Last night as Elizabeth and I were at the store to pick up some last minute items for our date night, we received some phone calls and texts about the death of two Elders from our mission.
KSL of Salt Lake first posted the story to their Web site last night:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=576&sid=9522925
All that has been announced at this point is that they died due to an accidental natural gas leak.
We didn't know them personally, but it moved us deeply to hear the news. We feel a very close connection to Romania. We feel an abiding brotherhood (or sisterhood) with anyone who has served and sacrificed for the dear Romanian people.
I do find some peace and hope as I consider the opportunity for the mission to come together in unity and testimony. Also, I hope that the Romanian members may be stirred up in their testimonies and convictions concerning the gospel. These dear elders were where they were to serve those members and the other 2.2 million people living in Bucharest.
And then their families. Oh, how this must pull at their heartstrings. I can't describe the love that fills my heart for anyone who was directly affected by this, but especially the family.
I want to share my testimony that I know God has a plan for every single one of us. He loves us and has calculated our existence so that we may be able to accomplish the most good and be in the best position to live up to our potential. I find peace in that.
I also have a testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to secure a complete victory over grief and pain.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Why I came to BYU-Idaho
Last summer, I began to prepare my application to go to BYU at Provo. I was excited about it. I had jsut a spent a semester there during the summer and did well. The campus was wonderful, the library amazing. I had so many friends from the mission and from Florida who were attending.
But something changed. On a superfiscal level, a wonderful woman came into my life. Of course, at this point we were just friends writing back and forth as she finished her mission. She was attending BYU-Idaho and was willing to transfer schools if it meant we could spend more time together.
I began to give it a lot of thought, which I never, ever did before. My mother had attended Ricks. But me? I never considered it. I confess that I thought it second rate.
It turns out that all my roommates (all five I had while at BYU for 6 months) came from BYU-Idaho. There was one exception: Tim, who was a resident of Rexburg and his father taught there. I had my own panel of experts to ask.
Most importantly, I began to pray about it. It really didn't take long to realize that BYU-Idaho was the school for me.
So I altered my application. First choice, BYU-Idaho. Second choice, Provo. A few weeks later I got my approval and immediately accepted the offer.
My first Bishop up here challenged us to find out why were accepted. As I now prepare to enter my third semester up here, I am overwhelmed thinking back to that challenge, and what has transpired.
I came across this new video used by admissions. It's a powerful example of the spirit that drew me here. Of course, at that time, I had no idea of President Eyring's Prophecy he had made. But I felt like something I had to offer and something to gain from this place. My emotions stirred as I watched this video and felt the spirit again renew the confirmation I have had that school is where I need to be.
I know the Lord was the one who brought me here. Next to my decision to serve a mission, my choice to come here to BYU-Idaho has proved completely revolutionary in my life.
Enjoy the video.
But something changed. On a superfiscal level, a wonderful woman came into my life. Of course, at this point we were just friends writing back and forth as she finished her mission. She was attending BYU-Idaho and was willing to transfer schools if it meant we could spend more time together.
I began to give it a lot of thought, which I never, ever did before. My mother had attended Ricks. But me? I never considered it. I confess that I thought it second rate.
It turns out that all my roommates (all five I had while at BYU for 6 months) came from BYU-Idaho. There was one exception: Tim, who was a resident of Rexburg and his father taught there. I had my own panel of experts to ask.
Most importantly, I began to pray about it. It really didn't take long to realize that BYU-Idaho was the school for me.
So I altered my application. First choice, BYU-Idaho. Second choice, Provo. A few weeks later I got my approval and immediately accepted the offer.
My first Bishop up here challenged us to find out why were accepted. As I now prepare to enter my third semester up here, I am overwhelmed thinking back to that challenge, and what has transpired.
I came across this new video used by admissions. It's a powerful example of the spirit that drew me here. Of course, at that time, I had no idea of President Eyring's Prophecy he had made. But I felt like something I had to offer and something to gain from this place. My emotions stirred as I watched this video and felt the spirit again renew the confirmation I have had that school is where I need to be.
I know the Lord was the one who brought me here. Next to my decision to serve a mission, my choice to come here to BYU-Idaho has proved completely revolutionary in my life.
Enjoy the video.
BYU-Idaho Promotional Video from BYU-Idaho on Vimeo.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Days away . . .
In one week, I will begin moving into our first apartment.
People ask if I am nervous. I can't say that I am; mostly because it's hard to conceptualize that we are just three weeks from time and all eternity.
I've attended my last single's ward fast and testimony meeting.
My last Christmas as a single guy is on the horizon. Next Christmas I will share it with my wife.
I am grateful for the time of engagement, though at times I stomped my feet with impatience. This has been a great time of growth.
Sometime before Christmas I should be verified as a manager at McDonald's.
I take how everything is coming together so beautifully as further evidence that there is a God, and that He is my Heavenly Father, and is aware of my needs and listens to my prayers.
22 days . .
People ask if I am nervous. I can't say that I am; mostly because it's hard to conceptualize that we are just three weeks from time and all eternity.
I've attended my last single's ward fast and testimony meeting.
My last Christmas as a single guy is on the horizon. Next Christmas I will share it with my wife.
I am grateful for the time of engagement, though at times I stomped my feet with impatience. This has been a great time of growth.
Sometime before Christmas I should be verified as a manager at McDonald's.
I take how everything is coming together so beautifully as further evidence that there is a God, and that He is my Heavenly Father, and is aware of my needs and listens to my prayers.
22 days . .
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thoughts on Government
Elizabeth gave me a copy of some excerpts and quotes from Ezra Taft Benson, LDS church President. President Benson had great insights, of course, into government having served 8 years as President Eisenhower's Secretary of Agriculture.
In light of the ongoing agenda of the current administration, I found some of his quotes, well, prophetic and spot on:
"The important thing to keep in mind is that the people who have created their government can give to that government only such powers as they, themselves, have in the first place. Obviously, they cannot give that which they do not possess, so the question boils down to this: What powers properly belong to each and every person in the absence of and prior to the establishment of any organized governmental form? A hypothetical question? Yes, indeed! But, it is a question which is vital to an understanding of the principles which underlie the proper function of government.(An Enemy Hath Done This, pp. 129-30.)"
What powers properly belong to each and every person prior to the establishment of any government?
Without much commentary--except to say that this question rings very true for me--let me share a follow up quote that seems to address much of the recent social initiatives before congress as of late:
"The proper function of government is limited to those spheres of activity within which the individual citizen has the right to act. By deriving its just powers from the governed, government becomes primarily a mechanism for defense against bodily harm, theft and involuntary servitude. It cannot claim the power to redistribute money or property, or to force reluctant citizens to perform acts of charity against their will. Government is created by the people. No individual possesses the power to take another's wealth or to force others to do good, so no government has the right to do such things either. The creature cannot exceed the creator. (The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner, p. 9)"
That's why so many people cry "Socialism!" as the agenda of this current administration unfolds.
In another quote, President Benson states that the government is a group of citizens who have been hired to carry out specific responsibilities. Tax money is raised so that these individuals can perform those functions, such as protect the country from invasion, prosecute criminals, enforce a uniform business standard. But I object when the government lends out that money (or worse, borrows additional money) to serve other social purposes.
I think people struggle to see the problem in Federal funding and Social Programs because yes, it is a kind thing for one man to give to another. But, is it right that I require you to give of your substance?
A certain man hired someone to guard their house while he was at work. When this man comes home, he finds the security officer in his place. The security guard asks for more payment.
"Heavens, why? I paid you what we agreed to. Does the defense system need upgrading?"
"No."
"Does the wage I paid you not pay your bills as my security guard?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
"Well, while you were at work, I saw that your neighbor's house needed mending so I used the funds you left me to repair their roof."
"Did I hire you to mend their roof?"
"Well, no."
"Okay, well--I hired you to do a specific job. I gave you money so that you would be able to do that job. If you leave this job undone to pursue other interests--as noble and well-intentioned as they are--you breached your end of our employment agreement and I have chosen the wrong man for the job."
There is a place for charity work, but that is on the part of individual citizens.
Programs like Social Security, No Student left Behind, Medicare and Medicaid fail to work and yield true results because they are based on the same unworkable concept that Satan based his plan for salvation on.
You can't save everyone because everyone has agency and must take specific steps on their own.
Justice must be preserved, and that's why there is a Savior--to step in and right those wrongs. It is government's role to provide justice. But mercy is an individually applied principle. There is no one size fits all. Each case must be individually handled which is something a government cannot and should not have that responsibility to address.
In light of the ongoing agenda of the current administration, I found some of his quotes, well, prophetic and spot on:
"The important thing to keep in mind is that the people who have created their government can give to that government only such powers as they, themselves, have in the first place. Obviously, they cannot give that which they do not possess, so the question boils down to this: What powers properly belong to each and every person in the absence of and prior to the establishment of any organized governmental form? A hypothetical question? Yes, indeed! But, it is a question which is vital to an understanding of the principles which underlie the proper function of government.(An Enemy Hath Done This, pp. 129-30.)"
What powers properly belong to each and every person prior to the establishment of any government?
Without much commentary--except to say that this question rings very true for me--let me share a follow up quote that seems to address much of the recent social initiatives before congress as of late:
"The proper function of government is limited to those spheres of activity within which the individual citizen has the right to act. By deriving its just powers from the governed, government becomes primarily a mechanism for defense against bodily harm, theft and involuntary servitude. It cannot claim the power to redistribute money or property, or to force reluctant citizens to perform acts of charity against their will. Government is created by the people. No individual possesses the power to take another's wealth or to force others to do good, so no government has the right to do such things either. The creature cannot exceed the creator. (The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner, p. 9)"
That's why so many people cry "Socialism!" as the agenda of this current administration unfolds.
In another quote, President Benson states that the government is a group of citizens who have been hired to carry out specific responsibilities. Tax money is raised so that these individuals can perform those functions, such as protect the country from invasion, prosecute criminals, enforce a uniform business standard. But I object when the government lends out that money (or worse, borrows additional money) to serve other social purposes.
I think people struggle to see the problem in Federal funding and Social Programs because yes, it is a kind thing for one man to give to another. But, is it right that I require you to give of your substance?
A certain man hired someone to guard their house while he was at work. When this man comes home, he finds the security officer in his place. The security guard asks for more payment.
"Heavens, why? I paid you what we agreed to. Does the defense system need upgrading?"
"No."
"Does the wage I paid you not pay your bills as my security guard?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
"Well, while you were at work, I saw that your neighbor's house needed mending so I used the funds you left me to repair their roof."
"Did I hire you to mend their roof?"
"Well, no."
"Okay, well--I hired you to do a specific job. I gave you money so that you would be able to do that job. If you leave this job undone to pursue other interests--as noble and well-intentioned as they are--you breached your end of our employment agreement and I have chosen the wrong man for the job."
There is a place for charity work, but that is on the part of individual citizens.
Programs like Social Security, No Student left Behind, Medicare and Medicaid fail to work and yield true results because they are based on the same unworkable concept that Satan based his plan for salvation on.
You can't save everyone because everyone has agency and must take specific steps on their own.
Justice must be preserved, and that's why there is a Savior--to step in and right those wrongs. It is government's role to provide justice. But mercy is an individually applied principle. There is no one size fits all. Each case must be individually handled which is something a government cannot and should not have that responsibility to address.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The New Family Website
As a family we ar eputting together a family Web site to allow us to stay in touch with our dearly beloved friends and family.
Tl do this we will be using bloggerspot and google sites to accomplish this. It will be much easier to use an established blog site for regular writing, while reserving the special particulars (pictures, family history and the like) for the google site.
Ideally, you won't really even be able to tell that you are switching sites. There will be plenty of links and stuff.
Stay tuned for more details as we make the adjustment.
http://sites.google.com/site/valentinecentral/
Tl do this we will be using bloggerspot and google sites to accomplish this. It will be much easier to use an established blog site for regular writing, while reserving the special particulars (pictures, family history and the like) for the google site.
Ideally, you won't really even be able to tell that you are switching sites. There will be plenty of links and stuff.
Stay tuned for more details as we make the adjustment.
http://sites.google.com/site/valentinecentral/
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Faith in Relationships
I think there is a parallel principle in our relationships with our loved ones and with God himself. It's all based on faith.
Sometimes we see a seemingly strong member of the church, turn away and decline into inactivity. We ask ourselves, 'How could they do that? How does that happen?" Conversely, we see a strong couples 'fall out of love' and see their relationship break into pieces. I think the cause is the same.
FALLING OUT OF LOVE- RELIGIOUSLY SPEAKING
Just like any relationship, our relationship with God is based on a few key ingredients. This is not a definitive list, but certainly faith, trust, communication and love are essential. We learn to have faith in him and we learn of his faith in us through first seeing his interactions with others. We read of these in the scriptures and hear them in faith promoting stories. The scriptures also are an evidence, or the 'substance' of our faith as it reads in Hebrews 11. It's a proof, if you will, of his love. That's why we read them, even daily, so not to forget. Those who have read the Book of Mormon see what happens when a people fail to remember the love of their God, seemingly overnight they turn, and we ask "why? How could you do that?" They don't constantly remind themselves of God's love. They stop communicating with him--Not because He doesn't want to show his love or communicate, but because he has done everything He could, and the rest is up to us-- And then, without those reminders of his love or those tender communications from heaven, we start to doubt, and that kill faith and trust. Then we start believing that he really doesn't care for us, and that can even lead to resentment and hate.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
I believe these same principles are at play in our every day to day relationships, particularly with loved ones. Without evidences of love and proper communication, everything sits on unstable ground. We begin to doubt, and then assume that the other really doesn't care for us, and we start to buy into these assumptions we make. Often this is happening at the same time, on both sides. O what a difference a little phone call, or a thoughtful comment, a compliment can make. Just a simple reaffirmation that, "Yes, I care about you." I sincerely hope that my future children, my future wife, all my loved ones, never have any question in their mind how I feel about them. I intend to show that as often as I can.
Going back to the religious side, we speak of how we love him because he first loved us. That's really what it takes to fix some of these problems. It takes someone reaching out. For example, when we realize that the Lord is there to take us back, that evokes powerful emotions. How can we not help but love him? He loves us so much and we realize how much he has invested in our happiness. He wants to see us succeed. When we realize that, walls come down, and love abounds. It can be that way in our relationships with others.
Make sure those that are dear to you know that you care for them! It doesn't take grand schemes, only simple gestures. Never leave them to guess. And as you do this, they will begin to respond with the same love and kindness. It may take some time, and they have their agency, but they will never be able to doubt your love and concern for them.
Believe in your loved ones as the Lord believes in you. Affirm them, and lift them in their own eyes. They are children of God and have an infinite potential, help them believe in themselves. The loving and simple thoughtful acts from day to day can make such a difference
Sometimes we see a seemingly strong member of the church, turn away and decline into inactivity. We ask ourselves, 'How could they do that? How does that happen?" Conversely, we see a strong couples 'fall out of love' and see their relationship break into pieces. I think the cause is the same.
FALLING OUT OF LOVE- RELIGIOUSLY SPEAKING
Just like any relationship, our relationship with God is based on a few key ingredients. This is not a definitive list, but certainly faith, trust, communication and love are essential. We learn to have faith in him and we learn of his faith in us through first seeing his interactions with others. We read of these in the scriptures and hear them in faith promoting stories. The scriptures also are an evidence, or the 'substance' of our faith as it reads in Hebrews 11. It's a proof, if you will, of his love. That's why we read them, even daily, so not to forget. Those who have read the Book of Mormon see what happens when a people fail to remember the love of their God, seemingly overnight they turn, and we ask "why? How could you do that?" They don't constantly remind themselves of God's love. They stop communicating with him--Not because He doesn't want to show his love or communicate, but because he has done everything He could, and the rest is up to us-- And then, without those reminders of his love or those tender communications from heaven, we start to doubt, and that kill faith and trust. Then we start believing that he really doesn't care for us, and that can even lead to resentment and hate.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
I believe these same principles are at play in our every day to day relationships, particularly with loved ones. Without evidences of love and proper communication, everything sits on unstable ground. We begin to doubt, and then assume that the other really doesn't care for us, and we start to buy into these assumptions we make. Often this is happening at the same time, on both sides. O what a difference a little phone call, or a thoughtful comment, a compliment can make. Just a simple reaffirmation that, "Yes, I care about you." I sincerely hope that my future children, my future wife, all my loved ones, never have any question in their mind how I feel about them. I intend to show that as often as I can.
Going back to the religious side, we speak of how we love him because he first loved us. That's really what it takes to fix some of these problems. It takes someone reaching out. For example, when we realize that the Lord is there to take us back, that evokes powerful emotions. How can we not help but love him? He loves us so much and we realize how much he has invested in our happiness. He wants to see us succeed. When we realize that, walls come down, and love abounds. It can be that way in our relationships with others.
Make sure those that are dear to you know that you care for them! It doesn't take grand schemes, only simple gestures. Never leave them to guess. And as you do this, they will begin to respond with the same love and kindness. It may take some time, and they have their agency, but they will never be able to doubt your love and concern for them.
Believe in your loved ones as the Lord believes in you. Affirm them, and lift them in their own eyes. They are children of God and have an infinite potential, help them believe in themselves. The loving and simple thoughtful acts from day to day can make such a difference
Prologue
A blog? I never thought I'd start one, but here we go.
I really enjoy writing and sharing what I write. Maybe even a little more than that is getting feedback on that.
Really, this for me is nothing more than a glorified journal of insights, thoughts, ideas and or concerns I have. For the most part, you can anticipate the context that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Furthermore I attend Brigham Young University-Idaho. I find personal meaning and application when I take things back to the gospel. You can anticipate that.
Other than that, we'll just make this up as we go.
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