turtle time

Sometimes we feel that we need to rush rush rush! We feel as if we always need something to do, to say, somewhere to go. This isn't truly making us happy is it? A few weeks ago as we rushed off to somehere we needed to be I just happened to spot a silly little turtle trying to cross the road. We stopped our dash and slowed down a little to enjoy the little things. As I continue to refelct on this I just keep learning so much from my slow and steady turtle friend. "Slow and steady" really does win the race.

In a recent talk by President Dieter F Uchtdorf he talked about what matters most. "...we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most." 

One of my favorite stories from the Book of Mormon is about the people of Ammon, called the Anti-Nehpi-Lehi's. They are a great example of remembering what matters most! They made special promises with God and received a mighty change of heart. Before this they loved war, but after, they buried their weapons of war, promising to not take them up again for any reason. "...they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin" (Alma 24:19)

"Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most." (President Uchtdorf)

Our dear Prophet Thomas S. Monson asked us "What is important and what is trivial?" I invite you to look into your life and ask yourself this question. As we slow down and focus on what matters most I know that we will not miss the little things. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass!

a special Christmas

As the Christmas season approaches I cant help but think of the excitement and the joy of this wonderful Holiday season. The Prophet Thomas S. Monson said "This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas."

Since I am away from my family and have been for over a year I have been thinking of something special that I could give them. "We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store." (James E. Faust) As I have been thinking of this I have really caught on to the true spirit of Christmas. To me it doesn't matter what is under my tree, or in the mail. It matters that it came from someone that I love. The birth of Christ was not wrapped in sparkling paper with a HUGE glittering bow. It was not expensive and didnt take up a ton or room. It was a humble and quiet birth. So too my gifts should be. His birth and life was a testimony that Heavenly Father lives and that He loves us. The Atonement also was a gift of love. This Christmas I am going back to the basics. I am creating lasting gifts that will bring in the Spirit and touch the hearts of those that I love. What a better time to offer your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and to share how He blesses your life.

Step back for just a second. Remember the true meaning of Christmas and make this year a year to never forget. Make this season centered on Jesus Christ. After all He is the real reason to celebrate.

one language

Last night we were teaching a man, we shall call him Steven. Steven is from Mexico and speaks very little English. I am from Indiana and speak even less Spanish. My companion luckily is from Colombia and speaks English and Spanish. What a blessing it is that she is able to translate. Usually when we meet with Steven I sit there praying for my companion to be instructed on what to say and I sit there smiling like I know what is going on. Last night as we taught him something was different and something changed. A miracle that I will not soon forget. A lesson I am so thankful I learned.

I have often read 2 Nephi 31:3. It says "For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." I would always think to myself  "Hey self there is one God (Ephesians 4:5) and He knows how to speak all languages." But as we sat in that lesson last night with Steven a new meaning to this scripture came to me. Here we were, the 3 of us, sitting around talking about the Book of Mormon and we understood each other. We literally understood one another and it took little translation. We felt the Spirit! And the Spirit of God taught us and instructed not only Steven but my Companion and myself. Thomas S. Monson taught: “There is one language . . . that is common to each missionary—the language of the Spirit. It is not learned from textbooks written by men of letters, nor is it acquired through reading and memorization.... Proficiency in this language permits one to breach barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart” (Preach My Gospel pg 133)

I am not perfect nor am I close. But I know that what President Monson said is true. Last night we breached barriers and each of our hearts were touched. The Spirit of God is real! If we can feel the Spirit and all learn in a lesson where we dont understand each other perfectly, think of how much the Spirit can touch hearts when we all speak the same language. It is real! I know that the Spirit comes when we are speaking truth. Through my experience last night my testimony has grown stronger and is rooted deeper into my heart. This is the Lord's Church once again established on the earth.(Intro to the Book of Mormon) I am so thankful for the Spirit and all that it teaches me! I know the Spirit can touch your heart like it did with our's last night. 

service

I love hard work! I love when I am able to serve my brothers and sisters. Yesterday we had the privilege of helping a family cut a bunch of wood. It was an excellent opportunity to work hard and bring them some of God's service.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

“It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors,” says Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And we demonstrate that love “through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today.”

I know that as we serve those around us our love for each other, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father grow so much stronger. Thomas S. Monson said “Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives,"

Serve someone around you today. Look for an opportunity to put someone above yourself and remember when you serve them you are serving God. On the reverse side.... accept service from someone around you. Allow them to "grow and flourish."

Go get lost in some hard work! The memories that will follow will be unforgettable! The love that will grow will be undeniable.





One of the many loads we helped cut.









bits and pieces

Better late then never I guess.. It has taken me awhile to post anything. I have so many things I would love to talk about and share with you all. But lets start small shall we!

General Conference was this past week. It was Excellent. General Conference happens every 6 months and we have the privilege of hearing a living Prophet of God speak. Along with the Apostles and many other people. This is such a special time. This past conference was a spiritual boost and helped me gain a stronger relationship with my Father is Heaven. He really is there and He is aware of us and all that we need and all we go through. I have never felt it so strong or understood it so deeply.

Here are some of the highlights from the notes I took. These are somethings that stood out to me.

"Great Power can come from memorizing scriptures." -Richard G Scott 

"Do the right thing at the right time without Delay." -Jose L. Alonso  

"The outcome is not in question! Lucifer will lose!" - Boyd K. Packer

 "Compared to God man is nothing. But we are everything to God." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Where is your faith?" -Neil L. Anderson

"Time flies on wings of lightning." - Ian S. Ardern

"Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to txt." -Ian S. Ardern

"We must look up and step up then we will cheer up." -Carl B. Cook

"Whatever cost of Forgiveness is swallowed up in forgiveness."  -D. Todd Christofferson

"I plead with you to drink deeply and often from its [The Book of Mormon] pages." -Henry B. Eyring

"When He does not answer [a prayer], its often here a little and there a little." -Robert D. Hales

"Together with the Bible it [The Book of Mormon] brings us to 'One Lord, One Faith, one Baptism.' " -Tad R. Callister

"There is only one Church by Divine command that bears the name of Jesus Chirst." - M. Russell Ballard

"I urge you to gain a deeper relationship with our Father." -Thomas S. Monson

"The Laws of God remain constant." -Thomas S. Monson

"He makes the Terms and we agree." -Russel M. Nelson

"When you think of all the things Christ has done, shouldn't you be at Church worshiping Him?" - Dallin H. Oaks

"Where is your Ultimate Loyalty?" -Dallin H. Oaks

"look how far we have come. Take a deep breath then start uphill one step at a time." Matthew O. Richardson

"It is never too hard or too late to make correct choices." -Randall K. Bennett

"We must not only say our prayer but live them." -J. Devn Cornish

"Great blessings come to those that are faithful."-Quentin L. Cook

"The saviors Atonement provides life boats for everyone." -Quentin L. Cook

"We are all here because we love the Lord." -Thomas S. Monson

 I urge you to watch the messages that were so inspired by the Spirit. There is a lot of love and time that was put into them so that we could feel something from it. The Spirit of God will be all around as you watch and listen with an open heart. I know that the men and women that spoke this past weekend are called of God and that they truly are who they say they are. I love them and I am grateful that we have them in our lives. The things that I shared are only a fraction of the things that were spoken and I know there is a lot more to learn!

Lifes ups and downs.

Life is a roller coaster of emotions! Do you agree? I sure do. It seems that one day can be so different from the day before. And sometimes all at once it might even feel like someone has come in with an invisible bat and hit us in the back of the knees. So what shall we do while we are down?  Pray... seek the Lord to help us overcome the trials we are faced with. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "To strengthen our relationship with God we need some meaningful time alone with Him." As we strengthen this relationship we will have the extra faith and courage that it takes to overcome anything.

Life is not always daisies and roses. I wish! I, like all of you, have my moments of trial and pain. It is not fun. When I take the extra time to get to know my Father in Heaven better it makes these pains seem very small.

Have you ever sat and just looked at the world that is around you? The ocean or the trees, really just pondered them? I have. While I do it makes me feel so little. Like I am just this little spec in the whole grand scheme of things. But as I study from the Book of Mormon and the Bible, as I have meaningful prayers and really seek guidance from our loving Father, I feel so big and so loved. I come to really understand that He knows me... Sister Surtees. He knows me better than anyone else. He knows how I work, He knows how I act and react, how I feel. He knows where I have been, what I have done and where I can be if I follow Him and His son Jesus Christ. Not only does He know these things and many more for me, but for you as well. We can really get lost in the moment and lost in the world when we step back and remember God. Truly and honestly remember Him and what He has given us, then it makes the moments of weakness and pain just seem to vanish. As we do this, shall we heed the council of our dear living Prophet Thomas S. Monson "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey"

My mother would always tell us as we left the house, "remember who you are, where you came from and where you are going." I am a Daughter of God. I lived with my Father in Heaven before I came to this earth. He has given me trails to help me grow. He has allowed me to make my own choices and to decide for myself whom I will follow. If I am worthy, if I do all I can here, if I endure my trails with faith, I will one day live with Father again. I am very thankful for my roller coaster days, weeks and tough moments. Because in these moments, they humble me. I am brought back to the rememberance of my Father and all that Has has done for me.