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 :)*

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!

A Christmas In Africa

I love  you more than you know. Thank you for your support and love. I hope that you had the most incredible Christmas. I would love to hear about it! It breaks my heart that the Christmas season is over, but I am determine to keep the spirit of Christ alive all year round. I had the amazing opportunity to skype my Sister Mary, in Africa. It was my first time seeing her face to face and it was like nothing I have ever experienced. I immediately started crying and the feeling of love overwhelmed my heart. I was surprised at how easy it was to talk to her and connect with her. We compared childhoods and laughed over good things. I sang and played the ukulele for my 2 year old niece. It was funny because she thought it was a movie, but then I started saying her name and she like freaked out haha! I was blessed to share a short scripture with them out of the Book of Mormon and it was interesting to see my older sister lean into the camera more as I was teaching . She really was taking to heart everything I was saying. Just then I realized that my words and energy are what can inspire others. It made me more aware of how I want to be. She expressed her gratitude for me and for her Heavenly Father. She's Methodist and I thought to myself " So you're saying there's a chance?" She brought me outside to see Africa and it was surreal. I can't wait to go and visit her and connect with her even more! I then got to talk to my family in Boston and I can not even describe my excitement and love for each of them. We are all so different and unique but it works! My mom was beautiful. I really miss her some days.
I got to participate in some of Sister Belnap's traditions as well! Christmas eve, we had a Bethlehem dinner. We got foods that they would eat in Bethlehem (hummus, pita, grapes, cheese) and we set up blankets on the floor and dressed up in nativity clothes. We even drug our beds out and slept under our humble tree. We laughed and ate by candlelight. It was spectacular to feel the real spirit of Christmas enter our tiny apartment. This Christmas has been one to remember for the ages. I have been inspired to share so many things with my family and future family.
I have also been making amazing spiritual discoveries about myself and what I want to do with the life God has given me. I am learning to not fear the light He bestowed in me. Sometimes it's hard, but I want to focus on beautiful positive things.
"Shun no effort to make yourself remarkable in some talent" -Seneca

It also poured most of the holiday! Oh well! Tis the season!

cheryl.neufville@myldsmail.net

Cheer

So lately I've been extremely interested in the Pure love of Christ, which is Charity. In the Bible Dictionary, Charity is described as "the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection." Charity honestly never fails but without it, we fail. It softens hearts and creates a real sense of "Christmas cheer". As humans, we tend to embrace pride and sometimes fear, quicker than we embrace charity and humility and trust. A wise woman told me the what we focus on, expands. Let us focus on truly and honestly loving the people placed in our lives, especially during this season, and I promise it will expand throughout your entire being. As I serve other families, I grow a deeper understanding for my own family as well! I can't wait to embrace them on Christmas! I love each one of you! Have the best Holiday!

Enough

So I remember my first semester at The University of Utah. I was nervous and scared out of my mind. I knew practically no one and I hadn't been dancing as long as the others in my class. I was amazed and intimidated by the beautiful souls around me. I would stay after school and practice my butt off in the studios but I still felt like I wasn't making any progress. Before we left for our first Thanksgiving break, one of my dance teachers pulled me over to the side. She told me that she had been watching me after classes and how much I was working. She held my face in her hands and told me "You are enough". I had never had anyone other than family tell me that. That sparked a new confidence that I never knew I could find. When I started to trust myself and believe that I was enough to be in the classes with the best, I felt safe and I felt real joy. Out here on the mission, I have felt Satan beating me down with every insecurity that I never knew I had. The weight was incredible, but I was reminded by Sister Madsen (soul sister) that I was more than enough for this mission. I was enough for my dear friends. I have gained confidence though making others happy. I'm inspired by good souls. She told me I should feel honored to have Satan ragging on me all the time and I never thought about it like that. He sees my potential and he sees each and every one of yours. He won't stop until we're defeated. He doesn't want us to believe we're worth the fight. I honestly don't know what any of you are going through, but please know that you are enough. You're worth it. I am learning that now and THANK GOODNESS we don't have to be perfect! We can make our trials opportunities to feel God's love. Be strong dear friends and know that you make a difference because you're different.

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.

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

 

My dear friends and family, this morning I woke up to the most amazing realization. When I decided to come out here, I was so excited to let go of my normal life and to spiritually grow through serving others. I wanted to let go of things of the world and just focus on fully serving the Lord. Lately for some reason I still feel like I'm focusing on things that aren't necessarily bad, but doesn't help me focus on my spiritual goals.  Good people, I love sharing my experiences with you. Lately I have found myself pre planning my next post or getting too excited when I see the views. I don't want to lose the value of my spiritual experiences and I don't want to make my life seem amazing to please a crowd. Now don't get me wrong, I love sharing the stories of my skirt getting caught in my bike or the lessons I have learned but I think I'm getting wrapped up in sharing my stories instead of living them for this time in my life. I will be stopping the posts for a little while (hopefully we get I pads soon). I wasn't told by anyone to do this, I just want to set this time apart. I can't wait to get on again and tell you about this crazy and wonderful mission life. I still want to hear about your beautiful and full lives. I can't put my mailing address on here but I will leave my email. Send me a message sometime! Let me know what I can do to strengthen and uplift you and Vise Versa! I love you all good people. Please remember your worth in the eyes of God is great and powerful.

cheryl.neufville@myldsmail.net

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!

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!!

Father's Day

My Father was a difficult man. He left when I was young and he left emotional scars. I recently had the chance to talk to him and let him know that I forgave him for everything that he put my family through. That was one of the best things that could of happened for both of us. Through my father's mistakes I have learned what I real man isn't. I pray for a man that will be amazing to my children. I want my children to have the father I never had. I also know that I have a father in heaven that loves me deeply. I won't go into details about the qualities I want in the father of my children, but if they are trying to live their life as faithful and honest as they can I think i'll be alright. If I had learned anything from the men in my life, is that you won't know a good man until you experience a bad one. Daddy I still love you. And thank you for accidentally teaching me the real value of a man.