Farewell "lil" Sis

MISSIONARY......I had the opportunity to spend time with my family and sister this weekend. My sister was called to serve in the Manchester, New Hampshire Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My husband and I were able to help plan and attend her farewell and luncheon. If you had asked me two years ago if this would happen I would have told you no. She as worked her butt off to get where she is today. I'm so very proud of all the hard work she has done to be able to go, because it's been a tough one. We grew up in an inactive family, she was the first to ask back when Kirk was just a fling to me, questions about the church and he sat with her and explained and used his own missionary skills on her. Her road has been difficult but this weekend when I listened to her speak I knew in my heart that she has let the lord help her grow into a beautiful, spiritually mature women. It was wonderful to see everyone come and support her. There were more than 50 people in my parents home, a little crowded, but totally worth it. She was able to see how many people supported and loved her, especially the group shown below.  The YSA group has grown so much since my husband and I left it.  I'm so very proud of all the hard work that has been spent with this group and their wonderful spirits to keep it going strong.

Evanston YSA 

   

Luncheon with Family and Friends

We were able to grab brunch this morning. Our brunch dates are very laid back, lounge wear, no makeup, no fancy hair do and flip flops at Judy's Diner in Evanston, WY (if your ever in Evanston, hit it up, there breakfast menu is all day and delicious.)  We've done this for years and today while at brunch it hit me, that she'll be gone for a 18 months. Now it doesn't seem that long but when we have these type of traditions it seems like eternity. My selfishness kicked in needless to say but, then I looked at her and remembered she is doing this for the lord. She's dedicating her time, strength and testimony with the world and I couldn't be more proud, my heart is full. I'll miss this tradition but hey it'll keep more money in my pocket (cause I always pay, "hey i'm the big sister," its my job) and maybe keep me, a little thinner. 

Last Sister Date for 18 Months
at Judy's Diner

1, 2, 3......6 Months Down, Eternity to GO!

Wedding Day; April 24th, 2015 

TEMPLE MARRIAGE.........If you would have asked me 5 years ago, if I'd marry in the LDS temple, I would have laughed in your face and said heavens no and I wouldn't have said heavens, but a word that isn't appropriate to say. I wasn't active and living a lifestyle that I'm not proud to admit, but humbly I know that when I do, it reminds me that I've grown and what I never want to become again. When I met my husband he was also inactive, I guess you could say that we saved each other, because lord knows he SAVED me.

Manti Temple

When I met my now husband as I stated before I wasn't following the word of wisdom, praying, reading my scriptures, or attending church weekly. Now it wasn't because someone offended me or that I didn't believe that the teachings were true, I very much knew that they were true in my heart, its because it was easier to not live righteously. Society today has made it easier to do so. I'm so very grateful that I had someone to stand by my side and become more spiritually fed as we were preparing to marry in the temple. It was a long and hard road to fix ourselves, but I couldn't have done it without all of the encouragement of Kirk, along with family and friends.

Kirk will never know how much he saved me back then. I cannot imagine my life without my Kirky Turkey, (yes when he reads this he won't be thrilled that I used his nickname, but I love it and its enduring from me.) When I knelt at the alter in the beautiful Manti Temple I knew right then and there I would never live another day without Kirk or my savior Jesus Christ in my life. My love has grown much more then I ever thought possible for my husband. Thus far in our marriage we have; learned to counsel each other, love more, laugh, agree to disagree, strengthen each other, trust, dance in the dinning room, pray together, read the scriptures together, walk into church hand in hand, receive callings and last but not least attend the temple regularly. These are just some of the many blessing the lord has brought to us and I know there are more to come. I can't imagine not having these blessing and not having the one man who waited ever so patiently for me as I did for him. My father in heaven brought me the man of my dreams, even though I wasn't always the strongest, but his faith in me never quit and in return I shall do the same.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson

Happy 6th Month Anniversary to us, here's to eternity.......

Spiritually Fed

General Conference.... As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have the opportunity to hear from our wonderful church leaders twice a year. This was our first conference as husband and wife. It was blessing to hear our general authorities give such guidance together. Throughout the week we are challenging ourselves to read/watch, ponder and pray about the information we were given. We feel spiritually fed and now it's time for us to do our part. 

"God will help you become greater then you ever thought possible"I love that, this stuck with my mind throughout all the sessions. Have I been hindering my own personal progression? Do I help my husband grow in his own spirituality? Have I noticed when the lord has helped me become better and thanked him for doing so. What can I do to help my father in heaven help me? Regardless if you are LDS, inactive, or a non member, what can you do, to better "you," your husband" and  "your family."  I challenge you to look into yourself this week.

I'm grateful and have thanked the lord for giving me the best gift thus far, a loving, supportive and priesthood holding husband. Together him and I shall follow thee and hold on to the iron rod together. 

Side note; If you'd like to hear from our leaders  visit Mormon Channel or LDS.ORG. You can also email with any thoughts or questions. I'd love to hear from you.