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 :)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
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!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
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!
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!
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