Give Service

This last week has been entirely insane, from car shopping, to some family stuff, and then Ashley's soon to be sister in law's husband was killed in a car accident on Friday night, and Heidi's roommate is also having some health problems. Truly, when it rains it pours! So I have felt out of wack, per se, this last week. Just with so many different things going on from tragic, to troubling and sad, to anxious and excited, exhausting and thrilling.

More than anything I needed a Sunday - but I have noticed something this last week or two. I am not as happy as I used to be. There seems to be something missing, and the trouble is I know exactly what it is. For one, I have not been reading my scriptures as I should have. Which has been since the beginning of the year, and has just gotten worse! I need to buckle down and get it done. Figure out a plan and stick to it! Satan is just so good at putting little things in your way to distract you - I need to get shampoo, out of milk, work... and so on. So, I am going to do it this week - I must!

But, even more than reading I have noticed how miserable it is to simply serve yourself. I think the reason that missionaries re so happy is because they spend so little time thinking about themselves, but it is so easy to get into the mode of just getting your life in order - but you know what i have figured out, your life will never be in order! There will always be something you need to do - one more load of laundry, dishes, and errand to run, the gym, the post office, work, etc - none of that will ever end, and so it is not okay to just give service when it is convenient but we need to do it regularly, consistently, daily. Just as we are commanded to read and pray - we must serve every day. So that will be my main focus this week - how can I be of more service to others.

New Car

Finally after a week of car shopping, test driving 20+ different vehicles, spending countless hours haggling with car salesmen, and more stress than I needed - it is official... drum roll please.... Mini Cooper S.



There are few times in my life that I will actually be able to drive a car like this, so I took advantage of it and got a killer deal (always shop end of the month!). The car is practically new - 2008 with 6,000 miles on it - it's a six-speed, which will likely get me into trouble fast, although I have noticed (comparing my GPS speed to the odometer) that the odometer tells you faster than you are actually going, so whether that is on purpose or not I appreciate it! It took nearly 4 hours yesterday to decide - with a close call that I would not be getting it due to a possible accident that was in the car, but it seems that it was false and somehow got picked up on a car check thing. We have till Monday at the close of business to have it looked at by a body shop and return it if that is the case (pray that its not!).

So, now the real test will be my dating life - my cousin swore that it would cut my single life in half, so now we will have to see what happens! Honestly, either way I'm good - I may not want it to cut my single life too much as that means I may not be abel to drive it as long!

Car Shopping

I don't think I detest anything more! You know shopping for a car seems like a fun things to do. You can test drive all sorts of cars, some of which you would never buy and can't afford, and then all the others that you are comparing, etc. Let's just say after two days I am done! And still haven't found one!

Here is the debate: I have always thought I would get a CRV. I love Honda's they're awesome cars, they run forever, they're very reliable, and affordable. Well, from my research - looking at 2007 EX-L models they run between 18 - 22K. And a brand new 2010 is about 26K. It is amazing how well they retain their value. While looking for CRV, which by the way are nearly impossible to find. Even on KSL there are only a handful listed, and the Honda dealership I went to yesterday had 10 backordered! CRAZY! So, since we were looking - we started looking at Mini Coopers. They're about the same price point, especially when we look at 2007 models. And for my life right now - commuting from Provo to Salt Lake (about 40 miles one way) daily and single - they're a great fit for me. Not to mention they're cute and a thrill to drive!! They are so much fun. And the one I looked at only has 6,000 miles on it, it's a 2008, listed at 19K.

So the debate is between reasonable, functional and reliable with a proven track record or a nice car (Mini's are made by BMW), reliable, but a hell of a lot of fun, which I will not likely be able to purchase later in my life as it would be completely impractical. And so I weigh the options - I am currently in the Pro and Con lists, if you have anything to add please let me know!

What's the likelihood?

So, I was with Meredith again tonight - okay maybe we are both just losers, but together were not! So, it is my typical 24 night so I was in charge of dinner, but after a 90 minute commute I was late and grumpy. So I ran to Smiths with Meredith - she kept my mind together otherwise we would have walked out without cabbage for cabbage salad, so thankfully she came with me. Well, we are grabbing the cabbage and see Elder Ahrendsen, go figure! Truly what is the likelihood of running into two Elders from the mission in two days... looks like this week could be crazy, wonder if we can make it 3 for 3.

Read tomorrow and see if we hit 1 in a million when we run into another Elder from the mission...

Target, FHE, and "the shirt"

So, yesterday Meredith (translation: Sis. Walch) and I went to dinner, but we had to stop by Target to get a few things. So we are on the way out talking about how we will never shop at Wal Mart again, and we go to leave... run right into Elder Whitaker, who got home on Wednesday and was holding hands with a girl! I am pretty sure we wet our pants! What a small world it is.



After dinner we had FHE, and Eric (co-teach temple prep with him) and I planned our lesson for Sunday, than it was off to Chris' to get my new training schedule - full on for the half marathon. Well, since I have been taking pictures in 'the shirt' all week, i figured he would be a good person to take a picture with, well lets just say I have never had such a positive reaction to the shirt, in fact he wishes he had one too! Well, that was a first - since everyone else tells me... well, not so positive things. So, Tom if you find the shirt again please buy two smalls. (I was having fun with the photo editing)

Old Mission Companion

Finally got back to Provo super late last night, and crashed. Then I took a four hour nap - thank heaven my sister offered to make dinner! Although when I got over there to help her I made the dessert - cream cheese filled pumpkin muffins! Yep, I am pretty amazing! Both, Ashley and Heidi, were quite surprised that I actually cooked something - and frankly I was too! As a quick note, I began teaching temple prep, I have a co-teacher, Eric, who is awesome and I am super excited to teach with him. The class was very ready to learn and we had a great spirit in the class! I reckon i am going to learn so much in that class!
Back to dinner - my MTC companion came, Sis. Meredith Walch! It was so fun - and we talked forever! I really haven't seen too many people from the mission since most of my companions are still on the mission and I am not really big into the whole reunion thing, although it looks like a bunch of us are going to get together this weekend so that will definitely be interesting. While me and Sis. Walch were only companions in the MTC we actually served in several of the same areas which was so cool to hear what happened there after I left - there is no doubt the Lord has poured out blessings on so many people I was able to have contact with and teach. This picture is for Bro. (Tom - he wants me to call him Tom, but I still find it very difficult) Pottorff - he would wear this shirt all the time. Every time we went over to his house he had it on! Well, thankfully he had two, because there is no way it could have been clean that often! Well, out of love - which some may question - he gave me one! I pretty much love it. And think it is awesome! And he has been wanting me to send him a picture with me in the shirt since I got home, so this week you are likely to see more of these pictures as I will be taking one everyday in a variety of activities with different people - the best part of the shirt is seeing people's reactions!

The Calverts

Well, the greatest part about coming to Arizona was that I was able to see my cousins Chris & Camille! Camille picked me up this am at my hotel and we went to her house - which is beautiful! Their neighborhood is how you picture Arizona - desert, in fact Camille told me they are not allowed to have grass in their yards, it has to be natural desert landscape - which is actually quite lush, not lush like you think of a jungle - but there are lots of desert plant everywhere and the way that the houses are designed it blends right in and you really feel somewhat secluded which I reckon is a plus!
Their kids are adorable! Calahan is two and full of energy! I don't know how kids have so much energy, I really wish I could capture that in a bottle and drink it every morning! It would be so helpful - and would certainly help the mid afternoon drag, which currently requires a little diet coke! And Crewe - this was the first time I was abel to meet him. We walked into the room where he was sleeping, and he woke up when we came in. He was adorable! And played shy - he's a little flirt! He is adorable and so cute! You just want to squeeze him! It was such a joy to see them and get caught up on their life - I feel like it has been forever since I have seen them!

It is so wonderful and such a blessing to have an incredible family! I wouldn't change it for the world!

Direct Mail

I know it's a dirty word. I spent all day learning about it, talking about it, and understanding more of how to do and why we do it. I wish I would of had more of a discussion about direct mail and what we are looking at exactly what plans have been made as of now to do it. I definitely have a lot to do when I get back. Which is overwhelming, but also very exciting! I like to be busy! There are so many pieces of direct mail that I never thought about - like simply tracking the success and knowing what works - wether it is an envelope, a signer, a stamp, a premium, a list... and on and on. There are so many different things you have to think about and consider it is incredible!

I am so glad I was able to come here and get a big birds eye view of the whole process, mostly because I don't think I could have gotten it any other place. And now I have a good idea of what a successful direct mail program needs to look like. Prospecting mail seems complicated enough, I am afraid keeping up with House file mailings will be hard enough - so we will start out one piece at a time and grow from there. I do like that I am fairly certain I will be over this, which is nice to have a project for me to do and pretty much start from scratch. I am a bit worried about suggesting a new database - but I just don't think that the one we are using is going to work...

'Sunny' Arizona

Well, I got up 4 am this morning to go to Arizona - beautiful,sunny Arizona. Well, it has been anything but. In fact today and tomorrow they are supposed to get more rain than they typically get in a year! This is typically how my life goes! But other than the weather - it has been great to be down here. I came for a State Policy Network Direct Mail conference, as I will be over most of the direct mail at Sutherland. It is quite the process and project! Yes, all those annoying mailers you get in the mail asking for money, petitions, etc. - I will be sending them to you! I never thought that I would get in to this type of fundraising, but as I have learned more about it and been here it is actually quite exciting and I think I could be pretty good at it! Noted - I have yet to actually see a direct mail piece through start to finish, but I think my writing style, attention to detail and no pre-conceived notions of what I feel it should be, along with some experience with our Family Foundation giving money it make take some time, but I am determined to be good at it!

Viewmont Hockey

Well, I am still reveling in a win in Massachusettes - I was told today, the two most beautiful sounds in the world: A child laughing and a Democrat conceding. DREAM! Now, the process begins and we will see what happens with Healthcare - I would not put it past Congress to ram it through the House with the reasoning of its this or nothing.

But tonight we had another victory to celebrate - almost as intense and important as the race in Massachusetts.

This is my amazing brother! I am seriously going to miss watching him play when they move to Detroit!

Viewmont v. Davis battling it out!

Viewmont Victory!

The final score

And why I love hockey so much, okay one of the reasons - after hitting each other, and throwing each other against the boards, shaking hands.

The People's Seat

Massachusetts actually elected a Republican! It is absolutely amazing! I got from work - after tentatively watching the news all day - and turned on the TV to see... and there is was Sen. Scott Brown giving his victory speech! I was jumping up and down - and celebrating, and a few of my roommates got home about that time - yes they thought I was completely crazy! But, they aren't the first to be exposed to my obsessive political behavior! It's amazing, and a great blessing. I don't know that one man will be able to derail Healthcare or the Socialist agenda of our current leaders, but it will certainly put a cog in the well oiled machine! From what I have seen of Sen. Brown he seems like a good down to earth man, even commenting that both his daughters were single and available during his acceptance speech on Tuesday night! I would no doubt kill my father for saying such things - but it shows a side of him that I appreciate in a politician. And he is no doubt quick on his feet! From his comment about the People's seat, comments on his possibility of running in 2012, etc. He will no doubt be one to watch for a good sound bite!

Jack Bauer

Yes, it is that time of year again - the air is fresh, crisp, with a bit of a chill - and season 8 of 24 begins! I watched the first two hours tonight, yes I am a day behind. But, I did not want to watch it on Sunday and the fact that you can watch pretty much any television show online now is awesome! And I spent the money on all the cables to be able to hook up my computer to the television, so I better get good use out of them! I reckon I may always be a day behind given that I need to go to FHE - as I made a commitment to always go after having the calling and realizing how hard it is!

So, I am excited for another season! And I do have to say up to this point, including season 7, I am proud to share the name of Allison with the current President Taylor. It is looking like it will be another action packed and suspense filled season! I get way too into this - but I really only follow one television series, so I reckon its okay!

Missionary Work

It seems that many of my Sunday posts pertain to missionary work - I hate to be that person that always talks about their mission, but I realized today why I love missionary work so much and always seem to come back to it.

The church has a three fold mission:
1. Perfect the Saints
2. Preach the Gospel
3. Redeem the Dead

If you think about it - every one of these has to do with missionary work. Missionary work to, missionary work to non-members, and missionary work for the dead. Everything that the church is based around is missionary work - and the basis and purpose of missionary work is to save souls. That is what we are here to do - to get ourselves, our families and those around us back to the presence of our Heavenly Father. That is our purpose. That is our mission. Whatever role you find yourself in you can do missionary work - whether it be within your own family, your friends and neighbors, or those that have already passed on, it is our duty to proclaim the gospel!

“That is your mission, my brethren and sisters of the Church, that is your responsibility. Freely you have received and our Heavenly Father will expect you freely to share with His other sons and daughters these glorious truths”
“We will attain our exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom only on the condition that we share with our Father’s other children the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and observe the commandments that will enrich our lives here and hereafter”
President George Albert Smith

New Calling

Well, I met with the Bishopric this evening - which has been quite the adventure in this ward. Last semester I was called as the ward greeter... Let's just say I was less than thrilled and had a hard time accepting the calling. But, after my parents laughed at me and I got a few other "what? you must be joking" I accepted it. Then a week later I was called in again - I thought it was because I didn't come to church the first week I was supposed to be the greeter - it was the primary program at home and there was no way that I was going to miss that! But, I was given another calling - FHE mom. That is the hardest calling in the book! I loved it though - it was difficult and I don't think I did as good of a job as I could have, but I am really going to miss it! I will admit I won't miss the greeter calling too much... Sorry Bro. Park - I know you were hoping it would be my favorite calling!

So, to say the least I was a bit nervous as to what they could possibly be calling me as this time - or if it was even for a calling. Well, for better or worse I was called to teach Temple Preparation. I left feeling overwhelmed, humbled, excited, and very grateful. It seems that there are actually quite a few people that I know ho are preparing to go through the temple or recently went through the temple, so I am very grateful that I have been given this opportunity to learn more about the temple, and since I didn't take the course before I went it will be a good way for me to learnt he material.

I love the temple! I am so grateful to live in Utah where no matter where I am there is a temple less than 30 minutes away! What an incredible blessing! When I returned home from my mission I felt strongly that I needed to go to the temple every week - and if I missed a week I needed to make up for that. I am so grateful that I have been able to keep that goal - especially given this new calling - as my testimony of the temple has grown immensely. I am so grateful for the peace that can be found there. I am grateful hat God has designed a plan for his children to return to live with him again. I am also grateful to be able to go so often because I am able to actively involve my self in missionary work still. While it is on a much different level than being a missionary is - I am able to receive the same blessings and feelings when I attend for those who have passed on.

Letters

I love getting mail! I don't know who doesn't! I mean real mail - actual letters from real people that you want to hear from! I especially like getting mail from missionaries - one because it allows me to vicariously live through them, and secondly they are always the most inspiring letters. I always want to be better, do more, become more like God after I read them, and it helps me to refocus my life, put it into perspective.

Yes, I got a letter from Elder Pottorff today! My mom called and said "you have a thick letter here from the MTC" ::glee:: I was very excited. And it was thick - the pathetic part was that to write back took me all week! I 'talk' too much! But, I realized something - I really enjoy letter writing. I wish we did it more. There is something about putting your thoughts down in a letter that is very rewarding. I don't know that i can put a finger on it. As I write I am able to put thoughts together - although they are not always perfectly cohesive, they come together. And then you have an actual record of it that you are able to read and reread - I think letter writing is probably much like journal writing for many people, but I like to know that it is actually going to go to someone - for them to read. That probably sounds crazy to most people, but for those who know me my life is an open book anyway!

Half Marathon

Well, I met with my trainer tonight and I am getting read to run the Utah Valley half marathon! Many of you know that I have wanted to run a marathon for a long time and was planning on running the Ogden one. Well, due to my knees and back my training was delayed and then I didn't sign up in time for the Ogden marathon. Well, I hung out with my friend Jane over the weekend and she wanted to do the half marathon - so I thought that would be perfect! It is on June 12th. The good part is it is a steady downhill all the way the bad part is, it is basically a long straight away. Through Provo Canyon, and then all the way down University Avenue from the mouth of Provo Canyon to Center St. So I will mentally have to get over that one, but I think I do it and it will be good to have a friend there too. So for now, it means basically hitting the gym twice a day - in the morning for weight lifting and in the evening for cardio. But it should all be worth it in the end and hopefully my knees will hold out and I can still run a marathon!

Mission Reflections

While I did print pictures from my mission after I got home it was not until today that I really looked at them and put them into an album. Wow. I don't know that there are really words to express the gratitude I feel having the opportunity to serve. It was no doubt one of the happiest times of my life. As I looked at the pictures and thought about my companions, those whom we had taught, those who were baptized, those who were not, I was overwhelmed with joy! So many times I think I know what I need to be doing, and how to direct my life. I have had my life planned out since I could walk. I have always known what i wanted to do and knew how I would accomplish it. A mission while I had at some point in my life felt that I wanted to go, as the time drew closer it was as far from my life plan as it could have been. And after submitting and going on a mission I cannot imagine having not gone. There are countless numbers of people whom I met that have changed my life forever. To name each one by name and explain the effect they have on me would take a life time. They have changed me. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for nor giving up in all of stubbornness. He continued to persuade, motivate, and ultimately push me to going on a mission. How grateful I am for Him not listening to my resounding "No!". Below are a few pictures and thoughts...


The MTC. I had the most amazing companions - Sis. Biddle and Sis. Walch! They got me through those three weeks, I don't know that any other companions would have. They were so positive and happy you couldn't help but smile when you were with them! I remember when I was having a particularly hard day, and they sang my favorite song. They have incredible voices and beautiful harmony. That song put everything into perspective for me that day.


Leaving my first area, Frisco and my trainer, Sis. Olsen. I learned so much from Sis. Olsen, she had trained nearly every transfer of her mission, I was grateful I did not have to do that! Hope, was a less active member that lived around the corner from us. We called her to feed us dinner one night, she was so sweet. With all the missionaries she uses brand new silver ware. It sounds kind of silly and crazy, but I remembered when Elder Holland had come to the MTC and told us that they look at us like Superheroes - they really do. I was touched that she would use only the best, cleanest for us - whom she saw as perfect, and knowing that I was far from it.


Sis. Avila. For anyone that knew her, enough said! We served together for four transfers in Mesquite - the hood for sister missionaries. She was my hardest companion and became my favorite! I don't think either of us remember much of why we didn't get along in the beginning, other than me tackling her to the floor once. Mesquite was a hard area, but we saw miracles there. During our lowest point in the area we visited a member to as for a referral it became one of two baptisms we had together. I learned more about myself being her companion than anyone else. For Halloween, Bro. Holland made us these costumes and we walked up and down Town East (the main road through Mesquite). Sis. Avila was the Book of Mormon that day, I am fairly certain she narrowly escaped cars hitting her on multiple occasions!


Sis. Joseph - I had the honor of training her. She was amazing. I would have to say, I don't think I was as good of a trainer as she probably deserved. And unfortunately I was sick most of the time we were together. We served together for three transfers in Mesquite - yes that makes it seven total transfers in Mesquite and as many can attest to I was devastated to leave! Sis. Joseph was the hardest worker. The first day we were together she contact don her own ten people! She had no fear! She pushed me to be better to strive for more and helped me remember why I was there. When you hit your mid-mission crisis it is always nice to have someone who will push you beyond what you want to give, and she did that for me!


Sis. Keys and Sis. Blickfeldt - they are incredible! Sis. Blickfeldt and I served in Sherman together for three transfers and Sis. Keys moved up with us for the last four weeks of my mission. Which was the greatest blessing as I had nothing left to give - I was exhausted, sick, and it took everything in to just keep going. Sis. Blickfeldt is incredible! We were no doubt friends in the pre-existence! She had incredible stories and a testimony as solid as rock. We saw so many miracles together! I don't think there was one day that really went by when we did not see the Lord's hand clearly in our work. We got the wards excited about missionary work, less actives to church, and had tons of fun doing it! I absolutely love her!


I think this sign should be on the back of every missionary car! That is exactly what we do! I saw more people come out of the darkness, the world and sorrow to true and lasting happiness! To see the look on their faces when they realize that its true. My favorite thing was to see the way that they changed over the weeks that we visited with them. Every time we would come back there would be more light, more happiness, more truth in their countenances. I reckon the same was true of me, the longer i was on my mission the happier I was. The more I realized what exactly we were doing there. I wish more than anything I could do it all over again knowing what I know now. I would no doubt be a better missionary.


Coming home was the hardest thing I had to do on my mission. There are few words that can explain what you are feeling as you board the plane to come home. You are excited and depressed at the same time! It's like entering back into a world you have not known for years and yet they have known you. I imagine it is a lot like people explain dying and their life flashing before their eyes. You think about everything that has happened - from the beginning to the end. And then you see your family... there is nothing like it. You want to run to them on the one hand and you want to run away on the other.

Ashley's Engaged!

Yes! Believe it or not - Ashley is finally engaged! The moment finally came! We are very excited, as this has been anticipated for a while now. His name is Taylor Millet, he is from Seattle. He will be graduating in computer science in April, so it looks like we will be planning a wedding for the end of April. Ashley was completely oblivious! He proposed at the Museum on campus. He had the ring (which he got at Wal-Mart, with a 90 day return policy in order to go and pick something out that she wants and not spoil the surprise, very impressive!) set up as an exhibit with details explaining that it was designed by Sam Walton and given to Ashley Holmes. Her reaction - turned and told Taylor "that's so crazy, he gave this to someone with my same age!". We are thrilled to have him in the family!

Iron Chef

One whole week of work down, soon enough I will be an old timer to the job! Things have begun to pick up and I am even putting together a 'poll' for our donors to find out more about them. Who knew that I would be doing more polling in my career - special thanks to Scotty for getting me in the Exit poll class my last semester and for Dr. Patterson and Monson for teaching me so much! Now I get to put actual knowledge I learned in school to the real world - I think this is the first time ever! At least one class was worth something! I am also excited as as the legislative session is coming up soon which is always my favorite time of year.


One political note today. One of the openly lesbian representatives here in Utah is pregnant. She was artificially inseminated and is carrying the baby, which is technically hers, for a gay couple. Reading the article made me sick. I am shocked by how far the world has gone in accepting and believing that this is okay, and in fact normal and should be done more often! The fact is that this is not natural. This is the breakdown of the family. The family - a mother and a father who together have children. There is no doubt that the gay agenda wants to destroy this. It is necessary that we everything in our power to stop it. We are no doubt living in days that are much like Sodom and Gomorra. When evil is called good and good is called evil.

I hung out with Jane tonight! I just love that girl! We were roommates prior to me leaving on my mission, and we had the perfect system she would cook and I would clean. Well, she cooked a wonderful meal last night while I talked and talked and talked - yes it is what I do best! And then I cleaned up. We had tons of fun, and as we were talking she told me she had never seen the Iron Chef! Which, if you haven't seen you need to! It's on the Food Network usually around midnight, but you can also watch it on the computer. She loved it and we had tons of fun!

Go Texan

Today I went to Costco! I reckon you can get anything there - jeans, tops, shoes, socks, running clothes, DVD's, CD's, food, samples, and anything else you can possibly imagine! I love when I get a compliment on something like jeans and I tell people its from Costco and they look at me like I'm crazy! Well, me and my sister Heidi had absolutely no food. We were looking for produce and I found Texas grapefruit! I reckon I ate grapefruit every morning for 9+ months on my mission! It is the best! And since I bought it at Costco one bag could possibly last me 9 months!

New Shoes

So, this may sound silly, but getting new shoes was a tender mercy from the Lord! This actually happened last night, but it was after I had already posted and not much happened today. My friend called me and asked me to pick her up form the airport at 8 pm, which was nice since I could go home for dinner and get a few things I needed. Well, I went home and there was also a letter from Elder Pottorff and Sis. Key. Which was exciting! And Elder Pottorff had forgotten runners and a towel - boys! Well, I figured I would just pick up the stuff after work today. After a delicious dinner I remembered I had seen to most beautiful red pumps in Layton, and since I was at home I was close enough to get them! Happy Day! Then, as I was driving I realized I could also pick up shoes for Rob (Elder Pottorff - that is just really long to write). Brilliant! So not only was I able to pick up my friend Angela, but I also got a letter form Rob - picked up what he needed and was able to get it to the MTC today, and I got new red shoes! What a brilliant night!

The Smell of a Campaign in the Morning

I went up to the State Capitol this morning. I love that building! Just being up there makes my heart begin to beat faster and a sense of excitement flow through my body! (yes, I know I am crazy!) There was a press conference this morning, for Mike Lee who announced that he will be running for Senate against Bennet. Former Governor Bangerter as well as former Congressman Hansen introduced Mike, which was followed by his remarks, and then the Attorney General, who had previously been running for the Senate seat, but dropped out a few months ago, closed with an endorsement.

Should be an interesting election year!

Highway Patrol & 2012 Presidential Nominee

Well, I went back to work today. Things are beginning to pick up, and I am excited for the upcoming events and projects. On my way to work I was driving along and suddenly traffic slowed dramatically... yep you guessed it a Highway Patrol officer. So I maneuvered past the traffic going 71 MPH. Not too fast and certainly slower than traffic had been going prior to his presence. Next thing I know he turns the lights on... yep he pulls me over! Grrr... I was speeding, but there were other that had passed him going much faster in the carpool lane, well I was in a bit of a hurry to get to work, so I pulled out my wallet to get my license, he came to the window and says you know you passed a marked Highways Patrol going 71, Yes. Then he tells me that this is a problem because it tells others that they can speed - so I begin to pull out my license and he says, No I don't want to see your license, just try to stay as close to the speed limit as possible. Really, I mean I am grateful he didn't give me a ticket, but it all seemed kind of silly like he was just bored.

On to better things - political things! : ) Today at work we met with the former Governor of New Mexico (a Republican believe it or not!) Gary Johnson. It was a somewhat strange meeting. He introduced us to his website/organization. if you want to check it out, its ouramericainitiative.com. Basically it looks like he has developed this group in order to get a platform established and then run on it in 2012 for the presidential bid. So, if your interested you can check it out. He is more of a libertarian than a Conservative, but definitely interested in running, so he is someone to keep your eye on!

The Restoration

Sunday's are an interesting thing. I love them. Especially fast Sundays when you are able to hear testimony and bear testimony. Today I was profoundly touched by the message of the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and humbled to live in such a time. We are living at a time when the world is becoming increasingly wicked and the Jesus Christ will come and rule and reign. It is time when we must live and know if the the gospel is true. We must come to that knowledge on our own. We must be able to stand and bear testimony of it. We must begin to establish Zion, that Jesus Christ may come down to rule and reign. Posted here is a clip from one of my favorite talks on this subject given by Elder Holland. I think has particular meaning after serving in Dallas - the belt buckle of the Bible Belt - with so many churches all professing to believe in the Bible, but only one who knows the truth of what it contains. I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that it is Christ's church restored to the earth - his power under his direction. What a joy it is!

Temple Baptisms

I love going to the temple! And today, we were able to go as a family and do baptisms with Whitney and Ethan (our cousin). It was their first time! It always nice to go back and do baptisms, so often I get caught up doing sessions, that I forget where it all begins. I was also able to go before do other work with my aunt Emily. One of the workers there looked just like Sis. Pottorff! I am looking forward to the day to see her in the temple!

Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe that it is 2010! It was a productive day, although I never made it to the shower... I did send out my Christmas cards, yes I know that it is late, cleaned my room, and got packages together for missionaries - of only the post office was open! I also went to Blake's hockey game - which made photo of the day, as he scored a goal - right between the goalie's legs! Looks like Viewmont HIgh will take the State Championship this year!