My purpose and Mexico

Imagine a giant, hot, poverty stricken, filthy, Mexican city. Many people live in boxes, small huts or just on the streets. Diseases are everywhere, and you have come to serve those in need. This is part of what you will probably hear from other students that went to Mexico. As for me, I went to the sandy white beaches of Cabo San Lucas. The air was perfect temperature. The blue sea, five star hotels and the tourist city itself were all gorgeous. Where as other students may have gone to serve, my intentions were a little different. I went to be with family and have fun!

My days were filled with swimming, snorkeling, visiting the giant arch in the ocean, parasailing, and riding horses along the beach. It was amazing! The fish wee fluorescent colors, the water was clear and warm and the mood in the air was excitement, love and happiness. It felt so nice to get away from the stress of cross country, cold and school and just be with the people I love. 

From this I learned that while school and daily activities might be important, it's also important to spend time with family and sometimes do things out of our usual. 

I didn't learn this on my trip, but I know that I am a son of God, who's purpose is to build his kingdom, help others, and return to him again. This life may seem like the usual to us right now, but I know that our true purpose is to be with our Father in Heaven and with our family forever.  Sometimes we need to take a break from school and the world around us and spend time with the spirit and with our Father in Heaven (family) through prayer, scripture reading, church attendance, etc. 

Besides my own unwillingness to give all of myself to the Lord, I don't think anything is stopping me. Many things are helping me to progress forward, such as the gospel, school, friends, family, mission prep and the spirit. Through these things I know I can learn to be a better friend and help God's work to progress. For this I am thankful!!! 

         

Sports to Friendship to Media to Conversion

Cross country and soccer are huge parts of my life. I do one or the other for at least three hours every day. I commonly meet new people during these activities and many of them are not LDS. Many of the people at out of state tournaments or meets have not even met and LDS member before. It is my role to step in and be friendly and kind to everyone I meet. I can make friends with non-members and then further our friendships and stay in touch with them using the internet, facebook, email, texting, etc. This will at least plant a seed for missionaries to water and grow one day. If it all goes well, I could even invite or lead them to becoming members of the church.

A Sword or a Pen in the Lord's or Satan's Hands

"You have a great opportunity to be a powerful force for good in the church and in the world. There is truth in the old adage that 'the pen is mightier than the sword.' In many cases it is with words that you will accomplish the great things that you set out to do." - M. Russell Ballard

"The pen is mightier than the sword." The sword can only make something better by destroying or killing something else. The pen has the ability to edit and make everything better. We can either be a sword or a pen. We can try to build up and try to make everything better or we can try to improve only what we want too. A sword if put in the wrong hands (Satan's) can destroy many great things and harm many people. We should use our words and our knowledge to effectively build up the Lord's kingdom and make life for everyone better.

"Now some of these tools—like any tool in an unpracticed or undisciplined hand—can be dangerous. The Internet can be used to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and can just as easily be used to market the filth and sleaze of pornography. Computer applications like iTunes can be used to download uplifting and stirring music or the worst kind of antisocial lyrics full of profanity. Social networks on the Web can be used to expand healthy friendships as easily as they can be used by predators trying to trap the unwary."

- M. Russell Ballard

The difference between what makes one great and what makes one evil is but a thin line. Many times it starts out with one simple thought of whether one wants to do something good or wrong. It is commonly these initial decisions that decide the out come to one's existence. Children need to be taught to make good decisions from the very beginning of their lives. One can always repent and change their ways, but if they are taught right from the get go, they develop a routing and habits of being good and wanting to do what's right. It's always hard for on to recover and repent from sin if good habits or examples have never been in their lives. Teach your children from the beginning and set a good example.

  

My Perfect Day

In northern Idaho there's a lake. Streaming off of the lake is a river. On the edges of that river there's lush green forests, wild life and an amazing cabin where my family gets together for summer reunions. This brown, wooden cabin is surrounded by a pond, a gymnasium, a four-wheeler path through the pasts and miles of land to explore and be yourself in.  Many fond memories lay there waiting to be recreated and expounded on in future reunions and vacations. To many, this place is as close to perfection as you can get. This and what goes on there are the start, filling and conclusion of my perfect day.
You sleep in for as long as you want and wake up to laughter and the smell of bacon and pancakes. Kids are running around and everybody is having the time of their lives. After breakfast, we hit the lake. We take turns on the wave-runners and wake-boarding boat, flying across the perfectly glassy water at high speeds. The sun is brightly shining on us and the warm water below, completing this fun, peaceful environment of perfection. I take my turn wake-boarding, skiing and completing the wave-running speed course several times. When we our done with our swimming and exhilarations, we head back up to the cabin to a steak dinner, family games and four-wheeling. We laugh and play late into the night as this all fades into another perfect day to come

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