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.

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! :)

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! :)

-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 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."



#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! :)

Day 02...

  A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Alex Larsen and I

So this was an interesting one. I had to think about it, because I have so many people that I'm close to and that I 've grown to love. I think I have the greatest family and friends. I would try to at least name them all... but I don't want to forget anyone. :)

I decided that it had to be my cousin, Alex. She and I have grown up together and we often joke about being twins. She grew up in Cedar City and me in Riverton. Then after a few years, our families both decided to move to Holden. Alex and I have spent millions of hours together and I really have grown to love her like my sister! She's also one of my best friends.

I think of her and think of what a wonderful person she is. She truly has so many of the Christ-like Attributes that I long to develop; such as, kindness, charity, faith, humility, and most of all goodness (and bunch more).

One of my favorite scriptures is found in 2 Nephi 1:30, "...and I know that thou art a true friend..." Alex is a true friend for life and I love her so much for all that she does for me and those around her!!

I'm so thankful for my true friends and especially my family! I love them all so much!!  

  

HAPPY DA-MOM'S DAY!! :)

With Mother's Day tomorrow, I had to take a few minutes and brag on just how great of a mom I have! :) I found this awesome poem that really describes the way I feel about my great mom!!

One of my Greatest Friends!!

There are Angels put on this earth

Who care for us and guide us.

You can feel their love and gentleness

as they walk through life beside us.

SISTER!! :)

They do great things for us every day

they whisper in our ears,

they even hold us in their hearts

when we are filled with fears.

Aunt She She, Granny K., Weezie, and my Mom!! (Lund Side)

They are always there to give a hug

and try to make us smile.

They treat us with respect and love,

they treat us like their child.

God blessed me with an angel,

I'm proud to call my own.

She's been with me throughout my

life, been with me as I've grown



We can't forget my Tuttle Aunts and Grandma!! :)

She's guided me the best she can,

she's taught me like no other,

and I'm thankful I'm the lucky one,

Who gets to call her mother!!

I have to say I have some of the greatest women in my family. I'm so thankful for each of them, and for the impact that they've had on me. Each one has helped me one way or another, and I look up to you all for the motherly kindness you've shown me throughout my life. I miss you all... SO much. I miss being able to go to you in times of need, or for a hug of comfort, or to just sit and enjoy one another's company. I thank you all and hope that you have a wonderful day!! :)



ENJOY!!...The Little Things!

I looked around today and thought of all the "Little" things that mean the world to me, and that bring me JOY. I found that I often always concentrate on the big things and lose sight Of Things that Matter Most!!

Some of my "Little Things" include:



My Awesome Parents and Brother!!



My Church!

More Family!! :)





Tennessee Sunsets





Being a Missionary!!



Playing ANY type of Sports

Hangin with my BUDDIES!!

Observing the beautiful outdoors!!

 

Missionary Mail

Some of the other things that I love are: Spending time with my family, shopping with my mom, singing at the top of my lungs with my friends, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, laying on the floor- Just to ponder, doing service for someone, excercing till I drop :), being a nurse and helping people,  and just being myself! :) I love doing so many "Little" things, and it's those things that bring me the greatest joy in life!!

"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!!