All about the Outlook

Recently I just got moved to a different area.

As missionaries we have the chance of getting moved every six weeks,

but usually stay in one place for about 6 months.

Moving and saying goodbyes are the hardest part.

I have always had a pretty hard time moving for many reasons.

A missionary told me that the only thing I could do

was think positively and excitedly about this change.

I decided that is exactly what I was going to do!

And what a difference it made!

Now to my next story,

I promise they'll connect in the end. :)

With the new move, came a new companion: Elder McCarl.

Recently we saw this coming:

This was my reaction:

and this was his:

In case you can't tell,

that's pure excitement on his face!

He's from Florida and has NEVER seen snow.

I couldn't help but smile when he realized snow

was just frozen water!

Every morning we check to see if there's enough snow outside

to build his first snowman.

I have never loved winter this much.

Why?

because it's all about the outlook.

We determine whether it's a good day.

A day filled with chances to grow

or hard times that merely give you the chance

to act in self-pity.

YOU make the choice.

So make the choice today!

DO IT!

And enjoy the winters of life! :D

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
 

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Step into the Wilderness

Often when we follow the counsel of The Lord,

we will have to tarry in the wilderness before we find our promised land.

This pattern is shown time and time again.

Lehi was promised a great land,

and he tarried 8+ years in the wilderness before he arrived.

The Israelites were promised a great land,

and they tarried in the wilderness for 40 years before they arrived.

Blessings and answers almost always come line upon line, precept upon precept.

There was a change that I was earnestly trying to make in my life.

No matter how hard I tried I seemed to always fall short.

Amid my frustration a challenge was extended to me to read the Book of Mormon 20 minutes a day.

Grudgingly I accepted the challenge not know the affects it was going to have.

I soon found myself lost in the stories and teachings of the prophets.















On my knees I sought for an answer once again to know of the truth of the Book.

My heart was once again touched and my testimony strengthened.

All during strength came to me.

I was happier.

My life was simpler.

The relationship with those around me grew

I was able to become more Christlike,

and in the end, I made the change, that seemed impossible to
accomplish not long before.

The Book of Mormon has power.

We will be blessed as we search and ponder it's teachings.

The blessings and answers will not come until we take that step of faith,

step into the wilderness and the unknown,

take the chance and trust in God,

and receive that witness from your Heavenly Father of the truth of it's power.

I know and testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

It was translated by a prophet called of God

and we have a prophet on the earth today.

It will bless your life in ways that seemed impossible

The Book will change who you are.

Take the step of faith,

and read it.

And most importantly,

Pray about it.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Boogers or Kit-Kats?

We had the opportunity to teach Elder's Quorum this last Sunday and with it had an object lesson.

We had two volunteers and two cups with different candies in it. The first was a candy that looked like boogers:

 and the second was a Kit-Kat bar:

We gave the one volunteer the first cup with the boogers in it and told him to convince the other volunteer to eat whatever is in that cup. As he struggled to describe the "boogers" in the cup he managed to convince him enough that the other volunteer ate whatever was in the cup without even looking at it!

We gave him the second cup and he convinced him to eat it with ease. It was chocolate with a crisp cookie on the inside!

What was the difference between the two?

He knew what a Kit-Kat bar was and had tasted it himself and could easily explain without restraint how good the Kit-Kat bar actually was! The boogers was another story.

As we feel the joy through the gospel we can easily express that joy to others. When we know the gospel and have strong emotions about it, we can more powerfully convey a love for the gospel and touch people's hearts that no one else can.

But it all starts with your own conversion.

Ask what the prophet Alma directs: Can ye feel so now?

Feel so now.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Things Unseen

When I was attending BYU-Idaho, I had the privilege to have my brother come out and visit me!

He came right after a snowfall so we decided to go sledding on the sand dunes (which were bigger than any hill we had in Wisconsin.)

Finding a well trodden path we jumped on the sled. I watched them go down and glanced over my shoulder to see a completely untouched side of the dune. I set my sled in the snow, pushed off, and flew down the hill.

I eventually reached the bottom and stood up calling my brother to follow me down stating how "epicly awesome" it was.

I glanced up at the hill and called for him to stop. I realized looking from the top down it was impossible to see the rock faces that jutted out of the sand creating mini cliffs. I had managed to make it to the bottom avoiding every rock face. However my brother was not as lucky!

He made it to the bottom in quite a bit more pain and looking back he realized the rock faces in which he hit nearly every one.

Yes, we can make it through this life as we hold on to the scriptures and prayer. However we can make it through our lives with a lot less pain as we listen to those whom have gone before us.

"Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land."-1 Nephi 17:55

We have had role models put into our lives to follow, seek their counsel and be humble enough to follow what they council you.

They are at the bottom of the hill and can see the masked dangers. They themselves have hit the "rock-faces" on their sled ride and they know how to avoid them much better than the one sitting at the top of the hill.

Follow the counsel we are so blessed to receive

Especially the counsel received from our Savior.

In the name of our savior, counselor, and brother, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

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Don't Even Go There (Part 1)

Any story that starts out with my brother and I can never be good, but here it goes!


My brother and I were biking through the woods at a nearby park. We got to this huge hill and we both just went for it. At the bottom of the hill it curved off to the right and we both barely made the turn and thought it was the coolest thing ever.

So we did it again.

I got to the top of the hill and decided there's no way I was going to try that again. I watched my brother go down and waited until he was out of sight, then I walked my bike half way down the hill.

I still didn't feel like it was a good idea but I did it before, and I was half way down this hill so it would be easier and safer!

I jumped on my bike and as I got to the bottom I realized I wasn't going to make the turn.

I went into the forest and cringed as I saw a downed log right in front of me.

I prepared myself, my bike hit the long, and I supermanned over the handle bars of my bike landing on my hands and knees.

I didn't get one scratch, except...

A stick went straight up my nose.

The rest of the story is going to be told in the next post ;)

I knew that going down that hill wasn't a good idea. However I ignored that feeling as I watched my brother do it.

I still didn't just go crazy after that, I did a little part to make it safer, and then went down the hill anyways.

I knew I shouldn't have done it and I found out why!

When we feel something in life and we receive the prompting to not do it, then DON'T!

Even if you feel you can make it through, or make it a bit "safer."

Satan is the king of rationalizing. Don't rationalize.

Just don't do it.

Be in tune enough to receive the promptings and have the courage to follow them to the letter.

Seek, Knock, Ask

and then Act.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

(Stay tuned for part 2 :D)

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Seeing things as they really are

It was a beautiful day outside and we had the chance to teach a lesson out on the lawn.

Mason had his dog running around and I couldn't help but smile as it spazzed out and ran in circles like dogs do.

The dog finally chilled out so I averted my attention from the dog to the lesson.

Mason starts laughing and I look at my companion who has a huge smile on his face, I looked down and saw that my bag was wet.

I laughed and asked if the dog licked my bag. My companion didn't say anything, at that moment I realized that it wasn't drool and my backpack wasn't as water proof as I thought.

I quickly adverted disaster and removed my scriptures. I threw the bag in the back of our truck to avoid the very distinct smell of urine.

Yes, the dog peed on my backpack.

I still remember that moment when I realized what it was. A flash of anger came but quickly diminished as I took a step back and realized how ridiculously funny this situation was!

When we look at situations in life, and how they really are,  life is pretty awesome.

We know why we are here.

We know what tools we need to get through hard times.

And when we don't allow satan to skew our view on reality, we truly can be happy as we come unto the Lord!

I had a choice, to dwell on the fact that I was going to have to pay to wash my bag in the washer when I got back and would have to make do with just my scripture case,

Or

Focus on the fact that a dog really just did urinate on my backpack out of nowhere and that it'll be a pretty epic story to tell later!

Laugh at the frustrating times and always allow the spirit to bring things back into view of how they truly are.

It's the Adversary who wants our vision to blur.

Keep a clear course, read the scriptures, pray, and partake of the sacrament.

Keep the Savior and his atonement in clear sight.

Always have a clear vision of where you and your Heavenly Father want you to be.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Adversity and Righteousness

In a youth stake meeting, President Mortimer whom is in the stake presidency, said a line that has really stuck with me since,

"Don't let the test deter the decision."

Deciding to go on a mission was a decision I made a long time ago, however the test didn't come until right before I left.

I can look back now and see every test that the adversary threw my way. I have never been tested more in my life then right before I had to walk through those doors into the Missionary Training Center.

Satan knows us very well, and knows what choices we are going to make.

He's been doing this since the beginning of time and then some.

He knows the power that we have and how minute his power is in comparison. He wants to take away our freedom of choice.

When we make a righteous choice, he tries his hardest.

Be conscious of the reality of Satan, and also know and study the reality of Christ who died for us and his grace.

His grace is sufficient for us to get through any test and stay true to the decision we know is right.

Do the program: Read. Pray. Take the Sacrament.

There will be tests, but there are always promised blessings to the righteous. Satan's power is pathetic to the power we are blessed with through God's grace, and his Son's grace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

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Trusting Completely

Following the promptings of the spirits are eternally important, and he speaks to each of us in a unique way.

We need to heed these followings and follow them immediately.

Recently, we were driving down main street and I saw that a concert was being played at the stage and I felt for some reason we should go.

The music was not going to be approved for missionaries, is it really a good use of our time to go and watch a concert?

It made no sense.

I spoke up and found that my companion felt the same. We parked then walked and sat down with the spectators.

Immediately we were noticed by a ward member who used to be a mission president, if anybody knew we weren't supposed to be here he would!

We found a seat next to one of our investigators. Shortly after we sat down she got up and left us there alone.

It made no sense why we were here.

A man next to me leans over and asks if we were Jehovah Witnesses. We answered no and it turned into a half hour conversation about the church. We were able to share the restoration and a message about the priesthood power that has been restored to this earth! He seemed very interested and gladly agreed to meet with us again.

We were supposed to be there, even though it made no sense at that time.

The Holy Ghost is always whispering in our ear, but are we tuned in?

Are we willing to listen even though it may make no sense?

Now always check a prompting with what you know is true in the scriptures. Always pay attention to how you feel as you carry out the prompting. The Holy Ghost will give assuring nudges as we take the steps towards the direction it brings us in.

The more we heed to the promptings the more the Lord can trust in us and the more the Lord can edify us as we become instruments in his hands.

Heed the promptings and act on His will.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Standing our Ground

We were helping a member from the ward build fence on his horse farm and I had no idea of the lesson I would learn that day!

We had a section of the fence knocked down and the horses were gathering around. The farmer affirmed us that the horses wouldn't try to get out and that we shouldn't worry.

Continuing to work, the horses continued to crowd. One of his dogs nipped at one of the horses and a horse took off through the gap.

Because one escaped, the rest needed to follow. I was shoved out of the way as a horse jumped the fence landing on the ground with a thud, and the others breaking through the gap and fence.

I was left there as my companion and the other two elders rushed out to try to coax the horses back. The farmer handed me a board and told me that if any of the horses came charging at me, to wave the board and stand my ground.

I was left, a city boy, completely out of my element, with a board, and horses eying me to see how sure I was of guarding the hole in the fence.

I wasn't so sure.

However I did have faith that what I was taught would work, and I stood there holding that board and didn't move a muscle.

Soon the horses were back and I was relieved of my duty.

In this life, the charge to live righteously and to endure to the end may be similar to a terrified city boy holding a board with a bunch of horses eying him.

All we know is that we have to stand our ground, and no matter what, use the board (Scriptures, Prayer, Church, etc.) and never lose our ground.

"I am satisfied that there is no need to stand still and let the filth and violence overwhelm us, or to run in despair. The tide, high and menacing as it is, can be turned back..." -Gordon B. Hinkley

It CAN be turned back.

So turn it back.

Never lose your ground.

And never lose your hope.

All things are possible through him.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Happiness: A Decision

Recently I had a quite an interesting day as a missionary!

We attended zone conference which is about a 25 mile drive and then we returned home. It wasn't until I walked in to the apartment that I realized we didn't have our phone, and that I left it under a tree back at zone conference. We drove all the way back and used 50 more miles just because I didn't remember the phone.

We helped a family with service that night in which I shattered a light bulb and then proceeded to sweep it all up.

Washed out the truck bed before we hauled things for a member in which we sprayed mud all over our white shirts and ties.

And finally we had clean checks the next morning so I had the opportunity to clean the toilet right before I called it a night.

Sounded like a pretty happy day, right?

Well let me tell you, It was an AWESOME day!

Looking back it made no sense why it was such a great day and as I thought of it more, I realized something.

The 3 hours we spent in the truck were some great times to talk to Elder Ipson and get to know each other just a little bit better! It also was a great opportunity to listen to uplifting music and really invite the spirit.

The family was very grateful for our help, even with the 10 cent broken light bulb.

We looked absolutely ridiculous at our meal appointment looking like Dalmatians from the mud and there was nothing I could do but laugh!

"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves." (Doctrine & Covenants 58:28)

"We are agents to act, not objects to be acted upon." -Elder Bednar

YOU make the outcome. Choose to act, take charge of your life, and stop allowing excuses for your bad days. Bad days will come, but every bad day is given so we can grow. Don't complain, Grow.

All things are possible through our Savior Jesus Christ and his atonement.

In His name I close, Amen. 

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By Degrees...

Amalickiah is quite the evil man, in fact, he might even trump volde-- I mean he who must not be named.

His whole plan is to be king over the Lamanites so he can conquer the Nephites.

At one point he finds himself with a small army camping for the night at the bottom of a hill. (Alma 47:9)

He is preparing them to go to battle on the morrow but has another scheme in the background.

The whole time he is trying to meet with the leader of the other army, Lehonti. 

He tried to get him to come down and conference with him, and he refused.

He tried again only to get refused once more.

Refused on the third, once more.

On the fourth try he said that he would meet him and that Lehonti could "come down, and that he would bring his guards with him." (47:12)

Lehonti knew he shouldn't even mess with Amalickiah let alone meet with him, but Amalickiah made him feel safe and allowed him to come down from his stronghold with his guards.

Through trickery Amalickiah manipulates Lehonti into combining armies and putting him second in charge.

Amalickiah then poisons Lehonti "by degrees..." (47:18) and becomes leader over the Army.

We are in our strongholds as we read and pray. Satan does not necessarily attack our strong holds but makes us feel safe enough to leave them and meet him half way.

Never does Satan make it obvious his plans, and never are they easily detected.

He will poison us by degrees every time we leave our stronghold.

Do not leave your stronghold, continue to pray and read the words of God. They will always protect you. Never go down, never even give Satan the time of day, because when we do, that is when he can begin to administer the poison. 

With the Lord anything is possible, and he will always be our song and  our Joy as long as we come closer to him. "Great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." (2 Nephi 22)

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Never Stop Making Preparations...

"Yea... I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold the powers of hell would have been shaken forever." (Alma 48:17)

Nobody can deny the awesomeness of Moroni. He is one of the greatest role models in the Book of Mormon and has some of the coolest stories!

He teaches us an invaluable lesson about how we can combat Satan.

Up to this point he just won a huge victory over the Lamanites, A.K.A. The Nephite's nemeses.

Instead of relaxing because of the great victory, this is what he does:

"And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people... he caused his armies should commence... in digging up heaps of earth round about all the cities..."
(Alma 50:1)

Moroni NEVER stopped preparing.

When we finally win a victory over Satan, that is the time when we need to continue prayer, church attendance, and scripture study.

Too often do we forget to strengthen our borders when life gets easy, that's the time when we need to strengthen them the most.

Satan didn't win this time, but the minute we let our guard down, he will always come up with something bigger and better.

So read.

Pray.

Always build up your borders on the foundation of Christ

and the Lord has promised:

they will NEVER fail.

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Rejoicing in the Success of Others

I find it so interesting that sometimes we see someone else doing really good, and we get jealous and mad that it isn't us with that recognition.

When a football team scores a point the whole team isn't mad because they weren't the ones to run that ball across the line.

In basketball the person who gets an assist isn't mad because he wasn't able to score himself.

Volleyball, just because they aren't able to be the one to spike it over the net doesn't mean they are angry or jealous of the person that scored.

The reason why they rejoice in their team-mates success in scoring is because it took an effort from all of them to make it possible. It's exactly because that, they view the person getting recognition as a team-mate.

In life are we not all on the same team?

Life is a team effort. Success and recognition is never the result of one person's effort.

"But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren." (Alma 29:14)

When we see other's receiving recognition, remember that we are all on the same team! Rejoice with them! In all reality, i'm sure you helped them reach that goal sometime in their life.

Love everybody and rejoice with everybody, especially in times of success.

"My soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy." (29:16)

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Trusting in the Lord

Alma and his people were being righteous and thriving, following the Lord and his commandments, and then suddenly the Lamanites stumble upon them and take them captive. (Mosiah 23).

I would have to say I'd be wondering why that happened to me! Here we are finally away from persecution and then the Lamanites, who weren't even looking for us, just happen to come upon us!

It slowly got worse and worse and finally the people turned to the Lord.

This is what I find interesting, they were being righteous and living the right way, but the Lord had a different plan that offered more joy than what they had at that time.

Because of their persecutions they turned to the Lord and prayed to him for help. (Mosiah 24:12-13)

The Lord strengthened them to take on the burden, he didn't take away the burden, however the people were blessed because of that. (Mosiah 24:14)

Then, after they turned to the Lord and were strengthened, the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites and they were able to escape to Zarahemla and bring the blessing of Baptism to that city. (Mosiah 25:17)

Alma ended up baptizing hundreds of people and allowing them to come unto Christ. He eventually established God's church in the land and had to have others help him teach because they were so numerous.

The end of the whole event was glorious and incredible! However the beginning wasn't. When we go through hard things in life, know that as long as we trust in the Lord the end will always be amazing.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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