No Longer Death Do You Part; Eternal Marriage, A Forever Family Part I

Life's Journey, Our Potential Destiny

 Flower petals grace the crowd, tickling the air on their accession, restfully blanketing the ground. A royal blue satin pillow cradles platinum rings of the finest workmanship and quality shining as the sun. Whispers of excitement non-chalantly echo across the hall. The organ's valves open their mouths, silencing all whisperings and excitement. All stand to catch a first glimpse of the stars of the show.  Leather John Lobb shoes polished to a military standard pace forward. Parallel to the John Lobbs clicks the heels of white stiletto heels; the real celebrity of the ceremony. Click, step, step, click. A flowing dress, accompanied with a ten foot train bring gasps of excitement. Onward down the marble isle, seconds feel as they were hours. After "hours" of frozen moments, all eyes face the alter. The father sheds a single tear drop and gives his beauty away.

More silence, the roaring brass pipes cease, moments forever engraved in time. As the Pastor's soothing voice calms all troubles and worries, cool fair hands grasp the warm and rough. Soothing lyrics come crashing to the shore with the line "till death do you part."  Following in unison a solem oath is vowed. "I do." Fine lace takes to the wind of excitement. "You may now kiss the bride."


Rejoicing iron bells commence the celebration. Doves take to the wind. Rounds of applauding hands and plumes of rice foreshadow the evening's festivities...

A cool sunset ushers in a reception lit only by shining evening stars and candle light. The sterling silver Cake Server gleams under moonlight as the first decadent slice of cake serves the bride and groom. Crystal flutes clink to a toast of well wishings to the newly weds. Feasting and toasts make-way for an evening of dancing and romance.  The entire atmosphere changes as the wedding singer serenades the masses with Nat King Cole's timeless song L-O-V-E.

"L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see........."

Nat's tribute continues to bring a certain warmth that engulfs the crowd. The music sets the perfect scene. She basks in the aromas of his Brooks Bothers classic cologne and him in her Chanel perfume. As the couple come closer they feel an even more intimant love than ever before. Dating for two years and so much pre-wedding chaos had been worth it for this. If only this moment could last forever. An applause comes with the closing of Nat's greatest hit. The wedding comes to an end after the grand finale and it's off to the Bahamas!

The words still linger in both of their hearts, "till death do you part..."

Five years later, a new member of the family takes center stage in both his and hers lives.. The first few moments, the first time holding their new son, another sliver of time that could last for eternity. Many sleepless nights followed. Six months later the words, "mama," and "dada," became the vocabulary for their new universe. Despite baggy eyelids and frequent yawns, the couple come closer in caring for their creation, a child of God. If only they could all be together forever.

"'Till death do you part," enters their minds striking a cord right in the heart.

Special moments taking ol'slugger to the park to play a pick up game of catch. He winds up the pitch and tosses the ball to you. Time and time later he does this. You think to your self, "a potential little world series winner on our hands." From the park to the field arrises a city championship team. As they hold up in victory the bronze trophy, you catch a quick picture. "That's my son!" Proud moments.

If only we could be together forever... Is it really "till death do you part?"

A cliff hanger! Stay tuned for the answer hitting the web this week!

The Pinnacle Point: Enduring to the End

Leather hiking boots sojourn up the face of the mountain. Breaths of thin mountain air alleviate gasping lungs. Aching feet cry for mercy as the trail continues onward. Anything less than a road less traveled is an understatement. Rays of golden sunlight innocently scorch white skin exposed for the fist time in months.

The road less traveled indeed! Onwardly marching, a gnarled old hiking stick provides some stability and creature comfort in an onward venture. Opposition comes in a wave of brambles, thorns, and the woodsman's all time nemesis, poison ivy.



The thicket clears, clouds enshroud the merciless sun. Your skin thanks the sun in undying gratitude! A loud triumphant shout musters from your panting lungs and somewhat stained vocal cords: hooray! You made it to the top of Mount Saint Helans!

Take a breath of that fresh pacific northwestern air, let the aromas of luscious Douglas furs and cascading waterfalls against lava rock fill your nostrils.

With much opposition comes great rewards.....

 

A man, born into a lowly and humbling birth in a a stable among unkept livestock and plow horses. The son of a carpenter, he built many things by the labor of His skilled hands. A teacher of many learned doctors, scholars, and priests. An outcast for his beliefs and teachings, about His Father in Heaven. A night of misery and atoning for all the sins and sorrows everyone in the world would ever ache. Betrayed, by one of His only confidants in which He called His apostle with the greatest token of love and friendship; a kiss. A king chosen to die as a real prisoner as the murder, Barabus chains and shackles released him. Whippings tearing tender flesh open to ooze blood over his body. A crown of thorns: a symbol of mockery to his kingship placed on his head. A cross draped over his shoulders that he would be crucified on. Rough iron nails hammered through the palms of his hands and his feet. Placement on the cross, the final step in this brutal process. "It is finished," the last utterance He would ever make on this earth.

The reward of His opposition, our salvation.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ = mountain climbing?


For real! Marked hiking paths, wilderness survival courses, supplies, leather boots, a compass, and a map. Looks like someone is set to tackle the world. All of these supplies and training sessions come from the ultimate benefactor, God the father. There is no way you could ever think to pay him back; on your own, you are completely unequipped, unskilled, and penniless. With God, you are everything.

An unfathomable price ransomed us from our personal transgressions. Look at all of the things that God provided you for the hike. There's no way to ever pay the father back for all of our quintessential blessings and supplies...what will you do with them?

Grace v. Works
So what's the right answer? Is your exaltation based on your works alone or the grace of Christ? Grace is the only way to go! God provided you all of the necessities and the tools to go hiking. God doesn't cover the rest after we try our best, covers all of it. He has our tab.  How are you going to show him you are grateful for his incredible gift? Hike!

Sharp thorns, brambles, and a touch of poison ivy are premeditate. What happens to you when in a bind? Do you give up after one stubbed toe? Do you dismay over the fact making it to the top of Mount Saint Healans takes more than ten steps? Keep trying!

You think you have this hike in the bag, but make a wrong turn. You say to yourself, "this won't happen again." You think you're on the straight and narrow and suddenly comes another wrong turn. Time after time this happens again, yet God still wants us to make it to the top.

 Triumphant sounds echo across the mountainside, adrenaline races through bulging veins. Whispers of wind dance cordially with locks of hair. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. His grace is sufficant, all you have to do is climb.

Keep Trekking

As Told From a Guy: What Makes a Girl Beautiful

Natural Light v. Flash: The Truth may be Shuttering.

A cool breeze tickles your sun-kissed skin walking on the beach. Warm sand wedges itself between your toes creating a tingling sensation. Light waves of deep blue water tumble to the shore. The lazy day seems to run on island time itself. The day creeps slowly by, until sunset makes its way to center stage. Plums of sand rises from the ground as your feet race for the car to grab the good ol'Canon camera.


On your speedy return, the lenses see sunlight for the first time in months. The camera's shutters start stealing glimpse of the silent evening sky. No need for the flasher, the natural light speaks for itself. Images truly capturing the evening's beauty as natural as the fresh seafood found along the pier.


Natural verses artificial light (the flash), which would you choose?


The  Camera flasher......
Think about the flash. It's luminance lights up entire rooms, everyone around it notices. The only problem, to much of camera flasher equals sore eyes, less of an effect, sometimes color distortion, and more importantly... it's ARTIFICIAL!

Now imagine natural lighting....
It's natural beauty and eminence might not be as dramatically recognized but everyone feels comfortable in its presence. Clicking lenses capture golden rays creating lasting images of real places, people, and events. Quality in this ideal setting is next to none.


Think about it and apply it to people. As told from a guy; what makes a girl beautiful?


Modest is Hottest: Us Mormon guys hear this all the time, it's such a common phrase that they have even produced tee shirts with this banner right across them. It may seem kind of stupid, but it's true.




Ok, let's take it back to the camera analogy. Any idea as to what natural light and the flash have anything to do with modesty?


Think of the flash verses the natural, one is real and the other is just a façade. Which would you take? Personally speaking, I would take the natural, modesty really is a virtue. True beauty doesn't need an extravagant display, it simply is there. True class, like your favorite fragrance is subtle, yet draws attention. While it might not turn heads as rapidly as the other, the presence of true beauty is always acknowledged and respected.


With true beauty (modesty), comes the undying desire to know you (the daughter, sister, girlfriend, the dream girl who every guy is dying to meet); past the outside, and find an even greater eminence in her personality. True beauty comes from an equal ratio of external looks and infinite worth.


An abrupt instantaneous camera flash or the pure essence of natural lighting. It all comes down to choices in life. God made a plan for us to choose immodesty or something that gentleman really look for in the long run. First impressions are everything; make your choice, the camera shutters are a clicking.

Just one more cookie: A tasty temptation

Sunday dinner, everyone gathered 'round the table to socialize and
grow closer. You know this saying (mom said it countless times when
you weren't listening), but really it's a time where you stuff 'till
you bust! Pearly whites sink into freshly cut watermelon slices and
devour hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks hot off the grill. Hints of
hickory smoke waif under your nose as you enjoy every succulent bite.
The kids lie down on freshly cut grass to take a short nap as the
feast digests. You spot that last chocolate chip cookie on the plate
auntie made. The thought races through your mind, "you know you're on
a diet." You try to resist that ohhhhh so good temptation. The
gooey chocolate tastes so good on your taste buds as you devour every
morsel.

The morning breaks, up and at 'um, same old, same old. Breakfast,
shower, shave, then pull out today's outfit. On goes the shirt, socks,
and then the pants. The Levi's feel a little snugger than usual.
"Hmmm," you think to yourself as you zip em' up. After all of that you
reach the button. With a little bit of effort and a lot of sucking in,
you button your drawers. "I've been dieting!" Now in total disgust you
storm back to the restroom, step onto the scale and find your pants
aren't lying. You've racked on a few pounds, the six pack vanished,
the chubs are back!

All I can say is.....TEMPTATIONS SUCK!

It's sooooooo hard to not give into temptation, how can I avoid regret?

WWJD (What would Jesus Do): Dude! Everyone has temptations. Each of us
struggle with that one little thing (fill in the blank for your weakness). 
Recognize that weak link and realize your struggles. In the KJV Bible
 Jesus Christ fasted for forty days and nights with NO food or water.
 Jesus Christ was the only one who could do this! During His agonizing fast, 
Satan (the devil), tried tempting Christ. Satan tried to persuade Christ to turn 
rocks into bread. As told in no better words comes the story of Jesus Christ's
 moment of temptation.

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward
an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of
God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 (Matthew 4:1-4)
 
Think about it, even Jesus Christ was tempted. It can happen to anyone.

MAKE A GAME PLAN: The Seattle Seahawks wouldn't have won the Super
Bowl if they just ran out on the field to play a pickup game of touch
football with the Colts. The Seahawks triumphant win came from hours
of practice, reviews of game footage, and most importantly a killer
game plan. Christ didn't start his fast without a end goal; in all
of His hunger and agony still did not give into temptation and enticements of the devil. 
How could this be!!!!!!! When Fasting, I salivate over even the thought of
something sweet. Wouldn't you? Christ didn't, because he made a game
plan.

YOU DECIDE: In a bind, it suuuuper hard to make the right choice.
Setting a game plan, means planning ahead when your head is clear.
Here's an example of a game plan I made before going to a party. "I'm
not going to do anything that I will regret even if Hannah* (my
BIGGEST crush) hits me up." I went to the party and sure enough, got
hit up by Hannah. Those royal blue eyes, red lips, short skirt, and a hint
of vanilla perfume beckoned, but I didn't flinch. What! Most guys
would have jumped on the chance! In situations like that, if a game
plan is set when in a stable frame of mind you won't flinch. You can
immediately switch into auto pilot and steer clear of the storm.
 
Ok, so we know that temptation sucks! Temptations of sex outside of
traditional marriage (between a man and woman), alcohol, and drugs
plague our world. You can avoid it! With God all things are possible.
Know it, live it, love it! No matter what you've done in the past,
there is always a way out. Through our savior all can be made right
and protect us in the future. Da' game plan is the way to go! Avoid
even that last sneaky chocolate chip cookie!


*name has been changed

The Bro Code: An Eternal Truth

The most important rule of the Bro Code; bros first. I'm not speaking
to solely the brothers, this standard is applicable to everyone :) In
any instance, your bro or your girlfriend have your back and you have
theirs; validating each other's awesomeness! Just imagine being at
that party wanting to go up and introduce yourself to someone you see
across the room, don't you want a wingman? Whether trying to impress
or defend, it always goes better as a duo.

A bro is someone that you can constantly lean on, someone to trust.
How can you know? Knowing the right people is always a challenge, but
there are always two bros who have each other's backs, because two are
better than one right? You couldn't ask for a better combo, KJV Holy
Bible and the Book of Mormon.

The Bros...

THE KJV BIBLE:
A record of Jesus Christ's coming, ministry, and gospel to the Jews.
We learn so much about how Jesus Christ came to save each and everyone
of us, from the vilest of sinner to the self proclaimed perfectionist.
Christ knows you. As he said in the book of John, He came to fulfill
all righteousness. If we read the Bible closely, we get a first hand
account of the great sacrifice that Christ made for us so we can live
again.

THE BOOK OF MORMON: ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST
Ever wonder who the "other sheep that I have that are not of this
fold" that John 10 :16 talks about? The Book of Mormon holds the
answer! Learn more about Jesus Christ's love extended throughout the
entire world. No matter where you are, there you stand in life, or
where life's journey leads: you can know that you loved by our
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What would you do to know that God
loves you unconditionally?

We know how things are: people may diss the truth. Through everything
though, you and I can't deny that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He died
for you. Whenever there is a doubt that Christ wasn't our savior,
crack open the scriptures.  You won't be disappointed. Bros have each
other's backs. You can't go wrong when talking about Christ,
especially when you have the Bible and The Book of Mormon.

Only the BEST! You and Your Car.

Pre-rinse, suds, scrub, rinse, clear coat, and wax. There’s no better feeling to pull out of the car wash with your baby looking its finest. Look out world! Only the best for the Maserati’s we all drive. Well okay, I guess I’ll have my trusty bike and city bus for now. Everyone knows that guys love cars, it’s a bro thing. My last mission companion, Elder Openshaw, came up with an awesome analogy for baptism and confirmation after four weeks being out in the mission field that anyone, especially car enthusiasts like myself can appreciate and relate to. 

I’ll try to paraphrase my brilliant mission companion’s parable.

Baptism and Confirmation is the works option at the car wash. Baptism literally washes all of our mistakes away the same the pre-soak, suds, undercarriage wash, and rinse removes all the dirt, bugs, and road film. Confirmation (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost or as many know him as the Holy Spirit), compares to waxing your prized possession. No way would you want all of that effort in cleaning the car go to waste! 

Genius! When I heard this I knew that there was a way to understand Baptism and Confirmation the way that our Heavenly Father intended it.

Baptism: To try to add my own two cents into this analogy, I decided to image my future Farrari. You wouldn’t want just any Junior High soccer team car wash fundraiser laying hands on that beast of a machine, now would you? Only the most qualified hands are going to wash that! Same thing works with baptism. There are people who hold the authority (what’s known as the priesthood), to wash you clean of all your mistakes. Only the finest for your four wheeled baby and you!

Confirmation: Now time to seal the deal. Status symbol and you are now completely clean. We now need to keep all that illustrious paint that money can buy and your spirit protected from the elements. Heck no to those little bugs and road film! Confirmation works the same way. Skilled white gloved  hands, lovingly apply wax to keep the car’s showroom gleam. Heavenly Father provided the Holy Ghost (sometimes referred to as the Holy Spirit), as a constant companion to help us know which roads to take and which to detour.

So what are you waiting for? Throw the cover off your prized coup and hit the streets. Elder Openshaw couldn’t have said it better. Baptism and confirmation are as simple as getting the works done to your car.

From the Beak of a Penguin

So we dashed through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, fa-la-laing all the way to grandmother’s house. Christmas season brought so much joy and wonder as we celebrated the savior’s birth. The Christmas trees have been taken out to the curb, the twinkling lights turned off, and the ugly Christmas sweater rests in the closet, waiting to wreak havoc next holiday season. With the past year behind us and the new one still entering the horizon, I start to think about penguins. Penguins? What the heck do penguins have to do with anything? A good friend recently described penguins to me as searchers on a quest. I think we can all emulate the penguin at times. We (myself included), tend to wander or as missionaries refer to it as “Wanda,”  the search for artificial happiness, a temporary fix. I definitely don’t want to be a penguin.

How do we keep ourselves from becoming as the penguin? How do we set a course to prevent “wanda?” I know that I have a terrible sense of direction; luckily, Heavenly Father is there every step of the way to help us on our spiritual journey. Thankfully he inspired someone to invent the GPS, for our geographical journey. Heavenly Father’s directions trump any Garmin or Tom-Tom though; he gives us commandments to help set our end route to eternal happiness, a forever fix.

Rules? Why do I want something that is going to hold me back? Isn’t life better with less boundaries? Unlike the rules that society places on us, commandments are God’s way of showing that He loves us. Imagine if mom didn’t tell you to keep your hands off the nice warm stove or didn’t mention not to play in the street with all of the bright and shiny cars? What if everyone else was doing it? It might seem tempting for the kid has never experienced the aftermath of a burnt finger or putting a dent in someone’s bumper. Mom and dad wouldn’t want you to go through the pains of not knowing these small, but important things. God works the same way. He gives us the commandments, and then it’s our turn to decide to listen or go play in traffic

After we get past the council of a two year old of not playing in the street or touching the stove, what comes next? It’d be pretty important to learn more than that, right? Times are way different than in the Bible or Book of Mormon: wouldn’t God still speak to us? Just like playing in traffic holds true at any age, our Heavenly Father provides more council and commandments when we are ready. There is so much more in the world today that didn’t even exist ten years ago. Living by modern commandments such as the Word of Wisdom, and the Law of Chasity go such a long way!

Never feel alone or that you have to roam searching for direction. Heavenly Father has your back; no matter what struggles we face or the obstacles still to climb. Always rest assured that if we follow the commandments God provides, nothing proves impossible. Even though those difficult days may come, in the end it will be alright because we have God on our side. You never have to feel like a wandering penguin when you have the commandments.