Hello friends. I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the response I’ve gotten to this post. Most of the comments have been positive, but there has been some negative response. So I’m going to address some of the issues that have come forward, clear some things up once and for all so that the real purpose of my message can be the important part. I apologize if I’ve offended anyone, at all, for any reason. That was never, ever the intent of this message. The intent was to inform others of how so many are feeling, and to help change the culture we’re currently in.

• I wrote this article for a few reasons. I saw so many girls struggle with deciding whether or not to go on a mission. I myself struggled. I felt pressure from every side to serve, and I knew serving a mission would be wonderful. When I got the answer no, it was hard to trust in the Lord and follow what he had asked me to do, because of this pressure. I want other girls who are going through this to know they are not alone, to see the support that they can have, and know that if they choose to serve or not, there is a place for them and people who understand. 
• Another reason why I wrote this article is to help those who aren’t in this situation understand what these girls (and sometimes boys) are going through. It allows others to understand the situation, and to act accordingly. It helps them know what might hurt the feelings of others, and be as kind as possible so everyone feels they have a place in this gospel. 
• I have been accused time and time again of being offended. I will openly admit, when I first received my answer about a mission and then heard some of the things people had to say, I was offended. That was months ago. I have since decided that I have no need to be. I am not angry, revengeful, self-serving, or offended. But there are some out there who are offended by what others say about missions. And there are others who are offensive in what they say. My goal is for everyone to be kinder, more understanding, and more Christ-like. 
• I have also been accused of being insecure in my choice. I can assure you, if I was insecure in my decision, I would not call attention to myself in this way. I wrote this blog to help others who may be insecure in their decision know that there is help out there.
• I have been told time and time again that being offended is a choice. I understand that, and with all the negative comments I’ve gotten from this post, I’m choosing not to be offended. But as much as not taking offense is a choice, so is not giving offense. My hope with this post is for everyone to understand what someone may take offense at, and to be careful with what they say so they don’t give offense or choose to be offended. 
• There are those who have said to choose not to serve a mission is selfish. This is not correct. In this situation, I received personal revelation. To not follow God’s plan, to ignore his guidance for me, would be selfish. 
• There are some who say there is no need for this post, that this isn’t an issue. From the flood of responses I’ve gotten, it’s obvious this is an issue. In our society right now, so many feel forgotten, pushed out, inferior. I want everyone to know there is a place for them in this gospel, whether they serve a mission or not. You can decide to ignore the issue, but it’s real, and so many people feel it all across this church. 
• I’ve been accused of too much censorship. I only publish comments that are respectful. If I didn’t feel like something was respectful to me personally, or those in my situation, it wasn’t published. I have been nothing but kind and respectful in my posts and replies, and I expect the same of anyone that publishes on my blog. There are several comments of those who don’t agree with me, and these respectful comments were respectfully published and replied to. Also, for those who accused me of being a faker and not a natural redhead, I am 100% naturally a redhead! I’ve never dyed my hair haha!
• I have been accused of hating missionaries. This is not true at all. Missionaries are wonderful! They are so important for our church. Member missionaries are also important. So are Bishops and Relief Society Presidents, primary teachers and nursery leaders. Everyone has a place in this Gospel! I realize how distinguishing a mission call is. However, there are also things that others do that are distinguishing as well. My only suggestion is to help everyone feel their accomplishments are important. 
• Not serving a mission does not make anyone inferior. That’s all there is to it, really. If you believe that someone is inferior, or less, because they aren’t serving a mission, then you are entitled to your opinion. But please don’t bash me for expressing mine.
• I just want less judgment, and more love in the church. I’m not asking anyone to love a sin or a sinner, just extend love to those who may have a different plan. Both options are good options! Both options are Christ-like options. Let’s all help everyone feel their prayerful considerations are valued in this church. 

I haven’t gone through the temple yet, and I’m sure when I do my understanding of the temple will change. But there already a few things I know that I want to teach my children about the temple!

1. We are a temple attending people. I want to go to the temple as often as I can. That will change based on where my family is at; when I have young kids I may not get to go at often, if I live farther away from a temple I may not get to go often. The important thing will be that I go, and that when I do go, I don’t complain. I hope my kids see me smiling, happy to be getting out the door and heading to the temple!

2. Temple garments are important. I hope my children understand that temple garments are wonderful. I hope they know that Mom wears her garments whenever she can, and she doesn’t look for reasons to take them off. I grew up in a house where garments were very important, and that was obvious by the way my parents dressed and by the way they had us dress. In our house, we always wore clothes that could be worn with garments. This helped us learn that dressing modestly wasn’t about not tempting boys, but was about our own preparations for the temple. It helped us realize that modesty was for us, and for Heavenly Father.

3. Temple marriage is eternal. Divorce happens, unfortunately. I hope I never have to go through a divorce, but even if that happens, I want my children to understand that because of the temple, our family is forever. Temple marriage means that families are never-ending. I hope my temple marriage is a source of strength for my children. I hope my kids love this, and it helps them want to have their own temple marriage so their family can be together forever.

4. Covenants are kept. I hope my children see me keeping my covenants every day. Both baptisimal, and temple covenants. I hope they see me following Christ, keeping the commandments, and being the best person I can be. I want them to know that my promises to anyone, especially God, are important and need to be kept.

5. The temple is a House of God. I hope my children know that the temple is one of the most holy, special places in the world. I hope they always know the Spirit can be felt there, and that it is a sacred place. I hope they also know that our home is as sacred as the temple, if we let it be. I want them to see me setting the example of making our home a holy place.