Where is the Light?

So I have such a great feeling inside me right now. I could not adequately express them to the world. In fact you very well could put me in the shoes of a Book of Mormon hero who has said, "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth... Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder... But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." (Alma 29:1-3)

These are the words that I feel inside my heart right now. Alma could not have put them any better. Now as I strive to explain my feelings, please know that there is no way that I could not say all the things that my heart yearns to bring to you all that I love so much. Which reminds me of another hero, who said the same thing, saying that he was not "mighty" in writing like unto speaking, for "when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (2 Nephi 33:1)

It is my sincere prayer that what I have to say might be "carried" to your hearts like it is in mine, that you will find the joy and love in what I have experienced.

In the past couple weeks I have learned great lessons in perspective. Since I have returned from the mission field, I went through a stage where I honestly thought i was on top of the world. Everything should go my way, life is so great, surely anything I need will be in my grasp at anytime that I desire! It would be safe to say that I sought to find my own way. I went to church and did all that was expected of me, however my prayers and scripture study became slack. I immediately began to worry about things that "mattered" most to me. From work, to school, to dating, and to everything else, I thought i had everything under control. I thought "I could find my way."

Well we can fast forward past the humbling experiences and now I can tell you that the lesson was learned.  The message was received; loud and clear actually. We are nothing without Divine help. We are lost without Him in our lives. That is exactly why He told us that He is the "way, the truth, and the light."

Now world, I ask you; Where is the light?

In this season of fast paced, traffic jammed, shopping madness, tempers flying, stress levels rising, and overall just flat out "busy" times... I ask you, Where are our priorities? What is our perspective? Can we find our own way? or do we need to rely on the help that is always there?

I believe it is natural in all of us to find ourselves putting things off and overlooking the things that matter most, while we selfishly try to do our own thing.

Now for the plugs; This Sunday is so special. We have the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. No doubt, we will hear the things that the Lord Himself would have us hear as a friendly reminder these and everyday of our lives. I strongly encourage everyone to find a way to find the message told in the conference center this weekend, with the bold promise, that the spirit will teach you the things you NEED to hear.

Last but definitely not least, I have a plug for the Forgotten Carols. Many of you are blessed to know of this tender mercy we have in our lives. however for those of you who do not know what i am talking about i will try to explain. This is a play that is done every year around Christmas time. It is all centered on Christ, and how we can put Him into our lives more fully. It is so well done that tickets go so fast, and are put up months in advance in preparation.

In this play there is a song that easily puts tears in my eyes every time I hear it. The spirit is so strong, and the message is very powerful in the words. It is the finale of this spiritual lesson that has come to me. Tonight, as I was laying on my bed, listening to my ipod and pondering things, this song came on. It is very clear to me, and will never be forgotten, that "we cannot find our way" without Him.

I give you the link to this song now, but listen to it in an environment where you can allow the spirit to penetrate your heart. I promise great things as you do so.

I love you all. I am so excited for this holiday season. Let us all "find our way"

lets find the Light.

Letters

I had a few things that i wanted to blog about but i figured I'd just post some letters and that way get all of them done at once... enjoy.

Dear dumb class,

I will never use anything that I learn while attending you, and saying that I've actually learned something would be a big statement, cause it's basically been a waste of time this semester.

Looking forward to the end,

almost failing student

Dear pretty girl,

You are so much fun to be with and you are very attractive, lets do something soon and often.

yours truly,

me

Dear macey's,

I very much enjoy all your paychecks, but my head is blowing up from all the Christmas music that I've listened to in the past 2 days! yes, thanksgiving was 3 days ago... also, I'm fine with working millions of hours a week, but hopefully soon someday I can start to establish some sort of social life please?

Muchos Gracias,

Tu amigo

Dear Utah Football team,

Congrats on your win over BYU, and your winning season. Best of luck in the future with the PAC 12!  However, it would probably be beneficial if you figured out how to move the ball forward more consistently on offense this offseason. 

Love you lots always (even if you lose),

crazy season ticket holder

Dear Jack Johnson,

No music puts a smile on my face quite like you do. keep up the good work, and do whatever it is that you do forever more.

laid back as always,

me

Dear Life,

I love you.

Please stay as awesome as you are!

very much appreciated,

Rob

a new form of social life

world, i have made a complete change in lifestyle of the social variety

This is my new look...

These are my new friends...



and if by chance you find me somewhere else it is here...

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did.. but there is my life in a nutshell

Tim

I've decided that I want to dedicate some time for a blog entry for each member of my family individually. I figured I'd start from the youngest and work my way up.

That means this is the lead off kid.

When I was 9 years old my mom was pregnant with Tim. We had all been told that this was the last one that my mom would be having, and seeing as i was already the only boy with two sisters I desperately wanted a baby brother. In fact, That Christmas, when my mom asked what it was that I wanted for a present my answer was a brother. well... 3 months later my wish came true!

Merry Christmas!!!

Tim is one of a kind. Anyone who knows him knows exactly how unique he is.  His personality is a mixture of spaz and hyper all the way to caring and sensitive. Tim definitely doesn't shy away from attention either. People love him, no matter what he does.

Like I said earlier though, he has such a wide range in his personality, that it is not uncommon to see him deliver a hit in football that's almost worth watching on ESPN... and then right afterwards watch him pick up his victim off the ground. I love watching him play. In fact, i just about live for Saturdays so i could see him play. His games truly set a tone for the rest of my day.

another big hit from Tim...

It seems as though Tim and I have a strong connection. We usually are on the same page and always enjoy being in each others company. I've never argued with him, and always have a good time doing whatever we do together. There was not a single person that wrote me more letters on my mission than Tim. He easily wrote me once a week. It really meant a lot to me, in fact one of the most precious letters i have from him goes as follows, "hey rob, don't have anything to write, just thought I'd write you. Miss you, Tim"That letter was probably one of the most meaningful letters i could have ever received from someone and i could definitely feel the love and support from him.

This entry goes out to Tim. You're the man bud!

God bless the rebound kids

The rebound kids.

you've seen them. They are everywhere. Its a classification or label put on the best of us and it seems it is put there for a lifetime.

These are the kids, if you didn't know, who are ALWAYS there for you. These are the ones, who you can count on to help you with any given situation. They, however, probably don't get enough of what they deserve.

for example, take the man who might help you with your car on the side of the freeway when your broken down.. later down the road, what are the chances someone else helps him?

or how about the girl that is always there for dating drama help for the guy, but never gets the guy of her dreams in the end? These are the same rebound kids who are always banished to the "friend zone." never more, never less...

You can't forget about the coworker who is always there for you when you "need time off," but never gets that luxury themselves...

These are only 3 examples, but world, they are everywhere. They do not get nearly enough credit. This blog goes out to all you rebounders out there. This is a tribute, and finally some of the credit that you deserve... here's to hoping you get a lot more in the near future!

Tribute to women...

I'm on a role with posting blogs that have something to do with songs, but I absolutely had to put this one down as I see it as classic. Since I've come home and been given the assignment to go on a date every week, the topic of women has been on my mind constantly. I'm not quite at a level where I've gone on a date every week, but I'd like to think that i'm somewhere around 60%; not that I don't want to, more that I struggle to find time to adequately scratch my forehead!
That being said, and women on my mind, there is a song that I really like and find quite humorous dealing with women. Thanks Billy Joel.

Here it is live...

She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child, but she's always a woman to me

She can lead you to love, she can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth, but she'll never believe
And she'll take what you give her as long it's free
Yeah, She steals like a thief, but she's always a woman to me

Ohhh... she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants, she's ahead of her time
Ohhh... and she never gives out
And she never gives in, she just changes her mind

And she'll promise you more than the garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you and laugh while you're bleeding
But she'll bring out the best and the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself 'cause she's always a woman to me

Ohhh... she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants, she's ahead of her time
Ohhh... and she never gives out
And she never gives in, she just changes her mind

She's frequently kind and she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases, she's nobody's fool
And she can't be convicted, she's earned her degree
And the most she will do is throw shadows at you,
But she's always a woman to me

Ohhh... she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants, she's ahead of her time
Ohhh... and she never gives out
And she never gives in, she just changes her mind

Anyways, world, I hope you enjoyed that one as much as I did. Happy wife hunting!

Rock and Roll Life of ours

Yesterday I was just listening to my tunes on my ipod whilst walking around on school campus. I could not help but put a huge smile on my face when this song came on. Still not quite sure if it was the funny lyrics, the awesome beat, or what.. but listen here.

I am fully convinced that EVERYTHING in life is happening to the beat to this song!

As I listened to this song, I looked around... everyone and everything around me was moving to the beat! Maybe I was just in a good mood, but I'm pretty sure if I wasn't all it would take is to listen to this song and I'll get a laugh out of it and everything would turn around real quick.

thanks Eric Hutchinson

World, take the challenge.. just walk down the street with this buzzing in your ear, I promise you all the smiles and laughs that I experienced. You'll see where I'm coming from.. Guarantee it!

See for yourself...

Story of my life....

I thought i'd blog about this subject... then i heard this song.
this is me... thanks John Mayer.

My stupid mouth
Has got me in trouble
I said too much again
To a date over dinner yesterday
And I could see
She was offended
She said "well anyway..."
Just dying for a subject change


Oh, another social casualty
Score one more for me
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one soon


We bit our lips
She looked out the window
Rolling tiny balls of napkin paper
I played a quick game of chess with the salt and pepper shaker
And I could see clearly, An indelible line was drawn
Between what was good, what JUST slipped out and what went wrong


Oh, the way she feels about me has changed
Thanks for playing, try again.
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one


I'm never speaking up again
It only hurts me
I'd rather be a mystery
Than she desert me


Oh I'm never speaking up again
Starting now... Starting now


One more thing
Why is it my fault?
So maybe I try too hard
But it's all because of this desire
I just wanna be liked
I just wanna be funny
Looks like the jokes on me
So call me captain backfire


I'm never speaking up again
it only hurts me
I'd rather be a mystery
than she desert me


oh i'm never speaking up again
i'm never speaking up again
i'm never speaking up again
Starting now, starting now...

Texting, the root of all evil.

Times have changed world. For the longest time we have found that the root of all evil is money.
Well I am here to tell you that things have changed quite a bit since philosophers came across this massive discovery. While it is true that money still has its roots to evil, it is decided that there is something more evil. Something that puts money way behind on the evil meter.
Some may think its deliciously fattening jelly filled bakery items... nope. Others view monsters as terrible evil things that scare us. You know the ones, they hide in your closet and under your bed. well, if you've ever seen the movie monsters you would know that they too, aren't evil at all.

World the answer is texting.

Look at this interesting page I found online about texting

Texting became the cool thing to do when you were in high school. Seems like everyone in school had a phone, and you could always talk to friends while you were in school... no matter where they were! It was amazing. Well texting became more and more popular. Before you know it, people do not even talk to each other. No one makes phone calls, and surely no one will talk face to face. In fact, standing right next to someone and texting them is not unheard of. Texting has become so much of a habit for people that for some (myself included), the phone is basically attached to their hand at all times. Words are never taken the way they need to be taken way they are meant to be when read off a screen, which ultimately gets us all into trouble... the list goes on and on.

world, this needs to stop.

The world has adapted into a method of talking out all personal issues with a text. After all its easier, you don't have to set up a time to meet someone and you can do it anywhere any time. If all you do is converse with others through texts, if you get caught with words in your mouth you have more time to get yourself out of the whole with responses to others. Relationships begin, thrive, and end all through text messages.

While these are all "pro's" of texting the cons outnumber by a whole lot more.

It didn't take long before students were cheating in schools through text messages, pornography is being distributed at an alarming rate, and too many drivers are dying on the road because someone has to send/read a text message. It scares me so much when I see others inside my car or others that are texting as they drive.

Bottom Line is texting is out of control. Those who started this trend never saw this coming. But the world needs to solve this problem asap.  I"m going to work on it myself. Texting does not need to be the center of the universe. Help me out world, don't let me get carried away.

Water Polo

Lately I have been thinking about a long lost love of mine. Yes, recently, i have been thinking a lot about water polo. Before I left for Australia I remember thinking that as soon as I got back that i would begin training for and competing in water polo! Well, i still want to. But not quite at the collegiate level that i did beforehand. Its amazing how two years on the mission will shape you into what you really need in your life.

I can't quite explain my reasoning, except for the fact that I do not want to play for University of Utah anymore. I'd much rather just play pick up games and summer leagues for a while.

While i have made the decision, it is still fun to look at the memories of the past... check these out!

Playing some defense

Sweet shot from outside

Reed and I teamin up on poor goalie



These are just a few pictures that i've been looking at, but ultimately it is decided. Water Polo is the best sport out there
Just ask Reed.

Sunday Morning...

A couple weeks back i was asked to speak at stake priesthood coming up on this sunday morning. a week after that i was asked to speak at one of my wards in my stake.

Last week I was asked if i'd fill in for a return missionary who cant speak.

All three talks are happening this sunday.

This is going to be fun!

"I am your density.. i mean, your destiny"

So upon arriving back home I have found myself in the midst of a lot of things. Things, people, weather, school, and basically anything else you could think of have changed. It is like being born again, only this time your really 21 years old. I feel as if I have been picked up from some other planet, and dropped right in the middle of a whole new world.
One of the first things that was said to me when I got home was that i needed to start dating. Oh boy...  ha! and not only dating, but that it was my "priesthood responsibility" to date at least once every week. Here we go, once a week. Come on Rob, you've got it! Think about it.. You've spent the past two years doing everything in your power to talk to EVERYONE you see on the streets. Talking to girls shouldn't be an issue right?
wrong.
In fact, in the month I've been home I have found myself to being not quite the machine i might have thought I'd be. Instead, I look a lot like this character...

Don't you just Love this guy?!

Earlier i was trying to ask a girl out on a date, and my heart started pumping out of my chest, not because I'm madly in love, but for fear that i might die! ha!
world, i struggle with talking to girls one on one. a lot. So if you see me struggling, panicing, sweating, etc help me out a little bit...

Things will turn out better eventually... at least I hope they do.

Welcome Back!

Well world... I'm back.
The past two years have been the most amazing two years i could have ever imagined.  I wish I could take everyone of you back in time, and just watch them with me. I have had some of the best times, and some of the worst times as well all on my mission. Experiences that are so dear to my heart now also fill many pages of my journals.

Sister Lemperle, Elder Fawson, and I

The best hug, ever!

Back again, Oh happy Reunion!

These are a few pictures of when I had arrived back home. It has been very good to be back with the family. I REALLY miss the mission, but i am excited for new challenges and adventures in this next chapter of my life.
stay tuned, and I will see if i can keep up this blog thing.
Love you ALL