Northern Stars

      When I was kid, I remember watching Tony Hawk land the 900 on TV. It was by far, the most amazing thing I had ever seen. It was unthinkable that someone on  a skateboard could launch off the side of a half pipe, spin two-and-a-half revolutions, and then come down and land back on the board. In 1999 he was the first ever to land this trick in competition at the X Games, and it was a big deal for action sports. People said that the ground shook that day. It made a huge impact because it took his sport to the next level.
      Ironically that same year, Travis Pastrana, who is also an action sports legend, praised skateboarding and Tony for moving action sports forward as it did. Something he said his sport (freestyle motocross) could not do. In 2006 he landed the first double back flip on a dirt bike in X Games history. It was about the same feeling and just as magnificent as when Tony hawk Landed the 900! And this time, the ground really did shake!

     The accomplishments that these two men made were legendary. But they didn't happen overnight, and they weren't one-shot deals either. It took Tony Hawk eleven tries to land the 900 in competition before he finally landed it. And for Pastrana, he had landed double back flips riding a motorcycle on his ramps at home, into a foam pit, or on dirt. But never of the height, or the setting in competition where it counted. Falling short performing that feat at the X Games meant serious injury or death. Either one of them could have quit, or given up, let someone else do it, or walk away. But they didn't, and that's what made them great.
     Were faced with choices like this each and every day. Life has a tendency to suck (for lack of better words). One day were bulletproof, and then the next were broken. We find ourselves down for the count, but we have all have the choice to get back up. . if we want too. We can choose to get back up, and we can choose to keep trying when it seems like everything is pinned against us. It's never a matter of what we can and can't do, it's a matter of what we want to accomplish and if were going to do what it takes to get there.
      Before we came to this earth, we knew we would pass through the veil and forget everything up to that point. We knew we chose God's plan and that meant coming to get a body, and be subject to not only joy and happiness but also the pains and trials that came with it. We knew this life wouldn't be easy, but we knew it would be worth it. There are things we have to go through, that just don't make sense. . We fall short, we miss chances, we make mistakes, and we screw up. . several times even! Thats just how life goes sometimes. But with the help of God and our Savior Jesus Christ we can turn those mistakes, and shortcomings all into lessons. There wouldn't be any point to life life we couldn't!
      We learn and progress by making mistakes and learning lessons. When Thomas Edison was asked if he felt like a failure after falling short over nine thousand times when inventing the light bulb, he replied: "I now know definitively over 9,000 ways that an electric light bulb will not work. Success is almost in my grasp." After the ten thousandth attempt, Edison accomplished his goal. He never let failure hinder his dreams, he only used it to push himself further.
     If we trust in our Savior, who went below the imaginable to give us this priceless gift, we can move past anything that tries to hold us back. That "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down. . " (Helaman 5: 12) It's all about building our foundation on the rock of our Savior Jesus Christ, so that we can turn our shortcomings and mistakes into northern stars that lead us in the right direction.

Why Don't We Drive Cars On The Moon?

      In the world today there are many different concepts of being "saved", but the most usual description among Christian denominations is not burning in hell, or escaping eternal damnation. Easy enough right? Ultimately we are saved by our Savior, Jesus Christ. His infinite atonement is what makes it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. But how do we become "saved"?
      The doctrines of my faith go a lot further than simply implying that we are either saved or not, but I want to focus on specifically the manner in which we seek our salvation from God. Some say that by grace and grace alone we are saved, that with faith and believing we win our salvation. This is a common belief among many denominations. Some also say that our works alone will be the ultimate factor in our final judgment. So which one is it? 
      The truth is, we need both our faith, and our works.
 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified. . For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:14-26)
        This is a lot similar to how an auto engine works. If you would ask someone how a car runs, they would most likely tell you that it runs on gas. This is true, and obvious as well. But there is another necessary thing for your car to run as well. Just as important, but sometimes overlooked. . . Air. 
     This is the breakdown of where the power comes from inside a four stroke engine:
On the first stroke, the piston pulls down, and the gas and air mixture comes in through the valves at the top - INTAKE. Then, the piston pushes upward to squeeze the air/fuel mixture together - COMPRESSION. Just as that happens, the spark plug ignites the gas/air mixture and creates the combustion - POWER. That small explosion forces the piston back down and the other valves open at the top, letting the exhaust gases  out - EXHAUST.
      Now that we just learned what powers an engine, we can learn what the significance is. Looking specifically at the intake stroke, we see that both gas and air are required. If you have one without the other, or the ratio in the mixture is off, the motor won't run properly. Even when the spark plug fires, the gas alone will not keep the engine running, and neither will the air. You need both. This combination mixed with the spark from the spark plug is what moves us.
      Our works and our faith must go hand in hand for us to receive the full effect of God's gifts. His grace and mercy aren't conditional, He loves us all. And through Jesus Christ's atonement we can all be saved, but we must show our willingness and gratitude by doing good works and believing. 
     "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
      It is my humble prayer that we can all remember to have faith and do good works to those around us, just as our great Redeemer did. We must show our gratitude for the wonderful gifts the we have been so mercifully given. Truly we are blessed to do so!
       

Drive It Like You Stole It, Treat It Like You Own It

     Since I can remember I have always learned so many simple and priceless lessons from my Dad and my Grandpa. "If you're gonna do something, make sure you do it it right", or "Take your time with what you're doing, nothing beats quality". There are so many other examples that I can't even count. One of the ones I remember most is to "Take pride in what you have, take care of it and it will take care of you for a long time".

     There was no better implemented possession that this applied too more than our vehicles. Most people know, I live and die with the bow-tie. Im a born and raised Chevy guy and that will never change. Thats just how it is. I learned early to take care of my trucks. You work em' hard but you clean them up good after. Whether is was oil changes, spark plugs, radiators, tune-ups. . I always made sure to take care of them. When I did, they took care of me. Sure, small things happen here and there. . . But nothing to crazy thats not a routine fix.

      So here's a super sport 454 big-block engine. Sucks gas, hauls . . . fast. The type you hear coming from a mile away, roaring like some kind of monster. The ones that just have that loud "chug, chug, chug, chug" sound and when they pull up next to you you have to turn up your radio cause it somehow got turned off. . . You can bet the guy with this under his hood knows a things or two about fine tuning. Were talking about the top performance of American engineering, putting out 750+ horsepower. This isn't a fancy pants Italian exotic car, or your mom's prius, This is American Muscle. You couldn't pull a dollar off the dash board after his beast takes off the line. With all this in mind, you have to wonder how much this guy takes care of his car. . . Yeah it might be worth one pretty penny, but I would have no doubt he rips that thing around the streets then takes it home and babies it like a newborn child.

      There's no difference between this scenario and our own human bodies. We might have grown accustomed to the normal functions of the human body over time, but none the less they are incredible machines. No matter how fancy or advanced technology gets, nothing can measure up to the technicalities and absolute perfection the body has. The functions, the way we heal, they way we think, the brain, the eye, are all things that science has yet to explain. Make no mistake, we are not randomly conspired organisms that have developed over a long period of time and somehow evolved into what we are today. Charles Darwin only made it possible to become an intellectually fulfilled atheist. Something like this couldn't have just happened at random. Our bodies in fact, are of divine design.

      One of the reasons we are here on earth is to gain a physical body. Before, when we lived with our Father in heaven, we saw he had what we didn't. A body and His infinite wisdom and knowledge. As part of his plan of happiness, we too were to gain a body and the knowledge we could. And here we are, with bodies of our own. Like a sixteen year old with the keys to a brand new Corvette, ready to hit the highway. What a lot of us sometimes forget is that God threw in an owners manual too.

      You wouldn't put sugar in the gas tank of your brand new Corvette, and you probably wouldn't put bad gas in either. You'd want too take the best care of it you could, I'd hope. With our bodies it's a just a little different. We don't really notice the immediate effects of what we put into them until a little later down the road. One cigarette won't kill you, neither will a beer here and there, but when the filters in our bodies start to give way then we find ourselves in a world of hurt. Thats why the Lord has revealed his word of wisdom to us in these latter days. He has commanded us not to partake of street drugs, alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, or anything else that would harm us. We are also encouraged to exercise and take care of ourselves, not to eat too much and to avoid extreme diets. This was all revealed to us through modern day revelation and living by this will bring us not only physical blessing but also spiritual.

      It all comes down to how you want your engine to run. You can listen to the guy who designed it and take care of it. Or you can wear it out and run it to the ground. The word of wisdom is here to protect us from harming ourselves. If we follow it and take care of our bodies, we will only feel the blessings of a healthy motor.

Play It From Your Heart

     Jimi Hendrix is easily one of he greatest guitarists that has ever lived. In his time, he blew people away with his amazing abilities and a unique style that nobody else knew existed before. He was incredible, and most people are shocked when they find out that he didn't read music.
    For musicians, the actual sheet music is the basis of what you hear when the real music starts to come. Like the written script to a play. Its a pretty vital part. And you'd think it would be absolutely necessary especially in Hendrix's case being the musician he was. Sometimes thats not the case. 
    We have all heard music played that is good but just doesn't speak to us. Often times the case is that musicians get so focused on the written ink, than the music itself. It takes away from what its all about.
      True music comes from the heart. Thats exactly how Hendrix played and you can tell when you listen to his music. It was real, it was distinct.  You knew you heard one of his songs when it came on the radio and there was no mistaking it. He didn't spend so much time focused on the written music that it took away from what it really meant. It came to life.
     Sometimes in life we focus too much on the "checklist" style of living. We get so caught up in making sure all the boxes are checked off with being perfect, fitting in with the normal society, being the "tailor made" saint, or even having material possessions for status. Much like being too focused on the sheet music instead of the actual music. In this case, focusing on the textbook human being rather than living and enjoying life. We sometimes even put more emphasis on being the "textbook" person rather than being a real human being!  When we do this we forget what its all really about!
    We learn in the second book of Nephi, chapter two that "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."  -Verse 25.

    Were not just here in this life to get a body, choose the right, and go home. That might be the bare naked version of it, but theres more too it. Were here to have joy in our journey! We can fulfill the purpose in this life and still enjoy it. It's what were supposed to do! Thats what life's about.
    We can get stressed out over getting the boxes checked, and being exactly as perfect as it is written in the music. Thats why it is important to love life and live it from your heart. Thats where the true happiness is. We know living the gospel isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it makes it a whole lot easier to love the journey. So make the best of it and play it from your heart!

Lipstick On A Pig

     Its October, and we all know what that means. Besides the harvest season, and the trick or treaters, November follows right behind. In other words, it's voting season, and if you have been paying even a little attention to what has been going on you know there is a lot of hostility, a lot of hot button topics, and a lot at stake.
     If you're hoping to hear a missionary's take on how things should be, I'm sorry to disappoint, but it is not my place at this time to do so. Those who know me know I stand up for what I believe in and I am very passionate in that regard. However, I only aim to give a warning of common sense and reason to those who want to hear. This is why:
     Long story short, a former stake president near my home stake in Arizona is running for senate. If Mormons haven't been in the news enough already right? There's nothing wrong with anyone running for an office. The thing is, is that now we have faithful members of the church suddenly changing their views on topics and switching sides. Its not my business, everyone had their agency, but it couldn't be because they just want to vote for their stake president right? Or because he is a Mormon? This has created an uproar in my hometown. From what Ive heard, theres a miniature civil war going on among the LDS there. Does it really come down to a person's faith to decide if they are worthy to fill a seat in office? Does it really come down to a person's faith to decide if they are a good person period?
     To be honest, this news was sickening to me. I have my own opinions and reasons to draw my conclusions from. But this isn't just happening in Arizona. I'm sure everyone knows who Mitt Romney is. And I'm sure if you know who he is, then you know he is a Latter Day Saint. Surprising as it is (not really) some people won't vote for him only because he believes in that "crazy Mormon bible" and for others thats the only reason they will vote for him! So in other words, it doesn't matter who you are or what you've done as long as you go to church every week in x,y, and z congregations you're set!
     Luckily, there is still some common sense floating around. I'm not endorsing any candidate, I'm not telling anyone to vote this way or vote that way. I'm not telling everyone to go join different churches, or telling people not too. I'm only using these as examples to get a point across.
     There are good people all over this world, in every country, in every culture, in every religion, in every walk of life. And there is the opposite, in all the same places. Satan doesn't pick favorites. He may put more of his influence on more important things but he is always trying to pull as many souls as he can down to his misery. Sometimes we let our bias arrogances blind us from this truth.
     Christ loved everyone. He didn't hold his affections and love to any one group of people, he spent his mortal ministry with all who would hear him. How do you think we all are doing with following Him in this regard?
     Sometimes we have to agree to disagree, we have to love each other and look past the differences in our doctrines, and we have to come together.

    
    When we can move past our differences and work together for the good of our communities, then we will truly accomplish things in making the future brighter.
    This is what Christ taught, and I know if we can all do this we will be able to overcome and problems in our world today and really fix the problems we have in our society that seem so daunting.

Sinners Like Us

    One of my favorite stories from the New Testament is found in the book of John. Chapter eight opens as Jesus is teaching some people in the temple and a woman is brought before him by the scribes and the pharisees who has been taken in adultery. They tell him they have taken her "in adultery, in the very act", and begin to ask him what they should do. Under the law in those times, the consequence was stoning. The scribes and pharisees only aimed to tempt Jesus so that they could accuse him.
    As if he hadn't even heard them, Jesus stoops down and begins to write on the ground with his finger. He then arises and tells the accusers: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" -St. John 8:7

   One by one the accusers left, realizing the convictions of their own consciences, and left Jesus and the woman alone.
  "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" asks Jesus.
  "No man Lord"
   Then Jesus says "Neither do I condemn thee: Go and sin no more."
    There's a lot to lean from this story. Forgiveness, repentance, and mercy are huge things that we see. But there is something that sometimes we forget to take from this lesson, even when it is placed right before our eyes. 
    Im sure the pharisees and scribes felt a little crappy when Jesus told them what they should do. When it was put to em' bluntly like that, im sure they realized they weren't perfect. Of course though, who wouldn't? None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes, we all fall short, we all mess up,we all regret.
    So why is it sometimes it is so easy to find fault in others when we ourselves are all sinners?
    There's a saying in the church that goes something like this: The church is true, but the people aren't. As much as the truth hurts, this often is the case. Meeting with people from different walks of life, I often hear people say that they are reluctant to come to church because they feel pushed out, or not good enough. "The mormon church is just a place for perfect people to go, ill start on fire if I step foot in there!" 
    Now we all know this isn't true. It can't be, they let me in. And there are many who could say the same as well, but to hear this from someone seeking to rebuild their life is both heart wrenching, and embarrassing. We are taught to love the sinner and hate the sin, not too look down upon the sinner and magnify their sins. This is not right. For those of us who know what its like to come back know how hard it is and how much harder it makes it when the people behind the finish line are the ones who have been cheering against you the whole race.
    Lets remember who were striving to be like, our elder brother Jesus Christ. He taught to love everyone, no matter where we've came from or what mistakes we've made. Were all God's children, and he loves us all. Not just the "perfect" ones but also the sinners, the saints, you, and yes, even me.
    No mortal man who ever walked this earth has ever been perfect, with the exception of Jesus himself. Of course there are those who do truly believe they have reached that level. But if you happen to come across someone of the sort, just smile and wave. They're only confused. Were all here on the same level, shooting for the same goal. And as long as we follow our Savior, were going to make it no mater what anyone else thinks.
 

Once Broken, Twice As Strong

      Can something broken or shattered be put back together and become twice as strong as it was before? Think about this question for a second. . . . . Is it possible? In an ideal world, everything can usually be put back together after it is broken. A vase for example, can fall and shatter into small pieces. If you're ambitious enough, you could get your bottle of super glue out and tack that baby back together! If a leg on a wood table snaps in half, its more than possible to glue back on, good as new. But will either of these things be just as or even twice as strong as they were before? You would certainly hope so, but in reality they wouldn't. It depends alot on the overall strength of the material, but usually fixes like these don't hold up. And almost every time they break at the same exact spot where they were fixed.
      During my high school years I spent most of my time in the industrial arts classes. Auto mechanics and welding were probably my two favorite classes period. But welding was the one I spent the most time in. For those who don't know exactly what welding is, it is the fusion of metal.  Or put simply, the way to get metal to bind together.

    
      The picture to the right gives a basic description of a weld. Using original metal, the gas/metal filler combine and fuse the two pieces together. Its simple enough, but how is this different from gluing a vase back together or a leg on a wooden table?
      The main difference is that a weld, if done right, not only has penetration through the material but also fuses together the original material with the new one being added, making it twice as strong as before. If you put it in a clamp, bend it, heat it, grind it, or whatever you can think of to break it, it won't matter. The rest of the metal with give before the weld does. Its always the last to break.
    In The Book Of Mormon we read that if we realize our weaknesses and let The Lord take care of them, then he will make us stronger:
         27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
    Does anyone ever feel broken or weak? Like there are some things that are impossible to overcome? The truth is, everyone does. We all have weaknesses so that we will be compelled to be humble. The Lord knows us better than we do and he knows how to help us. Giving our weaknesses to The Lord takes more effort and time than some of the other "quick fixes" that we come across in life when were faced with challenges. However, if we humble ourselves before our Lord and let him help us, weak things will become strong unto us. We will not only overcome, but will become stronger in the face of adversity. And the things fixed with the help of The Lord will hold when we ourselves cannot. I know this is true. He can make us twice as strong.

Right By Your Side

Her parents never took the young girl to church
Never spoke of His name
Never read her His word
Two non-believers walking lost in this world
Took their baby with them
What a sad little girl
Her daddy drank all day and mommy did drugs
Never wanted to play
Or give kisses and hugs
She'd watch the TV and sit there on the couch
While her mom fell asleep
And her daddy went out
And the drinking and the fighting
just got worse every night
Behind their couch she'd be hiding
Oh what a sad little life
And like it always does, the bad just got worse
With every slap and every curse
Until her daddy in a drunk rage one night
Used a gun on her mom and then took his life
And some people from the city took the girl far away
To a new mom and a new dad
kisses and hugs everyday
Her first day of Sunday school the teacher walked in
And a small little girl
Stared at a picture of Him
She said I know that man up there on that cross
I don't know His name
But I know He got off
Cause He was there in my old house
and held me close to His side
As I hid there behind our couch
The night that my parents died

"The Little Girl" - John Michael Montgomery

       

   

      For anyone reading this who is struggling with something in life, never forget that there is always hope. Even through the darkest times, when it seems that there is no way out. Our Savior Jesus Christ knows exactly how we feel, and He will stand by us no matter what. He endured through pain and sorrow beyond all capabilities of the imagination, and He did it for us. I know this because He took away my pain. I know the Atonement Of Jesus Christ is real and that through its power we can experience great happiness and return to live with Him again. No matter where we go or what we go through in life, He will be there, right by our side.

       

Like A Rock

      

Who was George Herman Ruth Jr. ?

          The Sultan of Swat. . .

          The King of Crash. . .

          The Colossus of Clout. . .
          The Great Bambino !!!!
       BABE RUTH !!!!!!!

    Babe Ruth was the greatest baseball player that ever lived. He started his career as a pitcher but ended it as a full time right fielder hitting 714 home runs. He was the face of baseball in the 1920's. Still today he is regarded as one of the greatest athletes period.

    Each time Babe hit a home run, he would notch his bat. Needless to say, he had a lot of bats with a lot of notches! The only other baseball player in history to truly pass the Babe's long ball record was Hank Aaron in 1974.

  

       When I was in my younger days, there was a challenge in my priest quorum. That challenge was that whoever could read the entire Book Of Mormon as a priest, would get a louisville slugger baseball bat with their name and favorite scripture on it. The bats were so sweet! I had played baseball most of my childhood so I knew exactly what they were. I wanted one so bad, and as I watched each of my close friends get theirs, my yearning for one increased.

        So I decided one day that I was going to finish reading the Book Of Mormon before it was too late. I was stuck in the book of Alma for a while, but with effort and patience I made it through and continued reading until one Sunday in sacrament meeting I finally finished ! I couldn't believe it.

        I was so excited to finally get that bat! But soon after I finished reading, I felt a different feeling come over me. I kept dwelling on the last few chapters I had read, the testimonies of Mormon and Moroni, and the promise that if I asked God with a sincere heart, I would know the book was true by the power of The Holy Ghost.

        I already knew it was true. At least, I wanted it to be. I knew that it was the word of God and I knew that no man could have written a book like that unless he was inspired and instructed by God to do so. So I took up Moroni's challenge and decided to ask Heavenly Father.

        I went out to the parking lot and got in my truck, hesitated for a little bit, but after I made up my mind what I was going to do I began to pray. I didn't get knocked to the ground, or struck by lightning. What I felt was a peaceful, burning feeling inside. As sweet assurance that I already knew the answer to my question. I knew The Book Of Mormon was true.

       The next week in church I was handed my louisville slugger, engraved with my name on it and my favorite scripture.

      

       It had a notch right near the label.

    

        I don't remember hitting a lot of home runs when I played ball, but I remembered how it felt. It felt good, like i'd done something great. This felt the same, like I had accomplished something amazing.

       The more and more I look back on the memory of finally acheiveing my goal, the more I begin to realize of what I really gained from it.

       As awesome as my bat is, its just a piece of wood. It will hang on a wall or sit on a dresser somewhere someday where I can see it and reflect on what it means and what it took to get it. But the real prize was the testimony I gained from reading The Book Of Mormon. I know it is true and that it is the word of God. It is what it says it is right on the front cover: Another Testament Of Jesus Christ. I know this to be true, and I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to be a prophet and instructed to translate ancient plates into what we know as The Book Of Mormon.

       There are many ways to prove if the book is true or not, but it all comes down to the way that will truly testify for itself. Read it, and ask God. Out of any geological evidence, or theological thinking, this way will surely reveal the best answer. That of The Holy Ghost, which will bear witness to anyone who sincerely asks God in the name of Christ.

      4 And when ye shall recieve these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

      5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may konw the truth of all things.

                                                                                                    - Moroni 10:4-5

                                        Moroni's promise still stands true today, and always will.

    

     

The Golden Ticket Theory

       Wouldn't it be nice if all we had to do was open up a chocolate bar and find a golden ticket to get into heaven? Well heck yeah it would, and I think most people would agree.

      It would be so easy. Just buy a bunch of chocolate bars until you find your ticket, and youre home free. You might spend a little money and maybe even gain a few pounds but in the end you'd be set. . . right ?
     Unfortunately its not that easy. But fortunately were all here on earth working for the same goal and in turn, we can all help eachother out.
    The Lord is the one who will ultimately judge us when that time is to come. He is the only one, and nobody knows exactly how we will be judged or on what conditions. But what we do know is the path we are to walk and the gate we are to enter in to. Christ taught that "except a man be born of the water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). Thus we see the need to be baptized. But then we ask ourselves: Is that it?
    The answer is no. Althoguh some might think so, baptism is not the "golden ticket into heaven". Some would say that it doesn't matter what happens after baptism, that you can go on sinning and no matter what you do you will always have your baptism, or "golden ticket". This may be somewhat true but we are still held accountable for the things we do after baptism. Thats what the Holy Ghost is for. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us thst we must have faith in Jesus Christ and his attonement, repent, be baptized, and endure to the end. The last part is the kicker. Enduring to the end.

    We not only have to be baptized but also keep our promises we make at baptism by enduring to the end. Were all different and have different challenges throughout our lives but with the Lord's help it makes it possible. Through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent of our mistakes that we make in this life and move on. We might stumble along the way but were always learning and always progressing. No matter what comes in our path we must strive to have faith and pray for strength to carry on. It is my prayer that we can all build our foundations on the rock of our redeemer so that we may one day live with him in the kingdom of our Father.

     

     

The Strength To Come Back

    Josh Hamilton was the first player chosen in the first round of the 1999 baseball draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He grew up his whole life playing baseball and had a natural talent for it. His ability enabled him to outplay kids twice his age. He was destined to be one of those rare "high-character" superstars. But in 2001, working his way from the minors to the majors, all of the plans for Josh went off the rails in a moment of weakness. What followed was a nightmare of drugs and alcohol, estrangement from his friends and family, and his eventual suspension from baseball.
    After signing with Tampa Bay, Hamilton spent his first two years in the minor leagues living with his parents, who had quit their jobs to shepherd their son. Just before the 2001 season began, all three were injured in a car accident. While his parents recovered at home in Raleigh, Hamilton recuperated in Florida while staying with the team.
    Alone for the first time, unable to play, he started hanging out in a local tattoo parlor where he developed his first addiction—to ink. Josh soon began too fall to the influence of the parlor employees which soon led him to alcoholism and the use of cocaine.
       At first Hamilton's drug use was occasional, but by summer 2002, he was using during the season and acting out the paranoid life of a junkie. Then came the first of several positive drug tests and suspensions. By 2004 he had been banned from pro ball altogether.   
      Nearly four years later, after crack-and-booze-induced hazes, bouncing between trailer homes where he'd collapse onto the floor with other addicts, and posh rehab centers where he failed time and again, Josh finally began to hit the road to recovery, when he began to pray and read the bible. He read and stumbled across a scripture in James 4:7: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" At that moment, he went cold turkey. It was a frightful few weeks. His mind played tricks on him. The cravings were gargantuan. But he began to gain weight and strength, and his Grandmother, who at the time was providing him housing and support, began talking about a comeback. 
       For Josh, that comeback meant making restitution with his wife Katie, restoring their trust, and restoring meaning to his life. It wouldn't be easy, but he knew what he had to do.  After much counseling together their marriage was saved, and Josh found the way to restore the meaning in his life: Pick up the bat and play ball. 
        He began by spending a long winter and spring at the Winning Inning, a Christ-centered youth baseball academy in Clearwater, Florida, where Hamilton cleaned toilets, mowed lawns, and slept on an air mattress. He had to do his chores, help teach the students, and maintain a good attitude. At first, Josh was withdrawn. He had a hard time trusting others, but through his work ethics and bible study his demeanor began to change, and his time in the batting cages proved he still had the goods.
       By the end of the 2006 season, Josh Hamilton was given a second chance by the Tampa Bay Rays and he played well in fifteen games with their minor league team. He was then traded to Cincinnati where he displayed flashes of greatness but was held back by injuries. Then after being traded once again, Josh found his home in Texas. It was here during the 2008 season that Hamilton hit for an average of .304, knocked 32 home runs, batted in 130 runs, and was chosen to play in the all-star game. 
       The night before he set the record in the annual Home Run Derby where he smashed 28 homers in the first round. Crushing the current records set by sluggers like Bobby Abreu, David Ortiz, David Wright, Jason Giambi, and Mark McGuire, some even soaring over 500 feet. His longest one, and estimated 518 feet. Afterward, as millions watched from home, Hamilton credited God for his recovery, and almost immediately the speaking requests poured in from churches, drug rehab programs, and schools.

     
       Hamilton was named to the American League All Star Team, and made the All-Star team the next two seasons as well. He also won the American League batting title in 2010. Then on October 22, 2010, Hamilton was selected as MVP of the 2010 season, and on November 23, 2010, was named the 2010 American League MVP, earning 22 of 28 first-place votes. He would also carry the Rangers to the world series that year, where they lost to the San Fransisco Giants, but despite missing the taste of a world title, Josh Hamilton continues to amaze baseball fans all over the world.
      If you ask Josh, he'll say it's all part of his "platform" for reaching people who deal with their own or loved ones' addictions, and for reaching people with the good news of the gospel. He says, "I'm amazed God could use somebody as flawed as me."
      Josh Hamilton found his way back, and so can we. Each and every one of us are faced with challenges, whether they be big or small, and each of us encounter our own trials. Although we may not know just quite how others feel in these times, there is always someone who does. Our savior Jesus Christ, who suffered for the sins and afflictions of the world. We may never know in complete detail the pain that he suffered, but we do know that because of that great sacrifice we can all return to live with God again one day. 
       No matter how far off the path we find ourselves, we can always pick ourselves back up and keep moving forward. Sometimes it takes time and most always it takes a lot of courage and strength but its possible if we have faith and pray. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game, because there's always hope through our Savior Jesus Christ who can give us the strength to come back. 

     
       

I've Been Watchin' You Dad

     The further we go in life, the more we come to know ourselves more and more. Through every trial, and every hill we climb, we find out for ourselves who we really are. We find out that we aren't always who we are on the inside, but it's what we do that defines who we are. And we also draw parallels and see where everything we learned came from, who taught us this and who taught us that. The further I go in life, the more and more I realize who I am, and who I want to be. I've been a few places in my life, and learned a lesson or two. They all make me who I am today. But the more I grow up the more and more I realize just who It was who taught me everything I know. My Dad.
     Whether it was under the hood of a truck or sitting next to a fishing hole, pulling cable through houses or out mowing the lawn, I always learned something that I have eventually come to hold priceless. I may not have been the best listener, and things sometimes went over my head, but I was always watching him.

I've been watchin' you Dad, ain't that cool

Im your buckaroo, I wanna be like you 

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

We like fixin' things and holdin' Momma's hand

Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we Dad

I wanna do everything you do

So I've been watchin' you

     Im proud to say that I am my father's son. He is my hero. I hope one day I can be just like him. That might be impossible though, because of the great man that he is. But thats my goal. I hope one day that I can be as great as an example to my future family as he is to mine.  

Thanks Dad, For Everything.

I Love You 

                                                      

Men United Are Better Than Men Divided

      During my years in high school I took a mythology class. I can't remember why I took it but I do remember learning a lot of . . . stuff. Some of it was cool like stories about Thor and Zeus and all the greek "gods," and then some of the other things I learned just made me shrug my shoulders and wonder. Despite learning a lot of random myths and legends, I did learn a few useful things in that class. One story in particular was from Arabic mythology, It was about three princes and their father who ruled the kingdom.    

      The princes fought and fought all day and night and were always running through the kingdom trying to best each other. One day after causing much destruction during one of their fights, the three princes were brought before their father who then asked in desperation, "what is going to happen when I die?"

      It was then decided that in the best interests of the kingdom the three brothers would be sent out on a quest to find the most wondrous object they can find. Whichever brought back the most wondrous in the eyes of their father would inherit the throne. The three brothers immediately set out in their quest.

      Exactly one year later the brothers met at a trading post a hundred miles away from the kingdom to compare their treasures. One had found a magical flying carpet that could fly at extremely fast speeds. The second brother had found a magical telescope that could show him anything he desired to see. And the third had discovered a vile of potion that could heal any wound and even heal the deceased.
      Just as they were about to race back to their father's kingdom, one of the princes had seen their father through the telescope he had found. To their dismay they saw that their father had become very ill and was on his deathbed. The distance they had to travel was too great to travel in the time their father had left, so they quickly put their wits together and used the magic carpet to race back to the kingdom in hopes that they might save their father with the potion the one brother had found.

                                                                     They Flew. . . .











                                                                     And Flew  . . . .












                                                 And made it just in time to save their father!!!

         After a lifelong quarrel, the three brothers were able to work together for once and because of it their father was saved ! All three eventually became heirs to the kingdom and ruled for a time until it was time for their sons to do so.

         I share this story because of what I learned when i heard it for the first time. We see it all around us. Wars and rumors of wars, contentions, disasters, and calamities. Were definitely seeing the signs of the times! But no matter what comes our way we are always surrounded by others who all have different backgrounds and different strengths. Thats why it is so important that we do not let contention into our hearts. We know it is of the devil. And Jesus himself said to "love thy neighbor as thyself." We are all brothers and sisters and if we can all come together and forget our differences not only in times of emergency but all the time we will be amazed by what we can accomplish!

The Holy Ghost: A Man's Best Friend

      Those who know me know that I have a great love for animals. My favorite of course, are dogs. For all those who own and are around dogs know of their loyalty and their love. My dog Millie, is an American Pitt Bull who my girlfriend and I rescued from abandonment a year or so ago. She has been the best dog I've ever had! Loyal, friendly, protective, and always right by your side. Truly, a man's best friend.

      This morning while I was studying and reflecting on a few things, I ran through some memories of home. My study topic this morning was The Spirit of God. Upon searching out scriptures I made a parallel from some of the characteristics I found. The Spirit is with us always, granted we live worthy and do not offend it. It is there to protect us, to warn us, and to keep us safe.

      I was drawn to memories of Millie and my five year old brother Gage. Whenever he was outside working on his quad, or riding his bike, playing in the mud etc. . . She was always there. Always right by his side. And wherever he went, so did Millie. We were never too worried about him when he went out on his own adventures, Because we knew Millie was with him and she would stand in the way of any danger.

      The Holy Ghost, is a man's best friend. How blessed we are to have the Holy Ghost with us, to warn us and to protect us. This gift we receive at baptism is so essential in enduring to the end. I pray we can all strive and live worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us at all times and in all places. That we may further escape the hands of Satan and his servants. And to always have the Spirit with us, as a man's best friend.

Why do Mormons build Temples ?

Temples are houses of the Lord, the most sacred structures on the earth.

Anciently, the Lord directed Solomon to build a temple (1 Chronicles 28:1-6). This temple was a place where God could dwell, was a place of prayer, was a place of sacrifice and was a place where the principle and covenant of sacrifice was fundamental to worship.

At the time of the Restoration, the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to once again build temples on the earth. Like ancient temples, today’s temples are also sacred places where God may dwell; they are places of prayer and, although we no longer offer animal sacrifices because that was done away with when Jesus Christ became the Eternal Sacrifice for our sins, the principle and covenant of sacrifice is fundamental to our temple worship.

In temples, Church members participate in ordinances designed to unite their families together forever and help them return to God.

In the temple, members:

• Learn eternal truths.
• Receive sacred ordinances, including those that bind husband and wife together for eternity, as well as join children and parents (Malachi 4:5-6).
• Provide ordinances such as baptism for those who have died without the opportunity to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:29); 1 Peter 4:6)