Ex-friend immediately (out of habit, I infer)  helped her and showed her how. They paused and (no longer) Bitter Girl said "Do you want to be friends again?" And Helper/Healer Girl said, "Yeah, let's do it."
And bam.
Besties again.

How easy was it for these two girls to forget about what was bothering them, stop judging one another, and simply cater to one another's needs and decide to be in good company? It was like they squirted a bottle of friendship in each other's faces.
*spray*
Yeah, let's do it. Then they were cool. Not judging is hard. Being kind to everyone is harder. However, this is what we were made to do, what we can thrive in, and what we can continually have success doing. We "naturally" judge each book cover we see. We linger on the ones that seem colorful and interesting, we read the summary of the ones with intriguing titles, and we delve into the ones we love with all our hearts.
There may not be time to read every book out there, but there is time to give each book the care it deserves. Books are not to be thrown, stomped on, torn up, soaked or spilled on, neglected or left out of place. An author created that book, with passionate ideas and great potential in mind. You may not have time to read the story, but please have respect for the artistic, divine value and wonderful potential the author designed this book to have.
Everyone comes with a great story, and different wonderful elements. One may have flawless word choice (or good leadership skills) or enticing descriptions (or a lovely singing voice). Everyone will also have a sentence fragment, a missing page or maybe a rough introduction. But can't we step back, take a little breath, and smile long enough to notice the many masterpieces we have among us? Yes, we "naturally" judge each book cover we see. We also "naturally" each have the light of Christ in us. Intrinsically. Dutifully. You deserve to be cared for and read carefully, so please treat your fellow shelf mates similarly.
Please be kind to people.

Book Talk: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

This was a very, very fortunate random grab off the "Featured" shelf at my library.

Sentence-Synopsis: An explanation of common autistic behaviors through an extensive interview with a thirteen-year-old autistic boy.

At only 193 pages, this was a two-hour read, which became two important hours of my life. Naoki answers the questions about autism honestly and fully, providing unexpected understanding for an outsider. The active effort to understand and love each other is essential, and this book provides another opportunity for that. It reminded me that as I go on my mission, it isn't "my" mission. My mission is for others, for the people in Japan. To love them, understand them, and render service to them the best I can. The Reason I Jump is a gentle, wonderful reminder to simply follow a commandment: Love One Another.

Overall Grade: A
Disclaimers: No controversial or adult material.

"What the Hell is Religion?"

A Reflection of my Religion 101 Class, with a rather pretentious but honest-as-possible ending.

As soon as I started registration for college, I asked the counselor if there was a Religions of the World class. I was eager to take it because I plan on serving an LDS mission in the fall. I wanted to know as much as I possibly could about what other people were thinking before I went out and told them my way was better. The two most memorable phrases Dr. Anderson has ever said to me came on the first day of class. First, “What the hell is Religion?” I thought it was witty and ironic, and I liked to think I understood witty humor and was cool enough to nod in comprehensive laughter. 

Religion is a system comprised of people with similar belief, with rituals to enact those beliefs. Religion is a community, a therapist, and an inspiration. Religion is controlling, violent, and destructive. These are all things Religion can be, and have been. Learning about all these denominations and connecting them to real people has been impactful for me. Seeing the sacred value of family in Shintoism is so beautiful, something that wouldn’t be as significant without the religion. Then, seeing the violent, even murderous rites of passage and rituals in other religions shocked me and broke my heart. But that’s something about humans I learned. We have incredible, extreme capabilities when motivated by fear, love, or family. 

A lot of religion is about perspective. In learning about all these religions, I see that our actions are totally dependent on our situation and even beliefs about consequences. That brings me to Professor Anderson’s next little quotation. “If you no one, you know none.” This one really smacked me in the face and reiterated why I was there all throughout the course. If you’re happy 100% of the time, and never sad, you aren’t really happy, you just are. The opposition is necessary. Opposition is also necessary in knowledge. To know what a prime number is, you also need to know what it isn’t. This especially became significant when we discussed Religion’s role in the world. 

If I put on the close-minded, Mormon girl bubble glasses, I’m not going to think very highly of other people, and especially other Religions. This class has influenced my view of Religion by enhancing my perspective of people. People like certainty, and I think that is one thing Religion does really well for some people. Death is the one thing that happens to everybody that nobody knows everything about. When searching for a Religion (if they have the opportunity to do so) they may go with the one that gives them the best feeling and most satisfying answers. 

Most people are also essentially obligated toward family in some way. In families all around the world, Religion is absolutely foundational.  Religion can guide many significant stages of life, such as birth, puberty, marriage, death, and many in-betweens.

      More than anything, my Religions of the World class has confirmed and clarified by desire to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am very young, not very smart, inexperienced and probably still rather naive. However, now I know I believe what I do because I personally want to and feel very happy about it. I can honestly say I have a respect for all other people and their way of life, because my way of life isn’t the only one. I would love to share the Church’s message with anyone with a desire and willingness. Religion, as illustrated by history, has enormous capabilities; which means people have them. I’m happy and grateful to be able to choose what I am a part of. I hope, someday, everyone feels like that have been able to do that, too.

Stake Conference Talk

Hello. My name is still Brooklyn. When the Stake Presidency asked me to share some of my thoughts and feelings for eight minutes, I was really excited. However, I believe it is very impossible for any 18-year-old girl to comprehensively explain her feelings in eight minutes. And besides, you wouldn’t understand. All drama aside, I chose just a few passionate feelings and I’m grateful to share them with you today.

I will begin by introducing myself a little, just in case some of you don’t follow me on Twitter. I am Brooklyn Brewer from the Hillcrest Ward, my daddy Paul and I do magic shows, my beautiful, amazing mother Jodi teaches dance classes, and my baby sister Katelyn makes really delectable cupcakes. I go to school at Westminster College, where I major in being a Freshman, which means I have no idea what I want to do with my life yet. 

However, I do know who I am. Which I think is a good first step. 

I am a child of God. God is my Heavenly Father and He loves me. I know he loves me because he gave me an earthly home. The Earthly Home came with a lot of great amenities. My body, my agency, my parents kind and dear. And best of all, my trials. Comparatively, my life isn’t difficult at all. But I have frustrating days, sad moments, I get upset over which sweater to wear over-analyze a one-word text message. It is in these weak, devilish moments that I have been able to feel the love of my Heavenly Father so purely. I am a child of God. God is my Heavenly Father and He loves me. Good news: YOU are a child of God. God is your Heavenly Father and He loves YOU. He loves you so much. Let’s turn to Acts 17:28. Here we learn something very important. [READ] You are a child of God. Families are forever. Heavenly Father has always been, and always will be your loving, supportive Father. 

Additional good news: He sent His only begotten Son not only to die for us, but to live for us. He shows us the way, He gives us the light. Jesus Christ literally understands you, your thoughts, your pain, your anger, your mortality. He has plenty of love for all of us, so it’s time for us to embrace it, and even more importantly, it’s time for us to share it.

Missionary work is the sacred duty each and every one of us has been fervently called to. Let me share with you some powerful words from President Hinckley. Now I would invite you to listen here, because this is a prophet of God. 

“We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, ‘to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ (Moses 1:39). Let there be cultivated an awareness in every member’s heart of his own potential for bringing others to a knowledge of the truth. Let him work at it. Let him pray with great earnestness about it.” 

You are a child of God. That means every single person you encounter in your life, even the ornery ones, is a child of God. 

Our precious, full-time missionaries are doing a wonderful job dedicating all of their time to the salvation of their brothers and sisters. I recently wrote every missionary I know to ask them why missionary work is so important, here are some of their answers: 

 Sister Becca Baldridge- “People need the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You get to see that Light of Christ become brighter and brighter in their eyes as they begin to apply the teachings of the gospel.”

 Elder Thomas Rodriguez- “Everyone needs to have the atonment in there life and know how to use it so that all there pains and challenges  can be gone and so they can be clean again.”

Elder Jason Porter-

Elder Arthur Diaz- “Missionary work is so important and happy because we are all brothers and sisters which means ohana and ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind!”

 Elder Connor Holt- “Because you get to share the Happiness that Jesus Christ gave us when he suffered for us! :)”

 Sister Lennyx Hatch- “Missionary work is important because it is God's work. It is Christ's work. As missionaries, we invite people to give them the choice. If they didn't have the information, how would they ever be able to CHOOSE it? Missionary work is service, and it is the best possible thing we could ever be doing.”

 Sister Alyssa Chamberlain- “Missionary work is joyful, hard, invigorating, blissful, euphoric. Reminding people who they truly are and helping them feel the spirit is beautiful.”

As you can tell, these missionaries are special. They understand the importance of Christ in our lives and everybody’s life. They need our help. We can be missionaries by sharing our testimonies. We can be missionaries by praying for and looking for people to teach ourselves. We can be missionaries by being kind. The purpose of missionary work is bring the light of Christ into the lives of our brothers and sisters. What better way to do that than acting as Christ did? We are missionaries when we befriend people, help people, talk to people, encourage people, love people. 

“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, it comes from our Heavenly Father. If there is anything corrupted, destructive, sinful, or vain, it comes from Satan. SATAN DOES NOT LOVE US. Satan works hard to make us miserable like him. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there for us, to love us, to deliver us from the unfortunate things of the world.

 Ammon says it best in the Book of Mormon: "Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we...Blessed be the name of God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land."  ALMA 26:35-36.

I am so grateful for my testimony, and it is this:

You are a child of God.

This Gospel of Jesus Chris is the truth and it always will be.

I hope they call me on a mission.

I love you. 

New Year, New Mascara: Nearesos, Happy & Cheese

That's about as new as twenty-fourteen me gets, and that's my satirical slam on society for the day. I don't do New Year's Resolutions. I don't make them either. Now before you write me off as a snob hipster, which you're free and probably entitled to do, read my rant since you're already here and internet-wasting time.
First, Nearesos seem impulsive. There is ALL THE MUCH going on in November and December such as recovering from Halloween's awesomeness, deciding how you feel about Christmas music, eating too much, NaNoWriMo, pretending to study for finals, frantically "shopping" for gifts even though you're broke as a joke (thanks Kate) and have no idea what your family could possibly enjoy, working ridiculous hours, deciding how to make your one party dress look different at each party, contemplating on conforming to ugly sweater day, and then shifting into quality family time mode and magically getting along with everyone. So by the time you exhale, you have approximately 29 hours to decide on your Nearesos. The ones you'll be stuck with for a whole year! An entire year of way too hard work or disappointing guilt!
This is a rather drastic viewpoint. I'm happy for and inspired by Nearesos and especially those who work hard at theirs all year long. Truly, it's just all of us trying to become better people, which I'm a definite advocate for. I'm also a fan of active goal setting and execution. So if Nearesos work for you, AWESOMEAUCITY. Go you. * I'm cheering for you! * Did you see the pom-poms? I also just did a backflip. Did you miss it? Can't believe you blinked.
Okay, I did half-cave and make sort of a "To Do List" for the year because I'm super into lists and I like activities I've never done before. Pleeease comment if you have something radical to add to my list. I'd love it if you did. Life input is the best. And I'm sort of willing to almost try anything. Hit me with your best shot. The thing with the new year is it's made up of days just like today and all the days last year. Some sun, some shine, some night, some fright. It's your day, and each one has the power to be a good one. And that makes me happy.
Not that I'm old enough to be wise, but I have so far decided that being happy is a decision, not a result of a circumstance. Stupid, sucky, lame, tragic, heart-breaking, embarrassing, hurtful and frustrating occurrences occur. No one likes that. But if you know rough and tough on any level, you know happy. We need that opposition. I'm a strong believer in being anxiously engaged in a good cause. If we're taking care of the people and earth around us, we are at least doing one thing right. If we were supposed to make our own selves happy, I think we would be living here all by ourselves. People equal an opportunity to talk, express, serve, learn, love. People make me so happy. So thank you for being a part of the people, Patient Reader-Person. You make me smile.
Another thing that makes me smile is cheese. I have truly grown to love cheese a bit more every day. I like all the cheeses I have tried excluding cottage, American and blue. Cheese is simply one of those beautiful, scrumptious, versatile, guilt-ridden but completely satisfying life joys. My favorite kind of cheese is Havarti, and I can always go for some classic cheddar. There are probably way too many kinds I have not tried, but I'm totally willing. Come at me, cheeses. Cheese has been my favorite food for about eighteen years, five months and nine days now. I love cheese.
Too bad there's no "ignore call" button on lactose intolerance.

NanoThankYou - Oops.

So. In true Brooklyn fashion, I committed to a project, started it a day late, made it look like I was going strong complete with pictures, and then waited until the morning it was due to finish it. Yay. Therefore, if any of you invisible audience members were looking forward to reading all my Thank You chapters, you should seek a new hobby. NO. I joke, I mean I'm sorry. Sorry. It's crazy to think I'm so blessed that I won't even be able to list MOST of the things I'm grateful for. I present, Chapter 3-28: Abridged.

3. Dear J.K. Rowling, thank you for the magical world my heart calls second home, and for creating a story about real magic. Love, Brooklyn.

4. Dear 1970s Clariol Kindness Hot Rollers, thanks for being there daily to calm the storm. Love, Brooklyn.

5. Dear Musical Theatre, Thank you for making my mornings theatrical,  letting me dance through high school, and making me cry at the gym. Love, Brooklyn.

6. Dear Clocks, thank you for giving me someone to look at when I feel like I should be panicking. Love, Brooklyn.

7. Dear Daddy, thank you for teaching me real magic and just about everything I know. Also, for being my very best friend.  Love, Brooklyn.

8. Dear Missionaries, thank you for embarking on the most wonderful and challenging adventure ever. I can't wait to join you. Love, Brooklyn.

9.  Dear Mr. Saxton, thank you for high school, and for letting me know the infinite importance of King Story. Love, Brooklyn.

10. Dear Ballet, thank you for giving me roots and passion. Love, Brooklyn.

11. Dear Pippin, thank you for happening. Love, Brooklyn.

12. Dear Fish, thank you for being so beautiful, soothing, colorful and exciting. Love, Brooklyn.

13. Dear Writing, thank you for being a thing and giving me people like Ms. LaFortune and Dr. Seifert to inspire, encourage and critique me. Love, Brooklyn.

14. Dearest Beautiful Wonderful Mother, thank you for teaching me to dance through life, being sure to clean up along the way. Love, Brooklyn.

15. Dear Elder Holland, thank you for always telling me to calm the swishandflick down and do something better. Love, Brooklyn.

16. Dear Exes, thank you for each teaching me something or many things that are very important. Love, Brooklyn.

17. Dear Audiences, thank you so much for putting up with and being there for me. Love, Brooklyn.

18. Dear 1940-1965, thank you for your female fashion, and for the costume inspiration it brings. Love, Brooklyn.

19. Dear Joseph Smith, thank you for making my favorite book happen. Love, Brooklyn.

20. Dear Magic, thank you for being real. Love, Brooklyn.

21. Dear cold, thank you for letting me have my fun when everyone else hates you. Love, Brooklyn.

22. Dear Katelyn, thank you for being my complete opposite and teaching me a lot of scary things about my self. And for your miraculous cookies and cupcakes. Love, Brooklyn.

23. Dear Temples, thank you for a place to serve and a place for peace and a place for families. Love, Brooklyn.

24. Dear sour candy and daisies, thank you for being two of my very favorite things. Love, Brooklyn.

25. Dear Boston, thanks for teaching me how to drive a manual car. Love, Brooklyn.

26. Dear mornings, thank you for always arriving, and doing so beautifully and theatrically. Love, Brooklyn.

27. Dear Food, thank you for you. You are a yes. Love, Brooklyn.

28. Dear Jesus Christ, thank you for your life, and your commitment to my and everybody's happiness. Thank you for being so everybody would always have at least someone who loved them infinitely. Love, Brooklyn.

A Tale of Two Brothers

"Phineas, when did you change your shirt?"

This was definitely one of the silliest, cheesiest, and most fun plays I've been in. I was such a little sophomore and felt so proud of my first "female romantic lead" when really I was they only one who actually wanted to do it. Ha ha! This was the cutest play written in part by one of my favorites, Carrie Finlinson, making light satire about our city of Murray and small quirks of our church.
It's a really sweet story that spins off of Shakespeare's "A Comedy of Errors." Phineas and Phineas were separated as infants when a tractor hit their tour bus, sending Dad and Phineas into Preston, Idaho and Mom and Phineas into good old Murray, Utah. The boys grow up, Mom and Phineas in the church, but he's having doubts because he's gotta maintain that Legend-In-His-Own-Mind Image. Phineas of Preston seeks out to find the rest of his family, meets the missionaries, finds his mother without realizing, accidentally kisses his twin brother's girlfriend, and even speaks at "cemetery" graduation. In the end we "don't stop believing" in eternal families and all the joy thereof.

I played Adrian, the super-smiles, student body president, seminary president, laurel president, goody-two shoes that tries to keep her Phineas in line. She was fun to play because I definitely wasn't a great actress at this point, but it's alright, because the whole show was pretty corny, like me. But still so great. The Teal Buchi was a great co-star. He'd never acted before, but every girl's going to have a first-sight crush on him and adore his awesome personality. He taught me how to hold hands for our big scene, because I had never done such a scandalous thing! Kudos to Teal for puttin up with me. I gained some wonderful friends during this show. I can honestly say it's one of my favorites of all time, because despite whatever silly showtune rewrite we were singing (such as: "I'm Gonna Wash Girl's Camp Outta My Hair" and "Sew-A-Little, Love-A-Little"), we always felt the spirit because we all believed in the theme and message we were giving to our audience- the love of the  Gospel. You can even watch a scene or two of this show here!

A Word About Mothers

Today is a day full of love. It is the Sabbath day, a day about our Savior, who has infinite love for all of us. Some of us go to church with people we love and who love us. And it's also Mother’s Day. Mothers are without a doubt among the most loving people I know. These are just a few of the mothers I admire:

• Molly Weasley: I admire her because she will do anything to protect her children from the harm or influence of evil.
• Liz Jorgensen: Liz is one of my favorite friends. She also loves Harry Potter, like I do, so she's automatically super neato. Liz never loses faith. She's currently going through a very serious time with her newborn son, Eli (you can read her blog here). However, she is the happiest, most positive person I know. She continually glorifies Heavenly Father for every small blessing in her life. She loves her family and is completely dedicated to them. 
• Mary Williams: Mary dedicates her life to loving everyone as if they were her family. Mary will always cheer you up, and has something wonderful to say about every one. No body will ever be more happy to see you than Mary. 
• Gaby Saxton: This here is a remarkable woman. She is one of the most beautiful, talented, loving, and strong people I know. She spends her entire life sharing what she loves with not only the kids she teaches, but everyone she comes in contact with. She never gives up. She has a strong faith in life, and people, and always has wise, thoughtful advice to give. She has a fabulous personality and is a friend to everyone.
• Mary: The mother of the Savior always mesmerizes me. She lived her life virtuously and humbly so she could be ready to bring Him here. She stayed true to her husband and withheld a strong faith in the Lord. She always put His will first, because she knew it would lead to the happiness and joy of all mankind, including herself. 
• MY MOM: Everything my marvelous mother does is out of love. Love for her family, friends, Savior, life, anything. She is so smart and strong and teaches impeccably by example. She knows what is important and is faithful to her family and Heavenly Father. She has a beautiful eternal perspective and keeps her sights set high on what she wants and needs to do. I am way too blessed to have her as my mother.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World states: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."


 The family is the most sacred, incredible blessing we have on this earth. Family gives us responsibility to be good to one another and learn kindness, and how to work together.
Families can be together forever. They are eternal, they show us promise we have of heaven and eternal joy. Family assures us that we have a divine nature. The fact that Heavenly Father has a strong enough faith in His daughters and their husbands to raise His children escalates the understanding of our worth.

 As I observe mothers, I have come to honestly believe that a Mother’s love is closest to the love that Christ feels for us. In fact, President Joseph F. Smith said, “The love of a true mother comes nearer to being like the love of God than any other kind of love.”
I'm so grateful for our prophets who testify of family, they thank the mothers and encourage them.
 1 John 2:10 says, "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light." Isn't that amazing? All we have to do to hold the light of Christ is love each other. Every one has light in them and I'm so grateful for the abundance of it in my world. I hope to someday be a mother and become partially as good as the ones I know and love. Thank you.

Church Things

Sometimes I speak in church and it's fun. This is basically all I have for an entry this month. Love everybody!

Hello! I’m up here today to talk about living. Living is something we do every day of our lives. If we do so righteously, Heavenly Father has promised us eternal life. What an amazing Father we have. Living righteously consists of an ongoing process: knowing, doing, and becoming.

Know

Heavenly Father has given us exceptionally ample resources to gain knowledge on what to do in this life, including His holy scriptures, words of the prophets, pamphlets, testimony meetings, General Conference, Seminary, Institute, Sunday School, home and visiting teaching, and the beautiful opportunity to pray. I know prayer is such an incredible gift, because we are able to sincerely ask and allow Heavenly Father to personally answer what we need to know at any time in our lives. In Genesis 3:22, we read... The knowledge between good and evil truly is a blessing, and learning is a lifelong process. It is so essential that we remain humble and teachable. As we come to know Christ, His light may shine forth through us and continue to be shared with all of Heavenly Father’s beloved children.

Do

Once we work hard to know the things that we should do, it’s time to go and do them as soon as possible. As we pray, we hope that help for us will come soon and strengthen us. Very often, Heavenly Father will help us by use of one of his children around us. As children in Zion, we want to help each other return home to Him, so we must be ready to render service to our fellow beings. As a youth we are blessed to have parents and leaders that guide us with their wisdom. In 1 Nephi 3:7 we have the noble example of Nephi who says… In the theatre, which is somewhere I spend a lot of time, knowing your lines is the first step to a great show. Only when you know your lines by heart can you begin to do fun things and create the spectacular character you want to become.

Become

Heavenly Father gave me a chance to come to earth and do my best to be who I wanted to become. He gave me a Savior, Jesus Christ, to learn from and follow the example of. I think everybody who has a testimony wants to become like Christ, and anyone can gain a testimony. A testimony is a composition of our knowledge, validated by the actions we do based on the things we know to be true. By continually feasting on the words of Christ and performing His work diligently to become the greatest we can be, we can then come to know more, and do more, and as President Daw lovingly encourages, be a little bit better.

I have a testimony of Jesus Christ, and am so grateful for all he has done for me and all of you, whom I love so much. I’m grateful for my friends, for the present priesthood in my home, my family, and the counsel I’m given every day in the wee hours of early morning seminary. I know that if we come to know Christ, do what he would do, and try our best to become like him, we can truly be happy.