Yay! It's The (Conference) Weekend!!

Wow..What a busy busy weekend. It has been filled with Family, friends, and other loved ones.  I think The past 2 nights I have averaged a good 4 maybe 5 hours of sleep haha.  Some good friends of mine finally had their baby. A cute little baby girl named Tayliegh. She is so adorable.  I went to visit them friday evening straight from work. I brought them Sushi because that is what the mama had been craving for so long. We sat there and visited for about 45 minutes. I then felt they needed some alone time so I went on my way home. Later that night I went to my brothers (Kevin) in-laws house, where He had planned a surprise birthday party for his wife. It was super fun! While I was getting ready to say the prayer to bless the food, I told their boy Lincoln (2 yrs. old) to fold his arms. He then looked around the room, then looked up at me and got a big smile on his face and says TIBBY! It made my day to hear that precious little voice. I then conversed with friends I haven't seen in a while.  Then it was off to play "Just Dance" on the Wii. I have to say that I am horrible at that game. So I couldn't get the video to load on here, but if you copy and past this link it will send you to the video on my Facebook. It should pull it up for you. It is so worth the watch. I am awesome and cannot dance (unless its to Katy Perry) haha.

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151608011274289&set=vb.515954288&type=2&theater

 

I hope everybody had a chance to watch at least some of conference this weekend.  I had the opportunity to attend the Saturday afternoon session, as well as Sunday afternoon session (with two individuals that I admire).  The older that I get, the more I have come to love and enjoy conference, I'm sure that is true for most of us.  Their are so many things that can be said about all the talks. So many remarkable stories have been shared.

Last night (Saturday) I was able to watch/listen to the priesthood session with my Dad and two brothers.  It was wonderful to hear to the words from Robert D. Hale who was the evenings first speaker. This talk hit home for me in MANY different reasons. (I'm sure those who know me understand why)  He Mentioned  how we live in "dark times". The world will keep moving, but the church will remain constant. "If we are faithful, the armor of god will be given to us as a gift from god, we need this armor. Put on the whole armor of god.  Think about that for a minute. What does it mean to put on the whole armor of god? I pondered this late Saturday night as I was driving home. To me, the "armor of god" means fulfilling your priesthood duties, magnifying your callings, surrounding yourself with good influences. By doing so we will become more like him.   I really liked how he mentioned "A true friend doesn't ask us to choose between the gospel, a true friend strengthens us, and protects us. 

We need to be prepared for what is to come. Always be prepared, always be ready.  Heavenly father has a plan for all of us. We need to make sure we are doing the right things so that when opportunity strikes, we are ready. 

This is just one of the many talks that I enjoyed this weekend. 

Yes this blog is short, but in all honesty... I can go on and on. I would love for you all to copy and past this link bellow and listen to this talk. Granted it was from the priesthood session. I feel though that many of us can gain something from this. If I didn't, I wouldn't have shared this.  :)

http://www.lds.org/generalconference/watch/2013/04?lang=eng&vid=2282506507001&cid=3 

Missionary work is all around us

I wanted to write this post Sunday evening, but couldn't find the time with everything going on.  Sunday evening I attended a church fireside that was held for my stake.  I heard about it a few weeks ago in elders quorum and it sounded interesting to attend. The topic of the fireside was "Missionary work". All though I didn't serve a mission, I still felt I can gain something from attending. As I arrived and looked around to see if I noticed anyone, I found a seat in the back.  I started looking around and noticed a few people from my ward. I also noticed that the chapel was full of so many young individuals, such as return missionaries, high school seniors, and many others that may be preparing to serve a mission.  This made me feel a little out of place, and also had me realize that I have 1 year left in the singles ward. HA, I guess I will be going to a family ward come then, I will be eaten alive in the mid-singles adult ward.

I really enjoyed the talks that had been given at the fireside. It had me reflect on lessons I had given in sunday school, as well as a talk I gave in sacrament. We are all to be examples of Christ in all that we do. We are all missionaries. Just because we don't have a name tag doesn't mean people wont notice us.  We do missionary work in ways without even knowing, such as being an example. If we live righteously, people will notice. It is all around us in various ways.

Here is a talk I gave in sacrament meeting almost a year and a half ago.  It is about being an example, and can also be related to missionary work. I might have shared this with some of you before, but thats okay.
Enjoy!

I work in a big factory with a large variety of different people. One of my hobbies is staying fit, and being active. Before the school semester started, I would go to the gym 5 to 6 times a week. I can honestly say that at least once a week I have someone who will come up to me at work and ask me for some sort of advice on fitness. It makes me feel really good about myself, and helps me notice that I am accomplishing something and I look forward to that almost every week. If I wasn’t physically fit, working out and doing what I told them to do, then I could not BE that example or that motivation to the person who is looking to get themselves back into shape.

In Lynn G Robins Talk from last April General Conference, he said,

“The Savior often denounced those who did without being—calling them hypocrites: “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6). To do without to be is hypocrisy, or feigning to be what one is not—a pretender.

Conversely, to be without to do is void, as in “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17; emphasis added). Be without do really isn’t being—it is self-deception, believing oneself to be good merely because one’s intentions are good.

Do without BE- Hypocrisy portrays a false image to others, while BE without DO, portrays a false image to one’s self. James 2; 17 reads: “Even so faith; if it hath not works is dead being alone”

I can think of a time in my life not too long ago, where this scripture plays out perfectly. About a year and a half ago I was living in downtown salt lake. I would work 50 plus hours a week and it really wore me out. Then came the weekend and I would sleep in till noon and then I would go out with friends till all hours of the night. Sunday would come around and I had church at 9am. I told myself I was going to sleep in. My roommates would even come and try to get me up, but I would just ignore them. Well… weeks went by and I kept doing the same thing. I started noticing a change. My daily prayers and scripture reading turned to weekly, monthly, then just disappeared. I was living the word of wisdom. I wasn’t doing anything wrong (so I thought), and at the same time I wasn’t doing anything right. I was just coasting, I wasn’t committed to anything and my life began to feel empty and even though I tried to deny it, I knew why. That carried on for a bit longer and I even had friends and family notice things where off a bit. After talking with a friend about this I finally realized what has been missing. I needed to make some changes in my lifestyle and most importantly I needed to make changes in myself.

I love being an uncle. I have many nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 12yrs old to 2 months. They look up to me in many ways, and I look up to them and their great examples of trust, faith and good works. I look at them and I know what I need to DO. I need to BE that example. They are depending on me to be there for them. The same goes with certain friends, family, and even co-workers. Some may not be members of the church, some may be inactive. Many people I come in contact with may see me as the only person they know who is a member of the church. Either way, I know that I need to be a righteous example. We all have struggles and trials we deal with, and I have learned the past few years that the trials don’t go away, they just change direction. I feel it is our job as Latter- day Saints to overcome our challenges and problems and rise above them. Trials are given to us to grow and that is how we learn. This is part of Heavenly Father’s plan.

We as Latter -day Saints are counseled to be as Christ like as much as we can possibly be.. It’s not an easy thing to do, I’m sure we can all relate. But if we are doing what we have been taught, those things that we know to be true, if we are living the gospel to the fullest, I promise you, it won’t go unnoticed. Everyone is looking for an example in many different ways. So ask yourselves this. ” What manner of men and women ought we be? “Let us BE that example, and leader.

3 Nephi 27:21

To become as He is, we must also do the things He did: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do”

Everything Has It's Reasoning.

Okay Okay peeps. Sorry it's been ANOTHER minute, But I promise I will start to pay more attention to this thing haha.
 So... it's been.....shy over 4 months since my last post. Time to catch you up! Well Last school semester didn't go as planned. Sad to say it turns out I am not superman after all.  I took on 13 credit hrs, while working full-time. Okay so a lot of you out there can do that. That's awesome, unfortunately I am not one of them. Turns out its harder for those with A.D.D. Who knew right?... So that being said I moved  back to part time school, and full-time work. I am still working in Salt Lake for 3-form. Been looking for a work closer to home. All though I miss SLC for certain reasons, I really don't feel like moving back. I have grown to like it in Lehi. I have made many friends the past 2 years, plus I enjoy going to UVU. I am looking for work near home, but at the same time very thankful to have a job that supports my needs.
SO... I have been going through some motions the past 6 months. Like I have said before in a previous post. We all have our vices we deal with. I live in a house that is probably not the best place for someone trying to aspire in their beliefs. I did very well for a long time. It's so funny how you think you can be so invisible from sin, but then when you least expect it BOOM! You've made a mistake.  Granted, nobody is perfect. That's why we have repentance.  It's so easy to slip away without even knowing. It can start from something simple like not saying your daily prayers, then moves onto scripture study. From there.. You miss sacrament meeting, or all your church meetings. Their are reasons why we are told to say daily prayers, and study the scriptures.
Think of all we do in our daily lives that can distract us from living righteously.Just going to church on sunday sometimes isn't enough. We take the sacrament every sunday to remind us of the covenants we have made, to be forgiven.  We need to be studying the scriptures, and saying daily prayers.
This past week I have been reading/watching/listening to a talk given in last Octobers session of General Conference. It was given by Elder David A. Bednar. Titled "Converted To The Lord"
As members of the church, we all have a testimony, but what does it mean to be converted to the lord?
Conversion requires persistence and patience, as well as humility.  When Reading this over and over,one thing he said really stuck out and hit me.
"Testimony alone is not, and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living. Testimony is important and necessary, but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need."
To me... being converted to the lord means service, charity, love, being examples to those all around you.
Scriptures come in many forms. They are given to us by prophets of old, as well as living prophets. Church magazines, Through others around us.
It's so easy to do, but at the same time...So easy to fall away. I love this talk, and I encourage others to read it.
I know who I am, and I know where I want to be. Sometimes we fall, and maybe the reason we fall sometimes is to show others they are not alone. That we all go through this. Sometimes we need help from others to get there. Everything has it's reasoning. It's our job to figure out what means.

Sorry It's been A minute. But I'm back!

This was a paper I had to write for my Public Speaking class. I felt it would be a good blog post to share.  I have added a few things that I left out of the final draft.

Enjoy!

 My life's advice to those in need

To start things off, I would like to mention some history of myself. I was born and raised in Utah. I have been outside of the country once, and lived in another state for work once. I was born as a premature baby. Born February 9, 1983. I was 11 weeks early. This was very unheard of back in the day. I was in the hospital for the first three months after being born. My father would come to the hospital every day on his lunch break just to visit me, knowing that I  may not be around  the next day.  I had many health problems growing up. My lung capacity isn’t the same as the majority of other individuals.  That being said growing up, I couldn’t do all the activities as others.  It was tough, but as I grew up, I learned to adjust.  

  Growing up in a family that cared so much for my well being has been a blessing.  It’s been a blessing that I have personally taken advantage of in many ways. Like many of us, I faced challenges growing up. I went through many battles and obstacles in life.  As a teenager I rebelled in many ways. I can remember how I thought it would be cool to smoke a cigarette, not come home from curfew on time (or come home at all), go to parties that I knew wouldn’t be uplifting. These things carried on into high school, and beyond.  

  Five years ago I decided that I should be completely on my own. In 2005 I dropped out of college and was still partying. Two years later I moved in with a friend who had recently purchased a house. We turned it into a party house. I had become completely inactive with my religion. I felt free in a way. No more doing what others wanted me to do. I was doing what I wanted to do, and I enjoyed it. 

  Things went smooth for a few months. I then started noticing health problems reoccurring. I was having trouble breathing. I would wake up in the middle of night coughing and tying to breathe. Shortly after, I had then decided I should get into shape. I started going to the gym. I started going about 1-2 days a week, as I continued this, I would progress and go more frequently. 1-2 days turned into 4-5 days. I noticed as this was happening, my interest in my party lifestyle started changing. I didn’t have the desire or want to do certain things anymore. 

  If I could give advice to people, and have them remember what I have to offer them, I would say that you can accomplish anything. If you desire change in your life, start with something simple. If I would have just jumped into going to the gym right away, everyday of the week. I eventually would have given up, nobody likes change. Change requires effort. If you have a goal in mind, start it in a small portion for a couple weeks. Then take that goal and increase it the next month.  

  It is truly a great and amazing feeling you get when you accomplish something that you have put so much time into, and to hear people complement you on it is an even better feeling.

 Over the years growing up, and facing things on my own, I have met many people that have come to be influences, and life long friends. For me, changing (as is for anyone) takes obedience, and patience. Continuing to stay in shape and going to the gym has changed my life in ways I never imagined. It has lead me to choose a career path, brought me closer to family, and friends, brought me closer to my faith and religion, and has given me more confidence to complete other goals that I may set for my future. In 2011 I decided to give college another run. I felt that this was a big, and much  needed change. 

  At least once a week I will get someone coming to me in the work place asking me for advice on fitness. It makes me feel like I am accomplishing something. That feeds me even more desire to continue what I am doing. I love being an example to others. Whether it is family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers.  I know as individuals we can accomplish anything. We all need a little push. Find what that push is for you. What do you enjoy most in your life? Take that and feed off of it for the goal(s) you have. Don’t let go of it!  I can guarantee that if you take what you love as a motivation tool, you can, and you will accomplish what you want in your life.

  There is no such thing as the perfect person. Everybody has flaws, we all have our vices that we deal with on a daily basses.  It is common to slip into those habits again, because they are a part of what we use to be. We have the opportunity to change. Being a full-time college student, and working a full-time job has put a damper on my level of fitness activity. It is very stressful at times.  As much as I would like to (at the given moment) with such a busy lifestyle, I don’t have the time to spend two hours a day at the gym. I new this would be the case by taking my first full-time semester in college in over six years. So I decided to take a fitness class. Granted, it’s not the fitness class that I really desire, but at the same time it still allows me to keep myself in decent shape. I may not be at the gym building muscle every day, but I still manage on keeping myself healthy. I believe that setting goals is a positive motion that many don’t take advantage of. It will motivate you in ways you couldn’t even imagine. I hope that this finds interest in whomever reads this in the future, and can take this to heart. In closing, there is a quote that I would like to share with you from one of my favorite bands. I love sharing it with others because no matter what we are going through in life, there is always someone who has it worse. “Stay positive, and love your life” -311.

Do I dare talk about IT?...

That's right, dating! Where to start, Well.. I have been thinking a lot about my views and thoughts on dating the past month. I feel these things need to be said. What better place to share it then on my blog!

I find dating to be very challenging for myself. So many people at my work ask me why I am still single. Well.. I can think of a few things. I am not putting myself down by ANY means when I say this. Girls these days are looking for security, and comfort. I have made some choices and mistakes in my past, that put things on hold. Such as schooling. When it all comes down to it, it was my choice. We all have our vices we deal with. It took me longer then I wanted, to get in the position that I am today. I wouldn't change it one bit. I have learned many things from mistakes I have made, they have only made me stronger. I find it hard at times being 29, and just starting school (because of what I mentioned earlier, "security".) Most girls of the age 23 and above, are looking for a man almost done with school, and looking/in a career. (Again.. these are my views based on experience).

With security comes height of a man. Girls like guys that have an advantage over them, they don't want to be taller then the guy they date. it makes them feel insecure. Nobody wants to date someone who looks like they are 17. I am 29, and look like I'm still in high school haha. Good thing about this is I will look 20 when I'm 40 :)

I think a lot of people might relate to this part. I am going to share a bit about myself when it comes to me liking someone. If I am attracted to a girl, or interested in dating her, I will tend to hide my true self. (I think that's why everyone at work that knows me is taken back when they find out I am single)

It takes me a good while to warm up and become myself (we are talking like a few dates) Hence one of the reasons why it is hard to get a second, or third date.

When I meet girls and I am not feeling a connection. I am completely myself. That makes it hard for me because then they end up getting feelings for me down the road. That's not always a bad thing, but it has never worked to my advantage.

Another thing I have noticed with me in dating lately. I have started focusing on personality of an individual. (granted, I need to be attracted to the person). I'm talking about personal goals. Religious views. This stuff means so much to me, because it is what TRULY matters most in a person. Looks are the first thing to go, but personality, and values usually stay the same.

I set a age limit on dating. I will not date anyone under the age of 23.This rule is new as of this year. (you'll have to be very convincing if you want to date me haha) The reasoning behind this is.... I use to focus on trying to get the young girls. (because those are the ones that would show interest in me) I'm taking 18 and up. (so they say they are 18 haha). I would take what I could get. It took me a while to realize that these girls don't want what I want. They just want to play, and have fun! I don't blame them. Like all of us single people out there, I know we think about this often. If we just do what WE KNOW we should be doing, then when the time is right. It will happen.

Back in 2009, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second counselor in the First Presidency of the LDS church gave a CES fireside talk that I will never forget. I have shared this with some before, and I would like to share it with all you bloggers out there haha. Anybody reading this that is struggling with dating (or just for fun) I encourage you to read this talk. It might enlighten you they way it had enlightened me years ago.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&nav=160&sourceId=81e3f5036e881210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=43d031572e14e110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

Well.. I just wanted to mention a fw things. Now you all know my dating views, and where I stand.

Till next time

Much love!

Summer is creeping in! (Well...soon enough)

Hello again! SO... on my last post I mentioned that 4 things make me the person I am. On this post I want to talk about the last 2. Which happen to be music, and sports/athletics.

Back in February ( valentines day to be exact) I got really sick. I hadn't been this sick in a long time. I broke out in hives from head to toe for a whole week. it was horrible. I couldn't eat, and it was so hard to get comfortable. To make a long story short. During the time I was sick I lost 6lbs. It was mostly strength. The doctor put me on a steroid to reduce the swelling of the hives. Anyway.. Being on the meds for 10 days I gained about 10lbs. It all went to my belly haha. I'm sure you can imagine this little guy with a gut. It was the funniest thing. My roommates lived it up! Even my co-workers would point at my belly and laugh, it was pretty rad! My apatite was ridiculousness! I couldn't stop eating. If only I had pictures haha!

Well.. Before I decided to go back to school last year, I was going to the gym 6 days a week. When school started last August, It went from 6 to 3 days a week. Then 2 days a week. Then... I stopped going for about a month or so ugh.

The past month it seems I have let silly things get in the way of my personal goals. It's time to step it up a notch and kick it back in gear. I have been slacking a bit in my school work, and other endeavors (such as the gym, and being more active).

I have set some new goals for when the semester is over in things I want/need to focus on. I have started going back to the gym. I have gone 5 days a week the past 2 weeks. (Still trying to work off this little belly haha) I want to Maintain that through the rest of the semester and also through the summer. I need to set certain things aside for the rest of the semester, and really focus on my schooling. when summer arrives, I also want to get more involved in sports, such as basketball, wakeboarding, and anything else that catches my eye.

Another big thing I need to do is get my self more involved in music. Most of you all know how obsessed I am with music. I have put this off long enough! I want to spend more time playing my drums, and become more familiar with timing in music. I LOVE singing (Need to focus a bit on my vocals but hey). One of my favorite things to do is hang out with some friends and do our own renditions of songs of our choice. It's fun and rewarding in the end. 8 months ago I got together with my brother Kevin, and good friend Josh. We did a cover of a song from a band Called 'Rooney" The song is called "Can't Get Enough" (Now.. I have I big love, and variety for music. But I LOVE music that just makes you feel good, and want to dance!) I want to start writing my own material soon, but for now I need to focus on building other skills first. That will come down the road. I have done many covers and recordings with friends. But this one, is one of my favorites. We were up till almost 3am recording each part. My awesome buddy Josh mixed it all for us. If you listen with headphones you can hear all the little parts. You might have to give it a few listens. My favorite part is at the very end when Kevin says "there's nothing left to loosey?" Josh added a loop of vocals at the end that was bad cut. I (for some reason) combind 2 words into one HAHA, loose + see = loosey :) classic! The link bellow will let you listen to a recording we did last summer. This is a blooper remix. It has all the mistakes we made. But it sounds so fun! Kevin was on back up vocals, and shaky, and I believe guitar. Josh was on back up vocals, percussion, and bass. I was lead vocals, and (out of tune) piano. Check it! Enjoy! Good times fo sho!

I Can't Get Enough Cover (Blooper Remix)

It's been been a long time!

(I was 26 when I last did a post, this is me now at 29) Almost 3 years to be exact!! Let's do a brief update from where I left off.

I have been thinking the past few weeks about writing in a journal or something. I have been taking note of various friends doing blogs. It seems like a good place to really write down those thoughts that mean the most to you.

3 years ago I had just moved into a friends downtown salt lake. I LOVED every minute of it! My lifestyle was completely different. I couldn't make up my mind on how I wanted live life haha. I currently live in Lehi and travel to salt lake everyday for work. I miss living in Salt Lake for various reasons, but I was in need of a change, and had to take control of my life.

So.. I remember telling myself years ago I would NEVER live in Utah County lol. Well.. Here I am! Living out here has brought me closer to some siblings. I am currently enrolled at Utah Valley University and studying Exercise Science. I have been going part time this past year while trying/working 40+ hours a week. My hours have come down a bit this semester, but it is still a challenge. Next semester I will be going full time, so the challenges continue :).

There are 4 things that make me the person I am today. Family, The gospel, Music, and fitness/athletics. In this post I want to focus on the first 2.

I come from a close family. I love spending as much time with my family as I can. If it wasn't for family I wouldn't be in the position I am right now. They strengthen me in so many ways. I anticipate the day that I have a little family of my own. Till that day arrives I am the best uncle that I can be. It's funny to think that an adult can look at little kid as an example. I look at my little nieces and nephews and see them as examples. I know how much they love their uncles. And I can see how they look up to us. That to me means so much, and feeds me daily with strength to be a worthy example.

I work for a company in salt lake called 3form. I have worked their for 7 years. Many people there have watched me grow in a lot of different ways. I have gained many friendships that i know will last many more years down the road. There is this guy at my work who is a member of the church. He has been inactive for several years. We have had conversations over the years about his views on the church. He has watched me strengthen my testimony and seen my love for the gospel grow within the past 2 years. We went out to lunch Tuesday afternoon. After we sat down with our food, he went right in and told me how he and his girlfriend have been meeting with the missionaries. Our conversation went more in depth on how he has the want and desire to baptize his daughter and other goals he has made. It really made me feel good to know that he feels comfortable talking to me about these things. We continued our conversation about the church today about being an example. It's funny because the word "example' has been floating around through many aspects of my life this past month, even in dating.

This Wednesday morning I woke up at 4:30am randomly and I couldn't fall back asleep. So I opened up my scriptures and started reading. I read a chapter in Nephi then got up to get ready for the work day. I had the feeling all day that I needed to go to the temple. The work day was long, and tiring. I arrived home after 4pm. cleaned up and headed to the Mount Timpanogos temple. When I arrived I got out of my car and realized that I had left my recommend on my desk at home. I still wanted to go, but it was getting late and i was exhausted. I went back home and grabbed my recommend an returned to the temple. I had never been to the temple by myself. I did some initiatory work, then sat in the temple and pondered. I still didn't know why I had the urge to come to the temple until right before i was ready to leave. I felt comfort and new I made the right decision to be there.

It's really surprising to see the changes I have made in my life the past few years, and how they have led me to this moment.

I have been blessed this past month with opportunities to use, and acknowledge my priesthood. It has humbled me lately in so many ways I couldn't imagine. I love the gospel and I love my family. :)