If there was a rewind button option given for this last week, i wouldn't have pressed it to go back (because the past is in the past), but i would have more so violently broken the button. You don't get rewinds in life, even though sometimes they would seem nice. Eventually one comes to grips with reality learns to deal with what has been handed them and to do the best with it. There is a quote from my oldest brother's high school graduation on my fridge back home in Colorado that reads, "I'm convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how i react to it." And judging by that 90%, when heartache or other inconveniences come, i don't immediately react too well. I proverbially trip into a pit and want others to not bother helping me out going, "oh great, this again!" I admit, it does get tiring. But why all the grief and the pain? Others seem to do well enough in my predicament of trying to find an eternal companion. Like those that don't try too hard, seem have it fall into their lap. Those trying hard, like myself, seem to find it more difficult than serving a mission....taking a breath to step back and wonder about it all, i notice that the word "seem" appears quite often. My side is very one-sided. I don't see too much of their own struggles. The point of this is that: all the hardships we're given are always conquerable. We're promised by the Lord that we won't be tried more than we can handle, so He wants us to learn something about ourselves...that we can handle what's thrown at us. Abraham was tested so that he could learn something about Abraham.
What do i learn from feeling like i was shot point blank in the heart last week? That i can take it and make something out of it. You go from feeling like a champ in the fight to be knocked out cold, staring at yourself in the mirror covered with cuts and bruises. More realistically, pleading with God to understand the "why?", the "what now?", and the "how?" to do it all. Lately, those answers have come in the form of friends with A LOT patience and the straight-forward, blunt advice of a father that is always welcome. Christ has His hand extended to someone like me, waiting for me to get up and reach for it.
I'm slowly learning more and more lessons for my life. It will make me a better husband, a better father, and just a better person overall. Lately i put on facebook: "dear future kids, im trying my best down here." Yes, i do wonder about those things, it's not as weird as you might think. I want to be the best person i can be that my kids looking down would be proud of. And my future wife (whoever and wherever she is) would appreciate that too.
So i said that i'm slowly learning, and i am...it'll take patience from others as well as myself. Don't give up on me just yet. Yes, "the best is yet to be", Mr Browning.
Yep, that's us :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Yes, i did it...
My arm has been twisted. And it was by nobody, really. Just had it in the back of mind for a while to make a real blog or not. I've been using Facebook and their handy little notes section. So why not compile them all together in a blog. Sure, why not? Hopefully it can be a start to something good :)
"Coming back for a Comeback" (from March 29, 2011)
Thats right the title says it all. No, im not talking about some cheesy feel good story that turns into a disney movie or something mentioned on the "Not Top 10" of the ESPN blotter; nope, none of those. But i am poised to make my own kind of comeback. A comeback to...Rexburg?!?! wait what?! (and its NOT 'cause of the blueberry pie shake at Sammy's either, which is still a good reason...just sayin'.)
So when last year i got to BYU-Idaho last semester, i was totally geeked out, im not gonna lie. Sure there's not a whole lot in Rexburg when it comes to usual "fun" things to do, but who cares. If you dont like it, dont go is all i can say! But anyways, i was excited to get my education on and get some mingling done as well. I started out like some young puppy being able to run around free. Having a couple good roommates that i knew already helped ease myself into it. School started and i was ready to roll through. What started happening was me getting rolled over by it instead. (Being absent minded when it comes to doing a ton of the work online will do that to ya.) I started to rebound after that in some of my other classes. I then tripped at the finish line and will have to redo a couple classes this next semester. (im shaking my fist at you, math!)
And in the mingling scene? Not as great as i had hoped. Lots of dates and thats about it. Even a couple girls i went out with i really regret now. (same, head-shaking story) Maybe i tried to hard or what, thats TBD.
Summary of last semester? Think of a boxing ring. Me in one corner, and the semester as a whole in the other corner. I had many really good moments that made it look like i had that round won. But before the bell sounded, i got my face smashed in and bloodied. I went to my corner fuming mixed with pouting. I've been in my corner ever since the semester ended in December. Since then, anxiety and an itch to get back and do better this time around. Thats a long time to stare down the opponent. I think im more excited this time around; one reason being to prove to myself that i can do better. I have others, but that's all i'll spill for now. (you could just ask me about more, duh)
Things to change? Well:
-make sure i do ALL the little things for the class, i.e. paying attention better to the details.
-have studying include more than a quick look over my notes for a few minutes in the library with my iPod
-spend MUCH less at Wendy's (well...i'll sure try. haha)
-date smarter
-aaaaaannnnddd...well, we'll get more over time
So with that said...im ready for my comeback. 17 days and counting. yeeeeaaah boiii
So when last year i got to BYU-Idaho last semester, i was totally geeked out, im not gonna lie. Sure there's not a whole lot in Rexburg when it comes to usual "fun" things to do, but who cares. If you dont like it, dont go is all i can say! But anyways, i was excited to get my education on and get some mingling done as well. I started out like some young puppy being able to run around free. Having a couple good roommates that i knew already helped ease myself into it. School started and i was ready to roll through. What started happening was me getting rolled over by it instead. (Being absent minded when it comes to doing a ton of the work online will do that to ya.) I started to rebound after that in some of my other classes. I then tripped at the finish line and will have to redo a couple classes this next semester. (im shaking my fist at you, math!)
And in the mingling scene? Not as great as i had hoped. Lots of dates and thats about it. Even a couple girls i went out with i really regret now. (same, head-shaking story) Maybe i tried to hard or what, thats TBD.
Summary of last semester? Think of a boxing ring. Me in one corner, and the semester as a whole in the other corner. I had many really good moments that made it look like i had that round won. But before the bell sounded, i got my face smashed in and bloodied. I went to my corner fuming mixed with pouting. I've been in my corner ever since the semester ended in December. Since then, anxiety and an itch to get back and do better this time around. Thats a long time to stare down the opponent. I think im more excited this time around; one reason being to prove to myself that i can do better. I have others, but that's all i'll spill for now. (you could just ask me about more, duh)
Things to change? Well:
-make sure i do ALL the little things for the class, i.e. paying attention better to the details.
-have studying include more than a quick look over my notes for a few minutes in the library with my iPod
-spend MUCH less at Wendy's (well...i'll sure try. haha)
-date smarter
-aaaaaannnnddd...well, we'll get more over time
So with that said...im ready for my comeback. 17 days and counting. yeeeeaaah boiii
"Get out of the Boat" (from February 23, 2011)
(This idea was kinda swimming around in my head off and on for the last week and inspired and taken from institute class last tuesday)
22.) And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23.) And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24.) But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25.)And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26.) And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27.) But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28.) And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29.) And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30.) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31.) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32.) And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33.) Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matthew 14: 22-33)
So we were learning about Peter and the question for the night was: "what are we willing to do to stand where Peter stood?", which is in relation being able to walk on the water for the short time he did with the Savior. Having a week to digest the spiritual awesomeness that it brought, i've thought of these few lessons that we can learn from these verses and the story it tells.
1.) Forget about Peter falling...he had the courage to get out of the boat in the first place.
2.) We sometimes fear the help that is on the way, even in the midst of trials.
3.) Christ helps us up, even after we assure to him our faith is firm and then slip up.
So...onto my thoughts and commentary
1.) Forget about Peter falling...he had the courage to get out of the boat in the first place. As we know, Peter was a fisherman by trade. He knew those waters of Galilee. The water was his life, basically. Im sure he had seen and also experienced many storms, too. So at this point, Peter and others were in the boat while the storm was raging and then saw Christ coming towards them. Despite the crappy weather conditions, Peter willingly on knowingly chose to get out of the boat and its safety to walk towards Christ. Theres no need to put all the focus on Peter falling in the water and then labeling him as a big doubter. For us as a whole, are we willing to get outside of our comfort zone and go towards those good things in life, even Christ himself, while storms of life rage around us? Why risk it, right? Yet, those good things in life are worth reaching out to even when all around us is raging. Doesnt mean there isnt any risk involved with it. It may cost us in some way thats merely temporal, but the ultimate reward is much better. Patricia Holland (Elder Holland's wife) quoted Madeleine L'Engle when she said, "Peter was able to walk on the water until he remembered he didnt know how." Those water walking moments in life will empower us with something we didnt know we had. We just have to get out of the boat first.
2.) We sometimes fear the help that is on the way, even in the midst of trials. With the crew being tossed about in the boat on the sea, Christ came towards them and bid them to "be not afraid", yet they were still. Sometimes, when we have trials in life and a solution is present to remedy that, we either A.) fear that the solution may be worse than the trial or B.) we focus so much on the trouble, we totally miss the help there ready and willing. Peter sank only after taking his view off the Savior and instead looked at the trouble around him. Being a really stubborn person, when i find myself in a bad mood or what have you, a good few try to help break me out of my funk; yet i dont always want the help right away. Or say to get out of a tight spot, we have to "bite the bullet" to get out. Willing to accept help and not fearing it helps when we are finally delivered off our storm tossed sea.
3.) Christ helps us up, even after we assure to him our faith and then slip up. As Peter walked across the water, again he took he focus off Christ and sank. After demonstrating the faith to get out of the boat and then start walking, Peter was looking like the great person that he was and the person Christ knew he could be. But as he sank, Peter shows us that endearing vulnerability that all of us can relate to. Peter's heartfelt "Lord, save me" rings in our ears as similar pleas we have offered ourselves. Christ reached down and helped him up and with a reply of "wherefore didst thou doubt?". i believe that wasn't intended as chiding, but more like the tender council a parent would give to a child as something to learn from. Coming from a fellow Peter, i can reeeeeeeally relate. I myself have shown my efforts to do good and have strong faith. They're not in huge, extraordinary ways but they are things i try to always keep in mind. But as hard times come about and opposition builds, i start to sink. As i get helped back up, the pattern tends to repeat itself though. Im definitely a work in progress. But so was he
(With all of these, we can also take away this bonus lesson from Peter...despite the times he had where his faith wavered a little bit and even denied the Savior three times...he came back stronger than ever in the end and became the prophet of Christ's Church and helped carry the gospel to the gentiles and many other great miracles. Showing that everyone can come back from even our lowest point.)
...it was a good lesson last week
22.) And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23.) And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24.) But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25.)And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26.) And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27.) But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28.) And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29.) And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30.) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31.) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32.) And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33.) Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matthew 14: 22-33)
So we were learning about Peter and the question for the night was: "what are we willing to do to stand where Peter stood?", which is in relation being able to walk on the water for the short time he did with the Savior. Having a week to digest the spiritual awesomeness that it brought, i've thought of these few lessons that we can learn from these verses and the story it tells.
1.) Forget about Peter falling...he had the courage to get out of the boat in the first place.
2.) We sometimes fear the help that is on the way, even in the midst of trials.
3.) Christ helps us up, even after we assure to him our faith is firm and then slip up.
So...onto my thoughts and commentary
1.) Forget about Peter falling...he had the courage to get out of the boat in the first place. As we know, Peter was a fisherman by trade. He knew those waters of Galilee. The water was his life, basically. Im sure he had seen and also experienced many storms, too. So at this point, Peter and others were in the boat while the storm was raging and then saw Christ coming towards them. Despite the crappy weather conditions, Peter willingly on knowingly chose to get out of the boat and its safety to walk towards Christ. Theres no need to put all the focus on Peter falling in the water and then labeling him as a big doubter. For us as a whole, are we willing to get outside of our comfort zone and go towards those good things in life, even Christ himself, while storms of life rage around us? Why risk it, right? Yet, those good things in life are worth reaching out to even when all around us is raging. Doesnt mean there isnt any risk involved with it. It may cost us in some way thats merely temporal, but the ultimate reward is much better. Patricia Holland (Elder Holland's wife) quoted Madeleine L'Engle when she said, "Peter was able to walk on the water until he remembered he didnt know how." Those water walking moments in life will empower us with something we didnt know we had. We just have to get out of the boat first.
2.) We sometimes fear the help that is on the way, even in the midst of trials. With the crew being tossed about in the boat on the sea, Christ came towards them and bid them to "be not afraid", yet they were still. Sometimes, when we have trials in life and a solution is present to remedy that, we either A.) fear that the solution may be worse than the trial or B.) we focus so much on the trouble, we totally miss the help there ready and willing. Peter sank only after taking his view off the Savior and instead looked at the trouble around him. Being a really stubborn person, when i find myself in a bad mood or what have you, a good few try to help break me out of my funk; yet i dont always want the help right away. Or say to get out of a tight spot, we have to "bite the bullet" to get out. Willing to accept help and not fearing it helps when we are finally delivered off our storm tossed sea.
3.) Christ helps us up, even after we assure to him our faith and then slip up. As Peter walked across the water, again he took he focus off Christ and sank. After demonstrating the faith to get out of the boat and then start walking, Peter was looking like the great person that he was and the person Christ knew he could be. But as he sank, Peter shows us that endearing vulnerability that all of us can relate to. Peter's heartfelt "Lord, save me" rings in our ears as similar pleas we have offered ourselves. Christ reached down and helped him up and with a reply of "wherefore didst thou doubt?". i believe that wasn't intended as chiding, but more like the tender council a parent would give to a child as something to learn from. Coming from a fellow Peter, i can reeeeeeeally relate. I myself have shown my efforts to do good and have strong faith. They're not in huge, extraordinary ways but they are things i try to always keep in mind. But as hard times come about and opposition builds, i start to sink. As i get helped back up, the pattern tends to repeat itself though. Im definitely a work in progress. But so was he
(With all of these, we can also take away this bonus lesson from Peter...despite the times he had where his faith wavered a little bit and even denied the Savior three times...he came back stronger than ever in the end and became the prophet of Christ's Church and helped carry the gospel to the gentiles and many other great miracles. Showing that everyone can come back from even our lowest point.)
...it was a good lesson last week
"Georgia, oh Georgia" (originally from January 2010)
---This is one i wrote about a year ago when i had been home for about 7 1/2 months and my feelings on it. Well...obviously, a ton of time has past since that time and it came to my mind again today. Im adding a little more to it, so it'll be newer to those that have read it and an even bigger read for those who havent. Mazel Tov.
"Georgia, Oh Georgia...
how've you been my old friend?
It's been seven months and a half since i reached the end.
Sorry i had to leave, the time was set to go
But i had to be home, so fair is fair ya know?
When i opened my letter and saw Gerogia, i thought i'd be quite prepared
Although inside, i must admit, i was really really scared.
Three weeks were plenty of time over at the MTC,
Yet after leaving i felt like screaming, "Wait, come back for me!"
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
remember when in Albany i first stepped out that car?
I was incredibly lost, with home being oh so far.
It was definitely something different than being in Colorado
You try to ignore it, but two years seems much to far to go.
But i had to suck it up and admit that this was life!
Hoping the girl i was writing would someday be my wife.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
the time seemed slow and just a big struggle.
Investigators, members, appointments, and everything else were a lot to juggle.
But time on and i began to slowly adjust,
Going along with the craziness turned out to be a big must.
No mom here to do your laundry or cook your food,
Ramen, Easy-Mac, and Eggo waffles means you're on your own, dude.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
there were good comps and bad ones too...its just the way it is
Labeling your food is a good thing to separate your food from his.
When your day completely falls through, you just want to scream.
Although some of those were fixed with some Blue Bell ice cream.
Tracting is hard and most of the time just plain sucks,
Never have i seen so many ghetto sleds and modified trucks.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
I was able to make so many new friends!
The length of such i hope never ever ends.
Despite my dorkiness, i was shown so much love;
I'll never forget when i first ate BBQ'd dove.
Oh and just a quick favor, if you so please...
Chicken's just not the same, so send me a Zaxby's!
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
Torrential downpours are just how it goes,
During one in T-Ville, i got many blisters on my toes.
And also you sweat and sweat and sweat some more too,
Brown and yellow shirts, ripped pants, and worn out shoes will happen to you.
So load up on ties and your zebra pens as well,
Your stuff will absolutely go through hell.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
The time is coming to its end,
My family is waiting and theres time with them i want to spend.
Being born in Idaho, no one gave to much care;
But in Georgia?...i was spiritually born there.
Its over now. The airport was such a big fat pain,
Time to board now...i'm heading home on that plane.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
how've you been my old friend?
It's been seven months and a half since i reached the end.
I think about you every now and again,
Without you, i dont know who i could've been.
Although some things haven't worked out like i planned it,
Like Ben Folds once said, "Come pick me up...i've landed."
--------
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
...Do you still remember me?
It's been a long time and im a bit different, you see.
A year and half away tends to change a man
Some moments have been great, and others...im no fan.
Im still learning, still fighting, still figuring my potential as i grow
If i came back to visit and say hi, would you even know?
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
You moved on no doubt since i left in the air,
Heck, you've even had it snow there...no fair!
But overall, i bet you're still the same ol' Peach,
I love my mountains and my cold air, but missing you is no reach.
But can you please do something about those mosquitoes and sand gnats?
Besides bringing Zaxby's out west, that my wish and thats that.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
Looking back, i have my share of regrets...
I wasnt bad, but i have moments that i want to forget.
Being young and immature, i caused quite a few headaches to some of my peers,
i hope i wont be too hated for it over the days, months and years.
It was at the end of it all that it hit me fully and i got to realize,
Working hard til is the end is so worth it, but in the end...time still flies.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
I will come back for you someday later on in my life,
Maybe a carriage ride through Savannah with my beloved wife.
Perhaps hit up T'Ville and watch the Rose Festival with the kids,
Or relax on Hilton Head at the beach and close our eyelids.
Riding on that midnight train like Gladys 'cause its on my mind like Ray,
To all who made that whole ride worthwhile, "thank you" is all i have to say."
"Georgia, Oh Georgia...
how've you been my old friend?
It's been seven months and a half since i reached the end.
Sorry i had to leave, the time was set to go
But i had to be home, so fair is fair ya know?
When i opened my letter and saw Gerogia, i thought i'd be quite prepared
Although inside, i must admit, i was really really scared.
Three weeks were plenty of time over at the MTC,
Yet after leaving i felt like screaming, "Wait, come back for me!"
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
remember when in Albany i first stepped out that car?
I was incredibly lost, with home being oh so far.
It was definitely something different than being in Colorado
You try to ignore it, but two years seems much to far to go.
But i had to suck it up and admit that this was life!
Hoping the girl i was writing would someday be my wife.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
the time seemed slow and just a big struggle.
Investigators, members, appointments, and everything else were a lot to juggle.
But time on and i began to slowly adjust,
Going along with the craziness turned out to be a big must.
No mom here to do your laundry or cook your food,
Ramen, Easy-Mac, and Eggo waffles means you're on your own, dude.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
there were good comps and bad ones too...its just the way it is
Labeling your food is a good thing to separate your food from his.
When your day completely falls through, you just want to scream.
Although some of those were fixed with some Blue Bell ice cream.
Tracting is hard and most of the time just plain sucks,
Never have i seen so many ghetto sleds and modified trucks.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
I was able to make so many new friends!
The length of such i hope never ever ends.
Despite my dorkiness, i was shown so much love;
I'll never forget when i first ate BBQ'd dove.
Oh and just a quick favor, if you so please...
Chicken's just not the same, so send me a Zaxby's!
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
Torrential downpours are just how it goes,
During one in T-Ville, i got many blisters on my toes.
And also you sweat and sweat and sweat some more too,
Brown and yellow shirts, ripped pants, and worn out shoes will happen to you.
So load up on ties and your zebra pens as well,
Your stuff will absolutely go through hell.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
The time is coming to its end,
My family is waiting and theres time with them i want to spend.
Being born in Idaho, no one gave to much care;
But in Georgia?...i was spiritually born there.
Its over now. The airport was such a big fat pain,
Time to board now...i'm heading home on that plane.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
how've you been my old friend?
It's been seven months and a half since i reached the end.
I think about you every now and again,
Without you, i dont know who i could've been.
Although some things haven't worked out like i planned it,
Like Ben Folds once said, "Come pick me up...i've landed."
--------
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
...Do you still remember me?
It's been a long time and im a bit different, you see.
A year and half away tends to change a man
Some moments have been great, and others...im no fan.
Im still learning, still fighting, still figuring my potential as i grow
If i came back to visit and say hi, would you even know?
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
You moved on no doubt since i left in the air,
Heck, you've even had it snow there...no fair!
But overall, i bet you're still the same ol' Peach,
I love my mountains and my cold air, but missing you is no reach.
But can you please do something about those mosquitoes and sand gnats?
Besides bringing Zaxby's out west, that my wish and thats that.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
Looking back, i have my share of regrets...
I wasnt bad, but i have moments that i want to forget.
Being young and immature, i caused quite a few headaches to some of my peers,
i hope i wont be too hated for it over the days, months and years.
It was at the end of it all that it hit me fully and i got to realize,
Working hard til is the end is so worth it, but in the end...time still flies.
Georgia, Oh Georgia...
I will come back for you someday later on in my life,
Maybe a carriage ride through Savannah with my beloved wife.
Perhaps hit up T'Ville and watch the Rose Festival with the kids,
Or relax on Hilton Head at the beach and close our eyelids.
Riding on that midnight train like Gladys 'cause its on my mind like Ray,
To all who made that whole ride worthwhile, "thank you" is all i have to say."
"Be who you are, 'cause who you are is what you is" (from January 17, 2011)
(try to translate that one, haha)
having just returned from my best friend's wedding and seeing all the love and such everywhere, it tends to be on your mind quite a bit. obviously, im not quite there yet with the whole being married. im still on "trying to find the right one to date regularly" (definitely a challenge) So with that in mind, i actually get to my point. With plenty of time to think about it (driving through wyoming does that to you)...
One of the few things that some people say that annoys the crap out of me besides "well if it makes you feel any better,...." is when i hear some tell me "just be yourself"
so technically what is being "just yourself"?...
My friend Emma said to me earlier last week is that all of us have different sides of what we are. We're not just one thing, but a blob of multiple parts; the hard part is which one we let show at different times. Some may think, "wait what???" But go with me on this one. When we act one way that isnt typically seen by others but still something we do, then the first thought is to go "they're not being themselves". Now dont get me wrong, if all of the sudden start being a know-it-all or some kind of wankster, then yeah im not being myself. Making sure which side shows can be tricky because sometimes we try to act one way and its taken as something else, then misinterpretations take place. But as for me, speaking from my own standpoint, i have many sides.
Theres the:
-Spiritual/mature peter
-jokester peter
-"eeyore" peter
-grouchypants peter
-super nice guy peter
-competitive peter
-aaaaand everything else in-between
When you put them altogether, you get the whole me. individually, they're not really all that much and are really boring. Of course, i have to make another food analogy with this one. Think of your all-time favorite meal to have with your favorite side-dishes. One or two sides is ok i suppose, but when you have them all; it really makes the meal all that much better. So it is with all of us. When it comes to love, everyone has different sides to them and you must recognize that so that you can love them for the whole person they are. Love is two imperfect people coming together to become a perfect one. So you gotta take them all or, or get the crap outta here. haha :)
having just returned from my best friend's wedding and seeing all the love and such everywhere, it tends to be on your mind quite a bit. obviously, im not quite there yet with the whole being married. im still on "trying to find the right one to date regularly" (definitely a challenge) So with that in mind, i actually get to my point. With plenty of time to think about it (driving through wyoming does that to you)...
One of the few things that some people say that annoys the crap out of me besides "well if it makes you feel any better,...." is when i hear some tell me "just be yourself"
so technically what is being "just yourself"?...
My friend Emma said to me earlier last week is that all of us have different sides of what we are. We're not just one thing, but a blob of multiple parts; the hard part is which one we let show at different times. Some may think, "wait what???" But go with me on this one. When we act one way that isnt typically seen by others but still something we do, then the first thought is to go "they're not being themselves". Now dont get me wrong, if all of the sudden start being a know-it-all or some kind of wankster, then yeah im not being myself. Making sure which side shows can be tricky because sometimes we try to act one way and its taken as something else, then misinterpretations take place. But as for me, speaking from my own standpoint, i have many sides.
Theres the:
-Spiritual/mature peter
-jokester peter
-"eeyore" peter
-grouchypants peter
-super nice guy peter
-competitive peter
-aaaaand everything else in-between
When you put them altogether, you get the whole me. individually, they're not really all that much and are really boring. Of course, i have to make another food analogy with this one. Think of your all-time favorite meal to have with your favorite side-dishes. One or two sides is ok i suppose, but when you have them all; it really makes the meal all that much better. So it is with all of us. When it comes to love, everyone has different sides to them and you must recognize that so that you can love them for the whole person they are. Love is two imperfect people coming together to become a perfect one. So you gotta take them all or, or get the crap outta here. haha :)
"Sunday Thinking" (from January 2, 2011)
So there i was...just sitting there in Priesthood today. It had been a pretty good sunday so far. Testimony meeting was positive, not a rehashing of possible personal problems from some people; sunday school was good and informative, and Priesthood was pretty packed for the first time in...well...it seemed like ever! (ok, granted i've only been in the Laredo Branch for around a year, but still...) and then it happened...a spiritual mega-slap to the face. One of those, "A-ha!" type moments that happen from time to time. In relating a lesson that was based around making positive changes for the new year, this scripture was shared from Esther.
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? ---Esther 4:14 (obvious emphasis on the last line)
The point? Well...you've come to the right place! The teacher was trying to make the point of us being where we are for an actually good reason. Then that when i thought...(DANGER: Peter thinking now)
-Why am i here in Aurora, CO at this particular point in time?
-Why am i in the particular ward that i am and have the friends that i have?
-Why was i chosen to serve a mission in Georgia?
-Why wasn't i able to find a job only after i chose to postpone going to BYU-I this last fall instead of last spring like i wanted?
essentially, "who knoweth whether (I) art come to the (insert place) for such a time as this?"
Have you ever thought about that?
It all comes down that we are where we are for a specific and particular reason. God's the only one that knows the truth and reason why. I mean, i'll admit...im the first one waiting in the "guilty line" for questioning why. (all my friends can wait in line right behind me, since we all do it. lol) I want sooooo bad to be back at school in Rexburg to continue there and to start some other things anew. I was even in a huge funk earlier this week 'cause i was having withdrawals from there. You know, "Why the crap am i here? I want to leave and go be with friends and get more schooling under my belt." When i tend to do that and think too much on stuff i cant control and let it get to me, i go crazy cranky and, in turn, makes all my friends go crazy 'cause they have to hear it from me.
So...whats does this mean in this context?
- I'm here in Aurora for a reason (reason yet to be fulfilled)
-I'm in my ward because i have something to contribute to it to help it grow
-I have the friends i do because their influence is meant to bless my life, and in turn i can do the same for them.
-I served in Georgia because the Lord needed me there to grow personally and spiritually. Physically born in Idaho, spiritually born in Georgia.
-I had the wait because my job i got helped me immensely to pay for school AND live comfortably also that perhaps another job couldn't do, plus i met so many people this fall that i might not have met if i came in the spring.
The lesson learned from all this, and pretty comforting, is to know that God has us where we are for a reason. We just have to learn why.
Hmmmm....good thing i left my thinking cap on for church.
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? ---Esther 4:14 (obvious emphasis on the last line)
The point? Well...you've come to the right place! The teacher was trying to make the point of us being where we are for an actually good reason. Then that when i thought...(DANGER: Peter thinking now)
-Why am i here in Aurora, CO at this particular point in time?
-Why am i in the particular ward that i am and have the friends that i have?
-Why was i chosen to serve a mission in Georgia?
-Why wasn't i able to find a job only after i chose to postpone going to BYU-I this last fall instead of last spring like i wanted?
essentially, "who knoweth whether (I) art come to the (insert place) for such a time as this?"
Have you ever thought about that?
It all comes down that we are where we are for a specific and particular reason. God's the only one that knows the truth and reason why. I mean, i'll admit...im the first one waiting in the "guilty line" for questioning why. (all my friends can wait in line right behind me, since we all do it. lol) I want sooooo bad to be back at school in Rexburg to continue there and to start some other things anew. I was even in a huge funk earlier this week 'cause i was having withdrawals from there. You know, "Why the crap am i here? I want to leave and go be with friends and get more schooling under my belt." When i tend to do that and think too much on stuff i cant control and let it get to me, i go crazy cranky and, in turn, makes all my friends go crazy 'cause they have to hear it from me.
So...whats does this mean in this context?
- I'm here in Aurora for a reason (reason yet to be fulfilled)
-I'm in my ward because i have something to contribute to it to help it grow
-I have the friends i do because their influence is meant to bless my life, and in turn i can do the same for them.
-I served in Georgia because the Lord needed me there to grow personally and spiritually. Physically born in Idaho, spiritually born in Georgia.
-I had the wait because my job i got helped me immensely to pay for school AND live comfortably also that perhaps another job couldn't do, plus i met so many people this fall that i might not have met if i came in the spring.
The lesson learned from all this, and pretty comforting, is to know that God has us where we are for a reason. We just have to learn why.
Hmmmm....good thing i left my thinking cap on for church.
"Head First" (from October 7, 2010)
Hmmm...i figure i have a little bit of time before i need to get to my first class today, so why not power out a note before then! eh? eh?!
(Reflection time)....uh oh, you asked for it.
---
For as long as i remember, i've always hated to go swimming. Sure, i liked to wade around here and there but never really swim. Why? I never learned, or actually, never wanted to learn. I was scared of drowning, scared or failing in a way. Even when i thought i could pass through the fear, that first step was the hardest and i cowered. So today, im still a 6'3" lead weight in water.
---
Just like me and swimming, some choices and decisions we have to make in life are scary and we're pretty hesitant about jumping in. Perhaps its a relationship, what to study in college, which job to take, a financial sacrifice, or heck...if someone is that big of a pansy, deciding which can of peaches to buy. All of those (ok, maybe not the last one) take a lot of thought and pondering and require us to make a choice that we can't fully see the outcome of. So what do we do?
One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is Ether 12:6. I think it applies here,
-"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen, wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
What i love about that is that it says we don't receive the witness until AFTER our faith has been tried. You can't expect to just be given the answer you're seeking if you're sitting on your butt, you have to do something and then it'll come. In one of my favorite movies "Inception", theres a concept spoken of a few times of "being willing to take a leap of faith, or growing old to be an old man filled with regret, waiting to die alone." So my opinion says this: when making hard decisions like the ones listed above, (again, minus the peaches...you're on your own for that one.) jump right into the pool. Study it all out, recognize those feelings from the Holy Ghost and other good feelings, then jump head first in. But also be open to changes for good that may or may not happen, but fix that as a course and have the faith to believe that you'll receive a witness that it was a good choice. When it comes, you'll be verrrrrrry grateful for what you went through to get to that point.
But if you're going to leap, my advice is that it's always best done with company :)
(Reflection time)....uh oh, you asked for it.
---
For as long as i remember, i've always hated to go swimming. Sure, i liked to wade around here and there but never really swim. Why? I never learned, or actually, never wanted to learn. I was scared of drowning, scared or failing in a way. Even when i thought i could pass through the fear, that first step was the hardest and i cowered. So today, im still a 6'3" lead weight in water.
---
Just like me and swimming, some choices and decisions we have to make in life are scary and we're pretty hesitant about jumping in. Perhaps its a relationship, what to study in college, which job to take, a financial sacrifice, or heck...if someone is that big of a pansy, deciding which can of peaches to buy. All of those (ok, maybe not the last one) take a lot of thought and pondering and require us to make a choice that we can't fully see the outcome of. So what do we do?
One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is Ether 12:6. I think it applies here,
-"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen, wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
What i love about that is that it says we don't receive the witness until AFTER our faith has been tried. You can't expect to just be given the answer you're seeking if you're sitting on your butt, you have to do something and then it'll come. In one of my favorite movies "Inception", theres a concept spoken of a few times of "being willing to take a leap of faith, or growing old to be an old man filled with regret, waiting to die alone." So my opinion says this: when making hard decisions like the ones listed above, (again, minus the peaches...you're on your own for that one.) jump right into the pool. Study it all out, recognize those feelings from the Holy Ghost and other good feelings, then jump head first in. But also be open to changes for good that may or may not happen, but fix that as a course and have the faith to believe that you'll receive a witness that it was a good choice. When it comes, you'll be verrrrrrry grateful for what you went through to get to that point.
But if you're going to leap, my advice is that it's always best done with company :)
"Writer's Block-Party" (from October 5, 2010)
Don't you just hate whenever you think you get a really good idea then as soon as your put your pen to paper (or in this case) your fingers on the keyboard, the idea just leaks out of your ear and then you're left with the dumbfounded "deer in the headlights" look? Yeah, it seems to be a regularity with me. So i decided to somehow write about it! (or would writing about having writer's block be an oxymoron? meh....not sure, get back to me with that)
Just as writer's block happens when you have a really good idea, but then it doesnt come out...i think the same thing also happens in life. (uh oh, application time) To me, when we think we have a good idea of what we want or want to do and then go about trying to accomplish it, we find ourselves stuck somehow. But why? Isn't what we want good, so why not have it happen? I dont think that's all coincidence. God has a way of reminding us that He's in charge and that "stupor" of thought is for our benefit, not to confuse us. Maybe who we thought we want to be with isn't really, but then someone else comes along that fits perfectly with what you want, even more than the last. Or we think that a particular career is great and all, but then thinking about it more you realize that it wasn't gonna make you happy, so another interest comes along and you roll with it, feeling it'd be better for you...and then it works! Crazified, huh?!
All of it means that something better is planned for you, whatever the heck it is. The trick is recognizing it. Correct if im wrong, but my bet is that all of us aren't quite there yet.
Huh....funny what you can learn while writing about writer's block.
Just as writer's block happens when you have a really good idea, but then it doesnt come out...i think the same thing also happens in life. (uh oh, application time) To me, when we think we have a good idea of what we want or want to do and then go about trying to accomplish it, we find ourselves stuck somehow. But why? Isn't what we want good, so why not have it happen? I dont think that's all coincidence. God has a way of reminding us that He's in charge and that "stupor" of thought is for our benefit, not to confuse us. Maybe who we thought we want to be with isn't really, but then someone else comes along that fits perfectly with what you want, even more than the last. Or we think that a particular career is great and all, but then thinking about it more you realize that it wasn't gonna make you happy, so another interest comes along and you roll with it, feeling it'd be better for you...and then it works! Crazified, huh?!
All of it means that something better is planned for you, whatever the heck it is. The trick is recognizing it. Correct if im wrong, but my bet is that all of us aren't quite there yet.
Huh....funny what you can learn while writing about writer's block.
"Friend Therapist" (from October 4, 2010)
(inspired by a true conversation with a friend)
Come on in, sit down on one of the couches, and kick back. Oh don't mind me, i'll be right there. My weapons of choice for long talks or "blah blah-ing" are a power-sized Strawberry Surf Rider from Jamba and the Hostess crunch donuts (soooooooooooo good). Now if you couldn't tell by now, i love to give advice and my opinion (and honestly, if you haven't noticed...you's is blind, son). Sure i have to admit, that i may or may not get a little long winded with them or turn into a "dead-horse beater" with them, but who cares...that just means i stick to my guns and not flake. Chalk it up to the patented "Beckman stubbornness"...actually, the Beckman men more like it. My mom is the stable one that keeps us from going off on people. Bless her heart, lol.
NOW...to the topic at hand
Being here at Rexburg and seeing more and more couples everywhere as well as many many very lovely ladies, love is always on the brain it seems. As an RM, thats pretty much the next big stage in life, so its on my mind a lot. Not that im going to get married this semester or perhaps next semester, but i'd love to (if possible) find that lovely young lady that can develop into a relationship that eventually leads to marriage. But hey, in due time right? But being in the midst of that, i also have friends that are in the same boat as myself. So whats an observer like me to do? Well....give my two cents of course! hahaha. So im going to give my thoughts on what guys and girls "should" look for when trying to find that "one". Please note, as i always have to do so i don't get my head collectively bitten off, its my opinion. And remember, i will breathe fire.
(Ready for this one? You're not? hmmm....well, too bad!)
FOR GUYS
Do's: Be a dang gentleman, geez! Yes, that means opening doors for her, showing her constant respect, giving up your seat, etc. I know, it actually takes some effort, but she'll love it. Engage in conversation with her friends when she's with them; she'll enjoy that you can have a good conversation with not just her and that you're not intimidated. Look for opportunities to serve other and help out, whether it's for her or just anyone. It could be collecting plates after a meal or taking out their kitchen trash or doing their dishes, ladies love that 'cause it shows you're 1.) responsible 2.) caring 3.) are just plain good hearted. If you're LDS, enjoy and volunteer to say prayers, serving at church, and going to the temple. Showing your spiritual side is always good. What do these things all add up to? It shows how capable you are at becoming a prospective husband and father. Sure, some girls go for much less (and for a small few, MUCH less) at least you're prepared to find someone better.
Don'ts: please, Please, PLEASE....for the love of everything thats good and pure, DO NOT BE A BRO!
(Ok, what is a bro? A "bro" is: a dude who wears a super tight polo or hollister shirt, drowns self is overpriced cologne, uses half a bottle of gel per use, hollers at girls from their cars trying to pick up chicks, uses past accomplishments as part of a "dating resume", is a total tool, and thinks Family Guy is the best show ever created...or any combination of those)
Where was i? oh yeah...DON'T BE A BRO! You look like a retard and really dont impress anyone. Plus, some girls absolutely like oh my gosh like those kinds of guys, so someone like me gets overshadowed. (But i guess thats ok, i'd rather be with a girl that detests all that) Teasing and making her feel dumb is bad, in my opinion. There's a difference between the light, flirtatious teasing and the kind that makes her feel less if she says something wrong or some other conceited reason you have.
Hmmmm....i thought i had more mud to sling, but my ammo is out. But not being a bro or a tool pretty much covers it.
Summary: Grow a pair and be a man and do what you're supposed to!
FOR THE LADIES:
(First off, i have a lot of female friends and some have vented their frustrations with guys and i do my best to give advice. I call it, "real guy advice", since i dont sugar coat things. Plus, im a guy and i have a little bit of inside info, haha.)
Do's: Be mature. As much as a sense of humor and having fun is, consider it more of a "time and place" thing. Have fun when you need to, but take some things serious when you need to. Don't let it totally change you, but let it make you even better. There is nothing more attractive and beautiful than a young lady that can be mature AND have fun. Look for qualities that last and are actually important. Is he responsible and treat you with the utmost respect? Will he make a good husband and father and provide? (for LDS) Is he a worthy priesthood holder? Does he enjoy and look forward to going to the temple? Sure, you want to be attracted to him, but that should never be the main reason. As Elder Bednar has said, be "physically, spiritually, and emotionally attracted". If you have those, you're doing pretty well. And also, remember..."Modest is Hottest" indeed, lol
Don'ts: Here we go...as heated as i get when talking about bros and tools, i get equally heated when talking about girls that play games. Leading guys on? BIG TURN OFF LIKE YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE! You get labeled, and thats never good. When you hold hands, cuddle, or due massive amounts of flirting, of course the guy is going to think you like him, duh! But then you act surprised when he says he does. Think about it: if a guy does that to you, you're going to think the exact same thing and feel that he likes you. If he doesn't when you thought he did, its very understandable to get upset at him. But when it's you doing it and you say, "geez (insert guy's name), why are you mad at me?"....Again, think about it.
Also, do not be:
1.) a "princess": you're spoiled and he has to buy you his love all the time. Hello, when you're married at some point, you WILL be broke. Deal with it.
2.) a "check-list girl": you have an air tight list of everything that he "must" have. If one is missing, he's "not good enough". Look, sometimes the differences the two of you will have can help the relationship grow more.
3.) a "skraight up snob": If you pain yourself with trying to find the "perfect man" and turn all others away, then there would certainly be no interest in you since you're not perfect yourself. It takes an imperfect two to become a perfect one.
Summary: Be mature and as lovely as you know you can be. You don't have to get married right now. But always be looking and deciding now what you want so when the time comes to find that man, you'll be ready and prepared. Don't get caught up in what's not important, but continue to pray and follow counsel from God and the prophet. (That is for both guys and girls)
For myself, there is no greater feeling that knowing that someone loves you. For me, finding her is going to be one of the best feelings i can imagine....
Well....session's over. Lunch time. Until next time. But before you leave, can i have my check?
Come on in, sit down on one of the couches, and kick back. Oh don't mind me, i'll be right there. My weapons of choice for long talks or "blah blah-ing" are a power-sized Strawberry Surf Rider from Jamba and the Hostess crunch donuts (soooooooooooo good). Now if you couldn't tell by now, i love to give advice and my opinion (and honestly, if you haven't noticed...you's is blind, son). Sure i have to admit, that i may or may not get a little long winded with them or turn into a "dead-horse beater" with them, but who cares...that just means i stick to my guns and not flake. Chalk it up to the patented "Beckman stubbornness"...actually, the Beckman men more like it. My mom is the stable one that keeps us from going off on people. Bless her heart, lol.
NOW...to the topic at hand
Being here at Rexburg and seeing more and more couples everywhere as well as many many very lovely ladies, love is always on the brain it seems. As an RM, thats pretty much the next big stage in life, so its on my mind a lot. Not that im going to get married this semester or perhaps next semester, but i'd love to (if possible) find that lovely young lady that can develop into a relationship that eventually leads to marriage. But hey, in due time right? But being in the midst of that, i also have friends that are in the same boat as myself. So whats an observer like me to do? Well....give my two cents of course! hahaha. So im going to give my thoughts on what guys and girls "should" look for when trying to find that "one". Please note, as i always have to do so i don't get my head collectively bitten off, its my opinion. And remember, i will breathe fire.
(Ready for this one? You're not? hmmm....well, too bad!)
FOR GUYS
Do's: Be a dang gentleman, geez! Yes, that means opening doors for her, showing her constant respect, giving up your seat, etc. I know, it actually takes some effort, but she'll love it. Engage in conversation with her friends when she's with them; she'll enjoy that you can have a good conversation with not just her and that you're not intimidated. Look for opportunities to serve other and help out, whether it's for her or just anyone. It could be collecting plates after a meal or taking out their kitchen trash or doing their dishes, ladies love that 'cause it shows you're 1.) responsible 2.) caring 3.) are just plain good hearted. If you're LDS, enjoy and volunteer to say prayers, serving at church, and going to the temple. Showing your spiritual side is always good. What do these things all add up to? It shows how capable you are at becoming a prospective husband and father. Sure, some girls go for much less (and for a small few, MUCH less) at least you're prepared to find someone better.
Don'ts: please, Please, PLEASE....for the love of everything thats good and pure, DO NOT BE A BRO!
(Ok, what is a bro? A "bro" is: a dude who wears a super tight polo or hollister shirt, drowns self is overpriced cologne, uses half a bottle of gel per use, hollers at girls from their cars trying to pick up chicks, uses past accomplishments as part of a "dating resume", is a total tool, and thinks Family Guy is the best show ever created...or any combination of those)
Where was i? oh yeah...DON'T BE A BRO! You look like a retard and really dont impress anyone. Plus, some girls absolutely like oh my gosh like those kinds of guys, so someone like me gets overshadowed. (But i guess thats ok, i'd rather be with a girl that detests all that) Teasing and making her feel dumb is bad, in my opinion. There's a difference between the light, flirtatious teasing and the kind that makes her feel less if she says something wrong or some other conceited reason you have.
Hmmmm....i thought i had more mud to sling, but my ammo is out. But not being a bro or a tool pretty much covers it.
Summary: Grow a pair and be a man and do what you're supposed to!
FOR THE LADIES:
(First off, i have a lot of female friends and some have vented their frustrations with guys and i do my best to give advice. I call it, "real guy advice", since i dont sugar coat things. Plus, im a guy and i have a little bit of inside info, haha.)
Do's: Be mature. As much as a sense of humor and having fun is, consider it more of a "time and place" thing. Have fun when you need to, but take some things serious when you need to. Don't let it totally change you, but let it make you even better. There is nothing more attractive and beautiful than a young lady that can be mature AND have fun. Look for qualities that last and are actually important. Is he responsible and treat you with the utmost respect? Will he make a good husband and father and provide? (for LDS) Is he a worthy priesthood holder? Does he enjoy and look forward to going to the temple? Sure, you want to be attracted to him, but that should never be the main reason. As Elder Bednar has said, be "physically, spiritually, and emotionally attracted". If you have those, you're doing pretty well. And also, remember..."Modest is Hottest" indeed, lol
Don'ts: Here we go...as heated as i get when talking about bros and tools, i get equally heated when talking about girls that play games. Leading guys on? BIG TURN OFF LIKE YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE! You get labeled, and thats never good. When you hold hands, cuddle, or due massive amounts of flirting, of course the guy is going to think you like him, duh! But then you act surprised when he says he does. Think about it: if a guy does that to you, you're going to think the exact same thing and feel that he likes you. If he doesn't when you thought he did, its very understandable to get upset at him. But when it's you doing it and you say, "geez (insert guy's name), why are you mad at me?"....Again, think about it.
Also, do not be:
1.) a "princess": you're spoiled and he has to buy you his love all the time. Hello, when you're married at some point, you WILL be broke. Deal with it.
2.) a "check-list girl": you have an air tight list of everything that he "must" have. If one is missing, he's "not good enough". Look, sometimes the differences the two of you will have can help the relationship grow more.
3.) a "skraight up snob": If you pain yourself with trying to find the "perfect man" and turn all others away, then there would certainly be no interest in you since you're not perfect yourself. It takes an imperfect two to become a perfect one.
Summary: Be mature and as lovely as you know you can be. You don't have to get married right now. But always be looking and deciding now what you want so when the time comes to find that man, you'll be ready and prepared. Don't get caught up in what's not important, but continue to pray and follow counsel from God and the prophet. (That is for both guys and girls)
For myself, there is no greater feeling that knowing that someone loves you. For me, finding her is going to be one of the best feelings i can imagine....
Well....session's over. Lunch time. Until next time. But before you leave, can i have my check?
"It's Ok...It'll All Work Out" (from August 29, 2010)
When given the topic of selecting a talk from conference, but make the topic my own, I thought I had the perfect idea in mind. While thinking on it and even making sure it was the right one while going through the Conference Issue then when I went over a different talk, the Spirit hit me and I decided to go with something else. The last few talks I’ve given, I’ve noticed that days or the week right before giving it that I seem to live the topic, so I felt impressed to change my original one to this one instead. My talk is based from Elder James B. Martino’s talk “All Things Work Together for Good”.
Towards the end of the year 1838, the Saints were in Missouri and persecution between the Saints and those against the church was reaching its breaking point. Constant threats and many false accusations landed the Prophet Joseph Smith and a few others in Liberty Jail, a prison that even criminals would find demeaning. Its hard to imagine a man like the prophet of God thrown in a dark, dank cell and spend a brutal Missouri winter in it. During this hard time, even he cried out “O God, where art thou?” and to wonder how long it would be til the end of their suffering.
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves wondering the same thing after enduring hardships if God is there and how long we’ll go through it. Whether it be struggling in finding employment, difficulties in our schooling, or a promising relationship ends, everyone has and will go through some kind of hardship. The lesson to learn, however, is to know and believe that things will always get better and the hard times we go through are actually for our good. The Lord has said, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” (D&C 24:8) So what are some things we can do to overcome such despair at first and see the light that is at the end of the tunnel?
1.) We must go and do, not “sit and stew”: What is the first thing that comes to mind when going through trials? Its complaining and murmuring. It’s natural and it lets us vent off some steam. But if we sit on our hands and complain and give up, what does that accomplish in the long run? We all know the story of Nephi and his family traveling to a new land and how much Laman and Lemuel complained and murmured the entire time…but they still went through with everything that happened. They problem was, of course, they complained about all their trials. In D&C 121, the Lord said to endure things “well”, which they did not obviously do. They endured…just not well. In our trials, we should try to serve others and help others be happy. By doing that, we change our mindset to “why me?” to “how about them?”. We cant sit and stew about our problems, but go and make the best of them to help others.
2.) Take it as a teaching experience and lean to “come what may, and love it”: I loved Elder Wirthlin’s last talk that he gave that had that wonderful message about looking for humor, eternal perspective, and trusting in the Lord during our trials to help get through them. He said, “I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.” (Ensign, November 2008) Just as the Prophet Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, the Lord comforted him by saying, “And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good…for God shall be with you forever and ever.” (D&C 122: 7, 9) Trials can be our best teachers, whether we enjoy them or not. They teach us to appreciate the things we’ve been blessed with and help us know that there are always better things to come.
3.) Draw closer to God: Although trials shouldn’t force us to seek the Lord as a last resort for comfort, during these humbling and difficult, there can be great opportunities to grow spiritually. Prayer, scripture study, fasting, and also attending the temple can be amazing refuges. It’s a time when we can come closer to understanding God’s plan and timing for us individually. Through the pain, comfort can begin to swell in us.
While going through a very difficult time in his life, C.S. Lewis struggled with his faith while watching his wife of many years dying of cancer. Through his grief, he learned a very valuable lesson which I feel applies to all of us. ---“[So God is, then, something like a divine physician.] A cruel man might be bribed--might grow tired of his vile sport--might have a temporary fit of mercy, as alcoholics have [temporary] fits of sobriety. But suppose that what you are up against is a [wonderfully skilled] surgeon whose intentions are [solely and absolutely] good. [Then], the kinder and more conscientious he is, [the more he cares about you,] the more inexorably he will go on cutting [in spite of the suffering it may cause. And] if he yielded to your entreaties, if he stopped before the operation was complete, all the pain up to that point would have been useless. . . . [pp. 4950] [So I am, you see, one] of God's patients, not yet cured. I know there are not only tears [yet] to be dried but stains [yet] to be scoured. [My] sword will be made even brighter. [p. 49] [C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed (New York: Seabury Press, Inc., 1961)
Brothers and Sisters, I testify that God lives and that He loves us and that indeed “All things work together for good.” Good does triumph. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Towards the end of the year 1838, the Saints were in Missouri and persecution between the Saints and those against the church was reaching its breaking point. Constant threats and many false accusations landed the Prophet Joseph Smith and a few others in Liberty Jail, a prison that even criminals would find demeaning. Its hard to imagine a man like the prophet of God thrown in a dark, dank cell and spend a brutal Missouri winter in it. During this hard time, even he cried out “O God, where art thou?” and to wonder how long it would be til the end of their suffering.
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves wondering the same thing after enduring hardships if God is there and how long we’ll go through it. Whether it be struggling in finding employment, difficulties in our schooling, or a promising relationship ends, everyone has and will go through some kind of hardship. The lesson to learn, however, is to know and believe that things will always get better and the hard times we go through are actually for our good. The Lord has said, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” (D&C 24:8) So what are some things we can do to overcome such despair at first and see the light that is at the end of the tunnel?
1.) We must go and do, not “sit and stew”: What is the first thing that comes to mind when going through trials? Its complaining and murmuring. It’s natural and it lets us vent off some steam. But if we sit on our hands and complain and give up, what does that accomplish in the long run? We all know the story of Nephi and his family traveling to a new land and how much Laman and Lemuel complained and murmured the entire time…but they still went through with everything that happened. They problem was, of course, they complained about all their trials. In D&C 121, the Lord said to endure things “well”, which they did not obviously do. They endured…just not well. In our trials, we should try to serve others and help others be happy. By doing that, we change our mindset to “why me?” to “how about them?”. We cant sit and stew about our problems, but go and make the best of them to help others.
2.) Take it as a teaching experience and lean to “come what may, and love it”: I loved Elder Wirthlin’s last talk that he gave that had that wonderful message about looking for humor, eternal perspective, and trusting in the Lord during our trials to help get through them. He said, “I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.” (Ensign, November 2008) Just as the Prophet Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, the Lord comforted him by saying, “And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good…for God shall be with you forever and ever.” (D&C 122: 7, 9) Trials can be our best teachers, whether we enjoy them or not. They teach us to appreciate the things we’ve been blessed with and help us know that there are always better things to come.
3.) Draw closer to God: Although trials shouldn’t force us to seek the Lord as a last resort for comfort, during these humbling and difficult, there can be great opportunities to grow spiritually. Prayer, scripture study, fasting, and also attending the temple can be amazing refuges. It’s a time when we can come closer to understanding God’s plan and timing for us individually. Through the pain, comfort can begin to swell in us.
While going through a very difficult time in his life, C.S. Lewis struggled with his faith while watching his wife of many years dying of cancer. Through his grief, he learned a very valuable lesson which I feel applies to all of us. ---“[So God is, then, something like a divine physician.] A cruel man might be bribed--might grow tired of his vile sport--might have a temporary fit of mercy, as alcoholics have [temporary] fits of sobriety. But suppose that what you are up against is a [wonderfully skilled] surgeon whose intentions are [solely and absolutely] good. [Then], the kinder and more conscientious he is, [the more he cares about you,] the more inexorably he will go on cutting [in spite of the suffering it may cause. And] if he yielded to your entreaties, if he stopped before the operation was complete, all the pain up to that point would have been useless. . . . [pp. 4950] [So I am, you see, one] of God's patients, not yet cured. I know there are not only tears [yet] to be dried but stains [yet] to be scoured. [My] sword will be made even brighter. [p. 49] [C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed (New York: Seabury Press, Inc., 1961)
Brothers and Sisters, I testify that God lives and that He loves us and that indeed “All things work together for good.” Good does triumph. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen
"Bus Ride" (from August 19, 2010)
Soooo....i remember back a few months ago, i tried to make this analogy and it got very jumbled and confusing even so much that i didnt see it and got a little sibling ribbing *cough, Bryan, cough* from it. So with the help of some oh-so-yummy-in-my-tummy white chocolate raspberry cheesecake from Olive Garden to help out (OK, i have to admit....whenever i feel i have a good idea of something to write, food somehow is always involved. What can i say, food tends to be a good muse for me, lol) but i'll try to make a little bit more sense this time, 'cause if not...my bro will be on the prowl, hahaha.
Ok, so pretty much i'm sure that we've all ridden the bus before. when we need to get somewhere while trying to save gas in the car and if there's lack of a car or you're plain tired of walking or biking. It can be fun sometimes and a good, relaxing change of pace. You get to meet lots of different people: old and young, loud and quiet, drunk and sober, etc. You can strike up some good conversations with people you've never met before and may never see again, or you can just crank up the iPod and jam to some tunes (thats me most of the time). I like to also just sometimes stare out the window and see life being lived by those outside and just pondering/thinking. When setting up this scenery, i like to turn it into an analogy. I have a habit of making analogies out of a lot of things, even donuts (you'll have to ask about that one, lol).
But i look at this as an analogy of life....(this is where i hope i make sense)....We're all sitting on a bus, waiting to reach our specific destination. Our destinations are plans/goals/things we want to do in life. When approaching our stop when we really are on a bus, we've made specific plans to get off at that stop and head to wherever we're going. When we're done, we get back on and head to the next destination. When on our "life bus", we all have certain goals we want to reach i.e. school, marriage, family, career, etc. All of us, at different points in life, are heading to places like this and when we reach them we'll get off and sojurn in that. Its not happening at the same time, just like we all dont get off at the same stop all at the same time.
Now of course, our trip isn't always smooth sailing. the trip may take a long time, with us sitting there perhaps growing impatient and wondering, "when will i get to where i want!" or "will i ever get to that point in life?" Sometimes, we get so impatient with the length of the ride that we simply settle for a stop and get off, which isn't always the best idea. It's sad to see when somebody gets off too early and you wonder if they'll ever make it to the ultimate stop....i've had a brother do that already.
For me personally (and just like everybody else) the trip has its challenges and ups and downs. I've voluntarily got off for two years to serve the Lord in Georgia, which i dont or ever will regret. Also for those two years, i believed i had the perfect person in mindto share my life with only to get off the "bus" and be told "Sorry, this wont happen" and i had to get back on....Also, i've seen a stop ahead and got wrong information and assumed things about that stop, only to pass it by and then be filled with regret....with life, as with this, you have to keep going hoping things will all work out.
But with this bus, you wont get kicked off or thrown off by the driver (theres numberless buses, but we all have the same driver if you know what i mean...we each have our own life, but its guided by the same Being, God.) We wont be forced to make a stop. But (to take a little bit from Inception) if we decide to kick back and just sit on our can and dont do anything, we can all grow to be old and filled with regret waiting to die. Sometimes, the most we can do is take a leap of faith with both feet. We're all waiting for our stop to come, we all think we know when it'll be or exactly where it'll take place, but aren't sure just yet. But thats where our faith and hope kicks in to give assurance. If we dont act, life will just pass us by.
So, as we are, i continue to sit and wait to approach my next stop. its 2 1/2 weeks away, but im ready to get there. When i get to that point, theres another stop im anticipating on making, but we'll see how everything unfolds. Til then, i'll try to give it a good shot to simply enjoy the ride. perhaps we can keep each other company til we make that great, grand, final stop one day.
Ok, so pretty much i'm sure that we've all ridden the bus before. when we need to get somewhere while trying to save gas in the car and if there's lack of a car or you're plain tired of walking or biking. It can be fun sometimes and a good, relaxing change of pace. You get to meet lots of different people: old and young, loud and quiet, drunk and sober, etc. You can strike up some good conversations with people you've never met before and may never see again, or you can just crank up the iPod and jam to some tunes (thats me most of the time). I like to also just sometimes stare out the window and see life being lived by those outside and just pondering/thinking. When setting up this scenery, i like to turn it into an analogy. I have a habit of making analogies out of a lot of things, even donuts (you'll have to ask about that one, lol).
But i look at this as an analogy of life....(this is where i hope i make sense)....We're all sitting on a bus, waiting to reach our specific destination. Our destinations are plans/goals/things we want to do in life. When approaching our stop when we really are on a bus, we've made specific plans to get off at that stop and head to wherever we're going. When we're done, we get back on and head to the next destination. When on our "life bus", we all have certain goals we want to reach i.e. school, marriage, family, career, etc. All of us, at different points in life, are heading to places like this and when we reach them we'll get off and sojurn in that. Its not happening at the same time, just like we all dont get off at the same stop all at the same time.
Now of course, our trip isn't always smooth sailing. the trip may take a long time, with us sitting there perhaps growing impatient and wondering, "when will i get to where i want!" or "will i ever get to that point in life?" Sometimes, we get so impatient with the length of the ride that we simply settle for a stop and get off, which isn't always the best idea. It's sad to see when somebody gets off too early and you wonder if they'll ever make it to the ultimate stop....i've had a brother do that already.
For me personally (and just like everybody else) the trip has its challenges and ups and downs. I've voluntarily got off for two years to serve the Lord in Georgia, which i dont or ever will regret. Also for those two years, i believed i had the perfect person in mindto share my life with only to get off the "bus" and be told "Sorry, this wont happen" and i had to get back on....Also, i've seen a stop ahead and got wrong information and assumed things about that stop, only to pass it by and then be filled with regret....with life, as with this, you have to keep going hoping things will all work out.
But with this bus, you wont get kicked off or thrown off by the driver (theres numberless buses, but we all have the same driver if you know what i mean...we each have our own life, but its guided by the same Being, God.) We wont be forced to make a stop. But (to take a little bit from Inception) if we decide to kick back and just sit on our can and dont do anything, we can all grow to be old and filled with regret waiting to die. Sometimes, the most we can do is take a leap of faith with both feet. We're all waiting for our stop to come, we all think we know when it'll be or exactly where it'll take place, but aren't sure just yet. But thats where our faith and hope kicks in to give assurance. If we dont act, life will just pass us by.
So, as we are, i continue to sit and wait to approach my next stop. its 2 1/2 weeks away, but im ready to get there. When i get to that point, theres another stop im anticipating on making, but we'll see how everything unfolds. Til then, i'll try to give it a good shot to simply enjoy the ride. perhaps we can keep each other company til we make that great, grand, final stop one day.
"Go Seek" (from March 21, 2010)
The Thirteenth Article of Faith states: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Now, being given this as a topic for a talk can be a little intimidating since there is so much in there that you can give a talk on. But the one thing I want to point out and emphasize (and thus make it the subject of my talk) would be the last line, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this is the gospel of action. Certainly, we can’t be “casual Christians” and expect to receive many of the blessings that the Lord has to offer; we have to go after them. I love the admonition to “seek”. It definitely doesn’t say: “We might seek after these things” or “We seek after these things….if it’s convenient or popular, or else others might think we not cool”. No…more is expected and required.
Here are a few examples of those that sought after righteous things:
NEPHI: Put yourself in Nephi’s place: Your father is the prophet and has just prophesied that Jerusalem will soon be taken captive by Babylon. Despite the wealth and goods his family had, they chose to leave anyway. Your family is turning somewhat dysfunctional with two of your older brothers rebelling and causing lots of trouble. Certainly for Nephi it would have been pretty easy to side with his brothers and join in on the troublemaking. But Nephi believed his father and had faith in God. In 1 Nephi 2:16 it reads, “And it came to pass that I Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord: and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.” Nephi sought to learn more about the Lord, and we can see by further reading the kind of person he became.
JOSEPH SMITH: Joseph sought of God which of all the churches was true, and simply put, 13 million+ members and numerous temples across the Earth are all evidence of Joseph seeking out truth.
JESUS CHRIST: Obviously, Christ is the perfect example for all good things. With everything that Christ did in His life; the miracles, the teachings, and the Atonement, theres a scripture that can sum it up. In Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Christ went about doing good because of His love for all.
Soooo….what should we seek out???
1.) Seek the Kingdom of God before riches: In Jacob 2:18-19, the prophet Jacob counsels, “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good--to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” Sometimes we may get caught up in the desire for money, that we could start to neglect going to church or paying our tithing or serving a mission. When we put God first, then other things will fall into place.
2.) Seek learning: D&C 88:118, “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” Going to school and seeking higher education help us with our future. Also studying the scriptures and the words of the prophets and apostles can be great in increasing our knowledge of the Gospel.
3.) Seek gifts of the Spirit: D&C 46: 9, “For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon our lusts.” We are all given gifts of the Spirit from God. Want to know what they are? Pray for them and find out how you can develop and strengthen them.
4.) Seek good friends: In October 2000 General Conference, Neal A. Maxwell said, “Whether young or old, we need to be good friends, but also to pick our friends carefully. By choosing the Lord first, choosing one's friends becomes easier and much safer. Consider the contrasting friendships in the city of Enoch compared to peers in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah! The citizens of the city of Enoch chose Jesus and a way of life, then became everlasting friends. So much depends on whom and what we seek first.” The friends we chose to surround ourselves with can have a big impact on us now and later on in our lives. We ourselves can be good friends to others, too.
5.) Seek the Temple: Elder Gary E. Stevenson said, “You are never lost when you can see the Temple.” President Monson followed, “As we touch the Temple, the Temple will touch us.” When we seek to go to the Temple or keep the Temple a big part of our lives, we can learn more about our Heavenly Father and cultivate the blessing of families being together forever.
My testimony is similar to that of Moroni, “Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.” (Moroni 7:19) As we “seek out these things”, we will be blessed. We will certainly know the importance of “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Now, being given this as a topic for a talk can be a little intimidating since there is so much in there that you can give a talk on. But the one thing I want to point out and emphasize (and thus make it the subject of my talk) would be the last line, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this is the gospel of action. Certainly, we can’t be “casual Christians” and expect to receive many of the blessings that the Lord has to offer; we have to go after them. I love the admonition to “seek”. It definitely doesn’t say: “We might seek after these things” or “We seek after these things….if it’s convenient or popular, or else others might think we not cool”. No…more is expected and required.
Here are a few examples of those that sought after righteous things:
NEPHI: Put yourself in Nephi’s place: Your father is the prophet and has just prophesied that Jerusalem will soon be taken captive by Babylon. Despite the wealth and goods his family had, they chose to leave anyway. Your family is turning somewhat dysfunctional with two of your older brothers rebelling and causing lots of trouble. Certainly for Nephi it would have been pretty easy to side with his brothers and join in on the troublemaking. But Nephi believed his father and had faith in God. In 1 Nephi 2:16 it reads, “And it came to pass that I Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord: and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.” Nephi sought to learn more about the Lord, and we can see by further reading the kind of person he became.
JOSEPH SMITH: Joseph sought of God which of all the churches was true, and simply put, 13 million+ members and numerous temples across the Earth are all evidence of Joseph seeking out truth.
JESUS CHRIST: Obviously, Christ is the perfect example for all good things. With everything that Christ did in His life; the miracles, the teachings, and the Atonement, theres a scripture that can sum it up. In Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Christ went about doing good because of His love for all.
Soooo….what should we seek out???
1.) Seek the Kingdom of God before riches: In Jacob 2:18-19, the prophet Jacob counsels, “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good--to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” Sometimes we may get caught up in the desire for money, that we could start to neglect going to church or paying our tithing or serving a mission. When we put God first, then other things will fall into place.
2.) Seek learning: D&C 88:118, “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” Going to school and seeking higher education help us with our future. Also studying the scriptures and the words of the prophets and apostles can be great in increasing our knowledge of the Gospel.
3.) Seek gifts of the Spirit: D&C 46: 9, “For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon our lusts.” We are all given gifts of the Spirit from God. Want to know what they are? Pray for them and find out how you can develop and strengthen them.
4.) Seek good friends: In October 2000 General Conference, Neal A. Maxwell said, “Whether young or old, we need to be good friends, but also to pick our friends carefully. By choosing the Lord first, choosing one's friends becomes easier and much safer. Consider the contrasting friendships in the city of Enoch compared to peers in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah! The citizens of the city of Enoch chose Jesus and a way of life, then became everlasting friends. So much depends on whom and what we seek first.” The friends we chose to surround ourselves with can have a big impact on us now and later on in our lives. We ourselves can be good friends to others, too.
5.) Seek the Temple: Elder Gary E. Stevenson said, “You are never lost when you can see the Temple.” President Monson followed, “As we touch the Temple, the Temple will touch us.” When we seek to go to the Temple or keep the Temple a big part of our lives, we can learn more about our Heavenly Father and cultivate the blessing of families being together forever.
My testimony is similar to that of Moroni, “Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.” (Moroni 7:19) As we “seek out these things”, we will be blessed. We will certainly know the importance of “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
"Dr. Suess Tracting" (from February 17, 2010)
Lately, i've had the story "Green Eggs and Ham" from Dr. Suess if you couldn't tell. So when i was in the shower, i had a great idea pop up. (the shower tends to be the best place sometimes.) And this is what came up:
"Take a Look at this Book"
Elder, Elder we need something to do
Aren't you mad we've no taught lessons? Yeah...me too
I can't spend this time doing some doodles
Hurry up with those Ramen Noodles.
No appointments can be really distracting
Looks like the thing to do...is tracting.
So we pack up our stuff and head out on bikes,
Hoping that we don't run over what look like spikes.
Upon our arrival, we look for a street sign,
hoping that we don't this until going in at nine.
"I'm Elder Bree, a local missionary
Here to share the gospel absolutely free!
We'd like for you to take a good long look
At all the great things contained in this here book!"
"And I'm another missionary, but with a different name
We do not seek for glory or for fame.
I do apologize, but my name is Elder Sessage
Please sir...will you listen to our message?"
"Boys, i would not, will not take your book,
Nor will i even give it a look!
I'm really busy as you can see,
now get off my lawn and let me be!
Elder Bree said, "Sir, won't you please just take a look
At this wonderful, life changing book?
Would you like us to come back perhaps Monday
In the evening, afternoon, or day?
Let us teach you the pitfalls of sin,
What do you say....may we come in?"
The man just stood there, appearing in a rush
And slamming the door in a sound that was not a hush.
Looking sad and upset, we moved on for more
Hoping that we could find that one opened door.
On to the next house, hoping for no reproach
We switched it up with Elder Sessage doing the door approach.
"Hello ma'am, I'm Elder Sessage,
ready to share with you an important message
Not sure what more i can say,
Other than you're life will change when about this you'll pray.
This is so important, we cannot lie
Have you wondered where loved ones go when they die?"
She interrupted, "Young man, please back away from my door
I do no want to hear anymore.
I would not, will not take a look
In your hand at that there book.
I am of another faith, where i believe its 3-in-1
And as for our conversation....we're done!"
Cold and distraught, we headed down the street
Hoping not too many blisters would be on our feet.
"Elder Bree, how much longer can we take this?
Cause tracting is something i will never miss."
...."Elder Sessage, take heart and make a grin
Someone on this street will let us in"
Onto the last house at the end of the street,
we were determined not to be beat.
Steadfast and determined, ignoring any pain,
Oh great....it started to rain.
With our knuckles cracked and our feet anything but dry
Sure why not...lets give this a try!
Approaching the door, no seemed home with no lights on,
It appeared that our hope would soon be gone.
But alas! The door opened and the future looked bright,
And soon came on the main living room light!
It was a husband and wife, a young family indeed
Of the gospel in their life there seemed a need.
We started a duel approach, which actually worked
and something that made their ears perked.
Much to my amazement and great surprise,
We got in! Happiness was in our eyes.
"We've looked and looked and nothing seems right", the husband stated;
And to our message we gladly related:
Would you, could you take a look
At this amazing, wonderful little blue book?
Would you, could you take a peek
And seek the answers that you seek?
Will it be the faith of the man named Nephi
Or the undaunted courage of Abinadi?
Maybe the great leadership of King Mosiah
Or of his son and grandson....both named Alma?
Ever wonder what the danger of pride is?
Don't be like Coriantumr and say, "Oh Shiz!"
At the end, there is a promise
The importance of such you mustn't miss.
Ask the truth of it when you pray,
When it comes...you'll know just what to say.
With tears in his eyes, the husband knew exactly what was said
Was the truth the family had sought...it made sense in his head.
I will! I will take a good long look
At that amazing, wonderful blue book!
When i think of these things and start to pray
I cant wait for what the Lord will say:
That the message of the Restoration is oh-so-true
And that these young men came just for your family and you.
When that happens, elders, don't be a bit surprised...
When we all decide to do what He taught...and be baptized!
At the end of the day, the elders arrived home happy and knew without a doubt....
That despite all the trials of the day, everything in the end will eventually work out.
"Take a Look at this Book"
Elder, Elder we need something to do
Aren't you mad we've no taught lessons? Yeah...me too
I can't spend this time doing some doodles
Hurry up with those Ramen Noodles.
No appointments can be really distracting
Looks like the thing to do...is tracting.
So we pack up our stuff and head out on bikes,
Hoping that we don't run over what look like spikes.
Upon our arrival, we look for a street sign,
hoping that we don't this until going in at nine.
"I'm Elder Bree, a local missionary
Here to share the gospel absolutely free!
We'd like for you to take a good long look
At all the great things contained in this here book!"
"And I'm another missionary, but with a different name
We do not seek for glory or for fame.
I do apologize, but my name is Elder Sessage
Please sir...will you listen to our message?"
"Boys, i would not, will not take your book,
Nor will i even give it a look!
I'm really busy as you can see,
now get off my lawn and let me be!
Elder Bree said, "Sir, won't you please just take a look
At this wonderful, life changing book?
Would you like us to come back perhaps Monday
In the evening, afternoon, or day?
Let us teach you the pitfalls of sin,
What do you say....may we come in?"
The man just stood there, appearing in a rush
And slamming the door in a sound that was not a hush.
Looking sad and upset, we moved on for more
Hoping that we could find that one opened door.
On to the next house, hoping for no reproach
We switched it up with Elder Sessage doing the door approach.
"Hello ma'am, I'm Elder Sessage,
ready to share with you an important message
Not sure what more i can say,
Other than you're life will change when about this you'll pray.
This is so important, we cannot lie
Have you wondered where loved ones go when they die?"
She interrupted, "Young man, please back away from my door
I do no want to hear anymore.
I would not, will not take a look
In your hand at that there book.
I am of another faith, where i believe its 3-in-1
And as for our conversation....we're done!"
Cold and distraught, we headed down the street
Hoping not too many blisters would be on our feet.
"Elder Bree, how much longer can we take this?
Cause tracting is something i will never miss."
...."Elder Sessage, take heart and make a grin
Someone on this street will let us in"
Onto the last house at the end of the street,
we were determined not to be beat.
Steadfast and determined, ignoring any pain,
Oh great....it started to rain.
With our knuckles cracked and our feet anything but dry
Sure why not...lets give this a try!
Approaching the door, no seemed home with no lights on,
It appeared that our hope would soon be gone.
But alas! The door opened and the future looked bright,
And soon came on the main living room light!
It was a husband and wife, a young family indeed
Of the gospel in their life there seemed a need.
We started a duel approach, which actually worked
and something that made their ears perked.
Much to my amazement and great surprise,
We got in! Happiness was in our eyes.
"We've looked and looked and nothing seems right", the husband stated;
And to our message we gladly related:
Would you, could you take a look
At this amazing, wonderful little blue book?
Would you, could you take a peek
And seek the answers that you seek?
Will it be the faith of the man named Nephi
Or the undaunted courage of Abinadi?
Maybe the great leadership of King Mosiah
Or of his son and grandson....both named Alma?
Ever wonder what the danger of pride is?
Don't be like Coriantumr and say, "Oh Shiz!"
At the end, there is a promise
The importance of such you mustn't miss.
Ask the truth of it when you pray,
When it comes...you'll know just what to say.
With tears in his eyes, the husband knew exactly what was said
Was the truth the family had sought...it made sense in his head.
I will! I will take a good long look
At that amazing, wonderful blue book!
When i think of these things and start to pray
I cant wait for what the Lord will say:
That the message of the Restoration is oh-so-true
And that these young men came just for your family and you.
When that happens, elders, don't be a bit surprised...
When we all decide to do what He taught...and be baptized!
At the end of the day, the elders arrived home happy and knew without a doubt....
That despite all the trials of the day, everything in the end will eventually work out.
"What I've learned about Prayer" (from January 31, 2010)
Tonight, when my family's home-teachers came by like they do every month, i learned something that i hadn't really thought about. Since it dealt with different principles of prayer, i kinda started reflecting about things i've learned about prayer over the last couple years.
Before i left for Georgia, i wasn't a big praying person. I mean, i would pray now and then but it was really inconsistent and i didn't put much into it as i should have. But i soon learned how important it is and some things i've come to learn about prayer.
-Prayer isn't like calling for a pizza and placing an order: "Hey, yeah...ummm....i'd like this and this and could it come with that too? Thanks, bye." And then after placing such order, we may think that if the answer doesn't come in an hour or less, then we should have our next day be temptation/trial free. Listening is one of the things needed as we pray. If we don't listen, then we essentially hang up the phone.
-Prayer is our one-on-one communication with God. He isn't our buddy down the street that we say "Yo man, what up?!" Since God is our Heavenly Father, the language we use should be reverent and diginified, since we are literally talking to deity.
-Sometimes, if i've had a bad day i have a tendency to vent in my prayers. When bad things happen and dont go my way, i wonder at times if my prayers are even heard and not evaporating into thin air. It can be hard at times to think that prayers are heard, but i know that God answers in His time and in His way. And almost always, those prayers are answered in ways we dont we think of at first, but are exactly what is needed.
-When we ask for deliverance from our trials in prayer, i've found out that the answer a lot of the times to that is "No." In 2 Corinthians 13, when Paul asked God to remove the "thorn in the flesh", it took him three tries until God told him that His is sufficient for him. In the Book of Mormon, the people of Alma were being subjected to bondage and many trials, and when they prayed at first, God told them that he'd lighten their load but not completely take them away...since the Lord chastens whom He loves. Joseph Smith was in a dungeon of a jail cell for months during a Missouri winter, and when he prayed for relief, the Lord said that "all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good." Trials dont immediately go away when we pray for relief or deliverance. God uses those trials and experiences to teach us and shape us to be better people; meaning those things are good for us in the long run. Remember, after Christ was tempted of Satan three times, it was only after that that the "angels came and ministered unto Him."
-We should ask questions in our prayers. Sometimes we get more questions out of prayer than answers, and i believe that God wants us to ask Him what we could do better on or how we can align our will with His. Ever so silently from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, we get an answer and then learn from that how to improve the next day and so on.
Now, thats only a few things i've learned. I've been able to receive answers to some prayers and others im still being tested on and will continue to seek the answer. I can imagine that i still have a lifetime of prayers to be said, a lifetime of trials to face, and an eternity of answers to receive. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said recently, "Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story." (Ensign, January 2010)
Before i left for Georgia, i wasn't a big praying person. I mean, i would pray now and then but it was really inconsistent and i didn't put much into it as i should have. But i soon learned how important it is and some things i've come to learn about prayer.
-Prayer isn't like calling for a pizza and placing an order: "Hey, yeah...ummm....i'd like this and this and could it come with that too? Thanks, bye." And then after placing such order, we may think that if the answer doesn't come in an hour or less, then we should have our next day be temptation/trial free. Listening is one of the things needed as we pray. If we don't listen, then we essentially hang up the phone.
-Prayer is our one-on-one communication with God. He isn't our buddy down the street that we say "Yo man, what up?!" Since God is our Heavenly Father, the language we use should be reverent and diginified, since we are literally talking to deity.
-Sometimes, if i've had a bad day i have a tendency to vent in my prayers. When bad things happen and dont go my way, i wonder at times if my prayers are even heard and not evaporating into thin air. It can be hard at times to think that prayers are heard, but i know that God answers in His time and in His way. And almost always, those prayers are answered in ways we dont we think of at first, but are exactly what is needed.
-When we ask for deliverance from our trials in prayer, i've found out that the answer a lot of the times to that is "No." In 2 Corinthians 13, when Paul asked God to remove the "thorn in the flesh", it took him three tries until God told him that His is sufficient for him. In the Book of Mormon, the people of Alma were being subjected to bondage and many trials, and when they prayed at first, God told them that he'd lighten their load but not completely take them away...since the Lord chastens whom He loves. Joseph Smith was in a dungeon of a jail cell for months during a Missouri winter, and when he prayed for relief, the Lord said that "all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good." Trials dont immediately go away when we pray for relief or deliverance. God uses those trials and experiences to teach us and shape us to be better people; meaning those things are good for us in the long run. Remember, after Christ was tempted of Satan three times, it was only after that that the "angels came and ministered unto Him."
-We should ask questions in our prayers. Sometimes we get more questions out of prayer than answers, and i believe that God wants us to ask Him what we could do better on or how we can align our will with His. Ever so silently from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, we get an answer and then learn from that how to improve the next day and so on.
Now, thats only a few things i've learned. I've been able to receive answers to some prayers and others im still being tested on and will continue to seek the answer. I can imagine that i still have a lifetime of prayers to be said, a lifetime of trials to face, and an eternity of answers to receive. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said recently, "Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story." (Ensign, January 2010)
"Lessons from Georgia" (from January 13, 2010)
...Tonight during Institute, it got me thinking (yes, i know...that rarely happens) and i was like, "Man...there was a ton of things that i learned on the mission in Georgia." Now, i learned plenty of spiritual things there that i cant possibly list and give it due justice, so i'll just list the fun stuff that this tall, white Idaho-born but Colorado-raised westerner learned in the dirrrrrrrty South.
-During the summer, you will sweat profusely going to get your mail that is only 50 or so yards away.
-When someone tells you to "cut the light" or "cut that switch off"....dont think its literal. You'll look dumb.
-The 3 meals of the day...breakfast, dinner, supper...arguing that is very futile. When we'd knock on doors and were told that they were having dinner, i'd almost always look at my watch and go, "But its only 2:30 PM?!"
-Never put thinly wrapped watermelon-quater from Harvey's in the same drawer as an open onion. I was dared to eat it all (thanks Brant for that one, lol) and i thought i was gonna die with how bad watermelon and onion taste together.
-Car washes in the Spring are useless. Your car is turned green by the mass amounts of pollen and as soon as you wash the car, it'll be green in a few hours again. It made car inspections very hard to win, lol.
-You dont tract during Florida-Georgia game....you'll get lots of no answers, slammed doors, and many swear words. And also...don't diss Uga.
-Stevie B's is better than Cici's.
-Zaxby's has the BEST CHICKEN YOU WILL EVER HAVE!!! You can't argue with me or many other converts to Zaxby's. And thus it is, forever and ever amen.
-Catfish is simply AMAZING
-Saying "Y'all" for me was hard and it made me sound even more Western than ever before. I was stuck on "How are you all doing?".
-IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON ALERT: If you have to say something mean or negative, preface your sentence with the phrase, "bless your heart" (of course, "your" can be substituted for "his", "her", "their", etc). Saying "bless your heart" automatically makes everything better. For example, i could say something like, "Well sir that is quite possibly the ugliest child i've seen, bless his heart". No offense is taken in the end.
-Everybody owns a dog. I think even some cats own dogs. And they must be programmed to bark at guys in white shirts and ties with black name tags.
-Hearing an old southern grandmother say, "Hush yo mouf, honeychiiiild!" could put a smile on my face no matter how grumpy i could be.
-BBQ'd dove meat is actually tasty. It kinda tastes like jerky.
-the YM/YW in Georgia are pretty tight. (Hey, you know i had to give a shout out at some point. And i'll add South Carolina to that as well. They're cool too)
-Some girls (not all, so dont get all upset or anything) are attracted to guys with three things: 1.) A big truck and wear a frayed, matching hat of the type of truck. 2.) A scraggily beard/goatee/mustache that makes them look like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo. 3.) A 4-wheeler that is frequently used for muddin' and huntin'. She'd be absolutely beautiful and she'd go out with some guy that'd make you go, "She choose THAT?!?!"....something that'd make you shake your head in disbelief.
-Rainstorms here in the West are nothing compared to that in the South....total downpours. Go big or go home.
-Low-Country Boil and Banana Pudding were soooo good, i had to steal recipes and make them here.
So...i guess Ray Charles was right. I still have Georgia on my mind.
-During the summer, you will sweat profusely going to get your mail that is only 50 or so yards away.
-When someone tells you to "cut the light" or "cut that switch off"....dont think its literal. You'll look dumb.
-The 3 meals of the day...breakfast, dinner, supper...arguing that is very futile. When we'd knock on doors and were told that they were having dinner, i'd almost always look at my watch and go, "But its only 2:30 PM?!"
-Never put thinly wrapped watermelon-quater from Harvey's in the same drawer as an open onion. I was dared to eat it all (thanks Brant for that one, lol) and i thought i was gonna die with how bad watermelon and onion taste together.
-Car washes in the Spring are useless. Your car is turned green by the mass amounts of pollen and as soon as you wash the car, it'll be green in a few hours again. It made car inspections very hard to win, lol.
-You dont tract during Florida-Georgia game....you'll get lots of no answers, slammed doors, and many swear words. And also...don't diss Uga.
-Stevie B's is better than Cici's.
-Zaxby's has the BEST CHICKEN YOU WILL EVER HAVE!!! You can't argue with me or many other converts to Zaxby's. And thus it is, forever and ever amen.
-Catfish is simply AMAZING
-Saying "Y'all" for me was hard and it made me sound even more Western than ever before. I was stuck on "How are you all doing?".
-IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON ALERT: If you have to say something mean or negative, preface your sentence with the phrase, "bless your heart" (of course, "your" can be substituted for "his", "her", "their", etc). Saying "bless your heart" automatically makes everything better. For example, i could say something like, "Well sir that is quite possibly the ugliest child i've seen, bless his heart". No offense is taken in the end.
-Everybody owns a dog. I think even some cats own dogs. And they must be programmed to bark at guys in white shirts and ties with black name tags.
-Hearing an old southern grandmother say, "Hush yo mouf, honeychiiiild!" could put a smile on my face no matter how grumpy i could be.
-BBQ'd dove meat is actually tasty. It kinda tastes like jerky.
-the YM/YW in Georgia are pretty tight. (Hey, you know i had to give a shout out at some point. And i'll add South Carolina to that as well. They're cool too)
-Some girls (not all, so dont get all upset or anything) are attracted to guys with three things: 1.) A big truck and wear a frayed, matching hat of the type of truck. 2.) A scraggily beard/goatee/mustache that makes them look like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo. 3.) A 4-wheeler that is frequently used for muddin' and huntin'. She'd be absolutely beautiful and she'd go out with some guy that'd make you go, "She choose THAT?!?!"....something that'd make you shake your head in disbelief.
-Rainstorms here in the West are nothing compared to that in the South....total downpours. Go big or go home.
-Low-Country Boil and Banana Pudding were soooo good, i had to steal recipes and make them here.
So...i guess Ray Charles was right. I still have Georgia on my mind.
"Favorite Quotes, Sayings, and Scriptures" (from January 11, 2010)
Eh...just for the heck of it. Laugh, cry, get angry, get inspired, or shake your head...whichever.
-"Man, looks like someone ate a big ol' bowl of 'Frosted DUH!' this morning."
-"To me, a beautiful and stuck up girl is like the Denver Nuggets...they look great at first and seem to be everyone's favorite, but they act like babies and always let you down when it matters most and leaving you knowing that you can do much better. A cute and down-to-earth girl is like the Utah Jazz. She's not gonna wow you right away, but shes consistent and will be a great long term commitment for you."
-"When i heard that, i was like "ooh" (disappointed tone) but then it changed and i was like "ooh!!" (excited tone). ---one of my blonde moments
-"Think of it as me being a king-size Baby Ruth and you're my fun-size Snickers friend"
-"Uh oh, i think i hear the "waaah-mbulance" coming....waaaaaaaah, wah wah wah wah"
---------------------------------
-"The only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church when the Church was organized....There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against you'. ---Harold B. Lee
-"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other." ---Marvin J. Ashton
-"How much pressure is too much pressure to remain true? How much disappointment is too much disappointment to stand firm? How far is too far to walk with a discouraged friend, or a struggling spouse, or a troubled child? When the opposition heats up and the going gets tough, how much of what we thought was important to us will we defend and how much, in that inevitable tug and pull of life, will we find it convenient to give away?" ---Jeffrey R. Holland
-"Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!
Well, guess what? That is probably going to result in some ugly morsel being dug up out of your landfill with the reply, “Yeah, I remember it. Do you remember this?” Splat." ---Jeffrey R. Holland
-"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.
We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land, and air, with all our might and with all our strength that God can give us. . . .That is our policy. You ask, What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory--victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror; victory, however long and hard the road may be." ---Winston Churchill
-"I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how i react to it."
---Author Unknown
--------------------------------------
-"And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked." --- 1 Kings 18: 26-27 (only 'cause i think Elijah is the man)
-"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." --- 2 Kings 6: 15-17
-"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." --- Matthew 25:40
-"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." --- D&C 64: 33-34
-"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."
--- D&C 78: 17-18
-"Man, looks like someone ate a big ol' bowl of 'Frosted DUH!' this morning."
-"To me, a beautiful and stuck up girl is like the Denver Nuggets...they look great at first and seem to be everyone's favorite, but they act like babies and always let you down when it matters most and leaving you knowing that you can do much better. A cute and down-to-earth girl is like the Utah Jazz. She's not gonna wow you right away, but shes consistent and will be a great long term commitment for you."
-"When i heard that, i was like "ooh" (disappointed tone) but then it changed and i was like "ooh!!" (excited tone). ---one of my blonde moments
-"Think of it as me being a king-size Baby Ruth and you're my fun-size Snickers friend"
-"Uh oh, i think i hear the "waaah-mbulance" coming....waaaaaaaah, wah wah wah wah"
---------------------------------
-"The only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church when the Church was organized....There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against you'. ---Harold B. Lee
-"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other." ---Marvin J. Ashton
-"How much pressure is too much pressure to remain true? How much disappointment is too much disappointment to stand firm? How far is too far to walk with a discouraged friend, or a struggling spouse, or a troubled child? When the opposition heats up and the going gets tough, how much of what we thought was important to us will we defend and how much, in that inevitable tug and pull of life, will we find it convenient to give away?" ---Jeffrey R. Holland
-"Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!
Well, guess what? That is probably going to result in some ugly morsel being dug up out of your landfill with the reply, “Yeah, I remember it. Do you remember this?” Splat." ---Jeffrey R. Holland
-"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.
We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land, and air, with all our might and with all our strength that God can give us. . . .That is our policy. You ask, What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory--victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror; victory, however long and hard the road may be." ---Winston Churchill
-"I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how i react to it."
---Author Unknown
--------------------------------------
-"And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked." --- 1 Kings 18: 26-27 (only 'cause i think Elijah is the man)
-"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." --- 2 Kings 6: 15-17
-"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." --- Matthew 25:40
-"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." --- D&C 64: 33-34
-"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."
--- D&C 78: 17-18
"Brain Fart" (from January 4, 2010)
So last night, i was desperately trying to figure out something to write on here. I tried and would think i got something, then would get frustrated and have a blank face and have to delete what i typed since it would've made no sense. It was concluded that i was having brain farts, or an involuntary release of ignorance. My mind was totally blank. I had a few things on my mind that i wanted to get out, but would only come up short. So then it hit me as i was going to bed last night and continued pondering this morning....sometimes when we think we got it all figured out and know the ending, thats when challenges come and tempt us to give up. At that point when we think that, thats when a new window is opened in a way.
Recently, i've encountered the notion of: "oh, theres something i definitely know and want in my life, but i'll go out of my way to go for the gamble that MIGHT work instead of something with a greater chance of working." In other words, ditch a better chance at a sure thing for something thats not a sure thing but has a slim chance of being one. I don't know, but call me old-fashioned but when i find something i like or feel is a sure thing, i like to stick with it. That doesn't mean at all that im not going to go try new things, so don't think that at all. But ake for example this: say a young lady has certain qualities about her that i like and think mesh really well with mine, im going to stick with her. If it works, then awesome. if not, then i'll move on and keep looking and try to find someone else. I'm loyal like that, just something i've been raised to be. But i see a lot how someone likes someone who, might not be the best looking or have the coolest things, but has the qualities that actually mean something important. Then, out of nowhere, they want to go chase someone that doesn't quite have the things of the first, but they gamble on the chance of getting something greater even when thats no guarantee. It can cause hurt feelings and maybe resentment. And if the gamble doesn't work, then what is left? (thats a rhetorical question)
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Today, i also had to do something that wasn't the most comfortable. For the longest time (even when i was in Georgia) i wanted to enroll in BYU-Idaho sometime in the Spring. Looking back, it looked like a great plan. I was gonna be home in July which would leave me a few months to find a job, save some money, and take some classes at the local community college so i could then transfer in April. Sounded great. Well, i did take classes at the community college and did fairly well too, but the job thing is still a work in progress unfortunately (only one interview in 6 months). Now that its January and im still looking for work and school starts in April, i was getting anxious about saving money so i didnt have to rely wholly upon FAFSA money, i had to change things. I realized that i need some time to save money and take care of some other things first. I changed my enrollment to Fall 2010, which starts in September. It sucked big time to have to do that, but again then i gotta remember.... "sometimes when we think we got it all figured out and know the ending, thats when challenges come and tempt us to give up. At that point when we think that, thats when a new window is opened in a way."
i guess thats a miracle of a brain fart, huh?
Recently, i've encountered the notion of: "oh, theres something i definitely know and want in my life, but i'll go out of my way to go for the gamble that MIGHT work instead of something with a greater chance of working." In other words, ditch a better chance at a sure thing for something thats not a sure thing but has a slim chance of being one. I don't know, but call me old-fashioned but when i find something i like or feel is a sure thing, i like to stick with it. That doesn't mean at all that im not going to go try new things, so don't think that at all. But ake for example this: say a young lady has certain qualities about her that i like and think mesh really well with mine, im going to stick with her. If it works, then awesome. if not, then i'll move on and keep looking and try to find someone else. I'm loyal like that, just something i've been raised to be. But i see a lot how someone likes someone who, might not be the best looking or have the coolest things, but has the qualities that actually mean something important. Then, out of nowhere, they want to go chase someone that doesn't quite have the things of the first, but they gamble on the chance of getting something greater even when thats no guarantee. It can cause hurt feelings and maybe resentment. And if the gamble doesn't work, then what is left? (thats a rhetorical question)
-------------
Today, i also had to do something that wasn't the most comfortable. For the longest time (even when i was in Georgia) i wanted to enroll in BYU-Idaho sometime in the Spring. Looking back, it looked like a great plan. I was gonna be home in July which would leave me a few months to find a job, save some money, and take some classes at the local community college so i could then transfer in April. Sounded great. Well, i did take classes at the community college and did fairly well too, but the job thing is still a work in progress unfortunately (only one interview in 6 months). Now that its January and im still looking for work and school starts in April, i was getting anxious about saving money so i didnt have to rely wholly upon FAFSA money, i had to change things. I realized that i need some time to save money and take care of some other things first. I changed my enrollment to Fall 2010, which starts in September. It sucked big time to have to do that, but again then i gotta remember.... "sometimes when we think we got it all figured out and know the ending, thats when challenges come and tempt us to give up. At that point when we think that, thats when a new window is opened in a way."
i guess thats a miracle of a brain fart, huh?
"Hope" (from December 27, 2009)
(I gave this talk today at Church, but i thought i'd put it up so that others could read it. Hopefully someone can get something out of it that can help. Its a good topic for all of us too. So....enjoy!)
HOPE
Lately, I’ve come to realize that whenever im assigned to speak in sacrament meeting about a particular topic, whatever I am speaking somehow is lived through or tested for that week. Perhaps the Lord wants me to gain some experience so it can be more relatable and personable. To be honest, this week wasn’t an easy one. Some personal disappointments coupled with a bout of food poisoning have made it a little bit stressful. I pray that today my talk will be able to help somebody, including myself. My topic today is on Hope.
So what is hope? In the October 2008 General Conference, President Uchtdorf gave a really good talk on hope. He said that hope “is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.” (The Infinite Power of Hope, October 2008)
Have you ever noticed the way that the word is hope is used sometimes? For example:
-I hope that so-and-so calls me today…
-I hope that im not late for the party tonight
-(Or in my case) I hope that the Utah Jazz win a championship sometime in my life.
Hope in these cases is transformed into the spiritual equivalent of “crossing our fingers”. We’d really like it to happen, but not sure if it’ll grace us with its presence or if we’ll be lucky to experience it. Thus, hope becomes very short-sighted and lacking in its true meaning.
Hope for vs. Hope in
So what are things that we should hope for? President Uchtdorf continued in his talk that there are things we should hope for and things to hope in. The things we should hope for are the usually future events, the things that are on the horizon for us in our lives. This can be especially difficult when trial after trial seems to hedge up the way for us. The ultimate goal we hope for in eternal life with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and our families; and that the Atonement has made it all possible. (Something good for us to remember this Christmas season.) It’s a hard journey, but as Paul declared: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
The things we hope in are the things that sustain us in our daily needs. This is the hope that we will be delivered from temptation and that our prayers will be answered, as well as our sorrows lifted. Or in other words: “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.” (D&C 90:24)
In Romans 5: 3-5 it states:
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Lets break it down…
1.) So…its telling us that we should glory in tribulations? I don’t know anybody that when faced with difficulties raises their hand and says, “Why yes, I’d love more of those.” But…tribulations makes us stronger. The Lord told Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail that all his afflictions “shall give [him] experience and shall be for [his] good” (D&C 122:7) The afflictions make us stronger and give us the experience needed for future trials.
2.)Then the tribulation is supposed to work patience? Patience definitely gets tried when facing hardships. But we can’t let it break us and define who we are. If we do, we become like Macbeth and mourn “Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. [Macbeth 5.5.23–28]
We cant and must not give up so easily. In the words of Winston Churchill, “What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory--victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror; victory, however long and hard the road may be. [Churchill: the Life Triumphant, American Heritage, 1965, p. 90]
So when we are able to glory in the tribulations that work our patience; and out of that patience comes the experience, then out of the experience comes our hope. Our hope is then refined in the promises that the Lord has given us, and we will not be ashamed.
So what do I hope for? I hope for the day when I will be able to marry a wonderful woman in the temple and be sealed to her for time and all eternity. I hope for the day when friends of mine and some family, including one of my older brothers, comes back into the fold of the Church and partakes of the blessings they are missing. I hope for the day when I can stand before God and able to be worthy to live with Him forever.
In the June 2009 Ensign, Larry Hiller wrote the poem, “Walking with Two Sisters” which I think sums this all up:
“Faith walks before me,
Holding up her lamp
As I try not to stumble in the ink-dark hours before the dawn.
Her light illuminates
One step and then another.
Beside me, Hope, arm linked with mine, encourages and steadies.
Sometimes in the tedium,
Distracted by the pain,
My mind begins to wander, then my feet. I hesitate.
Unsure, I look to Hope.
Her hand takes mine.
The touch reminds me of another hand held out to me,
One pierced and scarred
Yet oh so tender
Lifting me and blessing me when I had fallen and despaired.
Remembering,
I move ahead
Buoyed up by Hope, who sees the end with perfect clarity.”
My testimony today is that I know that God lives and He loves us. That the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and that His Church has been restored. Let us all have hope. Hope for things yet to be, hope in things that are, and hope in each other. Let us have hope that, although life is not easy and most likely wont be fun, we know its all worth it. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
HOPE
Lately, I’ve come to realize that whenever im assigned to speak in sacrament meeting about a particular topic, whatever I am speaking somehow is lived through or tested for that week. Perhaps the Lord wants me to gain some experience so it can be more relatable and personable. To be honest, this week wasn’t an easy one. Some personal disappointments coupled with a bout of food poisoning have made it a little bit stressful. I pray that today my talk will be able to help somebody, including myself. My topic today is on Hope.
So what is hope? In the October 2008 General Conference, President Uchtdorf gave a really good talk on hope. He said that hope “is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.” (The Infinite Power of Hope, October 2008)
Have you ever noticed the way that the word is hope is used sometimes? For example:
-I hope that so-and-so calls me today…
-I hope that im not late for the party tonight
-(Or in my case) I hope that the Utah Jazz win a championship sometime in my life.
Hope in these cases is transformed into the spiritual equivalent of “crossing our fingers”. We’d really like it to happen, but not sure if it’ll grace us with its presence or if we’ll be lucky to experience it. Thus, hope becomes very short-sighted and lacking in its true meaning.
Hope for vs. Hope in
So what are things that we should hope for? President Uchtdorf continued in his talk that there are things we should hope for and things to hope in. The things we should hope for are the usually future events, the things that are on the horizon for us in our lives. This can be especially difficult when trial after trial seems to hedge up the way for us. The ultimate goal we hope for in eternal life with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and our families; and that the Atonement has made it all possible. (Something good for us to remember this Christmas season.) It’s a hard journey, but as Paul declared: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
The things we hope in are the things that sustain us in our daily needs. This is the hope that we will be delivered from temptation and that our prayers will be answered, as well as our sorrows lifted. Or in other words: “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.” (D&C 90:24)
In Romans 5: 3-5 it states:
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Lets break it down…
1.) So…its telling us that we should glory in tribulations? I don’t know anybody that when faced with difficulties raises their hand and says, “Why yes, I’d love more of those.” But…tribulations makes us stronger. The Lord told Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail that all his afflictions “shall give [him] experience and shall be for [his] good” (D&C 122:7) The afflictions make us stronger and give us the experience needed for future trials.
2.)Then the tribulation is supposed to work patience? Patience definitely gets tried when facing hardships. But we can’t let it break us and define who we are. If we do, we become like Macbeth and mourn “Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. [Macbeth 5.5.23–28]
We cant and must not give up so easily. In the words of Winston Churchill, “What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory--victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror; victory, however long and hard the road may be. [Churchill: the Life Triumphant, American Heritage, 1965, p. 90]
So when we are able to glory in the tribulations that work our patience; and out of that patience comes the experience, then out of the experience comes our hope. Our hope is then refined in the promises that the Lord has given us, and we will not be ashamed.
So what do I hope for? I hope for the day when I will be able to marry a wonderful woman in the temple and be sealed to her for time and all eternity. I hope for the day when friends of mine and some family, including one of my older brothers, comes back into the fold of the Church and partakes of the blessings they are missing. I hope for the day when I can stand before God and able to be worthy to live with Him forever.
In the June 2009 Ensign, Larry Hiller wrote the poem, “Walking with Two Sisters” which I think sums this all up:
“Faith walks before me,
Holding up her lamp
As I try not to stumble in the ink-dark hours before the dawn.
Her light illuminates
One step and then another.
Beside me, Hope, arm linked with mine, encourages and steadies.
Sometimes in the tedium,
Distracted by the pain,
My mind begins to wander, then my feet. I hesitate.
Unsure, I look to Hope.
Her hand takes mine.
The touch reminds me of another hand held out to me,
One pierced and scarred
Yet oh so tender
Lifting me and blessing me when I had fallen and despaired.
Remembering,
I move ahead
Buoyed up by Hope, who sees the end with perfect clarity.”
My testimony today is that I know that God lives and He loves us. That the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and that His Church has been restored. Let us all have hope. Hope for things yet to be, hope in things that are, and hope in each other. Let us have hope that, although life is not easy and most likely wont be fun, we know its all worth it. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
"Time to Go" (from September 5, 2009)
Being home from the mission the last 2 months has been good. I've been able to start new things, learn from old things, and re-acquaint myself with those things already here. I've been able to start college (which has been pretty good so far), go to the temple more (great as well), and be able to date more (uhhh....thats been a different story, but we'll move on.) So far, so good. But on those days where lack of job success, dating failures, and overall no finite structure on things....sometimes i just want to go back. Not a permanent stay, but maybe a week or two. I want to go back...
...back to Georgia.
I can still remember when i stepped out of that truck on my way to the first apartment in Albany, GA i was verrrrrry overwhelmed. That same afternoon, i was sitting on the couch in the main living room and thought to myself, "Man....what have i got myself into? Will i survive for the two years?"
As you can tell, i did. I grew as well...in maturity, testimony, and of course my weight. (yep, i grew thunder-thighs.)
But things were definitely not easy. I got yelled at, cussed out, and a AA battery thrown at me out of a school bus. There was the stress of trying to find new people to teach AND being able to keep them interested in learning more about the restored gospel. You have to pray your butt off and fast hard for them, which can bring big tests of your faith. It was hard to stay positive.
But i don't dwell on those things. I think on the positive memories i had:
-killing more roaches that i've had in my whole life
-the brown sweat stains on the white shirts
-Hopeland Gardens and their Christmas lights
-seeing snow in the South!
-many tie compliments
-riding the super-slow Macon city bus
-the "welfare cat" of Dublin
-driving through the flooded streets of Savannah in a Corolla
-the experience on the one and only River St.
-going to the beach (even..if..it..wasn't..allowed...oops)
-grilling steaks on the front porch of the Thomasville house
-tracting in absolute downpours and getting multiple blisters on my toes due to soggy feet
-walking down empty country roads in the middle of nowhere trying to find house to tract
-taking 45-50 minutes to bike 3 miles on a very sandy road
-introductions to Zaxby's, Kobe', grits and BBQ'd dove meat on a stick
-and i cant forget....Gloria Tuten, Scott Williams, Christa Williams, Kirby Williamson, Chris Curry, Tamia Curry, Brooke Robbins, Amie Conley, and Tyler Neismith. :)
Many memories, but i can NEVER EVER forget the wonderful members in each of my areas. I formed friendships with people i will never forget and hopefully they know that. I hope those friendships can last for a long time (see you hopefully at my wedding whenever that is.)
Although i enjoy being home very much, again....sometimes, if i could go back to the place i was spiritually born; to get away from the stress of RM-homelife...i would.
As Elder McKee penned in a song, "It's time to go...down to Georgia, i know. It's where im meant to be". For a week or two, that'd be great.
...back to Georgia.
I can still remember when i stepped out of that truck on my way to the first apartment in Albany, GA i was verrrrrry overwhelmed. That same afternoon, i was sitting on the couch in the main living room and thought to myself, "Man....what have i got myself into? Will i survive for the two years?"
As you can tell, i did. I grew as well...in maturity, testimony, and of course my weight. (yep, i grew thunder-thighs.)
But things were definitely not easy. I got yelled at, cussed out, and a AA battery thrown at me out of a school bus. There was the stress of trying to find new people to teach AND being able to keep them interested in learning more about the restored gospel. You have to pray your butt off and fast hard for them, which can bring big tests of your faith. It was hard to stay positive.
But i don't dwell on those things. I think on the positive memories i had:
-killing more roaches that i've had in my whole life
-the brown sweat stains on the white shirts
-Hopeland Gardens and their Christmas lights
-seeing snow in the South!
-many tie compliments
-riding the super-slow Macon city bus
-the "welfare cat" of Dublin
-driving through the flooded streets of Savannah in a Corolla
-the experience on the one and only River St.
-going to the beach (even..if..it..wasn't..allowed...oops)
-grilling steaks on the front porch of the Thomasville house
-tracting in absolute downpours and getting multiple blisters on my toes due to soggy feet
-walking down empty country roads in the middle of nowhere trying to find house to tract
-taking 45-50 minutes to bike 3 miles on a very sandy road
-introductions to Zaxby's, Kobe', grits and BBQ'd dove meat on a stick
-and i cant forget....Gloria Tuten, Scott Williams, Christa Williams, Kirby Williamson, Chris Curry, Tamia Curry, Brooke Robbins, Amie Conley, and Tyler Neismith. :)
Many memories, but i can NEVER EVER forget the wonderful members in each of my areas. I formed friendships with people i will never forget and hopefully they know that. I hope those friendships can last for a long time (see you hopefully at my wedding whenever that is.)
Although i enjoy being home very much, again....sometimes, if i could go back to the place i was spiritually born; to get away from the stress of RM-homelife...i would.
As Elder McKee penned in a song, "It's time to go...down to Georgia, i know. It's where im meant to be". For a week or two, that'd be great.
"One Thing I Want Most" (from August 20, 2009)
That's one of those questions you tend to think, "well....there is one thing i really, reeeeeeeeeeeally want." Then a whole laundry list of random crap and materialistic junk that they want. Honestly, i'll indulge temporarily a bit. My top 3 would include:
1.) being the GM of the Utah Jazz, bringing them their much needed championship.
2.) owning an Atlanta Bread Company or Cold Stone. Why? 'Cause i could get free food....and im a fatty.
3.) a 2010 Chevy Camaro, so i can have something fast and grossly overpowered.
But for me, in all honesty, want something different. None of this stuff above really matters in the grand scheme of things. The one thing i want more than anything else...
is a family.
Next week, me and my family get to go to Boise for my cousin's wedding at the Boise Temple. I'm so stoked that i get to participate with the whole thing. I wanted to wait until after the whole wedding trip to type this, but i probably would've forgotten some of the things i wanted to put down. Now, i do have to warn you....its gonna get reeeeeeally cheesy in here. Yep, your half-empty box of White Cheddar Cheez-Its on the counter got nothing on how cheesy im gonna get.
MY FUTURE WIFE
-I've heard a lot of guys talk A LOT about how their future wife will be like or look like, etc. Like, "man, shes gonna be 5'7" with green eyes and a Size 2 and awesome hair and such a babe!" So pretty much all about the looks and how big of a trophy wife she can be. Everytime i was told that, i thought to myself "wow...im glad im not that superficial." Now, don't get me wrong...you have to be attracted to your spouse. You dont want to wake up every morning and look at the person and go, "AAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" That'd be a very bad thing....For me, i have a little bit of a list of my own of her qualities that matter more.
-strong testimony of the Church
-good personality (bubbly, funny, can dish out sarcasm...thats a plus)
-has musical talent (sing or play instrument) or loves music and appreciates it
-good family
-finally, attractive to me (if someone else doesn't think so, then poo on them. all that matters is that i think she's beautiful)
To me, i just get a huge smile on my face at the thought that theres a girl out there that'll actually WANT to wake up next to me, have a family, and spend time and all eternity with little ol' me. I imagine looking into her eyes and smiling all goofy like and think to myself, "Wow...you're so beautiful. And i get to spend all eternity with you??? WOOOOHOOOOO!!!" The reception will be amazing. My mom and my wife will be in tears, my dad with a "thats my boy!" look on his face and me just smiling away. All in all, i want my wife to be "A.T.W.". What the heck does that mean you say? It stands for "Always Temple Worthy". I feel that if they're always temple worthy, she'll be doing everything can to be a great person which makes them uber-desirable. But thats just me. :)
MY FUTURE CHILDREN
Yes, i DO want children. Moments im anticipating: 1.) holding them in my arms for the very first time and just taking a moment to think about where they just came from and the love i have for them. 2.) Being able to give them a name and a blessing. 3.) watching them grow up in the gospel, go through different experiences, and have their own children; thus the cycle continues. HOORAY FOR POSTERITY!!!!
Me personally, i want so bad to have daughters. I look at my nieces and go, "daughters are just more adorable." (no offense to jonathan) Yes, girls are a handful and can be trouble later on, but i cant wait for the moment when one of my girls looks up at me with puppy-dog eyes and says in a sweet little voice, "daddyyyyy?????? Then me, being the big and tough looking dad, says ".....yes sweetie, what is it?" Because i may look gruff and mean on the outside (especially now with having gone 3 days not shaving),but on the inside im a big white teddy bear. True story.
I know that this is a "hope" right now, not a "sure thing, and if not, im gonna kick somebody's dog." I have strong hopes for a family. Again, it may sound really cheesy but...oh well. So be it.
I want to be able to tell my teenage kids that their mom is "a babe"...I want to be an old man and hold hands with my wife of X number of years and be able to cuddle watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, both of us shouting answers at the TV. I want to be at the side of my wife as she passes quietly on the other side, knowing for a surety that i'll be with her again and that death is just another door to pass through. I want my children to know that their dad loved them and their mom, was a righteous Priesthood holder, and taught them the truth.
Recently, i listened to this one song from Ben Folds, "The Luckiest". As noticed by my status, i love the song. I want to, one day, look into my wife's eyes and tell/sing her:
"I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here
And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?
And in a wide sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you
Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away
I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest" (Ben Folds, "The Luckiest)
Til then...
1.) being the GM of the Utah Jazz, bringing them their much needed championship.
2.) owning an Atlanta Bread Company or Cold Stone. Why? 'Cause i could get free food....and im a fatty.
3.) a 2010 Chevy Camaro, so i can have something fast and grossly overpowered.
But for me, in all honesty, want something different. None of this stuff above really matters in the grand scheme of things. The one thing i want more than anything else...
is a family.
Next week, me and my family get to go to Boise for my cousin's wedding at the Boise Temple. I'm so stoked that i get to participate with the whole thing. I wanted to wait until after the whole wedding trip to type this, but i probably would've forgotten some of the things i wanted to put down. Now, i do have to warn you....its gonna get reeeeeeally cheesy in here. Yep, your half-empty box of White Cheddar Cheez-Its on the counter got nothing on how cheesy im gonna get.
MY FUTURE WIFE
-I've heard a lot of guys talk A LOT about how their future wife will be like or look like, etc. Like, "man, shes gonna be 5'7" with green eyes and a Size 2 and awesome hair and such a babe!" So pretty much all about the looks and how big of a trophy wife she can be. Everytime i was told that, i thought to myself "wow...im glad im not that superficial." Now, don't get me wrong...you have to be attracted to your spouse. You dont want to wake up every morning and look at the person and go, "AAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" That'd be a very bad thing....For me, i have a little bit of a list of my own of her qualities that matter more.
-strong testimony of the Church
-good personality (bubbly, funny, can dish out sarcasm...thats a plus)
-has musical talent (sing or play instrument) or loves music and appreciates it
-good family
-finally, attractive to me (if someone else doesn't think so, then poo on them. all that matters is that i think she's beautiful)
To me, i just get a huge smile on my face at the thought that theres a girl out there that'll actually WANT to wake up next to me, have a family, and spend time and all eternity with little ol' me. I imagine looking into her eyes and smiling all goofy like and think to myself, "Wow...you're so beautiful. And i get to spend all eternity with you??? WOOOOHOOOOO!!!" The reception will be amazing. My mom and my wife will be in tears, my dad with a "thats my boy!" look on his face and me just smiling away. All in all, i want my wife to be "A.T.W.". What the heck does that mean you say? It stands for "Always Temple Worthy". I feel that if they're always temple worthy, she'll be doing everything can to be a great person which makes them uber-desirable. But thats just me. :)
MY FUTURE CHILDREN
Yes, i DO want children. Moments im anticipating: 1.) holding them in my arms for the very first time and just taking a moment to think about where they just came from and the love i have for them. 2.) Being able to give them a name and a blessing. 3.) watching them grow up in the gospel, go through different experiences, and have their own children; thus the cycle continues. HOORAY FOR POSTERITY!!!!
Me personally, i want so bad to have daughters. I look at my nieces and go, "daughters are just more adorable." (no offense to jonathan) Yes, girls are a handful and can be trouble later on, but i cant wait for the moment when one of my girls looks up at me with puppy-dog eyes and says in a sweet little voice, "daddyyyyy?????? Then me, being the big and tough looking dad, says ".....yes sweetie, what is it?" Because i may look gruff and mean on the outside (especially now with having gone 3 days not shaving),but on the inside im a big white teddy bear. True story.
I know that this is a "hope" right now, not a "sure thing, and if not, im gonna kick somebody's dog." I have strong hopes for a family. Again, it may sound really cheesy but...oh well. So be it.
I want to be able to tell my teenage kids that their mom is "a babe"...I want to be an old man and hold hands with my wife of X number of years and be able to cuddle watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, both of us shouting answers at the TV. I want to be at the side of my wife as she passes quietly on the other side, knowing for a surety that i'll be with her again and that death is just another door to pass through. I want my children to know that their dad loved them and their mom, was a righteous Priesthood holder, and taught them the truth.
Recently, i listened to this one song from Ben Folds, "The Luckiest". As noticed by my status, i love the song. I want to, one day, look into my wife's eyes and tell/sing her:
"I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here
And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?
And in a wide sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you
Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away
I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest" (Ben Folds, "The Luckiest)
Til then...
"The Good Guy" (from August 16, 2009)
(Now i know, i know...i've been pumping these blogs out one after the other for like the last few days. Does that mean i have a lot on my mind? Well...yes. I have so much hot air in my head to release, it compares to the after effect of eating about 4 double decker tacos and a Baja Blast Mountain Dew (man, thats good) from Taco Bell.
Sometimes, they're serious and thought provoking. Most of the time, its far from serious and stupor of thought provoking. But this one, i had to get out.)
You've seen him out there, huh? No, not really? He kinda blends into the crowd a lot of times, huh? He's not the guy who's out there like, "hey everybody...LOOK AT HOW AWESOME I AM!" He's not driving that cheap piece of crap wannabe street racing car that makes you think "wow...he's compensating for something. poser!" He's quiet and shy, yet can be a big goofball and make you smile. Kinda hard to read at times, yet readable like a book at other times. Big weirdo, what the heck is he?
...He's the "good guy".
the "good guy"? He's not some wimpy sensitive guy that who's got the kleenex box closeby when watching 'The Notebook', is he? OH HECK NO! This "good guy" is kind of like a....a porcupine. Ogres may be like onions and have layers, but im using the porcupine analogy...so there!
Why a porcupine? Not only because its a cuddly little forest creature, but its covered in thorns. The outside looks less than inviting and scary. But the inside is different. The inside character could be sweet and nice. That is what im talkin' 'bout, Willis.
This "good guy" has the scruff of someone who hasnt shaved in three days, yet stays up late to console a friend in need. This "good guy" threatens to 'hulk out' on some punk wanting to start crap, but always claims to be "as harmless as a newborn kitten." This "good guy" has a tendency to be a jerk, but believes being brutally honest is the best way to prevent future heartbreak.
It tends to be lonely for the "good guy" at times, but he's got his close friends to keep him sane (they know who they are). The good will someday get better. The whole patience thing is a killer.
So where is this "good guy"? He seems wanted by lots of people, but when in sight...is passed by. I was gonna go look for him so i could find out who the heck he is, but then....
i looked in the mirror and saw him.
Sometimes, they're serious and thought provoking. Most of the time, its far from serious and stupor of thought provoking. But this one, i had to get out.)
You've seen him out there, huh? No, not really? He kinda blends into the crowd a lot of times, huh? He's not the guy who's out there like, "hey everybody...LOOK AT HOW AWESOME I AM!" He's not driving that cheap piece of crap wannabe street racing car that makes you think "wow...he's compensating for something. poser!" He's quiet and shy, yet can be a big goofball and make you smile. Kinda hard to read at times, yet readable like a book at other times. Big weirdo, what the heck is he?
...He's the "good guy".
the "good guy"? He's not some wimpy sensitive guy that who's got the kleenex box closeby when watching 'The Notebook', is he? OH HECK NO! This "good guy" is kind of like a....a porcupine. Ogres may be like onions and have layers, but im using the porcupine analogy...so there!
Why a porcupine? Not only because its a cuddly little forest creature, but its covered in thorns. The outside looks less than inviting and scary. But the inside is different. The inside character could be sweet and nice. That is what im talkin' 'bout, Willis.
This "good guy" has the scruff of someone who hasnt shaved in three days, yet stays up late to console a friend in need. This "good guy" threatens to 'hulk out' on some punk wanting to start crap, but always claims to be "as harmless as a newborn kitten." This "good guy" has a tendency to be a jerk, but believes being brutally honest is the best way to prevent future heartbreak.
It tends to be lonely for the "good guy" at times, but he's got his close friends to keep him sane (they know who they are). The good will someday get better. The whole patience thing is a killer.
So where is this "good guy"? He seems wanted by lots of people, but when in sight...is passed by. I was gonna go look for him so i could find out who the heck he is, but then....
i looked in the mirror and saw him.
"How to be Un-Datable" (from August 13, 2009)
Ok...you're probably reading the title and thinking to yourself, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, honey-child?" (sorry, i had to release the inner old and loving black grandma) But yes, i actually know some ways to be un-datable. Below, i have things to help you....yes, YOU...to be the most un-datable kid on the block.
Why would i write something like this???? 'Cause i felt like it....Plus, it's 7:36 AM and i couldnt sleep much. Who knew that drinking three glasses of Dr. Pepper at Chili's after 10 PM would do that to you. (Yes Jerusha, you were right.)
Is it that depressing? I don't think so.
When you're reading this, if you can't notice the VERY BLATANT use of sarcasm being used...then it won't make any sense to you. HA! So there...
So, to be completely un-datable, you have to:
1.) Be a nice guy. Nice? Being nice doesn't get you anywhere! Girls want a guy that has a little bit of a mean-streak in them. They want a guy that will tease them, embarrass them in front of all her bff's, and will truly say "Why yes baby, you DO look fat in those jeans." Isn't that so much better than a guy that opens doors for you, is considerate if you need to blow off some steam, and give a friendly hug when feeling down? Being nice only shows that you have feelings and that you actually care about others....which means that they can be easily crushed. So...be a big jerk, you fatty. (I'm sorry, you're not fat. im just making a point.)
2.) Talk to her about what she likes. Who cares what she likes or feels or thinks...it's all about YOU. If she talks and opens up to you, it might actually start...(brace yourself)...A GOOD CONVERSATION! AHHH!!!! Talk about all 50,000 clubs you were in in high school. Talk about how you "only" got a 3.96 GPA and your friends, who you're "smarter than", got 4.0's. Talk about how you learned some impossible language on "your" (it's not "your" mission, it's the Lord's.) and had to save your comp from the grip of a menacing python by using the machete conveniently stored in your backpack. Asking her about herself only shows that you're interested in her and that you care. And who wants that, right?
3.) Be funny and have a personality. Jokes are a good icebreaker, right? But if the ice is solid and you can walk on it, why break it? Jokes can show a lighter side of you, which is totally detracting from the oh-so-dull person you definitely are. Plus, if you’re funny, then it can result in the case of hiccups which can lead to minutes of minor annoyance. HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO SOMEONE….JERK!!! So go ahead, be dull. A “wet blanket”. A “stick in the mud”. A “worry wart”….or whatever “mommy” words you can think of. She will know exactly how you’ll act. Like a big robot. Hey, it cuts out any spontaneous moments or random acts of excitement.
4.) Stand up for what you believe. Honestly, what kind of girl would want a guy that has high moral standards, sticks up for his beliefs, and treats girls with dignity and respect? That’s so old-fashioned! (…I’m sorry, this is so short. I couldn’t think of more to type. My bad, yo.)
5.) And finally…be committed. Don’t weigh yourself down with someone that will go through thick-and-thin with you and stick it out to the end. Go for the quick fix! The temporary high! The flash in the pan! Go for the “Vanilla Ice” kind of person….cool and catchy at first, then it gets old, then horribly annoying, then the “OH MY GOSH! WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?! Sounds fun, huh? Commitments lead to trust, which leads to love, which leads to (possibly, maybe) marriage. Remove that ball and chain! Free yourself! Be a forever single…roaming the land like Moroni, “and whither I go it mattereth not…for I am alone”.
….Now you’re thinking, “Peter what are you talking about? Being a nice guy, talking to her about what she likes, being funny and having a personality, standing up for what you believe in, and being committed are VERY good things. Why would that make someone un-datable????”
That’s my point exactly. Those ARE things that makes a person very datable, yet some girls still go for those that don’t do these things. Then, after realizing their folly, howl at the moon yelling “if only, if only!!!” and then question themselves unfairly over their choices. I definitely try to have the good qualities, but it’s always a work in progress. Still no luck as of yet on the dating and relationship front, but no big worries. Why? They’ll come. The outlook on it is changing in a good way. :)
‘Til then, we can sit back. Pull up a chair. Crack open some A&W Root Beer cans, and keep on keeping’ on.
Why would i write something like this???? 'Cause i felt like it....Plus, it's 7:36 AM and i couldnt sleep much. Who knew that drinking three glasses of Dr. Pepper at Chili's after 10 PM would do that to you. (Yes Jerusha, you were right.)
Is it that depressing? I don't think so.
When you're reading this, if you can't notice the VERY BLATANT use of sarcasm being used...then it won't make any sense to you. HA! So there...
So, to be completely un-datable, you have to:
1.) Be a nice guy. Nice? Being nice doesn't get you anywhere! Girls want a guy that has a little bit of a mean-streak in them. They want a guy that will tease them, embarrass them in front of all her bff's, and will truly say "Why yes baby, you DO look fat in those jeans." Isn't that so much better than a guy that opens doors for you, is considerate if you need to blow off some steam, and give a friendly hug when feeling down? Being nice only shows that you have feelings and that you actually care about others....which means that they can be easily crushed. So...be a big jerk, you fatty. (I'm sorry, you're not fat. im just making a point.)
2.) Talk to her about what she likes. Who cares what she likes or feels or thinks...it's all about YOU. If she talks and opens up to you, it might actually start...(brace yourself)...A GOOD CONVERSATION! AHHH!!!! Talk about all 50,000 clubs you were in in high school. Talk about how you "only" got a 3.96 GPA and your friends, who you're "smarter than", got 4.0's. Talk about how you learned some impossible language on "your" (it's not "your" mission, it's the Lord's.) and had to save your comp from the grip of a menacing python by using the machete conveniently stored in your backpack. Asking her about herself only shows that you're interested in her and that you care. And who wants that, right?
3.) Be funny and have a personality. Jokes are a good icebreaker, right? But if the ice is solid and you can walk on it, why break it? Jokes can show a lighter side of you, which is totally detracting from the oh-so-dull person you definitely are. Plus, if you’re funny, then it can result in the case of hiccups which can lead to minutes of minor annoyance. HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO SOMEONE….JERK!!! So go ahead, be dull. A “wet blanket”. A “stick in the mud”. A “worry wart”….or whatever “mommy” words you can think of. She will know exactly how you’ll act. Like a big robot. Hey, it cuts out any spontaneous moments or random acts of excitement.
4.) Stand up for what you believe. Honestly, what kind of girl would want a guy that has high moral standards, sticks up for his beliefs, and treats girls with dignity and respect? That’s so old-fashioned! (…I’m sorry, this is so short. I couldn’t think of more to type. My bad, yo.)
5.) And finally…be committed. Don’t weigh yourself down with someone that will go through thick-and-thin with you and stick it out to the end. Go for the quick fix! The temporary high! The flash in the pan! Go for the “Vanilla Ice” kind of person….cool and catchy at first, then it gets old, then horribly annoying, then the “OH MY GOSH! WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?! Sounds fun, huh? Commitments lead to trust, which leads to love, which leads to (possibly, maybe) marriage. Remove that ball and chain! Free yourself! Be a forever single…roaming the land like Moroni, “and whither I go it mattereth not…for I am alone”.
….Now you’re thinking, “Peter what are you talking about? Being a nice guy, talking to her about what she likes, being funny and having a personality, standing up for what you believe in, and being committed are VERY good things. Why would that make someone un-datable????”
That’s my point exactly. Those ARE things that makes a person very datable, yet some girls still go for those that don’t do these things. Then, after realizing their folly, howl at the moon yelling “if only, if only!!!” and then question themselves unfairly over their choices. I definitely try to have the good qualities, but it’s always a work in progress. Still no luck as of yet on the dating and relationship front, but no big worries. Why? They’ll come. The outlook on it is changing in a good way. :)
‘Til then, we can sit back. Pull up a chair. Crack open some A&W Root Beer cans, and keep on keeping’ on.
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