Saturday, April 30, 2011
Eternal Familes
One of the major blessings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is knowing that we can be with our families not only for this life, but for all eternity. This knowledge has been a huge blessing in my life as I have had some pretty significant trials with regards to my family, but I know that as my family keeps the promises they have made to God, everything will turn out for our good. Enjoy this cute little video on the blessings of eternal families.
Friday, April 29, 2011
I can do hard things!
Have you ever done something that you thought was really hard? How did you feel while you were struggling during the task? Yet, how did you feel afterwards when you accomplished the impossible task? I remember an experience I had a few years ago which I would like to share.
For a church youth conference (an activity where the young men and the young women would go for a couple of days and do some fun stuff), we were going on a hiking/rappelling trip in a place called Robber's Roost in Utah. I wasn't particularly excited about this trip but I decided to give it a chance. A lot of my friends were going anyways so I might as well go hang out with them for a couple days out in the middle of nowhere. We traveled down there and camped at the trail head the first night. The next morning, we were off and running. The first day was really fun. We were navigating through these slot canyons and squeezing into narrow passages and rappelling down steep inclines and all sorts of fun. Rappelling wasn't really my thing but I was doing ok with it. At the end of the first day was where the problems started happening. Utah was in a pretty good drought at this point in time, but we were assured that the areas where we were camping had plenty of water to drink. We get to our first campsite...and there's very little water. There was not nearly enough for everybody who was on the trip to fill up their water bottles. We managed to find a place where water was dripping off several places and placed our water bottles underneath the drops and prayed that in the morning our bottles would be full of water. A lot of them were thankfully and we continued on our way. This 2nd day was much Much MUCH harder. We were tired and sore from the hike the day before, we had very little water, a few in our group had injuries that prevented them from walking very good, and a hike that was supposed to be only 9 or 10 miles turned out to be more like 20. There was a few times when I didn't think that I was going to make it, yet when this thought came into my mind, so did another one. The theme of the trip was "I can do hard things." This gave me comfort and helped me keep one foot in front of the other. A scripture also came into my head found in the Book of Philippians: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13) http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4?lang=eng Needless to say, there was a lot of praying done that day. Yet, at the end of that second day, we made it to the campsite where, thankfully, there was plenty of cool water to drink. We had a little bit farther to go the next day and I had never been more thankful to see a car in my life. We had made it! It was really hard, and we almost gave up, but we made it.
In sports, we often see teams with a huge challenge in front of them. The same is true with my BYU Cougars in the year 1990 when we hosted the #1 ranked team in the nation, the University of Miami Hurricanes. This team the year before had won the national championship and it's not too often that really good teams agree to play in Provo. The game went back and forth until this play to put BYU ahead for good...completing the victory over a really tough opponent.
I know that we can do hard things. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered all of our pains. He knows exactly how we feel when we go through these hard times. If we turn to Him, he will be right there to comfort us and give us the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
For a church youth conference (an activity where the young men and the young women would go for a couple of days and do some fun stuff), we were going on a hiking/rappelling trip in a place called Robber's Roost in Utah. I wasn't particularly excited about this trip but I decided to give it a chance. A lot of my friends were going anyways so I might as well go hang out with them for a couple days out in the middle of nowhere. We traveled down there and camped at the trail head the first night. The next morning, we were off and running. The first day was really fun. We were navigating through these slot canyons and squeezing into narrow passages and rappelling down steep inclines and all sorts of fun. Rappelling wasn't really my thing but I was doing ok with it. At the end of the first day was where the problems started happening. Utah was in a pretty good drought at this point in time, but we were assured that the areas where we were camping had plenty of water to drink. We get to our first campsite...and there's very little water. There was not nearly enough for everybody who was on the trip to fill up their water bottles. We managed to find a place where water was dripping off several places and placed our water bottles underneath the drops and prayed that in the morning our bottles would be full of water. A lot of them were thankfully and we continued on our way. This 2nd day was much Much MUCH harder. We were tired and sore from the hike the day before, we had very little water, a few in our group had injuries that prevented them from walking very good, and a hike that was supposed to be only 9 or 10 miles turned out to be more like 20. There was a few times when I didn't think that I was going to make it, yet when this thought came into my mind, so did another one. The theme of the trip was "I can do hard things." This gave me comfort and helped me keep one foot in front of the other. A scripture also came into my head found in the Book of Philippians: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13) http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4?lang=eng Needless to say, there was a lot of praying done that day. Yet, at the end of that second day, we made it to the campsite where, thankfully, there was plenty of cool water to drink. We had a little bit farther to go the next day and I had never been more thankful to see a car in my life. We had made it! It was really hard, and we almost gave up, but we made it.
In sports, we often see teams with a huge challenge in front of them. The same is true with my BYU Cougars in the year 1990 when we hosted the #1 ranked team in the nation, the University of Miami Hurricanes. This team the year before had won the national championship and it's not too often that really good teams agree to play in Provo. The game went back and forth until this play to put BYU ahead for good...completing the victory over a really tough opponent.
I know that we can do hard things. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered all of our pains. He knows exactly how we feel when we go through these hard times. If we turn to Him, he will be right there to comfort us and give us the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Power of Unity
I've been thinking a lot lately on the subject of unity. The Lord has said: "...I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27) http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/38.27?lang=eng#26 What a powerful statement! If we are not unified, if we are not one, the Lord doesn't claim us as his own. There are so many people in the world who believe so many different things. Yet, the Lord expects us all to get along. He said: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
I thought hard about what I might share to explain what I'm getting about in terms of unity. You definitely have to be unified in sports. If you're not unified as a team(or with yourself if it's an individual sport), you won't win. However, while I was thinking of some totally awesome sports clip to share...something from my childhood popped into my memory. Now you may think it's silly, but I loved watching Saturday morning cartoons as a child. One of these shows was called Digimon. It's been so long since I've even heard of Digimon that I wonder how this clip came into memory, but it did. The clip I want to show is from the ending of one of the last episodes in season one. At this point in the show, the kids and their Digimon (creatures that they're paired up with) think they've defeated all the evil enemies that have been threatening their world (normal life), and the Digital World (some crazy other dimension) for good. However, they've still have one challenge left to face, and it's their hardest one yet. This evil monster introduces himself, destroys their crests (or the source of their power, which allows the Digimon to transform into stronger creatures), and transforms them all into data. We'll pick it up from there...
Yes, I know...a lot of it is really cheesy and weird, but keep in mind that it's a children's show. The message I wanted to get across is these kids were in a tough spot. All of the odds were against them. They were data, they had lost the source of their power so their friends couldn't transform, and there didn't seem to be much hope for them. Notice at the beginning how when they first become data, they're shown as individuals, but at the end, they're a team, and their power returned. Imagine what we could do as the family of God if we were all unified. What kind of power would we have? What sort of obstacles could we overcome? The love of the Savior will make it easier to overlook our petty differences and become united as children of God.
I thought hard about what I might share to explain what I'm getting about in terms of unity. You definitely have to be unified in sports. If you're not unified as a team(or with yourself if it's an individual sport), you won't win. However, while I was thinking of some totally awesome sports clip to share...something from my childhood popped into my memory. Now you may think it's silly, but I loved watching Saturday morning cartoons as a child. One of these shows was called Digimon. It's been so long since I've even heard of Digimon that I wonder how this clip came into memory, but it did. The clip I want to show is from the ending of one of the last episodes in season one. At this point in the show, the kids and their Digimon (creatures that they're paired up with) think they've defeated all the evil enemies that have been threatening their world (normal life), and the Digital World (some crazy other dimension) for good. However, they've still have one challenge left to face, and it's their hardest one yet. This evil monster introduces himself, destroys their crests (or the source of their power, which allows the Digimon to transform into stronger creatures), and transforms them all into data. We'll pick it up from there...
Yes, I know...a lot of it is really cheesy and weird, but keep in mind that it's a children's show. The message I wanted to get across is these kids were in a tough spot. All of the odds were against them. They were data, they had lost the source of their power so their friends couldn't transform, and there didn't seem to be much hope for them. Notice at the beginning how when they first become data, they're shown as individuals, but at the end, they're a team, and their power returned. Imagine what we could do as the family of God if we were all unified. What kind of power would we have? What sort of obstacles could we overcome? The love of the Savior will make it easier to overlook our petty differences and become united as children of God.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
New Testament...on Twitter???
Have you ever wondered how modern social websites like Facebook and Twitter would have been used at the time of the Savior's ministry? This video depicts what it might have been like. When I first saw this, I thought it was too powerful not to share, so I hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Do you believe in Miracles?
A couple of days ago, I posted a video from the Prince of Egypt featuring the song "When you Believe." I thought I'd continue on the subject of miracles. There are a lot of people these days who believe that miracles ceased with Jesus Christ and the Apostles. The prophet Moroni in the Book of Mormon disagrees. He says: "For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles. But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are...And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought? And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth." (Mormon 9:9-11,15-21)
There are many miracles that have happened in the world of sports, but only one that I can think of that actually has the term "miracle" in its title. In 1980, the Winter Olympics were going to be held in Lake Placid, New York. The United States team was made up of just young college players, who were very promising, but never had much experience at high level competition. Days before the Olympics, the United States challenged the Soviet Union, the world power in hockey, to an exhibition match, and lost miserably. This loss didn't discourgage the United States one bit. In their first game in the Olympics, they tied with Sweden 2-2 and beat heavily favored Czechoslovakia 7-3. Encouraged by their performance in their two toughest games, they won 3 straight games to advance from group play to the medal round, where they faced...you guessed it...the Soviet Union. In spite of an inspirational gametime speech from their coach, the United States fell behind early 1-0, but tied it up quickly with a goal by Buzz Schneider. The Soviet Union scored again, but Mark Johnson scored with 1 second left in the first period to make it tied 2-2. The Soviet Union dominated the second period, but only scored one goal, making it 3-2 going into the third and final period of play. Mark Johnson scored again for the United States, and then United States team captain Mike Eruzione scored to put the Untied States up 4-3 with 10 minutes left in the game. The Soviet Union tried desperately to score, but were unsuccessful. With 10 seconds left, the building counted down and with 3 seconds left, TV sportscaster Al Michaels said the famous phrase: "Do you believe in miracles?" This game has since been called the Miracle on Ice. The United States would then go on to beat Finland 4-2 to win the gold medal.
I know that miracles have not ceased. They still go on around us all the time. If we feel that they have stopped, it is because of our own unbelief. God loves us. He is a God of Miracles. He wants us to be happy and successful in this life. He also wants all of us, His precious children, to come back and live with him again. I know this is possible only through obedience to God's commandments, living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ when we make mistakes. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, for all that they have done and continue to do for me in my life.
There are many miracles that have happened in the world of sports, but only one that I can think of that actually has the term "miracle" in its title. In 1980, the Winter Olympics were going to be held in Lake Placid, New York. The United States team was made up of just young college players, who were very promising, but never had much experience at high level competition. Days before the Olympics, the United States challenged the Soviet Union, the world power in hockey, to an exhibition match, and lost miserably. This loss didn't discourgage the United States one bit. In their first game in the Olympics, they tied with Sweden 2-2 and beat heavily favored Czechoslovakia 7-3. Encouraged by their performance in their two toughest games, they won 3 straight games to advance from group play to the medal round, where they faced...you guessed it...the Soviet Union. In spite of an inspirational gametime speech from their coach, the United States fell behind early 1-0, but tied it up quickly with a goal by Buzz Schneider. The Soviet Union scored again, but Mark Johnson scored with 1 second left in the first period to make it tied 2-2. The Soviet Union dominated the second period, but only scored one goal, making it 3-2 going into the third and final period of play. Mark Johnson scored again for the United States, and then United States team captain Mike Eruzione scored to put the Untied States up 4-3 with 10 minutes left in the game. The Soviet Union tried desperately to score, but were unsuccessful. With 10 seconds left, the building counted down and with 3 seconds left, TV sportscaster Al Michaels said the famous phrase: "Do you believe in miracles?" This game has since been called the Miracle on Ice. The United States would then go on to beat Finland 4-2 to win the gold medal.
I know that miracles have not ceased. They still go on around us all the time. If we feel that they have stopped, it is because of our own unbelief. God loves us. He is a God of Miracles. He wants us to be happy and successful in this life. He also wants all of us, His precious children, to come back and live with him again. I know this is possible only through obedience to God's commandments, living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ when we make mistakes. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, for all that they have done and continue to do for me in my life.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
When you believe...
I read this really cool statement the other day. "Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith." That made me think of this song from the Prince of Egypt. There really can be miracles...when you believe.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tag Team Effort
Recently, I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the 3rd time on my mission so far. I have a deep love and appreciation for the Book of Mormon and the messages it contains. It truly testifies of Christ and of His mission as our Savior and Redeemer. It outlines the way we can get back and return to our Heavenly Father. It answers the question of what happens to us when we die. All this, the Book of Mormon answers and more. When I finished it, I realized that I hadn't read much of the Bible. I knew the familiar stories and some really powerful scriptures, but I had never really took the time to read much. I started with the New Testament and am enjoying reading about the Savior's life and the things that He taught while over with the people in Jerusalem.
At this point, some of you who have been following my blog for a while are wondering what on earth the Bible and the Book of Mormon have to do with sports...well...I'll tell you. The Book of Mormon and the Bible work hand in hand. They do not take away from each other and they don't add to what's being said either. Both contain the fullness of the everlasting Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ Himself. They make one great team in testifying of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His reality and divinity. Besides being a BYU fan (I think I've made that abundantly clear), I'm also a really big Utah Jazz fan. Those of you who are familiar with the history of the Utah Jazz know that not too long ago, they had one of the greatest, if not the greatest, 1-2 punch in NBA history. John Stockton was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1984 with the 16 pick overall in that years' draft. He played his entire career lasting of 19 years with the Jazz and is one of the greatest point guards of all time. He holds the NBA all time record of career steals and career assists while averaging a respectable 13.1 points per game and shooting 52 percent in his career. He retired from the NBA in 2003. A good chunk of Stockton's career assists went to his good teammate, Karl Malone. Karl was drafted by the Jazz in 1985 and quickly became one of the best power forwards to ever play the game averaging 25 points per game, shooting 52 percent, while collecting 10 rebounds a game in 19 seasons, 18 with the Jazz. Here are just a few of their many highlights:
The way Stockton and Malone worked together was a thing of beauty. It was almost as though they could read each other's minds on the court. It's the same way with the Book of Mormon and the Bible. They work together. They support each other and encourage people to read each other. I know that the Book of Mormon and the Bible to both be the word of God and the messages in them will help us get back and live with our Heavenly Father again.
At this point, some of you who have been following my blog for a while are wondering what on earth the Bible and the Book of Mormon have to do with sports...well...I'll tell you. The Book of Mormon and the Bible work hand in hand. They do not take away from each other and they don't add to what's being said either. Both contain the fullness of the everlasting Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ Himself. They make one great team in testifying of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His reality and divinity. Besides being a BYU fan (I think I've made that abundantly clear), I'm also a really big Utah Jazz fan. Those of you who are familiar with the history of the Utah Jazz know that not too long ago, they had one of the greatest, if not the greatest, 1-2 punch in NBA history. John Stockton was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1984 with the 16 pick overall in that years' draft. He played his entire career lasting of 19 years with the Jazz and is one of the greatest point guards of all time. He holds the NBA all time record of career steals and career assists while averaging a respectable 13.1 points per game and shooting 52 percent in his career. He retired from the NBA in 2003. A good chunk of Stockton's career assists went to his good teammate, Karl Malone. Karl was drafted by the Jazz in 1985 and quickly became one of the best power forwards to ever play the game averaging 25 points per game, shooting 52 percent, while collecting 10 rebounds a game in 19 seasons, 18 with the Jazz. Here are just a few of their many highlights:
The way Stockton and Malone worked together was a thing of beauty. It was almost as though they could read each other's minds on the court. It's the same way with the Book of Mormon and the Bible. They work together. They support each other and encourage people to read each other. I know that the Book of Mormon and the Bible to both be the word of God and the messages in them will help us get back and live with our Heavenly Father again.
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