The Hunt is On

We got back to Rexburg late August 18^th.  The next day we went a job lookin’.   We started just going to the library and looking at the employment school website.  It listed a lot of places that a lot of students typically work out including the library, early morning custodian, etc.  Then there was a help wanted board where people around the community wanted to hire students mainly just as part time or temporary work.  I applied to be a swimming instructor for a special needs man.  I called up the phone and I told the man a brief summary about myself and also explained that I was an accounting major.  He then told me he owned his own law office and would be interested in meeting me in person.  I ended getting the job position as a swim instructor.  He asked what I would charge per lesson and I said $12.  I felt like that was a pretty fair price.  I taught his son the next week.  I mainly focused on teaching him how to kick properly with his legs because that is what his dad told me to focus on.  I was a little nervous while I was teaching him because I never had taught any swimming lessons before and I didn’t get the chance to watch a youtube video “how to teach someone to swim” like I wanted to.  I mainly just winged that lesson but it went good at the end.  During the lesson though I was nervous that the Dad was thinking I was teaching him effectively but the dad seemed pleased and like he paid for a good service.  His dad just expected for his disabled son to learn how to get perfect form after one lesson where in my mind I was hoping it would click for him extremely fast haha.

We applied to countless jobs and after a few days I remember oh wait we should apply for schools.  So we did and the next day we started getting asked if we could set up times for interviews.   I interviewed for a school really close which seemed nice and they mainly honed in one position as a special needs aid for one boy for $8 and something.  Then I applied to another school that was a little farther but only like 5 minute drive in total still.  I really was interested in that position and the principal was a really nice guy.  Later that day I got a job offer from there which paid for $9 an hour and they would work with my school schedule which was very nice of them.  The next day I went to meetings and then the day after the first day of school started.   The day was great I work with mainly just 2 students both very high functioning.  One of them just needs someone beside him to help him with the work and the other student is a little more rambunctious.  In the mornings I also did playground duty which was pretty fun.  It was nice just getting up early and getting to work.

In the mornings I applied to jobs like the office of Breck (the father of the son who has the special needs that I am teaching).  I applied to mainly be a secretary.  One of the ways I had to apply was type of a voice message as a letter.  It was hard to type every word correctly because I didn’t hear word clearly.  Afterwards I translated it in Spanish. 

Overall it was very good week.  Carla and I also applied to an after school program for Kennedy Elementary school (the school I work).  We would be a teacher over about 10 or 15 students and teach an activity.  It pays $10/hr.  We haven’t heard back from them yet.  I hope they offer Carla the job.  She would be good for the job and she feels a little bad right now that I am working and she isn’t.  We will see what happens she be pretty busy once the school starts. 

 

This week has been a week of blessings.  I feel grateful that I the spirit brought to remembrance to apply at the school district.  This is really a great job!  Close, pays better than minimum wage and jobs at the school, and will work for schedule.  I just feel bad that so many other people don’t know about this job or hear about so late.  There are tons of girls that are now just applying to this job that are already graduated with degrees in early childhood development and now they are making the same as me, and I am still in the middle of school studying accounting haha.  This week has really shown me that it’s not always your qualifications but your ability to get yourself in the right type of interview.  If that is because you know the right people or that you find the websites at the right time I am not sure.  I just know I feel blessed J  

 

  

The most important day...EVER!

When I was growing up I was always pictured myself with a suit or a tux getting married in the temple with a beautiful woman.  Well now that day has come true!  I got married to the girl of my dreams in the Atlanta temple August 1st.  After my semester ended at the end of July I flew to Atlanta Georgia to meet my in-laws for the first time without my fiancée!  I wasn't to nervous I knew I was a good guy that tried my very best to keep my covenants and that I would treat their daughter right.  They picked me up from the airport and I spent the next day and half getting to know them and talking to them.  Then once my bride to be flew in we did some fun things such as went to Mayfield Dairy which is a place known for their ice cream.  We went on a tour and I milked a mechanical cow.  It was pretty fun.   Then we went to lazar show at a place called stone mountain.  There is just a mountain that they use as a projector.  It was pretty fun.  They put music and put cartoons to it.  Then for the next 3 day we took pictures like non stop.  It was cool though.  I really did enjoy it and we got some great pictures.  The 3rd day of taking pictures we did a "first look"  where the bride and the groom dress up in their wedding clothes and get pictures.  We went to a park and it was really fun.  Carla looked beautiful (like I knew she would).  Her dress was gorgeous and I know I couldn't have picked a better woman as my wife.  The next day she took out her endowment.  It was such a beautiful experience taking my bride through the veil.  She has a lovely new name (just like her :) )   Then that night I slept in a hotel with my little brother Michael and my parents.  It was interesting going to bed that night that I kept the law of chastity and didn't have any sexual relations until I got married.  I guess it was just interesting because my entire life I was told I should wait and now I realized I finally did. 

The next day was the wedding.  I was excited but I felt pretty calm.  I ate a light breakfast and after seeing more some Aunts and Uncles at nearby hotel we left to the temple.  I got there a little bit earlier then the recommended hour early but Carla actually got there 45 minutes till.  The temple President sealed us for time and all eternity.  The President informed us right before we entered the sealing room the correct wording was "Yes." not "I do."  It was a lovely ceremony although I mainly remember how I felt then the exact wording he told us.  We did exchange rings in the sealing room.  Thankfully it wasn't too bad taking off her engagement ring and then putting her wedding band first and then engagement ring and she putting on my ring.  We then took some pictures with the family which was fun.  The little ones behaved pretty well. We then ate a delicious dinner with the wedding party at a place called "The diner".  It was great meal I had a chicken alfredo pasta.  I wanted seconds but I didn't want to be rude.  Then we went home and packed our bags for the 2 nights we would spend in Watkinsville it felt like forever for her to pack her bags.  I was teasing her the entire way of driving to Watkinsville that I couldn't wait the 2 hour drive and that we needed to just stop at a hotel.  Thankfully we didn't get lost.

When we got there we spoke the worker that showed us to our room and chose a time for breakfast.  We then looked at the bed a little hesitant at what we were "supposed to do".  She got changed into a purple outfit that her sister bought her (which she looked very cute in).  We took it slow but eventually we figured it out ;) .  It was beautiful experience and was thankful for my mother's advice of taking it slow and be considerate of how she is feeling.

The next day we had our reception.  It was a lot of fun.  The Mexican tacos were delicious based off of the design of Café Rio.  Carla did an excellent job picking out the food.  We enjoyed the first dance.  I was a little nervous and was difficult to avoid stepping on her long dress.   We did the cha-cha to the song "I love just the way you are".  Apparently I had a very focused look on my face haha (and I wasn't smiling).  Then we had a DJ and he gave us a little time to talk on the mike and tell thanks to everyone.  The decorations were lovely a lot of them were pictures that Andre (Carla's dad) took on the 3 day photo shoot.  They turned out great.  There was also a slideshow that was playing of us outside in the lounge.  I think everyone had a good time.  I got the chance to dance with grandma and Aunt Linda and Mom.  There was one time where the DJ told all the married couples to come dance in the middle.  Then he "eliminated" the most recently married couples to the most seasoned.  The last couple dancing was my parent-in-laws at 32 years of marriage. 

Overall my entire time in Georgia was a blast and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I am grateful that my siblings, parents, Grandma Lowe, my aunts and uncles from the Lowe side could all come.  It was a very special week.  I feel so blessed for the entire week and I am happy the celebration of me marrying my beautiful bride turned out so nicely.     

When it rains, It floods

This past week our small city of Rexburg got on national news for a natural disaster!  It didn't even have anything to do with breaking  freezing temperatures during the summer.  We had a flood!  It was a normal Tuesday afternoon when all of the sudden it started to rain, and then there was hail, and then it transformed into a ferocious storm.   I was in the library doing homework while this storm was raging and then about 20 minutes later the security guards of the library went around closing the library for some unknown reason unbeknownst to us.  It was rather odd to be honest.  So I went home and then on the campus there was tons of water going downhill.  It was crazy!  There were some part of the sidewalk that were very calm while other parts that were like current of a river.  I then went home to relax temporarily and then Carla calls me.  She tell me that there has been some flooding at the basement apartments of the Birch (the complex she lives in and my ward).  She asks me if I can come over and help out and bring some men from the ward.  So I change my clothes into shorts and flip flops and start my way over and getting some brethren from the ward.  I walk over lackadaisical thinking the carpets have just gotten a little damp when all of the sudden I see a large group of people surrounding the basement apartments!  The water was waist deep!  With hill declining into the lower apartments all of the water descended in one area, the girls' apartments!  I go voer to look for Carla and I see her deep into the water.  What a woman!  So many people watching while others were loosing all of their possessions she was in the midst serving!  How lucky am I to have gotten such a great disciple of Christ :)  I then got into the very cold water and started helping out.  Many of the girls lost a lot of their possessions save it be their electronic devices.  Some didn't even manage to save those!  Through it all I learned I realized I don't want a wife to call me when help is needed and then to see her on the sidelines.  I want a woman where we can be serving side by side helping our fellow brothers and sisters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLiGb4p8G_w

Our First Fourth

Friday was a day we remembered America declaring its independence from the British.  This day has been commercialized pretty much every other holiday in order for stores to earn another buck.  Although these trends are not inherently bad it is vital to remember the true importance of this holiday.  I appreciate this holiday from the past few years after having served my mission.  So many of our founding fathers fought so that we could have the right to practice our religion as we dictated.  I am so grateful for that!  What a precious gift that we were given and how often do we forget about it.  I am so grateful that I could serve this great country and help proclaim the good news to everyone I came in contact with.

This past Tuesday as Carla and I went to devotional we sang as the closing hymn “America the Beautiful” as we were finishing Carla’s eyes filled with tears of gratitude.  This emotion really got to me and helped me reflect of how I take this country and so many of the blessings that come with it for granted.

Now for the activities: Carla and I went to the gym and I played basketball for the first time in probably a month.  It was so fun.  My last 20 minutes I played 2 on 2 and the last game I hit a game winning three. It was pretty fun.  Then we went to the Rexburg parade and we got some sun.  It was fun seeing all of the different organizations and then walking around the booths. 

After we went to the store and Carla bought some supplies for hamburgers and also some fruit.  At first I got a little irritated about how much it cost but I think we do a good job balancing each other out for budgeting. 

We also had the chance to check out an apartment in the Lexington complex.  It was a beautiful apartment and opens in August but part of me doesn’t want to pay for any rent until September.  The owner allows would give us a table and a couch so the deal is really desirable.  We need to talk about it over still.

Lastly we ate some burgers that we made and also some mozzarella sticks that we learned how to make this past week at a cooking class that we went to.  Then we watched some of National Treasure.  It was great fourth full of fun, activities, and relaxation, not to mention Carla and I were wearing matching t-shirts that Carla’s mom sent us with an American Flag on it.  We were looking pretty good ;)

She said yes!

Well last week is a week that I will remember for sure!  On Tuesday the 10th Ericka Lowe called me and told me that the ring(s) had come!  Wow it took long enough haha.  I felt like I had been waiting forever.   I picked out the ring May 19th so it took almost an entire month before it got to the Idaho Falls store for me to pick up.  That Thursday the 12th of June Kay's jewelry store called me and informed me that the ring had come in.  So now the dilemma was how to get a 30 minute car ride.  I thought surely it wouldn't be too big of a problem considering all of the people that had offered to help me when they heard I was going to be engaged soon.  Let me tell you it was a problem.  I asked Carla's best friend Noel if she could give me a ride and she said she would have to ask her fiancé Bryce (who I both see almost every Sunday at game night) if he could take me.  Then about 5 hours later at night she said text him.  I felt like that was a sign of "He'd rather not" because I felt like they were most likely together and that she could ask him because she was probably right next to him.  Then I called Jordan who I went on a double date with his girlfriend Amber Perez (who served in my mission) and then he called me right back and I just barely missed his call.  I still needed a ride and had no idea of how I was going to get there.  So I went back home and I was thinking if I should ask my roommate Johnny for a ride or a seek another source.  So I started walking down the hallway and I saw a girl I recognized as a girlfriend of one of the guys in my ward.  I went up to her and asked "Do you have a car?"  She replied that she did in a little confused.  I introduced myself and I told her my dilemma and she quickly agreed to help me on my journey for the ring.  She was from Idaho Falls and knew right where the mall.  We enjoyed talking on the way up and she said how she and Andre had become engaged recently and it got me excited for this next step in my life.  After getting gthe ring without any trouble then I came home and saw her and had to play it cool till Saturday (I got the ring on Thursday). 

Saturday rolled around and we did baptisms for the dead.  We typically do them on Thursday but I wanted to do it outside of the temple.  It was our first temple date is when we kissed that night and when we became "official".  We had been going together every week this semester so we had a lot of good memories there serving.  After getting dressed back into the temple after doing the baptisms we sat out on the bench on the West side of the temple and just talked.  It was there where I first told her  a little under 3 months prior when told her I wanted to kiss her.  She gave me a cute expression that almost told me "oh you do".  After talking for a while we noticed a bride and a groom getting their pictures taken together.  As they came closer they Carla recognized the bride.  The photographer and the couple started going the opposite direction but I prayed silently that they would come back and past us.  I  wanted the photographer to get a picture of me proposing at the instant I was going to do it.  It seemed unlikely that they would be coming back but God answered my prayer and for some reason one of the 3 mentioned suggested they take a picture at a certain location pretty close to us.  As they were passing us I plucked all the courage I could muster and said to the photographer "Excuse me, could you take a picture of me and my girlfriend?"  "Yeah, sure."  She moved in a specific location on some steps that only a picture of our faces.  That wouldn't do I thought I want her to see me kneeling.  I asked her politely "Could you just take one more picture of us with a full body shot?".  "Are you going to pay me?" she inquired.  "I just might", I said.  I then got one knee and pulled open up the Kay's box with the ring it in and said something along the lines with a trembling voice to Carla "Carla, I love you.  You know I love you.  Will you marry me?  I want to be with you forever.  So will you marry me?"  She had her hand over mouth in excitement.   "Yes Eric, I will marry you.  I love you too."  During this entire time she the photographer was taking pictures of us.  It was a great moment.  I wasn't too nervous about asking her because we had already been talking about for a month.  So that's how I asked her.  After that we took some pictures with her smart phone that of course positioned her hand so the viewer could of course see the ring.  Later that day we posted it on Facebook.  It was a great day.  Thanks Heavenly Father for sending this beautiful and righteous girl in my life!  I know that if we live God's commandments to the best of our abilities God will send us blessing even more than we deserve and that's what I truly believe! :)  After that moment she said yes I felt like the luckiest man on earth.  No material wealth could ever bring more joy than know that you will spend eternity with the woman you love. :) 

"Camping"

This week I went to the Bishop's cabin and it was really fun.  The girls were invited to stay the night on Friday and eat breakfast while the guys had to leave that night.  We got there after an hour of driving and just enjoyed each other's company.  We went to a nearby creek and then roasted s'mores then after eating for a while we had some pizza for dinner with cobbler and ice cream.  It was so good.  Throughout the entire time I met new people while also spending time with Carla.  It was a great time.  Then all the wives of the Bishopric spoke about dating.  It was pretty good.  Sister Evans (the young wife) shared how her husband proposed by inserting cut outs of construction paper and then he cut out the center of the text book and put in the engagement ring it was a pretty cute idea.  Then we were going home there wasn't enough seats in the car.  There were 7 in total so one guy volunteered to ride in the trunk while there were 4 people (including me and Carla) squished in the back.  Half way home Carla just started sitting on my lap to save room for everyone else.  I was happy to take one for the team ;)  

The Ring bought, the engagement public (whether I like it or not haha)

This week I bought the engagement ring and wedding band.  I told my Aunt Ericka that my budget was $700 and with her 50% discount she showed me some very pricey rings.  After looking at a lot of rings there was $800 ring (without the discount) that really stuck out to me.  I wanted to buy it.  When I told my aunt she agreed that the ring was pretty but informed me that if I bought that ring I might just want to pay the full price of it so I could buy the warranty to go with it ( a safety feature that wouldn't have been included if she bought the ring with her discount).  I thought about it and decided that was the one I should buy.  She was able to get me a good deal and she found me a matching wedding band to go with it for her.   She also offered to buy wedding rind as long as it would was about 50 or 60 dollars.  This whole ring shopping has been a little stressful but pretty fun at the same time. 

On Friday morning Carla texted me saying how her mom and dad need help wedding plan from members in her ward.  She told me that her parents wanted to tell people and make it more official in Georgia.  I was a little hesitant because I wanted to wait to get the ring and propose to her "right" before we let everyone know.  In the end I figured it didn't really matter in the long run and it was necessary for her parents to get the help they need.  Ericka informed me later that the ring won't come until around June 7th because it needs to be fitted for her and it will take time to ship.  Everything is working great and I am excited for this next part of my life!  August 1st here I come!

A ring

This past week like I wrote in my last post Carla surprised me throwing out the date of August 1st.  We had talked about getting married but she was unsure about what she wanted to do in the Fall.  I was telling her I wanted her to stay and she was hesistant because she wanted to be with her mom more and work at a previous job.  Then I told her that I could wait over the 7 week break and not see her but that the 7 week break plus fall semester would be to much.  I threw out the idea that I would want to get married at the end of the 7 week summer break.  She listened intently and then I had to get home for curfew.  The next day she sends me a text "We need to talk".  I was a little unsure what was on her mind.  But then we go to the lounge and we talk casually for a little bit and then she tells me how she was praying and she picked out August 1 and December 20th to get married.  She expressed how she better about August 1st.  I was a little unsure because that would mean we were dating a little less than 5 months in total including engagement.  But I knew I did want to marry her and I didn't really want to wait to all of December.  So I honestly felt pretty good about that date.  I feel like I know her past adequately and also her testimony currently and her goals (about mainly just being a mother) in the future. 

The next day we skyped her parents and we told them of our intentions.  They were happy for us and they saw it coming.  They told us how we needed to love each other.  They asked me if I was planning on finishing school after I graduated and I told them I was.  They asked us about what temple we were planning to get married in and about our honeymoon and which of my family was planning on coming.  They also asked if we had picked out housing and we told them of some options we were thinking about.  So many decisions we had talked about only a day earlier.

On Wednesday Carla, Noelle,  and two of her previous roommates.  They went to Idaho Falls to go wedding dress shopping.  Her friends had scheduled an appointment without her knowing at David's Bridal.  Then she bought a dress that Saturday.  She didn't describe it to me because she wanted it to be a surprise.

This past week we had been looking at rings online.  We planned on looking at different attributes she wanted or a picture and then telling Erika my aunt so she could buy it and then I would pay her back later.  Then on Friday we got the impression to go to the Jewelry store the next day.  We did and it was very beneficial.  She tried on a lot of different rings but there was one ring was in the clear box that had an identical copy on the other side of the box.  She clearly like that ring.  It was a 3 diamond ring with an accent of smaller diamonds.  I liked it and so did she.  I will call Erika tonight about the favor I need.

So I think I will probably give her the ring on a Thursday after we get out of the temple.  I think it would be good Noelle was there and then she could secretly take a picture when I get on one knee and propose.

Well that's my exciting  news.  I have prayed and really feel like I'm doing the right thing!  I am praying and fasting today for an additional witness (the third one) because I know how important this decision is but I think its safe to say we are getting married!

A discussion, a discussion, and an answer!

Just a few days ago I was posted how Carla and I were talking about the marriage concept and also our future.  Today she sent me a text and told me "I can't wait to see you later :) I need to talk to you about something".  Now going through my head it did occur to me that it was about the marriage issue but I definitely wasn't sure.  That night after FHE we went to the lounge and I asked her "So what did you want to talk about?"  she replied "How was your day?"  I understood that she wanted to build up to that point.  She then said "What do you think about August 1st".  I was caught a little off guard.  Everything she had previously mentioned all involved waiting till December.  I told her how happy I was and later asked how what had persuaded her.  She told me she just forgot the most unimportant thoughts (Earning money and spending time large amounts with her mother).  I just realized that if she wants me to get married and I want to get married there will be no one who will stop.  Kind of a big realizations for her  but one that makes her happy.  She told me how she wants to get married in the Atlanta temple ( which is perfectly okay with me.  Well good night but I love this church and I am glad we study about the importance of families and dating and I am glad I live that principle.

One foot after another

One foot after another.  Step by Step.  Here a little and there a little.  Short sentences that reflect the continual idea of progression.  This week marks an additional step that I have taken particularly to my romantic life.  Last week Carla and I got home from a great trip from Utah where she got to meet my family and we witnessed my brother's graduation.  It was an experience that won't be forgotten.  But then the concept on our minds were "When I am going to Georgia to meet her family?"  I had previously been talking about labor day weekend and going for the 3 day weekend.  Why did Carla and I want to travel across the country for me to meet her family.  The underlying message was simple.  We are moving to the direction of marriage.  It was on Tuesday 4/29/14 when we were talking about when would be the best time for us to go.  She and her family wanted me to come after the end of the semester and I was hoping to go earlier.  But the words marriage hadn't been spoken about it in a sense of our future relationship.  Then she just said it plainly "Can I be honest right now? Are we really talking about this because we are talking about marriage?"  I answered with a short reply of "Yes, that's why I want to go."  We described our love for each other and then we started about the details of when and how and other important details.  All I know is that you have to go with your gut feeling most of the time even if your gut is telling you an answer you might not want to here.  Its important to just go forward with faith one foot after another.

A discussion, a discussion and yet another discussion

A discussion: Where two people have a conversation on a topic often with varying view points.  This week Carla and I talked a lot about topic that we both knew would come up eventually and that is our future.  After dating for about two months we have both strong romantic feeling towards one another.  However fun this has been we know that there also comes responsibility along with it.  When this responsibility is to be enforced is based on the digression of the two in the party.  After this semester Carla will have one more semester of undergraduate studies at BYUI before she continues her  schooling.  She is currently on the winter-spring track which poses the question what is going to happen over the summer and the fall.  There are many questions to be considered based off the topics of financial, romantic, and eternal and their outcomes.  Last Sunday we prayed and fasted and the one thing I felt is don't wait till Christmas time.  Now I am not sure it that means don't do long distance for 4.5 months and wait till get married then or don't get married at Christmas times period (even if she decides to come for the fall semester).  Lately the conversation has been going along the lines of me "I love you", Carla "I love you."  Me: "I don't want you to go" She "I don't want to go either but I need to work."  I then list off many reasons of how she can be stable financially here (You can work over the 7 week summer break, I can pay for you, etc. etc.)  We finally admit that its not the money that's the issue but how she misses her mom.  I then tell her about the 7 week break and then goes back to that she needs the money.  All I know is I want her to stay and right now she putting up a 100 reasons of why she wants to leave.  I just don't know what to do.  Because I don't have a good feeling of doing dating in person for 4.5 months and then her leaving and us doing long distance for 4.5 months and then getting married.  I don't really want to wait till after the Winter semester in April time that also doesn't seem logical.  No one told me that these big decisions would have to be so hard.  I feel like she has a decision to pick me or her mom (I honestly don't think money is the issue even if she says it is).  She doesn't want me to compare it that scenario but I really feel like that's the situation presented to her.  I know this past week I have the opportunity to learn how to express my feelings and thoughts respectfully while also learning how to say "I am done talking about this tonight".

Well I want to wish all moms out there a happy Mother's Day especially mine.  The more I learn the divine role the mother has the more I appreciate mine.

A trip that will not be forgotten

This past week Carla and I left to Provo Utah Thursday morning to go to my Brian and Olive's graduation later that day.  I had been kind of stressing out all that week to get a ride and we finally got it taken care of (we got a ride from someone from the ride board).  The drive went great and the driver dropped us off at Matt B. house.  Mom and Dad and Michael and we went clothe shopping and then went to Panda Express it was delicious.  Then we watched thousands of students graduate from BYU Provo.  Brian and Olive were both awarded most outstanding students in their degree which is very prestigious.  At the graduation I saw from a distance I saw a man wearing a bright pink shirt and was bald.  "Oh my goodness!", I thought it was Bishop Bumbaugh!  His wife was next to him as well as President and Sister Prier.  Bishop Bumbaugh was a bishop from Huntsville Texas.  He was a great man.  He taught me the importance of writing thank you notes, being a great home teacher,  and being considerate of those that are less active.  President Prier was the stake President of College Station who also lived in Huntsville.  He taught me about the importance of being patient with your wife and being a missionary 24/7 and never being fearful of inviting others to act on the gospel such as hearing from the missionaries. 

On Friday Brian and Olive had another graduation called Commencement that only had the Business Majors.  That was also fun.  Afterward we had a nice family dinner at Matt's house. 

On Saturday we visited a lot of family like my dad's cousin and Grandpa Lowe's sister.  Then we went to a greek fast food restaurant that Mom always loves to go to while we are in Bountiful area.  We ate gyros which were delicious.  Later that night we had a Butcher Talent show.  Carla played the violin, Mom did a really funny dance, Brian and Olive did a funny skit, Lee played the guitar while Michael sang to her song "I just can't wait to be king" from the Lion King, Dad acted as a mime as he pretended to be Mom's play techy (it was really funny).  I didn't anything.  Then some other Butchers participated.  Then Ryan and Juanny Baxter took us home.

The trip was a hug a success and all my family got to meet my girlfriend Carla for the first time.  We had been dating for about a month and a half though it seems a lot longer.  Everyone really welcomed her.  The trip went a lot better than when Olive my sister in law met my family for the first time.  When they met over Christmas my mom and dad like my brother and her cuddling so much and mom sent a note back with Brian saying that mom and dad didn't' think it was appropriate what Brian and Olive did.  Olive cried later.  What a depressing story haha.

On Sunday I got a calling to be the 1st counselor of the Elder's quorum.  I am excited.  I was very curious what my calling would be because the stake wanted to interview me.

Then today on Monday Carla and I talked about FHE.  I brought up again how I wanted to visit her family in Georgia.  She then told me she wanted me to visit her right after the semester ended.  I said I didn't want to wait that long.  Then she said "Is this so we can get married?"  This was the first time we ever talked about us getting married.  I said "yes".  She told me how she wanted to go home for the fall and earn a lot of money and then I said how I thought it would be best if she finished up her last semester up.  I was thinking about us maybe getting married at the very end of July as school will get out and she wanted to get married right after Fall Semester.  We both said we would pray about and then collaborate.

I really do love Carla.  Yesterday during stake conference our stake president talked about fasting.  Carla couldn't make it because she was home sick.  I then got the impression to fast for her so she would heal so I started fasting.  After a little bit I came to the conclusion that I loved her more than eating and drinking.  That some understanding helped really solidify my love for her.  We will both pray about  what timing will be best for marriage but I am happy to say that one thing is for sure.  We will get married its just a matter  of when. :) 

Honor, What Does It Mean To You?

Tonight I had the opportunity to make a decision.  It might have seemed insignificant but it really hit me.  This entire first week of the semester we keep reading syllabus after syllabus.  They all same the same things: maximum amount of absences,  extra credit, no sexual harassment, etc.  I feel like my brain feels like it will always turn to goo due to boredom.  But how much of this info sticks?  Being honest in life even in the little things are so important.  Tomorrow I leave to Utah with Carla to go see Brian's graduation.  I had to read an article and then turn in a notecard by tomorrow morning before I leave but I was planning on just doing it tonight.  It was 11pm and the security guard who was locking up told me I had 30 minutes before I needed to go.  I knew I had about 40 minutes left of reading.  So I kept reading until it was 11 30.  Then I had to make a choice.  Did I want to slip in the mandatory paper and say that I completed the reading even though I didn't finish?  Do I stay in the building even though I told the guard I would leave by 11 30?  Or do I just go home and then come back early the next morning and then slip the note card under the door after I have finished my reading (even though it was really inconvenient).  I walked out and decided I would choose the last option.  It seemed minuscule but it is though these small and simple actions of honesty and integrity that I will become the man I know I need to be.

Once a missionary always a missionary. (Easter weekend)

This past week I got to relax more than I have ever since Christmas break!  It was spring break and I had finished my 2nd semester up here.  I got to spend time with Matt  Butcher and his family.  It was a blast!  I played monopoly almost every night with the boys (excluding matt), I went to Sam's baseball and soccer games, hiked the Y mountain with Matt (I got a cool Facebook picture),  played basketball with Aaron, went to the park where Sam did a large neighborhood easter egg hunt with probably over 100 kids and 2000 eggs, and so much more! 

But more important than all those FUN things was testifying and inviting and helping Aaron make goals to better prepare for his mission.  He sent in his papers last Sunday and put in availability date as July 21.  I am excited for him and is a great guy.  He recently stopped working on Sundays about a 2 months ago.  He decided to quit.  I told him over thanksgiving and Christmas break to quit and find a new job but he procrastinated.  I told him how I knew the Lord would bless him if he would keep the Sabbath day holy.  Now after quitting his old job he has found an even BETTER job.  He has better hours, pay, boss, and he doesn't have to work weekends.  It helps me reflect what things do I need to give up in order to receive the downpour of God's blessings. 

We read the scriptures every night often also accompanied with an article or a Mormon message.  It was so cool to hear about his insights as he read.  I challenged him to continue reading his scriptures with his family after I left.  I know that family scripture study can really bring a family together in so many ways.

Today his Easter.  I know that God lives.  He sent his son Jesus Christ to be born on the Earth, teach and be our perfect example, to establish his church, and eventually atone for our sins so that we can all be saved by his selfless sacrifice.  I know he rose again on the third day giving us the opportunity to be live in Heaven as families.  In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Just what I needed

I just finished up another semester.  I had all A's with a B+ in accounting.  I needed to get really high B's maintain my A's and an A to get a A- in my accounting class.  And after studying working with my tutors and teachers (a lot) I got the grades I needed!  And by some miracle I got an A in accounting.  4.0 GPA!  Now I should be able to get a full ride scholarship for next year.  I am so excited!  I am so grateful to be here at BYUI and get the assistance I desire so I can understand these concepts deeper.  It was also nice because I was able to help Yassiny study for her accounting class because I had received hours and hours of help it was the least I could do.

On Friday I saw Brian and Olive.  They came up to see Ryan Baxter's (Olive's brother-in-law) graduation.  It was fun eating with them at Ryan house and finally meet Olive's family.  Olive's mom didn't recogonize me after I said my name was Eric and then Brian introduced me as his brother.  She felt bad but I thought it was slightly humorous.  That night we went Carla's friend Noelle's graduation.  It was fun spending time together.  On Saturday we went to the hot springs about an hour away it was a lot of fun.  It was the first swimming experience between me and Carla.  It was pretty much like a swimming pool (cemented and nice) but the source was from the ground. 

Then the next day on Sunday I drove to Utah with Brian and Olive to visit Matt Butcher for my week of spring break.  It was really last minute.  I was planning on staying over the break and be a I night leader (that helped with new students get adjusted to BYUI by having them meet new people and giving them a tour) but they said they didn't need me at the last minute.  It was a tender mercy though that I could catch a ride with them.  I know the Lord needed me at Matt's house and I am glad that's where I was able to be.

An answer to a prayer

This past Sunday I did something that I seem to be doing a lot lately.  Being late haha.  I woke up with just enough time to hop in the shower and then run to the assisted living home center where I was speaking (Carla assigned me).  I brought my phone in the bathroom with a 5 minute timer to stay on time and not shower to long.  After a little bit I hear the all to familiar ring of time going off.  I turn it off, dripping some minimal water and then finish get the shampoo out of my hair.  I finished getting ready dressed when and then realize my phone won't turn on.  "Oh no", I thought I must have gotten it a little wet.  I looked up some normal solutions on google and then followed the counsel that I had read by putting it in a bowl of rice while separating the battery and the phone.  I check later night to see if my remedy had done the trick to no avail.  I was disappointed but did not lose hope.  I kept the rice in over night to hope something would change.  It didn't.  I had been praying that I would be able to get a used phone from someone else that wasn't in need of it anymore but I also braced my self if God's will was contrary to my own.  On Wednesday 3 days after my phone had stopped working I was sitting in my Book of Mormon class and I got the impression to ask my teacher Brother Astel if he had an extra Verizon phone at his house if I could have.  I determined I would ask him right after class would end.  As we said the closing the prayer I gathered my things and I completely forgot my previous intention and headed straight to the library to do homework.  After 40 minutes or so I remembered the prompting I received so I decided to go to his office.  As I was near his office I saw him filling up his water bottle at the water fountain?  "Hey Brother Astel,  this is kind of random but does your family use Verizon?"  He answered that they did, "Do you have an extra cell phone lying around your house that you aren't using?" "No, I am sorry", he replied.  "My wife is thinking about getting a new phone in a couple of weeks though."  "Oh, okay", I said, "I was just wondering because my Verizon phone got wet and it doesn't work now and I even tried putting it in rice and didn't work."  Just then a woman came up and said "Sorry for eavesdropping but I actually have a Verizon phone that you could have if you want".  I could hardly believe it.  Was this really happening.  She sent me an email with her cell # and her address.  God had been so merciful to me.  I had gone to the Verizon store earlier that day and they told me it would cost $200 to buy a new one or get one for approx. $50 off of Craig's list (which would be an inconvenience. 

I head over to her house but am running later than I said I would be there.  I then realize after walking 15 minutes that I am on 4 East and not 4 West.  I start jogging so I won't be too late.  I finally get to the apartment 30 minutes late.  I felt guilty.  This woman was doing me such a huge favor and I don't even have the courtesy to be punctual.  I knock on the door a little sheepishly and no one answered.  I knock again.  No answered.  This time I got worried.  Oh no, "I bet she left because she had to do something" I thought.  I can either just sit out on her front porch and wait or come again tomorrow and hope to catch her home.  I knocked one final time with little hope and to my surprise she answered.  She invites me in and apologizes for not answering initially but she didn't hear me because she was sleeping.  I get the phone and go to the Verizon store and everything is so solved (unfortunately I did lose all my contacts but I don't care too much).

Thinking about it now I feel like the Lord's hand was in so many people lives just at the right timing.  I had got the prompting to ask my teacher and talked right where I was "supposed" to.  Brother Astel was filling up his water just at the right time.  The woman (Kelli) who offered me the phone was in that exact spot when I needed her "coincidently" waiting for her husband because that particular day she forgot her phone (which is very uncommon) and Kelli's sister felt impressed to give Kelli the old unused phone just 2 weeks before this happened to me. 

I know that God's hand had a big role in me getting my phone back.  It was almost my exact phone except just one generation older.  I know that my phone wasn't breaking because God didn't love me but on the contrary but he wanted me to receive another witness of miracle from Him.  Of this I am sure in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

A Firm Foundation

Today at church (like most 5th Sundays) we had a combined Relief Society and Priesthood class.  And the majority of the time it was over dating.  Dating, dating, dating,  it seems like that is such a big focus here at BYUI haha.  But I did enjoy the lesson.  Something that stood out to me were two specific things.  One date those with your same standards and the second is have confidence in your dating ability. 

Dating someone with your same standards seem so obvious but that doesn't mean that this is always the norm.  I always try to live the gospel standards as best as I can.  I go to the temple often.  I do not watch or participate in inappropriate media.  I do not cheat.  By listing these attributes of me I seek not to brag but rather describe important characteristics that I desire in a future wife that is not prevelant in every single Latter-Day Saint woman (or man for that matter). 

The second is have confidence in your dating ability.  Understand who you are and what your potential is (including the promises given in the temple if we are true and faithful to our covenants).  I remember being a recently returned LDS missionary and talking to my best friend Brian Thompson.  Part of me was feeling worthless for not being able to find a job and not going to school and being released from such a sacred and worthwhile calling.  I told him how I wanted to date some girls and I would be willing to date almost anyone (LDS).  But he told something to me that I needed that I needed to hear.  He said "Don't sell yourself short man,  you are a good guy, you will find yourself an awesome girl".  Whethe rhe knows it or not I truly believe those kind words were directed by the spirit. 

I think how lucky and blessed I am to be dating someone with my same standards.  Someone that is beautiful and awesome.  I don't know yet if she will be the woman I marry but I do know that this experience has been a great for me.  I have learned more about how to put someone else's needs before mine and how to treat someone with respect on more than just a superficial level.  

3 little words that pack such a punch

February 13th 2010 I walk up my girlfriend to the door and kiss her good night on the warm Saturday night.  It had been about 5 months since we had been exclusive and about 4 since we have kissed.  We do our nightly routine before I return to my car and speed home trying to get home by curfew, but this time something a little unexpected happens.  I look down and she looks up and she says 3 little words.  "I love you."  Gotten caught off a little unguarded, but knowing the day would eventually come I reply with a "thanks".  Not the reply she was hoping.  She looks back at me with a sense of distraught bursts into tears lets go of me and runs into the house.  I can remember that night vividly and I remember no regrets.  We later talked on the phone about the situation.  I told her how I felt and then listened attentively to how she was feeling.  This common expression of "I love you" is no unusual phrase in high school where it is passed around like a large bag of pretzels.  I explained how I wanted to get married in the temple after my mission.  She then explained how she was willing to wait for me after my mission but that she didn't believe in the book of Mormon.  I have no regrets of not saying "I love you" because we had no future and she wasn't the mother that I wanted for my children that would raise my posterity in the gospel.

Flash forward to tonight.  Carla and I went to the "Savior of the World".  We both really enjoyed it.  Then in the middle of the play she sat on the edge of her seat and I started scratching her back.  Before I knew it I wrote "I love you" with my finger on her back.  I glance at her face waiting to see if she interpreted the message.  She gave me a poker face and I couldn't tell if she understood what I wrote.  Then after casually scratching her back with all five fingers of my left hand I write out "I <3 u".  This time she look at me directly and smiled.  After the play we walk hand in hand back to my apartment (which is a little unusual because we typically go to her place).  We read an ensign article briefly at the table and then head over to the couch.  Then after talking and cuddling on the couch I get the impression "tell her you love her".  "Tell her I love her?" I repeated in my mind.  I want to but I don't know what she will think.  I shrugged it off hoping I would get a 2nd confirmation if it was really the Lord's will.  After a few moments she looked at me and said "I love us".  I knew that this was the confirmation that I had desired.  I take a deep breath and look at her and say "Carla, I am always happy when I see you.  I am going to tell you something that I have never told anyone else before.  I love you." "You love me?", she replied.  "Yeah I do." "Well I love you too", she replied.  A sudden feeling of relief came over me.  She then retold how when she has talked to her mom her mom had told her she had been love.  She told me she wondered if I was going to tell her a few days earlier.  Tonight it just felt right.  She then told me that her parents trusted me so much.  How before her parents had only felt so comfortable with only one other guy but how she said she still had reservations about him.  She then told me how she and her parents say I love you in sign language to each others from a distance when they can't say it verbally. 

Carla is such an amazing girl.  I am excited to what our future has in hold.  I feel like something big might happen when I take her to Brian and Olive's graduation but only time can tell.  All I know is that I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has sent me such a great girl and who willing to give a guy like me a 2nd confirmation. 

An uncertain day with a perfect night :)

Today waking up I had my day felt pretty well planned out.  I had a class at 9 and 2.  During the break I would study and then take my Business Stats class and then after my last class go to the temple to do some baptisms with my (soon to be girlfriend) Carla.  I figured after the temple I would go to the library and do some homework for a few hours and then finish the night doing some get to know you games and holding a poster while giving out free compliments in front of a local ice cream shop.  The plan backfired nearly from the beginning.  I went to my class as planned but then the girl who was supposed to study with me invited to me to study in a big group.  I did that for an hour but found out that that was just a waste of time and I was retaining any of the information.  So I kept studying by myself and before I knew it there was just 40 minutes before my accounting class and I still didn't feel completely ready to take test yet.  I said a prayer in my heart and I felt like I should take the test.  When I sat down I got an upset stomach because I knew I was putting myself under a time crunch.  I started the test and the process to do even the easy ones began to completely leave my memory.  When I attempted to use excel it started not to work.  Before I knew it I was 20 minutes late to my most important class... accounting!  After a few more minutes I lost all hope of going to my class and decided to just focus on the test.  As I continued working I felt that timing being crunched to finish on time to go to the temple.  When would this wretched  test be done?  I walk out of the test unsure about my abilities but hurried out without even checking my score.  Then that's when the good times started rolling. 

I picked up Carla from the Benson building as she was patiently waiting while enjoying a book (a woman that loves to read is so attractive to me).  We then went to the temple and enjoyed our time.  As we were leaving the doors and back to the campus I got the impression that it wasn't time for us to leave yet.  So we walked around the temple once.  Then even still the time was just not right but I wasn't sure what to do.  Carla lead me gently to a bench and we began talking.  Pretty soon we were talking about everything we liked about each other.  It was sincere and sweet. The talking continued longer than I could have ever imagined.  At one point she began to look off and was into deep thought.  I asked her "what's on your mind".  "I was just thinking how this is nice", she replied.  "What are you thinking?" she fired back.  I took a keep gulp, this had been on my mind a while but I knew I needed to speak my mind.  "I was thinking I wanted to kiss you".  Wow I thought I had never said that anyone before!  "You have been thinking about that for a while now haven't you?"  "Maybe", I replied but already knowing she knew the answer.  We continued on with our pleasant conversation.  After 2 hours that seemed more like 2 minutes we walked back and she started giving me a tour of some of her science classrooms. 

We then eventually got to her apartment and she cooked me dinner.  What more could a guy ever ask for?  After the meal (which was a delicious plate of fajita quesadillas) some of her roommates left the family room (there were some other roommates in the back) and we watched frozen.  After an hour or so I told I needed to leave because I needed to work early the next morning in the temple (I wake up at 4 15 am).  We both understood but neither one of us wanted to part.  As I was leaving we started to embrace and we just held that position that seemed like for eternity.  It seemed as though time stood still.  After literally about 10 minutes she looked up me and asked "So am I your girlfriend".  I replied "I hope so".  "Is this you asking?".  "Yes."  "Well I would love to be your girlfriend".  I started to think how lucky am I?  This girl is so awesome.  What a righteous woman.  Could I ask even more.  After a few more moments hugging we anticipated the kiss.  And the kiss came!  It was sincere and beautiful.  I was probably a little rusty (or a lot) but it felt so right.  The way she put her fingers through my hair.  What a virtuous yet emotion packed action that was!  It lasted longer than I (or she probably) expected.  A part of me wanted to kiss her earlier in the week (we had spent together every single day together since last Saturday) but I am so glad she did.  She was totally worth the wait.  What a great way to start the weekend. 

Before we kissed she had asked me what I was doing over spring break.  I told her that I wasn't sure and then she didn't respond.  I think she wanted me to meet her family because I know her family liked what they knew of me because they looked me up on Facebook. 

I walked home just feeling blessed.  Not so much happy that I could check off kissing her off my list but because right now this beautiful girl was 'mine'.  Mine to hold, mine to cherish, mine to call and spend time with.  I know this girl has faults but I honestly can't think of any.  I was reminded of a very important aspect he said "Too often expediency, infatuation, stimulation, persuasion, or lust are mistaken for love".  I knew that I was very infatuated with her but the title of the article "Love Takes Time" is always a good reminder.

After sitting down I went onto LDS.org and searched 'love'.  Some interesting things came up but an interesting video came up by Marvin J. Ashton which was on this topic. 

How to constructively criticize correctly

This week was a week of where I noticed more than usual that I received correction in different aspects of my life.  Whether it was my dance moves, my refereeing or some other area there were things I learned in every instance.

This past Thursday I went to a social dance for my beginning dance class.  I enjoyed myself and got to meet lots of new people while practicing a hobby that I have picked up two weeks ago.  I asked another girl if she would like to dance waltz with me and she gladly accept the invitation.  After exchanging names and other basic information.  She politely reminded me of the importance of keeping my arm that was on her back in the correct position (having the elbow up).  I thanked her for the suggestion and attempted to make the necessary correction.  20 seconds later she told me again,  and then again 1 minute later.  In reality I was trying my best but this consistent reminder was got old rather quickly.  Although I understood her intention was good I soon made up my mind that I would not ask this girl for another dance.  Why you might ask?  Although gentle reminder in private is acceptable something my mission president President Pingree taught me is to do your best discerning ability and lack of motivation.  There are some people in a circumstance that need just a little encouragement and this will allow them to reach new heights rather quickly.  However there are other situations where the person is honestly doing their best in the given situation and it is not such a "quick fix".  Situations like these may be appropriate to give insights and correction but too many can seem rather daunting and relentless rather than be uplifting. 

I know I have not been always the best at giving at giving loving correction but I know as I think of how I would feel in a given situation I can better analyze when to say something and when to just enjoy the song and keep dancing :)

A relationship built on Christ

Last Sunday I got better acquainted with a girl from my ward named Carla.  She is a great girl that lived in South Africa when she was young and the moved to Louisiana.  I got her number and then asked if she wanted to go to the CES devotional together later that day which she said yes too.  We had a good time and then later that night we went to a game night.  That following Tuesday she sent me a text and said "Hi.  I hope you have a good day".  The message was short and sweet but it these small demonstrations of Christ-like attributes that really make such a big difference to me.

This week I have better realized that the world is so focused on the exterior characteristics when courting and dating but they rarely focus on the things that are most important such as: Will she be a good mother for my children, does she love the Gospel and attend all of her church meetings, etc.  These are things I have learned in my "dating experience" I have begun to truly value.

Beauty can attract the eye but it is mutual love and respect that will sustain a relationship for eternity.

Lessons learned on the missions

This week there were two lessons that were reinforced that I learned.  The first hearing the words of the Lord or following the promptings and working hard to change your circumstances so you can be an effective instrument.

This past Thursday night I decided to check out some movies.  As I gave the movies to the library I got the prompting to ask the librarian out.  I wasn't really attracted to her so I put off the thought.  I walked out in the cold and just sat down contemplating on what just happened.  I knew what I had done and knew that I should ask her out but I just wasn't attracted to her in the slightest and that would be such a rash move.  I felt like I had notion to lose.  If she said no, it wouldn't be that big of a deal because I wasn't interested and if she said yes then I got a date.  So  I worked up the courage to go back in the library and mustered out the sentence "Hey, my name is Eric, do you want to go out tomorrow?"  "Well, uh, thanks but I have a boyfriend."  I believed her but I thought about why I would get that prompting if she was already dating her.  But after I asked her out I couldn't help smiling.  I had felt so much joy for being obedient.  I have never felt so happy being rejected before it was a very weird feeling.  I realized after that God might not have sent me that prompting so I could get a date but rather to feel the spirit.

Then on Saturday I got a ride home from a temple worker from Venezuela after we finished our shift.  He told me about he has lived in the US for about 9 months and his efforts in learning English he spoke about how he is going to an English ward, serving in the temple in English and just finished reading the entire Book of Mormon in English.  What a great example to me who is striving to receive the Gift of Tongues.  I know if I want to keep up my Spanish it will take effort but it can be done!

These are just a few things that I remembered I learned when I serving the Lord in the great state of Texas!

Expressing Gratitude

This week has been great.  It was announced at this past week devotional that this coming Tuesday Elder Dallin H Oaks will becoming to speak to us for devotional.  Everyone got really excited.  What a treat we get to hear from an apostle of the Lord.  Its times like these I really am grateful that I came here to BYUI. 

On Sunday I played the piano for Sacrament because the normal pianist was out of town to visit family for the three day weekend.  The next day she came over to my apartment and dropped off a thank you card.  It was a simple and short but it was so heartfelt. 

Then on Saturday I was working in the temple in inititories and someone looked at me straight in the eyes right after they had finished doing the ordinance for the their last ancestor and said "Thank you.  Thanks for the work you do and the blessing you offer me as well as my deceased relative."  It made me feel so good inside.

Lastly when I got home I went on Facebook and I got a group message from Tom Carnehan (a less man reactivated with his family) from Huntsville from my mission.  The message was sent to me and my former missionary companion Kevin Smith.  We served together for 3 transfers and saw that family really make some great strides with the kids even going passing the sacrament and doing baptisms for the dead.  It was awesome.  This past week was (Former Elder) Smith's birthday which might have got him thinking about the experiences we all together. 

This is his letter :

2/21/14

Thomas Carnahan

I wanted to take a few minutes to thank you. Both of you help bring the gospel back into our lives. I was reading an article and a quote jump out at me and it reminded me of the great service you did for my family.
"Declaring our testimony of the gospel is good, but being a living example of the restored gospel is better. Wishing to be more faithful to our covenants is good; actually being faithful to sacred covenants—including living a virtuous life, paying our tithes and offerings, keeping the Word of Wisdom, and serving those in need—is much better. Announcing that we will dedicate more time for family prayer, scripture study, and wholesome family activities is good; but actually doing all these things steadily will bring heavenly blessings to our lives." —Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Without your strong testimony of the gospel and continued vigilance to help us return to the church, we would have stayed lost. Again, thank you for being the living examples of the gospel and exceptional young men. You showed three boys the importance of living the gospel and being a strong priesthood holder.
Elder or Bro. Smith, I hope you have a happy birthday.
Your friend, Tom Carnahan

We often underestimate the impact we make on others.  But every so often will God help us remember how much good we have done in the world by others expressing it to us.  I pray that I can help feel others the same way those 3 individuals touched me this past week.

Humility and appreciation

Last week a girl from my ward asked for my phone #.  This was a pleasant surprise considering that doesn't happen very often 2 days later we went out.  The date had gone well and I was hoping things would continue to progress.  We then went to devotional and then on Thursday I asked her out only to get her voice mail.  She texted me the next day to accept the invitation.  I had planned it for Saturday right after the ward activity.  At the closing of the murder mystery dinner she pulled me aside and said " I just want to be friends and I don't want to go out tonight".  I replied calmly yet a little confused.  She then expressed her large amounts of homework she was going to do that night.  Then she asked "Well actually what did you have in mind tonight".  I told her how I was planning on going and playing air hockey and then watch a movie.  She said maybe we could still play air hockey.  So we did for about 15 or minutes and then I walked her home.  As I was leaving I saw some my friends who lived at the same apartment complex outside.  I started talking to them.  After conversing for 15 minutes or so I hear the door open from the floor beneath us and out come two girls (one of them being the girl who said she was going to do "homework" that night).  At that time I understood that although the girl who previously said she was going to be "busy" that night probably wasn't telling the whole truth I understood better the concept of opposition.  I know that life doesn't go the way that you want it to.  There are bumps along the way.  You probably won't find that special someone right away.  Much of the time you will be humbled in the process, but I know when I find that I will find that right woman, at the right time, at right place and will appreciate her even more because of the lesson I have learned previously. 

Tender Mercies

This week was great as always.  My testimony of prayer and how God loves us and answers grew.  This week Sadie has continued to give me mix vibes.  We went stadium singing last Sunday night but her interest has dropped and I really don't know why.  I understood that this week would be the "make or break" for us.  Either something was going to happen or not.  I called her Friday afternoon and she didn't answer and then called me back about 2 hours later.  She told me how she thought I liked her more than she liked me.  I thought about that and what she said and I definitely agree.  But I pondered about relationships between family and friends and girlfriends, etc.  I learned how we get out what we put in.  If we want to have close and personal relationships we can't expect to only give ourselves a little bit and require a lot in return.  I have tried to apply this idea to my prayer.  I now try to be more open to God (even though he knows what I am going through and what I am thinking he enjoys hearing about it from me). 

On  Thursday night our ward went to place to play mini golf and laser tag it was fun and I had a good time.  After doing both for a little bit I started talking to a girl from my ward there that I didn't know.  We exchanged our names and basic information.  I then invited her to play mini golf with me.  She accepted and then we got done and it was that moment where if my heart wasn't infatuated with Sadie I would asked for her phone number.  She left wanting for more.  Then the tender mercy came in.  After about 2 or 3 minutes she came back and asked for my number (that doesn't happen very often haha).  So I got her number and then I went home. 

The next day after Sadie told me how she wasn't interested in going out anymore and I texted Talisha.  She seemed so excited to hear from me.  It was nice change.  After talking for a little bit I asked her out for the next day and she regrettably told me that she had other plans.  Still upbeat from her enthusiastic tone I went to bed shortly after to wake up early to be rested to work at the temple the next day.

After working the next day I came home, ate, and then went to do my accounting homework.  Being optimistic I thought I would finish the assignment in a relatively short time period considering the hours I worked on it the night prior.  However to my dismay I was very mistaken and I began working on hours at end.  Thankfully God sent me another tender mercy.  Talisha sent me a text and told me her ride fell through that night for sledding and told me she was still interested in going out that night.  I happily told her to come and I had something positive to look forward to after finishing my homework.

I picked her up and we went to a cello concert, then played some pool, and then we watched "Emma Smith My Story"  (which is a great movie).  It was great night and I thought again the blessings God continues to give us.

Blessings, blessings, and more blessings

I typically write on Sundays but today my heart is so full I couldn't wait any longer.  This week has been full of promptings of the Holy Ghost that keep penetrating to my soul.  I have been so busy with so many things I will just try to start chronologically so I can try to remember them all.

I got a letter from my Lucero Zavala who is in AZ as a missionary.  She has been having a rough time for various reasons.  I want to help her but I know I can do only so much and only Jesus Christ can really relate to her.  I tried to email her some uplifting words.  I then messaged some ex-missionaries to fast with me the next day (or on Sunday) so she could be happier.  Its so sad to me that she doesn't have a support system from her family for serving a mission like I did.  That must be so tough.  I am so proud of the strides she has made.

Tuesday I went to devotional it was great!  I met up with Sadie which was fun to see her.  The speaker was President David L. Beck (Young Men's Presidency) which he gave a beautiful address that really brought the spirit. 

That entire day I was fasting but I didn't really  feel hungry (which is odd for me haha).  It was a beautiful experience.  I got a lesson about fasting from my BoM teacher Bro. Astel and he invited us to fast for 24 hours.  I thought that would be really tough considering I ate at like 9 the night before and I had to ref some bball games that night before so I needed energy, but through the God's mercy I was able to go to 3 classes, ref, do homework, and not have a single thing put in my body.  What a miracle. 

I have also been strengthened by God a lot this week.  I have been very busy.  I started reffing bball games every night for 2 or 3 hours and that has just sucked up so much time I use for homework, but it has been a great experience. 

Today I got two letters from the church today.  One of them was a letter thanking me for becoming an ordinance worker for the Rexburg temple.  What a beautiful letter that was.  It spoke of how many blessings I and my children will receive by this service.  As I was reading it vocally I felt the spirit so strong.  I knew the words on that sheet of paper was true. 

I also got my patriarchal blessing sent me because I lost my copy (the original was at home).  It felt like I literally just got that blessing a week ago.   So many things felt like they were happening to me at that instant even though I received that blessing 3 years ago.  I went on a few dates with a girl (named Sadie) and I kept thinking of her when I was reading the blessing of how I need to always associate with youth of the church and I will be able to take with a girl to the temple.  I kept thinking about what a blessing it will be to start my own future family one day.

This has been a great week :) 

By small and simple things great things come to pass.

This past week has been awesome!  It has introduced me to a topic that I have honestly been working for but God's timing hasn't been quite there previously... girls haha.  Since coming up to BYUI I feel that I have been putting a pretty good effort to trying to do my best to meet new people.  I want to date girls because I enjoy good conversation and fun activities.  This semester I just haven't quite clicked with anyone until this past week.  On Sunday I was 15 minutes early to church and I sat in my typical area (approximately 3 or 4 rows on the right side) and a girl comes and sits next to me.  Which honestly is kind of rare because typically girls travel in pack here haha.  So we exchanged names and basic information.  This was her first semester back from her Spanish mission in Boston.  Church then started and the Bishop announced how there would be a fireside (which whenever there is a fireside I always go).   The first thing that always comes to my head is when an activity is announced like that I think "so who am I going to try to go with".  I then look to the side of me and I see Sadie (the girl who sat next to me) pull out her Iphone and mark on her calendar about the fireside.  I knew right then I wanted to ask her to go with me.  So right after sacrament meeting I ask her and she accepts.  I get her phone number and then I pick her up and we go and have a great time hearing from our stake presidency.  Then when I walk her to her door I receive a very genuine, tight hug.  From right then I think "I am going to ask her out again.  So on Tuesday I send her a text asking if she want to go to a music quintet of BYUI's music staff.  We went and enjoyed the concert.  As we were walking home it got a little icy in the parking lot and then she grabs my hand for balance and we walked hand in hand until I walked her to her apartment.  Then on Friday I called to ask her out for Saturday.  She said yes.  Later that night I went and hung out with some guys on my floor and we watched the original star wars.  It was a lot of fun.  It was interesting though because one of the roommates there is the ward mission leader and called Sadie (the other wml) to come over to help him make crapes for a ward party we are having the next day.  I feel like it wasn't coincidence that we saw each other and Weston (my roommate) saw on campus this week too.  So the next day on Saturday we went out to go roller skating in the mc.  It was really fun.  We skated some and then we sat down and talked some and followed that pattern a few times till the place closed.  Then we went over to her lounge and watched the newsies.  Throughout the night we were holding hands and cuddling.  Then at her door step we had both thought of what was going to happen.  We hugged and I go in a little bit to see if she wants to kiss and she say "not yet".  So we both stand there a little longer and embrace and then I end up kissing her on the cheek.  It was nice because it was very genuine it really expressed what was in my heart.  So that's my sappy love story for the week haha.  We will see what happens in the next week.

In other news last Sunday my bishop announced that the temple needed some more workers.  I knew that I needed to step up.  I talked to him after church and he said there would be a way that I could just work for 2 hours so a week which I thought was great.  Later that week I get a call from the temple and I have an interview with counselor from the temple presidency and they say I could work as service worker which where I would just work for 3 hours or so as a week or an ordinance worker.  When he gave me the options I knew right away that God wanted me as an ordinance worker.  I took it with faith and the only time I could honestly fit straight 6 hours in a day was at 4 45am till 10 15ish or 10 till 4 on Saturday.  I knew that I needed to do the morning if I wanted to be able to do any homework at all on Saturday.  I worked there and it was great.  I learned almost all of the words of the ordinances except initiatory.  The spirit was really strong.  Although I stumbled at first I was humbled and I feel blessed to be able to work there.

When life gets you down just get back up when life gets you down.

This week has been a week of learning.  A lot of the best learning comes from experience.  I have had some ups and downs this week.  This entire time I have just been trying to do my best in all that I do: school, dating, etc.  And to completely honest I sometime wonder why.  Why did this happen to me?  I was trying to do my best, yet why did I get this undesirable result.  Isn't putting in a valid effort worth anything.  For example in my accounting class there was a small summary of an internet accounting article we had do.  And I did it, early in fact.  In fact so early when my teacher asked us turn them in (hard copy) I completely forgot what the assignment was and I thought I didn't even do it.  Unfortunately the paper was in my backpack the entire time.  I even got my summary peer edited like he suggested.  Why did I have such bad luck? 

Next I have been trying to go on some dates.  I get some girls' phone numbers and try to set something up and then I do!  Awesome!  Then all of them fall through last minute.  What the heck!  I am just trying to do what is right and everything just seems like its not going my way!

After multiple times of "failing" I realize how so many other things go right.  I have hung out with some really cool people so far almost every night.  Most of the time I get invited by roommate.  Isn't it nice having true friend as a roommate?

Then at church and some girl sits next to me at sacrament meeting score!!  Then I get her number and we go to a fireside together later that night!

I often don't realize to count my blessings until after I am humbled at times.  But as I continue to put my trust in the Lord He strengthens me.  He sees things that I can't.  He shuts some doors I wish he would keep open and opens others that I wasn't initially comfortable with.  As I follow the small prompting s of the spirit.  I am blessed.  I know that the gift of the Holy Ghost is real.  What a great power it is as I follow his promptings in the faith of God's timing.

1 week down

This first week of the of my first winter semester has gone by fast.  I am currently enrolled in 7 classes (15 credits).  This schedule keeps me busy but it is very manageable.  I enjoyed my classes and my teachers seem to be all very knowledgeable while also being proficient in teaching clearly.  I managed to sit next to some cute girls in nearly all my classes and got a few numbers which was good.  This Friday I went Latin dancing for the first time.  This was an enjoyable experience while I learned something new as well as meet new people and enjoy time with friends.  On Sunday I had a great day.  Church was uplifting as always but I also spent the time with some girls.  First we got invited for dinner which delicious.  We had ribs which I love!  Then we went to some other girls' apartment and played some games.  After I went stadium singing what a great way to start off the semester!

A very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

This past semester at BYUI has been awesome.  I finished off the semester great.  I got all As and one A- on my online math class. 

I rode down to AZ with a friend from High School we spent the night in Provo area where I spent then night at my uncle matt's house and he stayed with a friend.  On the drive there we talked a lot about our mission and we bonded.  I always enjoy getting to know someone a little better.  When we were pulling into Matt's neighborhood we were in a huge snow storm trying to go up a hill.  After Jordan (Fields the driver) tried for about 10 min.  we saw it was useless and he apologized and suggested I just walk the rest of the way due to icy roads.  I did and but I got a little lost. I had directions but I was still a little lost which  was unfortunate because of the heavy snow and the lack of winter clothing I had on not to mention the fact I had to use the restroom.  So I started running to get there faster and also to warm up my body.  After 10 minutes or so I couldn't hold it any longer so I knocked a random door where a Hispanic woman opened the door while talking on the phone.
 "Lo siento,  tengo que ir al bano.  Puedo pasar?"  I said  (I am sorry I have to use the bathroom can I come in)
" No soy la duena, puedes aguantar?  She said (I am not the owner, can you hold it?)
" No..."
She graciously let me in.  After I found Matt's house and my hair was icy.  I hadn't been that thankful for heating in a long time.  I then had a lovely time spending time with my cousins  before I had to leave to AZ the next day.  Something that stuck out to me though is while I was there Matt asked " Do your Dad ever argue with your Mom in front of you?"  I paused for a moment and before I had a chance to answer " Actually I already know the answer."  It helped confirm to me how lucky I was to have parents that loved and respected  each other.  And a father that treasures his wife (my mom).  I used to think that this was the norm or the standard for society but more and more I realize how it is becoming the exception. 

The break was good.  I organized some pick up basketball at the church a few times.  It was fun.  This gave me an opportunity to be more of a leader than I typically am.  I usually just hope to find an activity someone else is putting on but over the break I organized the fun.  It was pretty cool.  I got to see some of my church friends as well as see my friend Justin Cushing and Brian Thompson.  I also had lunch with my friend Kaelyn from High School (we actually wrote occasionally on my mission which was fun).  I also saw a girl named Victoria who I taught on my mission a couple of times before her parents politely said they weren't interested.  She in the Baylor University band which played in Glendale for a College Bowl game.

We also had a lot of great family time.  We played some games we got for Christmas (guillotine, ticket to ride, and Jenga with Michael).  I also went golfing with Brian, and Dad.  And the Suns game with everyone except Mom and Michael.  We also saw some movie like Ender's Game and Saving Mr. Banks. 

Olive announced that her little sister Abigail was transferring from Utah State University to BYUI so everyone was telling me that I needed to take her out.  BYUI is a pretty big school so we will even see if I have the opportunity to see her at all.  But I did get a good chance to go on a date I would take the chance. 

In conclusion Winter break was great and I enjoyed spending time with family and also got some very needed winter clothing (shoes and a scarf) for Christmas.  Now I am ready to start 2014 with a Bang!