Returning.

This week I will be heading back to Santa Rosa, to witness Bob and Ada be sealed. This is one of the most sacred ordinances within our church. It promises that if a husband and wife obey their covenants, they can spend eternity together. Entire families are sealed, and it provides so much hope for the life after this and motivation to live well in this life, so that we can obtain these incredible blessings.

So I will have a chance to witness them complete their ordinances in the holy temple. As I prepare to return, I have a lot of similar feelings for when I returned home. I know I lacked a lot of blogs during that time. But I had great anticipation, to see those I love (specifically my family) and to be able to reunite with them. As I have talked to some people I grew to love in Santa Rosa, I have a lot of those same feelings.

This is how I think it will be as we return home to our Father in Heaven.

I can't wait for this weekend, and my reunion with some wonderful people. And ultimately, I can't wait until my reunion with my Father in Heaven and my brother and savior Jesus Christ.

I just want an easier way

"I just want an easier way!"

Have you ever thought this to yourself?

I know I have, even today.  I think it is natural to want to have things go smoothly without having to worry or work to keep them going in that way.

What would happen if we just chose the easier way all the time?

 Alright, I want you to look at this river. It is the Eel River, taken from a bridge driving about 35 mph. What do you notice about it? One of the first things I noticed about this river was that it was very twisty. This is just one side of it. It zigs and zags going across sand bars, around trees and under bridges (obviously) and keeps flowing and flowing.

The River chose the easiest way. Just imagine if the river chose a direct path from its source to its destination. The river would be quicker, deeper and more powerful. But if it just chooses to wrap around like this little one did, it will waste momentum, and energy, and won't be able to fulfill its purposes quite as well.

So are things going hard for you? I submit that is good! Keep pushing. Just as the Colorado river carved a great canyon in the earth (over a mile deep in some areas), if we are diligent in being our best, no matter how hard it is, we will be able to make a great impact.

"Convenience is not in the vocabulary of a disciple of Jesus Christ."

-President Bunker-



On the outside looking in

Isn't it funny.

Everybody thinks they are on the outside looking in. Everyone thinks they know the solutions to problems, the best path in our lives, and how to do things better than you.

Sometimes those who are sure of their height, sure that they are looking at you from lofty heights, and seeing your 'limits' will even tell you to do things certain ways. Or gain their perspective since it is SO much better.

1 Corinthians 3:19 "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."

Sometimes the world seems so wise. As they stand on their high platforms with their flowing robes. Do not be deceived. The world would like us to think we are fools for standing up for the 'cause of Christ' and giving up our time efforts and resources to build His kingdom. We know more.

Just like it seems to someone with no medical knowledge, insensible to cut someone open to help them feel better. So might it appear to someone unfamiliar with those things spiritual, to live commandments, to talk to an unseen being, and all the other things that firm believers do.

May we seek constantly after the wisdom of God, and allow Him to heal our hearts. (Which may include some surgeries...)