Never Thought!

Once upon a time, I was baptised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints. At the age of eight I knew that becoming a member was right thing to do. I am now 23 1/2 years young I think back to that special day and my heart is filled with gratitude for my decision 15 years ago.
A year after I was baptised, I recieved a casset tape from my grandparents for my 9th birthday "After Glow- Biggest Hits". Church music. I loved this casset tape! I listened to it ALL THE TIME!! Once in Primary there was a little talent show kind of thing and I sang- along with the tape- my favorite song from the casset. It was called "The Decision" I can still recall and sing all the words today. .lol. This song was all about a young person having a hard time to make the decision to serve a mission or to stay home.

Spoken-"There are many waiting, waiting to see the light they once beheld. Messangers are needed to carry that light and blessings are waiting for those who do. Your decision to serve or not to serve will have a direct impact on the eternal welfar of others and nothing in the world is worth lossing eternal blessings."

Sung- "I hear the voices that come from within, they say go, stay home too. I've decided to search from within, I must think it through. Do I stay home or do I go. Or do I tell all the world that He loves them so . . . "
The end of the song concludes that the person has come to their decision and they will serve the Lord and not stay home to tell the world that He loves them. At the age of nine you'de think that one would not understand what the song was talking about, but I knew! I even told myself "Shannon, you are going on a mission!" I was so excited about this that I even made constuction paper signs that said "I'M GOING ON A MISSION" and I taped them all over my walls! I knew this and I was determinded. This song moved me.

Well I then grew up. Things changed. I lost that "mission excitment" I was learning and growing. Growing my own testimony of the truths of this gospel. I then become a freshman in high shcool. Sweet little 14 year young girl. My favorite class was Seminary. . my gospel knowledge was being fed. I knew what I was learning in church and in seminary was all true..that the church IS ALL TRUE. I was on fire with my gospel knowledge and testimony that I HAD TO SHARE it with everyone, (yes in high school.I even carried my Book of Mormon around with me, I talked to anyone and everyone.)

My "missionary excitment" was BACK!!!

Once again I was on fire. I knew then as a freshman that I wanted to go on a mission and tell everyone that this church is true and they will be happier by coming unto Christ and partaking in the greatness!

Well then I grew up. Things changed. My desires changed. My plans changed. I went to college . .graduated then worked worked worked. The idea of going on a mission ALWAYS came back into my mind. Instead of going on a mission when I turned 21, I worked at Oakcrest Girls Camp (my mini mission) Best experience ever! My testimoney grew even stronger! After the summer was over I did my own thing, My own plan. The mission idea came back into my head.. (22yr). . so I worked at Oakcrest again (my mini mission) I grew even MORE! (That is one thing I love about this church, you can constantly grow!) After the summer I think continued to do my own things. My own plans.

Being 23 1/2 years young, loving my ward, being a ward missionary, fulling my calling, working hard, playing with friends, (not so much dating and not my fault) and watching Kevin go on a mission, along with some of my close girlfriend. Reading their emails of their time out on the Lords errand, my desire to go on a mission came back!

I prayed long and hard, I sat in the temple for a very long time. I was determined to get a confirmation from my Heavenly Father that going on a mission right now, this time in my life was the right time. That this is what HE would have ME DO.

My "missionary excitment" is BACK!!!!!!!!

My 9 year old self knew me better than I did. I have listened to her. I have let go of my plans and have gotten a tight hold on Heavenly Fathers plans!


The Primary song "I hope They Call me on a Mission" wont leave my head! I "have grown a foot or two" I know that I am "ready. To preach and teach and work as missionaries do"


I am excited to FINALLY tell everyone that I, Shannon Durr, is going on a MISSION!!!

I have submitted ALL the paper work. Now the fun part. . waiting for that special white envelope!
Will you all wait with me!!?

This will soon be FOR REAL!!!