FEAR

Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the brief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.

I believe that we all come to Earth as a blank canvas and we learn and adapt different things based on experience and the people around us. Fear is one of those things that we learn over time. Each person has a fear, whether it's physical, mental, or spiritual. We are encouraged to have faith when we come toe to toe with our fears. Most of us have had the joy of conquering certain fears, but what if you don't? What if your fear takes over and you "miss your chance" to overcome your fear? What happens then? 

I had an incredible experience of coming face to face with my fear while helping out at Girl's Camp a few days ago. For those of you that don't know, I have a horrible fear of heights. I never liked the idea of not being in control of what my body is doing and the feeling of falling freaked me out,  so cliff jumping and roller coasters were always out of the question (except climbing, i love that). Anyways, I was helping out the younger girls with the ropes course when we got to the zip line activity. My body became more stiff as I saw how high up we were and the only thing protecting me was a line hanging from a tree. I got quieter because I didn't want to draw attention to the fact that I was scared, but my fear was quickly exposed and before i knew it, friends were encouraging me to go. This one sweet girl was just as scared as I was and I realized this could be a possibility to help her. I told her I would go if she did, so she went. She was waiting for me to go, but I couldn't do it. My friend's dad encouraged me to have faith and believe, but i was so focused on the fact that nobody was physically next to me so I didn't feel safe. It was interesting to see the character of those around me as well. Those that were patient and understanding of my fear. Long story short, I didn't end up doing it and instead of feeling a wave of disappointment, I felt a wave of love and experience. It had been a while since I have felt fear and a really long time since i've felt a lack of faith. On the ride back to the main campsite, Two of the girls volunteering as leaders expressed that they felt more comfortable telling me about their fears because they saw mine first hand. It was amazing to immediately activate my spiritual gifts to help them through different things. When I saw that young camper, she eagerly asked me if I did the zip line. I had to look her in the eye and tell her i didn't do it. It was such a humbling experience. There was immediate love and acceptance, instead of disappointment. Later that night I ended up using my gift of dance to bring the spirit to the girls. Life continued on and instead of dwelling on my failure, God helped me see my strengths. 

Good people, Fear is so different for each person. Don't ever feel embarrassed when you don't conquer your fear immediately. There are always opportunities to share your light and goodness and with time and practice, we will get over those life blocks. Faith is something that is nurtured and it grows from experience. I want to invite each of you to identify different fears within yourself and make plans to face them and if you don't get over it right away, that's ok. It's good to know where your limit is and stretch it every day using God's help. I love each of you to the moon and back. Remember that God didn't create the world in a day so don't feel like you have to either.

*PS: I went on the 3 oldest wooden roller coaster in the US  a week ago :)*

WEALTH

"The greatest wealth is health." - Roman Poet

As I have gotten older, I have discovered that the physical and spiritual state of a human is intertwine immensely.  In high school, I would eat whatever I wanted because I was so active, I never gained any weight. But now looking back on it, I was always upset and angry for no apparent reason. I was spiritually disconnected and I always felt like I never had enough energy. When I got into college, I started making changes in my diet. I stopped eating fast food and started to chow down on my fruits and veggies. I have always worked out, so nothing really changed there, but I started to notice physical and spiritual changes within myself. I was able to concentrate more in school. I laughed a lot more and found joy in the smallest things. I could really see God's direction in my life a lot clearer. I felt more well rested, therefore I could get more things done during the day without crashing every 45 minutes. And obviously the physical benefits were awesome as well, but I realized how blessed we are to have a body. Our body is the house for our spirits. It literally is a gift from God and when we take care of it, He blesses us in so many ways. There are times where I nit pick at my body. There are times (more times than I like to admit) when I just hated my body, but I realize in those moments that those thoughts aren't coming from our Father in Heaven. Satan is the biggest hater in the world. He doesn't want us to see our bodies as a gift and a joy and he will try anything to make us think otherwise. Good people, remember that God's love is always around you. He made you the way you are for a reason. What a gift!!! Take care of our bodies and it will take care of you! Love you to the moon and back! 

SMILE

Did you know that it is scientifically proven that smiling can boost your immune system, reduce your stress level, and releases endorphins to help you manage anxiety? Not to mention that you become 10 times more attactive and approachable. Smiling is also contagious. When somebody smiles at me, it is practically second nature for me to smile back. I believe that when we smile, we carry a love and light with us. It takes almost no effort at all to pass on it's goodness and in return, we receive the same love and kindness.
I was at Harvard Square the other day and I saw a homeless man sitting outside of my favorite burger spot (shake shack). I had nothing to give him but a smile, and in return he told me that it had been a long time since he had seen someone smile at him. That one statement made me realize how important smiling was. We have the ability to change how someone sees their day. Now I know that we as human's don't walk around everyday with a permanent smile on our face and run around picking flowers and kissing strangers. We all have bad days, but please remember that it doesn't mean you have a bad life! Find things that make you happy. For me that is hearing a really good joke or jamming obnoxiously to my favorite song. Surround yourself with people that make you happy. If that isn't possible for some reason, remember that God's love is always around us. We can fins Him in impossible circumstances.  Good people, a smile can save a life. Never forget that. I love you to the moon and back!

STICKS

"Sticks and stones may break her bones, but words and names can make her want to kill herself"

-unknown

so if any of you have ever met me or have been around me, you know that I love everything that life has to offer. I love laughing and making it my duty to make people feel loved. I'm silly and crazy at times and I  embrace everything that I am, good and bad. People would always complement me on my self confidence and worth, but little did they know that it took me years to see my value. Now this is a little bit more of a sensitive subject for me, but I have felt impressed to share my personal encounters with bullying with you. One of the reasons I have held back on this post is because I knew I would be exposing some of my personal pains with people that have never seen me at those stages of my life. but I realize it isn't about me and I hope that what I have learned from my experiences could maybe help someone else.

I was bullied almost everyday from age seven to about fourteen. I remember as a kid coming home from school, giving my mom a quick hug and empty smile, and escaping to the bathroom to silently bawl my eyes out. kids would call me a "night crawler" and soon the name stuck and i became the butt of every "dark girl" joke. Groups of kids at recess would surround me and take their pick at what body part they were going to make fun of or my how stupid my comments were in class. I  would play off my hurt and embarrassment by smiling and agreeing with them and in no time I had made myself a victim to their words. Now looking back on it, I would have much rather had my bullies hit me and get it over with, rather than make fun of my skin color, the size of my lips, or my thick and untamed hair. Sticks may break bones but mean words and comments have the potential to break the soul.   As I got older, I made it my purpose to feel accepted. I tried every trend and wore some crazy things to fit in. I quickly gained self love in the opinions of other people or how many likes I got on facebook that day. I had lost who I was in pursuits of temporary happiness and when it ended, was left with a person I didn't love or care about,...myself.

One day I found myself looking into the mirror and i had no idea who was staring back at me. After opening up to dear friends and family about what I was dealing with, they helped me realize this was an opportunity to rediscover myself, without the crutch of social praise. I would start off by writing down five things everyday that made me special and unique (and it couldn't be visible). It was really hard at first, but a sense of light and peace started to enter my mind and heart as I started to see myself as my loved ones and God saw me. I  would say kind things to myself in my bathroom mirror everyday for months, even if i didn't believe it some days (it is now part of my daily routine). I learned the art of forgiveness. I forgave myself for ever treating myself with disrespect  and I forgave my bullies for how they treated me. I actually came to thank them because I  realized without them, I wouldn't have learned how to understand the power of words.

Good people, words are extremely powerful. Please be aware of how you use your words. They have the power to inspire or destroy. To those that have been bullied in the past, I want to let you know you have people that actually love and care about you. Surround yourself with people that will make you feel like your best self. Be kind and patient with yourself as you are with others. To those of you that are the bullies, please don't take your pain out on others. Please know there is love out there for you as well. Reach out and take it. Forgive your situation and grow from it. Good people, make it your goal to be so full of love, that that's all you can let out and all you're allowing yourself to take in. You have no room for anything less. Each of us are designed for greatness. Let's help those around us see their power as well. If this has helped you in some way, please comment or share this post! I love each of you to the moon and back!

22

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!!! Let's be real... I've been waiting like 2 years to say that and actually have it be legitimate!!! Now that I've gotten that out of my system, i want to express how happy i am to be alive at this time. there there are so many things I have to be grateful for! Though my life was nothing like a fairy tale, I know that this was the life that was inspired for me I know my different challenges trials and opportunities were placed in my path so that way I can grow and learn and experience things that would have shaped me into the best person I can be! These 22 years have been incredible! to be honest I never really imagine myself this happy and this at peace! within this last year especially, I feel like I became more aware of my purpose here. looking back on my life I wouldn't have changed a thing. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without the blessing of a strong mother, an absent father, friends that have inspired my soul, and my discovery of God. I see so many good things in my future. Is it weird to say that I actually feel my age. I can't wait for the adventures in store!

Look Not Behind Thee

Genesis 19:17

Who is she?

 She has a faith that is rare and inspiring. Her stories of her life in Africa encourage me and provides my heart with peace. Her humility softens the hardest hearts. Her trials are real and they have motivated her and those around her. She is kind. She is hopeful. She follows God without hesitation. She is wise beyond her years. She is hilarious. She enjoys a good meal. She is crazy.  She is patient. She is beautiful. She can dance like no one else. She is connected to the spirit in a unique way. Her accent is thick. Her heart is full and honest. She's my mom and I am grateful for her more and more each day.

Thank you for being everything I need and more.

Happy Birthday.

Feast

John 6:35

Sharing Goodness

Hello good people! Lately I've been thinking about the amazing time period that we live in. We have been blessed to connect with people and move people in more ways than we ever had before. We have so much power at the tips of our fingers. We have the power to inspire others with a message or post. How incredible is that?! I've been thinking about the intent behind the things we do. Are we striving to edify others? I know that so much joy overwhelms my simple heart when I make someone else feel of worth and value. Elder David A. Bednar, a leader of our church, gave an amazing talk on how we can use the media to "Edify and uplift others". He explains it as Sweeping the Earth "as with a flood". We can flood the social world with messages of inspiration and direction to our loved ones. I few months ago I explained that I would stop the posts for a little while. I knew that at the time, my intent wasn't my best. Now I see the value in uplifting others through the social media. I want to "share goodness" not to get praise or seek attention, but to encourage someone else! We had a general authority visit us a few weeks ago and he announced that we would be getting ipads in the next few months.  I know that this was inspired and I am grateful for the opportunity we have to bring joy and peace to others! I'm not sure if I ever told ya'll that I had two sisters n Africa that I've never met before (I'll have to share my story sometime), but because of the internet and modern tech. I am able to know of them and their goodness. To know I can share something with my long lost sisters across the world that brings them serenity (especially at this time), comforts my soul. Anyway, I will be posting again, but sparingly. Check out the video by Elder Bednar whenever you get the chance. Let's sweep this Earth ya'll! To the moon and back,

I love ya'll

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng

11 Months

Hello Good people! I thank God everyday that I was humble enough to listen to His council to come out here. As of today, I am 11 months out and I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to see the hearts of people change before my very eyes. I honestly can't put it into words. This life is something else. Each life is so unique and different and I love it! We are surrounded by people that inspire our way of life. I believe we have the choice to be inspired or be offended by others examples. I am grateful of each growth pattern. 

Last week we had zone conference and it was probably the most inspiring conference I have ever been too! I have learned to accept others confidence in me and my abilities. I have learned to thank people that have inspired you, because most likely they don't even know they did anything. I have learned to stay firm in the faith no matter what anyone else is doing. I have learned that you can totally fall on your face, and get up and win the race! My friends, we are in a race towards Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! We aren't against anyone but our former selves! Be better than you were 20 minutes ago. I continue to learn that every single day. I am finally seeing my worth and abilities and it's an amazing feeling. I find connections to Heavenly Father in ways I wouldn't expect. I find my mind is clearer when I teach or surround myself with dear friends...or even if I go on the back porch and strum my purple ukulele haha! Do whatever makes you happy!

I love you to the moon and back.

Our Stones

I was reading in John the other day and I cam across the story of Jesus' encounter with the woman that committed adultery. The chapter starts off with Jesus humbly sitting with the people he was teaching. The scribes and Pharisees drag the woman into the temple and left her at Jesus' feet. They explained that her actions caused her to be stoned but they wanted Jesus' opinion first. The intentions of these men were not to get justice, but to tempt Jesus. He knelt and drew figures in the ground and said "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her". That statement hit me so hard. I know that I have found myself personally lying face down in front of my savior with my sins being ready to be thrown at my back. It is embarrassing and painful when our sins, whether big or small, are brought to light, but our Savior forgives and Forgets them. We all have our own personal stones that our Savior is trying to take from us, why add someone else stones upon you. My dear friends, none of us are perfect. We can not judge because of this. This story has encouraged me to focus on the good of others, instead of seeing their "stones". Jesus himself didn't even judge her. He simply said "Go and sin no more". Good people, I ;love and cherish every single one of you!

This Week

 

Hello good people! I hope that you are having a spectacular week! This week was one of the best weeks of my mission. I have learned that I need to be more aware of Jesus' love for me. I was at a member's house and their little granddaughter was going through our bags. Part of me prays that she doesn't pull out something embarrassing, but luckily this this time she pulled out a picture of Jesus Christ. With a huge smile on her face, she turned to me and said "Jesus Loves You."There was nothing but pure Honesty in her voice. At that moment I realized that I have been saying that to people out here on my mission, but nobody had ever said it to me. I forgot that I needed to hear that at times. I have always been the person to lift people up but I think I get so lost in it, I forget to remember my worth to my Heavenly Father. I tried to hold back tears as I soaked in what she said. I am so grateful for those small reminder that Heavenly Father places in front of me that help me remember who I am and who I can turn to. For those who may not hear that their Savior Loves you as much, He does. So Much.

 

The sweet girl that reminded me of the Saviors love.

Please enjoy pictures of recent mission life.

 

Goodbye Friend

 

New Year's Eve

 

Sweet Dot

 

We went Africa on All  of them!

 

New Kids on the Block!

 

Double Dutching Hard core!

 

Pretty cool Kids!

Love this Mission! Have a wonderful week!

 

3 Months

 

Just a few hours ago I had a "Come to Jesus Moment" as my beautiful companion Sister Waters calls it. It is that moment when you realize that you are going through something and you are finally coming to terms with it and talk about without feeling weak or insecure. These past few days I found myself doubting every reason for being out here. I was doubting my ability to teach and I felt like I wasn't being myself. I honestly had never felt so out of my comfort zone. I found myself longing for my old life and my own friends. Talking about my past life with people here wasn't hard or painful but afterwards I would find myself longing for those memories. I wanted to be in a studio practicing pirouettes or holding sparklers at my friends' weddings. I felt like everyone else was moving on and I was at a constant, but as I was wrapped in my sky blue blanket, I realized something. I had met people here that I never would have met back home. I am attempting to make more life long friendships. I started thinking about the laughs that I had out here and I realized these were good memories. I am living my life right now and I will be able to tell my friends and family back home about the amazing moments that I am living right now. I got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wipe of any smudged make-up, and I revealed my problems to Sister Waters. She has been out longer than me, but I was so thankful that she had gone through the same exact thing when she first came out. I expected to get a "suck it up" like I do to myself, but she let me know that I needed to experience this so I can grow and move on. She told me that the easy thing is going home. And it really is so easy to say, "You know what, this isn't for me. I'm going home." But who would benefit from that. I know my mother would be so sad to see me give up and I know I would regret it. Sister Waters let me know that Christ wasn't exempt from heartache. When he was suffering for us, there was a time when God wasn't with him. I'm not sure if I had felt completely alone, but Christ experienced that emptiness that we sometimes feel. I know I will have more trials than just missing my past life, but forgetting myself and serving others will make me full. I know it. My dear friends, I am not perfect. I trip over air and I forget things almost instantly sometimes, but I am so thankful to have not only people in this life that help me see my true potential, be a Heavenly Father that loves and cares for me. I am so happy to have made it this far. Who knows what next transfer has in store! If you have any advice on how you dealt with insecurities please let me know. I love you all and even though you aren't there physically, I can feel your support and prayers. Thank you.

Simple Prayers

Hello good people!!! I hope you have had an amazing life! Last week was a holiday and our computer time was limited so...yeah I am back! So many things have happened in the spand of 2 weeks. I really didn't expect to have a new experience every single day! It is amazing seeing the hearts of others change for the better and in return, I am changing as well!
So I guess I should share one of the many amazing experiences that I have had. So many of you know that I have a film camera. I love this camera people, like it's the camera I will probably use on my kids. So when I was leaving to go to my new area in Montgomery, I accidentally left my camera in a church building in Birmingham. I hadn't heard any word from it and I had come to the conclusion that I may not see it again. I tried not to let it get to me. I prayed that my camera would at least be in good hands and I let it go. A few days later, I lost an earring that my mother had given me before I left. That upset me a  lot more because I knew those earrings were a sacrifice for my mom to get me. After 2 weeks of nothing, I finally knelt down in prayer. At first I felt silly praying for earrings but I felt so much better afterwards. The next morning I was working out and I looked over at the window. The Sun was coming in and it hit a small object on the floor. I crwaled to it and lying perfectly was my earring. I didn't cry but I felt so happy that God heard my simple prayer. Later on that day I got a phone call that they had found my film camera and that it was in good hands! I seriously started laughing I couldn't believe it!
I know that simple prayers can be amswered when you pray with sincerity and whole heartedly. I know that simple prayers is what got me this far. Wheteher it's prayoing for inspiration to help others or knowing how to comfport them, the Lord delivers!Prayers can be used at any time people! I love you all! Stay Rad,
Sister Neufville

P.S. My Mom's Birthday is on Saturday!!!! Love you Mama!!

MTC Memeories

So let's be real, I love pictures! So I captured a few of the many beautiful moments I had in the MTC, Enjoy!

 

Love her!

 

First Package From The Fam!

 

Beauty

 The Sweetest Girls in the MTC

 

Coolest Elders!

 We Gon Find You

 

Childhood Friend!!!

 

First Companion

 

First Greeny Package! (Thanks Pinnocks!)

 The tree Smells like cream soda!

 

Dance Friend!!

 

Stay Rad Good People!