Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Update!

I will admit that I have been slacking as it comes to updating this blog. But within the couple of weeks that it has been since the last update much has happened. Taylor and I are finding ourselves in some new situations since we have been married and are loving the opportunity that we have to face them together as a team.Also we are finding that we are getting old, not a fun feeling but I am learning the meaning of the saying "time flies by when you're having fun". As not only has it flown by but we are aging in the process and becoming older adults, AHHHHH!

The new situations that we are seeing is the opportunity to wake up to snow on the ground. Not as fun as it was when I was about 7-12 years old but still a beautiful sight to see. I have to admit that the mountains are one of the most amazing sights when there is snow on them. With the discovery of snow we have found it to not be as warm as we would like it and we are finding ourselves bundling up. Taylor made a great discovery last night as she put on her winter jacket and found her MP3/video player in the coat pocket. As a side not she has been looking for it the past 10 months but do not tell her that I told you. We are also finding ourselves in the midst of commercial Christmas, with nothing but Christmas decorations and cookies and other short of treats in every store that we go into. I do love Christmas and am so grateful that I get to spend it with my wife this year, but I am not looking forward to all the commercialism that it has tied along with it. The bottom line is new things are happening in our marriage and we are loving every minute of it.

With being old, I know that there are some and just some of you that are as old as the both of us, but we are learning that there is an amazing trend in Provo of getting married. With newly weds moving into the ward and moving out and new families popping up all over town, Taylor and I are now becoming the old couple. The move ins and move outs has to be one of those "great and dreadful" things that the Lord talks about in the scriptures. "Great" as I love to meet new people and to get to know them but "dreadful" to find out that there is someone who is moving out so that the new people have a room to live in. It is a lot of fun being able to serve with people who are going through the same situations that we are facing and being as poor as we are so that we can have fun with simple activities. I hope that is something that I will not forget that you can have fun with simple and cheap activities as it has brought joy into our marriage.

Well that should do it for an update for the next 4 months! Haha just kidding I will be better at keeping this updated, but let us know if you have any questions so that we can put them up on here and answer them!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Learning about Charity...

After reading my brother in law's high the other day about developing Christ-like attributes I figured that I should start working on one myself. As I started to think about what one to work on and for how long to work on on an attribute, I was reminded of how President Murri started to focus on a Christ-like attribute for a whole transfer. The goal then became to work on a Christ-like attribute for 6 weeks and focus on finding how others have that attribute while reading my scriptures.
Now for finding the attribute I figured that I might as well start out with the message that most of the brethren were talking about during conference. So I decided to go with Charity or the pure love of Christ.
What I found as I study this attribute of the Savior was the trails and tribulations that were brought upon me. Now I am not bringing this up to complain and portray the feel sorry for Ryan, but to show the opportunity I had to practice this attribute. I found that as I thought of having the love that Heavenly Father has for all of us, I was able to quickly get over the problem and move on to how I might help them.
Now in most of these situations I did not have the opportunity to help them out, but I was able to apply it in my own life to how I interacted with others. I also found how hard it was to apply this attribute in every situation, not saying that I am a punk or a jerk but I am learning that I have much to improve to become like the Savior and our Heavenly Father.
Like I mentioned earlier I am applying this attribute in my life for 6 weeks so I will fill in on how it is going in my progress on this goal. What I do know is that the Lord is helping me to become more like him. I am grateful for the experiences that I am receiving and the opportunities that the Lord is giving me to grow. Through Christ all things are possible and it is through Him that we will return to our Father in heaven. I know this to be true and hope that I can show it to all that I come into contact with this week.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

"By small means, great things come to pass..."

As I was sitting in sacrament meeting today a couple of testimonies were borne that caused me to ponder about the small things that happens in our lives. A sister stood and expressed that when she bears her testimony she always feels inadequate as she does not have major stories of faith or any other gospel principle to share. As she said this I had a quote pop into my head from the movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" it is "By small means. great things come to pass". I then took the rest of fast and testimony meeting thinking about some examples of small acts that bring great results. I was able to think of three topics in which this principle is true. One being small acts of choice, second faith, and third obedience.

As I thought about how small choices affect our lives I had a thought of one of President Monson's talks in general conference concerning a fence hing, he said in his opening remarks that "It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people’s lives. The choices we make determine our destiny." As I thought about this I thought about my choice about serving a mission. It may not be a big choice to make when you think about your life and how many years you have but the consequences are going to be enormous no matter what your choice is. I now think back about my mission and think of all the great blessings that have come from serving it. One I found my eternal companion which is by far one of the greatest blessings from my mission. Another blessing was the testimony and personal witnesses that I have received concerning the restoration of Christ's church, and seeing daily miracles in my life. My mission has definitely been a small choice in my life that has greatly blessed my life for the eternities to come.

I then thought about the small acts of faith that have greatly blessed certain individuals lives. Most of the examples that I was able to think of have not only greatly blessed those individuals but also us as well. Joseph Smith's humble prayer was through a small act of faith. This small act of faith did not only lead Joseph to learning some precious truths about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but led to the reorganization of Christ's church again on the earth. I thought about how greatly my life has been affected from this simple action, because of this I have been able to be sealed to my wife and family for all of eternity. I have also been able to learn about the characteristics of my Father in heaven and my savior Jesus Christ, which has truly blessed my life and those that I have come into contact with. Another example of faith that has greatly blessed my life is through the teachings of Alma. A testimony is kindled upon small acts of faith, and it is with that testimony that I have greatly learned how to be a better person and to progress my life closer to what my savior would want for me.

Last but not least is that we are able to see great things come to pass through small acts of obedience. It is through obedience that the Nephites were able to see the face of the resurrected Savior. This is my favorite part of the Book of Mormon as the Lord fulfills his promises that he has made to those that left Jerusalem, and it also is to the world another witness that Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith taught that obedience is one of the governing laws of heaven, and it is due to our obedience that we receive any blessings from God. Obedience to God also brings further enlightenment, as it is how we are able to enter the house of the Lord. Little did you or I know that a small phrase in a testimony would lead to a discourse of personal feelings and opinions. What I do know is that God loves us and is looking to bless us in anyway He can, He is also looking for ways to help us reach His children and bring the fullness of the Gospel to them. It is my pray that I may be able to always remember the Lord's plan and help out in Heavenly Father reaching His goal: "To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Setting Goals...

After reading my sister in law's blog about her goals I have had the impression that I need to do the same thing. Over the last year since I have been home from my mission I must admit my goal setting has not been as consistent as it should be. I was reminded of this during personal study this week as I am going back through "Preach My Gospel". Currently I am studying the section on using time wisely, I thought it would be important to go back over this as school is starting tomorrow and I have working almost full-time. As I was studying the section of setting goals this quote stuck out to me "When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life." ( Elder M. Russel Ballard). So I have determined that goals are something that will help us to become more like our Heavenly Father, and will help us to make the most out of this life.

As I thought about what goals I need to set for this semester of school, I remember a zone conference in which my mission President taught the importance of setting goals. There were a couple of things that he spoke to us that stuck out, but the one that stuck to be the most important to me was when he used the acronym S.M.A.R.T. He pointed out that when we set goals in our lives the have to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time bound. I remember that the time that I study most in high school was right before the test, because I knew that "Judgment Day" was right around the corner. So as I set goals for this semester of school and life I am trying to remember this principle of goal setting and making the most of the life.

My goals for this semester are going to fall under three categories...educational, spiritual, and personal. I have thought this over and think that these categories will cover all of the areas in my life which I feel like that I need to progress in.

Personal:
1). Run at least 6 miles a week. I feel that if I do this I may be able to drop off the pounds that I have gained from being married, and also take better care of my body.
2). Walk with my wife every night. I have made this a goal as I know that this will increase our time with each other and help us to keep communicating with each other about the things that are going on in our lives at that moment in time. An added benefit to this is that we both enjoy it very much, and love spending time with each other.

Spiritual:
1). Daily scripture study and prayer. I have realized how important it is to keep this a priority in my life, as the blessings that come from it are vital in my life. I also have found that if I put Heavenly Father first my studies and personal life improve.
2). Attend the temple every week with my wife. I love the spirit that is in the temple, along with the chance that I get to be in the house of the Lord. I personally feel that this is the best date that you can have with your spouse.

Educational:
1). Carry a 4.0 this semester! I know that this is probably going to be one of the toughest goals that I am setting this semester but it is needed. I feel that in order to accomplish this goal I need to cut media down to almost nothing, so I am only allowing myself one hour of television a week, and one outing. That outing of course during the fall is going to be BYU football games!
2). Complete all the readings and homework the day before class, so that I will be able to review the material that the professor is teaching and not be hearing it for the first time.

These are my goals for this semester and of course they are S.M.A.R.T. I know that the principle of setting a goal is not easy but it is important. I also know that I can do all things if I remember the Lord, and put my mind to it.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The House of The Lord


While I was waiting for the dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, some thoughts came to me of the First Temple dedication that I attended. A little over 9 years ago I witnessed the dedication of the Palmyra Temple, at that time I was only a youth I did not know the lasting impact that it would have on me. Now as I think about it I did not know that while I was there listening to President Hinckley dedicate the sacred building, and that one day I would take out my own endowments there and then be sealed to my spouse for all eternity within that Temple.

As I though about those memories I became extremely grateful for the example that I have had from my parents and grandparents. I can remember being taken out of school with my siblings Jennifer, Elisabeth, and Adam to watch angel Moroni be placed on top of the Temple. I remember my father during the open house showing us the mirrors in the sealing room and explaining to each of us the meaning of being together forever. I can remember on the day of the dedication my father taking us to the Stake Center early so that we could prepare for the special occasion that was going to be happening. As I thought about these memories, I realized something that I have never realized before, but the importance of being an example.

I then thought of the example that Christ set for me, and where I stood in following His example. I thought about how the Temple helps us with that, teaching us the characteristics of Godliness. It was then that I became extremely grateful for the righteous examples that I have all around me.

"The temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty..." I love The House of The Lord, and the special spirit that is there that brings peace into my life. I encourage everyone to make special time in which you can go there and feel that same spirit. For the Temple is not just for the endowed Latter-Day Saint, but for everyone. President Hunter stated " In the Lord's own words he has made the Temple the center of every LDS home." Great blessings will attend us as we serve in the house of the Lord, and maybe the greatest blessing we will see in our lives will be the example that we set for our children and future generations.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Where ever thou art...Act thy part

As I read the email that my mother in law sent me this morning I can not help but to think of the actions that I should be doing to help my family and myself in progressing Spiritually and Temporally. The email contained a commitment, and also a document concerning those Saint's involved in the Huan's Mill Massacre. The commitment was to learn how we could apply the teachings of the article to our lives through prayer.

The article gives an important insight to how some of the Saint's acted to leaving their proprieties and heading to Far West Missouri, as their dwelling in Missouri started to become more hostile. The Prophet Joseph asked all the Saint's to gather in Far West but was confronted by some of the Saint's who wanted to stay at their homes with their property. Jacob Huan was one of those wishing to stay, he came up and argued with the Prophet on the manner of staying at Independence Missouri. Joseph told Brother Huan that he could decide for himself, but that if Brother Huan wanted to save his life that he should always do as he was commanded by the Lord.

I have been thinking about how I can do my part in the things that I am commanded. There are many commandments that we as Latter-Day Saints need to remember and follow, some as simple as reading the scriptures, praying daily, and going to church. Other commandments being a little more complicated as we may not see the blessing in following that council.

The article went on to teach the importance of following our living Prophets, and Apostles along with those of the past. I started to think about what I am doing to follow them, and how am I not following them in my life. Food storage is one of those that I found I can improve on. My wife and I are now buying an additional 6 cans for food storage every time we go shopping. This might not seem like a big thing to do but it helps with the motto "Where ever thou art...Act thy part".

What more can we do to "Act our part"? I encourage all who read this, even though there may not be a lot of you to find what things in your life you can do to become a more dedicated servant of Jesus Christ. We might find big things and also small things that we can change to correct the path that we are following. I also encourage all of us to keep an Eternal perspective on our lives. To go and serve your fellow Brothers and Sisters, and also share with them the simple truths of the Fullness of the Gospel. Great blessing lay in our path as we seek to follow the council of our Father in heaven, and His servants that He has given to us today.

It is my prayer that all of us throughout the entire world may grow closer in our relationships that we may preserver peace and establish the Lord's kingdom. I know that the Lord will bless us in special ways as we pursue this cause and that the Lord will help us accomplish the things that He Lord has commanded. And finally that all of us may act our part...wherever we are in the world today.

Article concerning Huan's mill...http://www.scribd.com/doc/4019837/Modern-Day-Repeat-of-Hauns-Mill

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Two Months


When I was younger I would always ask when it was going to be Christmas? The answer I always received from my parents was "its just around the corner...and it will be here before you know it, time passes fast." I never understood what they meant about time passes fast, as sometimes I asked in July and found out that Christmas was six months away. I am now starting to Understand what my parents were talking about when they would say "Time passes fast".
My wife, Taylor and I have been married for two months today! I just can not believe that it has been two months already. I can remember the times that we talked about the date, when Taylor would be woken up by phone call at 6 in the morning, and I would stay up till 1 am talking to her. I can remember flying to Utah to visit, and her visit during thanksgiving. And it does not seem that long ago that we met in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra and I asked her to marry me.
I have learned that you're parents have some experience and are not as crazy as you think they are when you are a teenager. As slowly I am seeing things that my parents (from both sides of the family) do know a little about what they are talking about.
"Time flies when you're having fun" thats all I can say about my marriage with Taylor. It has been the best two months of my life and I can not wait to build up more memories with her.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

"Small means.."

I have always been impressed with how things in life can fall upon timing, and how such mall circumstance can create either the most blessed or dreaded consequences. As I was reading the other night in the Book of Mormon I came upon a scripture in 1 Nephi 16: 29, and just the last part of it took on a whole different meaning to me.
"...by small means the Lord can bring about great things". I was thinking about this and not only can the Lord bring about great things, but if we make those poor choice in our lives out of greed, pride, and any other selfish matter we will bring upon ourselves horrible things. Nephi was guided to a spot in the mountains to kill food for his family by a small act of faith. That is the secret, small acts of faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father.
We will change our own lives and do great things if we only make the small correct decisions, and exercise small amounts of Faith. We are the only ones in control of our life, and it does not matter what actions other people might do towards us. They can not change our lives or our alter our eternal salvation.
I have learned that God can only work those small miracles if we are willing to put ourselves in those correct situations and make the correct decision. Faith, hope, and charity will take us far in this life and help us to become who we want to be. Then will we witness those "great things" in our life happen one at a time.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Hope, Faith, and Love...

So so excited for the things that have been happening recently! As Taylor and I are working towards the date of May 30Th for our wedding, along with moving to Utah to be able to finish school. Things are just seeming to fly by...and with the birth of Samuel, and being able to see him has indeed made me want to become a father. But please do no tell this to Taylor as I do not know how that would be able to work out until a little farther into the future.
Overall this has made me think a little more about life, and how important it is to work hard while we are here. Maybe that is right now in school, and saving money for more important things. But also just progressing in things that mean more in life, and mainly the Gospel.
After reading last night I have learned that it is important to focus on the things that will one make me a better person, and two helping me focus more on family needs and not being selfish. Hope, faith, and love will be the way that I know I will be able to do those things. I am hoping that this will take me to be one of good works towards my brothers and sisters, and propel me towards giving more meaningful service.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

2009!

I am so amazed at everything that has happened within 2008. To coming home from my mission, to meeting my future wife, to moving to the other side of the country. I am now wondering what 2009 will bring, or has in store for me and my family!
Well just like everyone else I have made some new years resolutions... One which would be to be a more diligent studier of the scriptures. Another would spending more time giving meaningful service! And the third as I would forget all the rest, and that would be getting in better shape! Hey that has a familiar ring to it does it not?
Anyway I thought I would just leave a short little blog and wish everyone a Happy New Year and best of luck to all of you!