The Start of a New Beginning Approaches

I haven't written in some time now and for that I apologize. So much has happened, it just feels unreal. Like a huge mess is whirling around me, trying to distract me and discourage me. I had been told over and over again that Satan would challenge me, especially before my mission, to prevent me from leaving and helping the work, but never did I think these adversities would come upon me. I thought to myself, "Challenges? Bring it on Satan! I can handle it." Now I think to myself, "Please give me the strength to overcome what I must face." Where would I be without the Gospel? In trying times like these, I know I would be lost and feel alone, but because of my testimony, I can hold my chin up high. I can continue on hitting that punching bag (Satan) that keeps coming back, trying to knock me down.

I have since spoken in church, which I must say was one of the biggest reliefs to me. After that, things started to spin, putting me in an emotional tornado. Yes, not a rollercoaster... a tornado. On a rollercoaster, you have a secured seat, sometimes a companion next to you who goes everywhere you do, and you have a start and finish. A tornado can take you in any direction, you are tossed and brutally afflicted, and you have no idea when it will throw you back on the ground. Have I ever been in a real one? Ha no, of course not. Thinking about being in one though and trying to keep my eyes open during the commotion would be a headache, much like this life is if we do not close our eyes. When I do, I reflect on what I know and believe. I try to separate myself from the world around me. And the best thing I can do, and everyone else can do, is turn to Christ. He suffered all. He knows every pain we have or ever will feel. He knows PERFECTLY what we are going through. I think that even though I know this, I relearn it with each trial. That is why the Atonement is so important to remember. It is something so incomprehensible, that it should humble us to even think of what He and the Father did for our mankind.

Now some of you are probably thinking that I'm crazy and an emotional wreck and I will tell you that it has been pretty emotional for me. But, because I know how to stand on my feet again, I wish for all to be able to as well. My friend, who is currently serving a mission, recommended a new method to saying personal prayers. He told me that when he starts off his prayer with expressing to Heavenly Father how he feels, he understands better on how to ask for help and makes him feel better! I started to do it as well and have noticed a change just as he has! Our Father is there to help us, and even though he knows how we feel, it's nice to open up to Him. I feel like it's letting Him into my heart. I am happier when I do this and can sleep peacefully! So my challenge to you... is to do the same! It's quite simple really. As you reverently kneel, and offer a sincere prayer, believing God is listening, I promise you will feel something powerful and good inside! That feeling is brought on by what is called the Spirit or the Holy Ghost. If you have trouble, continue to do it and don't lose faith! He wants you speak with Him, that's why He gave us prayer. Remember, even Christ prayed to God.
 Good luck and God be with you! :)

3 Nephi 18:18  Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

Joshua 1:9   Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Oh Dear, Oh My!

Could it already be?! No, there's no such thing! "Farewell talks" will be something of the past and it seems so much is changing for us youth. The age change was a shock for everyone and for most, quite a delightsome surprise I'd say. I am in fact one of those delighted pioneers embarking upon this fantastic journey, in which my young generation has the privilege to adventure into the mission field. Oh what a blessing it is! As you can tell, I'm not thrilled at all...
And so it begins! The packing, the sending of additional information to Salt Lake, the immunizations, the early morning mission prep, the "adieu" talk, and of course entering into the Holy Temple of God and making covenants with Him to help us on our way back home. It's overwhelming, but amazing at the same time. I love it!

Well today, I was given my non-farewell talk. Yes, that's a thing of the past for those who don't know. For various reasons they have been encouraging that before missionaries leave for their missions, they should speak in sacrament meeting at least 3 weeks in advanced. It is to be centered on the Gospel, Jesus Christ, and your topic of assignment. Fortunately for me, this is my circumstance.

In the first weekend of October, we are blessed to hear from the Brethren and select sisters of the church in a live broadcast called General Conference. In this powerful meeting we are instructed, reminded and uplifted by people who have been called by God through our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson so speak on things pertaining to everyone in the world. If you have a question and pray about it sincerely and earnestly, you will be able to feel or know your answer by listening to these talks. It's amazing! So I bring this up because of two things. One, these meetings take place on Saturday and Sunday and so we do not have sacrament meeting making it impossible for me to speak then. Two, because General Conference is on the 1st Sunday of the month we have Fast Sunday the following week, making it impossible to speak then as well. So I'm left with October 20th or September 22nd. They (the stake presidency) wish that I speak in September, so I agree to speak in two weeks and am given the topic: Obedience- By Stand in Holy Places. Holy Cow! Did I just agree to preparing a 12-15 minute talk that I will be speaking into a microphone in front of tons of people?! Oh dear.. Oh my.. Well here goes nothing!

Oh and one last thing... I will be going through the Mesa Arizona Temple September 20th! I'm so excited! This is going to be one crazy and emotional weekend :) I'm going to love it.

Sister Gietz

And So It Begins...

It's here! It's here! Finally, the day I have dreamed of and thought about for so long has arrived! It feels unreal. I received my mission call in the mail today. I was getting ready for the day when I heard a truck outside. My heart sank and I rushed to the window to see if it was the mail. It was! I anxiously waited for the mailman to leave and as he did, I ran to the mailbox. I opened it and there in my hands laid the information to when and where I would be spending the next 18 months of my life in service. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes and I quickly called my family to let them know.

My family and friends gathered around and it was time. I nervously fumbled to opened the letter. I began to read and of course.. started crying, making it hard for people to hear but I managed to say Ogden Utah Mission! I report October 30th and I'll be preaching in the English language. I'm SOOOO excited! I've heard wonderful things about the place and many friends have family there. I'm going to be a missionary soon! Woohoo!