Sneaky Sneaky

Three Facts:

1) I have an incredibly short attention span.

2) I have an incredibly boring and monotonous office job.

3) Lisa works in the cube across from me.

So, My boss and I get a little creative from time to time...

We use cans of compressed air to dust off the inside of our little office machines when they start malfunctioning. It works a lot of the time. I have at least 3 cans in my little cube alone, and not enough malfunctions to use them on. This is where it gets fun.

I'm leaving at noon today, to go home and continue my studies for a huge test I have tomorrow. Besides that fact, it is a Monday. At work. Which means it is relatively slower than most days of the week. I just finished organizing the checks that came in, pulled the invoices, and counted them up. They are now officially ready to be deposited. Since the program is not on my computer, I go to my boss' cube next door to use her's. However, as I sit down to make the deposits, I realize that I hadn't taken a moment to visit Lisa in a while. So I figured I'd surprise her with some extra oxygen today. Can in hand, I'm ready... I sneak up to her cube, very quietly... like so:

I found her eating a granola bar, entering in numbers and junk for whatever she does for work, and singing "I'm bad" by Michael Jackson. So, I pull down my hood and pull the trigger and....

BAM!!!

Ah. Nice. It worked out perfectly. My ninja catlike tactics worked like a bowl of lucky charms. This made for a very successful Monday at work.

Mission: ACCOMPLISHED.

***NOTE: Pictures used are NOT the originals of the act performed. Professional actresses were used to recreate the event.

Testimony

I've had the opportunity to attend two ward campouts the past two weekends, once with my old ward and once with my new branch. For each, we had a testimony meeting around the campfire. I was able to sit and listen to the solid testimonies of my peers, and reflect on my own testimony and where I stood. Since the beginning of summer, I have not been able to find balance in my own life and schedule. Just when I think I've got it down, the Lord sure knows how to show me who's really in charge here.

On the drive up to camp, a song came on the radio sung by Randy Travis called "Three Wooden Crosses". The chorus specifically is what touched me:

I guess it's not what you take

When you leave this world behind you

It's what you leave behind you when you go

I've thought a lot about what I have done in this life, in my short 20 years, to make a difference. Did I reach out to others when they needed a friend? Did I give my all in school, and work? Did I spend enough time with my family, and do they know my goals and aspirations? Do I share my testimony enough that people know who I believe in, and what I stand for? Am I honest in all that I do?

As I think of my answers to each question, I realize there is much that I need to improve on. I have yet to find a balance in life, and I find that when times are tough my focus seems to be on me. The farmer taught his son about faith and love, the teacher left wisdom with her students, and the preacher affected generations by giving his Bible to the hooker. Beyond this life, all we take with us are our relationships with those whom we associate and our knowledge that we attain. These people left priceless parts of them behind; it wasn't the money, clothes, or worldly possessions left that defined how successful they were. They looked beyond themselves, to the future and those around them. They made a difference, even in just one person's life.

I am going to take the initiative to look beyond Elena. Find ways to bear one another's burdens, comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and be a friend to all I meet.

I don't take the opportunity enough to share my testimony, so here is one taken. I do have a testimony that my Savior lives. He died for me, for you, and for all who have ever lived upon the earth. But most importantly, he arose, and lives today! Through him, we can return to live with our Father in Heaven once more. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, and is aware of me. Of each of us. He knows what we need, before we even ask. I know that by faith, works, and abiding the commandments, I can return to Him one day. I know that families can be together forever, and that is something I am so grateful for. I pray that I can spend the rest of eternity with my family, and with my own family I will have one day. My testimony is my most prized possession; something that can never be taken away from me.

My testimony is what I want to leave behind. If anything is to be remembered of me, I hope it is this: I KNOW God lives! The Gospel of Jesus Christ IS true!

Taking Control

"God is good. He is eager to forgive. He wants us to perfect ourselves and maintain control of ourselves. He does not want Satan and others to control our lives. We must learn that keeping our Heavenly Father's commandments represents the only path to total control of ourselves, the only way to find joy, truth, and fulfillment in this life and in eternity."

Spencer W. Kimball, "The Gospel of Repentance" Ensign, June 1983

I am taking an institute class on the book of Isaiah. I know- its a tough book to swallow. I don't know very much at all about it, so I am very excited to begin the process of understanding what it teaches. I also am lucky to have a great teacher, who is very well learned in the Gospel and Isaiah in particular. He knows so much, and I marvel at the references he can bring up and many experiences he ties into the teachings. He has an email list for those taking his class so he can send quotes and information that he finds helpful as we study outside of class during the week. In one email, this quote (and more of the talk) was given.

I particularly like the fact that Spencer W. Kimball tells us that we must take control of our lives. We must not place the blame on others or our surrounding environment for our own life. It is only what we make of it. I know that I find myself blaming others or circumstances, whether consciously or not. It's as if my happiness and who I am is determined by what is found around me. What a lie I'm feeding myself! A good friend wrote me about something he has learned recently. He sees a difference in those around him that are happy, and those that are struggling, because of the way they choose to live. It is simple- they are happy because they choose to be happy. They choose to start with themselves and make that conscious effort to improve who they are and work outward, by improving their environment. Vice versa for those who are unhappy. They are depending on those around them and their environment to make them happy.

I find it interesting that he would say the path to obtaining complete control of ourselves is to obey the Lord's commandments. In doing so, we can learn to forgive, to honor, to trust, to be honest, to love, to care for, to understand, and to serve. In addition to those Top Ten, we are urged to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him" (Moroni 10:32). What better way is there than to follow the direct footsteps of our Savior, Jesus Christ? There is none other more perfect who has walked upon this earth, can we ask for a better example?

More often than not, our own pride can get in the way of achieving this goal. Who's guilty of this? I know I am. More than I like to readily admit. My teacher paraphrased a talk by someone who said pride is a universal sin, in which the only anecdote is humility. In the same talk, pride is not only defined as being haughty and conceited, but also by being envious, unforgiving and coveting. I can find numerous occasions where I have been on both spectra's of that pride cycle, sometimes without even noticing. The worst part is that I am hindering my own ability to take complete control of myself and halting my progression.

In our day, when TV and newspapers tell stories to make money, and people become so overcome with jealousy and hate, it is so important to keep holding onto the iron rod. To take a step back and find where our hearts truly are. I know that as we center our life on Christ and follow His example, we can find joy and happiness unattainable elsewhere. I'm grateful for the examples of my close friends and family whose testimonies are fuel to my fire. Their examples lift me up. For the love of my Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ. And for my testimony, which keeps me grounded and always in search of ways to strengthen it and push myself to greater heights.

The Right Place

Lisa has been begging me to write a new blog for a long time now. Not because she thinks I'm a good writer, but because work gets slow and she needs some new reading material :) Here ya go!

I thought I'd write about a small experience I had last weekend. I went to California with my family to visit my older brother, Frank. He and his wife and son are stationed at Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside. Its nice to go visit and have a FREE place to stay, and considering he gets out next month, we figured we better get one more good trip in.

It had been over a year since I had gone on a trip with my family. I had a lot of fun, but I also realized (once again) that I am not the most patient person in the world. In fact- I admit its a huge weakness of mine! Especially having lived on my own for the past couple years, I do things in my own time and at my own leisure. It was nice to leave home (reality) and get away and relax. We had a lot of fun at the beach, and even went to the San Diego Zoo while we were there. We've been to Disneyland and Sea World a few times prior- so we thought we'd skip those this time.

Sunday came around, and I really felt the need to attend Sacrament meeting at a local church building. So I found a YSA ward on California St, borrowed my brother's car, and headed out. I am pretty familiar with the major roads in this area, having visited quite a few times during their stay in Oceanside, but also have a very good sense of direction. So- I felt a little confident in my ability to NOT get lost on my way. I wrote down a few streets and turns and got myself to the church building in about 20 minutes, taking my time driving through the neighborhoods. Dreaming of a life in a gorgeous home on the beaches of California. As I noticed how different it was from Arizona, I felt just a little out of place.

As soon as I reached the church building- which was beautiful, with lush green grass and palm trees galore- I felt calm. The moment I walked into the chapel doors I felt "at home". I knew that even though I was in an unfamiliar area, I was in the right place. As I walked in, there were no familiar faces. I found a spot to sit and waited the few minutes for the Sacrament service to start. The talks given were great, and the Spirit was strong. As the meeting closed- I was greeted by a few people, and then started to head out and head back home to meet my family.

However, as I left the church building, I felt impressed to turn around and go back in. I wasn't sure what to do, because I knew I was out of town with my family and wanted to spend time with them. But I knew I wanted to feel more of the Spirit, knowing I wouldn't feel it like I did at that moment if I went home. My mom called me at then and said they were just relaxing at home and that I could take my time, if I wanted to stay for the rest I could. So- I did. And it was worth it.

I ended up being late for Sunday School and I didn't want to walk in late. I found some comfy chairs right outside the room where I could still hear what they were talking about. As I sat, a young man walked out of class and stood around where I was. He didn't say anything for a minute, so I started a conversation with him. He was 18, and had just recently graduated. He hadn't been to church in a very long time but due to recent events felt the need to change something in his life, and knew he needed to go back to church. We talked about a lot of different things, and the differences in AZ and CA. About school, work, and many other things. He asked if I go to church a lot back home, and I told him I did. Then we started talking about missions, and if he wanted to go on one. Due to recent events in my life, my testimony of serving a mission has grown immensely. I know without a doubt that they are one of the greatest things a person can do. It is a huge step in helping our Father in Heaven bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, by sharing the gift of the Gospel with others. So- as we talked he expressed the fact that he didn't think he could, but he would love to. I didn't want him to think he had to say things I "wanted to hear", so I asked him why he thought that. We went on for a while, and he mentioned I sounded a little bit like his mom- good thing? Hmm...I doubt it. However, I quickly shut my mouth- not wanting to offend him. Nevertheless, he stuck around and really enjoyed chatting.

As Sunday School ended, some people came out and he introduced me to his friends. They were pretty nice and invited me to hang out with them that coming weekend, but considering I'd be in AZ it wouldn't work out very easily. I appreciated the welcome they gave me. As the 3rd block started (combined RS/EQ)- I got up to leave. He asked if I was going to class, and I said no. (Side Note: I gave him crap for skipping out of Sunday school to leave and go to McDonald's to grab a bite to eat. Which didn't help my cause at all that I said I was leaving.) He gave me a bit of crap in return, so I told him I'd go to class if he went to class too, so I would know someone. He not too excitedly agreed, but came anyways. The class ended being really good, and he was glad he went. I didn't stick around much longer, being gone for more time than I expected to be. So we said our goodbyes and I left feeling very uplifted.

It was really nice to talk to this young man, and be able to share a little bit of my testimony with him and he with me. As I grow older, I notice a lot of ME in the younger people that I meet. Although I am only 20, and feel young myself, I still think it is neat. This experience with this guy made me think of the gratitude I have for those who never gave up on me. Who pushed me to be better, to stick around for church, and to reach my goals. I am grateful for the good friends and family that I have, and for the change that I have made in the past two years. Its been a complete 180- and I still have much, much more to learn and accomplish!

What it comes down to is that the church is the same no matter where you are. It is constant- and unchanging. It is either true, or its not. But it is, I know it is- whether you are in California, Mexico or Hawaii. Our Savior died for the people in all those places. Our Heavenly Father is aware of each and every one of His children. He loves all of them, individually and unconditionally. I know I was supposed to be at that ward on that Sunday. The Spirit I felt in those meetings is the same Spirit I feel back home. I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I know that it is true.

Without a doubt.