Hi Blog!

Hello ALL!

I am here in the MTC and loving it. This is a very special place full of special people.

I love being a missionary. It is like nothing else I have ever done. I am learning how to be completely unselfish...which let's face it...is the biggest challenge EVER! But I am growing so much.

I am learning to love people. I am learning to not judge people. I am learning to work with people. I am LEARNING!

I am learning LOVE: 1 John 4. (8-He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.)

I can tell you with a stronger conviction that God LOVES you. You...He knows you by name and knows everything about you. He is very aware of your circumstances and CARES. A LOT!

I miss all of you so much, but am so excited about the work I am doing.

Please "never, never, never give up!" - Winston Churchill.

much love,

Sister B. Okada

Farwell...For Now

I just wanted to say GOODBYE!!!

Yes I am leaving for an LDS Mission on Wednesday...but won't be able to blog right before I leave.

I will miss all of you and miss blogging A LOT.

But I think I can give it up for a year and a half for this amazing opportunity...yeah I can.

I also wanted to say THANK YOU. To all the amazing people who have got me to this point in my life...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE...and if you don't...YOU PROBABLY ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!

And don't worry...my mom will be updating my blog...either writing her own posts or I will be emailing her some. So don't totally dismiss me yet. Look to the write to hear from me individually :).

Ok and finally many of you are probably wondering WHAT THE HECK IS SHE DOING??? I have wondered that myself, but then I reflect on what has got me to this moment in my life...and then I can BREATHE because I know everything has pointed me to be here right now and to be going where I am going.

Yes. So I am speaking today in church. My talk is supposed to be as if no one knows anything about my subject or they are hearing it for the first time. My topic: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. AWESOME right?

This is it: Not perfect and probably not exactly what I will say...but what I prepared. Enjoy.

I would like to begin with my testimony and testify to you that:

God lives.

I am a child God and you are a child of God.

I know that He loves me very much and that He loves you.

I know that He sent His son Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, because He loves us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3: 16-17

I know that God wants us to be happy and that Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan for our happiness.

However we must choose, choose to come unto Christ, accept Him and believe Him. And we can do this through his gospel: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is faith, but more specifically faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we have faith in Christ we have confidence in our belief that He is God’s Only Begotten Son. We believe in his role as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. We trust him and accept His Atonement. Our faith increases as we pray, study His words, and experiment upon them.

Our faith in Christ leads us to the second principle of His gospel: repentance.

As we have more faith in Christ we desire to become more like Him through repentance. We repent by changing our beliefs, thoughts, and actions to align with the Savior’s teachings and we avoid sin which move us further away from Him. Repentance is possible because of our Savior’s Atonement. For this reason, as we repent we begin to feel relief and peace as we are coming closer to God and Jesus Christ.

As our faith in Christ continues to increase and we sincerely repent, we are prepared to follow Jesus Christ’s example of baptism which is the third principle of the His gospel.

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…” Matthew 3: 13-16

“A now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy to be baptized, yea even by water?” 2 Nephi 31: 5

Baptism is one of Christ’s commandments and is a sacred act in which we covenant with God. Jesus instructed that baptism by immersion is essential for the remission of our sins and to enter the kingdom of God. We can follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God. As we do we promise to obey God and God promises to bless us.

One way in which God blesses us is through The Gift of the Holy Ghost which is the fourth principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Baptism by water qualifies us for the gift of the Holy Ghost Jesus taught that we must be baptized of water and also the Spirit; one without the other is incomplete. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is one of God’s greatest blessings.

“Those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy can enjoy His companionship throughout their lives. The Holy Ghost has a sanctifying, cleansing effect upon us. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ and helps us recognize the truth. He provides spiritual strength and helps us do what is right. He comforts us during times of trial or sorrow. He warns us of spiritual or physical danger. The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us.” Preach My Gospel p. 65

Once we have had faith in Christ, repented, been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have but merely started on the path to follow Him. We must follow a pattern of living that continually keeps us close to Christ and becoming more like Him. This is the fifth and final principle of the His gospel: Enduring to the End.

“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus said the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Nephi 31: 17-20

I would like to close by testifying to you that:

Through prayer and study we can gain faith in Christ and desire to repent. I know that we can be forgiven of our sins and mistakes because of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

I know the through baptism we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which will testify of Christ and help us as we try to become more like Him.

I testify of Jesus Christ and his divine role.

I testify that Jesus Christ restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith.

And that Jesus Christ continues to teach us and guide through our living prophet Thomas S. Monson.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God and is another testament of the Lord Jesus Christ

The gospel of Jesus Christ is why I want to serve a mission. It is the message I hope to share. And it is what will bless individuals and unite families. It is what will bring peace and joy. And it is what will bring us closer to God and Christ.

And I testify to you of these things in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I will miss you all tons.

much love,

b.

Wise Words

So over my visit to DC and to Utah, I saw many great friends and family with lots of advice. They all had something special and insightful to share with me even if they didn't intend to. And sometimes they didn't say anything at all for me to gain. I learned a lot from them and maybe you will too.

Here is my list of wise words which accumulated over my trip:

1. Do everything you can no to burn bridges.

2. People are more understanding than you think.

3. You have to choose you own path. You have an exciting road ahead of you. Write your own story.

4. We are all different...sometimes very different. And that is beautiful. Don't try to change it too much.

5. Life is art.

6. Try not to think in terms of yourself too often.

7. You have to get your feelings out sometime or they will catch up with you. But don't do it before you are ready. And do it in your own way.

8. Balance your knowledge. Memory. Reason. Imagination.

9. We are but one grain of rice.

10. Don't be exclusive when you are teaching...be inclusive.

11. Sometimes the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut.

12. We need to learn how to listen.

13. Try a different way of doing things. And work hard at it.

14. Strive for a greater perspective. Then the big things become smalls things that eventually won't matter.

15. You can do hard things.

16. Those people that you have built up in your head to be something they are not...really they are only human.

17. Just be nice.

18. You have to love yourself before you can truly love someone else.

19. Sometimes you have to let friends go because it is better for you. This really applies to anyone.

20. Review what you learned and share...don't be selfish.

21. Never compromise your standards. And yes you have to have them first.

22. Always ask questions. And listen for the answers.

23. Marriage happens and it's beautiful. But that doesn't mean you have to like it.

24. The one you love is closer than you think.

25. Write it all down. You will forget it...eventually. And then you will be sad and not as smart as you were.

There is SO much more. But unfortunately I didn't listen to #25...DANG IT! Yep all of them are a work-in-progress.

much love,

b.

Parenthood.

Yes. This might be the one thing I REALLY miss besides family and friends and school of course.

This show is it. This is what TV should be about...FAMILY. I am totally in love with all of the characters and their stories. The family is far from perfect, but I love how they handle all of their mishaps. But at the end of the day the family loves each other and that is how it should be. I am always amazed at how REAL this family is....GREAT SHOW.

Mostly I laugh when I think of one character who might be me when I am a mother: Julia.

Let me just share a part of the last episode that demonstrates my reasoning:

It is Halloween and Julia's daughter Sidney is told her mom that she has decided what she wants to be: Miss California. They are now looking at costumes online.

Julia says: "Ok. Let me take you back here. Focus. Let me take you back to the beginning on this. In 1963...I don't know if you know this, but...the United States passed an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that gave women equality in the work place. That's...that's so exciting! That was progress! That was important! And then this...is just kind of...."

Sidney interrupts: "But it's pink...and that's my favorite color!"

Julia :"Yeah that's true...but it kind of goes against everything that we as women have been struggling for, for the last 50 years."

Then later in the episode Julia is beautifying Sidney in her Miss California costume:

Julia: "You know how we have talked about....it's wrong to judge people by they way that they look. Right? And do you know how beauty contestants are judged?"

Sidney think for a while and then says: "Hmmm...talent, swimsuit, and interview."

Julia: "Right...Well mostly their judged by how they look and that's wrong so...all I'm saying is we do still have your ladybug costume...ya know...in the case you decide you have moral issues with what you're wearing. Ok...let's see how it looks with the tiara thing."

HA HA HA HA HA.

Yep. That might be the exact conversation I will have with my little girl when she wants to be Miss California. Oh goodness.

No seriously watch the show...well worth you time. I got my mom addicted and now she is asking what hulu is...YEP.

Oh and yes I even love the show's song...a Bob Dylan cover OF COURSE!

Ok. WATCH AND ENJOY!

much love,

b.

Sex STILL Has A Price Tag

Thanks goodness for wonderful friends like Julia who enjoy my passion for health and education.

I got wind of these amazing videos of Pam Stenzel from her.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

Pam Stenzel has an amazing talent for speaking about one of the hardest subjects. A subject which parents spend, I am sure, spend hundreds of dollars on books for or hours researching about. Yeah you guessed it: how to teach their kids about sex. She does it in 6 videos in the most honest and effective way I have ever seen.

I strongly suggest taking a gander.

And I don't care if you are or are not one who practices sex outside of marriage. You need to know the truth and consequences that come with sex. Because one day you will probably have to teach a little boy or little girl about sex, pregnancy and STIs. And I am guessing you don't want your boy or your girl to say...NO ONE TOLD ME. That's my reason for watching it...education...learning...and for my kids.

Consider that.

Oh yeah and one of my favorite quotes: Family stands for Forget About Me I Love You.

much love,

b.

Telling Amy's Story

My OWH mentor sent me a package of the most wonderful items:

1. Best Bones Forever Campaign Materials (tattoos, journals, magnets).

2. A Parent's Guide to Girls' Bone Health

3. A DVD on The Office of Minority Health

4. A folder: Ending Violence Against Women

5. The DVD: Telling Amy's Story

All of materials are fabulous, but last night my mom and I watched Telling Amy's Story. It was really eye opening and spoke of the many layers of conflict (and not just in the home) women face while dealing with domestic abuse.

Here's a sneak peak:



I highly suggest visiting the website and somehow getting your hands on this film.

Open up your mind while you watch the film...learn something new...care a little more...and then DO SOMETHING.

much love,

b.

Things that Bother Me More than They Should

Yep. I totally copied this blog post. But it was a good one...click here...for the original.

Here is my list. Yes and if you know me, you know it is all b.okada:

1. Double negatives...or just poor grammar in general. COME ON PEOPLE THIS IS OUR NATIVE LANGUAGE!

2. People who do not study. I think you should EARN your grades.

3. Long fingernails...GROSS! Especially on boys.

4. When people refer to themselves in the third person. YIKES!

5. Mismatched outfits...gone wrong. I know; I know...everyone has their "own" style...but honestly some things just should never be worn together.

6. Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. EWWWWWWWWWWWW.

7. Unnecessary Mail. PLEASE NO MORE WASTING PAPER!

8. When people refer to me as Ma'am. I am NOT married or 69 years old...it is MISS thank you.

9. Lack of efficiency...JUST GET IT DONE.

10. Excessive photos on facebook...no one really has that much fun...it's all FAKE.

11.. Old people and babies. YEP you heard me right. I have no logical explanation...it is just the way it is....but it's OK...I am working on it.

And the list goes on...

One by one hopefully these will disappear off my list and I will no longer be judgmental or care about these little nothings.

Well...one day...and probably not any day soon because the list keeps doubling. As I take one off, two more are added on...oh well I don't think my efforts are a lost cause and one day I will succeed.

much love,

b.

This Is What Happens When You Miss Two Weeks of Blogging

I KNOW RIGHT?

I missed way too many worthwhile walks around the block to catch up. So yes I am being lame and mainly linking...but I promise all are worth you time...that is what WORTHWHILE means!

Look HERE to see more.

Vintage Inspired...YES!

PERSPECTIVE

"We all have the desire to achieve a happy life, and everyone has the right to achieve a happy life," [The Dalai Lama] said. "...without desire, movement is not possible. Even wishing happy life, a happy life for others – all is desire. Desire leads our action. Action must come from motivation. Motivation comes from desire," he said. KEEP READING.

My Ideal Wedding Updo. Second. Third.

Fashion Based On How You Should Feel In Your Clothes.

Easy on the Eyes.

Wedding Invitations Anyone?

Let's Talk About It: Yep. Gender.


More.

"You fierce, fearless mama! You go right ahead."

Yep. That's definitely not all, but you have to stop somewhere. Right?

much love,

b.

I've Been Around the World

OK not really...BUT I AM BACK!!!!

So I have been back to DC and to Utah. I guess you could consider that my immediate world. But oh did I miss blogging. I was just too busy...my apologies.

And this will be my last week of blogging...sad I know. But I promise to be diligent.

Well let me update ya'll. I went to DC and saw my sister and went to the DC temple:


Yes isn't it beautiful. Then I saw some friends which was good to catch up. I forgot how my heart just beats for that city. There is SO much to do and SO much to learn. And SO much history, good food, great architecture, and there is a feeling in that city. I always feel like a can make a difference...it is like I have power there.

I got to meet with my mentor and oh it was so good. She is just SO inspiring and her advice is just what I needed to hear:

"You are able to explore and experience things many wish they could....make it great. This is your life's journey. You only get one chance. Embrace it."

Wise...isn't she? Oh I just hope I can be 1/10 as great as she is.

Then I went to Provo and WOW I am so blessed. I realized how many GREAT people I have had the privilege of knowing and loving. It is truly humbling. I also got to hear so many people's wise words...I am very appreciative.

Most of all I got what I wanted: closure and hope.

Closure in that I feel like I have wrapped everything up that I needed to. I said my goodbyes...or more like see-ya-laters and I also said just about everything I wanted to. Hope in the I feel like I left everything taken care of and ready for me when I get back. All my relationships are maintained and I feel like I have left on good terms with everyone...that is the best feeling in the entire world.

Yep you should try it. Resolve everything with everyone...it is a freeing feeling.

So now I am about to head on one of life's journey's. And I think I will follow my mentor's advice and embrace it.

much love,

b.