Christmas Time Is Soon

With Christmas time coming up, it's a time to spend with your loved ones. Have fun with this wonderful weather that God created. Sometimes it's just best to have a snowball fight. Any situation can be made for the better with some imagination. Sometimes, the best way to show the love that you have for someone is by having fun with them. Life isn't about sitting around and being idle, but going and doing. This will bring you close together. I fondly remember the experiences, such as snowball fights, that I've had with my brothers just because we had fun with each other and this brought us closer together.

Help Them Look Up!

As members of the church we should let everyone know what the gospel is. Don't pressure too much, but share our beliefs and just why we are so happy. I've found most joy in the gospel when sharing it. I can promise that you will be surprised at the people who will listen to what you have to say, even when at first it may not seem like it. This gospel is true and can touch the hearts of everyone, if we just lend out a hand. There are times when maybe it's not appropriate to share a message and if that's the case, serve them. Many hearts can and will be touched by acts of service. Do it out of love.

"If the very jaws of hell gape open the mouth"

  

  In 3rd Nephi 12: 10-11 it says:

And blessed are all they who are ^apersecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

And blessed are ye when men shall ^arevile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake;

This picture sticks out to me because it makes the persecution for Joseph Smith more comprehensible.  I've always wondered why things have had to happen to me and I honestly rarely know exactly why. This picture is just a glimpse of the trials of Joseph Smith and he was able to endure to the end. I know he's gone through more than I ever could and his example is one I want to follow. He was able to look to Jesus Christ even with a mob swarming about him. Trials are supposed to be hard, but the blessings will be innumerable. I know that I will never know fully everything I need and can definitely learn, but I know I can always turn to Jesus Christ and overcome my trials.

"You just need to believe"

This Gospel is true but there's only one way for you to find out. We read in the bible that you can know someone's works by their fruits. I challenge everyone to read the Book of Mormon and to ponder the message it contains. The gospel is like a seed. Plant it into your heart and if it invites to do good, it is of God. And  I can promise the message we share is of God because I've tested it. Just like in this video, you need to nourish the tree to find out if it is good or not. So I challenge you to do so. Study our gospel and then put it to the test.

The Reality of Music

Music to me the one of the greatest things that God has given to us. Every time I hear a song, I feel a closer connection with Him. Whenever I have had a rough day and nothing seems to help, music does. There is a reason God gave us this wonderful gift; because he thinks it's just that-wonderful. Emma Smith was instructed to make songs to show our love for God and it was pleasing to His ear. So whether you just love to listen or play music, play it so others can be blessed. One of the strongest bonds that could bring two people together is the love for music.

 

Feelings vs. Logic

I’ve now heard both sides to this subject. There are many people who I’ve met on my mission who have said that logic is everything. Things need to be reasonable; don’t need to rely on feelings. On the other hand, I have seen more instances where people from every faith, including ours, think that feelings are everything. Particularly with our faith I have heard non-members have questions and the answer they received was always to just read and pray about the Book of Mormon and you would receive the feeling and that’s all that matters.  I want to share that these are both wrong. These two topics should never clash against each other but should intertwine. They run hand in hand with what God wants from us. We can only get so far with just feelings, and we can only get so far with just logic. But together they can become so powerful. In many instances in the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon we are told to reason with what we have. Paul “reasons” with the people out of the scriptures. The Lord tells us to “reason” with what we receive. First thing that comes to my mind is in the Book of Mormon when Alma tells us to take the seed and test and nurture it to see if it’s true. Now with feelings, the greatest Commandment is to love God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Well what is love? A feeling. So as missionaries we do not just ask people to logically find an answer, or just pray for a feeling in the heart. We want both. Take the doctrines of the Book of Mormon and implement them into your life. Test the words and if they invite to do good  and give a feeling in the heart then they are of God. We want you to receive a feeling, but also to reason with what you have and the feeling you receive; so do it.

"The Pursuit of Happyness"

Life is the time to live for our dreams. If you have something you want to achieve, then become it. Never let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. You are the only one that determines that. Remember that our goal is to pursue happiness and there is only one place that is found and that is up to you to decide. Remember that  with our Father's help, anything is possible so go out and achieve. Life isn't about how many times you get knocked down, but is about picking yourself back up again. Heavenly Father gave us imaginations for a reason-so that we can become our best and achieve our dreams.

Who Are You?

As members of our church it's our responsibility and should be our want to share who we are. Our purpose is to invite all people to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. We all have a light and need to let it shine throughout the world. You never know who you can affect. I know that ours is the true church and I'm so grateful I can be out sharing the amazing message of the restored gospel. We all need to set an example of who we are, and who we want to become-like our Heavenly Father. We are never alone. God always answers prayers, but it is usually through another person that the answer come and I know this is true. So always look for opportunities to serve and never deprive yourself or others of the blessing of who you are.

Life's Journey

Through life we will have the opportunity to take many different paths to steer any direction we choose. Some of us may want to be a teacher, or a engineer, or many other things, but we all have one goal in common; to live with our Father in Heaven again. The adversary knows this and this is why he attacks us at every opportunity. Life can become so overwhelming it may seem as if we are trying to make it back to the to our Heavenly Father, but are collapsed trying to get there. One story I'd like to share was given in a talk by Elder Bruce C. Hafen and says:

"My friend Donna grew up desiring to marry and raise a large family. But that blessing never came. Instead, she spent her adult years serving the people in her ward with unmeasured compassion and counseling disturbed children in a large school district. She had crippling arthritis and many long, blue days. Yet she always lifted and was always lifted by her friends and family. Once when teaching about Lehi’s dream, she said with gentle humor, “I’d put myself in that picture on the strait and narrow path, still holding to the iron rod but collapsed from fatigue right on the path.” In an inspired blessing given just before her death, Donna’s home teacher said the Lord “accepted” her. Donna cried. She had never felt her single life was acceptable. But the Lord said those who “observe their covenants by sacrifice … are accepted of me.” ²⁴ I can envision Him walking the path from the tree of life to lift Donna up with gladness and carry her home."

This lets me know just how great and merciful our Savior really is. How many times and we felt overcome by life and then felt the arms of our Brother wrap around us? I can promise that if we strive to do our best and always look toward Him for guidance, we will be brought home.

Cherish Life's Moments

Through life I've always wanted to grow up, get out of the house, and was always focusing on the future. It is so important to focus on the now. Capture the moments you have growing up together.  Time flies and it won't be to long until you wish you could have had it all back. There are so many things that I would like to have remembered and lived in the moment. A quote from the Kung Fu Panda is, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift; that's why it is called the present." This really is true. God gave us our moments with each other in life not only to remember and learn from, but to be in them.

F.U.N.

Life really can get tough sometimes and we feel as if everything is happening without us. Yes work is important, but it's also important to have fun as you go. God created fun for a reason and if we just go through life too seriously we could easily miss out on some of the greatest opportunities to bring us closer together. Remember that there is a time to be serious, a time to be fun, and a time for both. Don't let any opportunity pass by to just let out a good laugh. Even some of the most embarrassing moments can me the most fun to look back on. Find something positive in every situation you meet.

F is for friends who do stuff together
U is for you and me
N is for anywhere and anytime at all
Down here in the deep blue sea

Plankton:
F is for fire burning the whole town!
U is for uranium...... bombs
N is for no survivors!

Spongebob:
Plankton! Those things aren't what fun is all about! Do it like this!

Spongebob:
F is for friends who do stuff together

Plankton, interrupting:
No! That's completely idiotic!

Spongebob:
Here, let me help you.

Chorus, Spongebob:
F is for friends who do stuff together
U is for you and me, try it!

Plankton finishes:
N is for anywhere and anytime at all
Down here in the deep blue sea!

Plakton:
Wait. I don't understand this. I feel all tingley inside. Should we stop?

Spongebob:
No! That's how you're supposed to feel!

Plankton:
Well, I like it. Let's do it again!

Spongebob and Plankton:
F is for frolic through all the flowers
U is for ukelele
N is for nose-picking, cherry gum and sand licking
Here with my best buddy!

"Remember Who You Are"



Going throughout life it's easy to lose focus of who we really are and the struggles of life seem to get in the way. Many times we feel like it's too late to go back but our Father in Heaven is always waiting for us. He will always accept us no matter what we do. His hand is always reaching out to us and all we have to do is clasp on. Always remember that you are a child of God forever. With all the distractions of life we can easily lose sight of our goal-which is to live with God and Jesus Christ again. Sooner or later we need to remember who we are and why we are here so we can get back on track. Everyone eventually will come back to Him and I hope when we return we can look him in the face and say, "I remember who I am."



Answers to Prayers

So while I've been on the mission I have learned many things. The most important to me is how God answers prayers. The most quoted scripture in all the scriptures goes along the line of "Ask and ye shall recieve" in many variations. God promises us that he will answer if we ask with a sincere heart. President Uchtdorf in the last conference session said, "Answers to prayers don't often come when we are on our knees, but while we are on our feet." I have a testimony of this. I've noticed that all the answers that I've recieved have been after I've prayed and then started looking for the answer. God wants to see how much we really want to know. Before the mission I saw the movie Evan Almighty and there's a part in there that really hits home. It makes sense that if we pray for something, God doesn't just give the answer, but gives us the opportunity to get our answer and from that we can grow even more.



Don't Go Down the "Path that Rocks"



Many times in our life we feel as if Satan is just yelling in our ear trying to distract us from what is really important. I know whenever I want to do something good, a thought comes creeping in trying to alter my motives. We are all going to face decision of what to do which can become very difficult, but through listening to the soft prompting of the Holy Ghost we can be guided throughout our lives. Nobody said that choosing the right would be easy, and there can be times where choosing the other path can seem appealing to the natural eye. But looking through the eternal perspective, choosing the right will make us worthy of the Holy Ghost and will make us stronger and we will become eternally blessed.

A Helping Hand

Our Savior has always showed us the importance of helping others and reaching out for them and has asked for us to follow his example in doing the same. It's hard to always be nice but it's important to. Especially as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are required to show our love to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through acts of service. When you're not in the mood to do any, that's when it's time to look for opportunities. We will never find a greater happiness than through serve our fellow brothers and sisters. I know that through service we can really come to know who our Savior is. The only way to truly get to know someone is to put yourself in their shoes and this is how. And our service affects others as well as ourselves.



The Black Name Tag



This is just a fun little poem my man Elder Peck found. Hope you like it.

A Black Name tag upon my chest
We are the men, the church's best.
Some may boast and some may brag,
But only a few wear the Black name tag.

Twenty-four months without a date.
But we are tough, we can wait,
Our girls at home, they never brag...
Their brave men wear the Black name tag.

Back at home our girlfriends wait,
But not for long, she starts to date,
Her interest soon begins to lag,
She soon "Dear Johns" the Black name tag.

On our return we resume life,
Start our search to find a wife.
But finds are few and efforts lag,
But such is life for the Black name tag.

You find a fox, she has her man,
You find a chick, she has a plan.
You find the one, but what a drag,
She wants to wear The Black name tag.

Source Credit

He's Been There Before

 Wanted to share one of my favorite poems. Just really shows how amazing our Savior really is and how we can rely on him to help us through our trials. This poem is not about me but I think it's amazing. He's Been There Before

The alarm rings at 6:30; I stumble to my feet I grab my companion's bedding and pull off his sheet. A groan fills the room. It's already time to arise?" It seems like just a second ago I was able to shut my eyes. The morning activities follow: study, prayer and such When its time to leave the apartment, you feel haven't accomplished much "We have a super day planned," my Companion says with a grin. I lowly utter a faithless breath, Yea, if anyone lets us in. With the word of God and my faithful schwinn, we ride off in the street. Prepared to face another day of humidity and heat It's 9:30 in the evening, the day is almost through. My companion and I are riding home, not accomplishing what we thought we'd do. We ride up to the mail box hoping to recieve a lot. Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate "AIRBOX" We go up to our apartment; the day is now complete the only thing to show for our work is a case of blistery feet It's past 10:30 Pm, my companion is fast asleep. Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to weep In the midst of sadness I kneel down to pray; I need to talk to Father, but I'm not sure what to say. "Oh Father," I begin, "What happened to us today? I thought we'd teach somebody, but everyone was away My hands, my aching hands worn, hurt and beat If our area was any smaller,we'd have knocked on every street." Why on missions are the days so much alike? the only difference aboutn today was the flat tire on my bike. Will you send some cooler weather? the heat is killing me! I sweat so bad, it gets in my eyes. Its very hard to see. Why do I have to wear a helmet, isn't your protection enough? People always laugh at me and call me stupid stuff. Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack; I want to give them Book Of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back." And what about my Family? They don't have much to say. I'm sick of not hearing from home day after day. Oh Father,why am I here, Am I just wasting my time? Sometimes I just want to go home, I'm sorry but that's on my mind. My Companion, Heavenly Father, wha are you giving me? The way he rides his bicycle I don't know if he can even see! Now you have it, I can't go on. I DON'T KNOW what to do! That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I leave you." My prayer now finished I stand up, then jump right into bed. I need my feet for tomorrow; we have another long day ahead Sleep starts to overtake me, I seem to drift away. Then it sems a vision takes me to another time in another day. I'm standing alone on the hill, the view is very nice. A man walks towards me and says, My name is Jesus Christ." Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet. "Arise he states, follow me to the shade you and I need to speak." My attention towrads my Saviour, total and complete He says, "Your Mission is similar of what happened to me. I understand how you feel, I know what your going through; In fact, it would be fair to say I've felt the same as you. "Even know how you felt when no one listened to you At times I felt now quite sure what else that I could do. I know you don't like to ride a bicycle for a car would be sweet. Just remember the donkey I rode I was not equipped with 21 speed. I understand you don't like sweating, in fact it's something to hate. I remember when I sweat blood from every pore, " Oh, the agony was great. I see you don't like your companion you would rather have someone else. I once had a companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth. It's hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you. I remember when they put thorns in my head and called me King of the Jews. So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack. I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back." Your hands hurt from tracking and knocking on doors all day I guess when they pounded nails inro mine, I ache in a similar way. It's hard not to hear from homr when your family was not there to see. I lost communication on the cross and cried, "Father, why has though forsaken me?" We have a lot in common, but there is a difference between us you see. I endured to the end and finished my mission, so follow and do like me." He embraced me with his arms, His light filled me with His love. With tears in my eyes, I watched as he went back to the Father above. I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my head. I listened and heard the alarm, when I realized I was in my bed. My companion let's out a groan, "6:30 already, no way!" I sat up and said. Come on, I'll even carry your scriptures today!" No matter what we go through when we feel we can't take more, Just stop and think about Jesus Christ, He's been there before

by Troy Whittle

Our Hero

This post is for you dad. We all put together how we think of you and we love you so much. Thanks so much for being our Dad and the best one anyone could ask for. We love you. Have a great Father's Day!

Hey Dad I wanted to share a post of how great you are. Thank you so much for all you've done for me. You really are the best any kid could ask for. I have always looked up to you and I always will. You're great example has made me want to be a better person. I want to be like you when I grow up. I am so glad I got your funny personality in me. You really are the man. You are the best Dad ever. Just keep doing what you're doing because we are all blessed to have you.
Love
Elder Preisendorf

My dad is the best dad in the whole world, the way he acts and the way he talk makes me want to be more like him. My dad is my hero and his spirituality makes me want to be more spiritual in my dealing with the lord. My dad trains me in so many things that I want to be like him, I love him so much. Love you dad.

Chad

 

Hey dad. Just wanted to say happy fathers day. I love you and I have always looked up to you. You are the best dad anyone could ask for. Hope you have a wonderful fathers day and just know that you are the man

Love

Jess

 

dad is the man!, he and Eric provide the funniest 18 holes ever played in golf. He had to have a lot of patience putting up with me, and i'm glad he did. everyone says i take on after my dad. and i'm proud of that. thanks dad. love ya

Craig

What is Testimony?

    

    I admit for a long time, I've wondered what my testimony was or even if I had one. Everyone needs to find out for themselves what they truly believe and that's what should be life's motivation. Our testimony is what we feel in our hearts and is a continual process of building. Just like a ladder, a testimony increases as you move upwards-or towards God. Our tesimony can increase in many diverse ways-the most influental in learning of our Savior Jesus Christ. Studying the scriptures such as the Bible and the Book of Mormon are great ways to understand and know Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. The only way to truly understand something is to immerse yourself in it. For example, if I want to learn a language, the best way to learn and understand it is by immersing myself in a society where I'm always around it. The same is with testimony. The only way to truly gain a testimony is to immerse yourself in circumstances that influence it all the time. It may seem difficult but opportunities are everywhere-in service, charity, scripture study, prayer etc... The last way to increase our testimony is through challenges we face. Remember, there is no testimony without the test. Though life sure knows how to knock us down, through our Savior and loving Father in Heaven we can get back up and doing so will increase are want to be near to them, and thus, increasing our testimony.
     I want to end by sharing my testimony. I know the Jesus Christ is our brother and the Only Begotten of the Father. I know by through Him, I can live with them and my family forever. Time and time again I am reminded that this is the True church and nothing can change me. I am so blessed to be a part of the great gospel and feel so blessed to grow from it. I love my family and know they are here to help me throughout life and all eternity. I know the Book of Mormon is true. As I read it, I'm reminded through the spirit of how great it really is.

Feel free anyone to share your testimony and thoughts here. The last way to increase the testimony is to share it.

The Challenges of Life

I'd like to share something that is very close to my heart. Challenges in life are something that we all must face. As it says in 2nd Nephi, we must have opposition in all things. So in 2nd Nephi 2:11,13 it says:

     Opposition is one of the biggest difficulties we face, but the Lord takes us and refines us through it. I was reading one day a quote from one of our apostles which said that there are two main reasons why we go through the challenges we do. One reason is what we do to ourselves-meaning we make a mistake and cause our own grief. The second reason is really what got me and hit home. I had never thought of it. The second way we go through these difficulties is when we want to become close to our Heavenly Father. The only way we can become what He wants is if He tests us. The Lord chastens those He loves and if we want to inherit all the Father has, we must be tried.

     I have personally found that I feel myself grow a stronger connection with my Father in heaven when I am in a hard situation and need to rely on Him for direction. Let us put our yoke upon our Savior and brother Jesus Christ and our burdens will be made light. Let's endure every situation we face with an attitude of optimism as our great example and apostle Paul showed in
2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

"And he said unto me, My ^agrace is sufficient for thee: for my ^bstrength is made perfect in ^cweakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may ^drest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in ^ainfirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in ^bpersecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am ^cweak, then am I ^dstrong."

Feast Upon the Word: Families

Feast Upon the Word: Families: " Families our one of the greatest blessing our Father in Heaven has given to us and they are such a privilege. God knew that we had to be ..."

Families

 

Families our one of the greatest blessing our Father in Heaven has given to us and they are such a privilege. God knew that we had to be tempted on earth to prove ourselves to Him but He wan't going to leave us alone-which is why we have families. We are meant to build and support one another and to feed off each other. Growing up, my brothers and I always fought, but there are also memories that will never be forgotten. The past years my brothers and I have become really close and same with my parents. I feel such a deep love for them and would give everything I have to make them happy. I have learned so much from the example my parents have taught me not only in life, but in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I grew up knowing who they were because my parents loved me so much that they taught me what was most important and I am eternally grateful. Now my brothers. We have all become so close that I trust them each more then anyone else I know. There is a certain bond shared between us and I promise any family can create this bond because we were a pretty hectic family. Our lives' were going this way and that and there were always hardships, but it has made us more closer to each other and what we have now can never be taken away. I am so blessed to have such a great family. They really are everything to me.
And I can promise that God intends for all families to be like this. Yes struggles and hardships for each family vary but I can guarantee that they our for our good and will strengthen us in the end. I understand that people don't have the chance to grow up with what they consider "the best" family, but I promise that God will bless you for your endurance and faith. After all, we are the family of our God and he will Always love us and always wants whats best. As we strive to always increase our love and charity towards family and others, let us build our love in our eternal Father. He is there for us always and will never turn His back. Families really are everything and will help us understand our role in this life and the life to come.

What Is Important?

In Ether we all know the scripture of the Lord turning our weaknesses into strengths and without Him we cannot become strong in anything. I love this scripture, but the verses I want to focus on are in Ether Chapter 12 verses 34,36-37 which say:

"34And now I know that this ^alove which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.36And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles ^agrace, that they might have charity. 37And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made ^aclean. And because thou hast seen thy ^bweakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father."

When I read these verses it sort of hit me and being a missionary right now I realized just how important these few words are. We are all always wanting life to be easier (well at least me) and there is always a want for the ones around you to show you charity. But after reading this, it doesn't matter if they have charity to me as long as I show it to them. In this will I be most blessed. We all must have charity and need to show in in every aspect of our lives. After all, this life is the time to prepare to meet God, and what better way is there than using the love that God and Christ have shown us and sharing it with others?

Favorite Conference Quotes

     1."Missionary work is the life blood of the Kingdom."
      President Monson
-This is so true. And its not only about the missionaries all over the world serving, but it's for every single member of the church. We need to bring others the happiness we have.

    2. "Fear not, be of good cheer; the future is as bright as your faith."
      President Monson
-We all need to have perfect faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. It's required for us to obtain this perfect faith and with the help with a loving Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ it's possible.

    3. "When we have a vision of what we can become, our desire and power to overcome are enormous."
      Elder Oaks
-I personally know this. Many times I have struggled to overcome obstacles that come through my life. It  is so much easier to make it through these challenges when we maintain our focus and desire of who we want  to become.

    4. "Answers don't often come when we're on our knees, but while we are on our feet."
      President Uchtdorf
-He is by far my favorite speaker and he proved to be it again this conference. I can answers now that I have never received an answer during a prayer. I've never had something come straight to me, answering a question a had. Every single on of my answers have been when I have gone out and looked for the answer and tried my best.

    5. "Apparently, the gospel of Jesus Christ is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."
     Elder Holland
-This one is funny but it's so true. Its when we think that everything is just perfect and we don't need any help and become prideful that we need to be careful. Actions always lead to consequences. Chastisement is part of life and to inherit the Celestial Kingdom we must have it.

    6. "Don't resent the very thing that puts on the diving nature. A lot of our chastisement should come from within."
     Elder Christofferson
-Here we learn just how important chastisement is. It determines who we will become in this life as well as the next. Let us all do as Paul and rejoice in our infirmities so the power of Christ can rest upon us.

Conference is a time when we hear from the Apostles and Prophets of our time who are called of God. I love conference time. Each time going into conference, have a question that you need answered and as Elder Holland says, "If we teach by the spirit, and you listen by the spirit, you will be touched through that spirit." I can promise that answers will come either directly through what these Prophets and Apostles say or indirectly through the spirit. It's our job to tune our hearts so we can be receptive to the spirit's teachings.

For You, Mom

Hey mom, believe it or not, this blog is actually for you. Thank you for being so great in every way. I bet it's hard to see us all growing up so fast and so I put this little thing together for you. I want you to know right now that you have been the best anyone could have been and all of us agree.

I want you to know that i love you so much. Every mother and child has there ups and downs and we've had ours, but that's what makes us closer to each other. I am so grateful to be your son and couldn't imagine life without you. Thank you so much for your support in everything i do, especially violin-i'm starting again when i get back. You are the best and I love you so much.
Ben

#1 she gave birth to me, and i'm huge 
she is very loving and never in a bad mood. Love her.
Craig


Hey mom, just thought i would take a second and tell you how much you mean to me, i know we don't always see eye to eye, but i know you are just looking out for me, i love you and you have always been there for me through the hard and the easy times, you really are the best mom anyone could ask for, you are always putting others first, i'm proud to be your son,
love
Jess


My mom is one of the greatest people on my life. She is always there for me and always protective of me. Even though at times I think it's lame that she won't let me do stuff, I know shed doing it for my own protection. I love my mom with all my heart.
-Chad

We Love You!!!

The Love of our Master

The Touch of the Master's Hand

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"

But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.

Myra Brooks Welch

Our God in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ are here for us. When the trials of life are swarming around us, and we know not where to turn, we fall. We all have fallen from things that have happened. We feel like there's no way out of the situation and that we are left lying on the ground, broken and unused. Our Redeemer is there for us. Any amount of pain that we have gone through has been experienced by the Only Begotten. He is there for us and will raise us up, dust the scars of life off our shoulders, and bring us to more than we could be without him. His love for us flows so deep, it needs to sink into our hearts. Yes, we will get knocked down. But life isn't about getting knock down or not, because we will. It's about how we deal with it after it's happened. Our God and Jesus Christ will help us through these trials. We must have faith and try our best to stand up, and afterwards, God will lift us the rest.

Where to Turn?

Have we ever struggled to know who we really are and what to do next. Life is very difficult to overcome on our own which is why we have our Savior Jesus Christ. He is here to fill the void we all so desperately seek to overcome. I know that I've felt so inadequate sometimes and don't what to do or where to turn-then I remember my God. It sometimes seems hard turning to someone whom you have never seen before, but that is what faith can do. Remember "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead." This is so true. So if we turn to our Lord for guidance and seek out his help, he will reach out to us. He is right outside that door, waiting, waiting, and waiting for us to realize that he is there. We notice there is no doorknob on the outside so we can go to Christ on our own and then he will come to us. This door is our hearts. Nothing can come into our hearts unless we allow it to do so. God, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and even Satan and his followers are wanting us to open our hearts "or doors" to them and it is completely our choice. We can see how this can be so dangerous, yet so beneficial. We all have our agency to choose who to open to. Let us choose our God and and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. They will lift up our hearts and lead us back to them. Their love for us is so deep. Cherish this and never forget what these two have done for us... Everything.

We don't know where to go or what to do, but God does. Turn to him and he will show us the way through this great path of life. He knows the situation of all his children and has provided a way for their salvation.