I know who I am, where I'm going, and what I need to do to get there!

In the late 90's we were living in the beautiful state of Montana, raising a family of 5. We had moved there for a job, but later realized, that really wasn't why we were there at all. During these years we enjoyed our beautiful home with the acres of space, building a business, the rodeos and drill team performances with Carianne, and loved raising horses, and chickens, and the endless nights of watching the stars in big sky country. Brigette was a cheerleader at the local High school, and often the after game parties were at our house. 75 of more kids would come, play pool, hot tub, play volleyball using the headlights of there cars, and just hang out. It was a safe place, free of alcohol or drugs, and we loved having them all there. It was a good time in our lives, but what we gained during those years far have continued to stay with us, years later and miles away from Montana.

Being on the Cheerleading squad, and in the Rodeo environment, can be a challenge for a family of non drinkers. Sunday practices had to be missed, and often performances too. But through all this many young girls were often asking Brigette why she was always so happy. She would respond first by saying "because I always eat bananas" then she would laugh and say," its easy because I know who I am, Where I'm going and what I need to do to get there". In spite of hard times, the usual teenage girl drama, she still maintained and held on to these principals. She was an example to me of believing the most basic of principals, which I had taken for granted because I always had known about my entire life. For those around our family, it was not so easy. The path was not so defined, the knowledge of who they were or how much they were loved was not as clear.

They say hind sight is 20/20. Its been 10 years now, and as recent as last night I felt the effects of our time in Montana. We were not there for ourselves, but rather as an opportunity to serve the Lord in a place we were needed. 6 convert baptisms took place of those we met and befriended there. Several of those, Brigettes friends from her cheerleading days. And all because we were able to teach them first who they were.

Who am I? Each of us, is a son or daughter of God, who loves us. We have value and he is there to help and guide us. Where I'm going? Well that depends on me. If I follow what I have been taught and the example of my Savior Jesus Christ, then where I'm going is down a path that leads me home to live with my Heavenly Father and eternal family, and free of Satan's deception and heartache. I will have more choices in life, because I will not have limited myself by making poor choices that lead to bad behavior and remorse. How do I get there? I will follow the Lords plan for me, as directed through his gospel, and prophets. I will have faith believing in myself and in all the Lord has promised. How blessed our family is to have this knowledge and to not have to go in search of it!

So many of us don't know these basic principals. Especially the very first, Who I am. Last night a co worker from those days in Montana and a friend, called desperate for help. Its not too often we have heard from her. During our time in MT she was introduced to the Missionaries, who helped her to quit smoking for a time. She loved how good she felt and enjoyed the Elders. But her circumstances at home made her ability to improve herself almost impossible. Being in a very violent, abusive relationship meant, that every time she was strong, her husband would beat her down. She had turned to alcohol to ease the pain of the beatings. Often these lead to her being found in the emergency room with cuts, endless bruises, black eyes. We pleaded with her to get away, but she lived in fear, she felt worthless, and didn't want to lose her children which he threatened to take away from her. So for years she endured this pain. The Elders were told to stop seeing her, because her husband did not approve. For years we have watched this. We have tried to encourage her, offer her opportunities to work, and give her hope. But she didn't have faith in herself, because she didn't see any value in herself. This plea for help last night, left us wishing we lived in Montana again. But all we could do was pray, and spend the time on the phone encouraging her to be strong, if not for herself, than for her children and all of their safety. He husband had finally been arrested just last month for domestic violence, this time turned in by her 12 year old son. Kerry spoke to him too. Asked him if he was brave enough to tell the police all he had witnessed. And to help his mom to be strong, so she could get help for all of them. I sat in awe listening to the tone and spirit of the conversation. How inspired I knew my husband was as he spoke with this 12 year old boy miles away, giving him hope,and encouragement. He told him he could call any time and his words would be safe with us. While all this was going on, I found the mission home phone number, and called. Its been a while since I had done that :) I gave her address and background to the Elders, and requested they go to her home and see what they could do. Only 20 minutes later, our friend said, "wow that was quick the missionaries are already here, but my house is a mess." We could hear the Elders say, "its fine, it doesn't matter, we are here for you." and she said "that's what Kerry told me you would say." Our conversation ended for the night, there.

This morning we received a lengthy voice mail. It said that she was very glad the missionaries had come to her. They had helped her realize she wasn't so bad. She knew that she had a lot of work ahead of her, but that she needed to start somewhere. She thanked us, said she loved us, and said "they are coming again today at 3:PM I'll call you after they leave."

Those Elders had given her the most important thing they could. Hope. They had let her know she was worth it. That who she was, was a daughter of God, who loved her.

As we knelt as a family we prayed for those missionaries that they would be inspired. They were in tune, and went to do the Lords work, the very saving of souls. To help others to come unto Christ. How grateful I am for this gospel. For those who listen to the promptings of the spirit and serve with all there heart. In my absence I knew exactly who to call. None of us can do it alone.

I will never be the same because of those special years in Montana. I was blessed beyond measure to have made some of the sweetest memories, lifelong friends, girls who I consider my daughters and are now raising beautiful families, and all because I was able to share the most precious thing I have. My knowledge of who I am, where I'm going, and what I need to do to get there!