Montana...

  I have been thinking a lot about the great love that I have for the great state of Montana. I heard this quote that describes my feelings quite well. Its by John Steinbeck, entitled Montana, “I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’ re in it... " I have a great love for my home here in California, but there is something about those big sky's that made the name God's country feel like home. 


  There are more things than I could possibly talk about when it comes to my feelings on the state of Montana, but one of the reasons for my great love, is because thats where I was able to gain a greater love and understanding of The Gospel of Jesus Christ! The line talking about how its hard to recognize love when your in it makes me think to the life of Jesus Christ, how some knew He was the Christ, but it took until after He was gone to grasp the fuller meaning of what Christ had done for the whole world!


  I am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend in Montana, for the wonderful friends I was able to make and the work I was able to preform for the Lord, and see His great hand in my life and also in the lives of many others. God lives and wants to help us all find that love for His gospel, and brighten all of of lives. I know these things to be true, and I leave it with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Buffets

  The other day we went to a buffet and I thought to myself, "Wow all things really can realate back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!" Even eating at a buffet. The reason for this idea was because at a buffet there are so many things that we like and they can satisfy that hunger we have and so does the Gospel!

  In some people's lives they may not realize that they are missing something on their "plate of happiness." They may have their favorites, so they are not willing to look or try things that are unfamiliar to them, so they pass something really good by. We all have times where we do this in our lives. We see something and we think that is gross or think no I don't want to talk to them when it may be something that will change their life forever, for the better. True if you find a new food that you fall in love with it may not be for the better because it may cause you to gain lots of weight, but the gospel will never make you fat unless you are like the Prophet Nephi form the Book of Mormon and say, "come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness." 2 nephi 9:51

  There are so many messages in the scriptures that will bless us in our lives or bring a new love for the scriptures we did not know was there. Don't be afraid to feast upon the words of Christ because they will teach you what you need in your life to be happy.

Brothers...

  Recently we watched a video having to do with two brothers and how they had their struggles, but in the end they were able to work things out. It made me think if I am showing the kind of love to my loved ones that they need or even deserve. So think of your family and loved ones and how you can show your love to them.

Mothers

  I was given this idea by my very good friend again. I really liked the idea, because I realized, well I won't be on my mission for mothers day and I know how much my mother has meant to me and there have been a number of influential mothers and women through out the scriptures and time so I will take the time to talk about a one of my favorites.

   The first of course being my own mother. She has helped me so much throughout my life and has helped to teach me so many key lessons that have helped shape me into the person I am today. One of my favorite scriptures growing up, that comes from the Book of Mormon talks once again about the great importance of mothers. It is Alma chapter 56 verses 47 & 48: "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." This to me is so great because when we are taught these key truths from our youth, to put our trust in God, He can and will deliver us from harms way.

   There are many other examples from the scriptures I could use such as Mary and how she was such special woman that she was chosen to be a mother of our Master, Jesus Christ. When we take the time to think of what a special role mothers have in bringing our Heavenly Father spirit children into this world, it is sad to see how little respect is given to women. As we look into the world we live in we can see how the values and morals of all people are being diminished. What a sad thing this is that the people of the world are not treating one another with the respect that they deserve, especially women. Mothers have such a key role in the way a child learns and grows, that if they stop caring in the way they raise their kids what will it do to the world? The young men I talked about in the scripture above, they were able to do so many great things because they were taught to trust in the Lord from their childhood. I am not saying that dads are worthless, because I have learned so many lessons in life such as the importance of hard work and to keep going even when you are tired or don't want to go anymore that have greatly blessed my life. Women just have such a great love and spirit about them that we must respect love and cherish them. This is what the Lord wants us to do.