Live Every Day Like It's The Only Reason You're Here!

Hello Friends! Sorry about these last few weeks with no updates. Maybe you read them maybe you don't (but if you don't you would not be reading it right now- so that was sorta pointless to say). A lot has been going on and sometimes you're just not in the mood to write how you are really feeling, and sometimes there's no time. But now there's time to write and I'm ready to write about my emotions for the past while. So I'm about to spill out my thoughts and feelings of the past awhile. I am sharing because I am hoping that will help someone out. And simply sharing the moments of mission life where it's not easy and you do have challenges and you really wonder "Why?"

These past few weeks have probably been the most difficult of my mission so far for a variety of different reasons. One reason was feeling the actual need to be here. My companion is so wonderful and I know she has her faults (everyone does) but that does not change anything else about her. She is a great example and I look up to her so much. In so many ways I wish I was more like her. She's hard working, she loves missionary work more than anything, she's an excellent teacher, and she goes by the spirit in all things. She connects with people really well and people can easily trust her. People are just naturally drawn to her. I know that I got the best companion in the mission! And while I have been striving to do the best I really love missionary work- I just felt like I was needed more at home than in California. Sometimes you get things stuck in your head that people have told you and you try not to let these things get to you but the things that have been said or done hurt- especially when all complied together and then you start to wonder why.

I started to reflect my purpose and I really started to feel that I would be accomplishing and helping more at home. I could be earning money, getting farther in my education, being with my friends and family and helping them in whatever they need. The desire that I had to serve a mission from when I was 18 and 19 was gone but I knew that there was some purpose for me being here so I was going to stay and finish my mission because the Lord told me countless times that there is a reason for my mission and that I needed to go. I did not want to go home and felt like I gave up and simply just quit because of things people have said to me and how I have felt. I wanted to stick it out. But I honestly have never absolutely LOVED my mission. I liked it and was enjoying the experience. But love? No. Changing me? No.

One night Sister Jefferies and me were talking and she told me, "Live every day like it's the only reason your out here." For some reason that really struck me. And it's obviously a "duh" statement but I never thought of it that way before. I was waiting till I was more experienced in the mission field, maybe it would happen when I got to a new area. But living each day for my purpose. It's not some day in the future- it's now. That's why the Lord wants me to be here. And since then I know that I have changed. I have felt it and I have really started to love my mission and have gained a deeper love for the people that I am teaching. Sister Jefferies said that the way that you know that you truly love your investigators is when that's all you can think of. You spend your time thinking of any way that you can help them. What they need to progress in the Gospel. And now that's really all I can think of. Before I was thinking of home A LOT more than I should have. Things and people I missed, what I would be doing now, etc.. Now, it's a lot less and the people that I am serving have been on my mind and how I can help them grow closer to the Savior. It's amazing how much your thoughts have an effect on you. And I have flipped the switch. I have grown to really love serving a mission. Now I'm here because I really want to be- not simply because the Lord told me to be. This past month I have really felt the mission changing me. I'm simply not going through the emotions of serving a mission, but I'm really starting to feel it change me.

A few weeks ago was also a hard time with one of the people that we are teaching. But it was also a time that I realized how much I love the Book of Mormon and how much I value and treasure the things that it says. Sister Jefferies and I bore our testimony and started bearing our testimony of the Book of Mormon. Sister Jeffeires went first and she cried. Then I followed and I said my thoughts from my personal study that morning. I was reading the Book of Mormon and I was thinking how much I love and treasure the book and how it has made such a huge difference in my life. And I started crying. This Gospel has brought so much joy into my And I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon is 100% true. It's been a huge blessing in my life. I love it.

We had the ward party Trunk or Treat on Wednesday. That was so much fun! I was Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Sister Jefferies was Minnie Mouse. It was really fun to dress up and we were still in "mission clothes" with our name tag. It was really fun to dress up as Disney characters for the ANAHEIM mission. I love you all! And I miss you so much! But as you know, I would not want to come home. I love this mission and I love serving my Savior. A mission has been such a blessing in my life, especially this past month. I was going to bed one night and I was thinking how much I have learned and grown since coming out here. I was wondering why I did not do certain things a certain way at home. And then I realized it's because of my mission. It's definitely been a huge blessing in my life!!! And I love it!

Love, Sister Clifton

A Beautiful Day for a Baptism!

Hello Everyone! This past Saturday my companion and I had the most wonderful opportunity to have one of the people- Brother G, follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized! It was one of the best feelings that I have ever had! He has such a strong faith and he amazes me so much! The spirit was so strong and I know that this gospel is true.

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" -D&C 18:15

How true this scripture is! I love it! Thank you Brother G for letting me share this experience with you!

Love,

Sister Clifton

Duty vs. Love

Sister Clifton-Mr. G - Sister Gefferies @ the Newport Beach CA Temple

Hey Family and Friends,

This week has been a crazy, busy, week, but also one of the best ones of my mission so far! So much has happened. I was able to go on an exchange with Sister Sowards. She is a great missionary and she loves to build people up.

We have been meeting with one guy- Mr.G. He's really great and we love him! As we have been teaching him he's been able to come to the understanding that the Book of Mormon is true. It's absolutely amazing because everything that he has had concerns about has been resolved through the Book of Mormon because he knows that it's true. And because he knows that he knows everything else we believe is true as well. He has come such a long ways and we are so happy and proud of him! He was able to come to the Newport Beach Temple Tour (just the grounds and speaking about temples) and he really enjoyed it! I have loved seeing his testimony grow!

We had another lesson with a family and while we were teaching them the spirit was so strong. Sister Jefferies and I came home and Sister Jefferies just starts telling me that this is why she loves missionary work. And I could not agree more. I absolutely have loved feeling the spirit when teaching and having it testify that what we are saying is true. We can talk all we want but people will not be able to feel of the truthfulness of it without the spirit.

Here is something that I learned earlier and I absolutely loved it!

It's comparing Alma 4 to 4 Nephi. In Alma 4 it's talking about Duty. In verse 3 it's talking how they were in a remembrance to their duty. In verse 5 it talks about the 7th year and then in verse 9 it says it's the 8th year. In one year there were "great contentions among the people of the church, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecution, and pride..."

But then in 4th Nephi 1:15 it is saying that they had a love of God and there was "no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, no lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness, and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." In verse 22 it says 200 years this went on. All because of love. We need to act because of love rather than duty. Duty is good but when comparing these 2 chapters we see that love is needed when serving God and others. It just can't be duty.

I love missionary work! It's such a blessing and it's amazing to see the change in others. I love this gospel with all my heart and I love the Book of Mormon. I love it when I have seen others also grow to love this book. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and I love seeing His hand in His work. This is amazing and I am so glad that I am here in California. Could not be more blessed!

Love you all!

Love,

Sister Clifton 

Lessons Learned

Hello World!

It's been a crazy but good week. I've also learned a few things. Lesson #1- do not wear wrap around dresses on a windy day. It's really awkward. Thank goodness for safety pins and slips. Lesson #2- Possibly allergic to lobster. I think that's what happens when you eat and and your throat becomes thick and your fingers become fat from touching it. Thank goodness I'm not deathly allergic.

This is going to be quick but I think next week will be better (do I say that every week?)

We had dinner with a family on Friday and they have the CUTEST boy! His name is Easton and he's 6. Last time we ate there he was really shy but this time no. The Elders were there too and Easton is being as cute as he can be! He said, "Missionaries close your eyes." In the cutest little voice and so we did and then he was gone for a bit and then he came back and he told us to open them. When we did he was dressed in his church clothes with a towel draped over his arm and he asked if he could take our order. OH- and he also drew a mustache on his face (the one that twits) with a goatee! Ah- you cannot get any cuter! He tells us what the special is so we order and he's writing it down and he tells us he's not doing it in scribbles! Cute as a button.

We had a 9 Week Follow Up Meeting on Thursday and we learned about more about Christlike attributes. I was also able to see everyone that I came out with! I have missed them and it was great to talk to them and get the updates with them!

Oh something to listen to. Go to YouTube and look up "Strangers Like Me" it's from Tarzan. Think of it as the mind of an investigator. It's pretty cool and it gives me chills!

I love this Gospel and I know that it's true. It's such a blessing to be here in CA and being able to see the changes in people as they start to realize that the Book of Mormon is true!!

I will give more information next week! Love you all!

Love,

Sister Clifton

Blessed to Know

Sisters: Jefferies, Smack Clifton (ME!) & Grant

Hey Everybody,

It's been a great week. I don't think I can share too much but during this week I learned a lot. I learned more about the gospel, about myself, and how to be a better missionary.

On Thursday we had Zone Training and President and Sister Bowen came! In the training we learned a lot on how to work with the members more in our finding. Since then, Sister Jefferies and I have had met with 3 different families. It's cool because we've been thinking about some members we want to talk to. As we have gone to these families and have asked them to fast and pray about people to invite to the gospel they already have someone in the back of their mind that they have recently been thinking of. They just needed a push from missionaries! We set a date with them- just like investigators with baptism and we are going to help them along every step of the way. It's actually really exciting.

We have been teaching 2 of our regulars and they both came to church! It's so amazing when someone that you love and care about finally comes to church. It made me so happy to see them there! It's un-describable.

I did an exchange with Sister Parkinson on Saturday. She has such a sweet personality and her testimony is so strong. You cannot argue with what she says because you know what she says is true. She knows how to answer people and help the with their questions. She's also a great listener. I learned a lot from her!

Just something real quick that I want to share. Sometimes we take advantage of the small and simple things that we know to be true. As I have been teaching and learning about the religious backgrounds of many people I have come to realize how blessed I am. I am blessed to know. I am blessed to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. Blessed to know that He has a beautiful plan for me. Blessed to know that I lived with my Heavenly Father before I came to this earth and that He loves me more than I can comprehend and He wants me to live with Him again. Blessed to know that the church of Jesus Christ is back on earth, that we have a prophet that leads and guides the church today, that the Book of Mormon is true. Blessed to know that I can be forgiven, to pray, to ask if things are true. The list continues but I am happy that I am serving the Lord and so blessed that I have this knowledge in my life.

I know this email was not too long. Hopefully next weeks email will be more full of information. Most of this coming week is already planned. It's going to be really busy. I'm excited!

Happy Are We!

Hello Everyone!

Sorry this email is late. The library was closed on Monday due to Labor Day and there were some scheduling conflicts on Tuesday so now on Wednesday I finally have the chance to email!

Well this week has been really good. I'm no longer the newest missionary in the mission. Transfers happened last Tuesday so we have a new group. I love not being the newest. It's really nice.

On Wednesday I got to have dinner with Brother and Sister Pugmire (Emme's parents- my freshman year roommate). They moved to California a little over a year ago and they live in my area/zone and they wanted to treat my companion and I to dinner. It was really nice and so sweet. I loved seeing them and they have such a sweet and welcoming spirit. They are absolutely amazing.

We did a little exchange with some sisters in my zone (my companion is the Sister Training Leader so as part of her job she does exchanges and I'm along for the ride). I enjoy the exchanges because it's really interesting learning from different missionaries. I was with Sister Grant again and I learned more from her. I love her so much!

We got a new ward mission leader. It's a little sad because we loved ours but we are also excited to see what new ideas come to the table! We had dinner with him and the Elders earlier this week and he came up with some great ideas for the area and with the ward. It's getting me really excited for the missionary work!

Here is one of my Favorite Mormon Messages. I cry basically every time.

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#mountains-to-climb

Random Fact of the Day:

Did you know that the California Anaheim Mission is the smallest proselyting mission in the world?! We are the 2nd smallest mission in the world- Salt Lake Temple Square is the smallest. 

I think every week I have an increasing love for doing missionary work. I learn more and more and as I learn, my love for my mission, for my area, and for the Lord grows. It's an amazing experience and I am so blessed to be here in California!

I think that's all for now. Once again thanks to all the support that you have shown me! It means a lot!

Me with the Pugmire's- Awesome people! I love them! 

Love Always,

Sister Clifton

Loving My Mission

Hello Family and Friends!

This week was crazy, long, but really good. It seems like a lot of the stuff happened forever ago but in reality it was only this past week. I am going to include everything that I can remember.

On Tuesday we had a Sisters Lunch. All the Sisters in the Mission went to President Bowen's house and we had a lunch there. It was so nice of the Sister Bowen to plan the whole thing and it's so nice to see the other sisters in the mission. I'm sure it will be even better once I'm not so new and know more people but I still loved it! Definitely a highlight of the week!

On Wednesday we did an unexpected exchange with Sister Grant and Sister Smack. I went with Sister Smack in her area for the first part of the day and it was really fun. We did some service at the Zoo. We were there for 3 hours so Sister Smack and I just talked the whole time as we did the project of managing the maze. Then we met back up and I went with Sister Grant into my area.The whole exchange was really fun! Love those Sisters! They are amazing! Sister Smack went back to ASL today so we're going to miss her but she covers the whole mission so she'll still be around.

Saturday we did a half day exchange with Sister Jensen and Sister Larrabee (my MTC comp). It went well and we got some missionary work done! It's a little nerve-racking when you run your area when your trainer is gone but we got through the day!

Quick Rant on my companion Sister Jefferies- I love her!!! She is amazing! She is a great teacher, influence, mom, companion, everything. She goes home on November and it makes me sad that I won't see her around the mission when we're transferred. But I have at least 6 more weeks with her so I'm really happy about that! I'm going to try and learn everything that I possibly can. I feel like I'm going to cram it all in because I have so much to learn from her because she's absolutely amazing!!! Love her to death.

This week I have come to love the mission even more. Not that I did not already but this week something clicked and I have a stronger love for my area, for the people I am serving, for the Lord, and for the opportunity in serving Him. It's such a wonderful blessing and I am so grateful to be here in California!

I think that's all. Until next week!

Love you all and thanks for everything that you have done!

Love,

Sister Clifton

Hola Famila and Amigos!

I am so sorry that I did not email on Monday- but it was not our P-day. Today is because we were able to go to the temple! Oh my word- it was so wonderful to go! It's the Newport Beach Temple and it was amazing! It's a smaller one but the members paid for it themselves. The Stake I am currently serving in (Orange Stake) had all their wards announce that if it were possible if they could contribute another 10% for the building of the temple. And the Orange Stake had the most people contribute. How amazing is that?! And it was beautiful! It was such a blessing to go there! It's been forever because the Provo Temple was closed when I was at the MTC. Loved it!!!

Well let's see what else... oh I went on my first exchange yesterday. I went with Sister Grant and my companion went with Sister Smack (the Sisters we went to Yogurt with). We met at their apartment Tuesday night at 8:45 and I did daily planning with her and I slept there that night. And Sister Grant made me pancakes that morning! It was so nice! We taught some of the people that they are currently teaching. I met the family of 8! They are such an amazing family!! But they are going to pass them to the Spanish Elders because the kids have to translate. They are really sad about it but they know that it's the best thing for them. And that is what matters. The Exchange was so much fun and I love Sister Grant (and she's from Springville by the way). When the exchange was over we met with our companions at 8:30 last night and then that brings us to today which I have already told you about. And I'm going on an exchange with my MTC companion on Saturday so that will be fun :)

We went to a baptism on Friday and it was amazing! I loved seeing someone come to this Gospel and witness the change. Ah! Loved it!

Love you all!!!

Love,

Sister Clifton

Sister Jefferies, Me, Sister Smack, and Sister Grant

Sister Jefferies and Me

Made It!

Hello Family!

I have arrived in California and it's been great so far! It was great to talk to both of you today! Not much has happened since then. We came to CA, came to the local church, ate delicious food and have been waiting to be interviewed. I just finished mine and am now waiting for my companion to come. She went to school in Logan and that's all I know. I will talk to you later. P Day is on Monday. Love you!!!!

Love,

Sister Clifton

Love you and I will write you later!!! :)

This is the group that I came out with

LAST DAY IN THE MTC

Hey Family!

Before I forget- mom it was really nice to talk to you for those 2 minutes and I am going to be at the airport around 7am Tuesday morning. Who do you want me to call?

Life here at the MTC has been really busy but super great. I seriously would not want to give it up for anything! I have learned so much about the gospel and myself. And I am SO grateful for the district that I am in! It truly was inspired and each one of them has helped me grow in many different ways! The Sisters and the Elders are amazing! It's going to be really weird not being with them for 15 hours a day, each day. Going to miss that. Especially going to miss Elder Hill and Elder Wilson because the are going to Indiana Indianapolis and there won't be any chance of seeing them in CA. But I hope Blake becomes companions with at least one of them!!!

Anyways. Things are really busy here at the MTC. Elder Kivett was super tired and he said, "Is it 10:30?" because he is super tired and wants to go to bed. Elder Boyle did not pick up the sarcasm and said, "Are you kidding? We haven't even had dinner and it's not even dark yet!" You probably won't find it too funny but we almost busted a gut!!! On Sunday we had a Missionary Conference and it was like a mini General Conference. It was so good. Sunday's here are amazing. Sister Priest bore here testimony and she said, "Sometimes Satan smacks you in the face with a cactus," she was being dead serious but it was so funny. We love Sister Priest.

We have been having several "investigators." Russell (I think I told you about last time- he's our teacher Brother Hitchcock pretending to be one of his envisages) is progressing well. He is starting to understand the Gospel. We taught him about baptism yesterday and it's a desire of his but he does not feel ready quite yet, so he gave us a "Yes" answer but later.... So that's improvement! We also have an investiagor Barbara (a volunteer for the MTC). We loved her so much! She was not raised with religion but has read the 4 gospels. That was helpful. As we were teaching her about prophets and commandments she said that it makes sense. God gave Adam and Eve 2 commandments to start out with and then he gave more. He gave Moses the 10 commandments but when Christ came to the earth there were even more. It makes sense that there would be a prophet today. She related it to a phone. If we were all given an IPhone first we would have no idea how to use it. We first needed to have a basic phone and then we could learn from that. We are not given more commandments until we are ready for them! She had such a willingness to learn and she was understanding what we were saying. I think part of if was having a friendship with her so she was willing to trust us. It was a really neat experience the two times we taught her. We told her we were being transfer ed and she was upset. We are to.. We have loved teaching her!!!

One thing that has stuck with me is "Priesthood power is portable." -Elder Kivett. It's obvious but it's also so true and powerful. Sometimes Elder Kivett will be goofing off one minute and then the next he will say powerful things like that!

Oh I saw Kevin! He was just entering the MTC and going to his classroom and I saw him right outside the building (right after I talked to mom). We in the same building on the same floor so I see him every now and then. Have not seen Steven yet but it was really nice to see a familiar face! And Kevin said that Elder Wilson does look like Blake. So I'm not crazy! And I showed my class a picture of Blake and they put it next to Elder Wilson and everyone was shocked! It's Blake's long lost twin! AND... both of his parents are converts too and he was also born September 1994. I really am hoping their companions. He has such great spiritual insight- I have learned a lot from him.

Oh funny story. I was getting lunch one day and this one Elder comes over and he asks me if I know the Shropshire Family and I say yes. He asks me if my first name was Audrey. Yes... Turns out that he was in the Shropshire's ward and remembered me. It was so nice and I remembered him, vaguely. He told me that I looked familiar but he was not sure if it was me. He's going to Brazil.

Love You All.

Love,

Sister Clifton

First Week in the MTC!!!

Hey Family!

I am alive! Time here is so limited and so busy! My companion is Sister Larrabee (prounounced Lairabee). She is so sweet! Our first day we sang Called to Serve and it was a great feeling singing with hundreds of new missionaries (I think over 800 came in on the 3rd). The closing song was the Army of Helaman. Instead of singing "And we will be the Lord's missionaries" we sang "And we are now the Lord's missionaries!" What a statement of truth and joy!

We are busy from 6:30 until 10:30 and most of the time is in class. It's a meal to class, a meal to class but I love it! I don't realize how much time we spend there until I start writing in my journal and I realize that pretty much all the day we were in class. It's so amazing and I am learing so much. The scheduling here for the first two days was a little off because of the 4th of July-- they had to rearrange the schedule for the holiday. On the 4th we ended class and personal study and had a fireside. It was packed and we needed to go to the overflow room.We sang many hymns which is such a blessing. The spirt and joy I feel when singing with everyone else is amazing! We had a mini talk and then watched "17 Miracles" and I love that movie. It was so nice to take a little break and not do anything for a few hours. We also got permssion to stay up past 10:30 and watch fireworks. Even though it was allowed I am never going to break that rule because getting up the next day was so hard.

Yesterday we taught our first "investigaor" (aka our teacher acting like on of his investigators from his mission). There are so many things that I wish that we could have done better but it went pretty well for our first lesson. He in currently unemployed, single, and has a 3 month old daugher Sophie. We taught him about our Heavenly Father's love for him and also about the restoration. He belives in a higher being but belives that He just left us to our own devices. We did our best to explain that our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can understand and we created this great plan for us for our experience so we can learn and grow and become more like Him. He said we could come back sometime and we are teaching him another lesson later today during our classtime. After the lesson our teacher talked to us after and he said that we loved the way that we bounced off from each other. So that is a confidence booster!

We had gym time yesterday and played Beach Vollyball across from one of the temple parking lots (the one we saw last Saturday). It was so much fun to just get out and joke around. It was much needed and very appreciated!

The other sisters in my District are Sister Priest and Sister Aholelehi (like Aloha Lei Lei- she's from Hawaii). We have a great district! Funny story one of the Elders is Elder Wilson and he is going to the Indiana Indonaplios mission and everytime I see him I think Blake is here! He looks so much like him- especially from the side! So Blake when you you go out in the mission field look for an Elder Wilson! He's amazing and brings great insight to our lessons! Well I need to go! Love you all! Miss you and thanks for your Dear Elders! I love them!!!!

Love,

Sister Clifton

So Long, Farewell!

Today I gave my farewell talk at church. Today it really started to sink in that I am going on a mission. It's getting so close! Thanks for all those who came out to the talk, open house, or both! It was so wonderful to see all of you guys! I wish I could fully describe how much the support from all of you guys meant. It was so sweet for some of you to travel a few hours to come and see me. For those of you were not able to come here is my farewell talk if you want to read it. It's long so you can just scan through it. Thanks again for all the support! I could not have asked for a more perfect day! 

Pictures at the bottom :)

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My name is Audrey Clifton and I have lived in this ward for about 12 years. I am Blake Clifton’s older sister and I say that because people still ask me if I am new in the ward. About 3 years ago I was in the church library with my mom and I kissed her goodbye and I left for my next class. Brother Cameau was in the library at the time and he asks my mom who just kissed her. And she responds that it was her daughter Audrey. He was shocked that she had a daughter. He knew she had a son Blake but he had no idea that I even existed. It just seems that everyone knows Blake. This kind of stuff happens regular basis and it’s now just a joke in my family. Now that you know me— I’m leaving for a year and a half to serve a mission and in the California Anaheim mission and I leave July 3—just a little less than 2 weeks and I am so excited to serve my Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

I have wanted to serve a mission for about 3 years when I was a senior in high school. I don’t know where the idea came from but it just popped into my head one day and I was determined on serving. I went up to college at Utah State in Logan and while I was there during my freshman year I decided that I wanted to receive my patriarchal blessing. During the blessing the patriarch said that if it was my desire that the Lord wanted me to serve a mission. When I heard that sentence I could not stop smiling. I just kept thinking to myself how cool it was that the Lord and I were on the same page. We had the same idea in mind for my life which is something that rarely happens. And that line has stuck with me ever since.

Fast forward to my sophomore year in college, it was October 2012 and I was in my bed ready to watch conference on my laptop. I saw President Monson come up on the screen and I know that it’s going to be good because it’s the prophet. As we all know he announces that boys can now serve at 18 instead of 19. I start laughing because the boys in the audience had their mouths just drop. I was not even thinking about an age change for girls. But when President Monson announced that it went from 21 to 19 I was silent for a moment and I processed what was said then I started crying. I think every girl who cried had tears of happiness but I was the opposite. I had tears of doubt and uncertainty. As cliché as this is, there was a guy in my life at the time and I realized I could no longer wait till February to submit my papers because that was 4 months before I turned 21. I had to decide in this moment what my decision was. To continue with my desire of serving a mission or choosing to stay because this guy and I were talking marriage. It was very confusing.

   

Brother Mellor has asked me to speak on the commandments that the prophets have given us and which one has helped me ultimately decide to go on a mission. My first thought was scripture study and prayer. Throughout my life they have been there for when I needed answers and that is how I gained my testimony of the church. I have learned through a personal experience that the Lord loves me. It was something I needed to know and the Lord answered me through prayer. I have also learned about faith, the reason for a living prophet, that Jesus Christ is my Savior and he atoned for my sins. About 2 weeks ago I was a little upset because while I was happy to serve I did not think I would make a difference anymore. Before the announcement, girls’ going on a mission was not too common but since then almost every girl seems to be going. So I did not think I would be too badly missed if I did not go. I was reading my scriptures that night ready to finish the Book of Mormon. I was in Moroni chapter 10 verses 8-18. In these verses it talks about gifts of the Spirit.

It says:

“And again I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for there are many; and they come from the Same God. And these are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all on all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.  

For behold to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;

And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

And to another exceedingly great faith…

And again, to another that he may prophesy concerning all these things…

And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will.

And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.”

In my margins from 2010 I wrote “We learn from each other’s talents/gifts” and I smiled because I remembered writing that during my junior year of high school but there was also something that I wrote in February this year. I wrote, “As missionary companions we have different strengths. And one companionship may be more beneficial to one investigator and a different companionship to another.” I have no recollection of writing this down but I am so glad I did. I am glad I read and studied my scriptures 4 months ago and wrote my thoughts down about these verses. And I am grateful that I continued to read my scriptures because it was something I needed to see so I would understand that going on a mission was still the right path for me.

So obviously with all these different experiences scripture study and prayer is what convinced me on wanting to serve a mission. I wrote my farewell talk, rehearsed it many times, and I was happy with what I put together. But a week after writing it I rehearsed it again and I no longer liked it. Something was off and I did not know what. I read it again and I started to think on what was wrong with what I wrote. Was something missing or did I need to take some details out? I could not pinpoint the problem so I shut down my computer and went to a different activity.

Last Sunday I realized that in a week I was giving my farewell talk and I had nothing. I no longer knew what commandment I was going to speak on and I had no ideas. I could not identify the thing that lead me to serve a mission. I was searching my brain for a memory that helped me decided to go on a serve.

As I am trying to think of something and I start to remember the last few months of school. This past year at college was difficult. Not only did I have a busy and hectic load of school and work, but I had to make my decision of dating or mission. I really liked the guy so I had continued to date him but the line from my patriarchal blessing was still on my mind. While I was dating him I filled out and submitted my mission papers and received my call.

The day I opened my call I read:

“Dear Sister Clifton,
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 California Anaheim Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.”

When I read that first paragraph I knew without a doubt in my mind that the California Anaheim Mission was inspired and I could not see myself going anywhere else. But I was still confused. Later that day my dad pulled me aside and asked how I was feeling about my mission. I told him that I was still not sure and started telling him everything that was on my mind. He offered me loving words of encouragement and support. He did not tell me that I needed to serve instead he told me that I would probably regret not serving. I am so grateful for my dad for taking time out of his schedule to check up on me and for his help during tough decision in my life. He is the perfect example of my Father in Heaven.

This next part is a little hazy but at the beginning of April I broke up with the guy and after the breakup I decided that I was still not going to go on a mission but I was going to stay in Utah. There was too much too give up. My pre reqs for my major changed so instead of being done like I originally was- I needed 2 more classes before I could continue studying my major. If I went on my mission my close friends would be gone and I would know almost no one when I got back. And being the typical girl I wanted to try and see if I could get married instead. Plus my best friend is getting married in August and I cannot miss that.

My experience has reminded of the Saviors conversation with Peter. [John 21] Christ asks Peter 3 times if he loves Him and Peter responds, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” And the Lord tells Peter to feed His sheep. But Peter continues to fish and go about his life the way it was before.

Like Elder Holland said in his talk, “The First Great Commandment” he restated the conversation between Peter and the Savior. “Peter why are we here? Why are we by the same nets and having this same conversation?” I have felt that the Savior has said this to me except He was saying, “Audrey why are we here? Why are we having this same conversation over and over again? I have told you countless time in a variety of ways that the mission is the best thing for you to do. Please listen. You will be blessed.” But I was determined to see if there were other choices for me besides a mission but my life kept returning serving the Lord in Anaheim. Even though I was persistent in choosing different paths, I am grateful that the Lord did not give up but leading me on with much patience.

I have learned that things will work out in the end. The Savior will help me. For the next 18 months the Savior needs me to preach His gospel in California. He needs someone who loves Him more than anything. And that is why the commandment of Following Jesus and His example is why I am serving a mission. In Luke chapter 10 verse 27 it states, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.”

This is the first and greatest commandment of them all. Elder Holland states that the greatest way to show love is loyalty. I have a life of service to give and serving a mission is only the beginning.

During my mission there will be opportunities that I will miss and events that will only happen once. School could be finished, vacations with my family, birthdays, and weddings.  But none of that is worth going against the answers I have received and the experiences I will gain while serving the people in California.

This past year I was visiting my previous roommate Alyse and while we were talking one of her current roommates asked if anyone has ever told us we look like twins. We looked at each other and laughed a little because do not look alike at all. She is taller and has long brown hair. I on the other hand am shorter and have short blonde hair. We look nothing alike. We told her roommate that no one has ever told us that. Her roommate then concludes it’s because we talk the same, do similar hand movements, and understand each other without speaking a lot. This was a great example to me on why choosing friends with similar values is so important—I know that choosing friends helps develop the person you become for good or for bad.

While going on a mission, I hope to become closer and better friends with the Savior and have his attributes ingrained in my thoughts and actions. He will bless my life with far greater things than I could have ever imagined.

I know that this church is true. This church has all the true principles and it’s complete.

This work is the work of God and it will change the world and I am very excited and blessed to be a part of that change.

I know that this mission will change others and I know that this mission will change my life.

I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and I am very grateful for the work and sacrifice he did to bring this church back to earth. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon and the answers and power it has brought to my life. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today and I am thankful for his example in my life. Once again I know that this church is true and I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as a missionary in California. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

My Farewell Cake for the Open House

Tender Mercy

Prayer works. I know it does! I have known it for many years but it always amazes me when I get an answer to a problem that I have and my Heavenly Father answers me. His love for me is shown constantly through prayer.

I have been needing a little job to help me pay for some things before going out on my mission (luggage, clothes, bedding, a bike, etc...). The job I had last summer said they would hire me for the little time I would be there but I was not wanting to go back because I worked almost every day for long hours and I really wanted to spend my last month or two with my family before I leave for 18 months. Near the end of May I prayed to my Heavenly Father to help me find some way to make a little money before leaving that would still allow me to spend time with my family. The very next day my mom tells me of a job she found that someone in my ward posted. It's only 3 days a week, 4 or 6 hours each day, much better pay, and I'm selling Bridal Dresses! I felt so much gratitude because I knew this was an answer to my prayer. My Heavenly Father knew that I needed a job but I also needed time with my family. He knew my needs before I told Him. He placed this job so perfectly that it could not have been any better.  A tender mercy of the Lord.

For those of you who need a wedding dress (with jewelry, a tiara, a sash, a train, a veil, a corset, a slip...)  or a prom/formal dress go to the website here or you can follow them on Facebook here.
And the prices are excellent! The highest priced veils we have are $150.00 and those are cathedral.

And here is one of the many dresses. I realize I'm short so the length is longer than it should be. It was a little weird doing a wedding dress photo shoot when I'm going on a mission but it was fun.
And it's a great job. I am really blessed!

I'm Glad I'm Going On A Mission! (sing it)

I had such an amazing experience today. Some of the sister missionaries in my area asked if I would like to spend a couple of hours with them and see what it was like "out in the field" and I leaped at the opportunity. The first appointment that I went to was very touching. The person we went to teach- her faith was incredible. The thing I really liked most was that as we were teaching her she wrote down the things that she liked from the lesson and the things that she would like to improve on. Then she would share things with us that she learned at church. I learned a lot from her and I am glad that I got the chance to meet her. After that we went to another appointment and they were not home. Things like that happen- you hear that a lot, but you just need to keep working and doing your best. As we were going back out to the car one of the neighbors started talking to us and she shared with us her testimony of missionary work. 

I am so glad that I have made the decision to serve! It feels better and better everyday. I know that Heavenly Father knows the needs of all of His children and I hope that I can meet their needs with His help. Today was defiantly a blessing. It once again confirmed that this is the plan for me! I love this gospel more than anything and I am very excited to share it with others! 

I Love To See The Temple

Yesterday I was able to go the the Salt Lake temple and it was a beautiful experience. I know that many people feel nervous or scared to go but I can promise that there is no need for the fear. The temple workers help you the whole way. My bishop told me to visualize them as representing the Holy Ghost and when I thought of them through that perspective I was able to feel more at peace. It made me so happy that I would smile when they helped me through everything!

I know that the temple is a house of the Lord and I am so glad that I was able to go there with my parents and better understand that my family is forever! I am so grateful to have that knowledge and I know that it is true!

We want everyone to come to the temple and feel the peace and comfort that it brings. The temple is sacred and not secret. Nothing is a secret inside the temple. The temple is the Lord's house. Like our own homes, nothing secret goes on inside them but we don't want just anyone coming in. Things happen in our homes that are sometimes more personal and private, but nothing that is secret. It's just something that is personal to us. The temple is a beautiful place where we come to be closer with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. If you want to know more click here or here.

Have a happy Sunday! :)

30 Days and Counting

"Missionaries leave their family for only a short time so that others can be with theirs for eternity."

I can't believe it! I have one more month until I enter the MTC! Time has gone by so fast, sometimes it seems that I just opened my mission call last week. Some days I get scared and my biggest worry is how I am going to leave my family for 18 months. But then I remember how I felt when I got my mission call- even though I was unsure about going I felt peace in knowing that California was the place that I was meant to go. Homesickness is unavoidable but I am so grateful that I have a family to be homesick for and that we will be together for all time and eternity. Nothing is better than that. Many of my friends have gone on missions and as I read their letters they are full of happiness. In one letter it said, "Being a missionary is the BEST. And if anyone ever tells you it isn't, it completely and totally is." It makes me excited to enter the mission field and I know that the Spirit will be there to comfort me and I will not be left alone. 30 more days!

The District

I have loved watching The District and when I finished all 6 videos I was wishing there were more! Then I heard that BYUtv actually has a mini series of it. When I found this out I could not have been more excited! To see more episodes click here!

Called to Serve Him!

I have been called to serve in the California Anaheim Mission and I leave July 3, 2013! I am so excited to serve the Lord! My dad also served in California but in the San Bernardino mission which is pretty close to mine. When I opened my call to Anaheim I could not imagine myself going anywhere else.

When I was a senior in high school I wanted to serve a mission and it felt right. As I went through my freshman year of college I kept on getting the confirmation that I needed to go. I was 100% ready to serve the Lord and was anxiously waiting to start my papers. Fast forward to my sophomore year- General Conference October 2012. When it was announced that the mission age was lowered from 21 to 19 I felt confused on what I should do. It had no big effect on me but for some reason I found all these excuses not to go. Then I started feeling unqualified. There was no way that I was ready. I thought I knew the gospel but as I started to move forward I felt like I just joined the church in the past month. I felt like I had been knocked down and there was no way that I would be ready to teach the gospel to others. I continued to go to church and my institute classes. I always had this question on my mind, "Should I go on a mission?" I sent in my papers, received my call but I still was not sure.

Then I read a quote:
"God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

How true this is! Once I read that I started to understand. The things I have been wanting to fall into place weren't because they were not meant to. My education was meant to be put on hold for a little while, my social life and dating also needed to be put on the back burner. By serving a mission it will qualify me to be a much better person than before. It will better qualify me to be a better friend, student, wife, mother, daughter, sister, neighbor, church member, etc...

I understand that a mission is not for every one. It is something that needs much thought and prayer. Through 9 months of much doubt, confusion, prayer, scripture reading, as well other things I received my answer. I love this gospel with all my heart. It has brought me such happiness and I truly want others to feel and know the source of it all! (For a more detailed version of my decision to serve see my Farewell Talk here.)