Text-A-Testimony. A Member Missionary Project.

Text-A-Testimony

I decided one day that I needed a new project. Something to think, act and reflect on. And I was inspired to do what I call Text-A-Testimony. Each day for a month I would text my testimony to someone new. It was really simple, I would text a person asking if I could share my testimony of Jesus Christ with them and if they said yes then I would share. I decided that it was best to ask because it wasn’t really fair to insert something very personal into their messages if they didn’t want to. So here is my account of 31 days of texting my testimony.

Day 1:

Me: Hey I am doing a project and I was wondering if I could share my testimony of Jesus Christ with you?

Response: Yes!

Me: Yay! Alright I just want you to know, that I know my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I’ve been given the opportunity to come to know them by reading the Bible and the Book of Mormon and I’ve come to love them with all my heart. I know that Jesus Christ came to Earth with a mission. And it was because he loved each of us greatly. That He felt every sin, sorrow, and evil. And because of this I can repent, feel joy and do good. I remember feelings so low and broken and thinking that no one understood what I was going through but He does. In this awful, crazy, beautiful world He is my peace. And I know He knows that I need him and that He knows my name and needs. But I also know that He loves you and He knows what you need. And I know that the things that I’ve said are true with all my heart. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to share.

Response: This was so good, and I definitely needed this. Thank you for sharing, Michaella! Miss you!

Day 2:

Me: Hey I am doing a project and I was wondering if I could share my testimony of Jesus Christ with you?

Response: Sure thing!

Me: Yay! Thank you! Alright I just wanted to say that I know that Jesus Christ lives and that I do all the crazy church stuff because I know that without a doubt, I know that it is true. I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know who I am, not only me but they also know you and your name and they know exactly what you need. I know there is a plan that allows me in this crazy, beautiful, hard life to have joy and feel peace. And that is through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Jesus Christ is my peace and allows me to grow. I know that as I draw nearer to Him that will be guided to become the best version of myself. Thank you so much for letting me share. And I hope that you were able to get something from this.

Response: Thank you for sharing that with me!:)

At this point I realized something was missing. And I thought back to all the missionary “training” I’ve had. And I realized I was missing some sort of a challenge. I was sharing my testimony which helped me a lot but it feels like I am just saying it to say it and there is no purpose for the responder. So I decided to weave in a challenge from here on. 

Don't you love it when you set out to do a project and you fall flat on your face? Yeah I started this project at the beginning of October with all intentions of doing this project. But I didn’t end up texting someone every day this month. I ended up testing people and doing it when I felt like I could. Sometimes I didn’t because I forgot and it was really late or I just didn’t have a name come to mind. But I share it and I share it quite a bit. I always asked and then if they said yes I gave a little part of myself to them. And I didn’t just share it with people who weren’t members but I shared it with members. And it was a really cool experience. I can’t account for those that I spoke to because I don’t know their own feelings. BUT I got the opportunity to put my own feelings into words and share it with people that I know and love. It was a really great feeling to share.

I’m not saying that it wasn’t a little scary or nerve wracking. Because it was. Take something that is really special to you and giving it to someone else, not knowing how they are going to react. And that can be scary. But it was also really rewarding.

I think that in this time that religion is really feared. We fear of it being forced upon us and that is why often we find it hard to share because we don’t want to lose friends, make it awkward or make people feel that we are forcing Jesus upon them. But I ask you to think of the real purpose why we share our religion. Because we feel that we can share a part of us with you. It is because we love you. And this might make you question why missionaries leave for two years to share their testimonies with random strangers. They leave their families, college, friends, and girlfriends/boyfriends because they love the Lord and they have faith in this gospel. And they don’t see strangers as strangers but as God’s children, someone that is dearly loved by a Heavenly Father who needs to be told/reminded of that very fact. Missionaries are able to teach because they are able to see God’s love for each and every person they come in contact with. Sharing religion is not forcing it down your throat. It should never be that. It should be a gift that can be left or taken. But don’t hate us because we love you enough to share.

Now that you’ve read all that you’re probably thinking, why? Why did I take the time to do this project? It’s kinda out there and could just be left undone. And if you weren’t thinking about it, you are now. And the very reason I did this is because I have a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I want to share the light that I have in my own life. It is also very frustrating to me to sit in church on Sunday and when we are asked in class what we can do in regards to missionary work some says “Be an Example.” Although, this statement is very true we can influence others by just being. It is a passive way to do missionary work and a lot of times I think we as members use that as a cop-out. (If you aren’t a member and still reading this, keeping going I have something to say to you.) When in reality they is so much more we can do. I urge you to change that statement from being the only answer to a “yes, and…” statement. I am going to be an example and I am going to invite someone to take the lessons at my house. I am going to be an example and I am going to ask if I could share my testimony with a friend. I am going to be an example and I am going to invite someone to a church activity. There are so many ways that we can do missionary work in addition to being an example. I challenge you to not only think of some ways you can do this in your own life.

Non-member friends that are reading this I urge you to share your own thoughts. I love talking about religion and I love answering questions. Please ask. Don’t be afraid of religion because it’s scary, difficult to understand or a lot. Do it because you want to know for yourself. I know that Jesu Christ is my Savior and loves me. But do you? I challenge you to find out. If you don’t know how to start you can always ask me. Or the missionaries in your area.

Check out https://www.mormon.org/

God is good.

This week I have done a lot of reflecting. I am very proud of where I am today. Today I am a student at BYU who is submitting her Theatre Ed application very soon. I am a crew supervisor of the Blue Line Deli. I am learning how to play soccer while on an intermural team. And I am trying to be the best I can be. I think it is good to recognize how well we are doing because often we are sucked into comparing our lives to those around us. I am doing just fine.

I also think it is important to recognize the little miracles.

This past week my roommate Megan, got a flat tire and being the girls that we are we didn't even try to fix it. And on Wednesday a dear friend of ours texted me asking if he could come by to fix her car. When he got here he told us that he was inspired to go to Jamba Juice. And he really didn;t know why nor did he need a Jamba Juice, but nonetheless he went to Jamba Juice. And that my friends, is where he ran into Megan and he flat tire came up and he knew that was why he had to go to Jamba Juice. So with his help we set out to fix her flat tire. Unfortunately, once we got the tire off the car kept falling off the jack and we were worried about the brake because it kept hitting the ground. It took us 1 1/2 to change her flat and we messed up three jacks. The important part is we got the tire changed. But I felt bad because our friend missed a meeting he was supposed to attend because it took so long. I was holding his phone so I know how important this meeting was because his phone was set up with lots of reminders for this meeting. After he left we were talking about why that happened because we knew that he was supposed to be here helping us. So why did it take so long and why did he miss his meeting? And then right at that moment he called us and told us that the guy forgot about the meeting and they just rescheduled. 
Then this Friday I had a date and we were driving to meet up with a group and his car broke down on the side of the freeway. Which is freaking scary. And he called this girl who was also going to the group date too to come pick us up but then he phone died. Not knowing anyone else going to the group date we kinda just sat there. We were stuck with no one coming to get us. I prayed a lot. And then a highway patrolman  pulled over and backed up so he was behind us and then came and talked to us. I was slightly freaking out because authority freaks me out. But he helped us figure out that the battery was dead and him and my date discussed how to jump it without cables. The goal was for the patrolman to push us down the side of the freeway until my date was able to get the engine started. I had to jump in the driver seat as my date pushed the car backward so we would have enough room. Very scared of getting hit I steered as he pushed. And then the highway patrol car pushed us with his car until we were able to drive again. We took an exit and were just trying to go where we needed to be and then in an attempt to turn around the car died again in a neighborhood. He called his people and no one answered. I then called my people and luckily Megan answered, but then she got lost. I have no idea how she found us because her phone wasn't working and she was really upset. But she found us.We both were praying really hard. And I know that's how she found me. 
Not everything is perfect but I'm grateful to be where I am and I am proud of how I got here. 
- M 

What a sick week.

 Oh my heck. This week was  even harder than last. I got sick this week and that was really hard,
especially because I am still sick. I wanted someone to be there and to take care of me. But it was just me and the occasional help from my roomates. I wanted to be held and told that everything was okay. But I knew that God was aware what was going on. I was reminded continually that even if I wasn't the perfect picture of health doesn't mean that He doesn't care. During my New Testament on Tuesday, a quote stuck  out from Luke 12:7 "the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don'tbeafraid; you are worth more than many sparrows". And then I received a blessing and a lot of the blessing spoke about how that we were sent here to learn and it doesn't always work out how we want it to. But that He is always there. And then at Stake Conference there were many talks about trusting in the Lord's timing and there was one that spoke about how instead of turning inwards for questions to our problems we need to turn outward. So I never felt alone, but that didn't mean it wasn't hard. I just knew I was supported. Although this week was hard I was still able to have some fun this week. I have found some friends that love Settlers of Catan almost as much as I have and I got to play twice this week. And I loved it. I also got to hang out with friends that I haven't seen in a while. I was grumpy some nights, but tomorrow is always a new day. And this Monday marks the end of my Exploration of Theatre  Teaching class and I am so very excited. I have learned so much. But now the hard part begins. I now need to start my application to the Theatre Ed program wich is due the second week of November. So wish me luck! 
- M 

100 AND 1 REASONS WHY YOU DIDN'T GET THE PART

That title is all in caps because I am a theatre person and man do I know what it feels like to not get "THE" part. I remember talking to my Dad and he said something like, yeah I remember driving you to the school to go and see the cast list and you walking back to the car in tears. You didn't want to talk about it, so we didn't.

Yeah. When he said that I got a little emotional because I thoroughly remember that day. Clearly.

We had auditions for Hairspray. We had talked it up all year and auditions finally came around. We all knew what part we wanted and yet there were 100+ people that auditioned. I knew I didn't do so well on my audition and yet there was still hope. But then I didn't get a callback. And so I was upset. But callbacks don't mean that you didn't get cast, they just want to see you again. And so there was still hope. I really wanted to be Amber with all my heart and soul. So I knew exactly when the cast list went up, but I also didn't want anyone to be there when I looked because I was scared. So I asked my Dad to drive me over to the school where the cast list was posted. And I told him to wait in the car. And I walked up to the list to see that my name wasn't next to Amber's name. It wasn't next to any character's name. It was under the white girl ensemble, not even the ones with the names. I couldn't stop the tears because finally the hope was gone, there was nothing left to do. And I was heartbroken. And so I walked to my car and got in, ignoring the questions that my Dad asked me. And that was that.

But this post isn't a sappy story about how I never received my chance to play Amber.
But I am writing this post with the perspective of being let down more than a couple times.

There are more than 101 and reasons why you didn't get the part. And most of them are really dumb. You could have been too short, too preppy looking, someone had a better character voice etc etc etc. And most of these reasons have nothing to do with how talented you are. We never will know what the director thinks unless they tell us but never forget that it was never that you weren't good enough, it was that something just wasn't right. I will never be cast for a tall girl, black girl, butch girl because I can't be those girls. Auditions show a director so little about an actor and yet we usually base our whole self-confidence upon that small minute that we have expressed and decided that if we don't get this part we aren't good at what we do. And that is crap. YOU ARE AWESOME. And auditions are just part of the process, we win some and we lose some. And we can't stop trying because we feel bad about ourselves. If you want to improve, if you want to know how to audition better ask your director for notes. Ask them how you could audition better. And when you are given a part, DO YOUR FREAKIN BEST. It is my BIGGEST PET PEEVE when people try out for something and the don't care. I am not saying that you can't be disappointed but you are a part of a team and that is how you help them, you play your part. Not only do you play your part but you do it at a 110%. In Hairspray I was very upset because people that got cast didn't care, they didn't try. We had so many people drop out after they had been cast and it made me mad because other students could've had their parts in the first place. But we had a lot of students raise the bar and the production was awesome. I got to play Tammi, one of the girls on the Corny Collins show and I rocked it out. By the end of the production, I could smile a big stupid cheesy grin for hours and as our choir director said I sparkled because I worked really hard. Never stop trying just because you didn't get the part you wanted. Give it your all because it is the part you got. And the best shows are the ones where the whole cast is giving it all and leaving it on the stage. I may not have been the Amber I wanted to be, but I was a great Tammi.
Have you felt these feelings? Got a story to share? Comment below!
- M

Hardest week of my college life.

Is that statement true? Yeah maybe. But I feel like everytime something hard happens it becomes the most painful, horrific thing and then I get over it, so who knows. But this week was really hard for me. I had a lot of stuff due and it was homecoming, so I was trying to balance work, school and festivities when all three categories was being pretty demanding. That's also why I didn't post anything on Wednesday because I was up till 1 doing homework. So it got to a point on Thursday where I had a breakdown and skipped two classes to go to In-N-Out and then went home to do homework. But I did it. Here we are on Monday, alive and ready for another week. I am so tired, but I can do this. Just one day at a time. That's what I tell myself. But on Tuesday I was sitting in New Testament and we sang 'I Believe in Christ' and I just felt the spirit so strongly and I had a witness that Jesus Christ was with me and he knew what I was going through. So it was hard, but it wasn't impossible. I am going to keep this short and sweet because I am writing some letters. Have a fabulous week! 
- M

Meatloaf Monday

So after constructing two mini meatloaves, I was so very proud. I didn't have bread crumbs so I made my own. I was in the midst of making the topping when I knocked the ketchup bottle over and launched the meat loaves from the counter to the floor. Awesome. Luckily I was able to take the tops of the floor meat splats and put it back into the loaf. But then all the other ground turkey left on the floor went down the sink. That's just life. Instead of the saying that's the way the cookie crumbs they should start saying that's the way that meatloaf falls. But if that was the worst of my problems we would be in a good place.
This week I have been really stressed. I have a block class which means it only lasts about 6 weeks versus a full semester. So I have about 2 weeks left and a lot more left to do. So I am stressed, Stressed. STRESSED. Which them makes me emotional. I cried a lot this week, a spiritual story, a call from home, mission pictures, General Conference, you name it. But I like crying. Which most people find a little weird. But the releasing of emotions is such a part of the human experience. That I endorse crying because it's healthy. So crying isn't bad, it is just a thing you do. But to combat this stress I drink a lot of tea, I tried running, but I really can't. Giving up an hour to run doesn't make me feel better it just keeps me from doing things like homework and laundry but also from things I actually like to do, like writing, netflix, sleeping, crafting, cooking etc. But I've also been eating better hence the turkey meatloaf but that has kept me feeling better, if I could just figure out how to make something healthy that I can eat in class and make really quickly in the morning. Till then I have just been eating pj&j and cheese popcorn. But I am finally getting into the groove of school and life which is good because this next week marks my 5th week of this semester. Who cares when I feel better, as long as I do.
Another small victory, I called home without crying today. The first time that's happened since being back in Utah. I am just a family person and I always will be. But I appreciate being able to carry a conversation and not just sob. Haha. But calls from home make me feel better, no matter who it is.
Another good thing that happened this week. I was taking the bus to school like I usually do and this old man that I see every Tuesday and Thursday came onto the bus and then motioned for me to take my earphones out and then he was like "you have the cutest face." And then walked away and sat down. That was super nice and made me feel good. Always be kind because you don't know how it can change people's day.
Welp that's it, wish me luck I have two tests this week and a paper due!
Have a good week!
- M

Q&A with Little Mac

So I have been wanting to do a Q&A post but I couldn’t find the Facebook posted I had that asked for questions and I only got a couple so I just googled “questions to ask.” And I found this great post titled “25 great questions to ask people.” And I was like awesome, that is exactly what I am looking for and then I click on the link and the whole title is actually: 25 Questions To Ask People To Draw Them Out. And I realized that these questions are utilized by therapists…But I still used them. So here you go, Do you know the true Michaella? Who knows you might learn something.

1.  What is your best childhood memory?

My family used to do Friday movie nights before we were all old and wanting to go out. Our dad was always in charge of movie night. We would talk to him about what movie we wanted to watch or what time it started and once that was all figured out we would all flock to the living room. And we would bring all our blankets and pillows and when I mean all of them, I mean our beds were pretty bare. And then our dad would pad the floor with blankets and then have us lay down and throw the rest on top of us. And I had these huge pillows, I think they were supposed to be dog beds, but we always snuggled up on them. And we would watch movies, not one or two but probably three. And then we would all eventually fall asleep there. I loved it and I loved being able to just be there with my family. Ah I love them and miss them very much.

2.  If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do differently?

This is probably going to sound cliché, but I’d probably go back to high school. I would do more. I would not botch all my audition because I would scare what other people would think. I would care less about others and care more about myself. Because even today I’ll not try or sabotage myself because I am too scared to put myself out there.  

3.  What do you feel most proud of?

I am most proud of my work experience. I have worked with lots of children and every single time I always get complimented on how well I work with kids. And that is something I pride myself on. I remember being a camp counselor for Hanford High’s Drama Camp, I was only there for the last couple of days, and I remember working with this kid who definitely has some ADHD and I just sat there and worked with him quietly and in that moment I knew that this was what I was good at. I love working with kids and I love being able to see what others can’t and being able to help the kids that need it most. I am proud to be a kid whisperer.

4.  What is your favorite music?

I love to sing more than anything in this world and so I love singer/songwriter stuff. I have a playlist called Killer Slow Jams on Spotify and it just songs I love to sing.

5.  If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

I want to go to Rome. And I don’t really know what sparked this interest but I have this need to go to Rome. I saw a girl and she got her mission call to Rome and I cried because that is where I wanted to be.

6.  If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

My laptop and my phone because that’s how I stay connected to my family and friends who are spread out all over the globe. I would want my Book of Mormon because I am almost done reading it for the 7^th time and it times of crisis that is where I can go to find peace. I would want to take my boyfriend pillow because it is the most comfortable item I have. My pink sweater because I love it and it makes me happy. And last but not least a BYU T-shirt because Go Cougs!

7.  What teacher in school made the most impact on you and why?

One of the most impactful teachers I know was one that not actually my teacher. Mr. Tubbs was a teacher that I never had, but I certainly wish I had. Mr. Tubbs became a theatre director and that is how I got to know him. And from the second I met him it was like we were longtime friends. I have never met a teacher who was so funny, kind and fair. I remember auditioning for one of his plays and I remember very clearly that I told my sister (who was the stage manager for the show) that I didn’t mind what part I got, as long as it wasn’t Imogene. And that is what I was cast as. I remember being very upset because it was the smallest role and in my eyes wasn’t that interesting. But I knew that I could play the part and still learn and have fun. And I remember a little ways into rehearsals that Mr. Tubbs pulled me aside and started to tell me how sorry he was. He was sorry that he had cast me as the smallest part in the show, that he didn’t realize this but that he had cast me as, what was in his mind, the strongest character. And continued to talk about how he knew I could play any part in the show but he wanted me to be Imogene. He then offered me the part for another girl because someone dropped out of the show. This has stuck with me because in such a world where the Teacher is always right and always knows what’s best, it was amazing to me to see a teacher not only talk personally to a student but to apologize. I love Mr. Tubbs and he will always be a role model to me. Needless to say, I played the best Imogene I could.

8.  What do you want your tombstone to say?

“Over and Out”

9.  What was one of your most defining moments in life?

Getting into Brigham Young University was definitely one of those moments. Because that is when life became really real. I was going to do something that was different, hard, fun and in a different state and I was going to do it because I wanted to.

10.           Why did you choose your profession?

I actually have a whole post about this topic and if you want to go read it and you should because it is pretty good, you can go here: http://mccakesplace.blogspot.com/2014/12/why-i-want-to-be-theatre-teacher.html The post is pretty old, in a couple months it will be a year old. But the feelings are still the same. I love teaching and I will die teaching. And I want to teach theatre because what a great subject to teach that can bring some real life skills in the classroom and what a great tool for self-exploration.

11.           How do you spend your free time?

Haha. That’s funny you think I have free time. When I do I love to blog (obviously), write letters, knit hats, volleyball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, football and currently I am watching Grey’s anatomy on Netflix.

12.           Who do you most admire in life?

I have this friend and I adore her to death. Her name is Kayla. She is definitely a special snowflake that my family has just adopted into our family. I have never met a person that is as nice as she is. She always thinks about what her action will do to others and she truly cares about everyone. Knowing her just makes me want to be a nicer person. I want to get to the point where I can love others as much as she does. She is truly an inspiration to me and is literally #goals.

13.           What are your top three favorite books and why?

I am just going to say that for this question I can’t pick religious books because those will always be at the top and I think want to know a little more about me because you are obviously reading this post. I haven’t been able to do a lot of free reading lately and that breaks my heart but some of my favorite books are: Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio, The Memory Keeper’s daughter by Kim Edwards and then Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. They are all great novels and I read them all in my senior year of high school but I am always looking for new good books to read so if you know some, let me know.

14.           What are you most afraid of?

Not being able to have kids. Most 19-year-olds don’t think about that, but the thought of not being able to have a baby scares the crap out of me. Also someone told me I reminded them of Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy (Do you see it?) and she has a hostile uterus. Hopefully, that’s something that is different between the two of us.

15.           What feels like love to you?

My love language is personal touch so love literally feels like love. I need hugs. Kisses. Handshakes. Pats on the back. Physical contact is what makes me feel loved.

16.           What is your strongest personal quality?

My strongest personal quality is probably my rational advice giving. That sounds pretty pompous. But I have gotten pretty good at assessing situations as a whole. Can I do this in my own life? Who knows? But I am pretty good at figuring things out for other people. Fresh eyes usually help a situation.  

17.           What was your most embarrassing moment?

I specifically remember thinking recently, “Hey I need to remember this when I am asked what my most embarrassing moment is.” But nonetheless I can’t remember. But this story should suffice, recently we were walking back from one of the dorms back to our car and this group of girls is walking in front of us and then this guy walks the opposite way of us all walking and yells out “Racheal!” and one of the girl’s turns around and says “Hey! Who are you?” and he says his name and then she says she doesn’t remember. And at this point they are still yelling because they are still walking in different directions. But he says “Really? We made out the other day!.” At this remark, she starts walking towards him and in result towards us. And of course, we are all trying to stifle out laughs. And she asks, “Are you laughing at me?” And I just couldn’t hold back and I said yes and we all just kept walking. It was a pretty memorable experience.

18.           If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?

The birth of Jesus. Hands down.

19.           What is a skill you’d like to learn and why?

I would love to learn how to knit without the use of a loom. Because knitting with a loom is like knitting with training wheels. Except for the fact that I am 19 and I am still using training wheels. And I really just want to knit socks and baby leggings. Because I’m all about socks and babies.

20.           What does a perfect day look like to you?

The perfect day will consist of the beach, no homework to return to and lots of people who love me just hanging out in the sun. No drama, no school, no sunburns. Just a lot of love and a lot of sand.

Yay! You’ve made it. I hope that you learned something and thought about your answers to these questions. I want to do another post like this next month so if you have questions to ask me, comment down below or you can contact me personally! It makes it more fun, so don’t be shy!

Till next time!

- M