Looking Beyond the Blue

I love the power that good wholesome music has to assist me in introspection and conveying my feelings, because it's a fact: I seriously lack effective communication skills. Here's some lyrics of a song that's been helping me out lately. It's called 'Beyond the Blue' by Josh Garrels.

And wisdom will honor everyone who will learn
To listen, to love, and to pray and discern  

We all go through times of trial. I for one bring most, if not all of my trials upon myself. But we can always learn from the opposition in our lives. There is something to be gained with each difficulty we face. If we are prayerful and open to God's understanding, He will give it to us. We will learn and grow.

And to do the right thing even when it burns
And to live in the light through treacherous turns 

 Doing the right thing, even when it burns. Who wants that?!? This could apply to so much, but for me, this has been speaking of forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness from Heavenly Father and from those I have wronged. But also imparting forgiveness to those who have hurt me, intentionally or unintentionally. Fortunately, the Lord has helped me to truly forgive all that have hurt me. It's not to just do the right thing on occasion though, but to turn to Jesus Christ and His example with every treacherous turn we face.

A man is weak, but the spirit yearns
To keep on course from the bow to the stearn
And throw overboard every selfish concern
That tries to work for what can’t be earned 

Yes, I am a very weak man. My weaknesses continue to be more and more apparent with each passing day. They strive to distract me and get me off course. I am amazed at how quickly God comes in, shows me my weaknesses, helps me to see the mistakes I have made, the problems I have caused, and gives me the chance to repent. He helps me to throw away every selfish, and self-centered thought. He helps me to get my desires in line, and gets me on track.

Sometimes the only way to return is to go,
Where the winds will take you 

I get myself in some pretty sticky predicaments. I distance myself from God with each mistake I make. Then, I try to fix things the way I want them to be fixed, not the way God has presented. The only way to get back closer to God is to submit to His power. It's to submit to His love. It's to go wherever He will take me and to do whatever He asks me to do, no matter how difficult it may be.

Jesus Christ, the Hope beyond the blue

And to let go, of all, you cannot hold onto
For the hope, beyond,the blue

 

In any situation we find ourselves in, we have the option to get better, or drag things out. We can analyze and dwell on things that have hurt. We can rationalize our behavior and justify our sins. On the other hand, we can honor wisdom, and learn. We do this by choosing the path of repentance, forgiveness, and hope for a brighter day. We can seek forgiveness from God, we can seek forgiveness from those we have harmed, and we can forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made. We can let go of the damage of the past, and move on. We can move closer to the Son, who is beckoning us from beyond the blue.

Don't You Quit!!!

Sometimes, life is tough. No, it's a lot more than tough. In fact, I often times get slapped so hard upside the head that I don't know which direction is up anymore! Albeit, I bring most if not all of my trials and difficulties upon myself through impatience, pride, and selfishness. Regardless of how opposition comes into our lives, what are we to do? When the burdens of life, with all it's twists and turns become more than we can handle, how do we keep from crashing? I testify that "for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are better days and good things to come."

 

No matter what our problems may be, it is the Savior and His teachings, the Gospel, that will help us the most. If we will learn to "trust in the Lord with all (our) heart(s); and lean not unto (our) own understanding..." the Lord will "direct (our) paths for good."(Proverbs 3:5-6) It may be difficult, but we must never quit or give in. I know from experience that there are better days and good things to come as I continually embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm able to learn, even if it's slowly, to let go of impatience, selfishness, and pride. Great things lie in store for you as well! So embrace it and be happy!

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Apostasy? Dispensations? What?...

God reveals His Gospel through Prophets. He has done this since the beginning of time. We read about it in the Bible. Did God love those people more than He loves who live in the modern day?




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Thank You Kindly Jesus!

I've been a bum lately. Why? Because I have been so ungrateful. I've been ungrateful to my family for the support they give me. I've been ungrateful to my fellow missionaries for the great friends they are. I've been ungrateful for the trials that I have been going through, which I know will make me stronger. I've been ungrateful to the Lord for all the blessings He gives me. I'm so pumped to repent!!! I'm going to start on my repentance right now by saying that I am grateful for my family, friends, and especially to the Lord for all that He has given me. Check out this video to see what random people on the streets of New York are grateful for.

 

What are you thankful for?

Mormon.org/family

How Can a Family Find Peace?

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” remains “a clarion call to protect and strengthen families,”-Elder M. Russel Ballard



Learn more of how the Restored Gospel can bless your family here.

Ryan 'Willie Mays' Hayes: Til' We Meet Again...

Ryan Richard Hayes-Miss ya buddy.

This past week, I received the sad news that one of my best friends from my childhood passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. So many things run through the mind when something tragic like this happens. My first thoughts turned to his parents, especially his dad Sean. Ryan is the light of Sean's life. He was his pride and joy. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and all who have been affected by this great loss. I just wanted to share a few of my memories of my brother from another mother, Ryan Hayes.

I have seen many Facebook posts and the like talking of how great of an athlete Ryan was. Saying that he was a great athlete is an understatement. He was one of the best to ever come out of Sandy, Utah. He was the game changer in many of our football games. A great memory I have is from our Alta Hawks days years and years ago. We were getting pummeled, and we could not get the ball moving down the field. Running the ball was our bread and butter, because Ryan was our half back. We stuck to the running game, but could not get the ball in the end zone. Ryan was so frustrated after a few attempts of getting to the line of scrimmage and then being tackled by a swarm of defensive players. He came back to the huddle and looked at me and started yelling "I can't do this all myself! Open the hole!!!". I was ticked off at first, but I then realized what he was saying. He was a great athlete, but he still needed the team (specifically us fat lineman) to block for him so he could have a chance to get the ball rolling. He got us fired up, and then we got that ball rolling. McDougal and I opened up a hole, and after he got a few yards pass the line of scrimmage, it was the 'Willie Mays' Hayes show. He darted off, made a few cuts, broke some tackles, and we were able to score and get on the board. Even though he was a phenomenal athlete, he understood that there is no 'I' in 'Team'. He built up his fellow team mates and was a leader that we all looked up to.

A few years later in life, Ryan, myself and my friend Josh were going through some pretty tough common family troubles. I will never forget the help that he gave me. He was always there, willing to help out in any way he could. Whether it was a phone call to go and hang out (and by hang out I mean chase the girlies), or just an invite to go and eat some grub with him and his Dad, Ry was always reaching out to try and help me. He had such giving heart. He would always ask me if I was doing OK. He worried about his friends and he wanted to see them happy and smiling. That was one of the things he did best. He could get the room laughing in no time. He helped me to get through that difficult phase of my life, and for that I will be forever grateful.

I remember seeing him just before I left to come out here on my mission. He looked so good. He looked better than I had seen him in years. He had so much life in his eyes. I told him I was coming on a mission, and he reacted in a way I didn't expect, although I should have. First off, Ryan was not a member of my church. While growing up, he and I actually made fun of the "Mormons" a lot. I thought he was going to crack the same old jokes and give me a hard time. After I told him what I was doing, he looked me in the eye and said, "I'm so happy for you man. Your going to be great out there. Don't forget me while your gone." I let him know that I would be praying for him and that I would see him when I got back.

  I have thought of him often while I have been out here. I was looking forward to the day when I would get off my mission and be able to see him. Now, I am going to have to wait for a little while to make that promise come true. I know that I will see him again. I know that with all my heart. I know that God loves him, and is taking care of him right now. I won't forget Ryan and the incredible person he is. I won't forget the love, respect, friendship, kindness, laughter, and hope he shared with me.

I love ya Ryan. I'll see you again someday. My life is better because of the friendship we shared.

Gotta Love That Freedom!

As the 4th of July quickly approaches and the smell of bbq's and fireworks begin to fill the air, I have reflected upon the significance of the word freedom. I opened my handy dandy dictionary and found a slew of synonyms that I like which read,  
  

"Freedom  emphasizes the opportunity given for the exercise of one's rights, powers, desires, or the like: freedom of speech or conscience; freedom of movement."

Here in the U.S., we see the 4th of July as the day we gained our freedom to live as an independent nation. We were free from many things. But the word freedom isn't reserved exclusively for those things that we are free from. It also implies that there are things that we are free to do. Elder F. Enzio Busche teaches us that choice and agency is freedom.

 I am grateful that I have the freedom to live, worship, and pursue happiness the way I do. I am grateful I have the freedom to choose what I want in this life. I am grateful for the blessings that come as I follow Jesus Christs example more fully. These are just a few of the freedoms I am grateful for. Comment below and tell me yours.