Dimming Lights, and Lost Ways!

When the lights seem to fade to the background and the way is no longer clear. Is all lost? Has the times of sadness finally overtaken us, has the last weight of the world finally pushed us to the edge? I can't speak for the world, but I can tell you that I have felt this way. I know that there is always someone who has gone through much worse then I, but perhaps a word of encouragement will help. There are days on a mission and not lots of days just a few that seem to tear you from limb to limb. Weather it be someone pulling a gun on you, or while you are walking down the street someone throwing a ham sandwich at you (Sadly it wasn’t turkey I might have enjoyed it a bit more). May it be physical, or just dealing with the stress of waking up only to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility to carry such a message to so many in such a short time. Whatever the reason, or circumstance there is always HOPE!!! What great power comes from just saying, and pondering upon the word Hope. Hope is trusting that things will work out for our good. "It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps you conquer discouragement." -Preach My Gospel pg. 117 (Preach My Gospel) But the question is what do we place our hope in? Some may place there hope in food (and to this I might agree to a certain extent), or they may put there trust in the things of the world. Luckily for us there is something, or rather someone that we can all put our trust in. That is the supreme creator of us all, our Father in Heaven. When we place our trust in the one who loves without reserve, and comes to our aid before we comprehend the need for aid. We will see our Confidence wax strong, we will see the world become a wonders, and joys place. Each day we will wake up and know who we are, and where we are going. This is the power of Hope, and the confidence in a Loving Father. But what about the pains and sorrows. Does Hope conquer the memories of a hopeless and darkened past? The answer is undoubtedly, and resoundingly YES. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can all become healed. We can have a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can feel relief form pain, and the worry of the past. In the End hope will conquer all discouragement, and chase out the darkness to revel a new day."For God so Loved the World" John 3:16

What happens when all hope seems to fail? Or does it...

Mornings on a Mission

AWAKE!!!

       So I have come to find in my life that the more you do something the more it becomes part of your daily life, and easier to do. But I have also come to find that there is a glitch to this theory.  You might ask what is this glitch (or you might not ask, but I'm going to tell you) that disputes this theory, it is none other then SLEEP!!! Yes the one thing we can't get enough of, and the one thing we wish we didn't have to do is wake up from Sleep. Me and sleep have a love, hate relationship, and I  believe that it started the day I was born. I'm not one to complain, but when something causes such emotional, and mental pain it should be put to death. However on the other had there is nothing like doing a long hard days work, and at the end you get the reward of slipping into bed, and slowly falling into a world of carelessness. But then you have to waking up to the sound of an unnatural, and completely unnecessary noise called an alarm clock. While wishing you could slam someones head against the door, and tell them to keep it down for just five more minutes (and no you would never do that because your a God fearing person). So how do we solve this problem? Well there is no good answer, and I have no clear way to tell you what to do to get up in the morning. I do however know what the scriptures say on the matter. In the Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. (See D&C 88:124) In this scripture the Lord is telling us that we should not be Idle or Lazy, but we need to rise early, and if we do that we will be invigorated both spirit and mind. I'm not sure about any of you, but I need that blessing. So for that reason alone that the Lord commanded that we arise early, and the fact that it is a mission rule that we arise at 6:30 "Every Day, Every Day, Every Day" I will go and do the things that the Lord requires. It is a great blessing to be able to obey the Lord. Let us all arise each day, and serve the Lord. Physically waking up is not the only thing that we need to do in this life. We also need to awake Spiritually!!! "O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death." (see Jacob 3:11) As we wake up from the deep spiritual sleep that often befalls us we will feel a renewed since of purpose, and energy. The Lord will always allow us to awake and escape the grasps of everlasting sleep. Because no one likes to sleep all day you only get groggy, and ugly. Let us Awake!

Play the Game!

I'm not sure how many of you know, but I really don't, and can't play the wonderful game of Basketball. But however much I can't, or don't play this game that seems to change when you go on a mission. Every Monday of the week  missionaries have the great opportunity to have what we call Preparation Day or "P-Day" It is a day set apart to do all the tasks around the house such as cleaning, and more cleaning. We also are able to go and enjoy ourselves with activity such as the Museums, Zoos, Basketball, Frisbee, and other sports. It is a time to unwind and relax. However while I was having the great opportunity to play a game of Basketball (being humiliated as I attempted to shoot that ridiculous ball into a net above me) I noticed a key element to how I played the game. While I was enjoying myself and having a good time just playing, and not worrying about what others were thinking I started to enjoy myself and get lost in the game. (This however does not mean that I like Basketball in any way shape or form. Just so you know!) It just means that if we stop worrying about everything going on, and just enjoy the moment things seem lighter, more enjoyable. I have the same feelings when it comes to life. I don't always want to play the game of life, far to often I find myself looking to see what others think and worrying about everything going on around me. Its really shocking that when we take the time to step back from the busy world, and look at what the lord has truly given us things start to look up. We begin to see that we aren't worrying so much on what people think, but what our father in Heaven thinks. We begin to see that there is a much larger picture of why we are here, and what we can do to have more happiness. I know that in my life things started to look up when I start following the rules (Even with Basketball) it goes more smoothly when you follow the rules, and I felt more protected. I learned that the Rules and Commandments of God are there to protect us and give us safety for the soul. I believe that the commandments are like a fence on a mountain side. The fence is only there to protect us and keep us from danger, but most of us only think it is restraining us, and keeping us from doing what we want. I am grateful for the commandments which keep me from falling off the edge, and I know that I get so many blessings from following the Commandments. The Lord even promises us that as we keep his commandments he will prosper us, and bless us (Mosiah 2:22). How grateful I am for the blessings of the commandments, and the opportunity I have to live here on the earth at this time. We are truly blessed to have so many beautiful things that remind us that God lives and he loves us. I am so grateful for our Lord and our Savior and I know that he lives. So stop worrying and start looking! Life is far to short to play a game where your not having fun! God Loves us and he sent us here that we might have joy and not world joy, but eternal Joy! (2 Nephi 2:25) Just Play the Game!

Finding the Light Ahead

Driving cars has always been a fun, and exciting thing for me. Ever since I was little I always wanted to be old enough to drive, but if you ask my parents they would tell you that I have a lead foot, and need to learn to brake, and slow down. Well luckily on a mission we serve God, and not man so our views on the world change. Most learn to be a little cautious because this is the Lords work, and we are driving essentially the Lords car. So imagine this in your mind you get the opportunity to drive Gods car, and then try to not feel a little pressured to drive safe! To make matters more lovely, while we were driving back to Georgia from Jacksonville Florida we hit a small patch of rain. And if you have ever driven in the rainy country its not just rain its RAIN!!! It was like diving through a waterfall, and we could hardly see anything. So excreting all my effort to concentrate I started searching for the car in front of us. I was starting to worry when I saw two flashing red lights ahead of me. What unfolded before me was amazing, I looked around me and realized that everyone had turned on their hazards so that they could see the person in front of them. Thus warning the person behind them. I quickly turned on my Hazards so that I could help the person behind me. I had never experienced anything like this before, and I was very excited to learn something new. So as we continued on our journey in the rain I searched earnestly for the flashing lights in front of me. Every time I saw the lights I could judge how far away they were, and where I was so that I could stay on course. While I was driving through the storm I realized that this reminded me of our journey to the Lord. We are all searching and moving towards the savior, but sometimes it is so hard to see him. Lucky for us we can always see the flashing light of the spirit leading us on. I also realized that everyone around me was driving in the same storm, some were driving faster and some slower. Some were having problems seeing in the rain, while others had abandoned the course and pulled off to the side of the road. It was amazing to see how everyone dealt with the situation differently, here I was a young 20 year old so excited about our situation, and the new trick I learned about driving through a rain storm. While on the other hand there was others that were griping the wheel for dear life. The Lord is always inviting all of us to come unto him and he will recive us. It reads in Matthew 11:28  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." At first I counldn't see the end of the road while I was driving, but I always new that I was going the right way, and the end was infront of me. When Christ invites us to come unto him we are always progressing towards everlasting life. The storms may be hard, but we are never alone!

No matter how hard it gets Look to the Light!

Seek, and ye shall Find

He is always Calling! Do we come?

There is truly nothing greater then declaring the Gospel of our Lord, and savior Jesus Christ. What greater way is their to find Peace, Happiness, Salvation, Eternal Families, Hope, Faith, and Love. A prophet in the Book of Mormon named King Benjamin stated the following "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:17) He has truly done everything for us so that we can return to live with our Father in Heaven, and all we need to do is follow his perfect plan. As I have gone around from place to place while serving in the Florida I have noticed that there are many yet that still haven't found the fullness of the gospel. So many individuals are so very close, but they are missing simple truths (Its like having a puzzle and missing one piece) .  There has always been one puzzle or there has always only been one true Church, the quest we are on is where is the full and complete puzzle (or Church)?

From the beginning of time there was one Puzzle, or one way and a path set that we must follow to come unto Christ. There has always been One God, One Faith, One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5) so we know that the our Father and Heaven made it simple ONE WAY not millions.Now the question is are we on the right path, and does that path we are on have the proper authority from God. We know from the scriptures that one needed to be ordained of God to establish and preach his gospel. You can't just go to school or wake up one morning and say that God called you to be a prophet it doesn't work that way. The same goes with wanting to be a police officer if you weren't called by the state our country you reside in to be an Authorized officer, then you have no power to arrest or take control of any situation. See the following scriptures that speak of receiving proper authoritarian (-I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations, Jer. 1:5 - he ordained twelve, Mark 3:14 -I have chosen you, and ordained you, John 15:16 -fasted and prayed, and laid their hands, Acts 13:3 -ordained them elders in every church, Acts 14:23 -with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, 1 Tim. 4:14) We can see that when Christ was here he established a system of authority and organization. I know that today that same orginization has once again been reestablished on the earth. I know that the truthfulness of the gospel has been restored, and that no person, people, or nation can stop the work of the Lord. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated the Following: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; … the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
I know that this work is sweeping the earth, and I implore all to come and find for themselves. Come and hear and see the Gospel (Good news), and when you hear and see it don't blindly believe ask God the Father in the name of Christ; and he will tell you if it true!!!
P.S. Sorry I got all preachy but sometimes you just wake up and want to go on the corner of a street and scream the message to the world. I wouldn't suggest doing that because most people look at you like your crazy, and to be honest you probably are if you are doing that.

Together Forever

       There is nothing better then seeing two individuals make the steps to enter into a covenant with the Lord. I was very honored to have the opportunity to see the marriage of two individuals that are very important to me. It has been so much fun to watch them grow and change to become closer with the Lord. You begin to see everything in their very personality, and outward appearance change. It is as if someone has not only polished them and turned on the all glowing awesomeness of life, but you see the happiness illuminating from them. On the Other hand it is sad to see how the world treats the sanctity of marriage. I have seen the world treats marriage more as an inconvience then anything else, and its easier to be single and living together then married. We know that marriage is fundamental in a relationship between a man and a women. The Lord has told us today through his Prophet, and Apostles that "The First commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We Further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between a man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." (The Family: A Proclamation to the world) How grateful I am that the Lord has given such incredible advice on the importance of marriage, and the relationship between a man and a woman. I have been given the great privilege to have been raised in a Family where both my Mother and my Father honored, and cherished the covenant that they made with each other. It is because of their great example that I want to raise my children in the same environment. Marriages are not something that is just a requirement, it is a sacred responsibility that is to last for time and all eternity. It is only within the walls of the Lords Holy house that we can receive the sealing powers of Heaven. I love the primary song that says:
"I have a family here on earth. They are so good for me. I want to live my life with them for all eternity. Families can be together forever through heavenly fathers Plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how  I can. While I am in my early years, I'll prepare most carefully, So I can marry in God's temple for eternity. Families can be together forever through heavenly fathers Plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how  I can." (Families can Be together Forever)

       How awesome is that! Families can be forever I know thats true, and I am going to do everything I can to enter into the Holy Temple so I can be married to my wife (whoever that may be) for time and all Eternity!!! Thank you to my dear friends that were a great example to me to be married so that they can receive the blessings the Lord wants to offer them. Marriage is not supposed to be until death till you part, but its supposed to be for time and all eternity.

-Family Forever-

Prayers Change the World

I have always heard growing up that you can have a better day, and have more joy as you pray to your Father in heaven. I want to add my two cents that this is true statement, and its not about how long you pray, or how detailed your prayers are. All you need to worry about when your praying is why your praying. I sometimes have the problem of making my prayers to my Father in Heaven like a shopping list, and it usually turns out that the shopping carts has more temporal items (Like Donuts, Disney World (Go FLORIDA), and becoming like Batman)  then spiritual items (Like becoming more like Jesus, having a stronger testimony, and all that good heavenly stuff). All it turns into is "Father in Heaven I need the following things please make it happen, your son Elder James Graham P.S and bless the world". Now I'm not sure about you but if I was a Father and my son gave me that letter, and asked for something like that I might turn around and smack that child right back into the other world (Not really I'm not that mean, and Elder Graham wouldn't hurt a fly). On the other hand  I hope that we will remember that there is real power in prayer. We are not just talking to our friend at school, or making chit chat at the mall. We are talking to our Father in heaven, and we don't just call him Father in heaven for no reason. He is the one that created us even before we came to this world. He know us better then we know ourselves. So why in the world would we make a shopping list when instead we can talk to him about our life. We can ask him anything and he will answer as it says in the scriptures " Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." See (Matthew 7:7, and 3 Nephi 14:7) I love the fact that the Lord tells us that we will receive, and I know that he is always going to answer our questions and prayers. 

       I have two favorite prayers that changed the world, the first is the payer that Jesus Christ afford for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the second is when a young boy named Joseph Smith went into a Garden of trees and asked what church he should join. Both Prayers are very different and both had profound effects, but they were answered. Our prayers are what allow God to help us, and give us the need encouragement, and strength to over come this world. Payers are how we communicate with our Father at any time, and and in any place. The Lord is listening, and he will answer your prayers! Pray unto the Father with all energy of heart, and I know he will listen.

Are we on the Winning Side

Though the waves of despair and hopelessness descend upon us they will have no effect to bring us down. I can't count the number of times in my life where I wanted to give up, or when it seemed like I couldn't take one more step. While we were as we call it "trackt" or going door to do we meet some interesting individuals, pluse you add the stress of working in the heat you get a small but bad storm. But I know that I have the Lord to back me up. One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" How powerful are these words "Not Ashamed, and Power" because of Jesus Christ we can look forward with the up most confidence that the storms will cease, and the winds will subside. We can conquer the storms of the world, and I know this life was not meant to be a piece of cake. It was a time set apart to prove to the Lord that we can weather the storms of life. It is up to us to fight to the End no matter how hard, or disparaging the storm may become.We will press on! There is a hymnal called "Come, Come, Ye Saints" It is a song that encourages us all to move on and continue towards the end. It was written in a time of both Spiritual, and Literal Storms. "Come, come ye saints, No toil nor labor fear, but with joy, wend your way. Though hard to you this journey may appear, grace shall be as your day. Tis better far for us to strive, "Our useless cares from us to drive. Do this and joy, your hearts will swell. All is Well! All is Well!" I am grateful that I can remember and head the counsel form this song, it reminds me that I cant give up, and that even though the storm is coming All will be well. Be not afraid for the Lord God is on your side! (Be of Good Courage Scriptures) Let us all Press on!

To Far to Talk



While on our mission we have the very unique opportunity to talk to our families only twice a year on Mother’s Day, and Christmas. It is a very special time to get caught up on new events that have transpired, and hear how everyone is doing. On the other had it is strange to talk with your family after so long. You realize how close and familiar their voices really are, and how much you remember them. It so happened to be Mother’s Day yesterday and I was able to share a few minutes on the phone with my family. It was so much fun to hear everyone gathered laughing and having a good time. I am grateful that the Lord has given me such an amazing family her on earth (Families can be together forever). But what about our family that is not here on earth? I think we underestimate how much we miss hearing from our Heavenly Family. I am sure that when we go back (Alma 40:11) to our father in Heaven we will be shocked how well we recognize his voice. But we don’t need to wait that long we have the opportunity to call upon God at any time, place, or situation. We don’t have the restriction of only calling them twice a year or only on sever situations we have an amazing ability to call upon him at anytime. I love the Scripture in 3 Nephi 18: 15-21 it talks about  praying to the Father alwasy that we come off conquer. It also tells us that we should pray for our wives and our childern that they are safe. I know that Heavenly Father wants to hear from us, but do we want to hear from him and if so what are we going to do to start. I know my parents taught me to talk to my Heavenly Father from the moment I woke up in the morning to the moment I layed my head back down. We all can talk with him at anytime moment or situation. It was a great oppotunity to talk with my family, but I know it is much more important to talk with our Heavenly father every day! I know he listens and I know he answers our Prayers (Enos 1) all we need to do is go to him. As Christ Says "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.) (Luke 11:9) We might not always get the answer righ away, but i know the Lord always answers, and he always has a clear signal (Skies and Signals).

More then a women, A Mother!

The greatest and most important influence in a young persons life is the Mother! How much we are all indebted to our Mothers, and the love they have shown to us as we grew. From the day we first opened our eyes to the fist step we took they were always their to guide. I look back on my life and see one constant roll of a charitable Mother. I am so grateful for the dedication, and respect of women who truly devote themselves to raising the youth of today. At the beginning of any great nation there is always faithful, and valiant mothers who cared in raising their children. So where would our world be if we didn't have the divine roll of mothers? Nations would fall, Society would vanish, and the world as we know it would cease to be. How grateful we are for the mothers of the world, and I am constantly amazed that everyone has a mother weather you love them at this moment or not. You have a mother. Even with one as key as Jesus Christ there was a mother. The Scriptures talk about her as being a precious, and chosen vessel. (Alma 7:10) I pray that this mothers day we will show the proper, and needed respect for our Mothers. We are a reflection of them, and I pray that we will honor, and respect them, and their charity toward us. There is a Story that I love it speaks of a young man that truly learned to honor his mother. The story goes something like this. "A famed officer from the Civil War period, Colonel Higginson, when asked to name the incident of the Civil War that he considered the most remarkable for bravery, said that there was in his regiment a man whom everybody liked, a man who was brave and noble, who was pure in his daily life, absolutely free from dissipations in which most of the other men indulged.

One night at a champagne supper, when many were becoming intoxicated, someone in jest called for a toast from this young man. Colonel Higginson said that he arose, pale but with perfect self-control, and declared: “Gentlemen, I will give you a toast which you may drink as you will, but which I will drink in water. The toast that I have to give is, ‘Our Mothers.’” (Behold Thy Mother) What respect the young man had for his mothers and the effect it had on the men he served with. I pray that others can see in me the respect I have for my mother, and see that I honor my Mom. The best way to show your love for the ones you love is to honor them. Thank You Mom for all that you have given me! I know I am who I am today because of you. I know that my family can be together forever, and I know it is only because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and because my mother was so willing to be faithful to raising up my family in the Gospel. Families are supposed to be together, and with out you amazing mothers it wouldn't be possible.

Skies and Signals!

I'm not sure, but how many of you get the chance to go outside, and look up at the night sky? I had the great opportunity to look up at the stars last night, and only because we couldn't get cell phone service in our apartment. So to the outside we went on a search for a signal! I learned two things from this wonderful event; The first you almost always miss all the wonders around you, and second are we willing to find god when we lose service. Yes its funny how God can tell you things when you aren't even looking for answers. When we were sitting outside (and yes I felt like I was eight years old laying on the grass) a wonderful scripture came into my mind "All things denote there is a God" Alma 30:44. I know that scripture is true, and it was made known unto me only by looking into the vaulted heavens. If you get the chance go outside, and simply look up. Once you look up I know you will see one of the most beautiful paintings ever painted, but you can't help to feel that your Father created all of it for you. As for the second "Epiphany" it had to deal with simply finding service in our Yard. I can't imagine what the neighbors were thinking as they saw two young adults running around the yard holding a phone to the air. Yes it was most definitely a sight for sore eyes. As we were running around looking like chickens with our heads cut off I thought, are we willing to do the same for the Lord? As soon as we lost connection would we start running around looking for him? I hope my answer would be; Most Definitely, but sadly we lose signal and don't even realize it. I believe our "cell signal" with God is Faith, and when our faith gets low our signal with Heavenly Father drops. But as our faith gets stronger our way is made more clear, and we can truly find the path that leads to happiness. There is a great story that relates this exact point. As the family of Lehi was traveling in the wilderness towards the promised land they were given an instrument called the Liahona (compass), or as we are going to refer to it as a"cell phone signal". As the family went along the device pointed the way, but as they sinned or disbelieved (lost faith) the Liahona did not direct their path. They would lose their cell signal, and could not reconnect. It was only after they repented and gained their faith that the Liahona reconnected, and pointed the way.(see Alma 37:38-42) How fast are we to reconnect and find service? I know that our Father is always sending out signals, but are we willing to stand in the receiving areas? How grateful I am that the Lord is willing to guide our paths, and light our way. He is always around us, we are part of his miraculous creation. This earth is his masterpiece, and I am grateful I was able to take the time, and look into the night sky. Just Look Up!!!

A Trip to the Dentist and a Hope for Perfection!

Well I must apologize for not posting for the past few days. It always seems like one minute you are on top of the world, and the next your to busy to remember your name. But no fear I am living, and the next day always comes regardless of how hard the last day was or challenging. I'm not sure if any of you have wonderd if any of the young men walking down your street with the name tags, the white shirts, and dark slacks have no problems. All they do all day is knock doors, and talk to people about Jesus Christ, and the Church. But unknown to many we still have our everyday challenges. For example how hot the shower water is going to be in the morning. When do I need to get a hair cut, how long can I go until I absolutely need to wash my Laundry (yes on a mission you still have all of the small trivial task to do). So one of the small and annoying things is the health of the Body, sadly the lord did not make us invincible when we placed that accepted the call, and left our homes. We still get sick, and we still need to treat or bodies with the up most respect as the Lord said your body is a temple see (John 2:21). Sadly I made the mistake of not treating my teeth with a Prophetic Warning. Let me translate in a more simple term, I didn't brush and floss as my "wise and Learned" Dentist had directed me to do. So as everyone that has as much metal in their teeth as I have, will most likely be able to relate to the following event. While serving on this great two year adventure I woke up with a very sharp pain in one of my back teeth. Long story short it turned into a very painful event, and I had the great opportunity to have a Root Canal. In the Long run I learned two very Important things. First always listen to your parents, and take great head to their advice. Second I cannot wait for the time when our bodies will be reunited with our spirits, and we shall have perfected bodies (I will for once have the great joy of having no fillings or crowns.) see Alma 40:23.  I am so grateful for my knowledge that the Lord has provided a perfect plan for all of us. I know it is only through the gospel of Christ that we can all one day live with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and truly have peace both Spiritually and Physically (I cant wait for the day!!!!). Well there is another day coming tomorrow, and a new challnge to over come, but I know we can overcome.

Who Am I?

Starting new things is always a challenge, and I think what I like most about it is the ability we have to learn from our mistakes. So as with all things this "Blog" is the beginning of a new adventure, and I'm sure I will make plenty of mistakes (so please forgive). At the begging of all things is taking the first step. So "Step" one: Who am I? This is a very good question, I often find myself reflecting on it time, and time again. Simply I am who I am, or you make your self what you want to be. I was born in a small town (well I think you would consider it a town) in Utah. It was there that I took my first step you could say. I grew up doing just about anything an average young man would do, yes I know I just said average (who can define average?). I was raised by two amazing parents, and I know I am in huge part of who I am today because of their amazing influence. I was raised in a large part on the subject of Religion. I was raised to be, and live as a good member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Yes MORMON) and no we are not a cult. You might have seen that I said I was raised as a member, but like all things you personally need to find the truth. I want to make it perfectly clear that I know for myself that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. And I found that for myself completely separate of any other influences, beside the influence of the Holy Ghost. And thus the reason that I am currently serving a mission in Jacksonville, Florida. I also for no reason that I can trace love movies if there is anything that distracts me, and drives me to waste my time, talent, and money its movies. I am almost positive that if I didn't have any self mastery you would find me on a couch watching movies all day. But fear not I am not a movieholic and I do love to do many other things. One of the most amazing and rewarding things I love to do is Rock Climbing. I hope that everyone will someday have the chance to walk up to a mountain, and stand at the base and look up in AWE. But looking at that great wonder is just the begging. Now is the fun part taking the challenge of climbing step by step, and griping finger reach by griping finger reach to get to the top. And just to top it all off you get to feel the air rush by, and the smell of sweet pines swaying in the summer breeze. Yes I must declare that I believe that rock climbing may be close to paradise. So most of my youth was spent inside on my little bum watching some movie, or setting off to find the next great climb. You might find this next comment cheese and lame, but its ture. There is a song that is called "The Climbe" it is wirrten by Miley Cyrus. Yes I just mentioned a young pop disney singer, and I am going to make refernce to one of her songs. In the Song she says "Its the Climbe" catchy beucase thats the titel. But Longs story already for to long. Life is truly a climb, but luckily we dont have to do it alone. And I hope from this blog you can see how God and his son Jesus Christ can hlep not only in my life, but in yours. On To STEP TWO!!!! My daily life.