Everyday there is going to be a Hurdle!

disheartened

2010-10-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

That is how i feel today! I really don't know what to do! I am the kind of guy that likes to have inaction with people. If i don"y it is out of sight out of mind. So if you dont talk to me for 2 to 3 days i will forget about you. Dont feel bad when this happens!

What I don't understand!

2010-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

They say be a good man! I do that! They say treat people how you want to be treated, I do that! Why is it so hard for people to do the same in return. Well that is all i have to say!

Called to Serve

2010-04-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

My week started off on a good foot. Then Tuesday came and I had a job in Orinda. On my way back to the office I made a stop in Oakland. I took lunch at the Temple. I was feeling for something to make the day that much better. So, I walked into the visitor center and looked at the art work on the walls. Talked to the sisters that are working the center and they told me about this upcoming event on the 17th of April. It was a fireside for returned missionaries. They all had a story about helping someone or a family. This made me think about me in my new calling in the ward. Service is what the Church is all about. Blessings is what you get back in return. I want to leave you with this. Show Love! Take time to serve others around you.

Moroni 7:45-48

Topic#72100322

2010-03-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

Today I was set apart as the 1st counselor for the Elders Quorum. I was very shocked that they called me. It has only been 1 year and 3 months that I have been a member. This is going to be a good calling for me. Everybody has something to bring to the table and I know that I have something to give. Prayer and Faith!

Topic#72100316

2010-03-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

I was reading the Church news and on the inside page there are some messages of inspiration from President Monson. The one that I really liked was "All things possible".

Here you go word for word!

When we obey as did Adam, endure as did Job, teach as did Paul, testify as did Peter, serve as did Nephi, give of ourselves as did the Prophet Joseph, respond as did Ruth, honor as did Mary, and live as did Christ, we our born anew. All power becomes ours. Cast off forever is the old self, and with it defeat, despair, doubt and disbelief. To a newness of life we come - a life of faith, hope, courage, and joy. No task looms too large. No responsibility weighs too heavy. No duty is a burden. All things become possible. - "My Personal Hall of Fame," Ensign, July 1991

Topic#72100312

2010-03-13T00:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! I have to start it off with my favorite word. Friday night had friends over had dinner watched some movies and then called it a night. It is good to be around people making each other laugh. Saturday, we have this day planned for Kacie on her birthday and I do not think she even know what we have in store for her. I missed those days of friends coming up with ideas of things to do on your birthday. I guess I am making up for lost time. I start my day off with a pancake breakfast with my Kevin at 830 in the morning have to love it. Let me say that the last couple of weeks have been great. Hanging with the Lindsay family on Sunday and Monday makes everything so much better for the rest of the week. I have gained some great friends also. Something good is right around the corner and I am holding on to the rod, keeping the faith. No one said it was going to easy, if it were easy, no one would even try!

Topic#72100309

2010-03-09T17:09:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to super FHE at the Temple and I had a very good time. So here I am just sitting back watching everyone work on a project for the Humanitarian aid relief. This is cool all by itself. There had to be over 200 people working and helping each other out. This is another thing about how we come together to help people no matter where they are located we are willing to help. I am learned to be a better man and a better father figure. This is a long road that I have to travel and I am willing to learn the lessons. The week has already started on the right foot for me.

Sometimes you make me smile by Floetry

2010-03-07T00:51:00.000-08:00

When I write I play music this helps me get into the mood that I need to been in so my brain flows! This song "Sometimes you make me smile by Floetry" it is wonderful. It brings back memories of when I fell in Love for the first time. How my heart would race when she walked in the room. How time would slow down, five minutes would feel like five hours. I did not want the day to end! It is funny how the mind and body comes in tune with someone you truly adore! Well enjoy and when you read the lyrics think of that someone who makes you warm and fuzzy inside. Let that person know how you feel. No matter what let them in, let them see you inner soul the side of you that you keep hidden. Let that person become closer to you! It is ok; if they truly love you, they will accept you for who you are.

[Intro:]

When I think of you.

(smile)

You make me smile

Sometimes you make me smile,

I can feel you.

I’m missing you.

[Verse 1:]

Where is my heaven?

Where can you be?

How do I get there?

Do I believe?

Where is my sunshine?

Where is your light?

I wanna see you,

So you can make me smile.

[Hook:]

Sometimes you make me smile.

Sometimes you make me smile I can feel you.

I’m missing you.

[Verse 2:]

The most fragile part of me,

Nurses our strongest connection.

You live in my memory.

With a philosophy,

That now offers me completion.

I’m so well.

And it’s strange to be.

I’m torn by misdirection.

You’re my ambassador.

You personify my admiration.

So beautiful.

I live for you.

As you live for me.

[Hook:]

[Verse 3:]

This is such a happy ever after.

You traveled miles,

Now we’re past the finishing line.

We’re starting on time.

My music wears your name,

If they knew where to look.

They’d find it.

You showed me.

I am I,

Because you be.

Forever.

So magnificent.

The most amazing story I ever told.

So much more to be written.

Thank you.

[Hook:]

Sometimes you make me smile.

Sometimes you make me smile, I can feel you.

I’m missing you.

My love,

my Love.

Love.

Missing my love.

I know I can hear you.

I’m missing you.

[Bridge:]

I only pray my skin be as soft as yours.

My wisdom flow so fluidly from my mind.

My eyes speak so truly of my spirit,

And my laughter speak the clarity of time.

You were once the I, that’s now missing you.

You were once the baby, born.

And you had dreams of making a difference in the world.

My journey was formed.

I feel you

(I feel you)

I hear you

(I hear you)

I see you

(I see)

I believe in you

(I be)

But I cry.

(I)

I cry

(I)

My light

(My light)

My light

[repeat x3]

Topic#72100307

2010-03-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday I was out with friends enjoying myself. I have to say that it has been a long time that I just had fun without any pressure. I have been trying to make this connection women and I have been crashing and burning hard. I just want to have fun if she is out there she will make herself known. I have been wearing my heart on sleeve and it has some bruises that need to heal.

Until that day comes I will just be happy hanging with friends. I have made some good friends over the last year. That is one thing I have to say that I really feel a part of the family where ever I go.

If you have "Joy" in your heart let it out! If you keep "Joy" Locked up no one will ever know how much fun you are!

Topic#72100217

2010-02-17T02:07:00.000-08:00

I woke up with many things on my mind. One is why do I feel so not at ease. The funny thing is I know part of it. Reading my scriptures but there is more. After being a member for one year, I get the plan of happiness. So now, I want that to happen in my life. I want to get married in the Temple! I am yearning to be close to someone that I can love and who can love me back. I am feeling like a lone wolf just roaming around with nothing to do! No partner in my life makes me ask why am I here! I have to much love in me to keep to myself. I have to share it. If you don’t use the love it turns into other things. There is a balance and everything has to be released.

Topic#72100215

2010-02-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, tonight at F.H.E. we talked about the Spiritual Heart. The Spiritual Heart want to always lead you to the right path. The thing is we choose not to pay attention at times. This in turn gets us in trouble. Funny thing about the Spiritual Heart it knows what is best for us. There are things that can keep the heart in shape and that is praying and reading our scriptures. The other thing we can do is have a game plan and a goal that we can meet every day, every week and every month and in turn, we will meet our major goal for the year. I challenge you make a year goal. What steps would you make to reach that goal? The first thing I am going to do is tell my friends so they know what I am trying to do. That way I have a support staff. Without a support staff, the road will be long and boring. The next thing is 12 monthly goals and then my weekly goals and last my daily goals. In order to reach my yearly I have to meet my daily goals, which are a lot easier to reach! I hope this works and thanks for stopping by and much love.

1. Come up with a Game plan and form a support staff!

2. Set your yearly goal

3. Set your monthly goal

4. Set your weekly goal

5. Set your daily goal

6. Tell your friends about the game plan

You can use this basic 6-step plan for anything in your life. The most important thing is you have to want to be successful!

Waiting!

2010-02-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Long distance

2010-02-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

I don’t know what to say! I know that there is something that I feel for you. I wonder when we hang up, do you think about me? When we talk I am at ease. We just met but I am ready to live my life with you. I want to be the man that you come to when you are in pain and need someone to hold you at night. There is nothing that I will not do to make you happy. To hear you laugh and to see you smile is all that I live for. You are the one that I want to make my queen.

Topic-72100203

2010-02-03T22:07:00.001-08:00

As the clock ticks, your life slips away.

Did you take time today to say I love you!

We never know how life will end we just pretend.

When it comes, we want to be friends with everyone to the end.

The clock is ticking, what are you going to do?

The Flower and the Butterfly!

2010-01-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

In the middle of town is a lonely flower that nobody knows.

Everyday people pass by and not even knowing it is there.

In the valley is a butterfly so beautiful with wings that glide in the air.

Going around looking for the flower with the sweetest scent to attract and make it dance with joy!

One windy afternoon a gust wind blew in and caught the nose of this butterfly.

As this butterfly went to all the flowers in the land trying to find this scent that was, bring joy to its life.

Going for days finally, it came to a town with cars and people.

How could a flower live in this?

Then the sun shot a beam of light to the ground and a flower open up hoping to catch the eye of a passer by but none would look.

As the butterfly came closer, it could see the lonely flower.

This flower was patient waiting day to day for the special moment a butterfly would partake in its scent of life. A sweet scent that would only come from a flower that was full of love would attract a special butterfly! To land on a flower so at peace in a place that was in total chaos.

Just then, the butterfly landed it found the sweet scent of joy, the scent of true bliss!

The Flower and the Butterfly are together now sharing each other’s joy!

Everyday we see flowers and never pay any attention. Some people are a flower and some are the butterfly. Searching for that special flower that has that sweet scent of love. In order to find this flower we need to slow down and take a deep breath! I have to believe that there is a flower out there for everyone if we just slow down. Sometimes you have to travel a far distance for this scent. When you find it you will know. Because of the way they make you feel! if you are the flower don't worry your butterfly is coming, If you are the butterfly in search of that sweet scent of love you have to be open to notice the scent or you will pass it by and not even know it!

Friends!

2009-09-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Here i am at one of my friends that I have coached with for the past 15 years at Irvington High. In that time I have coached his three sons. What a treat, well this past weekend one of his sons got married. That was so nice to see him and all the guys from that team. I have to say that team that I coached was very close. When you have friends like that you will always have friends. One thing that I have notice that all the girls who have been friends of all the guys were just as close. If there is one thing that I can leave with you is this, a good friend will be there no matter what!

John 15:13

The start of a successful football season!

2009-07-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

Football is one of those sports where people will become closer as the season ends. There are going to be sad time, happy times and all kind of times. This is what makes this sport so unique. You see young kids form a team and in that team, a leader will rise! As a coach, this is what I want to teach everyone on the team to become a leader! This city, state and country will need great leaders and what better way to do that, football! As the assistant head coach, I have the job of finding the right people to form a staff that will go with my game plan for success. So far going to church has giving me a better point of view on service and leadership and I plan to bring these skills to the field.

Alma 54:14

Ward 4th of July breakfast!

2009-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well here are some pictures of ward family and me. It was great to hang out Saturday morning and east a little food and shoot the breeze with folks. Then there were the games, one game that I did not do "Veggiemite sandwich". I was in the pie eating contest and i got some pie on my face and others too! Bottom line is I had a good time!

Why we serve the Lord?

2009-06-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

Opportunities for service to others are limitless. Kind words and deeds can lift burdens and gladden hearts. Sharing the gospel is a great service with eternal consequences. One true key to happiness is to labor for the happiness of others.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Mosiah 2:17

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Being silly

2009-06-10T22:02:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of us just having a little fun! Dinner at the Athons! Who said you can't have fun!

Alma 53:20

My calling

2009-05-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

My calling is ward Missionary. I was trying to figure out how is this going to happen. Why would I get this calling and I look back at when I first joined the church. One thing about me is that I enjoy talking to people I always have a smile on my face. One thing that I do now is stay in close contact with the full time Missionaries. They come to my house about three times a week and we game plan on the

new investigators. Some other things that we do is go to events that members have in the ward which will allow us to meet non-members. Tonight there was a "Court of Honor" it is an event for the Boy Scouts of America where they give the

highest honor to a young boy before turning 18, The Eagle award. I try to have a good time when i go out with the boys as you can see! The top is Elder Baker and the bottom is Elder Guthie.

Paying attention!

2009-05-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

Well It has been awhile for me when it comes to writing in my blog. This last month has been a very interesting. The reason why I say that is becasue there has been two things that I have been praying about. One is football mainly coaching again and the second one is in a relationship. I did what I always do which is to pray when I have questions. I prayed about football and I received my answer for that. The second one I was praying about I did not get the same feeling I did when I prayed about football. Well three weeks had passed by and I prayed again thinking maybe He would change His mind. Well the answer this time was a big no! When I received my answer I was not mad or sad I did not have any feelings at all I was at peace, calm. Which tells me that I was not meant to be in a relationship at this time. I know that I am to focus on helping the little kids in the community.

"Just because you hit a bump in the road, does not mean you should stop driving!"

D&C 9:8-9

Prayer and Humble

2009-04-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was at work and I have a big project that has to be finished by the end of this week. Well on Friday, before I left work I went to my boss. Asking if can use the services of professional post hole digger. He told me that we done need that kind of person for this job. Here I am looking on how to put these 35 holes in the ground that will hold the stakes that the sensors will be drilled into place. It started off with a drill that was not wide enough. In to hours we find out that the drill is not going to work, I leave and come back with a one man auger. If you do not know, what an auger is. An auger is a machine that has a3 foot long bit that is 6 to 8 inches wide. They help pull the dirt out. There was one small problem there is not enough force because the ground was so hard. At that time I, texted my friend to say that I am at a roadblock and I could use some help. The next thing that I did was pray. I did not have an answer to my problem so I left the problem in his hands. One hour has passed and I receive a call from Scott one of the salespersons. Telling me to return to the office. With in that hour my boss finally swallowed his pride and asked for help. My prayer was answered; it was a good thing too. When doing work on a construction site you cannot dig until there is a signed off sheet stating that the ground is save to dig!

Mosiah 4:11-12

The Gift of Faith

2009-04-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

"What a marvelous and wonderful thing it is, this powerful conviction that says the Church is true. It is God's holy work. He overrules in the things of His kingdom and in the lives of His sons and daughters. This is the reason for the growth of the Church. The strength of this cause and kingdom is not found in its temporal assets, impressive as they may be. It is found in the hearts of its people. That is why it is successful. That is why it is strong and growing. That is why it is able to accomplish the wonderful things that it does. It all comes of the gift of faith, bestowed by the Almighty upon His children who doubt not and fear not, but go forward."

Gordon B. Hinckley

Welcome to the family!

2009-03-14T22:38:00.001-07:00

Well tonight I just came back from a baptism for my friend Patrick. It was a great feeling to see him in the baptism font. It made me think about the night I was in the water. When Patrick came out of the water I could see him feeling like a heavy weight had been removed. Baptisms are a very powerful thing to watch. That is me with Patrick and Sister Carlile the family just got bigger!

2 Nephi 31:4-13

Act 2:37-38

Fireside...

2009-03-08T21:37:00.002-07:00

...at the Walnut building. Tonight I was asked to talk about my conversion story. One thing that I found out is the more I grow in the gospel my testimony grows too. This is a wonderful thing for me because I see how my life has changed since I have been baptized. I will tell you this that I really enjoy talking in front of people. The best weapon we have is our voice and the more we talk about how the gospel touches our lives the more we can help others!

John 15:5

Alma 7:14

Just smile!

2009-02-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

Did you miss me? I have not posted anything for a couple of weeks. I was finishing up with my college courses. So now, I am done with school I graduate in June. What does that mean? It means I will be looking for a new job. What I want to do is get in the field of corrections. The job that I want is Probation Officer working with the youth. I know I can help those kids get back on the strait and narrow path. One of the things I did for 15 years was work at a high school coaching football, track and field. The thing about me is I have to interact with people. Being in an office is nice but after ten minutes, I want to get out!!!! I have been reading a book called “Broken things to mend” this is a good book. I strongly recommend that you read this book if you have just been baptism! They asked me to do the opening pray at the Stake Conference this Saturday. I am really looking forward to doing that this weekend. The love that I get at church is unbelievable Sunday is a day that I really enjoy!!!!

Happiness!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-18T23:14:00.000-08:00

Heavenly Father desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the design of all the blessings He gives us—gospel teachings, commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets, temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to experience adversity. His plan for our salvation is often called "the great plan of happiness" (Alma 42:8). He sent His Beloved Son to carry out the Atonement so we can be happy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the eternities.

Mosiah 2:41

Psalm 35:9

Pray

2009-01-22T22:28:00.000-08:00

Mosiah 4:11-12

Stay focus and have faith!

2009-01-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

I was reading this article writen by Marvin J. Ashton, “Be a Quality Person,” Ensign, Feb 1993, 64, and I pulled some stuff out that i wanted to share. Enjoy!

Maintain your perspective while making marriage a righteous goal in your life. Count what you do have—not what you don’t have. A quality life in any circumstances comes from remembering what Mormon taught, that if a man or woman doesn’t have charity or love, he or she is “nothing.” (See Moro. 7:44.)

To be in control of your life, to be a success regardless of your situation as a single, I recommend you come to know your Father in Heaven. Come to love Him. Always remember that He loves you and will give you guidance and support if you will but give Him the chance. Include Him in your decision making. Include Him in your heartaches and heartbreaks. Include Him when you take inventory of your personal worth. “For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men [and women] to perform their labors.” (Alma 34:32.)

Set your goals—without goals you can’t measure your progress. But don’t become frustrated if the victories don’t come quickly or easily. Remind yourself that striving can be more important than arriving. If you are striving for excellence—if you are trying your best day by day with the wisest use of your time and energy to reach realistic goals—you are a success, and you can feel proud of your accomplishments.

Aaronic Priesthood

2009-01-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

Today I had my interview with the Bishop about Priesthood. The more I think about how my life is going I am very proud to have the opportunity. This way I can help others in the church and in the community. Plus it will allow me to walk the strait narrow path. Which in turn will lead me to happiness!

Alma 34:32

You see the picture of the glass that has water overflowing. Well that is me I am just overflowing with joy in my heart. I want everyone feel like that. To know that you are not alone! When you have the Holy Ghost in your life everything is just better.

"The first step is the hardest, but once your moving you don't want to stop. Open your mind and your heart and let all the joy come in!"

OK, before I go! When I write my blog I always have music playing in the back. It helps me to be creative. Well my favorite band is Dave Matthews Band. There is this song called "Loving Wings" the reason I like this song so much is on my 34Th birthday my friend Josh took me to the concert in San Francisco front row. I just wanted to share!

Some Gems.....

2009-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading "Young Single Adult Gems" on the LDS website and I came across this article and I think it is very good! Go ahead don't be shy read it!

Dating verses Hanging Out
"Men, if you have returned from your mission and you are still following the boy-girl patterns you were counseled to follow when you were 15, it is time for you to grow up. Gather your courage and look for someone to pair off with. Start with a variety of dates with a variety of young women, and when that phase yields a good prospect, proceed to courtship. It's marriage time. That is what the Lord intends for His young adult sons and daughters. Men have the initiative, and you men should get on with it. If you don't know what a date is, perhaps this definition will help. I heard it from my 18-year-old granddaughter. A 'date' must pass the test of three p's: (1) planned ahead, (2) paid for, and (3) paired off. "Young women, resist too much hanging out, and encourage dates that are simple, inexpensive, and frequent. Don't make it easy for young men to hang out in a setting where you women provide the food. Don't subsidize freeloaders. An occasional group activity is OK, but when you see men who make hanging out their primary interaction with the opposite sex, I think you should lock the pantry and bolt the front door. . . . "My single young friends, we counsel you to channel your associations with the opposite sex into dating patterns that have the potential to mature into marriage, not hanging-out patterns that only have the prospect to mature into team sports like touch football. Marriage is not a group activity—at least, not until the children come along in goodly numbers."
Dallin H. Oaks, "Dating versus Hanging Out," Ensign, June 2006, 13-14

Marriage Requires Thoughtful Preparation
"The best way to avoid divorce from an unfaithful, abusive, or unsupportive spouse is to avoid marriage to such a person. If you wish to marry well, inquire well. Associations through 'hanging out' or exchanging information on the Internet are not a sufficient basis for marriage. There should be dating, followed by careful and thoughtful and thorough courtship. There should be ample opportunities to experience the prospective spouse's behavior in a variety of circumstances. Fiances should learn everything they can about the families with whom they will soon be joined in marriage. In all of this, we should realize that a good marriage does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive together toward perfection.
"President Spencer W. Kimball taught: 'Two individuals approaching the marriage altar must realize that to attain the happy marriage which they hope for they must know that marriage . . . means sacrifice, sharing, and even a reduction of some personal liberties. It means long, hard economizing. It means children who bring with them financial burdens, service burdens, care and worry burdens; but also it means the deepest and sweetest emotions of all' (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 194)."
Dallin H. Oaks, "Divorce," Ensign, May 2007, 73

Family and friends!

2009-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

It is the middle of the week and that means that the weekend is right around the corner. I have to say this that my week started on the right foot. Monday I had dinner at the Harrison house. It was family night so I was in for a treat. This is something that I like a lot. When I have, a family will be doing the same thing. We started with a prayer then a song and a scripture. The main event a game called “Apples to Apples”. This is how it works; everyone is given seven red cards that have names or a saying on it. Then everyone takes a turn picking a green card. When the green card is placed on the table, you have to pick one of your red cans that best fit’s the name or saying. If the person who puts down the green card picks your card, you get to keep the green apple. In order to win you have to get four green apple cards.

"Relax the clouds will part very soon! Then the light will shine on you again!"

Fireside

2009-01-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

Well tonight was the night that the Elders give their testimonies about their mission and how they have grown over the last 18 months. I felt it was very moving to hear from the young men that have left the home towns to come to a new place and teach the gospel. Elder Thayne will be going home this Tuesday and I have to say that I will miss him. It was great to have him teach me walk the strait and narrow. The picture is me and the Elders most of them are from Tonga and one from New Zealand. There was so much love at that Fireside tonight!

I did it!

2009-01-03T23:34:00.001-08:00

Well I made it to the water and I have to say it was something that I needed. My heart was broken and now it is full with joy. The feeling that I had on this day Is very hard for me to put in words. Even typing this is bringing back tears of joy. We go on looking for happiness in every place trying to make ourselves feel so much better. But they are just band aides. They really don't fix the problem. One of the biggest things to do is to swallow your pride, once you can do that you will be ready to move on. Because pride is the one thing that will keep us from getting the much needed help! I want to take this time and thank everyone who has touched my life, if it was not for you showing the kindness or opening up your hearts I would not have open my mind and heart to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior. Ok for the pictures the first one is Scott Sanders who I had the chance to work with at Irvington High great man. The second is Mr. Clark I coached his son in track and field. Third is Mrs. Zmolek who has the biggest heart in the world she has my vote for mother of the year. Fourth is Tiffany is the one person who open my eyes to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I thank her so much! Fifth is Bahney who I had the pleasure of coaching in football at Irvington High he was a hard working d-linemen with a heart the size of a whale! The last two are Elder Thayne on my left and Elder Brown on my right. Wonderful young men and I they have had a big impact on the way I am walking in the light.

"Once the light came in my life changed!"

Friday Night!

2009-01-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

1 John 1:5
"This then is the message which we have heard from him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blodd of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin"

I was reading a past issue of Ensign from Nov 2000 and I came across an article called “Lead, Kindly Light” by Virginia U. Jensen First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency and I wanted to share something she wrote that I felt was worth sharing.

There are all kinds of darkness in this world: darkness that comes from sin; darkness that comes from discouragement, disappointment, and despair; darkness that comes from loneliness and feelings of inadequacy. The light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any darkness we face in this life, if we have faith in Him, seek after Him, and obey Him.

For as the Prophet Joseph revealed,
“If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you”

D&C 88:67

"Sometimes you just have to pull the curtains back to let the light in!"

New Year

2009-01-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

Joy that was the one feeling that I knew was missing in my life. There would be days and moments but they would fade away within the day or hour. But this joy that I have now is much more deeper then anything i have had before. I feel it deep inside of me and it wants to pour out of me like a river flowing down a hill side. Saturday is going to be a very wonderful day for me. It is funny that I have coached football for 15 years and Saturdays I would be getting ready for a game which starts at 7pm. This time I will be getting ready for my baptism which starts at 7pm.

"When you are lost, it is ok to ask for directions"

Proverbs 3:13

Gifts!

2008-12-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

When I got out of bed this morning I was thinking about my Christmas gift and the one I want the most is the gift of the Holy Ghost. Before I went to bed last night I was thinking of how I got to this point in my life. Well last year in December I was in a bad crash. This was my wake up call. I had been working two jobs, coaching football and going to school. I was not taking care of myself when I walked away without any broken bones I knew someone was watching over me. It was time for a change in my life. That meant I had to give up something and that was one of my jobs. I took a leap and quit the job at the high school. I was looking for something new in my life. It was time to open that door the Lord had been knocking on for the last 20 years! The gift of the Holy Ghost is something that I am ready to receive with open arms, heart and mind.

"SMILE!"

Moroni 10:17-19
D&C 14:7-9

Christmas eve......

2008-12-24T23:08:00.001-08:00

Here it is Christmas eve and I am home happy as a clam. I do not have to go to work for the next four days! So Elder Thayne and Elder Brown came by to show the video of Joseph Smith. I have to say that was a very interesting movie. I recommend that you take some time and watch it. Merry Christmas!

Hurdles and Faith

2008-12-22T00:17:00.000-08:00

Oh wow! What a week I have had. For one thing I could not go to sleep tonight so I am writing what is on my mind. I had a friend come by this week and ask me some questions on how I was doing. In a round about way he was asking me if I was making the right choice. I told him yes in my heart I feel I am making the right choice. Januray 3rd is my baptism and I know there will be hurdles for me to clear. I believe and I have faith that i will make it the finish line.

"If we were all blind, we would have to trust someone!" ..........."Well I trust GOD!"

1 Nephi 15:24
2 Nephi 26:33

Temple

2008-12-19T23:10:00.000-08:00

The day started off not so well for me. I woke up with a headache that would not go away. So all day my head was hurting and nothing could make the pain go away. No matter what I am still planing on going to the Temple tonight to listen to one of the members from the Irvington ward sing. What I did notice once I parked the car in the Temple parking lot that the pain was going away. That was a good sign for me. I could have stayed home but I would have missed out on something beautiful. The lights at the Temple were so bright and the sky cleared up and you could see all the way to San Francisco. The closer I get to my baptism I know there will be things coming up to try and knock me off course.

"Even ships at sea need some direction!"

Planning

2008-12-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Tuesday the Missionaries came by and we started to plan for my baptism on the third of January. I know it is in a couple of weeks but for some reason I feel like a little kid. This day is very important to me, I think it is because my broken heart will be fixed. I am so ready!

D&C 20:37

"Open your heart and let the light shine on your life."

Ward Christmas Party!

2008-12-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

OK so today I was just sitting back and reflecting what has been going on over the last couple of weeks. This past Tuesday was my fourth lesson with the Elder Thayne and Elder Brown. I have to say that I am looking forward to January 3rd. For those who will share that day with me thank you in advance! It means a lot to me that you showed up! The only thing that is going to be sad is that Elder Thayne will be done with his mission.

The Christmas party dinner, I am so happy that I can feel the love from the people in the Church. I meet someone new everytime I come to Chruch that knows who I am, which blows my mind. I did not know I had that much of an impact on the kids that went to Irvington.

"My home is your home"

Pictures

2008-12-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

You know I have to start taking more pictures of the things that I do! There are so many places and things that I do. From this point on I will start to make it a habit to take a picture. It feels good to share those memories with my friends and family. Oh here is a picture of me and Jamie Kennedy!

"Show love, not hate!"

Three Things!

2008-12-06T23:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, three things happened today that I felt was very great for me. The first thing was that I took a trip to the Temple in Oakland and saw the Angela Johnson’s sculpture exhibit called the “Healing Power of Christ”. That was a very moving art show with all the stories that each sculpture had. It really helped to understand why Christ has a plan for me. There was one sculpture that showed where people were in their life and the road to eternal life is not so smooth. It was showing that with Faith you can reach that level of joy if you keep walking the straight and narrow road. The second thing that happened today was Tebow and the Florida Gators won the SEC Championships, great job Tebow! The third thing that happened today was the company Christmas party. When the CEO came to the front of the room and was talking about who was the employee of the year he mentioned my name. Wow! I was very pleased that I got this award and I owe all the glory to the man upstairs, Jesus Christ. If it were not for him watching over me last year, I would not be here today. Last year at this time, I was in a very bad car crash where I walked away with no injuries. I am looking forward to going to church this Sunday!

"It is ok to let people know you love the Lord!"

Sunshine!

2008-12-03T21:15:00.001-08:00

I woke up today and it was all foggy! But to me it was a sunny day. I was singing and my heart was full with joy. I felt like a man that had been locked up for 20 years and finally set free. That is funny how God works in your life. I can't believe that I have been in the dark so long!

"Just because everything looks sad on the outside does not mean that you have to be sad on the inside"

Friends

2008-12-02T06:16:00.000-08:00

So when I was coming home from work I had to call my friends to let them know how thing were going with my walk to the light. I called my good friend Scott to let him and his wife know that I feel so much better for making this choice. Then I called another friend Christy she came over and we just talked about all the things that have changed in my life over the last couple of days. I think I got her fired up about church again. I told her that for a long time that I had a broken heart and now I can feel it starting to heal up from all the pain that I have had. It was very moving to her to see that change in me.

“Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the things that are going around you!”

Alma 15:8

Wow!

2008-11-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

OK, I came home and relaxed I did some reading and typing. The later in the day I had dinner with a friend and I was talking about praying. Then about my day at church and how everyone was so full of joy. I was explaining how I felt when I walked up to the doors and at that time.

There was this rush of emotions that just over came me. This feeling was like I had been lost forever and someone stopped me and said you can relax now! Tears were rolling down my face and I finally took the time to rejoice in the good things that have been happening to me the last couple of weeks.

"When the game is over the only thing you have left is the memories!"

Alma 36:18-24

My 1st day!

2008-11-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Well today I woke up really early for some reason I could not sleep. It is funny how something new makes you so full of energy and at the sametime I was calm.

I parked my car and walked up to the church doors and I was treated like they had been waiting for me. Here are people who I am meeting for the first time and they all have the arms open. The love is strong in this church and I am so happy that I came to church. Ok, well I kind of know some of the families in this church from working at the high school.

Let me tell you this for the first time in my life I really felt loved today! I have been on this mission to find where I belonged. I have friends in my life and I have always felt alone for a long time now and today that feeling was gone!

"It is never to late to fix a broken heart"

2 Nephi 25:26
Moroni 10:3-5

Baptism!

2008-11-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well today I am meeting with the missionaries and we are going to my first baptism. To see how things work and get a better understanding of the church. To me this will be a big step in the right direction to living a better life!

Everyday is a chance to be suceesful!

The Start!

2008-11-28T23:26:00.001-08:00

After reading the book for a week i was ready. The more I read the more I became calm the more I felt like this is where I belonged. When the Missionaries came over to give me the first lesson they took me in with open arms. This was very big to me. To me I felt I was just walking around for a long time and someone found me and said it is time to come home. This person was the Lord telling me you can relax you are safe now! For along time I have been wanting to be accepted.

I'm blessed to be given a new life!

Missing!

2008-11-28T09:38:00.001-08:00

What is missing in my life?

I have been asking myself this question for a long time now! Was it the perfect job, no! Was it having all my friends around, maybe! Well in 2004 I lost my Grandmother and she was very close to me. She lived on the East coast but she always made time to call me to see how i was doing. So when I lost her I became more closed off and started to put up walls around me. Here i am a coach and the Campus Supervisor where everyone comes to me with their problems. I had a pain in my life and I did not know who to go to without looking like a lesser of a man. Everyone looked at me to be the strong one and I was the one hurting inside and I did not know what to do. I have this empty feeling and I did not know how to fill it. I knew I was missing something?

So let me tell you how I got to where I am now. For 15 years I worked at a high school where I was the campus supervisor and a coach. One of the sports that I coached was football. This is one sport that all men should take time and coach. Well after one game I came home and the house was cold and empty. There was no one there to greet me. No one to say how was the game, did you win or lose? Yes, a wife that is what I am missing, right! So here I am searching for a woman to be Mrs.Right. Maybe this can help fill the void in my life. I have to tell you that was not it. I still felt like I was still missing something. Until one day I met this woman who changed the was I viewed the world. How could this person have such a big impact on me? I would spend a lot of time talking to her understanding her and she keep bringing up church. Why? I must be missing something here. Until one weekend she took me to Apple Hill and this is where I saw all these families that were happy enjoying time with each other. What was the glue that was bringing these families together? I found out it was church!

What church has this kind of impact on a family? I was raised in a church and it did not have that kind of impact on me like this. For a long time I gave up on church because I really did not feel that I belonged. One thing that I was willing to do is try different Churches, but I always left feeling like I was not really welcomed. The more she talked to me I found out that the church that made her famliy and others like hers stick together was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had to know more about this church and how can I be apart of it.

My best friend had the answer for me. During my time at the high school I had a partner who I worked with and became good friends I knew he was LDS. So I called and said I want to know more. We had dinner and talked and his wife gave me The Book of Mormon. They made some phone calls and later that night I was reading.

Some times the things we are looking for are always there the problem is we do not always pay attention to them!