Be.....Alright.

If you don't know this by now, you probably should- One of my favorite quotes ever is, "Come What May and Love it." Elder Joseph B. Worthlin said this a few years ago, and for the course of most of my mission it has became a motto for me. 

I have found though that it's really easier said then done. I find it's really easy to spout it off when others are having a hard time, or if I am just jokingly saying it when something small happens... But when the time comes to really put this phrase into place... That's when I find myself struggling with the application. 

So the real question is... Why I am I telling you all this.... Well for one, I am needing some creative ideas for my blog, this one not being one of them, and second of all.... I felt like someone out there needs to hear this today. Today there is someone that needs to know that everything will be alright, today there is someone whose heart is saddened, and who feels broken, and to you... Whoever you are... "Come What May, and Love it." It might sound harsh at first, but it seems like for every good day there is a bad, for everyday of sunshine there is a period of night, for every Friday of Crucifixion there is a Sunday of Resurrection, and for every valley there is a mountain. Somedays this motto of "Come What May" is the only hope of getting through the hardships..

So how do we find this attitude??.... Well in on of my favorite hymns (I Believe in Christ, 134), it reads- I Believe in Christ, So Come What May. That's how we find it, through faith in Jesus Christ. . . Life somehow becomes so much easier as we put our faith and trust in the Lord, and Savior. Its as if these troubles MELT from us, and we feel the warmth of the light, and Spirit again. 

So for you, whoever you are... Take your time to read the scriptures, and to pray. These are two ways of developing this attitude of conversion. I know that you can make it through, and that everything will Be Alright.

Be Prayerful!!!

Let me ask you this, Have you ever felt that no one is around that really wants to listen?? Or maybe, You feel that the pain of things is about to break you... I have learned that we just have to surrender, and fall to our knees. My sister recently sent me an amazing plaque that says, "When Life Knocks you to your Knees, You're in the perfect position to Pray." This is true. I have been knocked to my knees many times, and the only way that I have been able to find the strength to get up is to pray for help... "Prayer is the Passport to Peace." Life is hard, and when we turn our hearts and mind to our Father in Heaven, He will give us the strength to overcome that trial that lies before us. I had been praying for some help in different areas, and I felt that God hadn't been hearing my prayers, then one day I was searching for something to blog on and I found this....

This was sent as an answer to that prayer.. I know that if our Heavenly Father could speak to us face to face during our trials, he would most definitely tell us something like this! :) He is always trying to make us into something better then what we are, and that is what I learned that day. What a blessing it was for me that day, and I hope that someone out there will find the same answer and peace this brought to me. I love prayer, and I know that, "When life gets to hard to stand, (We must) Kneel!" :)

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! :)

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! :)

..... 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 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)

-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.

Day UNO!!... :)

Day 1: A picture of yourself with 15 facts

Me!! In my Missionary Attire! :)

1. Right now I'm a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and love it!!
2. It's the little things in life that bring me the most joy!
3. I am working toward (after my mission) getting my RN and then want to become a Derm/Pathologist.
4. I love playing sports of any kind, and played 3 (Football, Basketball, and Track) year round in High School all 4 years.
5. I play the Piano and sometimes sing.... (note sometimes) :) haha
6. My favorite color is... DARK RED!!
7. Jesus and I are pretty close friends! :)
8. I smile when I'm happy..and if I'm not smiling.. I'm not happy! :)
9. My family means more to me than anything else in the world!
10. I run out of ideas to blog about... NOT ANY MORE!
11. People's shoes tell me a lot about a person.
12. I'm told I make great RICE!
13. I love to design things on the Computer!!
14. I'm from a tiny town!! HOLDEN, UTAH!
15. I love to love people!!



ME!! :)

So I saw this the other day on a friend's blog, and thought it would be kinda fun for me to let you all get to know E. Garrett LUND a little better. :) It's a day-to-day guide of my next 30 postings!!

This list can be copied and pasted if you want to do the same thing!! :)

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your night.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of somebody that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 19 - A picture of a childhood memory.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

THE TAG!!!

So this picture describes me to the fullest and really shows to the world what I am!! I love this picture.

SO this is my missionary nametag!!  You might notice my name, “Elder Lund”. You might recall that Elder isn’t my first name (but it means someone who’s set apart to spread the gospel)... That’s not the point. It only says, “LUND”, this represents years and years of what my family has worked for, and what they have made that name become. I hope that makes sense. I don’t just wear, “Garrett” on my chest, I truly represent generations of wonderful people. I love my family more than anything else (CHECK OUT MY FAMILY POST).  I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I, in anyway, was to dishonor THEIR name. Your name should mean everything to you. It represents your values and who you are as a person.  I’m humbled greatly by my call to represent such a wonderful group of people!

Next, you’ll not just notice the name of the Church I represent, but most importantly, the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ. My family, this past week, sent me a few things and one of them was a cool card. On the front it has a picture of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and it says, “My Missionary Commission”. On the backside it reads, “I am called of God. My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Master and he has chosen me to represent him. To stand in his place, to say and do what he himself would say and do if he personally were ministering to the very people to whom he has sent me. My voice is his voice, and my acts are his acts; my words are his words and my doctrine his doctrine. My commission is to do what he wants done. To say what he wants said. To be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of his great and marvelous latter-day work.”

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!!