Be Devout!!!

1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing, 
 tune my heart to sing thy grace; 
 streams of mercy, never ceasing, 
 call for songs of loudest praise. 
 Teach me some melodious sonnet, 
 sung by flaming tongues above. 
 Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, 
 mount of thy redeeming love. 

2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; 
 hither by thy help I'm come; 
 and I hope, by thy good pleasure, 
 safely to arrive at home. 
 Jesus sought me when a stranger, 
 wandering from the fold of God; 
 he, to rescue me from danger, 
 interposed his precious blood. 

3. O to grace how great a debtor 
 daily I'm constrained to be! 
 Let thy goodness, like a fetter, 
 bind my wandering heart to thee. 
 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, 
 prone to leave the God I love; 
 here's my heart, O take and seal it, 
 seal it for thy courts above. 

My companion, Elder Horner, and I decided to sing

this musical piece today for a meeting that we

had with all the other missionaries. I was really 

paying attention to all of the lyrics and there was 

one line that really stood out to me.... Which one 

Speaks to you??? 

Well the one that hit home for me

is the line that reads, "Take my heart, O take and

seal it, seal it for thy courts above." I love these 

words! What greater gift can we give God then to give 

him our will, and heart. I know that if we can really 

apply this song to our lives we will one day live 

with him again. What an amazing day that will be. 

We all may have those days' that we feel that line,  

"Prone to wonder, Lord, I feel it, prone

to leave the God I love..." I know that I have felt this. 

And if you really focus on giving your whole heart to him

and ALWAYS remember him, you can overcome those

feelings. You are human, and so am I. I have found in my 

life that I can overcome all things in Christ! :) 

I am truly blessed to have this testimony!! 

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....

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.. :)

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.

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!! :)

-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"



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!!

"Quotation, n.: The act of repeating erroneously the words of another."

I decided today to make a post with a lot of my favorite quotes. I would love for everyone to find their favorite quote and add it to the end!! This should be pretty cool if a lot of people participate!!! :)

“Light tomorrow with today.”

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“Make each day your masterpiece.”

-John Wooden

“Face your Future with Faith”

 “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

 “It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”

–E.E. Cummings

"In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance."

-Elder Uchtdorf

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

–Eleanor Roosevelt

 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do”

--Marianne Williamson, A Return To Love

“The greatest achievement was at first, and for a time, but a dream.”

-Napoleon Hill

The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth, boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say, ”The work is done”.

-Joseph Smith

“The best dreams happen when you’re awake.”

-Cherie Gilderbloom

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

“Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.”

-Mary Manin Morrissey

“The best is yet to be.”

-Robert Browning

“Never, never, never give up.”

-Winston Churchill

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising up every time we fail.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Realize that true happiness lies within you.”

-Lucian

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

-Muhammad Ali

“Love all. Serve all. Help ever. Hurt never.”

-Author Unknown

“Dance as though no one is watching you, Love as though you have never been hurt before, Sing as though no one can hear you, Live as though heaven is on earth.”

-Souza.

“You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.”

-Henry Drummond

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

-Abraham Lincoln

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

-Robert F. Kennedy

“Fear Not. Be of Good Cheer. For your Future is as Bright as your Faith.”

                -President Thomas S. Monson