Pick a Sword any Sword!

Pick a Sword any Sword!

While serving a mission I have discovered some of my favorite things....One of the things I have fallen in love with is looking for “swords” throughout the scriptures. It was during my transfer (6 week period) with Sister Carver that I discovered the use of swords in the scriptures. Every morning during “companionship study” we would pick a “sword” to use throughout our day…figuratively speaking.  So here began my spiritual quest to find swords within the scriptures.

So far I have found…

·       Sword of Justice

·       Flaming Sword

·       Sharp Sword

·      Sword of Laban

·       Sword of the Spirit

·    Two-edged sword

When I broke the news of going home to Sister Carver, she told me I would have to pick a final sword to take home with me. As I pondered my weapon of choice, I realize that I could relate to Nephi in the Book of Mormon. In 1^st Nephi, it tells a story about how the sons have to go back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. The first time the sons of Lehi tried to get these plates, they proved to be unsuccessful. However, they decided to try again! The second try, they took everything they owned and they tried to give it to the king so that they could get the plates. In turn the King stole everything, and the son’s came back empty handed…On the Third try, Nephi went in, not knowing beforehand what he should do, but he was lead by the spirit. The spirit told him to kill the King, who was drunk and then take the plates. Nephi DID NOT WANT TO! However, he went forth according to the spirit. In the end he was able to get the brass plates.

On my FIRST try to serve a mission I received a call to serve in Albania. After about 14 weeks in the Mission Training Center it just didn't work out. After that I got my SECOND chance to serve in the Rochester, New York Mission. I tried my best, and did all I could, but it has come time to go home...So NOW for my THIRD chance, I get to go home, but this time I am going with the SWORD OF LABAN. I do not know what will happen, but I do know I am being lead by the Spirit :]

I love how we can relate the Book of Mormon to our Lives!

http://www.mormon.org/

(C)LV2011

True Religion....it’s in my genes

Be True 

Peter Whitmer Farm

"You who are members of this Church must have a loyalty to it. This is your church. You have as great a responsibility in your sphere of action as I have in my sphere of action. It belongs to you just as it belongs to me. You have embraced its gospel. You have taken upon yourselves a covenant in the waters of baptism."

-President Hinckley

 

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. I have learned the valuable lesson of being true to the church that I belong to. I remember one of my first weeks in High School, a boy had asked me about Mormon's. I decided to tell him all of the negative things that I thought about the people in it. Inside I could feel my heart drop, but was so angry at the people. Earlier that week, I had been greatly offended and as a 15 year old I took it pretty personal. So I decided to take it out on the church. I had easily forgotten that the people in the church are not perfect but the organization is and so was Heavenly Fathers love for me. I can tell you that to this day I regret not standing up for my beliefs. Now as I serve in the sacred sites of Palmyra New York, I get to bear testimony of the church and its organization. I get to stand in the top of the Peter Whitmer home where the first church meeting was held on April 6, 1830 and tell how I came to know that the church was true. At the end of every tour, I stop and say a prayer, thanking my Heavenly Father for letting me come here and testify of the truth, I know that I can not make up for the things of my past, but I can do my best now.

Through out my youth I found it very hard to get along with members of the church. It was stuck in my mind that Mormons, as a whole, were judgmental people and that I did not fit into their category. As a teenager those are pretty common feelings. I decided to do whatever I wanted to do. This included not reading my scriptures. It was not until my second year at Utah State that I decided to read the scriptures. My best friend had started to meet with the missionaries and they asked her to read the Book of Mormon. So I decided to secretly accept that challenge, that I had never before conquered. I finished it for the first time on my 20th birthday. I knelt down and prayed, and received the perfect birthday present, an answer. It was true, and I was at peace. I had come to know for myself that the things in the Book of Mormon were for me. I could see within myself a change for the better. I realized it has nothing to do with people in the church but things I gain from the church. Now I get my second chance to be true. I get to share my testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it changed my life and saved me. I can tell you what it is like to not have it in your life as the corner stone, and it is something you do not need to experience. Last week I got to go to the Hill Cumorah where the plates were found, and as I stood in the middle of the Forrest, I heard a whisper just as I did on my  20th birthday, Its all true...

"Be true to your own convictions. You know what
is right, and you know what is wrong. You know
when you are doing the proper thing. You know
when you are giving strength to the right cause.
Be loyal. Be faithful. Be true, my beloved associates
in this great kingdom"

-President Hinckley 

www.mormon.org

http://lds.org/churchmagazines/2001/Jan2001Ensign.pdf

CLV(C)

You just got SERVED!

Service to Others

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

As a missionary we GET to do service once a week, at least. It is personally my favorite activity on a mission. The Sisters and the Elders in our area go to help at a place called Cameron's! I have honestly learned how to serve and to enjoy it. This particular Friday we got to help out at the KIDS CARNIVAL. We were so excited we could not sleep the night before. We had rearranged our whole schedule so that we could come to the carnival, not to have fun but to SERVE inner city Rochester!

I have been very humbled by serving in a big city. I have been able to see how hard lives really can be. I remember complaining if my mom made broccoli soup, and how awful it tasted. After realizing that half of these kids get one meal a day, if that, I don't think I can complain ever again.

I have learned that doing service is the way to peoples hearts, when done with the right attitude. I never realized how service could be FUN! Through our weekly service I have been able to develop lasting relationships with the people we have served. We have been able to find people to teach and  bring unto Christ.

As many of you know, I love to golf. This was the perfect way for me to contribute my talents. I was able to help little kids golf for HUGE TEDDY BEARS!It was something that I loved, and was able to share. To the youth, all I can say is that service can be uber boring...Only if you make it that way! Go out and find someone who needs your help. I promise as you do you will learn more about others, the world and mostly yourself!

Sis. Carver and I enjoying heaven,

I can tell you from experience that as a youth and even now, I think a lot about myself and my problems and how awful they are. However I have learned as I serve, I forget about my problems and they become less, I learn new things and I am blessed for my service!

4th City District

"Service to others is one of the most important characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple is willing to bear other people’s burdens and to comfort those who need comfort (see Mosiah 18:8–9). Often Heavenly Father will meet the needs of others through you."

-FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH

So just remember...Think Less you will be blessed :]

http://www.mormon.org/

Playing with fire'

PHYSICAL HEALTH

"The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost."

-FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH

Something that I find bittersweet are bonfires. Ilove them and I hate them. For some weird reason every time you go to a campfire you come back smelling like smoke. There is just no getting away from it. Even when you try your hardest, and stay 5 feet away from the fire, you still smell like fire. The only way to cure the smoke problem is to not go. Its hard to not go and be part of the party, but in the end it is worth all the "stink."

It is the same thing when it comes down to drugs and alcohol. To my beloved YOUTH, I know how it goes, I was once in High School, believe it or not. Pretty much every party you go to there is going to be things that are harmful.  You have the choice to go to these parties just to hang out and not drink and smoke, but its like the fire. Even if you go to the bonfire and stand 5 feet away, your still going to have smoke on you. The Holy Ghost CANNOT be with you there. It is a hard decision, but it all comes down to do you want the blessing of the Holy Ghost or not.....?

If have had any alcoholic beverage or smoked cigarettes, cigars, hookah, weed, or participated in even worse drugs.....ITS NOT TO LATE. Turn to your parents and your Bishops, they love you and will help you. Know that Heavenly Father has not asked us to stay away from these things because he does not want us to have ANY fun... It is the opposite! He wants us to enjoy life to the fullest, but how can we if our minds are not clear....Think about it, pray about it, then live it.
Its a principle with promise.
www.mormon.org

How to blow fire:

-great date idea :)

First get either corn starch or powdered sugar.
Get some matches, a pitcher of water, and some fun people
Then put a decent amount of either corn startch or powdered sugar in your mouth
Light the Match, and BLOW!!!
You might have to try a few times to perfect, but it is fun and messy!!!

Cheaper by the dozen......(well half)

Family

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities”
(“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).


THE START



The family started when Bret met Kristi at BYU-I. They fell in love and were married in the Logan Temple, together they raised six CRAZY children who each have different talents and abilities. I am so grateful that my parents honored the sacredness of marriage and chose to raise their children to understand that they are children of God.

THE FUN STUFF

There is one thing that I absolutely LOVE in this world, FAMILY DINNERS. Sunday's were the only days that every single person could sit down for at least an hour and enjoy each other. Most dinners would break out into long debates, sometimes tears, and my favorite, FOOD FIGHTS. My favorite memory is when my Mom handed my dad his roll that was leftover from the boating trip the day before. Instead of eating it he launched is across the table it at Max and pegged him right in the head. After that we all loaded up on ammo. The dinner ended with all of us running around the house throwing rolls at each other. It was so fun to not have any worries of a mess but to just play together as a family.

THE QUALITY TIME

My mom would ALWAYS read to us. I think we would spend at least an hour of quality time together listening to my mom reading. I love to see her read to the grand kids now and understand how it uplifts them to have the one on one attention that kids LOVE. I am so lucky to have a mom that read me the classics Harry Potter, The Great Brain, Cheaper By the Dozen, Little House of the Prairie, Box Car Kids, Junie B. Jones, and even The Princess Bride.

THE TRADITIONS


In the FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH phamplet it says to participate in ttraditions. I love family traditions. Christmas is a pretty big deal at my house. We started the tradition of an UGLY Pj's contest that is judged before the big sleep over. All six of us would sleep in the basement and keep the movie Christmas Story on all night on replay.  In the morning Mom and Dad would read the Christmas Story from the the Bible and pray! Then we would all line up on the stairs and go down one by one to see what Santa had brought us. To finish Christmas Day off we go to Golden Star a Chinese Restaurant and enjoy a nice "Christmas Story" meal. Traditions have changed over the years but you can see we still participate as adults and that we still enjoy them!

THE SIBLINGS

Emily, Me, Alex, Mitch, LauriAnn, Max

I grew up lucky. I always had a brother or sister around to play with. There were many times when we would fight and maybe even bite! I remember there were times when I absolutely could not stand my siblings through my teenage years. That is something I wish I could change. As well all got older we became best freinds. Through many "sibling dates" I have been able to get to know each of them to see their strengths and their weaknesses. I have been able to grow to love them and to have them as my best freinds. It is so important to build these relationships young, its going to happen eventually you might as well do it now!

THE SPIRITUAL STUFF

Joe (best brother-in-law), LauriAnn,Alex, Me, Emily, Mitch, Max

I grew up with a loving Father and a kind Mother. I am so grateful because they took the time to raise us each differently according to our needs and our understanding. They strived with all of their might to get all six of their rascals to learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every morning my Mother would DRAG us out of bed to read the Book of Mormon. Max, my younger brother, would lay on the couch and would yell out his infamous statement "Mom make me some waffles." We rarely made it through a morning with out many comments about how we could have had another 15 minutes of sleep. Even though it was always a fight to get us there, and I still could not tell you every story in the Book of Mormon, but I can tell you that we did read together and we did pray together, these mornings unified my family. I love my family more than anything. It has not always been fun, but when there are PEACEMAKERS families get along alot better and have the spirit in their homes. Like my Mother always said.....

 "Who wants to be the PEACEMAKER?"

Hearts, Stars, Horseshoes, Clovers, & Blue Moons...

GRATITUDE

“He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (D&C 78:19).

My Dad, My Mom, and ME!

I am  grateful for my two loving parents who raised six rowdy kids. I am grateful

 that they took the time to love us. I am grateful

 that my dad taught me how to work hard. I am

  grateful that my mom taught me how to be kind to others. Both of my parents have taught me that

I CAN DO HARD THINGS. 

Rica and I :]

I am Grateful

 for my best friend RICA. I am Grateful

 that we met our freshman year at Utah State and that she is still there for me. I am Grateful

that she helped me find my testimony again. I am Grateful

that she has  taught me the true meaning of what a freind is through her love for me and her example. I am Grateful

 for her. 

My Grandparents backyard last summer after a HUGE storm!

I am gRaTeFuL for the world that was created for us by God through his son Jesus Christ. I am gRaTeFuL for the beauty that surrounds us and for the simple things like rainbows and sunsets. I am gRaTeFuL for the eyesight to see these beautiful things.

To Argentina

I am Grateful that my brother Max and I get to share the experience of a mission together. I am Grateful for the verse of scripture found in the Doctrine & Convenants 30 : 5 that led me to the decision to go on a mission. I am Grateful that I had someone going through the same thing as me at the same time, my brother, my bestfreind. 

To Albania?

''Behold, I say unto you, Peter  SISTER VATERLAUS, that you shall take your journey with your brother Oliver  MAX; for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear not, but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you."

Doctrine & Convenants 30 : 5

Grandma Louise & Uncle Bret

I am grateful for my GREAT GRANDMA LOUISE, whom I am named after. I am grateful  that I am able to spend so much time with her and know her and learn our heritage from her. I am grateful  for my UNCLE BRET. I am so  grateful
that I have been able to learn about down syndrome from a young age and to love those who have it. I am  grateful for the kindness that both contribute to my entire family and to the world.

Me. Mitch.Emily.Max.Madison.Joe.Hayes.LauriAnn.Alex

I am grateful
 for this motley crew. I am grateful
 that I have great relationships with each sibling. I am grateful
 for the endless fun that we have. I am grateful
 for their encouragement to serve a mission and the support I receive on a mission. I am even grateful for my brother-in-law Joe who goes golfing with me. I am so grateful
 for my niece and nephew who have taught me to be an aunt. I am grateful
 that these family members have taught me to be who I am and that they taught me how to love.
I AM SO GREATFUL FOR THE STRENGTH FOR YOUTH!!!!!!!!

Other things I am thankful for...
golf.otter pops.computers.cars.toothpaste.pizza.
GilmoreGirls.nailpolish.
grass.skullcandy.snowboarding.rain.roadtrips.
showers.posters.
movies.familytime.JesusChrist.sun.love.flipflops.
hotairballons.neice.parents.flowers.cameras.bookofmormon.
sisters.hockey.tweezers.
cardboard.lightswitches.drums.companions.numbers.
cdplayer.cornmazes.
houses.papercuts.nephew.hospitals.foampits.Albanian.cousins.
waterslides.chaptsick.mytestiomony.applejuice.
chocolate.God.textbook.brother-inlaw.
texting.WIFI.brothers.onlineshopping.tanninglotion.
shaggycarpet.heat.facebook.baseballbat.grandparents.
uncles.chainlinkfence.hotels.aunts.
girlsnights.JosephSmith.bestfreinds.beatboxing.
pretty much everything.... 

What are you thankful for?????

http://www.mormon.org/

Thank you for cutting me down!

On my First full day in Palmyra, New York, my Mission President Jack R. Christianson took us to the Sacred Grove. Where Joesph Smith Saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. It it such a beautiful place that fills me with such peace. President Christianson let each of us take some time to ourselves in the grove where we could pray about the mission that laid ahead of us.

I walked out and found a bench facing a tree that had been cut down. At the time I felt it was very fitting for the situation I was in. As I sat on this bench I prayed to God asking him WHY things had turned out this way!

THE WHYS!

1. WHY he had me learn Albanian, one of the hardest languages to learn, and then did not give my body the strength to make it to Albania.

    2. WHY was it that I was the ONLY one that had to leave my new mission friends that got to actually go to Albania.

3. WHY was I not good enough to accomplish what the Lord had sent me to do.

4. WHY do I ALWAYS FAIL!

5. WHY ME!

As I sat there and prayed, I remember a Talk that was Given in the last General Conference given by By Elder D. Todd Christofferson.

“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten”

He referenced a a talk about a current bush given by  President Hugh B. Brown that changed my WHYS into ANSWERS.

President Brown talking to Elder Christofferson...

"He told of purchasing a rundown farm in Canada many years ago. As he went about cleaning up and repairing his property, he came across a currant bush that had grown over six feet (1.8 m) high and was yielding no berries, so he pruned it back drastically, leaving only small stumps. Then he saw a drop like a tear on the top of each of these little stumps, as if the currant bush were crying, and thought he heard it say:

“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. … And now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me. … How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”

President Brown replied, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.’”

After thinking of that I  REALIZED that God was cutting me down. I do not know why, but I know that he has a bigger and better plan for ME. As I was wrapping up my prayer I realized how grateful I was. My WHYS turned into ANSWERS.

THE ANSWERS

1. THANK YOU for LETTING me learn Albanian and keeping me in the USA where I could get the medical care I need.

    2. THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to develop even more friendships in NEW YORK.

3. THANK YOU for helping me realize I CAN DO ANYTHING.

4. THANK YOU for teaching me one failure leads to another SUCCESS.

5. THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME!

Life can be so much BETTER when we take a different perspective. I do not know what God has in store for me, but I know he is my "GARDENER" and that he is the one that will help me grow. All I can think now is the same as President Brown. "Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me." I know that Heavenly Father has us go through hard things to shape us into the people we NEED to BECOME. I am So grateful for the chance that I had to be cut down so I can grove in the WAYS the Lord needs me to.

Who knows maybe I will turn into a tree like this one day!