Friday, June 28, 2013

God IS Coming

I don't know why it seems to sometimes take me forever to see something so clearly. I do believe it's all in God's timing, so it makes it that much sweeter ;)

I just got off work a couple hours ago, and I seem to do my best thinking by myself in the car, no music, no distractions....I started thinking (which can be dangerous).

"God IS coming."
Holy cow, I about blew off of my seat! It's reminded me of how Elder Holland has said something like this...."we already who will win so why are we still deciding what team to be on?"

Why are we still deciding? Why can't I see the big picture...it's my darn natural man inside me.

I am getting ready for bed, and I'm still mind tanged that GOD IS COMING and I'm determined to be prepared.

Maybe it's the dark clouds and weather that's doing this to me, that makes me thing apocalyptic. But I KNOW that God IS coming, no man know's what hour, day, minute, second....How amazing is it that we have this truth. That me, practically a peasant in this large world can have sure knowledge that I have a father in heaven, who watches over me 24/7. He is ALWAYS there....holding my hand as I take these baby steps that will lead me into the eternities. He helps with everything! Theres no way I could make it through med school without him. He is simply AMAZING!


Monday, June 24, 2013

Prayer. Live it. Love it. Share it.

I'm not sure why, but lately I have been reading a lot about the atonement. I had so many questions running through my head.

-What did the atonement accomplish?
-How does this great sacrifice benefit me?
-How can I use it CORRECTLY?
-What exactly is the atonement?

Holy smokes....what a deep topic! It's literally been since LAST August I started this quest...and I think I am finally grasping the concept. 
I wish I were cool like Heavenly Father, and understood everything. Knew everything, and could love unconditionally. 

Luckily, that's why we are here! To learn, love, grow, "grasp," and teach EVERYBODY ;)

So where to start on this fabulous topic....

Oddly enough, I started with prayer. If I wanted to get the right answers and understanding, I wanted to make sure I knew how to get it. I started a separate journal, my daily goals and prayer journal. Every morning I'd rise and fall straight to my knee's so I wouldn't forget to pray. I noticed that I basically recited the same prayer each morning. "Thank for the good nights rest.." "please help me to have a good day.." Basically I felt like I was praying in vain. So I changed.

I started to think.....how did Nephi Speak with the Lord. How does Thomas S. Monson speak with the Lord. I want to pray like that.
I thought to myself...."I bet they talk, they really talk to the lord, I bet they don't talk about the boy you have a crush on down the street. The middle school drama, how your parents won't buy you a car..."
They pray about REALITY. But, what is reality? Well brothers and sisters, I believe that that spiritual things are reality, temporal things are past time...temporary.
There are eternal things that ARE reality, thats how I want to live my life, to pray, that's how I want to teach- on a side note, you know what's weird...you and I knew each other before, we are just re-geting to know each other, so why should missionary work be so scary?

Okay so back to prayer,
I was in this mode of saying "the prayer" whether it was for food...we all know the general prayer...we have a sunday school prayer, the night prayer, the "please help me pass this test!" prayer... Why couldn't I just speak to heavenly father? what was I doing wrong. Until I taught myself this:

I invited myself to pray...prayer shouldn't be the LAST thing we think of, it should be the FIRST.
I am the voice for myself, I invite myself to speak with the lord. In MY reality, this is MY SPIRIT speaking with MY father I knew and loved before! I listened to him, I fought for him, I shouted for joy when I heard the plan of happiness. Even though I can't remember it, I can still speak with him, cry with him, laugh and scuff my feet on the ground until I decide he's right. Prayer needs to be guided by the spirit, don't be afraid to open the heavens and talk with God.

So back to the question of how did Nephi speak with God, how does President Monson speak with God?
Through prayer, guided by and through the spirit. Coming before the Lord to pray and opening the heavens, speaking with God and knowing that he is talking back. Thats the prayer of the prophets, thats the prayer of faith, thats the prayer I want!

So lets assume you know nothing about prayer...your cup is empty,

You have kneeled down by your bed (or wherever you may be) united with your spirit in the name of christ, to learn about your father in heaven and the relationship with him. As your beginning, the door opens, in walks your Heavenly Father and says "Did you want to talk with me?" rather than bringing up the boy down the street, or the fact your parents won't buy you a car. Or rambling on about temporal things, you say "Yea Lord, I do.." representing yourself, or representing a group of people is prayer. Conversing through the spirit and opening the heavens, is prayer.

You have a responsibility to open your heart and learn through prayer. LOVE the Lord with all thine heart.
I have a testimony that prayer is beautiful and opens your heart and eyes to many lessons. I know that when you pray with full intent of revelation, it comes and it's amazing! The Lord has so many things to share with you, and to tell you if you let him ;) Be not afraid. This is reality ;)



I know this isn't anything about the atonement, BUT good things come to those who wait ;)
Next post will begin the atonement.

Hermana Lyman




Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Star Can Shine

Girls. They think love is wonderful and spontaneous. Something you’d see in a movie, where the romance runs and rules over all. I had heard love was great and I’d see couples everywhere. Holding hands, smiling at each other. I had always wondered what they had? What made them so infatuated with each other? I couldn’t understand and having never had that I was so curious to find out.

I went through high school never having a boyfriend. I was starting to wonder if anything was ever going to change, or if I was alone forever. Which was starting to seem like the normal for me. I stayed in my home town to attend the college there. Unlike most seniors I wasn’t dying to leave home or to attend a college anywhere else. I also received a scholarship so financially, it was the smart choice. I went through fall semester like a breeze. I made some friends that weren’t the best, but I soon realized it and straightened myself out. Through high school I struggled with church and I thought I knew everything. But through some special trials I had become stronger in the church.

January marked the year of a new semester and new chances to start anew. Maybe something new could change. I was on student government, Rotaract, and I was participating every activity available. Then I met him. His name was Travis. At first I paid no particular attention because I wasn’t interested, but then I realized he was pretty cute. We started and talking and we’d take walks and I thought he was okay. He attended church and so I figured that he was okay for me to go for. He asked me to be his valentine and I knew for sure he liked me.

We were spending a lot of time together. Soon things progressed and I thought we were together. People would ask and I wouldn’t have a response so I would say I don’t know? One day he was acting really weird and we finally went for a walk, it was weird and different than normal. He asked me if we’d still be “buds” after he told whatever it was he wanted to say. I said sure because I was going in blind. He told me he had slept with someone the night before….I was so heartbroken, I have never felt that before I didn’t know how to react or what to say. How could it be that someone you had these new feelings for be so…so cold. As if, everything was just a game? I asked him if he was okay because I had no idea what to do. I didn’t say anything. I ran upstairs to my student council advisor and cried my heart out. Then I remembered that he had my phone in his bag, I dreaded going to get it.
I went and told my mom, I was so sad that he’d let that happen. And why, because he got drunk. Stupid, I knew I shouldn’t be with this kind of person so I told myself that I needed to stay away, and I should have listened to myself. All I told my mom was that we had “broken” up, I knew she was happy because she didn’t really like him.
I
’ve always been a firm believer in the fact that people can change, but I couldn’t get over the fact that I had been cheated on. When he said, “It’s not like we’re together.” Really struck me deep. That night I had my phone and I just wanted to text him or talk to him. I told myself, “Syd, you don’t deserve this.” Right after that he texted me and asked to see me. I should’ve said no but I said it’d be fine. I was in charge of a movie night at the college that night and so I was really dreading him to show up. Against the advisement of my brain, I went and picked him up. I could tell that he on high on something but I didn’t know what. I should’ve taken that as a hint, but I let it go. He asked me why I was crying and I told him he should know why.

I don’t what possessed me to make myself to forget everything but I did. He asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes. Only because I truly thought I’d never get another chance with anyone else. I believed I had to settle. Stupid.
My parents were not happy, they were very upset. Although my memory is foggy, I remember one distinct thing that bothered me, even today. I had an ensign magazine in my hand, a magazine of my religion. While I was holding it he ask me who was on the cover. I told him it was President Thomas S. Monson. He told me to rip it up, I couldn’t do it. I said no and he kept pressuring me. He soon started missing church because he overslept, or not coming to class because he didn’t want to. I wouldn’t see him days and soon weeks because he was busy. I was starting to get very annoyed, but I didn’t do anything about it, but I should’ve.

When we’d hang out he’d talk about St. George, he would say “when I get back to St. George I’m going to tell my friends about you..” I asked him when he was going to tell me he was going to St. George. He said he just told me and that meant we were going to break up. He told me at the end of the semester. The following Sunday we hung out he told me he loved me.

The next day changed my life forever.

Before I begin, I need to express my thoughts. If I would have had but a glimpse of what was to come, felt the sadness, disappointment, and heartache that I would experience, let alone that of my family. I would have run as fast and as far away as possible. I didn’t think this would be hard to write, but it’s the hardest thing I’ve since this time. But I need to do this for myself, to show myself that I can do hard things, and that through the Lord and the atonement I am whole again. So, here it goes…
The next day was Monday, and seeing that he told me those three little words the day before I didn’t know what to expect. I worked at the student center and he said he’d drop by. He came by and he said we should just relax and enjoy the time, we sat down and turned on the TV. Moment’s later he said,

“Syd, I’m moving back to St. George.”
Me: I know you told me that a while ago, when are you going?
Him: Today.
I knew exactly what was happening.
Him: I think we need to take a break
Me…I don’t get it, why would you say you loved me…then just leave.
Him: I don’t know…
I know on paper this sounds lame. But It was so confusing, my heart was racing, my emotions were jumbled. I was so confused….
Me: Are we still friends…
Him: Yes of course, but you need to stop holding my hand, and my mom will be here tonight…
After some tears shed, I walked away so sad. 30 minutes later he told to swing by his dorm so I did. He opened his door and gave me the biggest hug…
Him: I can’t go a day without you, I can’t leave
Me: wait, what?
Him: I’m not going…. ever.

Fast-forward 2 weeks…

We had been talking and he had been applying for jobs but nothing was working out, he asked me to go to  St. George with him. I could live with his sister and look for a job, we’d be together. We had it planned and his sister was cool with it, by this point my parents did not like this kid….Red flags every where…I just didn’t see them. When I told my parents they asked me how long I’d be gone…I said I didn’t know…They were not happy but what could they do.
The morning I left is the first time I’ve ever made my dad cry…. writing this makes me cry still.
I was all packed…He walked into my room and asked me if I was for sure going…I said yes…all he said was…”okay then”
Then I just left….I didn’t even say goodbye. Not to him, my sister or my mom. I just drove off. We drove to St. George, I was sad to go I really was but I felt like I couldn’t back out now, and I honestly felt convinced with was the only way. My parents would call me crying…begging me to come home. I resisted. I even stopped calling them because I felt so ashamed. I knew I needed to be home, I just couldn’t leave.

Fast-forward a few weeks….

I’m leaving out a lot of details and events because I need to just focus on the big stuff…the stuff that hurts the most…It started in quiet spells….He’d lay on the ground and wouldn’t say anthing. I’d try to talk to him but he wouldn’t move, speak…I had no idea what was happening, I’d hadn’t ever seen him like this…He’d say things like, “Are you sure I can keep you?” I had no idea what to say so I’d respond by saying…., “sure, I guess?” The quiet spell would continue and I’d try to nudge him and he’d forcefully shove me away….I didn’t get it….
He would get mad when I did talk to my parents, he’d blame everything on them….”they never liked me.”

“I’m glad they’re out of our life.”
“Your not allowed to call them, they make you cry.”
“You love them more then you love me.”
“They’re racist.”
How the heck do I respond to that…. this isn’t the guy I met, the guy I like. This isn’t the guy I thought I knew.

It was so hard mentally fighting everyday to defend myself and my family, I was so tired of the silent treatments, and the hiding somewhere to call my mom. I wasn’t allowed to text, I had to delete all my guy friends numbers. He made me delete my Facebook so my dad couldn’t message me. I couldn’t do anything. I was trapped. I was scared. I was lost.

I woke up on a Sunday morning and I pleaded with the Lord to give me his spirit…. all I wanted to do was go to church. He said my dress to short, to tight, to long…. whatever the excuse I couldn’t go. If I wore make up he’d say,

“Who are you getting dressed up for?”
“I told you, you don’t need makeup, why are you wearing it? You don’t believe me? Fine, your ugly.”

It was torture.

Later on I was able to move home….but then he moved close to me again too. I always ask myself this…. why didn’t I stay out? But I was too scared. He had me controlled. Too scared to scream for help! Get me out of this relationship! Please….I’m dying here! We weren’t supposed to be seeing each other, but after I knew he was in my town to I’d see him. When my parents found out they were so mad at me…but again…what do they do?
Then it started again…. worse.

Beside the fact that to him, he thought I was getting fat, cheating on him, or talking to other guy friends. He decided that hitting was okay.
Again, I’ve trained myself to block a lot of stuff out, to pretend it never happened. Which isn’t healthy….I remember a few things.

He used choking to get me to surrender. The first time I thought he was joking….untill I ended up against a wall with this hands around my neck so tight I was couldn’t even speak. Breathing was getting harder and harder, My vision was getting blurry and I couldn’t get out. His eyes were black as the night. Cold and merciless, It’s almost like he was possessed. I was crying and prying at his hands, gasping for any air. When he saw fit, he released me…I fell to the ground and would crawl anywhere I felt safe. I had never been happier to  breath….I had to wear scarves to cover the prints his hands left, I had to adapt.

I was terrified to speak, I was scared I would say the wrong thing; I didn’t want him to get mad. I knew what would happen.

I knew that besides choking, there was a chance he’d grab my throat with one hand and punch me with the other hand. Too many times did I wake up with bruised ribs…hand marks on my throat and a big lip. I couldn’t even look at myself, I wasn’t a person anymore. I was what he called me… “His punching bag.”

“Go tell your daddy I beat you, he doesn’t care, and he never will.”

What caused me more grief is that I was home! I was in my beautiful hometown! Even though I wasn’t living at home…My family was 5 minutes away and I couldn’t see then until my bruises were gone. I couldn’t open my mouth to eat because my lips were broken and my face had a gash…

I’m sorry for being the biggest cry baby….I know that I sound like I made this up. But this happened…and this is only the mild stuff. I have never cherished love and freedom more than I do now. I have never been excited to go the church until I couldn’t go anymore. I have never been more excited to see my family until then…when the bruises were gone, and I felt normal again.

Fast forwarding again…..I move back to St. George with the support of my family this time. I went by myself and my dad took me down. I lived with my cousins and was working full time. Then he followed me again. My parents knew we were seeing each other. But in my mind we weren’t together.
The abuse continued, and I hadn’t told anybody. I was scared of what would happen. It’s not like people think…why can’t those girls just walk away? It’s not like it’s hard…but it’s impossible. Walking away isn’t an option. I was lucky it I got to by myself 10 minutes for a shower without him thinking I was cheating on him…

Here’s where I fast forward a couple months and put an end to this relationship for good.
I started growing sick of always having bruises, being scared, crying, not eating, bleeding and developing new scars. I started fighting back. Instead passing out I’d kick back. I’d bite back. I’d push back. Sometimes it made it worse, but sometimes it helped. It was helping me develop the courage to get out.

One night, he was mad…again and jumped in my car. I wasn’t going to let him drive off in my car, so naturally I jumped in the passenger seat. He was driving so fast, swerving and running lights. He said “you’ll never betray me again! I’ll make sure of it.” I was crying and begging him to slow down. Please pull over and let me out. I pulled out my phone to text for help and he through my phone out.
“you want out now?!” he asked me going 60mph…he reached other me and opened the passenger door, he tried to push me out and I jumped onto the center console…I was so scared. I thought I was going to die…

I managed to shut my door and was crying harder…I was pleading for him to stop…please stop the car. He finally stopped at a red light,

He told me to stop crying but I couldn’t, how did I get to this point. How the heck did I let myself get here! What am I doing wrong, Why did I do this! I was going over this in my head, I was so mad at myself for allowing me to be in this situation.

Meanwhile, I couldn’t stop crying so he hit me harder than he ever had across the face. He started threatening my family, mocking my biological family, cursing Jesus Christ and the church for making him an evil spirit. He said he was ready to stop the car. I was so relieved to have him gone!
Until he started driving up a hill….a hill where there were no houses…he was driving up a cliff.

“I hope your family knows you love them. We’re going to die tonight.”

There are no words. No words to describe the last moments of your life. The last moments where everything flashes before your eyes. You see your family, your friends, your pets, and the lord.
I see the end of road. The steep drop off where they’ll find my body and wonder what happened. What will my family say….I should've been better

“Open the door.” I heard the voice say…
Me: what, I can’t open the door! He’s going 80mps I’ll die!
“Open the door Sydney.”
Me: I’m scared Lord…I’ll die, I’ll roll down the cliff..
“OPEN THE DOOR….”

Are there words to describe the lord taking over your body? Is there a way to describe the voice of the LORD telling you to obey and have total faith you’ll be okay?

The 3rd time of the lord telling me was surreal, I watched my hand reach for the door, I saw my hand open the door. I felt my body being lifted up by an angel and literally placed on the road. I saw an angel being placed in front of my and stopping it right before it went off the cliff…. I SAW AN ANGEL.
It saved me, literally. I should’ve died. I should not be here today. I cannot deny the power of the lord. I cannot deny angels because I have seen one. I have seen one. I have felt one. I know the lord is true and is almighty. I know he is the greatest power.

What happened after this doesn’t matter…what matters is that it happened.
It’s up to you to decide for yourself if you believe this. I know it happened, God knows it happened. And I will proclaim to the world God is real. His mercy is real and his power is real. I will proclaim to the world, change is possible.

Light Can find is it way, even in the darkest night.
I am a star, and….
The Star Can Shine.



Sunday, June 2, 2013

Goodbye Sister Maynez

Today I said goodbye to my dear dear friend Sister Maynez.

She came to my hometown right out of the MTC. Her and Sister Wilkins were an answer to my prayers I had just moved from St. George where I went on splits with the sister 4-5 times a week, and I knew here in Blanding I would have no sisters to hang out with.

So a few weeks after I got here, I was at a Relief Society party and in walk a set of sister missionaries. It was awesome, I knew my prayers had been answered. I don't know about you, but When I see missionaries of any kind I assume they have it all figured out. I see them and I automatically think they know every answer and are basically perfect.

I got to know these two darling missionaries and I fell in love with who they are, what they do, and what they share. I went to lessons with them and really saw what a good missionary companionship should look like. I saw love for the people and for the gospel. I saw them go without meals, and instead they wanted to visit and teach people. I saw them teach people why we are here, where we are going, and how to serve the Lord.

I saw two young girls, changing peoples lives. I saw them transform people into sons/daughters of God.
Thats what I want to do. Through the help of the Lord I can do that, and I have these two beautiful ladies to thank!

I cried when Sister Wilkins left, and I balled when I said my goodbyes to Sister Maynez tonight. I know that through the Lord and missionary work I was able to meet her and love her.

Thankfully I have Sister Nava Lava still here to love! I know she'll work hard and use her teachings on many people. I am so grateful for her and everything they have taught me thus far.

I hope to be a proactive and amazing as these sisters.


Hermana Lyman

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Missionary Shopping

Let's face it. We all LOVE shopping. But when it comes to flats and below knee length skirts, it's the last thing/hardest thing to look for.

So, I've been doing a little bit of research for quality and semi-affordable. These days, quality is hard to find, and just looking at a shirt costs $10.00. So, although these may not be cheap, the quality is amazing!


SHOES:

Your on your feet ALL DAY so why not splurge a little for some comfortable and reliable. For me, it's going to be rainy mostly everyday. So I looked for some comfy, waterproof, and casual boots and shoes.



Even though they aren't super "attractive" Born shoes are so comfortable and are great for daily use. Light and bendable, I'd say they are a winner! Nordstroms has a wonderful selection of many different styles and different shoes for different weather!


Now for some boots, I have found 3 pair of boots that I am dying for! Literally I love them! Nothing better, than cute, stylish rain boots/boots!



 

Also found at Nordstroms, these Keen boots are cute and have amazing traction for rainy days, dirt, and any day! Although it is a plus that they are water proof! 








Now how adorable are these! I will for sure be investing in these! They look like the cutest riding boots EVER! Here's the catch, they're actually rain boots! Made for rain or for snow or general boots. Find these at nordstroms, the classical windsor boots!


BAGS!

It's hard to tell and find what kind of bad am I going to need? For me, I don't want the boring ol' black bag, I need a hint of silver or gold! I found some bags and back packs that I have personally got!



This is the backpack I have, Mine is black with gold zippers but I love it! It's a durable canvas like material that stands up to anything! I've been using it all semester and in medical school it's rare to find a bag that can hold all of the books, marker, highlighters, and water bottles you will need!


I also have bought this adorable satchel from Fossil. I love it! I use it every sunday and take it with me everywhere. It fits everything! They have a large variety of colors and bags, so go check it out!


On my next post I'll post about skirts and shirts! My favorite!


Wednesday, May 29, 2013


Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, 

or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else 

will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.

-Lance Armstrong




I just wanted to share this because I think that everybody 

needs to know that we each have something unique to offer.

Don't give up because things get hard. Persist until you succeed, be determined until the goal is met.



We are all so beautiful inside and out! Seriously though, you are beautiful in everyday! Don't let anything get in your way of feeling happy!



Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Living Angels


I have noticed some rather awesome things these past few months, I can't believe I've never noticed them before!
Its the blessing of people. People are my living angels.
They can bring me up or take me down, BUT it's up to me to decide how I let them influence me.

My mom always says " No one can make you do anything you don't want to do." I used to disagree with this, but little by little I'm seeing how this is true.
As I've been getting my mission papers completed I've been looking back and seeing how the Lord has had his hand in every decision along the way. Yes, sometimes he's let me act like I've done it by myself but I know that I can't do anything without him.

It was only a year ago when I found myself in the darkest part of my life. I was so unhappy and stuck in an abusive relationship I didn't know how to escape. I felt as if my life was going to be stuck in a rut for the rest of my days.

But one night changed my life forever. I did almost die, but an angel saved me and helped me to get out. My angel protected me and fought for my freedom. My angel blessed me with a friendship and kind deeds I can never repay.

My angel made the happiness I feel today possible.
I can only hope that while I am serving the Lord, that I can be that angel to someone. That I can be the hope and grace they need. Mostly, I want them to know that they have a LOVING father in heaven who is ALWAYS by their side. That he knows exactly what to do, every time  That he did die for them so they are able to make their own choices and find his love. That he suffered death and back so they can return to live with him in his perfection! ;)

I am so grateful to be able to serve with his name next to mine.
I may not be perfect but I know how hard life is, I also know that if we seek him he will find us and never lead us astray. 

If I can but help one single person find his light, that soul will always be blessed, and I will strive to spread his word through out the world, all ends, and I will not stop until everyone has a piece of his love.

I love the Lord with all my heart.

Hermana Lyman

Monday, May 27, 2013

You are hereby assigned.

Last Friday could not have been better!

I knew last week my call had been assigned, and it'd be here this week.

Monday- "Okay, call should be here wednesday!"

Tuesday- " One more day!"

Wednesday- "Okay maybe the mail man forgot"

Thursday-"Where are you call? I'm about to start a man hunt"

Friday- 8:00am 
Dad- "Syd, wanna drive up to the post office?"
Syd- "YES!"

8:30- 

"Dear Sister Lyman,

you are herby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
You are assigned to labor in the Washington Everett Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday October 9, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the spanish language."

I literally burst out in tears when I read " Mexico Missionary Training Center" I knew right then, that I was learning spanish. 

For months I would plead with the lord to give me the slightest hint of where I was going. I had millions of places running through my head. Germany, California, Canada, Europe. 
By the time my call had arrived my mind was blank. I had no idea.

I know with everything  that I am going to the right place. I know that this is the perfect place. The language will be a little hard, but if thats the only think I have to worry about that thats awesome.

I love this gospel and I'm so ecstatic to share it with the world!