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.

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! :)

WOW!! :)

I was always excited to go to the Holy Temple. When I was in my teenage years I was able to go the Manti Temple numerous times to do Baptisms for the Dead.  This had to be one of the greatest blessing. I have never in my life felt the Spirit of the Lord so strong, until I was within the temples walls.Then when I was a little older, I was able to go and recieve my Endowment in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. It was a very awesome experience!  One day... (in the distant future :)) I look forward to going to the Temple with my wife, to be sealed for time and all eternity together. Temples bring us so much joy, becuase they enable us to feel the Spirit of the Lord in our lives, and to be with the ones we love forever and always. :)

The following lyrics are from a Primary song and goes as followed:

 

I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday

To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

 I love to see the temple.

I’ll go inside someday.

 I’ll cov’nant with my Father;

I’ll promise to obey

For the temple is a holy place

 

 Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:

A fam’ly is forever.

President Thomas S. Monson said this in the latest General Conference, "Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort."

"We Miss you..."

 

William J. Tuttle

One of the greatest men I have ever known.

So a year ago, this week, my dear Grandfather passed away. It was such an intense day. I must say over the past year It has been such a transition, not just for me but for my wonderful Mom, my sweet Grandma, Charlene, and our amazing Tuttle Family.

I had the privilege of living just down the road from my Grandma & Grandpa Tuttle. He was such a great man and friend. We spent many hours together, and as a family. We would play card/board games, we spent many days at our family's cabin (The Tuttle Timeout), we worked together, he'd help me with my basketball skills and come to support me in my school & sport activites, he'd always be that listening ear, and so many more things. (We just spent a lot of time together. Haha) I grew to love him so much!

I learned so much from this wonderful man. He taught not only by his words, but by his example. He had a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, he knew how to work, and he never gave up in the hardest of times. His wisdom not only blessed me, but the other 31 Grandkids, 40+ Great-Grandkids, and all others that he left behind.

(When I started going through these pix it made me realize how wonderful this Tuttle Family is. I love you all, and miss you so much!!!) 

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we stand firm in the knowledge that “Families are Forever”. On the Mormon.org websight, it states this about families, "Just as some of life’s sweetest joys can come through family associations, the loss of a beloved family member can be a source of our deepest sorrows. But death does not need to be the end of our relationships with cherished loved ones. The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that the “same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there [in eternity], only it will be coupled with eternal glory” Family members who accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ and follow His example can be together forever through sacred ordinances performed in God’s holy temples. Jesus gave to Peter the power to have things sealed on earth and sealed in heaven . This same sealing power was restored to Joseph Smith. Mormon’s believe that they can be “sealed” or bound together through His power enabling them to live together in eternity."

I know I talk about my family so much, but it's because I LOVE mine more than anything in this world. They mean everything to me! I love my Grandpa so much and I hope that one day I might be the Father, Grandpa, and Friend that he was to me, my family, and his loved ones. I miss you Gramps and I really can't wait to see you again! 

My Family & I, with my Grandma Char. at the Tuttle's Timeout!

"When I am Baptized"

What a wonderful day Saturday was!!  I was able to spend a lot of my day with this wonderful family, and I’m so grateful for their goodness, faith, and their uplifting spirits!!!

So for the last 3 months, we as missionaries have been going to their home and teaching them about The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout this process their faith has grown as well as ours. It’s been such a pleasure for me to be a part of their family and I’ve enjoyed seeing their testimonies strengthen.

 The time came when they decided that they wanted to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. As the service began we started by singing, “When I am Baptized.” The chorus goes like this,

” I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain,

 I want to be the best I can, to live with God Again.”

 That day they entered into the water with their father, Jason (who holds the Priesthood Authority of God), and they were baptized (the exact same way Christ was). The Spirit was so strong as he pulled them out and gave each of them a hug, and as they demonstrated their faith, by their works. I so look forward to the day when this wonderful family will enter into the Holy Temple and be sealed together for time and for all eternity. :)

What a blessing it was for me to be a part of their special day! I love you guys!!   

Together...Is a Wonderful Place to be!!

Well I have to start out the beginning of this post by saying; I love my family so much. They mean everything to me, and "YES", this too is where I find the most joy!! I have had a poll going for about a week now, and it seems that I'm not the only one that thinks Family is one of the greatest sources of finding joy. The post before this one is a video that talks about Families being Forever. This is one of the greatest blessings we find in the gospel! :) YAY!! haha SO a little bit about my family.. This picture was taken over a year and a half ago! My parents, David & Laurie, are on the back row. My father is an electrical engineer and my mother is self employed, running Letters from Home Vinyl Lettering & Decor. I am so blessed to have been raised by goodly parents, and in a home where The Gospel Principals are taught. My Sister (Amber), her husband (Mike), and their daughter are such a beautiful family within our own. My sister is an Elementary Teacher, and my Brother-in-law is currently finishing up his schooling! He will graduate soon!! My little brother (Dillon) is such a cool kid! He enjoys playing sports and being with his friends! I love my family more than anything else. These are the greatest people ever and I’m so blessed to have them in my life FOREVER!!