sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven....

hello lovelies.

well if you didn't know I'm back to the blog-o-sphere.

So funny story for the day...aka: why Katy should ALWAYS double check no, no ,no TRIPLE CHECK things.
We had plans to go the the new play at BYU based of Shannon Hale's "Princess Academy" called, "Princess Academy" (shocker.)

 and you know I am all psyched up and ready to spend time with my favorite girls (my sisters of course) and everything was just jolly until....

until we are driving towards Provo Canyon and I decide to check the tickets one more time,

Me: "Uh, what day is today?"

Megan: "Friday"

Me: "No, like date."

Megan "the 5th."

oops.

We actually had tickets for NEXT friday... good thing we noticed right then, anyways we still headed down to campus to meet up with our lovely friend Sharissa and she being so understanding still loves me, and we decided to go to the Art Museum instead, and BOY am I glad we went there was a neat exhibit about the early Pioneer Saints by C.C.A Christensen that I grew to love in an instant.

Look at these:

(all of these pictures come from pinterest and wikipedia)

so maybe it doesn't look like much just these few, but the exhibit was gor.ge.ous a story-line of the Early Saints, their trials, their suffering, every sacrifice they passed through. Isn't it glorious?
there was a lovely quote by Jospeh F. Smith that I wish to share:

"This is no day for trembling or fear; it is not a day for doubt or misgiving; God has demonstrated His power and superior wisdom in so many ways and at so many times, during the history of this people, in delivering them from the grasp of their enemies, that for us now to doubt Him...would be an indignity to our Great Preserver, an insult to God."

Wow. Read it again. Do it, take it in. 

ISN'T THAT GREAT?!?!? 
God has always shown His power to us to deliver His people. He loves us and through our sacrifices He gives us the blessings we need, we need not doubt or fear. 

I'm grateful for silly mistakes, even though "Princess Academy" would've been awesome, going down to BYU for a different purpose might just have been the right one.

welp here we are again....

hello fellow family members, friends, so on....

so as many of you know about 2 weeks ago I returned from THE GREATEST year and a half of my life. (sniff, sniff)
But although I am sad, there is great joy to be found knowing that God has a plan for each one of us. ALL OF US. And when one chapter ends (no matter how beautiful the chapter was) there is another one, even better waiting on the next page.

Things to know about me now:

I am not the same Katy I was 18 months ago, I think (at least I hope) I am a better Katy and I know that I can continue improving, YAY!
I like Latin Music now (it happens when you live in Mexico for a while) but I will not force anyone to listen to it with me.
I occasionally speak spanish words in my sentences.
I truly find great JOY in the simple miracles I see daily.
I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ I know it, I try daily to live it, I truly DO love it.

okay other thing:
This last week I got to go to the Payson Temple Open House. GOR.GE.OUS.
It was stunning. I truly believe that it is only the best for the Lord, and I believe that if He has told us that we ourselves are "temples" we should only give "the best" shouldn't we? Just a thought. Also an invitation if there is still time to go. GO. And if you can't make it to the open house and you can go when it is dedicated DO IT. I love being surrounded with His house in this state. What a great blessing.

So I guess that is my first blog post for now, not much (I will need to be more creative in days to come) but it's a start.

God Be With You Til We Meet Again

Hey friends! So this is it! Tonight I will be set apart as a Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be entering the MTC tomorrow! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve the Lord and His people in Mexico for these next 18 months. 

Here is all the contact info I have so far (so PLEASE write me!!!)

Address in the MTC:
Sister Kathryn Ruth Armknecht
DEC16 MEX-VLH
2023 N 900 E Unit 872
Provo, Utah
84602

Mission Home Address:
Sister Kathryn Ruth Armknecht
Av. Circuito C.D. Deportiva No. 206
Colonia Atasa
86100 Villahermosa, Tabasco
MEXICO

Email Address:
kathryn.armknecht@myldsmail.net
(I would prefer emails to me be for big news like "I got my Mission Call!" or "Guess who's getting married?!?" etc. Or to tell me that you want to get my emails so I can tell my mom. You can still email me otherwise but I will have other priorities first during my internet time to write family and other friends on Missions.)

Thanks everyone so much for your support! I'm so grateful for you all and I'll see you in a year and a half! 

I know with all of my heart that this is the true church and that anyone who finds it and learns of it with an open heart will know it true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is SO true, and it goes hand and hand with the Bible. I know that the Temple is the House of God and that the power and blessings you receive there is needed by all. I love this Gospel and I know that serving a Mission at this time is what I am supposed to do. I KNOW. I have never been more sure of anything in my life then this Gospel. And if there are any of you who are doubting please do as Elder Holland said you could do for him and lean on my faith and on my testimony.

-Hermana Armknecht

T-minus One Week

Hey YOU! Yes you, I'm leaving next week and I don't want anyone to be left out of my emails because that would be so sad.

This is it! The countdown is down to 7 days and I couldn't be more excited!

Here's the thing, I want to stay in touch with all of you while I'm off in Mexico and I hope you all want to stay in touch with me as well.

So if you are wanting my weekly email updates message me through text or email or comment on here and give me your email address so I can get you on the list for them.

I don't have my address for the MTC yet so that will probably be on my final post.

I love you all and I am so grateful to know you!

Missionary Pictures, the 19 year old, and General Conference, OH MY!

So the other week my lovely friend Sydney came and visited me and took some pictures of me at the Draper Utah Temple. And not that I usually like to post pictures of myself on here but she did such a good job that I decided that I would post some of them on here after a few other things:

First:
I'm 19 now!!! Officially old enough to serve my Mission now. We pretty much celebrated my birthday on the 4th so activities wouldn't collide with Conference. It was a an awesome day spent with my family and with a victory from my BYU Cougars over the Aggies that was an extra present I very much enjoyed(; Saturday was my actually birthday and although I am now 19 it didn't really feel that different than 18 at first... I guess that "whole year older and WISER" thing didn't really happen when I woke up that morning.  Luckily, it was the start of General Conference, which helped with becoming "wiser."
Also, between sessions my family surprised me with a special gift, a two hour present named Waldo, an energetic puppy from Rent a Puppy, he was so much fun.

Second:
As mentioned before General Conference was two weeks ago (one my birthday!!!) I love General Conference. It is such a blessing to me that we have the opportunity each 6 months to gather together as a whole church and to hear the word of God through the voice of His servants.
Also I just love how much the General Authorities love their spouses. The way they talk with such adoration about them makes me so happy.
I summery I just love Conference, it brings me so much joy and extra peace and strength that I need in this insane world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth and I am so grateful to be blessed to have had it in my life forever. I love this gospel!

Yup!

And now, some pictures! All credit goes to Sydney Stout check out her page!

lastly, some people have asked me to post pictures of all my Mission outfits... I don't know if I will because I already posted where I found stuff but we'll see!

Until next time! Adios!

Mark your calenders! (This post is for you Claire!)

Why hello there friends!
So once upon a time I got a Mission Call
and now I enter the MTC in 29 days!!! Woot!
And with going on the Mission I get to speak in my ward!
YAY!

I will be speaking on October 20th at 9 am the address of my church is 250 W 600 S Lindon, UT 84042       which is also on 1600 North in Orem (it's confusing...) but, it's right by Maeser Prep Academy for those of you who know where that is.

Afterwards at 12:30 there will be a delectable lunch at my home which if you desperately want to come (because I KNOW you do) message me on Gmail or text me for it, I'd rather not post it on the blog-o-sphere. So message me *cough* Claire *cough*




I still have not posted about Conference or my birthday, plus I just got some lovely pictures taken by a lovely friend of mine so I probably will end up posting a few.... yeah...

I hope those of you who want to come can come on the 20th, I would love to spend some time with you before I leave for 18 months.

The Power of Heaven

This morning I went on a lovely trip to the Provo Temple with my sister.
On the way we decided to pull out "The Doctrine and Covenants" CD from Seminary that was in the car.
 As we drove along this beautiful song came on:

(Strength Beyond  My Own)

As it played it reminded me of the power that comes through the Temple, The House of the Lord. An Endowment Session is something that I really needed today, to draw closer to my Heavenly Father and His Son while there. 

"In the refuge of the Temple, I find strength beyond my own. I can feel the power of Heaven as I stand on Holy ground and the Spirit whispers what I want to learn. Eyes are touched with understanding, I can see beyond this world, it's the place I reach for Heaven, and it reaches in return."

If you are ever in need of the "power of Heaven," go to the Temple. It truly is a refuge. It will bring you the peace and comfort, the power and enlightenment that you need.

your life can change in a moment

crazy how that happens.
but true.
Yesterday on Facebook I used this quote:

“Don’t give up. Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead—a lot of it...You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come." -Elder Holland

and it was just a quote that I liked.
However, today it is a new motto for me.
Same words different meaning.
Just like this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx0knuEQh94
I was learning it for a friend's farewell and now I have a totally new take on it.

How grateful I am for moments that can build my testimony and that although my life may change that I have a Heavenly Father who will never change. Not ever. And I have a friend who is constantly there for me who knows the hardships that I have gone through, that I am going through, and that I will go through.

One of my favorite sections in Doctrine and Covenants is section 122. Here are just a few wonderful verses:

 7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the ^apit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the ^bdeep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to ^chedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of ^dhell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee^eexperience, and shall be for thy good.

 8 The ^aSon of Man hath ^bdescended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

 9 Therefore, ^ahold on thy way, and the priesthood shall ^bremain with thee; for their ^cbounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy ^ddaysare known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore,^efear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

(Read the whole thing though.)
Oh P.S. I'm not dying I promise, things are going to be alright, I know it.
             Hurray for opposition in all things(:
Also, this is not supposed to be a "pity post" , no siry. It is to remind everyone that even in hard times there someone is always there for you. Always.

The cliche post about shopping for Sister Missionary clothing.

Let's face it finding clothing for your Mission can be tough. Really tough.
The guys have it easy, a few suits and a whole lot of ties, but not the girls, for us it's different.

Where can you find shoes that are, "practical, comfortable, attractive, and appropriate for the climate and condition of your mission." (Dress and Grooming Missionary Guidelines) or where to find "shoulder bags and purses that are both professional and durable: [since] backpacks are not professional," (D&G Missionary Guidelines) or even just where to find good skirts are blouses that fit your fancy as well as the Missionary Guidelines. 
Believe me I've been through it and I know that it's difficult.

But do not fear, since I have been there before I can also help you get through it(:


First a few things to note:
-Accessorize (belts, scarfs, you name it)
-Make sure skirts could work for biking--unless you know otherwise do it.
-If you're going some place hot buy "half tees", undershirts that aren't a full layer 

 (their website doesn't show much so if you want to see I suggest driving the address is: 210 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058)

I got 4 of my skirts there, 3 of which were the same style just different colors. It is a wonderful place. Right now all of the girls who work there are Returned Missionaries and are extremely helpful. They have tops, cardigans, skirts, outerwear, shoes, accessories, almost anything Mission related you could think of they have it. 
Pros - RM's work there
        - There are books in a corner that have letters from Sisters who have served in most Missions (besides the ones that just opened to non-native Sisters (so if you're like me and going to Mexico, you're out of luck.)
        -They have a great selection of Sister Missionary stuff

Con -The sizing is kind of hard for different heights (example. my normal size (even the size down) fit me around the waist but since I'm taller I had to go up a size to get the right length.)
         

Yes. Target. 
Their business/more dressy section has lots of options to go with and usually there is something that you at least will want to try on. I got 4 tops there and I'm probably going to check there one more time before I get ready to leave.

Pros  - There are tons of them so you're probably close to one.
         -Quality Clothing
         -If you can't find it in the store you can probably find it online.

        Cons  - It goes through a cycle: either you love everything there                                        or nothing.
                                                  -The sizes differ from brand to brand there so no two blouses are a like.

Darling little boutique in Utah  County. (I know of ones in PG, AF, and Orem)

Pros  - They have a large selection of clothing
         - Not a very busy place so the service is good.
         - They have DARLING cardigans, lots of them.

Cons  -It's a hit or miss kind of place.
          -It's more on the expensive side.

Seriously the cutest shop I have ever seen, really check it out.
It has skirts, tops, accessories, dresses, etc.

Pros -It has the cutest clothes ever.
        -All of the clothing there is modest.
        -It's at University Mall (so it's close to me)

Cons -Again, sort of pricey.
         -Sizing is off.

Now, I checked out plenty more places for clothing, Macys, Seagull Book (tons of skirts at the one in Lindon, tons of them,) Downeast Basics, lots of places and many of them have things that would work for Missions I just didn't want to write them down but if you want to know the Pros and Cons for one of them message me(:

Shoooooooooooes:

Chandlers Walk Shoppe
My sister and I checked it out and they definitely have Sister Missionary shoes there. Plus the women who work there are very helpful. My Sister and I each bought a pair there (since there are only a few stores like that around we didn't want it to go out of business, so please buy a pair there if you can.) and then we searched the web.

Clarks Shoes

Here are some of their looks:

 this shoe here


this one is this link

and since I was in need of closed toed sandals:

and here they are.


Cobb Hill Shoes:
I got my shoes from here in the mail the other day and I'm in love with them the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.

Here are some of their looks:

i like it, sort of

this is the one I got and I love it.

And then we also checked out Aravon we didn't buy any from there but they have some nice styles too(:

Now, these shoes are VERY PRICEY. But, I think that if you are spending around $100 on a pair of shoes to last you 18 months you are getting a pretty good deal.

Bags and such:

So, this is something that was difficult for me since I don't know if I'm going to be biking or not, and I really didn't want a bag flopping by my side if I was biking and we aren't supposed to bring backpacks.

Lucky for me Etsy and Amazon are wonderful places. 

Go on Etsy and type in "over the shoulder bags" and browse what comes up, I didn't find anything that I thought would be large enough but you might have more luck then me.

Amazon: I found this treasure:

 

It comes in Tan, Brown, and Black and it is so nifty. It converts from a shoulder bag to a backpack. So, if you are riding a bike you can quickly make it a backpack for the ride and switch it back for every other activity. Wahoo! 

It is pretty pricey (okay more than pretty) but from the looks of the reviews it is very durable and that is something I am okay with investing my money in.

Outerwear: 

To be honest I'm picky when it comes to coats and I am in need of a Raincoat to bring to Mexico, I've found that L.L. Bean, Landsend, and Eddie Bauer all have really great style options.

Now, one day I may post about all of my outfits and how you can mix and match them (because that's what everyone else does, right?) but today is not that day. I hope that this post was at least a little helpful for you Sisters getting ready to serve. Good luck!

confessions of a Pre-Missionary

Once you get your Mission Call it is marvelous.
Like really.
But it is also so hard.
Really, really, hard.
You are supposed to do homework,
because next week is the last week before the term is over?
Not going to happen.
You should probably go buy some groceries?
Nope!
You're little sister is turning 16 on Sunday and you should get her a gift?
Ummm maybe. (cept I already spent like $60 shopping for her the other day...)

Get the point?

All I want to think about is Mexico and nothing but Mexico.
I mean look at it:

(orangesmile.com)

(ldschurchtemples.com)

(explorandomexico.com.mx)

Bah!!! I just want to go.

The Errand of Angels

So guess who's going on a Mission?
THIS GIRL!!!!!!
So I guess this will be turning into a Pre-Me Blog soon.
This is the video of me opening it:

And in case you'd rather not watch it...
I have been called to serve as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I have been assigned to labor in the mexico, Villahermosa Mission.
I will report on November 13th, 2013 to the Provo Missionary Center
and I will be speaking Spanish. (good thing i took 4 years of German... oh wait...)


I am so excited to go out and serve the Lord and God's children. I know that this is what I am supposed to do. I can't wait(:

she's going on a Mission

Sarah got her call!!!
bah!
Here's the video(:

that crazy moment when...

you decide to read a article posted by one of the pages you one "liked" about a convert to the church (which is wonderful) and you see an old friend in one of the pictures...


oh hey there Elder Harris!

The _____ High School Class of 2013

Because, I just love these videos....

(Woods Cross High School)

(Brighton High School)

Bonneville High School

(Lone Peak High School.. actually this is the class of 2012 but it still makes me smile.)

(I've already posted this... but again, my school!

Pleasant Grove High School)

..... and I am so proud of them all for the decision they've made.