Just kidding - here are the pics!

Updates of Sister Kerr's Adventures

Hi everyone. Angela is loving her mission - even though she and her companion were asked to get off a bus because they were sharing the gospel with an interested young man. I guess the bus drivers don't look too kindly on proselyting. I of course want to smack that bus driver but since I am too far away I will try to be angelic like Angela and shrug it off.

It is getting cold in England according to Angela. Good thing she lived in Idaho so she wouldn't be totally shocked by the cold. They eat most of their meals in their flat. They get 1 hour for lunch and 1 hour for tea (dinner). Good thing she is a good cook. I know she is not starving! She and her companion are working well together. She is asking for a Christmas letter from any of you who would be willing to write. She particularly is asking for YOUR conversion story. If you are interested the address is: Sister Angela Kerr, England Manchester Mission, Springwood Suite G5, Booths Park, Knutsford, WA16 8QZ, England.

(Each comma is for a new line on the address).

Angela is working closely with a sister investigating the Church. She has chosen a baptism date of December 19th! Very cool.

This pictures here are of her and all the missionaries in her ward (its a BIG area), and the other one is a service day they had. I am a spaz at blogging so the pictures will be in the next post. Sorry. Momma Shauna

Angela is in her first area!

Angela has finished her time at the MTC in Preston, England and is in the mission field. She is assigned to the city of Manchester. Her companion is from Utah and her name is Sister Schmidt. Angela loved the MTC and was the Supervising Sister over the other 9 sister missionaries. She says the chocolate in England is amazing. Can't wait to try some myself! As she would say, it is "lovely" there! This is a picture of President and Sister Bullock on the day she had her first mission conference training. The other picture is Ang and her companion. Thats it for now. Cheerio!

Mom is learning to blog for Angela!

Hi everyone -
Angela (Sister Kerr) is almost ready to begin her journey as a missionary. She leaves early tomorrow morning and I am cramming to learn how to keep up her blog.
Thanks for all the love and support of her family and friends. I will do my best to keep you updated on her wonderful new adventure.
Bye for now. We need to get some sleep before 4 am tomorrow!
Momma Shauna

God be with you till we meet again!

Well it's only a few hours till i get set Apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are a lot of emotions but i guess i can just say i'm excited. I don't really know what to expect but i know this is where the lord wants me to go.
I fly out Thursday at 6am and i will be back April 2011... If you would like to stay updated on my mission happenings, my mother will be posting emails here for you all to read. Please Pray for me and send me letters! i love mail! Thanks to you all for your wonderful love and support i wouldn't be who i am today with out all of you... Thanks Love you!
Sister Angela Kerr

My Farewell Talk

This is for all of Those who weren't able to make my farewell, Thanks again for all of your support- ( ignore errors in the type)

Good after noon brothers and sister’s So, Tanner and I have been talking about this moment for weeks and it’s hard to believe it’s here, I honestly felt it never would. He and I were up all night baking cookies and if you’d like help us eat them, you can come by the Hemphill’s tonight maybe around 7. Oh how lovely was the morning. Radiant beamed the sun above, Bees were humming sweat birds singing. Music ringing through the grove. When within the shady woodland Joseph Sought the god of love. I truly feel privileged to be standing here before you this day to speak to you on a subject that I hold very dear, the importance of the first vision. I pray that the spirit will be upon each us as to bear witness of the truthfulness of our topics.
Following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, apostasy gradually became widespread. The Savior’s Apostles were rejected and slain, His teachings were corrupted, and the priesthood of God was taken from the earth. The ancient prophet Amos had foretold a time of apostasy and spiritual darkness:
(Amos 8:11–12). “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it”
One of those seeking the word of the Lord that had been lost from the earth was Joseph Smith, a young man living in Palmyra, New York, in 1820. Joseph was a hard working young man. He had little education beyond the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Young Joseph was only 14 years old during a time of great religious excitement.
I have searched for words to describe the event but no words bear greater validity than the testimony of Joseph himself. Joseph Smith history reads.
“There was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects. Indeed great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, ‘Lo, here!’ and others, ‘Lo, there!’ Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist. …
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be aright, which is it, and how shall I know it?
11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of aJames, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed bwisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know;
15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was aseized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick bdarkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
16 But, exerting all my powers to acall upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into bdespair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of clight exactly over my head, above the brightness of the dsun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself adelivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I bsaw two cPersonages, whose brightness and dglory defy all description, estanding above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My fBeloved gSon. Hear Him!
18 My object in going to ainquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right and which I should join.
19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all awrong;
20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me. It seems as though the cadversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?
Young Joseph Smith’s search for truth led him into a grove of trees to ask God for the wisdom he needed. In answer to his prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him, opening the way for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days.
Elder Ezra Taft Benson said, “The appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the boy prophet is the greatest event that has occurred in this world since the resurrection of the Master”
Although there are countless importance’s of the first vision today I would like to bring to light four specific things to express to you the importance of the first vision to me.
First, That this, The church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, is the only true church on the face of the earth for it is the restoration of Christ’s church and Christ himself is at the head of it. Second, that god lives, and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are two separate beings with body of flesh and bone. Third That Satan is real and is aware of this great work which is rolling forth and fourth that God still in fact talks to his prophets and he hears and answers our personal prayers.
From the beginning prophets as prophesied of a great apostasy to come upon the world. When the apostles were killed the truth and priesthood of god was taken from the earth. Only through Jesus Christ would these keys and truths be restored to this earth. When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He established His Church among His followers. After His Crucifixion and the deaths of His Apostles, the fulness of the gospel was taken from the earth because of widespread apostasy. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ restored the fulness of the gospel. The first vision was the beginning of the stone which would be cut from the mountain with out hands and would roll forth until it filled all the earth. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith Jesus Christ himself has restored his church and he continues today to lead it through his living prophets. What greater leader can we have than Christ himself, the creator of all, our brother, our mediator, and the Savior to each one of us. When the boy Joseph inquired of the Lord, he was told by Christ to Join no church, but he was instructed by the Lord to restore his perfect gospel in its fullness.
Second that God the father and his son are two separate beings and that they have bodies of flesh and bone and that we were made in the likeness God. There has been much deliberation among many different sects of religion as to the oneness of Christ and our Heavenly father. From the Prophet's account of the First Vision and from his other teachings; we know that the members of the Godhead are three separate beings. The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. The first vision leaves no room for question for Joseph SAW god and his son Jesus Christ as two distinct and separate personages. Although they are two separate beings they are forever one in purpose and gospel.
In Genesis 1: 27 it reads So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him. We were created from the beginning in the image of God our heavenly father. When Christ suffered the atonement he then gave his life on the cross at Calvary. He was laid in the tomb and three days later he arose, breaking the bands of death, rejoining his body and spirit once more. Joseph vision affirms that stories of the bible that tell of his glorious resurrection and that he lives, he lives.
Third that Satan is real. When Christ fasted for 40 days Satan appeared to him and tried to tempt him with temporal thirst and hunger. When Joseph First began his prayer in the Grove he too was faced with Satan who overcame him with a dark force which bound his tongue. Satan is very aware of us when we are striving to do what is right for we prove destroyers of his plan of wickedness. I personally can testify of this truthfulness. No, I was not taken over by a dark force or did Satan tempt me with temporal things but I have felt Satan’s negative influence have an effect on in my preparations to serve my mission.
I have been told by many people that Satan would try to do anything in his power to keep me from going on a mission. I heard their words but I didn’t really understand them until recently. I very recently felt Satan trying to find ways to discourage me. On Monday night everything kind of hit the fan for me and I felt overwhelmed with discouragement, discontent, contention, and heart felt sorrow. Not being at school when classes began threw me out of sorts. I felt out of place and longed for the life I am putting on hold for 18 months. I was upset with something someone had said at work and the feelings of self doubt and sadness it had brought were heart breaking, and I had felt sorrow and contention towards some other personal events in my life. Together they seemed too hard to handle and was scared confused and lost. I wasn’t questioning whether I should serve a mission or not but I was discouraged about my currently predicament and just wanted to leave it all behind and serve the lord.
I tried to hold it in but by the end of the day I sat in tears trying to figure out what to do and how to over come it. I couldn’t literally see it but there is no doubt I could feel Satan trying to manipulate my heart to fill it with darkness and despair. According to a talk given in last April’s General conference Satan’s most powerful tools along with temptation are doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience, and disbelief. I am sure we have all felt moments in our lives where Satan has tried to work upon or hearts using one or even many of these tools, but I know that sometimes the greatest trials precede the greatest blessings. As Joseph knelt in the grove Satan knew the significant and tried to stop it but despite his dark power the power of our lord and savior is far greater. If and when we turn to Christ we all can be delivered from the darkness we face for Christ has the power to help us overcome and break Satan’s darkening hold upon is.
The final importance I want to mention today is that God still hears and answers prayers today. We are told in the bible James 1:5 if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of god who giveth to all men… and it shall be given him” Why would god say something and it still not be true today. For isn’t god the same yesterday today and forever? Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Many feel that with the death of the apostles’ revelation had ceased. I know that the verse in the bible which prompted young Joseph to pray nearly 200 years ago is still true, that is we humbly go before God and ask in prayer not only will he hear us but he will also answer our prayers. Today we have a living President Thomas S Monson who is the only man who can receive revelation for god in behalf of the church as a while. Prophets are the only people who can receive revelation for the Church, but they are not the only ones who can receive revelation
We each can receive personal revelation and answers to prayers. We cannot expect to see visions but if we open our hearts we can feel of the witness of the holy Ghost and let it bare witness of truth, Brothers and sisters I would like to share with you a quick story as to why I personally decided to serve a mission. It was late January of this year when I found my mind troubled with many things and I decided to take my concerns to the lord. Two of my dear cousins had recently become engaged and I found my self feeling concerned as to what I should do with my life, is I should find someone to marry? Was it even the right time? Where I should apply to grad school? And many other questions plagued my mind. On Saturday morning I thought no better place to inquire of the lord than in his holy house the temple. What I thought was going to be a quick trip turned into a 4 hour wait and a long needed answer to a prayer. Let me read you an excerpt from my journal that day.
“ Since I soon realized I had a long time ahead of me I thought I should read, I picked up a Book of Mormon and said a silent prayer and opened the book, I feel open to D&c6 and I felt a feeling of peace overcome me. It talked about how Christ hears me and knows what is going on, I felt as though he was speaking to me personally, that the scripture was written for me, the peace I was seeking for was found and now all I needed was the answers to my questions. I picked up an old New Era magazine; it was a special issue about preparing serving a mission. I turn 21 this year and I read and read and soon a warm confirming impression came “ I am to serve a mission. I knew it is not required of but I feel strongly that this is where the lord wants me to take my life.”
I didn’t see god but my prayers were answered that day. I will admit I have moments since where I would second guess the answers I was given but each time I inquire of the lord I again felt the conformation that this is where the lord has need of me right now.
Going on a mission for me was an answer to pray that will change my life for the good. Joseph Smith’s answer not only changed his life but would forever change the world for the best. Adam prayed, Jesus Prayed, we all know the outcome of their prayers. He who notes the fall of the sparrow surely hears the pleading of our hearts. God hears your prayers. God answered prayers then and I promise you he answers prayers now.
President Gordon B. Hinckley once said
“I read this morning a part of Joseph Smith’s testimony of the First Vision. You are all familiar with it. His going into a grove, pleading with the Lord, a light shining above him, and then the appearance of the Father and the Son. I read that testimony and thought of it. I said to myself, ‘If every one of us knew in our hearts that that statement is true, then we would know that all else which follows it, which came through the restoration of the gospel, is true also.’ And we would walk and live with greater faithfulness.
“Tithing would not be a problem with us. Temple service would not be a problem with us. Keeping the Sabbath day holy would not be a problem with us. … Missionary service would be no problem with us.
“All else that follows would be true. We would know it in our hearts if we had a solid, firm, immovable conviction of the truth and validity of that great vision wherein God the Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and the Father said, ‘This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!’”2
As Joseph faced much persecution and trial for proclaiming he saw a vision he said he felt as Paul and his account of seeing a vision and hearing a voice. but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad.. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the cpersecution under heaven could not make it otherwise, Joseph Said: So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two aPersonages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was bhated and cpersecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not edeny it,
Brothers and sisters I challenge each of you if you haven’t already done so to read of Jospeh’s account of the first vision and to humbly get down on your knees and ask heavenly father if this is true. And I promise if you listen you will reveice a confirmation of it’s validity, Mathew 7:7 reads, Ask and it shall be given you, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be open to you.
I too know that Joseph Smith saw God the father and his Son Jesus Christ. I look forward to the time soon at hand where I will be able to labor among the people of the England Manchester Mission and proclaim the truthfulness of this vision and of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in it’s fullness. I have a testimony of the atonement of Christ, and that when we turn to him and repent we can receive peace and know that we have been forgiven. There is no greater peace than that which comes from Christ. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have an eternal family. This is the only true church, and Christ himself leads it, the book of Mormon in addition to the bible is another testament of Jesus Christ- In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

What on earth am I thinking?!

My mind and heart and everything else are racing with thoughts of so many things. Part of me is freaking out realising for the first time in 16 years I'm not in school in September, part of me is so excited to leave for my mission, part of me is taking a stroll on memory lane, and part of me is thinking " holy crap, I'm gonna be in another country for 18 months". I know it's normal to have so many thoughts but I wish there was a way to simplify it all RIGHT NOW. OK well i guess there is, and that is called prayer, But that is how this whole thing started. For those of you who don't know the story of why i decided to serve a mission, here it is.
On January 31st of this year, it was a Saturday, I decided to go to the Rexburg Temple for Baptisms for the Dead. I had a lot of questions i needed answers to and i thought there was no better place than the temple to be able to get them. I was considering dating a boy, i was thinking about grad school, and maybe a mission was somewhere in the back of my mind. I thought i was getting there early to beat the rush but i ended up being stuck in the middle of a 4 hour wait. That day was already busy and as i sat the first two hours waiting for my clothes thoughts of "why am i still here, i have Home work to do, i could be getting so much done"- all passed my mind. I tried to concentrate on the work i was going to be doing and why i was really there so i read some scriptures. I read D&C 6, then i read my partiarchle blessing, Then finally i changed. When i sat back down on the 3rd row i believe i began flipping through an old New Era magazine. It was the special issue on "Preparing to serve a Mission" i began reading it and for some odd reason began to tear up. I didn't know why but the impression came to be I needed to start preparing for a mission. It was so clear and so simple but it hit me hard. So i said Ok- " I'll go where you want me to go" I went home after the temple and wrote down the experience but i had yet to tell anyone about it. The next day at Church everything seemed to point to missionary work, we even sang " I'll go where you want me to go" in relief society, I called my parents and told them.
Other then my sisters i didn't really tell anyone. Some time went by and i began to ask Heavenly father, Are you sure? Me? Why me? It was the night before Conference in April and i asked for a answer again and i heard " didn't i already give you my answer?" He had, and i knew what it was. The whole experience, there is no words to decribe but i know it even now brings me great peace. I got my answer, i know what i need to do.
After typing this i feel very calm again. I will still wonder about my friends at school and try to figure out things that will happen 18 months from now, but no matter what I need to remember I already got my answer. I am going to serve a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am going to be a representative of the Church in England where I will get to labor to teach the people of the truth of our savior. I am going to have moments where i second guess myself, I'm indecisive, it happens, but I know this is where the Lord has need of me. Everything else will be taken care of.
For those who are reading this, i don't really know why i am posting this other than the fact that it is making me feel better. All i have to say to you is remember when the lord has need he will provide a way. I have seen his hand in my life, and i know this is HIS will. No matter what you do in life, remember to turn to the lord in prayer and ask as young Joseph did when he followed the direction of the scriptures " If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of god..." (James 1:5).
God hears YOUR prayers, and he knows who you are and the struggles and joys of your heart. I am about to do something i never thought i would do, but the way is being prepared and i pray i will have the faith to be the best tool in his hands that i can be.
A.Kerr

You are amazing but...

Well i got the line again. You are amazing but.... The line never fails its just the follow up that differs. I have had so many men tell me " you are so amazing (pause) But...." Yeah, sure i believe them but i can't help but think the guy who changes the " you are amazing... Pause.... AND..." is going to be one lucky guy! But seriously!
Well although when i get that line i usually end up in tears tonight was different. I feel more peaceful then i have in more than a week. It has been eating me up inside and i feel so calm it is WONDERFUL! I cared for this person yes, i always do before i get the line but this time, it was the closure and line i needed. I just realised that it really isn't the right time, i can say i tried and i will never have to regret it. I am a whole hearted person i don't do anything half way and i care for people the same. I don't regret the care i had and i still have genuine concern for this person but i know that i don't regret anything
My advice to anyone- Live life whole hearted, don't live with any regrets. Know your standards and live up to them. Yes. it is true sometimes you will get hurt- but in the long run i know when things to work out the feelings you will have then will be far greater than any pain you've felt. I don;t know how or when things will work out but i know it WILL. When the time is right.
I know now more than ever I am needed to serve my mission. Tonight was the icing on the cake i needed to help me focus will all my soul on the task i have before me.
I know that my Savior Jesus Christ lives and that he Truly knows me by name. I know he died for me, and that because of him i can, through repentance, literally be saved and have a chance to receive salvation. I know that Joseph Smith saw god and his son Jesus Christ. Prayers are answered and heavenly father is aware of our struggles. I am so grateful for a living prophet on the earth today. i know that if i follow his counsel i will be protected and never be led astray. I am so excited to serve in the England Manchester mission. I dont know what to expect but i know it will be hard. I plan on putting my whole heart into it and returning with the mind that i did all i could to preach the gospel of my beloved Savior. I pray he will give me strength and guidance. I am a daughter of God. The temple is the place to be and i am grateful for peace. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
A. Kerr

BYU-Idaho

Well the time has come for me to leave BYU-Idaho for a few years and go on a Mission. I do realise I will coming back again in a couple years but It will have changed so much by then. I want to start off my saying how grateful i am for the chance i have had to here. This is a University of higher spiritual and temporal learning. When i first applied for college 4 years ago i never thought this would be my destination but now as i look back i wouldn't have it any other way. I have met great people, I have learned, and i have experienced many great things. This great place has helped prepare me for so many things.

There is something here called the "spirit of Ricks" it is hard to explain but it is a real feeling. BYU-Idaho has a special spirit on campus that you feel just by walking onto it. I wish i could thank all those people i have met so far for the lessons they have taught me and the experiences they have blessed me with. I have been so blessed to find friends here. When i came to BYU-Idaho i knew no one! Literally. And now i leave with friends whom i will have for my whole life. Thank you Morgan for being my best friend, college wouldn't have been the same with out you.

Well i wrap this up but i want to let you all know this is a University of higher learning, bother spiritually and literally. Thank you BYU-Idaho! I'll see you in a few years!

A.kerr

I got my Call!

I leave Oct 16 for the England MTC!!!

England Manchester Mission!

Wow!

Called to Serve!

Hey everyone, my papers are offically on their way to Salt Lake! I will post as soon as I know where i am going but i am SO excited!! Pray for me! and let me know where you think i'll be going!
A. Kerr

Hey there...

Well life is still going great, I am coming Home for the 4th of July in a week and I'm so EXCITED! i miss my family so much. I told P. i was coming to watch fireworks with her and she just got so excited! I can't wait to send time with them. W told me she was moving to Boston this past week. I am so excited for her and her new experience but i am going to miss the Foate Family very much. Who knows, maybe I'll get called to Boston. Ya never know.
School is coming along well, only 5 weeks left. The papers should be going in this week, i hope. We'll see. This last weekend i was supposed to go white water Rafting, but it was too cold. Who would have thought, cold in June! But its all good, we hiked back to some Natural hot springs and had an adventure anyway. With it being fathers day yesterday I Just wanted to say how much i love my Dad and the Wonderful example he is to me.
Favorite Memories with Dad
1. Eagles Concert. Mom was supposed to go but was in Utah so dad asked me to be his date. It was so much fun! I was his date for the night, we went to Bj's and the concert and got milkshakes afterwards, Thanks again! -Mom i owe you
2. Singing in the rain- K and Mom went to Utah and Dad and i were driving home from the Airport and it was Pouring rain! The traffic was at a stand still and we were just listening to oldies on the radio. Well a song came on that we both knew and simultaneously we both started singing. We did it for like an hour and it was so much fun! This may be my favorite memory of all!
3. My first Date! Yes, my first date when i was 16 was with my dad. We went to dinner and he taught me how a boy should treat me. Thanks dad for setting the standard so high!
4. Knight in shinning armor. My dad was always there to rescue me! I can remember countless times where he would come and cheer me up after a bad "boy" day. He will always been my number one man! thanks Daddy!
5. Catalina Island! When i was in 5 and 6th grade my dad went with me to Catalina. It was so much fun having him there! I
Dad thanks for being such a wonderful example to me! I know i am growing up but i will always be daddy's little girl! I LOVE YOU DAD!
A. Kerr

All Experiences Shall be for thy good!

Well so its been an adventurous week. As you can see by my last post i was offered an Internship in Provo. It would have been a great experience but after a nice trip to the temple and a lot of thinking i have decided to turn it down. I feel an intership will be of more benifit for me when i get back. And besides this way i get to spend time at home. I am still going to stay in Utah for a week or so with kristine. I miss her and love her very much, but this is my Offical choice. As a side note to this all, my papers go in in two weeks! Exciting! Well thanks everyone for you encouraging comments!
Never forget you are special!

Let me Just tell you life is Great!

I can turn in my Mission Papers in a little more then 2 weeks! I am so excited! And yesterday I get a call and I actually got an INTERNSHIP! Ah! it is in Provo and it would be just before my availability date. It is perfect timing, and this way i don't have to worry about it for when i get back! So i can do it and still keep moving forward with my papers. I am so blessed! I thank my Lord and Savior for all these wonderful opportunities. I can just feel his hand in my life and how I've been prepared! thank you!
A. Kerr

Works of Art

Today at work during my web surfing i found these prints. I love this picture of the savior because he is Smiling! I imagin him joyful and radiant. So i am sharing it with you. I love it!

These Prints are by Bowman Art

A.Kerr

YellowStone!

This weekend a few of my roommates and I decided we wanted to go to Yellowstone Nation Park, and so we did. We left in the morning and drove the hour and 45 minute drive to see good Old Faithful erupt. And what can i say? It sure was erupting. The earth Truly amazes me! Over all it was a wonderful weekend. I am glad i have so many wonderful adventures so close at hand.

Me and H. in the Lodge StoreMe in front of Old Faithful,We made it just in time!
Me walking to the Hot pools, they were so pretty! Amazing Colors!

This is one of my Favorites! I love Trees!

Thanks for the great time this weekend guys! It was a blast! Literally! oh yeah did you know there are BUFFALO?!

A. Kerr

The Power of Being Ordinary

Do you realise that as an ordinary person YOU have extraordinary power? I went to a leadership Forum last week and I've been thinking a ton about the subject. It was actually about blogging and telling MY story. People want to read about Ordinary people doing their own extraordinary things. I have Power beyond measure just by commenting and sharing about my experiences. And you too have more power and influence then you might think.
Think to yourself about the stories you have read or heard that are most touching to you? Are they by leaders of countries? Or are they by and from ordinary people who you can relate to. I find that the most heart wrenching and touching stories to me are told by those who lead ordinary lives and who are willing to share their experiences with me.
I challenge all of you to share something you have learned or experienced today. Answer the question what has made you better today? Where have you seen god's hand in your life? Who is your role model, why? There are so many experiences and stories to share, all you have to do is take the time and share it. You never know who's life you will touch through your experiences.

My Ordinary Experience

"Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." -2nd Nephi 1:20

This phrase is basically the theme of the Book of Mormon and as of late I have been pondering upon its application to me. I mean I am a good girl, i don't murder, or commit adultery or anything, but do i keep the commandments of god the best that i can? I am preparing to serve a mission and I can see Satan's influence stronger then ever. I am so far from perfect and I know my weaknesses, and it is apparent that Satan does too. I find i am getting distracted from my goals and letting myself slack. It is interesting how it isn't the "big" commandments that Satan uses to destroy us, it is the small things, which slowly begin to bind me. We all will face challenging things but we need to remember to face those trials with virtue and will integrity. We are asked to follow the commandments of the lord not because they are going to hold us back but because they make us free and truly happier.
I can promise you that if you do the things the lord asks you will be blessed beyond measure. I pray that you never have to experience a time when the lord cuts off his presence from you. Commandments are blessings and through divine obedience you too can be blessed! So this is my ordinary experience, and i testify to you that these things are true, not because i was told they were, but because i have experiences.
Quote: "It matters not that you are well known. What matters is that you are worthy of knowing. "
A. Kerr

Holiness to the Lord

I love the temple. It never stops to amaze me the feelings i get when i am there. This semester I was called to be the Ward Family History Consultant. I teach a class each Sunday for a 4 weeks. I do this rotation twice in the semester. So i teach 4 lessons to two groups of people. I am teaching the third lesson this week. When i was extended the call I was told my job was to "share my enthusiaum and exite others about family history". I was not given a lesson manuel, or any guidelines other then to educate and excite. What a Task!

So the first lesson went well, talked about why we need to do family history and that is was part of the grand plan of salvation and introduced the new family search program. Then last week i taught on faith, diligence and importance they play in doing the work. Also the importance of keeping a person history. That was a good lesson, then this week i have no idea what i am going to teach on. I have the 4th week's lesson all ready but i can't do four if i don't have three. I am thinking about doing it on the importance of prayer in helping with the work. I was reading 1 Nephi 1 5 last night and i think that would be a great chapter to prove the importance of using prayer to understand things that are hard.

Ok so the point of this whole blog, so when i as called i decided i didn't want to be a total hypocrite and i reopened all my family history work and started searching. I went through all the names and some how i was guided to a family. The Wake family. I believe i am related to them through my mom's mom. But anyway, i found a family who hadn't had any work done. I was so excited! And after two weeks i finally got to go to the temple and do some of the work for my family. It was a special feeling doing baptisms for these women. I could almost hear the thank yous. Today was a great day at the temple. I was very tired and almost didn't go but the feeling of fulfillment was very excited and fulfilling. I have a testimony of temple work, and the importance of doing our family history. We should never use the excuse that "it's already been done" Because there is always something that could be done for someone. We need to be Grateful for the chance we have to go to a temple that is less then a day's travel away.

I love the temple and i can not wait to partake of the ordnance there someday. I know that if i prepare now, i will one day be able to go there and sit with my family in white and be taught. I love my savior, and if i could see him today i would fall to my knees and say thank you, thank you.

A.Kerr

Why Bad things Happen to good People...

Last night I decided to start reading the Book of Mormon over again. I've read it through many times now but i figured I still have more to learn. As i was reading the 1Nephi 1:1 i found something interesting, right there in the first verse of the Book of Mormon is the answer to why bad things happen to good people!
Now Nephi was a Prophet of the lord, he is a great man and when he starts he feels to tell the reader that he experiences many sore afflictions in his days, yet he was highly favored of the lord. How Often do we feel favored of the lord when we are in the midst of trials and afflictions? I will admit there are times when i don't feel so Favored, but i have learned i am wrong in this belief. The lord give those whom he favors trials, not only because they can handle it but it is his way of preparing each of us for great blessings.

Another great way to explain this is to give you an example in real life. A potter like Christ knows how to work with his desired medium. A potter works with clay and in order to add, say, a handle to a cup the original clay must be scored.( scored=ruffed up) This is done in order to make the new attachment stay attached, with out scoring the handle would not last. Christ will also score us at times, this is not because he doesn't love us, or because we aren't highly favored but it is because he knows that in order for new blessings to stick he has to go through the necessary steps.

Next time you are in the mists of Sore afflictions remember that you are being prepared for great blessings to come. Our view is limited now but if we set our course on our Savior Jesuc Christ we will not be led astray. I know the Book of Mormon is another testiment of Jesus Christ, and that Christ loves each of you and your trials are meant to make you stronger and to prepare you for great blessings!

A.Kerr

Did you know that? And Lessons from Church

Did you know that BLOG is an acronym? It stands for Big Load of Gossip. I laughed so hard when i first found out. Sadly it's actually pretty true most of the time but none the less, i enjoy blogging. Its like writing in a Journal for me, its a place to write my thoughts, ask questions, and share personal insight. And besides its a great way to share experiences with other people as well.
Well it's Summer Semester at BYU-Idaho already and classes start tomorrow. I have spent my spring break with close friends and family and to be honest I was sad to leave. W. is due in just a matter of days, and it felt like such a short time to be able to spend with long missed friends. C. and B. were married in the San Diego temple. I was so happy for them, they looked positively happy, i can't wait to have someone who i feel that way with. I got back to Idaho last night, it was a long drive, and i was able to get the few things i needed done before the Sabbath day. I almost forgot how expensive groceries are, but then again, i did say ALMOST. Church was so good today. Sacrament meeting was about Prayer, reverence and revelation. We are so capable of receiving so many blessings if we only take the necessary steps. Some of the things that stood out to me most were :

• Prayer= Peace,
• Hope= Anchor of Man,
• If you don't ask, you don't receive- Revelation requires action
• Receiving a Gift and Opening it are two different things, Just as Asking and
  Knocking, Knocking is the opening of the gift and it takes effort.
• Every ONE that asketh, shall receive

Then there was Sunday School where we discussed the Law of Consecration. When the lord first issued the Law it would have worked except for one thing. There were a few members with in the United Order who suffered a thing called pride. Pride selfishness and a need to be better then someone else destroyed the lord's perfect law. Some people compare communism with the Law but they do not fully understand, because they are VERY different. The law has agency, and has a stewardship. No one can be a Free loader in the law because everyone must contribute fully in order to make it work. Although today we don't have the Law of Consecration required in its fullness we still have small things which are preparing us to live it again some day. We always make sure everyone is taken care of, just like the law, and we do it through Home and Visiting teaching, generous fast offerings and tithing, also with Service.

"If you do not like you lot in life, build a service Station"

When we serve each other we lose nothing, only gain can be brought about from service not only to those who are served but those who also serve.

We may not live that Law today but we do live a law for we are required to take care of one another. Are you serving today? Or have you not built your service station yet? Go out, serve, prepare yourself, and live your life in accordance to the Gospel of the lord. God loves you all, you are only tried to make you stronger and to prepare you for the great lessons and blessings he ask in store for you. Go out, Pray with all energy of your heart, serve to your fullest capacity, Love your fellow men, and make every trial another reason to prove to the lord, you are on his side. Choose to be Happy today.Jesus in the Christ, Families are ForEVER, and serving others is a good answer!

A.Kerr

Divinity of Motherhood

Although I am far from experiencing motherhood myself i have to express my gratitude and unwavering love for my mother. This Month's visiting teaching message talked about how we need to stand up for families and mother hood embracing our divine roles.

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president:

“As a disciple of Jesus Christ, every woman in this Church is given the responsibility for upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. Women have distinct assignments given to them from before the foundation of the world. And as a covenant-keeping Latter-day Saint woman, you know that raising your voice in defense of the doctrine of the family is critical to the strength of families the world over”

We have been issued a call to bring about the greater good and not stand quietly when others argue against the divine roles of the family. On top of that this last few weeks I've been learning in women's health about pregnancy, human sexuality, and the right we have as women to " Multiply and Replenish"with in the bounds of matrimony. Upon a little research i found the meanings of the words multiply and replenish. Multiply didn't really surprise me but the word replenish really stuck a string. The dictionary defined it as to make full, or complete. Think about that for a moment, We have been given the divine calling to use our multiplying abilities to make full, bringing spirit children, into the fullness of this life by providing them with a body of flesh and bone.

I feel so privileged to be raised in a home where this divine role was not under played but embraced. I have to thank my mother for making it possible for me to be brought to the fullness of mortality. I am grateful that I have the ability to someday bring children into this world. As we watched the "miracle of life" video and watched the actual process of birth i was amazed and awed at the perfectness of this experience. Parts of me are a little scared but the euphoria of child birth i can say i look forward to with all my heart. I look forward to the day when get to hold my child in my arms for the first time. Whether i experience that in this life or the next i have been promised that my greatest joys will come from my children.

Mom thank you for giving me life, I will never be able to repay you for what you have done for me, but i pray you know how much i love and appreciate you. With out you I would not be. Thank you to you and dad for teaching me about the Proclamation of the family, raising it as Moroni's banner of liberty, Being proud of your relationship and showing me how to build a relationship with my father in heaven.

Mom again I am so grateful for you, you are not just the women who gave me life, you are the women who I call my best friend.

Top 5 Memories with my Mother

1. My mom and I's day at the Wedge in New Port Beach. " The Chase" The day was totally just about her and I and i wouldn't have had it any other way!


2. Conversations we've had while I've been at college


3. Having the Patience with me to teach me how to cook. I will never forget her making rolls in the "old house" and i wanted to help. She handed me a large orange bowl with some dough to make all my own. It was disgusting but it really got me to love to cook/bake.


4. I believe it was in 2nd grade class that we had a career day. Some parents came as accountants, bankers, even police and firemen but my mom came as the best job in the world a full time stay at home mom. She made cookies for the whole class and told them about her wonderful role as a mother. At the time i thought it was cool because she brought cookies but i never realised what exactly she was teaching me that day. She showed me that being a mother is like being a nurse, a chef, a driver counselor, and friend all at the same time, and THAT is the greatest job in the world!


5. This is the most recent. K and I went home to surprise dad for his big 50th b-day and mom was in on the whole surprise. As we were driving into the garage i made a bet in the car what mom would come out screaming. And not even a second later mom comes running into the garage screaming and jumping up and down with her hands in the air. It was so funny but still a cool feeling seeing mom so excited to see us! It was great!

I love you Mom.

A.Kerr

Find a reason to love...

Today in my Women's Health class we were talking about relationships and things we can do to have successful ones now and in the future. Although i am not in a long term relationship in which this advice applies to i thought this would be a good thing to pass on to all of you. Find a reason to love your spouse everyday. It could be the same reason for weeks on end, or it could be that they brought you lunch that day, even closed the door so you could sleep. I challenge each of you to find something, everyday, about the person your married to, that you love. It will be harder some days apposed to others but it is possible. So today, find something you love about your spouse. Write it down, make a little tally, so when things get tough, you can say this is why I love you today. We may not always like them, but we sure love them.

• Mom- Today I LOVE YOU because you are there to talk to me, all the time.
• K.- Today I LOVE YOU because you let me steal your shirt and I'm wearing it today.
• W- Today I LOVE YOU because i think you're a great mom
• KM- I LOVE YOU today because you are able to handle conflict with calm
• Christ- I LOVE YOU today because you forgave me once again
• Daddy-I LOVE YOU today because i listening to the music mix you made me and it made me miss you.
• D- I LOVE YOU today because you set a great example to me, and you're working hard at it.
• A- I LOVE YOU today because your alarm let me sleep in :)

It doesn't have to be a big deal. The smallest things in life can end up being the most meaningful.

Go, Find something you love about the people you love today!

A. Kerr

Stress!

Stress, we all have it, well have to deal with it, yet we ALL hate it! Stress is just stressful just to think about. These last few weeks have been filled with Large amounts of stress. My obsessive planning has caused me to stress but only because there is a lot to get done before that day can come. Anyways, updates, hmm do I even have any? Well this weekend I went to Utah to Help K and S move. K hurt her back so I was there to be here. It was fun to spend time with them and oh boy, my biceps are sore. I guess I am not in that good of shape after all.
As for Fitness i am working on Finding Coordinators. Its going to be a challenge but i'm trying very hard to get it done, ASAP. Wish my luck, or better yet, please keep me in your prayers! thanks!
Oh here is one cool thing. So I have been anti-Ipod for ever, didn't like em, didn't use 'em they were just an expensive way to listen to music. Well i gave in. I got my tax return and decided i wanted to do something for myself and I bought myself a hot Pink Ipod. Its great i can run with it, its perfect for the gym and I can even upload conference talks to it. Its so nice! No complaints there! So guess i've evolved to an Ipod girl. But its so cute! and its Pink! By the way as of late i seem to have an obsession with pink. Not a lot of it, just little pink things. I'm back to my Pink Boots days. ( for those of you who don't know that story, lets just say when i was little iwas attactched at the toe to my Pink boots.)
Anways thats all i've got to report on! remember to stay fit and healthy. March is here spring is coming!
PS- Families are FOREVER!

Fitness!!

This week was full of exciting, yet stressful things. As of Monday I was coming home for the summer, by Wednesday I was considering staying, and by Thursday it was Offical. Yes that is true. I am Staying in Idaho for the summer(spring) semester. I had an interview to be the Newest Fitness Director for Fitness Activties and I got the position! Because of this job I will be able to stay the summer. I am the director over fitness groups and activties. At first I was in complete shock when I got the call but now i'm so excited I can't Handle it! I have no many great ideas for this summer and I hope they all will work out! Here are some my ideas, tell me what you think

• Hot Mommas- A work out Group for expecting mothers


• Dam Runners- A marathon Training group for the Dam Marathon in June(which I Plan on running, well at least a half marathon)


• Relief Society Fitness Groups


• Married events, and workout groups.


• Any more Ideas are Welcome!

Its going to be such an awesome summer. I am going to miss my family so much, but i hope this will give the good opportunites to grow and learn as a leader. Thank you heavenly father for this chance to grow and the opportunity to Learn. With Christ all things are possible.

So as a reward to myself for getting this job i bought myself the cutest running out fit and it was on Sale! so here is my pic, Its a cute pair of black running capris as well as a white runners jacket! I hope you like!

Adventure of the Week!

This week i've done some awesome things! To go along with my Goal of the month of going to the gym and going something active everyday I got to do some really cool thins! On Thursday I went rock climbing for the first time since i broke my leg, and Today (saturday) i went XC Skiing! It was awesome! Here are some awesome pictures of my adventure this week!

I was so scared i was going to fall off the bridge, but it was cool anyway

It was a beautiful day. This is just a few of the beautiful sights I got to see!

If any of you get a chance to go XC skiing do it! Its a doable adventure that you WILL NOT forget. Its a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting a chance to clear your head, my only advice to is stick to the trail and bring sunglasses!

A.Kerr

Cards!

So I have a new Passion/obsession. I had made a goal to make cards like two weeks ago, and I've finally dont it!! Thursday I went to the Local craft store and looked at paper and finally an hour later I walked out with some great finds. Take a look and tell me what you think....

Pictures!

I thought you would all like a little UP date with Pictures. Here are some fun ones with my roommates this semester.

Here are my lovely roommates and I!

S.Me.J.M.A.A

ME and A. being Nerdy college students

Finally its the Noses Goes Game, its very fun!

Coming Home...and A Challenge for You

Wow its been two years and finally some of my best friends are coming home from their missions. My mind races of thoughts of what if, and my heart is filled with emotions. I want to first off say just how incredibly proud I am of these men. T., I have known you almost as far back as i can remember. I am so glad you set the standard so high for me. I don't think you will ever quite know what you have done for me over these many years. Thank you! And A., although Prior to your leaving we didn't know each other long but I had the privilege of talking to you many nights. Although you thought i was corny and immature at times i appreciate the times we spent talking about missionary work and our families. I am so proud of you, i pray that you found strength in your distant land and that you will be able to learn for the rest of your life from this experience. Boys I can't tell you how Proud i am of you! Although i won't be home the day you return my heart is with you. And i pray that you will feel my love for each of you.

I stood back this week and learned something about myself. I am the hardest on myself. I am harder on myself then any outside person could ever be. Right now i find myself stressing myself out about things. There is no outside pressure, just me. Its like a volcano in my chest that becomes active when i worry about situations. I am working on extinguishing my pressures but still, it is harder then I thought.

This semester for my Women's Health class we had to do an emotional project. I chose to do a Gratitude Journal. Its only been a few weeks but still I've been amazed at this simple experience. Each night after i read my scriptures I write down two things i am Grateful for and explain why. I am not good at writing in a journal ( this is basically my journal) but this seems easy. Some days its harder then others to define what i am grateful for but i learned so much. I am so grateful for so many things, but most of all i can say i am grateful for my savior. For me Christ=Peace. And Peace is one thing i constantly search for. I am so blessed.

Gratitude Jounral Challenge


• I challenge any of you who are reading this to do just this. Get a little notebook and make yourself a Gratitude journal. At the end of each Day write 2 things you are grateful for and why. You might just be amazed at what you learn about yourself and the peace which comes from this Idea.

People Keep Telling Me...

In the past few weeks I've realised just how often people say " you going to...". Many of the people who's opinions I value have been telling me lately where they believe i am going to end up with year. Some have told me I'll be serving a mission this time next year, some tell me I'll find some lucky guy and I'm bound to be married soon. I have all these influences weighing on my mind but I've realized there is nothing i can do other then take life one day at a time. Last night was the CES broadcast and President Thomas S. Monson spoke on being prepared. One line from his talk really stuck out to me;

"When the time to make a decision is come, the time for preparation has past".

I haven't yet reached the time to decide on any of these big life decisions. But i have decided to do the best i can to prepare. I am preparing for an Eternal Marriage, so that i am the best me i can be when i meet the best man for me. I am preparing to serve a mission, preparing my mind and spirit to devote myself to the lord. I am preparing for grad school so I can continue to receive great education. So people, keep telling me what you think I will do this year, its usually very flattering, but remember all i can do right now is prepare to make the decision when the time comes. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers in my behalf. Prepare now for your day of decision making. You can not control the day it comes but you can control how prepared you are to handle it when it does.

A. Kerr

Happy New Years

So i'm sitting here in rexburg with Strep Throat and getting ready for a new year and new semester, and a great year. Wow i can't believe it's 2009 already. I am looking forward to the year ahead of me. I have a good feeling about this one. I am taking another 15 credits so its going to be fun. And my apartment is going to be fun. I'm rooming with some old friends from freshman year so its going to be fun. this year had to have been my favorite Christmas. It was a bittersweet holiday, but still somehow my favorite. The time i spent with my family this year was priceless. Christmas eve was the really Family day. My siblings and i all met at our parents home and just spent the day together and played games and made food. a wild idea i know, lol the kerrs making more food. I guess it's just something we do. Anyways my parents did something for us this year that i will never forget. My parents wrote each child a personalized letter. Reading the special words and thoughts brought tears to my eyes. I am grateful that i have this to take with me. that was the big sweet, but the sour was a death in the home ward. A young man who was only 18 died from a accidental drug and alcohol overdose. The family had a very hard time, as well as the rest of the ward. A untimely death is hard for anyone to handle. It had all been very sad, but the funeral seemed to bring peace to many people. I can only pray that the youth i was involved in this summer are making good friends and avoiding these kinds of situations.

Well that is enough of 2008, it is now 2009. Last year was a year of lessons and now i have a year of possiblities. I pray that i will be able to live my life to the best of my abilities and let the lord guide me where he wants me to go. Happy new year everyone!