for the glory of the skies

Last weekend I was in a scene from a movie. I just had to be. I couldn't believe how gorgeous everything looked around me {I can't imagine how heavenly it is in the summer time}. Shaun and I had made it all the way to the lighthouse when Shaun's phone died. My ears were also getting numb so we went back to the car. Shaun really wanted to film the waves so he went back out without me. While I was waiting in the car, I pulled up "For the Beauty of the Earth" on youtube. It was awesome. The creation of the earth and it's gorgeous details leave me speechless every time I think about them.

The Mission Field

The church outside of Utah, or the "mission field" as people call it, is such a different experience. The members here live in a world of persecution and have to really choose for themselves that they believe. I'm not saying that the church back in Utah doesn't get any persecution. I am sure Utah as a whole gets its fair share, but more often there are individual attacks.

In Michigan, I am in a ward where I am one of twenty relief society sisters. I found out yesterday that there are 8 of us that are baptized (which is awesome because investigators are so fun to be around and their learning). Yesterday in our lesson we were talking about persecution and how we react to it. The teacher asked the class:

How many of you first heard about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day 

Saints from a resource that was meant to be negative towards the church?

We counted 9 out of the 12 investigators! I was first shocked to see so many hands raised and then was overcome with happiness that they still showed up to learn for themselves. I learned that the downtown Grand Rapids area, where we currently are living is a very anti-mormon area. I heard stories about the Stake Presidency instructing the members to remove all bumper stickers or things that would reveal that you are affiliated with this church because of many accounts of trashed cars. There is also a cop on duty for the youth's mutual nights. I was so grateful for these strong courageous members! I know missionaries and people outside of Utah probably hear and see stories like this every day. Personally, my eyes would have never truly been open to this if I would not have left the Utah church environment.

One more thing, we were also discussing in our lesson yesterday about blooming where you are planted. One lady shared how her callings have really made her happy and the joy she gets from them (she is the choir director). She explained that she has been trying to get back West for the past fifteen years but for whatever reason she never made it. She has come to realize that the Lord has allowed her to stay here and be the strength in this area. She also has the opportunity to work in the area of the church that she wanted. She said "back in Utah you practically need a bachelors in Music to be considered for a musical calling. I never would have been a choir director back there." People laughed but I couldn't help but nod my head! Shaun and I always talk about how much more work we are being able to do out here. Having these INCREDIBLE experiences with the youth of the church and thinking, back home in Utah we were sunbeam teachers {which was a blast of course}. It makes me laugh. I know there is some truth in what she was saying but I really just loved her comment because it reminded me of all the "blooming" that I am doing out here on this adventure of ours.

I am so grateful for the pioneers and previous church members that truly gave their life for this church and went through unimaginable persecution. You always hear that we are "modern day pioneers" but I never really felt like that until I came out here and am hearing stories of strong courageous faith. The persecutions will come and they will come hard but this true church will NEVER cease to be on this earth! It will keep moving on like a train, a train that I will always strive to be on.


side note: my beautiful sis missionary came home from Albania due to some nasty parasite situation. she's on the mend. I'm grateful for her example of a person that has a love for the gospel and wants to shout it to the world.

steak

One of the things that people have been telling us to do before the snow comes is drive up the coast shore of Michigan. Last weekend it wasn't too cold so it was the perfect opportunity. The drive up there was beautiful. And we just barely got to catch the end of Fall!

We stopped in this beautiful small town called Traverse City. We had brunch at the cutest little cafe, I felt like I was in a movie (i also had the most delicious steak omelet, and i don't even love steak. yep, trying to eat like an adult since…well since i married SJ).

Lake Michigan was SO awesome to see!

Then we took an amazing scenic drive around the lake to a beach area and a little lighthouse. Unfortunately the lighthouse was one that was part of a house so I didn't even care to document it. I'll find my real lighthouse soon!

 It was such an fun day. Total driving time was probably about five hours, which doesn't bother me because I love road trips and when it's so beautiful the time flies. Sing-a-long's with the husband also gets the time moving! I'm grateful for Shaun's job and the flexibility he has with his schedule which lets us do such fun things.

The backyard.

My blog peeps will probably be sick of this view in no time. I can't stop taking pictures of it. Every time we go on a walk we pass this. Every time I look out my window I look out to this. I love this. This being: bridges, water, and tall buildings...I guess. So you have now seen it in fall, I shall keep you posted on what it looks like with some snow! Which supposedly is coming soon. 

The update on us is, basically we are loving our lives. Conference just ended which was much needed as always. SJ's work schedule is so awesome and he is usually home late afternoon so we have time to explore. Artprize has been happening the past two weeks so I have been very entertained. Shaun has a company car so the beautiful Elantra is in my hands. We have been very blessed with frequent trips back home, which is happening again soon here and that will be awesome. 

But Georgia is on our minds. . .

it surprised us too.

The GR

 Well Friday morning we packed our bags and headed to Michigan! On my to-do list before we left, I needed to send my letter to Celine that Shaun wrote. We explained our three cancellation-heart-breaks that we have experienced and included pictures of each event with a big fat sad face. I am sure nothing will come of it but we just wanted to write her to say that we wrote her! It was fun.

Even though we packed for only three months, I felt like we brought a ton. There was some talented tetris action going on trying to make everything fit. I'm obsessed with road trips so it was definitely a party. Shaun and I are listening to Enders Game before the movie comes out. Love me some Harrison Ford!

There is an art festival called The ArtPrize that is in Grand Rapids every year and it is the biggest one in the country supposedly. When we pulled up last weekend, downtown was a madhouse! It has been so fun for me though because I can just wake up, walk downstairs, and explore until I'm sick of walking. Everything is walking distance and there are seriously thousands of people everywhere. I love it. My favorite's have been the pieces that were made completely out of junk (like this dragon). These pandas were made entirely of tires.

And here is our nice little apartment. It has more of a hotel vibe than I thought it would but I still love it (even if I hate the wood look). To calm this germ freak's mind, we went out and got a sofa cover. The place has also been scoured with clorox wipes. Those things are my best friends. That carmel spice fall candle does the trick as well! We are loving this temporary adventure in a different place. It seriously is like a mini vacation (at least for Nicole :) 

Ps. ...Can you believe that little corner called the kitchen? I can't believe I was complaining about my minimal counter space back at home. I am going to go back to Georgia so excited to see that little counter of mine!