Oh, the People In My Life

My good brother, Jeremy Grider, was baptized just a few weeks ago. Since his journey into the Saviors kingdom, he has received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Aaronic Priesthood, and a Temple Recommend.  He has been called to be our sacrament coordinator as well. This young man is one of the most incredible people I know. I don't know how life would be without good ole Jeremy. He desires to serve a mission next September in 2014. The Lord gathers His elect, and Jeremy is certainly one of them!  Oh, the People in My Life.

That next week, Jeremy went to the temple for his first time. He mentioned the peace he felt in the Lords house. What sweet peace the gospel brings to seeking minds of truth. He's changed so much in the past few weeks, even to a point that he corrected me on an error I mentioned about the priesthood. He's taking the gospel of Jesus Christ and soaking it all in. What a blessing it is too see lives changed. Oh, the People in My Life.

A week after Jeremy's baptism was my great friend Lynsie Hojnowski's baptism. She has rapidly progressed, and her example continues to radiate light. I wish we had some pictures from her baptism. We're working on getting them from our Sister Missionaries. Lynsie Hojnowski is one special gal. Being invited to talk at her baptism about the Holy Ghost was such a humbling experience. Her family was there, which had a mighty impact on the words I shared. As I ended my remarks, I looked them all in the eyes and expressed from the depth of my heart that, "Families are forever." I showed them a picture of the temple on my phone and expressed that this blessing is available within the walls of the Lords House. What a mighty family! Oh, the People in My Life.

The week following Lynsie's baptism, was our good friend Mike's baptism. Mike is one of the most incredible people I know. The Sisters ran into Him on campus about a month ago, and now he stands as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He describes most of his experiences within the gospel as very peaceful. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost today, which was incredible. Mike is now a member of our Savior's Church here on earth. Brother Jeremy Grider was able to perform that baptism through the priesthood authority he has received. Can life get any better than this? Jeremy, Lynsie, and Mike... Oh, the People in My Life.

I testify that the smiles on their faces have came as a direct result of change, through Christ. We must go on in such great a cause! All God's children matter to Him, and the Church would not be the same without them, and it will only become stronger as more of His children enter into His fold! Share your testimonies, and change a life... In turn, your life will be changed. I couldn't imagine my life without these individuals. We are all part of a great big eternal family. 

Oh, the People in My Life!

2 Months Ago I Was There... Now I'm here

What if words could express the souls deepest yearnings? What kind of language would we speak?

I'm by no means a good writer, nor do my words give justice to the things my heart truly yearns to express. This blog is a symbol of my testimony, not an expression of my ability to put big words together. Simply put, this public journal will, at all times, describe a simple mans thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. I hope to share those "things which matter most". I personally feel, as do many others, that the people around us matter most. When Enoch (a prophet of God) was one day talking to the Lord, he asked Him, "How is it that thou canst weep, seeing that thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?" The Lord later replied, "Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; 33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood" (Moses 7:29-33). Our loving Father in Heaven weeps. Why? Because "love for thy neighbor" has waxed very cold. It was happening in Enoch's time several thousand years ago, and it continues on today. If our goal is to someday reach our eternal destiny, we would be wise to follow Him who knows exactly how to get us there. Taking the second great commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself", and never letting go. Making sure it always comes after the first, which is to, "love the Lord Thy God with all thy soul..." (Matthew 22:37-40).

My goal in life is to grow closer to our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. That is what I desire. And since that is the desire of my heart, I must share it. The Lord asks us to let our "light so shine", and if there is any light in me, I hope to let it shine through this blog. Might we all grow closer to Him who died to make men free. Someday hearing, "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). 

Today marks exactly two months since being back home. It's been a rough adjustment, but I now know why I'm here. That question I asked at the beginning, "What if words could express the souls deepest yearning?" Words can't express all that I feel, but I hope, that through my words, you might come to understand at least a little of what I feel. That which I feel, is my Saviors love. "I feel my Saviors love, in all the world around me. His spirit warms my soul, through everything I see. He knows I will follow Him, give all my life to Him. I feel my Savior's love, the love He freely gives me." (LDS Hymn, p. 74). That is what I feel. That is what I hope to share. This world needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ needs us. Is my testimony, in His Holy Name, even Jesus Christ. Amen.