Tori Blonquist Farewell Sacrament Meeting Jan. 24, 2010 Geneva Ward.

I. Thanks to home ward family…
This was the place I needed to be to help me prepare.

II. Bishop Topic— Choosing to serve the Lord: A sacrifice of Love
III.Fiji/Africa: As most of you know I lived in Africa for 3 months and Fiji for almost 4 months. Africa was an experience that I reflect upon and consider to be almost sacred as it taught me about the joys of life and the foundations of faith, the inhumanity of this world, and my specific purpose on this earth. I discovered that joy can be found despite the circumstances that surround us and that overwhelm us. I learned about God’s love for his children, and how much that is needed.
Fiji was different than Africa, but it was also what I wanted it to be. I had learned some intense things in Africa, and I wanted to apply them while I was in Fiji. I went to Fiji with many goals, but especially to build relationships with the people, and put their lives and their concerns first. As I did that, I learned more about love and the value of giving than I had ever discovered previously. The people of Fiji are extremely loving and kind and have a way of showing their love that is remarkable. Often we devalue the expression of love and underestimate its power to change lives and influence for the better.
There is no shame or embarrassment in expressing your love for God, family, friends, or neighbors in Fiji. They understand that when you give all you can to that which you love or to whom you love, life is better. Africa taught me why the world needs this love, and Fiji taught me why we must show it.

Despite the constant poverty and pain I saw, there was also service and sacrifice because they loved God, but even more so humbling to me, was that they knew God loved them.
IV. I saw this especially on one specific project when I met a member named Sister Jesse. I was on the north island with just a few of the volunteers and a project that was funded by a former mission president of Fiji so we specifically went to help members in need. Sister Jesse lived in a beautiful secluded village in the mountains. She loved going to church and never missed a Sunday. She lived alone in an 8x6 tin hut that was raised 4.5 feet b/c of flooding. Sister Jesse walked to church every week, which wasn’t too unusual, except that it was 2 miles away. What was unusual is that she had limited function on the left side of her body and her feet were not formed correctly. She also could not speak any words and had lost feeling in her face and jaw. She suffered from a stroke or an extreme form of bells palsy. She had to limp slowly to walk at all and get her body moving. The only word she could say was , “Isa”. Which is an interjection meaning “oh” but with sincere emotion. I also remember that she could laugh. So we heard “Isa” over and over as we were building her a kitchen and new stairs. I went into her little hut and she was just so excited to have me there and even though we couldn’t communicate verbally, we became fast friends. She had a pile of books on her bed and she brought out the first one like it was her most prized possession. It was the Book of Mormon. And then a picture of the Savior and the prophet. And she pointed to the book and laughed and smiled and pointed at me and I smiled and said yes, Io, yes, and she started slapping me on the back, hard, but she was just so full of joy, and even though she couldn’t express it with words I knew her love and dedication to the
Restored gospel. I know how difficult and painful it was for her to walk those 4 miles every Sunday to and from church, but she did it, she does it now. She chose the Lord and that was her sacrifice of love; which also brought her great joy and purpose and I’m sure comfort.
Seeing Sister Jesse and being part of her life for those few days is just one example of many that helped me to understand that the joy found in the
true gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important service we can do for this world.
V. I’ve wanted to serve a mission for a while now, and had felt good about it for the past couple years. When I got back from that trip where I met Sister Jesse I knew I needed to pray again and make sure this was the right time. In a father’s blessing before I went to Fiji I was promised that I would have spiritual experiences as I prayed for them. So I did. I then opened my scriptures and started randomly reading in Alma 17. A great chapter about missionary work and the sons of Mosiah.
Alma 17:11-
“and the Lord said unto them also: go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls”
Yes, go forth and serve a mission.
How quickly my prayers were answered when I followed the council to seek out spiritual experiences and pray for them. The Lord is ready for us to come unto Him.

VI.There is a wonderful talk by Elder Marvin J. Ashton entitled,
We Serve That Which We Love
He shares an experience that happened with a very talkative taxi driver at 6am one day as he was traveling with his wife. The taxi man shared simple, everyday life service he experienced and what he learned from over the years: taking care of his parents; moving his mother closer to him and her healthy improved noticeably. Teaching his children how to work, but picking them up afterwards each day so they have time together and knows he loves them, and lastly being an example to neighbors and friends by serving them.
Elder Ashton says this about his new friend, “This man’s objectives are family-oriented. A happy man, this driver; he has realized through experience important areas of love. He knows that nurturing love is healing; it is teaching. It requires sacrifice, and that which we love will be that to which we give our allegiance.”
He continues on and says, “This taxi driver knew where to place his love. We, too, must choose carefully the areas in which we serve, because where we serve, there will be our love.”
VII. Reading Elder Ashton’s talk reminded me of Alma 22 where Aaron is teaching the king the plan of salvation and about God.
Alma 22:15 says:
And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yeah, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”

Once the king realizes the truth of what Aaron is teaching and the joy that can be found he says he will give up everything to know God. I think there is such power in those words as I evaluate my own life and ask what do I need to give up, or sacrifice, to truly know god? Again, Elder Ashton said, choose carefully the areas in which we serve, because where we serve, (where we spend our time) that is what we love.
The greatest example of love available to all of us is, of course, found in the scripture from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” What an incredible example and the supreme sacrifice by our Heavenly Father. He knows what sacrifice is all about; especially the sacrifice of love.
VIII. In Preach My Gospel; chapter 6 teaches us about Christ like attributes.
It says,” A man once asked Jesus “Which is the great commandment in the law??”
Jesus replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
I know I’ve had glimpses of this love as I’ve had an opportunity to serve at various times in my life and various places in this world. I am grateful for the experiences I have had that have shown me God’s love and taught me how to be more like Him. I know that serving a mission will only increase this ability and I am looking forward to serving and loving the people of The Philippines with all that I have.

IX. One last thought/story: Alma 46: This is a special time in the scriptures. Moroni raised the title of liberty and is such an incredible leader and example; praying to God and declaring the land of liberty. And after he proclaims this we read in verse 21: “it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running…came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God….”
Freshman year my Book of Mormon teacher had us read verse 21 after discussing what was going on in the chapter. He then paused and said to us: “Maybe I can’t be Moroni, but I will run. I will do what he asks and Moroni will want me on his side.”
That really struck me that day, and still does because I think all of us feel that way at different point in our lives; maybe we don’t feel like we are a great leader or great example, but we must do all that we can. We can run to righteousness and follow the modern day prophet we have on the earth or local leaders and teachers. I think this can be especially related to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Often we are overwhelmed with disappointment in our selves and our lives thinking we will not ever be what the Lord wants us to be, or be like the Great Moroni….but that’s not the point..the point is to run. To run with our armor and making a covenant that we will not forsake the Lord our God. If we run to Him, if we live our lives righteously, choosing the Lord through our own personal sacrifices and service, we will be on the right side. The Lord will welcome us. He wants us on his side, and we need Him.
In Joshua 24:15 it states:
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”


Close with testimony:
I have a testimony! …………………… J
I am grateful for this opportunity Heavenly Father is giving me to experience more glimpses of His love for me and for his children throughout this earth, to serve him more, to love more.

Needs, wants, and bad habits.

Seriously, next time, trust your gut.


SO. I have a habit of picking at my split ends.
WHY? i've been doing this for years now. Its horrible, but for some reason it brings me comfort/satisfaction/accomplishment. I'm flipping addicted.


Why do we do things even when we know we should not be doing them and it is unhealthy for us? ? ? ?

I want long hair, i would like to move on from this, but yet i continue to go about plicking at my split ends and just causing more problems instead of just moving forward and being happy with longer, healthier hair/life.

I'm older now. You'd think i'd be over it and have some self-control, right?

When I say that I have reasons for doing things, or for not doing things, no need to justify them anymore, I really just need to go with it.


At this point i'm ready for a little cliche lyrics by colbie:
Waited all my life for this day to come
I feel like letting go, life goes on
Wasting no more time
So much to be done
Everything works out
So they say
Over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Yeah, yeah.......

(Chorus)
Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older

Here before my eyes, many roads ahead
Time for me to choose one way now
If I take a chance
What lies down the road
Feeling so confused, turned round
On and on, on and on
yeah yeah.....

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older

Waited all my life for this day to come
I feel like letting go, life goes on
Over my shoulder (on and on)
It's tough getting older (on and on, on)
Yeah, yeah.....

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
(fades out)

Well, this new year is going to be just that...NEW.
A lot of new changes with new opportunities and new goals and hopefully, new accomplishments.

Ya know, I love being independent. I talked to my rockin friend from high school, Amy Schaffer, today about being independent and doing our own thang, and she is pretty much on the same page as me. We plan to live in paris after my mission and sell yankee candles out of a booth in the farmers market because, well, we want to. Thats the type of life I want to live. I want to live a month or two in paris, and then I want to finish school and live in Africa for a bit. I've always known that my life was going to be a little different than most of the people in my family and the friends I love...I dunno though, I have a lot to learn. A lot to work on.

and i'm not just talking split ends, here.

heart,
torto

africa is more important, duh.

check the african blog=updated.

Its time for the tough one

Man, it's a tough one. Having loved ones and friends who are gay has really opened my eyes to the civil rights argument and how important it is to love one another and how essential equality is in our lives. Biancs and I often would argue about the very topic of gay marriage, gay rights, etc...She would always say that we have no right to intrude on their lives and that they can make their own decisions, and 'how would you feel?' if the government told you how to live/who to love/ and if you could get married. Wow, what a good argument. (i'm not being sarcastic, here..) The things is, is that I agree. I'm all about civil rights and equality. I love my friends and family members who are gay and lesbian and I want them to be happy too. I agree.

But, there is more to my thoughts and feelings; there has to be. As a religious person I am not being discriminatory...so don't pull that card on me. I respect those I love that do not believe the same as I do, and therefore I am requesting the same respect from my fellow friends who are not religious. Often people state that we can't bring religious beliefs into political arguments because people don't believe the same things. I think thats crap. Often your religious background provides the standards and beliefs that lead your life and therefore how you want to live your life....and that is okay. Something has to be the foundation for your life and your thought processes and whether that is religion or not it should not and does not matter. The fact is, is that you have an opinion and that opinion should be respected. And that. is. okay.

So, i am torn.

I fully support civil rights. I fully support respecting one's opinion whether based on a religious foundation or not. I have several non-LDS friends, and friends that are athiest or agnostic. Man, isn't that awesome that we can have these close friendships with people from various backgrounds and still enjoy one another and have long conversations about our differences and yet still rejoice in the similarities that draw us closer together?

Well, what i'm struggling to say here is that if I lived in CALIFORNIA I would be voting YES for prop 8.
I'm not ashamed and I would like to discuss with anyone who tells me that I am closed minded or ridiculous or ignorant or rude or that I don't love my friends that are gay/lesbian. don't you get it? You believe one thing and I believe another...and that is okay. Lets respect one another and rejoice that we have the right to believe two different things.

I believe in equality, but I also believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that loving one another is vital and what my God wants me to do. But I also believe that He wants me to share the truth that I have been taught my entire life. This isn't me versus them. This is about standing up for what I believe in my heart, and that is okay. I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is an essential part to His plan. I believe that same sex partnership is not marriage and yet I believe it is great and necessary that they have civil rights and can be respected and loved by the people of this nation.

Okay, thats all i've got for now.
No need to tell me that religion isn't 'enough' when it comes to a political argument because that just won't fly for me. I enjoy politics and I am probably one of the most patriotic persons you will ever meet and I am so grateful for this nation. Man, you have no idea the incredible blessings we have here until you leave for a while and live in a completely different world...(AFRICA!!!)

Marriage is important to me. Marriage between a man and woman is how I define that. And that is okay. We can share our opinions with one another with respect and love. I'm not taking away someone else's rights by believing this so don't try and tell me that I am.

Sorry about the rant...Here is the letter I enjoyed reading...


My sister emailed me this letter below from a friend... I feel like it is a good summary of my thoughts on Prop 8, please read.....


Hi everyone,

I am forwarding you some informaiton and videos that I feel is was important to send out this out regarding a controversial proposition to be voted on next month. When I first head about proposition 8, I really didn’t have all the details... However, when I investigated the matter further, I realized that voting yes on 8 will NOT take away any of the rights that same sex couples currently have under civil unions and domestic partnerships. But it will take away many of our rights as parents. Please take a few moments to read the information below, and view the videos attached. I know that this proposition is controversial, and that we all, including myself, may have family members and / or close friends who are homosexual. But as parents, we need to make sure we are comfortable with the consequences that this will have on us and our children. I hope I am not offending you by sending this letter. I only mean to educate you on the subject before you cast your vote.

What is Proposition 8? It’s a proposition containing the same 14 words that were previously approved in the year 2000 by over 61% of California voters: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This was overturned by california judges last spring. If you vote YES on Prop 8, you are in favor of marriage being defined as between a man and a woman. If you vote NO on Prop 8, you are in favor of same sex marriage. It seems simple. It may seem discriminatory. But there are some very interesting consequences you need to consider.

I have talked with several people who are undecided or against Proposition 8. Several of these people didn’t realize that gay couples already have “rights” through civil unions and domestic partnerships. Voting YES on Prop 8 does not change any of the rights of same sex couples. I'm sure most of you, like me, fully value the civil rights of same sex couples. They already have all of the same rights and equality as heterosexual couples. Homosexual couples would gain ONLY a title of being "married" rather than partners. However, the people who I spoke with didn’t realize that a No on Prop 8 means they will be giving up some of their own personal parental rights, free speech rights, and some religious freedoms and churches' rights.

I am voting YES on Prop 8 because the consequences of not doing so include a significant impact on religious and personal freedom – of which our Country was founded upon. Let me explain with a few examples from states and country that have allready let this pass...

Prop 8 = Parental Rights:

• The California Education Code provides that students from Kindergarten on up be taught about marriage. I feel these issues should be left to the discretion of parents to teach. If Prop 8 fails, our children will be taught that gay marriage is equal to traditional marriage. Here's Massachusetts and San Francisco--real life examples:

• In Massachusetts (where gay marriage was legalized 4 years ago), a kindergartner is sent home (without parental notice) with a "diversity" book bag that includes picture books describing gay couples and relationships. When the parents went to the administration and insisted that they be notified when the subject of gay marriage was to be taught, they were denied that right. When they went further and refused to leave the administration offices until they had this accommodation, the father was arrested. A Massachusetts court later held that schools have no obligation to notify parents when teaching about gay marriage. See the video: http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1784521903
• In Massachusetts, a second grader comes home telling the story about two princes getting married. When the parents investigated, they found that the teacher had read from a picture book--complete with the princes falling in love (hearts fluttering!), and kissing. No parental notification was required or given. See the above video, and the following ad: https://www.icontribute.us/protectmarriage/initiative/fieldtrip
• Last Friday, a first grade public school class in San Francisco went on a school-sponsored field trip to view their gay teacher's wedding. See article at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/11/MNFG13F1VG.DTL

Prop 8 = Free Speech:

• An employee of the City of Oakland was threatened with termination for using the terms "natural family, marriage and family values" in a public forum for co-workers. The City claimed that such language constituted "statements of a homophobic nature" and promoted "sexual-orientation-based harassment," and threatened to terminate the employees. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that "administrative efficiency in a government office is more important than free speech." (The Good News Employees Association v. City of Oakland)
• In Canada, one of six countries where gay marriage is legal, the Alberta Human Rights Commission prevailed in its action against a minister for "hate speech" for reading and teaching from the pulpit what the Bible says about homosexuality.

Prop 8 = Religious Freedom:

• In Massachusetts, the Catholic Church had a very strong and effective adoption agency that was especially effective at placing "hard-to-place" children. Massachusetts refused to renew adoption agency licensing to the Catholic Charities unless it changed its religion-based stance against placing children with same-sex couples. As a result, Catholic Charities no longer functions in Massachusetts. The victims? Institutional religious freedom; and the hard to place children.
• In New Jersey, a Methodist organization lost its tax exempt status because it refused to allow a same sex couple to solemnize their civil union in the building where the Methodist organization holds its religious ceremonies.
• See also bullet points under "Free Speech", above.

Prop 8 = Less Government and Retain Freedoms:

• As noted above, the government: (i) through the school system is imposing its values on our young students; (ii) is restricting free speech re: "natural family, marriage and family values" in the workplace; and (iii) is mandating to whom religious adoption agencies must offer to place children.
• Only weeks ago, the California Supreme Court held in a case involving a lesbian woman seeking artificial insemination, that doctors do not have the right to refuse to provide even nonessential care to patients, even when: (i) the procedure sought conflicted with deeply-held religious beliefs; and (ii) treatment from other doctors was readily available (and was in fact readily provided).
• Similarly, a same sex couple in Albuquerque, NM asked a photographer to shoot their commitment ceremony. The photographer declined, saying that her Christian beliefs prevented her from using her God-given artistic talents to sanction or promote same-sex unions. Notwithstanding the fact that there were many other well-qualified photographers willing to work with the couple, the couple sued, and the New Mexico Human Rights Commission (the government) found the photographer guilty of discrimination.
• Freedom of religion; freedom of association; freedom of conscience; freedom of artistic expression—all abrogated. If this can happen to a doctor; if this can happen to a photographer…then it can happen to a lawyer; to a cake maker; to a therapist….to a minister.

These are just a few examples. Passing Proposition 8 will not cure all of these problems--but will help in many cases, and will stop the trend in others.

I know there may be some of you who don't see it the way I do. I respect all of you as friends and peers no matter what. I also respect homosexual and heterosexual people equally because we are ALL human beings no matter what our sexual preference, and we are taught by a loving God to "love one another." However, above all I love my children and will stand up for those things that will have a significant impact on their futures and ultimate happiness. I hope my feelings on this matter have helped you see from a mother's perspective why I feel it is vitally important to vote YES on Prop 8. For me, this is not about discrimination, but about holding true to important values and principles.

Respectfully,

Laura Carlin

P.S. two more great videos: http://www.protectmarriage.com/video, http://www.catholicvote.com/




Peace and love,
TOR

Truth time.

SO. what a great life i get to live. I mean, REALLY, who gets to go to africa and then come back to america and go to school and have new clothes and eat food for free cause she knows freshmen who have dining plus??? Who has awesome roommates that are hilarious and don't mind how messy and unorganized you are? Who has an awesome supportive family and super cute and awesome friends who respect me and my love for africa? Who can say biancs hernandez was her roomie fer yearssss? I CAN!

K, so often i struggle to find time to write on this bloggy mcbloggerson dealy thing. PLUS, then when i really start thinking about things and 'how i'm doing' post african life, often i don't really want to blog about it, ya know?

But, after having a UGANDA reunion this past weekend I feel that it is needed, necessary, and nice to write down some thoughts...yes, some would say, it's truth time.

I have an ache inside me every single day.
I am trying to figure out my purpose and how i'm going to include Africa into my future and all of the things i've learned.
Once i start talking about africa, it is hard for me to stop, seriously. . . so ask at your own risk.
I have a great life and i know that. I am so happy and i love being independent and doin my thanggg. I don't want help, don't need help, but all i want to do is dedicate my life to figuring out how to HELP.

What am i doing? I am a student. I am going to school and I love my classes . . . today my social work teacher talked about finding the balance between social work (the liberal side, that is) and still believing in the gospel and the conservative standards that i have. It fascinated me. I wonder about this very often and his comments intrigued me. I want to do social work. I want to go back to africa. I want to work over there. I want to be there . .

I miss africa every single hour of every single day.

I am fine.
I know happiness is a choice and that joy can be found in any situation...i learned that more in africa than any other place in my life.

... the ache is real and overwhelming at times.
but i'd rather have that to catalyst a change within me, then feel no pain and know those people i love are forgotten.


I am happy. Okay please. Seriously though, it is not needed necessary or nice to worry about this 20 yr old. There are bigger issues in the world, like starvation, genocide, poverty. Yeah, go look those up and then we can talk.


Thank you come again,
Vickitoria

Still in love with...AFRICA

"These are just a few of the children in whose lives we fight for, and in whose honor we raise. Having met them, and served them, what an honor it is to be hosting this concert on their behalf. May God's hands bless them... with ours."

Help Africa Benefit Concert

Thursday, September 25, 2008
Time:
6:30pm - 10:30pm
Location:
American Fork Amphitheatre
Street:
851 E. 700 N.
City/Town:
American Fork, UT

Performing artists include:
T Minus 5
with guest performance by Lone Peak High School Choir
Cherie Call
& Debra Fotheringham

Live video of the performance, raffle - with prizes donated by the Utah Flash, UVU, and other local businesses, Auction of African artifacts, Uganda volunteer service video, and much more.

All proceeds go to the children and families in Uganda, Africa through HELP International and those involved who have and will continue to serve, empower, and cultivate growth in Uganda.

For more information about the organization, visit www.help-international.org or www.help-uganda.blogspot.com

You must be in your seat at 6:30pm. Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10 at the door. To purchase tickets, please call ME or email me @ toriruth6@gmail.com or go to the HELP International Office - (801) 374-0556, the UVU ticket office - (801) 863-7469, or the American Fork Arts Council Office - (801) 763-3081.

AFRICA is still a huge part of my life and will continue to be, mm probably forevvvver. And thats a good thing. This is a benefit concert for Africa. But, it is even cooler, because I personally know these people we are raising money for and supporting. This is real and personal and I am inviting all of you to be a part of this concert. Thank you for all of your support with my African adventure, and here is another opportunity for you to be a part of it. Please come! It would be great to share this experience with you!
Thank you come again,
Vickitoria

Things to be explained

So i received some advice stating that there was some 'opportunites' for a better music choice for this blog....

Needed, necessary, and nice?

sure. I always appreciate advice and/or opinions.

But, lets explain some things about my thought process and even music choice of my blog as of right now.

I created this blog because, as you know, i felt it was needed , necessary, and nice. Also, i felt that it was those three things b/c i wanted a place to store my thoughts and even, in fact, a lot of my inside jokes from africa that i can't really disclose to my friends here in america cause they were obviously not in africa with me and wouldn't appreciate the hilariousness in the humor. So, the name of this blog and certain ridiculous song selections that are embarrassing and more are on this blog b/c it has to do w/ a very HIlarious inside joke w/ my african team mates or reminds me of my dear, beloved africa in some silly way. I know you're jealous of our HIlarious lives and stuff, but just enjoy the tunes and soon when i am not busy with the insane life i live i will search and figure out ways to put on more good tunes, such as ones by the artist blake c. stratton. Anyone ever hoid of him?

Yeah, well, he should send me some good music of him and his other favorite artists so there will be more opportunities for some good tunes.

Also, some of the music like Heal Over, decided to not be Heal Over anymore and is being very very strange. . . so sory, so sory.

Okay, please.
Byeee,
VIckiTORIA