Goals for this semester

Dear Family/friends,

Here are my goals, wishes, wants, needs, (whatever you want to call them) for this semester.

Church

• prayers and scripture study every day
• journal writing once a week
• 100% hometeaching 

School

• 4.0 GPA
• no sluffing

General

• Limit Distractions (football, frisbee, fantasy football, Facebook, blogging, etc)
• maintain social life
• be in bed by 10:30 pm on school nights

You're help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Love, 

Me

To Whom It may concern

I have been impressed recently that I should post a blog entry solely based from my heart. Something to share to the world that means more to me than anything else that you could imagine. Tonight, I would like to share a portion of my testimony. It is my prayer and hope, that someone, sometime, somewhere will be benefited from the words and feelings that I share.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

I have been born of goodly parents who have raised me in this church. Although I have been brought up in this faith, I still did not take it seriously until my teenage years. More of a social outing than anything, I went to church with my family because my friends all went with theirs. Eventually there came a time in my life when it was time to decide what I really did believe.  I started to take prayers more seriously, I listened intently to speakers when they talked, and I read the scriptures diligently as I sought out my own feelings. Gradually I came to a point that LOGICALLY the LDS church seemed to make sense. History is not my major for a reason, but there just seemed to be no conflict in any of the church's chronological history.  At this stage of my life, I found myself going to church because of that reason. Everything seemed to make sense, and it was a sufficient enough of an excuse to keep me going each week.

Towards the end of high school was when things really got kicked into gear. This is when not only logical reasoning was my motive, but inside me I could feel my soul being shifted and molded. Not only was I learning, but I was becoming! I was eager to go to seminary each day and I found myself almost on the edge of my seat in sunday school each week. I was praying harder, and studying harder.  I was finding and feeling the truth in my life. This gradual process continued on and on until finally soon after graduation I found myself in a grove we call sacred. It was here that I felt the spirit stronger than I could have ever remembered. I knew then, in my mind AND in my heart, that this was the truth.

Soon after that I was on a mission, declaring the gospel to anyone and everyone in Melbourne and Tasmania, Australia. The best part, was that it was MY testimony that was shared to them. It wasn't anyone else's!  I wasn't borrowing light from anyone else. I declared the things that I knew to be true from study and prayer. My testimony has continued to grow each and everyday since. As strong as it is now, it is amazing how simple it really is, but world, this is for you:

I know with all my heart, that we have a Father in heaven. He is our Creator, our God, and He knows all things. I know that He has a body of flesh and bones just like we have, and that someday we can all be glorified and perfect beings, just as He is. I know that He lives and I know that He has a plan for us to be able to return to live with Him again after this test on earth is complete.

I also know that He has a Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Great Mediator of us all. Christ is the reason we are able to come back to our Heavenly Father again! I know that He atoned for all of my shortcomings and mistakes, all of my pain and grief, and that He can relieve me of my sorrows. He did die, but He did also arise from the grave! He lives! He is our Savior and Redeemer, and He really truly honestly does LIVE!

I know that we can commune with our Father in heaven through prayer. This means that we are never too far away from his divine help. With that help, we can overcome anything that lies in our path. I know that God loves us all individually. He rejoices when we rejoice, and He is sad when we make mistakes. Everything we endure in this life is for a reason. We are His Children, and we can make it back to Him as we remain close to him throughout our lives.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that Joseph Smith was called of God. He was a prophet! He did in reality see our Father and Jesus Christ after he sought answers through prayer. The Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God. The Book is true and it really does testify of our Lord Jesus Christ. Reading this book and sincerely praying about its content will bring one closer to God than ever before. It has changed the lives of countless souls, including mine. 

Not only was Joseph Smith instrumental in translating the Book of Mormon, but God also chose to bring His royal priesthood again on the earth. Joseph Smith was given that priesthood, and it has been passed down from generation to generation since then. Today the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. Built on the foundation of priesthood and revelation, with Christ himself the cornerstone holding it all together.

As great as Joseph Smith and the ways his contributions in the gospel have benefited the world, we do not follow him directly. It is not his church. Nor is it the church of the living prophet today, namely Thomas S. Monson. This is the Church of Christ. It is His gospel and example we follow today. He is our Lord and Savior. He is Alpha and Omega. He is the Only Begotten of the Father, the Way, the Truth, and the Light. He is our Redeemer, and the Rock of our salvation. He is my very best friend.

In His name I testify, even Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Enjoy

Felt Like blogging but didn't have time for a post...

Enjoy

People Watching

So Earlier this year someone introduced me into this game called people watching. It is a lot of fun. I'm sure all of you already know what it is like because I'm a loser and learn these things long after they lose their novelty, But anyways, today's entry comes from my observations from people watching.
However, in doing this I feel the need to put down a disclaimer beforehand. I am in no way trying to jab at anyone, and i sincerely hope that no one will find themselves offended by this post. It is true, I love you all.

The beautiful thing about people watching is there is so many different things that you can notice. For the sake of time, I will discuss two types of people I have seen lately.

I have a friend who will not be named, who is what I would call an "event chaser." This person perfectly illustrates the first type mentioned. It has happened twice in the last three weeks, and has happened many other times previously, and I'm sure it will happen many more times in the future. What has happened, is an invitation to some "event." Most likely this will come in a mass text sent to who knows how many people. They send this text stating what is going on, and when, and that YOU should come! however what happens when they get a text back with a negative RSVP? They don't even bother texting back again. You see, it seems to me that these "event chasers" really don't care one bit who comes to their event, they just want everyone to know that this event is taking place, and that they will be there.

These are the same people that when engaging in a conversation they are quick to ask, "done anything fun lately?" Clearly they don't care much about you. Its almost like its just a competition to see who can do the best things. Just to add to that, If you do something totally awesome, like for example a rockin' trip to California with your family, (and you let them know), they will usually just go quiet. Beaten, ashamed, and maybe even embarrassed, they will not talk to you until some "event" comes up again.

Now the other type of people worth blogging about are the "people chasers." I have a whole group of friends that hang out ALL THE TIME. But what do they do? most of the time.... nothing. That's right event chasers, I said they do nothing. The funny thing is, they are completely content with doing nothing. Why is that? Because all they care about is being with other people. They could get together, not do a single thing, and yet be happy as a clown because they are with the people they love and care about.

Conversations with these kind of people are a lot more personable. If they must decline an invitation they will not be dropped like a rock, but they will be treated as individuals. Each of these people will live their lives how they feel it needs to be lived, but ultimately, the greatest satisfaction will come with other people, no matter what they are doing.

These are just a few thoughts i felt were worth posting online. Take what you want from them, but keep your eye open. People watching can be a very good learning experience for sure.

Honesty, the lost policy?

Everyone has heard the phase that goes along the lines of "honesty is the best policy." But recently, I have been left to wonder if it has become more of the "lost policy."

For example, Several top notch football teams in the NCAA are being investigated as we speak to see if they are seeking an unfair advantage over their competition. Many of these teams are not only being investigated, but are getting caught doing things that they should not. Along the same lines, the best high school teams in the state are constantly accused of bending/breaking rules here and there. Not long ago we had a huge outbreak of professional baseball players with steroids. Athletes that we looked up to so much as kids were going to court on account of cheating to get better results. I could go on and on in the world of athletes who cheat. A list that would include many many more, including even tour de France cyclists and olympic contestants.

Now that I've talked about the 1% of the population, I suppose it would be beneficial to look towards the rest of us. Most of the time our dishonesty does not make the headline news, and often times it is not monitored by millions of people worldwide. However it can be just as damaging to us as it is to everyone else.

Lately I've been thinking of two types of dishonesty that affect us in Huge ways. Firstly is being dishonest with ourselves. Look around you, look at your friends, your family, your neighbors, or even strangers. Look what they've got. See what they've accomplished? Who they have become? Notice how amazing they are? Now look at yourself. See how you pale in comparison? why do you even bother? They clearly are on a whole separate and higher level that you really shouldn't even put forth any effort any more. Do you sense the dysphoria here?

This whole train of thinking sounds so ridiculously down that it just makes everyone who reads it depressed. But world, take a self evaluation, is this your train of thought sometimes?

You are you. Be honest with yourself. You have strengths and weaknesses, but guess what, so does everyone else. Its easy to let things like scholar performance, work opportunities, relationship status, etc crowd your way of thinking that tells you who you really are. Be you, in a world where everyone is trying to be someone else, it is so much more unique these days to just be yourself. There is a reason we aren't all robots, we've been given our own individual characteristics and traits for a reason. Embrace individuality! Learn it, live it, and love it! (just not too much)

The other type of dishonesty worth mentioning is a trickier one to talk about. In a lot of ways it is similar what has already been discussed. This however, is dishonesty with others. The reason this one is harder to talk about is because it cuts deeper within all of us. If I may be so bold, I would even say that everyone of us is found guilty of this. Whether we recognize it or not, it can hurt those around us.

This type of dishonesty can come from simply only sharing part of the truth, but hiding the rest of it. It can come from remaining silent period, while avoiding the difficult conversations. It can also be shown as pride kicks in; by comparing us to someone "lower" than us. You see it through backbiting, rumors, backstabbing, and many other methods.

In short, not only are we hurting others around us by being dishonest, but we are also hurting ourselves. It is in a very real sense a bomb which can hurt us all. Be honest, with yourself, and with others. Your life will be tremendously less stressful and worrisome.

I hope this entry was as good for you all as it was for me. For good measure, and much better words than I can say myself, I close this entry with some help from President Faust.

Enjoy this clip, Its really good

Here is gone

Good song, seems fitting...

You and I got somethin' but it's all and then it's nothin' to me
Yeah
And I got my defenses when it comes through your intentions for me
Yeah
And we wake up in the breakdown with the things we never thought we could be
Yeah

I'm not the one who broke you
I'm not the one you should fear
We got to move you, darlin'
I thought I lost you somewhere
But you were never really ever there at all

And I want to get free
Talk to me
I can feel you fallin'
And I wanted to be
All you need
Somehow here he's gone

I am no solution to the sound of this pollution in me
Yeah
And I was not the answer so forget you ever thought it was me
Yeah

I'm not the one who broke you
I'm not the one you should fear
We got to move you, darlin'
I thought I lost you somewhere
But you were never really ever there at all

And I want to get free
Talk to me
I can feel you fallin'
And I wanted to be
All you need
Somehow here he's gone

And I don't need to fallout
Of all the past that's in between us
And I'm not holding on
And all your lies weren't enough to keep me here

And I want to get free
Talk to me
I can feel you fallin'
And I wanted to be
All you need
Somehow here he's goin'
And I want to get free
Talk to me
I can feel you fallin'

But I know it's out there
But I know it's out there
And I can feel you fallin'
But I know it's out there
But I know it's out there
Somehow here he's goin'
But I know it's out there
But I know it's out there
Somehow here he's goin'
Yeah


Thanks goo goo dolls

Goliath smashes David

We've all seen this picture, or at least know the remarkable story that goes along with it. It is the heroic story of how the boy slays the giant. Within this story is the remarkable lesson that no matter what we are dealing with, no matter how big it really is, we too, like David, can overcome what needs to be overcome.

This story is very moving, and very inspirational, especially when you consider that 9 times out of 10 the outcome is very different. You see, what they don't tell you is that really David is the one getting his butt handed to him most of the time anyways.

It goes right along with the old saying "nice guys finish last." Sometimes I wonder why I need to be in the nice guy/David spot. Not saying I'd want to be a big mean ugly giant either... I suppose either way,  you lose.