Where will you go??

 As you take the untrodden road, you find you're simply not walking this trail alone, but that there are angels round about you. 

I have thought long and hard about this poem now for a few days. As I have reflected personally on my own life. I have seen where I have taken that road less traveled, and I have also seen times when I have taken the easy road and have just been mediocre.

Let's go over to the road less traveled for a minute. What does this road have to offer us besides- leaf covered potholes, muddy shoes, annoying bugs, and even at times a loss of direction. Why would one ever decide to take that road?? Well to start off I want to share these quotes- 

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

-Robert F. Kennedy

“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”

-Abraham Lincoln

Its those hard things that we really do need most in our lives. If we always had it easy how much growth could we really obtain?? That's the real question.. Where will the road "usually taken" take us?.... Well in reality it will just take us in a circle, and until we get sick of seeing the same results, we'll be trapped, and for some that's fine, but for others, they want to grow and become something more than just the usual/normal. If we want something memorable, unique, awesome, or even successful, then we must take that road less traveled, but remember- It's your choice where you end up in life.

   

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

To wrap this up I just want to say that this really applies to so many things, but one area that I personally want to relate it to is the Gospel. I have seen so many times in my life where I, myself, or others have taken that easy road and have fallen into the conforming ways of the world. On this road values such as modesty, good language, kindness, and obedience (etc.) tend to fall by the wayside. The goal of becoming more like our perfect example, Jesus Christ, becomes forgotten....  I can promise you this though- As you take the untrodden road to righteousness, you find you're simply not walking this trail alone, but that there are angels sent from our Heavenly Father round about you. I know that this is true, because I have felt them there in my life. :)

Let me say this, it's never easy to go the opposite way of the world (in any situation), but at some moments we have to do so...  I have been in that intersection many times, and for you that are there.. I pray for you. I hope that you will make the best choice possible and you will have the courage to do so!!  :) And that you will never lose your faith, whether you are smoothly staking your course, or in the woods lost and confused with bug-bites... know that God is always there to lead you where he wants you to be. :)

Seuss!! :)

I wish I could take credit for writing this, but the original creator is unknown. So in order to keep this awesome piece of art known, I'll share it with you!!. :)

Nephi:
Of goodly parents I was born
I’ve never drunk, I’ve never sworn
This is Lehi, he’s my dad
Laman, Lemuel, they are bad
And who is this? Why this is Sam.

Sam:
Yes, this is Sam; Sam I am

Laman:
That Sam I am, that Sam I am
I do not like that Sam I am

Sam:
In a tent, my father dwelt

Laman:
And it’s so hot, I think I’ll melt

Lemuel:
Our father’s brain is out of whack

Laman:
Yeah, it’s too hot, I’m going back

Lehi:
Then go and get the plates, my dear

Laman:
On second thought, I’m staying here

Nephi:
You said you’d leave and go away
Now all you want to do is stay?

Lemuel:
That Nephi always gets his way

Laman:
Here we are in this damp cave

Sam:
We would not be here if you’d behave

Nephi:
I will go and I will do
There’s the angel, that’s my cue
Laban’s had too much to drink
Now he’ll lose his head, I think

Nephi:
Look what I found, a brother from the quorum

Sam:
We will take him home, we will call him Zoram

Laman:
Our gold and silver we have spent
I do not like it in this tent

Lemuel:
I cannot read the Liahona
I must have drunk too much Corona

Laman:
We hate it here, we have no lives

Lehi:
Then go back to the city and get some wives

Lehi:
A tree, a tree, I see a tree!
The fruit is white, the fruit is free!
A floating building, could it be?
Why do they laugh and stare at me?
Laman, Lemuel, come and see!

Laman:
We will not eat your precious fruit

Lemuel:
We will not wear a tie and suit

Laman:
We will not help you build your boat

Lemuel:
We do not think that it will float

Laman:
No not this boat, it will not float
Not even in a shallow moat
I do not care what Nephi wrote

Lemuel:
We will not eat your fruit I say

Laman:
We will not eat it on a tray

Lemuel:
And we won’t eat it in a tent
Not even if your clothes you rent

Laman:
We’d rather have a can of spam

L&L:
We will not eat it, Sam I am

Sam:
You do not like it, so you say
Try it, try it, and you may
Try it and you may I say

Laman:
Sam, if you will let us be,
We will try it, you will see

L&L:
Say, we like this fruit of life
Sorry that we caused such strife
You’ve saved us from an awful jam
Thank you, thank you, Sam I am!

Faith & Hay...

Often times it seems like we are hit with unexpected situations & life doesn't turn out the way we think it should.  Maybe you have asked yourself today, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Or possibly, "Why won't Satan just leave me alone?" I've felt at times like nothing is going right or that God has just left me here to suffer...

 Well I believe we are all guilty of these negative thoughts at some point in our lives, and really it's not a bad thing :)  I thought for a while myself about these very questions. I came up with this; it’s in the midst of your trials, that you "Find your Faith." I think of this as it relates to "Finding the Needle in the Haystack." Sometimes there are thousands of things that are trying to bring us down, to doubt, or even to fear. It truly is at these moments that we have to work through these hard times and search for our faith. There is a scripture that reiterates what I'm trying to say, it's found in Ether 12:6-

"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."

As you work through the "Hay", you'll find that there will be comfort sent to you. Like the scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 84:88 says, "I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

So the next time that you are down and out, look at your trials from a different point of view. Look at it as if God feels you’re ready to grow once more, and gain greater experience. These trials help us to refine who we are, and bring us closer to our Father in Heaven. This is because we see that as we have gone through this "Hay" our God has been with us the whole time, "for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." This reminds me of the Footprints in the Sand Poem...

The next time you have thoughts of anguish just remember He is with you.

Like Doctrine & Covenants 103:12 says:

  "For after much tribulation… cometh the blessing."

I know that if we look at our trials as a chance to grow closer to God that we will be able to learn much more from them. I know that He is with us through those difficult times in our lives. We just have to press forward with the sure knowledge that "all things will work together for our good." It's in the hardest of times that we must "Find our Faith" and really learn to rely on our Heavenly Father the most! It's my prayer for each of us! :)

Blessed...

To start off, the most important thing I can say is this... I have the greatest friends in the world. The last few days I've realized how important it is to be close to people who have strong faith in The Gospel. I've learned life lessons through their testimonies and have found a greater love for my Savior by their doings. The quote, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care" really rings true for me this week. I have so much to say, and really don't know how to say everything at this time. I guess I can do this, and bear you my testimony. I don't know that I've yet done this on my blog, but here it is-

I have testimony of this Restored Gospel. I have the strongest love for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for all that He has done for me. The perfect example He has set for me is something that I reflect on time and time again. I know that the only real way to find happiness in life is to follow Him and to strive to become as He is. I know and understand that it's our choice to do so, all He can do is simple invite. I have a testimony of the Atonement. It's not until you're at the lowest points in your life that you begin to understand the great love that the Lord has for you. I would not be able to go throughout my day without the knowledge and understanding of Chirst's sacrifice. It brings me comfort to know that He suffered all things that I go through. He lives and He knows and loves all of us individually. I'm forever thankful.

I have a testimony of Eternal Families. I love my family so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of them and what they have done for me. My testimony was first planted by my wonderful parents, who love the Lord and have devoted their lives to the Gospel. It's because of them and the things that they taught me in my youth, that I have had the opportunity to become the man I am today. I love them so much, and I'm so grateful to be able to live with them forever. The blessing of my family is something that will never end. The rest of my family is much the same as my parents, they are wonderful people who strive to live more like our Savior. I know that because of the sealing power of the Priesthood we can all live together in the eternities.

I too have a testimony of friends, Good and Bad. I know that as we surround ourselves with people who strive to live the Gospel, we can find in our own testimonies growth. The things that I've learned from my friends' examples and knowledge has been life changing in my life and will never be forgotten. I have some of the greatest friends. I've been blessed. I know that those people we surround ourselves with, are who we become like. It's happened to me in both scenarios, good and bad.

I have a testimony of the power of The Book of Mormon, the reality of The Restoration, and  magnificent calling of The Prophet, Joseph Smith. I know that The Book of Mormon is scripture, and that it can change your life, like mine, if you but let it. The power and goodness of this book is something that I have recently been touched by, and that has changed my life forever. I know that its true, and will forever defend my love for it. I am grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel and Joseph Smith's hand in so doing. I know that many scriptures were fulfilled because of his heroic courage. I know that because of him we are able to again be blessed by the fullness of The Gospel in which Jesus Christ taught.

I'm truly grateful for the time I have had to be a missionary. I love this Gospel so much and I would give anything to help someone receive these things that I hold so dear to my heart. I would be so selfish if I didn't share the things that I've been taught in my life. I'm forever grateful for my "Missionaries" (Mom & Dad, Family, and Friends) who taught me about the Gospel by their examples and through their testimonies.  I know that these things that I have written are in fact true. I hope that in someway your testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ has been strengthened upon reading these words. I love him greatly, and I thank our Heavenly Father each day for the blessing of this Gospel.

One Year...

So yesterday was official one year mark.. In many ways this was both a day of rejoicing and sadness. In one way it was great to look back and to feel like I've accomplished something in a year, but in another way It means my time as a missionary is going by way to fast. I have to say that in a year's time I've grown more spiritually, mentally, and emotionally then I have ever in my life. I feel like a totally different person. I've figured out the things that really matter most to me in my life. Another missionary did a post about her halfway point and I loved it, so I'll use her idea to fully express myself.

-1 year of many hard goodbyes and many wonderful hellos
-1 year of excitement, nerves, faith, love and determination
-1 year of searing Tennessee summers, and freezing winters
-1 year of waking up at 6:30 and getting in at 9:00
-1 year of relying completely on God
-1 year of much scripture study and prayer
-1 year of leaving old friends and making new ones
-1 year of listening to Mormon Tabernacle Choir
-1 year of ironing a shirt every morning
-1 year of finding myself by losing myself in this work

-1 year of teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ
-1 year of crazy southern food :)
-1 year of letter from family and friends... (SOMETIMES)
- 1 year of tears of both joy and sorrow
- 1 year of missing holiday traditions
- 1 year of being apart of the greatest work in the world!! :)

You live & learn...

Have you ever had a bad day.. your power goes out, the car won't start, your boss is in a bad mood, dinner burns.. you catch my drift! :) I want you to try something; the next time you run into any of these things... Simply tell yourself, "Come what may, and love it." I've figured out that in this crazy world, it's really all that we can do to stay happy. I've found things don't work out, people let us down, trials never end, and things bring heartache. I often ask myself though, what is to be done, how can I fix these things.. Well for me the way I over come those things is to simply focus on "The Things that Matter Most", and not the little things that bring me down.. My mom once told me, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Think of how this applies to your life, because it applies over and over again to mine. All of the sudden my outlook changes I begin to focus on "The Things that matter Most", and the little things that bother me suddenly turn into stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks and growth begins. In our moments of anguish remember, "Come what may, and Love it!" Another one of my favorite quotes reads, "Happiness is not getting what you want-it's wanting what you have." This is definitely easier said then done, as I strive to turn my attitude from a - "Glass half empty" to a "Glass half full" look on things. It seems life becomes more meaningful....

"Who R U?..." (Day 16)

There are so many people around me that are inspiring. My mom, dad, sister, brother, brother-in-law, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. There are missionaries I look up to, people I try to be like, sports stars, musicians, and many more.. Let's just say, whatever you do... someone is always watching you. :)

I look up to so many people and hope to one day be as great as many. There is a few though that stand prominent at the top of my list that I didn't mention... Some that the normal people would forget about, these are:

-The Prophet; Thomas S. Monson-

One of my favorite quotes said by him is this..
"We tend to become like those whom we admire."

And at the top of the list is....

Christ is the perfect example and the greatest inspiration to me.

 I long to be more like him each day and hope that through my faith I'll be strengthened to do so. I'm so grateful for men and women who live good lives. They are the ones that make me want to be a better person! :)

"I am still learning." -Michelangelo

1. Let the Holy Spirit guide;
Let him teach us what is true.
He will testify of Christ,
Light our minds with heaven's view.

2. Let the Holy Spirit guard;
Let his whisper govern choice.
He will lead us safely home
If we listen to his voice.

3. Let the Spirit heal our hearts
Thru his quiet, gentle pow'r.
May we purify our lives
To receive him hour by hour.

The reason I post these lyrics, is because I need to do a better job at letting the "Holy Spirit Guide" me. This morning I lost something because I didn't head the promptings that I recieved. I had the thought, "I should leave this in the car", but instead of going with it, I thought, "It will be much safer in my pocket".  I'm pretty upset with myself, that I didn't pay more attention, and that I relied on my own knowledge.. I was totally wrong, and now I'm paying for it. During the course of my morning I realized that it had fallen out. I have no clue where it's at... I hope the Lord will give me another chance, and guide me this evening as I go in search of finding my lost item! One thing that I do want to say is that, "The Lord is in the Details of Our Lives." No matter how big or how small, he's aware of everything, and anything. As we rely on him, and follow him, we'll be so blessed. He really does know it all, and I myself, need to do better at following his council.

Ever have thoughts of Failure??

The Victor

by: C. W. Longenecker

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are out classed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of your-self before
You can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

Success

by: Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Elder Lund's Bucket List!!

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

 1. Go on another mission!! :)

2. Travel the World

3. Inspire someone

4. Become a Nurse & Dermatologist

5. Get married in the Temple!!

6. Learn to say “hello” in 50 languages

7. Learn to play the guitar.

8. Always being someone that others want around.

9. Be interviewed by Larry King

10. Create a home with an inviting, joyous, comfortable, loving atmosphere.

Here are some of the many things that I want to do in life!! :) It's kind of a random list... but hey! It should be epic!! :) Oh.. these definitely aren't in order of importance, just in the order they were typed up! :)

"Whatever you are, be a good one."

I've been thinking about this the last few days... I think that this quote really rings true to a lot of people (including myself) at times, because of the world and it's spotlight on fame, we have everyone thinking that they need to become something other then what they are. Maybe a sports star, or the most popular head cheerleader.. Have you ever thought of you needing to be on student council, the most muscular guy, or the smartest girl in the class? What about becoming the President of the U.S.A, or the girl on the cover of some magazine..? The list goes on and on..

The first thing that came to mind was- if you really want something, you have to work for it. Richard G. Scott said this, "We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day." Also I found this quote that applies, "We tend to live up to our expectations".

I want to say this as well, the world constantly tries to make us into something we're not, and it's all part of Satan's plan to get us unfocused on the things that matter most. The question is then, what does it take to make it big in the world and to fill that sense of accomplishment? Well I know that the greatest example that we have to look toward is our Savior. President Hinckley gave us some awesome attributes to focus on that will help us to be great people, and indeed more like Jesus Christ.  

 "It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are"... and the greatest person you can become is that like Christ.. :)

The Moments Together, Change us Forever!

Day 14 is, "Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without."

This past week, my family was able to meet up with some of my good friends, (basically family), from here in Tennessee. It brought me so much joy to know that the Gospel really brings us together as a big family!

Like the title of my post states, "The Moments Together, Change us Forever", I must say I have a strong testimony of this. As I've spent 19 years with my family in Utah, about 5 months with this family in Tennessee, and with so many other wonderful people, these are the moments that have made me who I am today. When I think about the "Picture of someone you could never imagine your life without." These are the wonderful people I think of, the people who have made my testimony in Jesus Christ and his Gospel, what it is today!

it makes you... you. :)

I've been thinking the last couple of days of the effects of attitude.  I found this quote online today, and it reeeally made me think for a little while.

It reads,

"Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same." I find this to be so true, and if we really want joy in our lives, we simply have to choose to have it. In 2 Nephi 2:25, it says, "....Men are, that they might have JOY." I know this verse of scripture and this quote to be so true, we have to work to be happy. :)

One of my best friends posted this on her blog wall, and it just hit my heart. I had already been thinking about this topic, and then with this story, I decided this week is going to be great & filled with nothing but positive attitude! :) haha Here is the post:

John  is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!

You can't be a positive person all of the time How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood

I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested.

'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins..Wanna see my scars?'

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked

He continued, '..the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity''

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything .

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.



Words... Of Wisdom :)

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
Hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three". . . but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet,
As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the Master's hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on,
He's going once, and going twice -
He's going - and almost gone!
But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd,
Never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the MASTER'S hand.

..... 13!!!!

 A picture of your favorite band or artist

So right now... I love listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! As missionaries we only do things that invite the Holy Spirit. I must say that music is one of those things that invites it to be with us.

 I've really grown a love for the choir while on my mission. They have loads of songs that are sung beautifully, and even a few of those "Heart Hitters" (if you know what I mean). One of my favorites is "Where Love is". A few weeks ago I posted some of the lyrics on my facebook wall, but here are the rest of them. 

Where love is, there God is also.
Where love is, we want to be.
Guide us, his truths to follow;
Help us obey him faithfully.
Where love is, there God is also.
We think of him rev’rently.
Teach us to pray, to talk with him above
And know that he will guide us with his love.

The comfort of loving arms around us,
A song that makes us want to sing,
The happiness we feel when love has found us,
’Tis love we get when love we bring.

Where love is, there God is also.
And with him we want to be.
Show us the way and guide us tenderly
That we may dwell with him eternally

These lyrics are great! I hope that you feel the same great feeling reading them, that I did! In the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet, it tell us this,

“Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit.

“Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices”

A picture of something you love

Why do you love the SCRIPTURES??? :)

A picture of something you hate.

Some girls think that wearing less, impresses us guys. Well, that might be the case for a few but as for me I see it differently. I was trying to figure out why this is, and to tell you the truth, The For Strength of Youth pamplet says it best. It tell us this,

"Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you.

Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient."

It just makes sense... :) Girls that have high standards have my eye... Except while I'm on my mission!! :)

.......?

Day 10 

A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

I think I'll change this to,

A Picture of the person(s) you do the greatest things with.

 

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in ea

rth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

It would have to be my missionary companions.

“Ye shall go forth in the power of my

Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by
two” (D&C 42:6)

Day 09

- A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most -

All of the aspects of human existence, brought about by the fall, Jesus Christ absorbed into himself, and he experienced vicariously in Gethsemane all the private griefs, the heartaches, all the physical pains and handicaps. All the emotional burdens and depressions of the human family. He knows the loneliness of those who don't fit in, or who aren't handsome or pretty, he knows what it's like to choose up teams and be the last one chosen, he knows the anguish of parents whose children go wrong, he knows the heartache of the abused child or spouse, he knows their things personally and intimately because he lived them in that Gethsemane, experienced having personally lived a perfect life he then chose to live our imperfect lives in the meridian of time the center of eternity, he lived a billion, billion lifetimes of sin, disease, pain, and sorrow, God has no magic wand in which he waves bad things into non-existence the sins he remits he remits by making them his own.

-Today-

Today... I wanted to take a break from the "30 Days of Me", and just really express how I feel. So as a missionary at times things get tough, stuff goes wrong, you miss your family and friends, or maybe a few teaching appointments drop. Sometimes things are amazing though, and you think, "Could I be any happier?".  Really one day is never like the next.  Today has been one of those days for me that I just have had to sit, and think about all that I really have been blessed with. My mom sent me a vinyl saying that sits on my desk, which reads, "Be Still & Know that I am God". It seems like whenever things are going great, we seem to fail at showing our love to God; and at times of heartache is when we really pray and search for him in our lives. So whether your having a great or rough day... I would encourage you to do just do as I did, and "Be Still" and feel the presence of God in your life. :)

I love my Father in Heaven so much. I know he is there like a best friend; through thick or thin, at all times, in all things, and in all places.

I will forever be thankful for him.

A picture of your most treasured item

As soon as I read today's blog pic. I instantly thought of this scripture, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Before I came on my mission, things of the world were some of my greatest treasures. My car, clothes, sunglasses, watches, or my phone were way at the top of this list.

Since I've grown up and figured out what really matters in this life I have to say that my Family & Friends are my "Most Treasured Item" One of my Favorite quotes, hanging on my wall in my room at home, is this...

"The Best Things in Life.. Aren't Things."

I hope that I can, "But lay up for MYSELF treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" so that I can be with them forever!!

Check out this talk by President Thomas S. Monson,  "In Search of Treasure"



-Day 06-

A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

I'm going to have to go with the people I teach. I would love to know what they are thinking as my companions and I present new concepts and ideas to them about the Restoration, The Plan of Happiness, Jesus Christ, and The Gospel in general.. I have grown such a love for each person that I've taught because I know that they have much stronger faith then that of mine. I really don't know if I would be able to change my views and beliefs from that Catholic, Protestant, or Methadist religions (and others) . I would love the experience to see how I would respond to Mormon Missionaries.. :) I love being on a mission, but wouldn't it be interesting to be on the other side of the table.

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

I have so many great memories..

BUT... I chose

The day I left home to come on my mission to Nashville, Tennessee!!

This had to be the best and most memorable experience, because not only has it been the best time of my life, but I've grown more in 10 months then in 19 years. I'm not talking physically, I'm talking spiritually! I love my mission and it was on this day that I had the greatest, most wonderful blessing of starting my "BEST 2 YEARS"!

I have to mention this as well.. It's not been the easiest thing I've done. I left home just a couple months after graduating from high school, and let's just say... I had a lot to learn. :) Through it all I have really come to love my Heavenly Father. I know he is watching out for me and helping me when I struggle. I have also grown a lot closer to my family, and friends, and the people here in Tennessee!

You might ask... Why am I on a mission... Well here you go!!

"The Savior taught His disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). As followers of Jesus Christ, members of His Church are enthusiastic about proclaiming the good news of His restored gospel to all who are willing to listen.

Carlos E. Asay, a Church leader, said, “(There is) a marvelous phenomenon which occurs among men when the light of the gospel illuminates their lives. Almost instinctively, it seems, the light of truth sparks a desire to share. When our minds are expanded by new knowledge, we want others to know; when our spirits are elevated by heavenly influence, we want others to feel; and when our lives are filled with goodness, we want others, particularly those whom we love, to enjoy similar experiences.”

You may have seen missionaries riding on bicycles or walking door to door, sharing their message. They are doing everything they can to seek out people who may be interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and God’s plan for their happiness. They serve in pairs, for “in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matthew 18:16). Missionaries volunteer full-time service for a period of eighteen months to two years."



DAY 4!!

So this one is kinda interesting... :) haha It's suppose to be a picture of your night! Well.. :) I'm going to pretend that I did this yesterday.. and tell you about Sunday Night!! :)

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday The Nashville Tribute Band performed right here in Tennessee for us! It was such an amazing experience to hear these beautiful songs, and also to feel the Spirit. The band has 2 (with 1 coming out soon.. AUGUST 4th, 2011) Albums. These songs testify to us of the Prophet, Joseph Smith; The trek of the Pioneers to Utah; and the newest of the 3, the great oppurtunity to be a MISSIONARY!!

Below are the lyrics to my favorite song!!!

HE WALKED A MILE IN MY SHOES

Written by Jason Deere

He lived 2000 years ago…I believe
So how could he truly know me
Though the son of God, my life, my friend
Still it’s hard for me to comprehend
And I wonder

      How could He know the heartache I feel
      When He lived a perfect life
      From Gesthemene to Calvary
      Was it really for me that He died
      Then the Spirit whispers
      These words ringing true
      From the garden to the cross
      He walked a mile in my shoes

Down on His knees in the garden that night
With tear-stained eyes
He lived each moment of our lives
Every fear and insecurity
That I’ve ever known
My every fallen moment, He has atoned
Still I wonder

       How could He know the heartache I feel
      When He lived a perfect life
      From Gesthemene to Calvary
      Was it really for me that He died
      Then the Spirit whispers
      These words ringing true
      From the garden to the cross
      He walked a mile in my shoes

#3!!!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

REBA!!

This is probably one of my favorite shows, right up there with The Office! My sister and I started watching this years ago, and now we often find ourselves quoting these people! I love my family as most of you are aware, but I wondered why family is so important to so many people.. including the one pictured above! On the mormon.org website it has a FAQ about our beliefs... The question it poses is this:

Why is family so important to Mormons?

"Our families provide a setting for much of the growth we experience in life.
In our families we love, serve, teach, and learn from each other. We share our joys and our sorrows. Family ties may bring us difficult challenges, but they also give us strength and some of our greatest happiness.
The family is central to God’s plan for His children. It is also the central unit of society and the means for bringing children into the world where they can be loved, provided for, and taught truth and righteousness (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).
While we cannot choose the conditions of our birth, we can choose each day to make our families stronger and happier. It is possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."


Well I have to say, that really family is pretty much important to anyone. I know that, yes, sometimes difficulties happen, trials occur, and other things arise, but if we have but our family to help us through these hard times we can make it through anything! :)