Thank You Mothers Everywhere

Thanksgiving always gets me thinking about what I am grateful for. As I reflect back on my life and remember the things that I am the most thankful for, I always think first of my mother. This was my first Thanksgiving away from home so I contemplated even deeper the things my mother has done for me. I remember her waking up early to make me sack lunches for school everyday.

He Walked The Way Before

Back home I love to go backpacking. There is something about being in the outdoors. There is no civilization for miles. Nothing but you and nature. There is this one specific hike that I love the most. The trail is an easy hike. It crosses over a couple of rivers but it sticks to the valleys and easy roads to camp. On either side of the trail are huge mountains that stretch as high as the eye can see. It would be easy to get lost. With the tall mountains it would be difficult to find your way back. The terrain is rugged. Big boulders and glaciers are scattered everywhere. If it werent for that path the hike would be brutal. Each time I go on that hike I am so grateful for that one person who paved the way.

It Is Good To Fall Flat On Your Face

Do you know those experiences where you think you've got it all figured out but you soon realize the opposite? The ones where something just smacks you in the face and sets you straight. The ones where you are proud to say, "I fell flat on my face."

I Love Rainy Days

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

-Matthew 5:45-

So, the rainy season is coming up in Crescent City California. I hear that means that I will not get to see the sun for six months. I may regret saying this, but I love the rain. It always reminds me of that quote by Jesus. The rain is not just falling on me. It falls on everyone in the entire city. Everyone will get just as wet as me. That makes me happy. I do not worry about getting wet. I can suffer a little rain because I know I am not the only one stuck in the storm. This is important to remember. Everyone has rainy days.

The Beauty of Baptism

"After Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven said, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). We believe that God is also well pleased when each of us chooses to follow His Son and be baptized. He sees everything we do, knows us by name, and wants us to become clean so we can return to His presence."

(Mormon.org)

It is always a special occasion to witness one of Heavenly Father's children take that step of faith into the waters of baptism. The simplicity of this sacred ordinance is as powerful as the spirit that accompanies it.

To immerse oneself under water symbolizes rebirth. It is a statement to God that we are willing to follow His son Jesus Christ. He paved the way for us. If we truly seek to follow his example we will enter into the waters of baptism. That is the first step. As Paul states:

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life."
(Romans 6:4)

Baptism offers everyone a second chance. It is a fresh start. After baptism we have a clean slate. Our sins are washed away. God forgives us. After baptism we walk in newness of life. We become a new person. Everyone needs the blessings that come from baptism. It is the beginning of happiness in this life and eternal joy in the life to come.

The invitation is there. Come, follow Jesus Christ and be baptized into his church.



Strengthening Families

"This is no coincidence. God organizes us into families so that we can grow up in happiness and safety, and so that we can learn to love others selflessly—the key to true joy. Within the family is the best place to learn to love others the way Heavenly Father loves each one of us." (Mormon.org)

Families are important in Gods eternal plan for His children. He wants all of us to be happy and to develop strong relationships at home. Happy family life is most likely to be achieved when it is centered on gospel principles. When Jesus Christ is the center of our home a greater spirit of love can be found within.