The blessings of Institute

Every Wednesday night at 7 is a chance for me to go to institute and attend the mission prep class. Tonight was probably one of the most spiritual nights since I started going. I didn't want to attend Mission Prep, but KK told me to come. I did, and the first thing that Bro. Dickerson said was, "This isn't mission prep, this is life prep." Perfect thing to say to me!

But tonight, we talked about keeping our eyes steadfastly on the Savior. In 3 Nephi 17:5 the Savior stands to leave and notices that the people have their eyes on him steadfastly as if they were to tell him "tarry longer." We then talked about how we have had our eyes steadfastly on friends and family members as they leave to the mission field, with tears in our eyes, wanting them to "tarry a little longer." It's true, Brother Dickerson then said that we let them go because the Lord needs them in other places for a little while. This week has been a little hard, I have missed Mary more than ever and tonight I felt the spirit so strong tell me that Mary, Logan, Jackson, Nathan, Kk, Gary, Katie, Curtis, Natalie, Madeline, Douglas, Ryan, Miles, Wyatt, Shaylee, Carly, Cassie, Cat and the many many many other friends out there are supposed to be there.

The Lord needs those missionaries, and I guess I can support them while they are out. A couple of my favorite scriptures this week have been Alma 38:2, 5 and then D&C 58:6. I am so grateful for this opportunity to go to institute and to feel the spirit! I love this gospel and I know that it is true.

 All of my high school friends! There are only 4 of us who are not on missions!

 All of these boys are such a blessing to me! :)

 My FHE family! So grateful for these amazing people, I miss them all!!

 Crazy college friends :)

And of course, this girl, who has been a sister to me for so many years!!

I am so grateful for my friends on missions and the blessings I get from supporting them.

"If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to recieve direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave you." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson

-Rach