Inside Alana's Heart

What I learned this weekend

2010-05-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

So I want to write what I learned this weekend. I learned so much. Before I returned to America in April, I was hoping that my health would go back to the way it was before my mission. When it didn't, I had to decide what my attitude would be. Last week I watched a video on lds.org about a girl who was in an airplane crash and she has burns all over her face and body. She doesnt look anything like she did before and there are many changes for her. But she has the plan of salvation. And she is happy to serve others.

This is the video:

Today I watched that movie again and realized I need to have more faith that the Savior is with me at all times in whatever I am experiencing. I realized that I am so grateful I am alive. Before, I wanted to know so badly what was going on inside of me and I wanted it to be better immediately. But I feel different now. I am grateful to have one more day. I am just happy to be alive, to have a body, to have the gospel in my life and to know of the plan of salvation.

I remember another video that helped me last summer. Sister Daquila was my companion and we showed this church history video to members and investigators. This was a time when I was feeling sick every day. Watch the video! When I watched this video as a missionary, those three boys became my strongest examples. I realized I wanted to have their good attitude. It made me realize that how I am feeling or my level of comfort does not matter, what matters is serving others.

This is the video about the 3 boys:

All that really matters is the knowledge that the Savior lives. I know that He is here with me all the time, always at my side. And I think we all have times when we need to strengthen and deepen our knowledge about the Savior. That is the only thing that really brings lasting peace to me.
I am just grateful to have one more day to wake up, to breathe, to be alive.

I feel great peace now :)

2008-07-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!!! So basically I am starting this blog to update on whats going on in my life…

Recent news--- I am going on a mission!!... which means Tom Cruise and I will be traveling the world together getting all the bad guys! haha jk :) I will explain what a mission really is and why I am going…

Throughout my life, I have always loved the concept of transformation. I have seen dark things in life and I have seen good things. The world can be merciless and wear you down. A few years ago, I went through an incredibly difficult experience that tested how I was going to view the world and life. I came out of this experience at rock bottom, with no good reason to see that there was anything good in myself and in life. However, I made a firm decision that I was going to see the beauty in the world. With everything in that situation telling me to do the opposite, I dedicated my life and attitude to optimism. This decision changed my life and softened my heart.

After about a year, I decided to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS, Mormon)... This decision completely changed my life and the way that I look at the world... I have been the happiest in my life that I ever have been. I am so thankful for this experience and have felt so much peace and joy that I want to give of my time and efforts so that other people can feel the love that the Lord has for them.

Joining the LDS church answered many questions for me, like the purpose of life, where we are going, and where we came from. I was always really curious about those things. Also, when I learned about the LDS church's dedication to optimism, I knew that it was the one for me!

So, for 18 months I will be in _____ (somewhere in the world, I am not sure where yet) spreading this message 24/7, serving people, and helping the people in that place with whatever they need. No vacations, I have to pay for it, and lots of hard work. So why I am I doing this.... because I feel really strongly that there is beauty and potential in every human being and I want them to see that in themselves. I believe that a genuine smile, maybe a helping hand, and service can really brighten up someone’s life.

I want to share how the Book of Mormon teaches of the nature of Christ and teaches how we can live happier, more peaceful lives. I feel very strongly about this book because I have put it to the test. I grew up as a Catholic and used to have different opinions about the LDS church and the standards. I have lived life without this book and with this book-- I can tell you the difference that it makes. It is like night and day. Every time I read it, I feel love and joy in my heart-- it is truly the word of God. I love the Book of Mormon with all my heart

I always believed in the Bible when I was Catholic, and the Book of Mormon not only goes along with what the Bible teaches, but enhances the meaning. The Bible and the Book of Mormon go hand in hand, they both enrich the other. I have learned so much about how to love and serve others from reading and studying these books.

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to ask me. I am totally open to any kind of question, and would LOVE to hear about what has been going on in your lives!!!!!! I have always been fascinated by the spiritual side of life, so if you have any of your own experiences you want to share (concerning any belief or religion), please feel free to do so!

Mormon.org or LDS.org are also websites that could be helpful with questions.

I am SOOOOOOOO excited to go on a mission!!!! Thank you all so much for being my friends and supporting me through life! You guys are amazing and if you ever need anything, (seriously!) please let me know!!

My first blog!

2008-07-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So I decided to start a blog :)