Schooling Adventures

So it has been a while since I have updated the blog (other than Brian posting earlier today). A lot has happened. We now have all of our kids in school from pre-k to 5th grade! So crazy!

I had finished the Pathways Connect program which was so incredible. I made some great friends and had such a wonderful experience learning from so many spiritual giants. I am currently working on my certificate for Marriage and Family Studies from BYU-Idaho. There have been many times that I was on the bridge of quitting when I would come across a talk or something that would encourage me to change my mind. I am so glad that I have stuck in there! I have learned so much not only about marriage and parenting, but The Family: A Proclamation to the World makes so much more sense and I can see the value and wisdom in this document put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have noticed a change in my family situations. It's getting better than it had previously been.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been revealing new things since President Russell M. Nelson became the prophet since President Thomas S. Monson's death in January. I can definitely feel the Lord hastening his work. It is so exciting! Recently, President Nelson had said that there is much more coming next year and the year after. I am so excited to see what new things will be revealed! I'm so grateful for a living prophet. During last month's conference, President Nelson had given four invitations to shape the future and gather Israel.

1. Participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind.
2. Read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.
3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance.
4. Participate fully in Relief Society.

I have noticed such a difference in my home and family. Not to say that things were perfect but my relationships with my family have improved. President Nelson had said that as we do things, "changes, even miracles, will begin to happen."

So many wonderful things have happened as a result of following this counsel. I know that the Lord is aware of us and knows our needs. He has been my support through this new journey of going back to school. I know that he has a plan for us and will help us become the people he needs.

Happy Sabbath!

On the Shoulders of Giants

I've always felt that I had few of anything to share with other people. Unfortunately while looking through most of social media I've seen a trend of glorifying criticism. Looking back on the good influences on my life, most of them have been quiet hero's of faith. I don't know how much they ever realized how much of a giant they have been. I only hope that I can be as good to others as I they were to me.
My father was a good example of a faithful home teacher. He didn't seem to worry or fret about his regular visits to minister to families in the neighborhood. He just went out on his visits. He didn't always have a message prepared but he went anyway.
My older brother advised me from time to time. When I got my first set of scriptures my older brother marked his favorite scripture. At the time, I was annoyed that he had drew in my new scriptures. I look back on that with fondness now. While I was serving a mission in Louisiana he shared a scripture about the importance of bearing testimony of truth.
Over the years my mother cared about our faith greatly. She has shared with me the importance of family history. There is so many good people that has lead our family to live in a good place in a good way.
Even my older sister had some things to teach. In a round about way she taught me the value of not just doing what is right, but to appreciate the freedom of choosing to do right.
My younger brother taught me to be a better example to him. I might not have been the best of examples to him. I just hope that I have improved.
My wife has been an example of not living by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. She has lived by faith many times and came out conqueror.
While I was a boy I was taught about a good example of Moroni. Whose people were destroyed and he wandered the Earth alone, knowing the truths of God and not being able to share it without loosing his life. I was asked if I had what it takes to be faithful when everyone I knew turned away from the word of God. I think about that every time I feel alone in the world.
I'd like to express my gratitude to all the giants I've hitched a ride with over the years. I've gained strength from following Christ and being part of his restored church. With each new day may we come together back to the truths that we all knew when we lived together in God's kingdom.