Farmers of Men

Sometimes, O Lord, I question why
Life is full of thorns and weeds.
As the days go passing by
I find I'm mainly planting seeds.

A few will grow and harvest be;
Yet, most are chocked and killed by weeds.
O Lord, thy field please help me see,
The ground you have prepared for seeds.


When you get discouraged, just look forward in life. Continue with a prayer in your heart. Don't turn back to the things you leave behind. Just look forward to what lies ahead. The Lord has a plan and he will help us to "hasten the work of salvation" as we seek for His help and guidance.

What is Dignity?

Dignity: n. 1) impressive self-control of behavior in difficult situations. 2) self respect, a proper form of pride

So, last week, we had an interesting experience. We went over to visit a family we have been teaching. One of the father's friends was over. He suggested we speak outside.

He then proceeded to try to tear us down in every way. We just stood there and listened. He was far too heated to try to reason with him.

This got me thinking about what the Savior experienced. How did He handle situations like that? How about Joseph Smith and the early members of our Church?

As I stood there being called a liar, I was able to stand tall knowing that what I believe is true. I could think back on the poise and dignity of Joseph Smith and his beloved wife Emma. I knew that all I could do was represent the Savior and His love for all mankind.

Dignity comes from knowing who you truly are.

We all face adversity in life. We are all called to stand for what we know is right at some point or another. We all must choose to keep our dignity, to remember who we are.

What Shall We Give?

So this last week has been great! A lot of people have been asking if it is hard to be away from family at Christmas time. While I love you all dearly, it has amazed me how wonderful this Christmas has been so far. It is so nice to be away from all of the commercial distractions and just be able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

There have been so many people giving us little gifts and packages. As missionaries, we move around so much, we can't take much with us. So, it has been so much fun to look around to see who needs uplifting and a sign of care. While I have not been physically with my earthly family, I have rarely felt so close to my Elder Brother, my Savior, Jesus Christ and to our Heavenly Father as I have this Christmas.

Monday, Sister Asay and I organized a group of missionaries to go caroling at a nursing home. It was such an amazing experience. During our singing, I felt inspired to go around and talk to each person individually. There was one woman in particular that I met. Her name is Gene. She was so appreciative of our visit that she began to cry as she expressed her thanks. It was such a blessing to be able to see how our influence affected another soul so greatly. We went back to see her on Friday and plan to make our visits a regular occurrence. If you ever need upliftment in your life, go and help someone else.

This last week, I have been thinking about a scene from a movie called The Restoration. In it, there is a scene where Joseph Smith and some others are helping an older woman with some things. She says to Joseph, "It is awfully kind of you to help, but I still don't agree with your religion." Joseph stops, looks at her and just says, "Ma'am, that is my religion." Lately, I have been trying to be better at living that religion. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is patterned after the way He lived His life: losing Himself in the service of others.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you will join with me in remembering the true meaning of Christmas.

Don't forget that as fun as Santa Clause is, he is also a representation of the Savior. He is meant to remind us of the gifts that Christ has given us; thereby, prompting us to give good gifts to others.

I love you and your Savior, Jesus Christ loves you. May you always find joy in the service of others. <3

Divine Image

In the looking glass, I see
Something very strange

It seems quite clear to me

There's been a mighty change.

The longer that I peer, I find

That it's not me I see;

Is it only in my mind

That Christ stares back at me?

Am I really that divine?

Am I made in His image?

I blink and see the eyes are mine,

But the light in them is His.

The Ups and Downs

Just like every other week, there are ups and downs.

The Ups

The highlight of the week was probably the baptism that we had on Saturday. She was so happy, she was glowing. Everything about her just seemed radiant! I felt overwhelmed with joy just looking at her. I am so privileged to get to know her. She has strengthened me in so many ways.

The Downs

One of the biggest challenges of last week was probably just feeling down. Sometimes I just get those times where I find myself sad and it takes me a while to realize that it is because I miss my mom. She passed away last July.

Even when it is hard, I take comfort in studying the Plan of Salvation and knowing that she is with my two siblings that passed away, that she is resting from all her health problems, and that she is learning to appreciate the wonderful woman that she is. I look forward to getting to go to the temple at the end of this transfer. I can always feel her closer when I am in the temple. It has always been one of my favorite places; no matter what is going on in life, I walk into the temple and know that I am home.

Choose This Day

Often we get so busy with life that we forget to take some time to think. We may forget who we are, what truly brings us joy, or what it is we stand for. We may get caught up and choose to procrastinate things.

I know I had a period of time where I procrastinated making a big change in my life. I knew it was important, but it was too hard to do all at once -- or so I thought.

Eventually, I was brought low. I realized I had to make a choice in my life and I had to make it then.

Why wait? It will be so much easier to "Choose This Day."

Well, what are you waiting for?

A Loaf of Bread

Sometimes, it can be hard to feel so disconnected from the outside world. Especially when you have a tendency to worry about things...

One time, I was having a praticularly hard time. I felt alone. I confided in my companion some of my feelings, but that didn't make it go away. I prayed and prayed for the strength I needed. I asked for help trusting in the Lord and His promises. I asked for the peace and assurance from knowing that I was still important.

Nothing significant happened for a few days. I found some peace, but I still had to struggle.

Then, we went to the mission home to pick up some supplies. I was astonished to find that there was a package waiting for me. I thought it was from an old roommate, but upon examining the return address, I found I was mistaken.

It was from a family that I had never met. They were from my companion's home town, yet she did not even know them all that well.

I found inside the package some of my favorite things. Things that Sister Ward did not even know that I liked. Plus, she claimed to have no idea why they would have written me. Inside there was a simple note thanking me for my service and wishing me well.

That experience reminded me of a talk by President Monson.

I know that the Lord answers prayers and that each and every one of you matter to Him.