For he had Great Possessions



As we drive down the busy streets of Virginia it seems that there is a never ending stream of cars trying to get from one destination to another. So many busy people going so many different places. I've seen more mustangs, porches, corvettes, ect. the past year, than I had seen the first 19 years of my life. Looking at the expensive cars is very exciting and sometimes I dream about how cool it would be to have a car like that. The cars are so shiny, fast, sparkly, and just seem like they would bring some joy into people's lives. As we continue to drive down the street I see something else that is pretty regular occurrence. It looks like this........
          

In an instant that shiny expensive car is of little worth. People are saddened as they see there pride and joy slowly loaded onto a tow truck and carefully hauled away. As I have seen this type of situation happen over and over, I'm reminded of a story from the Bible.
 

A rich young ruler comes to Christ and asks what he needs to do in order to obtain eternal life. Jesus answers and goes through some of the commandments. The young man says that he does all of these things. Christ then says. " If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." I think that sounds like an amazing opportunity. Christ told this young man exactly what he needed to do in order to have eternal life and not only that but to have treasure in heaven. It is interesting how the young man responds. In Mathew 19:22 it says, " but when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."

As I first read this story I couldn't help but pass judgment on this young man. In my head I was thinking, the rich young man asked a specific question and got an amazing answer. Christ told him what he needed to do and not only that but he told him some of the blessings that would come from it as well. I was baffled at why the young man would pass up such an opportunity, but as I took a step back I realized that we all have more in common with the rich young ruler than I thought.

Life is constantly competing for our attention. We sometimes base our happiness on things that are of temporal worth and value. We may be living a great life just as the young ruler. We are keeping the commandments and wanting to improve, but are we willing to "sell all that we have?" I hope we will all examine our lives and think of things we can give up in order to find eternal happiness and heed the Saviors invitation to "Come follow me."

From Mountain top to Metro

The Book of Mormon is the key stone, the tangible evidence that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. The truth of the Book of Mormon rings true whether being discussed underground as a metro swiftly passes by, or on a quiet serene mountain top. I love the opportunity I have to share this book with so many people in so many settings knowing the incredible promise at the end of the Book of Mormon is true. If people will ask with a sincere heart, having faith, and real intent, this one simple book has the ability to change lives and build a foundation in Christ that will not fall.

 A few weeks ago our mission had the opportunity to attend the Washington Nationals baseball game as part of day of service. As I think back to the Nationals game I can see in my mind swarms of people in red attire, intermingled with elders in white shirts and ties and sisters in skirts, all of which were prepared and excited for the baseball game. The image that sticks in my mind most vividly is of a single, dimly lit, passing metro car. 

All around me I could see several missionaries distributing copies of the Book of Mormon, pass along cards, and pamphlets with the new friends they met. We arrived at the first metro stop and people quickly departed off the metro. The metro cars were left fairly empty since most people were headed to the game, but as it pulled away I saw something that left a picture in my mind that will last forever. The metro was passing and through the dimly lit window I glanced and saw a girl sitting by herself flipping through her newly given book of Mormon. In my mind time froze. I don't know what is in her future; neither does the missionary that gave her the book. The one who does know is God. The brief moment she spent with the missionary may have been the start of a new life for her, a happier life, a life with the fullness of the gospel. I love that a common phrase throughout the Book of Mormon is "Come unto me." I know no matter the setting whether it be in a crowded metro or the wide open spaces of the outdoors we can all play and intricate part in helping others come closer to Christ and feel of his love. 

Come Unto Christ SONG :) (click)

Because I knew you

Throughout our life journey there are many other travelers that pass us by, coming in and out of our lives. It is incredible how Heavenly Father places people in our lives in the very moment we need them. Some of these people may just be a passing smile in a grocery store while others become a new best friend. I heard once that we are each others "People Angels." Often times we don't know the difference a simple compliment or friendly greeting makes in another person's life.

I love a song from the musical Wicked called "Because I knew you." In the Chorus it says, " Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." In this wonderful experience of a mission I have met many people that have made a positive impact on my life. Meeting new people has become a daily adventure that I cherish. Some of my fondest memories and greatest friends have come from the companions that I have had the opportunity to serve with. Before my mission I was fairly worried about being with someone literally 24/7, but now I have come to see it as one of the greatest blessings of my life. Just as the song states each one of them has become a friend and has changed my life for good. I was grateful to get a picture with all my companions. They are wonderful sisters who became a part of my journey.

I hope each of us realize the difference, big or small, we can make as a traveler in each others journey, and that someone can say about you " Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

Guardian

This Week I received a letter in the mail from my wonderful cousin Wade, who is a missionary in Arizona. What a wonderful surprise it was to get a letter and along with the letter he sent me an amazing picture of Christ.  The name of the picture is “Guardian.”

The back of the picture describes the inspiration for the piece of art. It says, “Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem for his last Passover. I envision Jesus’ expression reflecting a mixture of emotions: A kind smile, pleased to be acknowledged for who he really is. Compassion for his followers whom he loves so dearly. And yet, a far-off look in His eye as He contemplates what will be required of Him at the end of the week. The cheering will turn to jeering as He fulfills His divine mission.”

As I contemplated the picture I felt a wave of gratitude and compassion come over me to know that Christ truly is my guardian. There are moments in my life where I feel overwhelmed by the task ahead of me and the obstacles before me seem impossible to overcome; but when I remember my Savior my feelings begin to change. The incomprehensible love he had led him to fulfill his great mission, allowing him to know exactly how to help each and every one of us with our individual challenges. I am grateful that Jesus Christ is my guardian.  I hope I can look to the future with peace and determination. Knowing as I follow Christ’s example and trust in his Atonement, I too can fulfill all that God sent me here to do.

Please comment and share how Christ has been your guardian, and what that means to you. 

Forever a Daddy's Girl!

He was the first boy that stole my heart

 And I knew he loved me from the start.

 He taught me hard work from a very young age

And supported me through every stage.

Fun times we had fencing, 4wheeling, and such

These are memories I treasure very much.

Countless summer fun we had at Bear Lake

Dad would even grill a mighty fine steak.

Raising 4 girls was no easy chore

After these years you'd think he'd like shopping more.

Lots of princesses, pink, and glitter

Having no boys he was never bitter.

He was there through the smiles and the tears

He’s been the best counselor all of these years.

He was always there when push came to shove

Nothing can replace my father’s love.

He is a father, hero, and friend

And I’m a daddy’s girl till the very end.

CLICK HERE AWESOME Father's Day Video!!!! Love you Dad!

Seize every opportunity

A few days ago we started our normal morning routine, but that day I witness something that caused me to reflect on the importance of living every moment and never letting an opportunity pass to show and express love to others.

As we pulled out of our apartment complex we saw lots of flashing lights and commotion going on ahead of us. Clearly there had been an accident earlier that morning. At first all I could see was a big green semi. As we passed through the intersection I glanced back and I saw the front of the Semi was slightly dented. I looked closer and then I saw the devastating  remnants of a black SUV. The windshield was completely shattered and the passenger side of the car was so smashed it was basically non-existent. This scene was instance where my stomach immediately dropped and I wanted to immediately reach out and let those close to me know how much I love and care for them.

Isn't it interesting these devestating moments are the times that remind us we need reach out to others. Life is so busy and distracting with work, school, sports, hobbies, and everything else that comes with life! There are so many things pulling people in so many directions it is hard to accomplish much of anything. Then in an instant all of that can be taken away. Life is such a precious gift and is so short. As I saw the car accident I realized again the importance on focusing on the things that matter most and have eternal value, not getting to caught up in trivial matters of every day life. Though me must all work through the hustle and bustle we should always take the time and make the time to love and serve one another. In this last general conference President Monson referenced a poem that touched my heart. It said :

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

I hope we each seize EVERY opportunity to reach out in love to those around us friends, family or strangers, and let them know how much we care!  

Two Roads Diverged.......

As I was out and about a few days ago I came upon these two paths. It

instantly took me back to the great times of Jr High when I had to

memorize the poem by Robert Frost. As I gazed upon these two paths

leading into the forest the I began recalling these familiar words,

"Two roads diverged in a Yellow Wood and be one traveler long I stood

and looked down one as long as I could..........."  then the final

words of Mr. Robert Frost " And I I took the one less traveled by and

that has made all the difference" I find these  last words hopeful and

yet open ended. The path he took is vaguely described he did not say

the path was easy or difficult, fun or boring, rich or poor, but in

the end it made ALL the difference.

Each of us in our lives come to the cross roads where we must decide

which path to take. We stand before our fate and we as the traveler

may stare down the paths as far as we can but yet we cannot see the

end. We do not know exactly what lies before us, but we do know that

whatever path we choose will made all the difference in our lives.

There is comfort as we face this perplex situation. There is one who

does know what is at the end of the path. He is our Heavenly Father.

He wants the best for us. Although it may not always be easy his path

in the end will be the one that leads us to true joy.  As we live in a

world of shifting values Heavenly Father's path is the one that is

less traveled by. Many take the easy looking path, aimlessly following

the crowd. When we as the traveler make the resolve to follow down the

less traveled path it will make all the difference in our lives. It

may still have it's struggles and hard ships but when we get to the

end of the path we can look back with a smile and reflect on the day

we decided to embark on the journey down the path less traveled by.

The choice is up to you!