What do you want?

"What do you want?" is an important question. In various forms you've probably heard this question many times this week. Here are a few examples from my life this last week:

• What would you like for Christmas? -- my brother
• How can I help you? -- store employees
• What specialty of medicine do you want to practice? -- too many people to mention

When you really boil down the things that people ask you, more often or not they are asking what you desire. Thankfully, you and I are intelligent beings with the ability to communicate and act on our desires.  But just because we want something, doesn't mean that it is right. The world we live in is imperfect and we are subject to the pull of many influences--some good and others bad. I believe that we ourselves are fallen beings, whose desires need educating.

Some refuse to accept that one's desires can change, but the truth is we can work to change our desires with God's help. I am living proof of that. The things I want now are so different from what I wanted as a child or even from what I wanted last year. And I'm not talking about my Christmas wishlist. I'm talking about deeper, inner desires.

The transformation of desire doesn't happen without effort or without outside help. We each have the need to be reborn, to become a new and better person. This process is not completed overnight, but is gradual. It is made possible by Jesus Christ. As we trust in Him and seek His help, we can be changed to become like Him. That is one key reason why He can be called the Gift of Christmas.

Watch this video to learn more about how Jesus Christ is the Gift.

Nativities of the Nations

Christmas is in the air! I love this time of year and look forward to the lights, food, and company that come with my celebration of the birth of Christ. Last night I went to a neat activity at an LDS church in Carrollton. There were hundreds of nativities to look at, including a live nativity, and a few groups that were performing Christmas music in the chapel. As I went around looking at the nativities that were from various regions of the world, I was struck by how the interpretation of the birth of Christ varies so much from people to people, even though the story we read in the Bible is largely the same. Often the animals present, the setting, and the features of the people would change significantly from one nativity to the next. Take a look at just a few of the different nativities and see if you agree.



In your mind, which one is the most correct? For the most part, I think they're equally correct. We don't have all the details as to the birth of Christ, but it is clear to me that the details we do have fit into the context of every culture. Christ and His gospel are for all people. He is the Savior of all mankind--of every race and every culture. During this wonderful season, I hope we all remember that Christ is the true gift of Christmas.

Rocks, Fences, and Holes, Oh My!

Teenage kids + rocks + boredom = trouble. This simple formula reminds me in some ways of my own youth. Not that I ever did anything worthy of a criminal sentence, but I think we can all agree that we did things in our youth that we’re not especially proud of. The teenage years are a crucial time to mature and to learn that our choices come with consequences.

My family was on the receiving end of the "trouble" end of the equation this week, when a few teenagers went around our neighborhood throwing rocks at people’s fences from the bed of a truck. The result was well over 30 holes (two of which are in my parents’ fence) and an estimated $10,000 worth of damage. I struggle to see what would drive someone to indiscriminately throw so many rocks at fences, but I’m sure these young men found a rational reason to do so (otherwise they wouldn't have done it, right?). Within two days they were caught thanks to a neighborhood security camera.

To our surprise, on Saturday three young men came to our door. We didn't know them, but they apologized for the damage that they caused to our fence. My mom wasn't quite prepared for their visit, but she handled it very well. She thanked them for their apology and acknowledged that it was not easy for them to do that. They said they would pay for the fence to be fixed and apologized again. In what I thought was a perfect response, my mom told them she hoped this would be a turning point for them and that they would be sorry for what they did and not just for being caught.
Forgiveness is an easy word to say, but can be a hard thing to offer sincerely.

The Lord revealed these words to the prophet Joseph Smith, “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10). It helps me to remember that God willingly forgives our sins when we ask. Should we not likewise forgive those who seek forgiveness from us?  As hard as it may be, remember that forgiveness is the higher road—a road to happiness and peace.

A Never Ending Ladder

About a year ago I took an art history class at BYU. It was not my favorite subject, but I am starting to appreciate how it changed my view of art. A lot of modern art still leaves me scratching my head in confusion, but let me tell you about a very fascinating work of art I saw this weekend at the mall. It's called This Land is Your Land and was created by Iván Navarro. Here's what you see from the side:

It is in fact a water tower, well three water towers, but wait let's take a look inside one:

Sorry, that's the best I could do with my iphone camera. I think you get the idea though. The other two towers read "ME/WE" and "BED." The work is intended to be a commentary on immigration and the ideal of the American Dream.

As I looked intently up at the repeating image of the ladder, my neck became stiff and I squinted my eyes to see the top. I realized that there was a series of two mirrors (with the bottom one being a one-way mirror like the ones in observation rooms) that projected the image infinitely upward. Climbing such a ladder would be daunting to say the least.

Sometimes when I look up and think of God and His perfection, I wonder how I could ever make it back to Him and become like Him. I am so weak and often find it hard to trust in Him. In this way, the gospel path can sometimes seem like a never ending ladder. But the key is not to expect to be at the top today; the key is to start climbing one rung at a time, conquering the segment of the ladder that we can see right now! Where ever you are on that ladder, I assure you that you've come farther than you realize, and that right now you only need to take the next few steps upward. Hopefully that idea comforts you as much as it does me.

Crossing Over

So I'm a first year medical student; can you guess what I was for Halloween? Yep, something nerdy. Now it's time to test your nerdity.

Yep, you guessed it! Chromosome 17. There are normally 23 pairs of chromosomes in a human cell (46 total). For our genetics test on Halloween, 45 of my classmates and I dressed up as chromosomes. It was awesome!

In the picture my friend and I are demonstrating the phenomena called crossing over. When a cell decides to divide, the chromosomes condense and line up. They are then pulled apart to provide the same amount of genetic information to both of the cells. Before the chromosomes are pulled apart, matching regions between the chromosomes can intersect, or cross over, causing them to exchange genetic material (DNA). 

If you think about it, we humans often experience these "crossing over" events in our lives. We meet someone, exchange a few words, and complete some task together. The impact of these interactions may be large or small, but neither person leaves the same as they came. While those around us don't definitively determine who we become, they certainly leave their mark. My question today is, what kind of impact are you and I having on those around us? When I cross paths with another person, I want to leave a mark of goodness, positivity, and hope.

A Little Chip

Prefection. Oh wait, let me try that again! Perfection.

Lately I have been thinking about perfection, especially as it relates to how something looks. This all started a few months ago, when I chipped the glass screen protector on my iphone. The chip really isn't that big, and I bet that if I handed it to you and didn't say anything, you might not even notice it. Yet, every time I pull my phone out of my pocket, where do my eyes go? Right to the top left corner where the chip is.

Does this chip make my phone any less valuable or useful? Nope. Then why does it bug me from time to time? I guess it's because it isn't perfect--it isn't as good as I think it could be. Unfortunately, the set of standards or expectations that you and I have for everyday merchandise often translates to how we view other human beings.

Let's take a moment to reflect. Does a menacing pimple, a lifelong scar, a prominent mole, an out-of-place hair, or whatever other flaw you perceive diminish the value and potential of another? Absolutely not! With time, these things may or may not fade away. Regardless, with age we all will become "less desirable" or "less attractive." Don't let that little chip in the top left corner prevent you from appreciating the goodness that is within you and within all those that surround you.

Gone Fishing

One of my hobbies is fishing. Since I've moved to Texas, I've been fishing three times...and I still have yet to catch a fish. Thankfully, the only reason I go fishing is not to catch a fish. I love being in the outdoors and getting away from the hustle and bustle of life. I found this sign near the pier where I was fishing last week.

Amen! Alright, time for a fishing parable. When you go fishing, what are you searching for? Fish, obviously, but what kind of fish or which specific fish? Generally fisherman want a bigger, more prized fish, but for amateurs like me any fish will do. That's why one of the more frustrating moments of fishing is catching a plant, or even worse a rock. When no success is coming his way, what does a fisherman do? He changes lures or bait and usually consults his fishing companions with the age-old question, "Are you having any luck?"

Although you and I may not realize it, life is a lot like fishing. We stand at the edge of what we know and cast our hopes and wishes into the deep. Sometimes it seems that our luck brings happiness and progress. Other times we can't seem to do anything but hit a snag. What if there were a surefire way to consistently find contentment and success?

A fisherman would try it, and we do this all the time. For example we try a new diet, a new hair style, a new hobby, etc. While those things have their importance, without one thing, the rest won't provide the meaning we're looking for. That one thing is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday I saw Meet the Mormons in theaters. I found this movie to be an entertaining and uplifting portrayal of how living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings happiness to members of my church around the world. If you feel like there is something missing in your life, or you are curious about a potentially better way, learn about us and see what makes Mormons friendly, happy, and family-oriented.

Oxygen Mask

Well it's been a good weekend. I spent 10 hours listening to General Conference, which is a biannual conference held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The speakers are leaders of my church, including the prophet and apostles. Check out the conference here.

Yesterday Elder Neil L. Anderson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared an interesting analogy that I think we can all relate to--assuming you've flown in a plane before. Each time a plane is about to take off the flight attendants run through a safety script to inform passengers what to do in the event of an emergency. If you're like me, you tend to tune out because you've heard it before: wear your seat belt at all times, an oxygen mask will drop from above, your cushion can act as a flotation device, and so on. Have you ever thought about how those routine instructions could provide a parable for us? I hadn't until yesterday.

If oxygen masks drop down during the flight each passenger is supposed to put on their own mask first before helping others, no matter what. A naturally caring person would likely do the opposite. What's the point? Why should we put our own mask on first? Well if we help others first we run the risk of passing out and then we need help ourselves, but with the mask on, we can continue to assist those around us. The same is true of spiritual things. We can't possibly help another draw closer to God and learn about His ways unless we first know Him and follow Him. Like oxygen, spiritual strength is meant to be shared and can provide a sustaining influence as we face the turbulence along the ride we call life.

With Elder Anderson I ask, Is your spiritual oxygen mask safely secured, or do you have some work to do before you can reach out to help lift others?

Setbacks

Sometimes even little setbacks cause great frustration. Let me tell you about one of those moments this week (that actually turned out to be very fortunate). For the last two weeks I've been trying to play racquetball with one of my medical school classmates. We planned on playing Tuesday after our anatomy lab, but when I got to campus I realized I forgot my badge! I needed it to get into the racquetball court and I felt bad cancelling our match again. So I reluctantly headed home, knowing that traffic and another 40 minutes of driving awaited me.

Ironically, I didn't get to play racquetball anyway and would have survived the day without my badge, but I'm glad that I went home to get it. To try and make good use of the time, I decided to listen to two talks from recent General Conferences. As I drove and listened to these messages centered on the Book of Mormon, my attitude changed from annoyed to humbled. The words of the speakers touched my heart. What appeared at first to be a setback turned out to be a blessing and an answer to my prayer. 

You may be surprised by the good that can come of temporary setbacks.

Building Upon the Rock

This afternoon I spoke in church. I spent several hours this week preparing my remarks on Helaman 5:12, which reads:

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Borrowing from this scriptural theme (see also Matt 7:24-27), I spoke about building upon the rock, who is Christ.

Whether we know it or not, each one of us is a builder. The decisions we make and the actions that we take determine where and what we build. If we want our efforts to have lasting meaning and impact, we must build on Christ, for He is the only sure foundation. Building thereon will provide safety during the storms that inevitably lie ahead.

Fire Starters

Yesterday I volunteered to help out at my stake's Provident Living Fair. Now, you may be asking as I did, what is that? All I knew is that I was to help out with a booth on how to start a fire. There were many other interesting booths there, such as cleaning water, operating ham radios, performing first aid, creating food storage, etc. It was a very informal event; people went around and talked to whoever they wanted. At my booth, we talked mainly about do-it-yourself fire starters. Even as an experienced boy scout, I was unfamiliar with some of these ideas.

Imagine that you are stranded in the wilderness and need to start a fire. You have matches, and you can gather wood, but how will you get it going? Here are two interesting ways which were new to me.

Is is just me, or does that look like a cat? It's actually a homemade fire starter: dryer lint in an egg carton.

The second idea is to use corn chips, such as Doritos or Fritos--anything with a high fat/oil content will do.

Now that you know a few more ways to start a fire, what's the parable? I think two scriptures here will help. In a revelation to the prophet Joseph Smith the Lord said,

"For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves" (D&C 104:17).

And in another revelation it says, "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward" (D&C 58:27-28).

We must be resourceful. God has given us such great resources, but He does not always give us all the answers--at least not without some effort on out part. We are agents who need to make decisions and find solutions so that we can reach our ambitions. Often times the things we need to start a fire or solve a myriad of problems can be found right before our eyes.

Now Printing...

Technology is both wonderful and frustrating, or you might say wonderfully frustrating. When it works, life goes on without a thought, but when it fails, dark storm clouds gather and often anger ensues. Perhaps one of the greatest ironies of technology is that we seem to have the most difficulties using it when we most need it.

This was the case this morning. I was trying to print something for my friend and it wasn't working. "What's up with that?" I asked myself, "my roommate used my printer yesterday and it worked just fine!" After trying several different things--and to no avail--I decided to try and print from my phone. That worked, but the font was too small to read. Then an idea popped in my head, "I should restart my computer." That's not a novel idea, but often that seems to help solve the problem, so I restarted my computer.

Upon starting up, updates needed to be installed. I waited a bit impatiently, until the computer finished. Before I could even open the document to try printing again, the printer made some noise and started to print! The solution was so simple, but it took me a while to figure out that I needed to give that a try. When it comes to malfunctioning technology, I have learned that often times restarting is the best solution.

So what's the connection? How can this be a parable for our lives? I want to hear from you! Post below to share your ending to this parable.

Tying the Knot

If you thought this blog post was about marriage, (and I thought you might) it's not! Now that you're here and reading, I will reapply this phrase to a parable about furniture. A few weeks ago I decided to buy a black folding chair to use with my desk. After sitting on it for a couple of days, I realized that I needed something a little more comfortable. So I bought a memory foam chair pad to put on top, which has worked quite well. The only problem is, the chair is slippery, and the pad will fall off easily unless it's tied down. Thankfully, the pad has ties at the back, so I can tie to the chair. Until yesterday I had tied a simple overhand loop to both sides, which worked, but about once a day it would get loose and I'd have to tie it again. I was tired of doing this, so I determined to try a different knot, shown here:

You probably recognize this knot--it's the same one most of us use to tie our shoes. Twenty four hours later I haven't had to tie it again! Perhaps it's too early to make a conclusive statement, but I think my problem is solved, or at least greatly reduced.

My experience with this chair and pad applies in a broader sense to life in general. Finding what works best is a process. It takes trial and error, ingenuity and fortitude, thought and action. In short, we can't expect things to be perfect from the start. Give it some time and effort. Work to make things better than they were. If one type of knot doesn't do the trick, find one that does. Realize that this is one important way God intends us to learn: from experience.

Pouring Rain

I thought I had seen pouring rain. I was wrong. Yesterday, I witnessed a new category of rainfall. Several people had forewarned me about the rain in Texas, and I am glad that I didn't get caught outside during the storm. Check out this video I took yesterday.

The common saying "when it rains, it pours" is true not only in Texas. In fact, I think it is true in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes things are good. Other times, difficulties and bad news seem to pile up one right after another, or in my case it's more like lectures, information, and opportunities gather into an overwhelming heap. My experience in life so far has taught me two things about such storms.

1. Although difficult, there is always something that can be enjoyed from these experiences. Go dance in that rain or be mesmerized by the constant drips from heaven.

2. Although difficult, good things can come of a storm--if not now, then eventually they will. I like how the song writer Kenneth Cope puts it:

     Broken clouds give rain
     Broken soil grows grain
     Broken bread feeds man for one more day

     Broken storms yield light
     The break of day heals night
     Broken pride turns blindness into sight

     Broken souls that need His mending
     Broken hearts for offering
     Could it be that God loves broken things

My answer would be yes, He does! These are my thoughts from experiencing the pouring rain.

The Sorting Hat

Good news, I'm officially an MS1! Most of you are probably wondering, "what does that mean?" It stands for first year medical student. This past week I attended orientation, which was packed with meetings, socializing, and a weekend retreat. There are about 240 students in my class--the class of 2018. It is such an honor to be where I am. UT Southwestern is an excellent school and my classmates are really cool and diverse people. In several of the meetings this week, I heard about the importance of professionalism and integrity, humility and honesty, and empathy and altruism. During one of these discussions, I realized that the virtues of the ideal doctor fit so closely with what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us we should become. I am excited to be part of a profession that is focused on service, education, and becoming.

One of the highlights of my week was the colleges meeting. UT Southwestern has a cool program where medical students are divided into smaller groups, called colleges, to help us learn clinical skills and build camaraderie. On Friday evening at the retreat we lined up in two single-file lines and walked silently to an outdoor amphitheater, where we listened to a physician give us some advice for our journey through medicine. Then we were assigned (or perhaps better said "sorted") into one of six colleges. My name was read pretty early on, so it was fun to see who else would join my college. I am excited to be a part of Seldin College, which is named after Dr. Donald Seldin--who was instrumental in shaping UT Southwestern into the premier academic medical center it is today. Our college color is green and our mascot is a quarter (that's a story for another time).

Okay, time for the parable. A long time ago each of us, you and I, attended a meeting that we don't currently recall. Sometimes we call it the counsel in heaven. Although we don't know many of the details, we know from scripture that God presented His plan for us, Jesus was chosen as the Savior, and we chose to follow Him. Consequently we were offered the chance to come to earth, to receive a body, and to become something infinitely greater. We were excited at this opportunity and found able to rise to it. So, when difficulty arises, in medical school or elsewhere, you and I can find strength by remembering this truth taught by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "When we have been weighed and found wanting, let us remember that we were measured before and were found equal to our tasks."

Going to School

I just finished reading an interesting and insightful biography called I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring. Near the end of this book, there was an analogy mentioned by President Eyring's wife, Kathy. I want to share it in a story format of my own making, written from the perspective of my mother. While I'm certainly not a mother, or even a father, I am a son, and I understand a little of how mothers feel at sending their children off.

Today is the day. Today Lance will begin his formal schooling. My, how the last few years have flown! It doesn't seem that long ago that I was changing his diapers and giving him sponge baths, and now my baby is growing up and going to school! Okay, I've got his backpack ready and his lunch made. Am I missing anything? "Lance," I yell upstairs, "the bus will be here soon. Are you ready yet?" There he is--my little toe-headed kindergartner. I wonder what his first day of school will bring. Hopefully the other kids will play nice and his teacher will be patient and caring. Whew, I thought giving birth was hard--and it was--but I didn't really see this day coming. Oh there's the bus! "We don't want to miss it," I insist, and we run out the front door. As we wait, I turn to Lance, bend down, and say, "now remember, stay on the bus until you get to school, and after school is over, get on bus 29 and wait until you see our street. I'll be waiting outside for you so that you don't miss it, okay?" He nods affirmatively, and the bus pulls up. Lance jumps in and joins the other kids. "Have a great day!" I shout after him. I watch as the bus drives off, waving until I can no longer see my son. A tear rolls down my face and I realize that a part of my heart and soul has left. Thankfully, it will only be 6 hours until he comes home. I think I can handle that, but how will I do it all over again tomorrow?!

In this story, what was my mother most concerned about? Was it how school would go? Of course, she was worried about that, and wanted me to learn all sorts of new and valuable things, but what was really the most important thing she wanted me to know? How to get home.

In a parallel moment, I imagine God sending us to earth, knowing of the great and trying experiences that lay ahead, but remember, He wants us to come home. In His eyes, that knowledge is the most important thing we need to learn. Regardless of what we learn about chemistry, physics, medicine, or whatever else, none of that will matter if we don't make it home--back to God's presence. This plan, the plan to bring us all home, is called the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the most important thing we can learn about. It brings purpose, direction, and peace in a world of confusion. If we follow it, we will make it home.

One of my favorite songs is based on this idea of going home: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger. I wrote a fourth verse to this song. Here are the words:

And on that day, I'll stand before Him. 

Dressed in white, clean and pure. 

He'll welcome me into His kingdom. 

Where I shall dwell forever more.

Locked Out

Have you every realized that the word "small" is bigger than the word "big?" Right now I find that somewhat ironic, because I experienced a big change in my life...but perhaps this subtlety of English alludes to the truth that smaller changes over time are often more significant than a big change. Now that I'm done philosophizing, let me tell you about this big change in my life.

(I know, I have a problem keeping my eyes open in pictures.)

I just moved to Dallas, Texas! I've lived in Utah for the past few years, and enjoyed being so close to my family, but now I am pretty much on my own. I start medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) in about a week. I am so excited for this new adventure. My dad was kind enough to drive down to Dallas with me and help me get settled in my new apartment. It was nice to spend the weekend with him. Sunday I went to my new young single adult ward, and I couldn't believe how friendly the people were. Before sacrament meeting about 6 people came up and introduced themselves to my dad and I.

Right after sacrament meeting I had to drive my dad to the airport, but I decided to come back for the last half hour of church. When I found the church building again, all of the gates to the parking lot were closed. They didn't open when I pulled up to them, and I had no idea who to call to help me get in. After waiting a few minutes, I decided to go home. At first, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't get back in, but I remembered what I heard in church just a short time before--there will always be challenges, disappointments, and things I lack in life. Don't wait for a certain achievement, life event, or possession to find happiness. I drove home glad that I had tried to go back to church, and found my way home.

Each one of us faces locked gates or even doors slammed in our faces. This is a fundamental part of the test of our lives; will you and I drop out in despair, or forge ahead with faith?


For more on this topic, see President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk Grateful in Any Circumstance.

New Tricks

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I'm sure you've heard this adage before, but how true is it? Certainly as one gets older, some things get harder, such as running, eating, and hot tubbing, but isn't it more frequently used as a cop-out than an actual declaration of truth? Similarly, many people say, "I can't change" or "That's just the way I am." Although in some circumstances that may be a legitimate claim, the truth is we can change and we do change all the time. Humans are dynamic beings.

The experiences I had during the last two months renewed this truth in my mind. Working as an EFY counselor was a blast. I met so many stellar people, and learned of the goodness and great potential found in today's youth. I feel that I have grown so much, and in ways I didn't know were possible. Growing up I was taught about Jesus Christ--that He suffered and died for me so that He could forgive me of my sins and make it possible to live with God again. More recently, I have learned about how Jesus' suffering (called the atonement) also provides strength to overcome trials and temptations. Said another way, Christ helps bad men become good and good men become better.

As a result of working at EFY, I have grown immensely, especially in the social aspects of my life. I learned how to better interact and connect with people that I don't know. I learned how to better understand and communicate with females (please note that I don't have any sisters and I was scared to talk to girls in high school). I learned how to have greater confidence in myself and in my abilities in front of large audiences. I learned how to ignore feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment to be able to help others. While I put in the effort to improve, I can't take the full credit for these changes. They were possible only with the help of the Savior. You see, this summer I learned for myself that the atonement is there not only to help us in physical and spiritual ways, but in social and emotional ways as well. Because of Jesus Christ, people of all ages can learn new tricks. Put your trust in Him and He will help you grow in ways that you currently can't imagine.

Without Notice

On Tuesday evening, I was sitting outside with my EFY group having a discussion about the day and what we learned. Out of no where, we heard a "psssst" sound as sprinkler heads popped up all around us. With what seemed to be lighting-quick reflexes, everyone jumped to their feet, grabbed their bags, and ran for dry ground. The youth were quite distracted after that, and it seemed to me that it would be difficult to recapture their attention. Then I thought of my blog and I asked, "How could we make this experience into a parable?" A lively discussion ensued. Here is the summary of their thoughts:

• If we listen, the Holy Ghost will always warn us before temptation strikes. No one is immune to temptation.
• When we get a little wet, we don't give up and lay down in the sprinklers to get soaked, we get out of there. Similarly, if we make a poor choice and sin, that is no excuse to keep sinning. Get out of there!
• Sometimes when we face difficulties we tend to worry only about ourselves. Save yourself, but look around to see who else you can help in the process.

We learned from our experience and did not sit on that patch of grass again on the following evenings. I love looking at simple experiences like this through the lens of parables.

Rolling Down the Hill

What's the difference between a rock and a person rolling down the hill? This may seem like a silly question, but go ahead, try to answer it. I'm not looking for an answer about physics or chemistry. I'm thinking about what happened before the rolling began. Once in motion, both the rock and the person tumble down until they reach the bottom and stop, but how did it start? Well, in most cases, the person decided to iniate the roll, whereas the rock was forced by something else to begin its descent. 

A prophet named Lehi understood this distinction. He said, God "hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon" (2 Nephi 2:14). You see, we as living, thinking human beings have the capacity to act, but a rock is something that is acted upon. 

Like it or not, you are an agent--one who is by nature designated to make decisions. Certainly God helps guide us in our decisions, but He expects us to act without always being told what to do.  The Lord teaches us in the Doctrine and Covenants, "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward" (D&C 58:26-28). Next time you stand on the hill of decision, remember, you are the one that begins the forward progress. You are not a rock. 

Comfort Zone

How would you define your "comfort zone?" If you're honest, it probably means an excuse not to try something new. Now, there are certain things that we should certainly refrain from doing or not worth trying, but I am starting to see that many experiences in life are limited only by our own arbitrary decisions. What's to say that you can't be a great artist, singer, dancer, etc. if you haven't given it a real try? This week I learned that I can rap.

Don't get any crazy ideas; I'm not a professional by any means. My group at EFY this last week decided to have nightly "rap battles." They would put on a beat and take turns rapping. Because I wanted to connect with my group, I decided to give it a try. Truthfully, my first attempt was pretty lame. As the week went on, I had more opportunities to try and I became more comfortable trying to rap. Some people even started to call me by my rapper name, Lil' Stu. At the end of the week, I performed a rap that I wrote in front of our whole session (about 500 people). By that time, I wasn't all that nervous. With a lot of pushing by the boys in my group, I was able to get out of my comfort zone and give something new a try. 

In short, don't let fear govern your decisions. Next time you have the chance, get out of your comfort zone. You will be surprised how much you will grow as a result. You have great potential--don't squander it!

Here is my rap that I performed. Sorry if you can't hear me all that well. 

Minnesota Nice

Last week was fantastic. I had a great experience in Minnesota. I loved my group of youth and we had a fun time. On my plane ride out there, the lady I was sitting next to introduced me to a slogan of theirs: "Minnesota Nice." From my interactions with Minnesotans, I found this to be true.

Perhaps the most simple, yet striking, example of "Minnesota Nice" occurred at the airport on Saturday. While going through airport security, I accidentally left my favorite zebra pen in the plastic bin. When I realized this, I went back to security and asked a TSA officer if he had by chance picked up my pen. I told him it was a silver and black zebra pen, and he reached to his shirt pocket and pulled out a pen. He then asked, "like this one." I said, "yes, but with the writing worn off." The officer told me I could have his brand new pen. I was quite surprised and I resisted initially. He wanted to give me the pen, so I took it. He remarked that the pen came from another who lost it, and that he could find another nice pen in their lost and found bins.

That was so simple, but it made me really happy. I went and told this story to many of the EFY counselors I was traveling with. Now, whenever I use my brand new zebra pen, I think of my friend in Minnesota and the small act of kindness he showed me. We never know how small acts of kindness can brighten, or even reshape, someone else's world.

Course Correction

Guess where I am? It is so green and beautiful here. OK, I realize that doesn't help you make your guess; I'm in Minnesota!  Yesterday I flew from Salt Lake to Minneapolis, and it was quite the adventure. We were supposed to get in at about 8 PM, but we didn't arrive until after 11 PM because of thunderstorms in the area.

Just as we were approaching the runway in Minneapolis (for the first time), our pilot pulled up suddenly. He said the visibility was too low, so we went into a holding pattern. The storm didn't move out quickly enough, so we headed to Des Moines, Iowa to refuel--I suspect there was more to the story than they told us, as we switched pilots there. After a short stop, we headed back to Minneapolis, and made a safe landing there. We all clapped as the plane landed, just like I experienced among the Armenians.

Recently, I have been thinking about course corrections. Sometimes we head down one road, which seems perfectly fine, but then an unforeseen obstacle or circumstance causes us to change our direction. God is the master course correcter. Much like yesterday's thunderstorms, He doesn't force us to change our course, but He can push us in the right direction. I believe God is aware of the details of our lives, and that He cares enough to help set us on the path that is best for us.

Box of Faith

Mimes. What does this word bring to mind? I would guess that an image came to your mind of a person dressed in white and black stripes with too much makeup on. In my mind, the most classic example of what a mime does is the "invisible box" routine, when a mime pretends to be confined to a box by placing his hands on the boundaries that only he can see. During this week at EFY my mind was opened to the surprising reality that we are just like mimes--confined to a box that we define.

The Book of Mormon frequently teaches of God's power to deliver and to work miracles (e.g., 1 Nephi 4:1; 17:50, Alma 7:8, Helaman 12:7-17, Mormon 9:16-17). One example of this that stands out to me is the Brother of Jared. After being commanded to build ships so that his people could cross the sea, the Brother of Jared approaches the Lord with a problem; they wouldn't have any light during their journey. The Lord responds by asking, "what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?" (Ether 2:25). As a possible solution, the Brother of Jared forms 16 small, clear stones and prays unto the Lord, asking that He touch them to make them shine in the darkness. "And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man...Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men" (Ether 3:4-5). The Lord then touches the stones, and they shine to provide the needed light.

Are there limits to God's power? Or as this was question was asked to Abraham, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14). As the Brother of Jared knew, God's power is unlimited. There are no boundaries to what He can do. However, God works by power "according to the faith of the children of men" (Moroni 10:7), and we can limit His power in our lives by our lack of faith. Jesus said, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" (Mark 9:23) and "with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26).

Can you see how we all are like mimes? We each define the boundaries of our own "Box of Faith." By believing that something is impossible, we might miss an opportunity to let God work in our lives. Going forward, I'm going to try to believe that God can do whatever He sees fit in my life, because I see that my lack of faith may have limited His power in the past. Not because He couldn't, but because I wouldn't.

Shifting Perspective

Whew, it has been an exciting and taxing week. I just started working as a counselor for Especially for Youth (EFY). EFY is a really neat program, where youth ages 14-18 get together to have fun and learn spiritually and socially. I went to EFY four times while I was that age, and I loved it. I am excited to spend my summer with some amazing youth, many of whom cannot yet see their value and potential.

Tonight I was trying to relax a little, so I got in our hot tub. After a while, I turned off the jets to enjoy some peace and quiet. That's when Bigfoot jumped over my fence and scared the living daylights out of me...just kidding; I'm just making sure you're paying attention. As I was just sitting in the water, I noticed that the farther away I moved my hands and the closer I brought them to the surface, the smaller they appeared. My best attempt to get as far away and as close to the surface as possible produced the look of a baby's tiny hands. However, each time I brought my hands out of the water, they returned to their normal shape and size.

I must have been in a contemplative mood, because this change of perspective intrigued me and I spent several minutes moving my hands and legs around and observing them. That was more difficult to explain that I imagined, but here's the point: at times our perspective becomes skewed and we appear to be much smaller than we actually are. I pray I can help pull your hands out of "the water" so that you can see your value a little more clearly.

The reason you and I and every person has inherent value is because we are all children of God. He loves us, knows us, and cares for us. Sometimes we define ourselves by our weaknesses or our imperfections, but God doesn't. He defines us by our strengths and our potential, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming. If you want to know what God thinks of you, just ask Him. I know He loves and values you. My aim this summer is to help the youth I work with recognize this truth.

The Good Samaritan

Today at church I watched a video depicting the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It inspired me to be better. Take a few minutes to watch it. I will explain the insights that I received below.

One way that we can interpret this parable is that the Good Samaritan represents Jesus Christ. Like the Good Samaritan, Christ comes to us in our time of need, binds up our wounds, and takes us to a better place. Samaritans are of mixed descent: partly Israelite and partly gentile. Christ was also of mixed descent: a God who was born of a mortal mother (see Mosiah 15).

Who then is the inn keeper? You and I. Christ brings those wounded and weary souls to each of us so that we can care for them and aid in the healing process. Some of whom are among your own family. He blesses us for our work, but the full reward will not be given until He comes again, or in other words, at the Second Coming of Christ. Are you prepared and willing to watch over those souls God will place in your path? At least for me, I can do much better in this regard.

If you want to share any other insights or interpretations of the Parable of the Good Samaritan below, please do!

Now or Later

If you've never tried the candy "Now and Later," let me explain why this is a fitting name. The candy is almost hard, but just chewy enough that you can slowly break it down. This is the "Now" part. However, as you keep chewing, little bits of the candy get stuck in between or on your teeth. That is the part for "Later."

About a week ago, I had laparoscopic surgery. Now, if you're worried about me, I'm doing fine. The surgery went well, and I am on the road to recovery. Because of my surgery, I have spent a lot more time than I am used to on the couch. I spent much of this time reading and thinking. I have frequently been frustrated during the last week that I couldn't help out around the house as I usually do, especially as we got ready for my brother and sister-in-law's open house last weekend. Could I have endured the pain and pretended like my surgery never happened? Perhaps. Would I have paid in the long run for violating my doctor's order? Undoubtedly.

Getting what we want might be available "Now and Later,"but sometimes we must give up what we want now in order to receive something greater in the future. For me, I am trying to discipline myself to pave the way to more rapid and lasting health.

Banding Together

Last night I attended my brother's band concert. After one of the songs, my mom leaned over to me and said, "You could write a blog post about how it takes all of the instruments together to make a band." I thought that was an excellent idea, so here it goes.

Trumpets, tubas, and trombones; clarinets, flutes, and saxophones. While you and I may prefer one instrument to play, is one inherently superior today? All the sounds together make a song, pleasing to the ear and strong. One without the rest may do, but banded together are somehow more true.

In my mind, this same principle that applies to a band, applies to humankind as a whole. Everyone plays a different, yet vital role in society. There are teachers, mothers, technicians, doctors, etc, all of which are needed. So if you feel insignificant today, remember that your tune too is contributing to the marvelous symphony of society.We need you!

The Best Man

As I alluded to in my last post, my brother was married over the weekend. We went to Oakland, California  for the wedding. It was a beautiful event. I can't imagine it being much better. The weather was fantastic, everyone who planned on coming made it on time, and Eric and Kara are so happy together. My brother asked me to be his best man about two months ago, which was an honor for me. I helped organize his bachelor party, created a slideshow of him and Kara, and led the effort to decorate their get away vehicle.

I was particularly proud of our decorations on the car. It turned out better than I had expected. Kara's dad let them take his nice sedan, and he was justified in his worry about how we were going to decorate his car. His only rule was "nothing on the paint," which he repeated on a few occasions. We went to work and filled the back seat with balloons, tied crepe-paper streamers, and wrote on the windows using window paint. After we finished, I pulled the car up to the front and when I got out I noticed that the streamers had spread the wet paint from the windows to the top of the car. I had broken the only rule! With haste I ran to the bathroom, wet a few paper towels, and ran back to the car. It was a huge relief to me that the window paint came off easily and my brother and his new wife enjoyed the decorations as they drove off into the night.

On occasion, even when we are being careful, we will make mistakes, breach rules, or spill paint all over. When that happens, it is incomprehensible to think that we would just weep and wallow. Such moments require action--and when it comes to making mistakes in our lives, that action is called repentance. Repentance is accomplished by righting wrong and seeking forgiveness from God and cleansing through the atonement of Jesus Christ. From my own experience, I know these things are not abstract illusions, but sure realities. Mistakes made may be forgiven, but when left alone, they harden.

Dancing at the Reception

Marriage is what brings us together today...well, yesterday and then it will again on Saturday for my brother's wedding. Yesterday I was privileged to attend the sealing of my friends Spencer and Hayley at the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony and seeing true joy radiate from them made me feel happy, and hopeful.

In the evening I also attended their wedding reception. Near the end of the event, my fear came true as they announced that there would be dancing and they wanted us all to join in. I have been to several wedding receptions where they have party dancing, and it just didn't seem like my thing. It's not that I can't dance--or maybe that is the problem--I guess I'm just a little self-conscious.

Thankfully, I was with several friends from my mission, and they wanted to get out there. I decided to just enjoy the dancing and not care what I looked like. Who was I going to impress anyway? It was a lot of fun, and my opinion of dancing at wedding receptions has changed. It can be fun.

Sometimes when new opportunities are placed before us, we turn away because we don't believe we can do it. Have a little faith in yourself and when given the chance, try something new.

Stepping Stones

This week has been full of working in our backyard and my hands are showing it! We are getting our yard ready for my brother's wedding reception, so we've replaced bark, added dirt, planted a tree and shrubs, and weeded, fertilized, and trimmed the lawn. I've noticed that it is hard to think about anything of much significance when I am working outside--maybe it's all the distractions around me or my muscles screaming exhaustion, but I have thought some about my work tonight and I have one thought to share.

Along the side of our house we added a stepping stone path from the back patio to the fence. After setting each stone, I walked the path to make sure the stones weren't too close or too far apart. Then, I placed dirt underneath each stone to level it out and to prevent the stones from tipping. Finally, I put new bark on the path to surround the stones. I am no professional, but I am pleased with the result. Take a look.

In some regard each of us is building a path. This path is setting the direction for your future and provides a highway for those who will come behind. Take a second and ask yourself, where is my path headed?

If your path needs some work, there is one who is the perfect example: Jesus Christ. If you pattern your path after His, you cannot go wrong.

That Rambunctious Boy

You all know who I'm talking about. That boy that sat in front of you at church today that couldn't sit still for more than a few seconds, who gave his sister a wet willy, and who sprawled out across the pew without regard for the other people nearby. Or perhaps you were that kid today? While I consider myself to be rather disciplined and well-behaved (and now a college graduate), as I thought about this rambunctious boy, I realized we may have more in common than I first believed.

Why did his mom scold him and tell him to pay attention to the speaker? Why wasn't that enough? Why did she have to remind him so frequently? I think the short and simple answer is that he didn't understand what the point of paying attention was. Undoubtedly his parents had taught him about how we go to church to worship God and to learn about the gospel, but he hasn't quite learned those lessons for himself.

Now, how many times have you and I lacked the understanding and faith to do what God has already told us to do? For me, probably more than I'm willing to admit or even realize. Even after receiving good feelings about a particular choice or a reminder about what's most important, we can easily get off track and settle for less than we could receive. Thankfully, like that boy's mom, God is patient and willing to remind us over and over.

In truth, aren't we all a little like that boy?

2nd Place

Parking in Provo can be a nightmare. Usually, I can find a spot underneath my apartment, but several times I've seen my roommate pull in just as I am approaching the lot...and it happened again today.

Now I'm really not trying to complain. He beat me there fair and square. Luckily, I found a spot near by. This isn't the first time I have come in 2nd place and it won't be the last. Athletics, academics, dating, and employment are a few examples in my own life.

Sometimes I think I'd rather be down at the bottom of the list than in 2nd place. Coming so close and seeing success right in front of you, only to be told you just weren't quite good enough. I'm sure you know the feeling. However, one thing that I have learned is that often--after the throbbing in my pride subsides--something good comes out my 2nd place finish. So today if you feel like you took 2nd place, remember that something good is just around the corner.

If you need a pep talk today, listen to the Kid President.

Who's In the Aisle?

Today marks the beginning of a string of "lasts" for me. I had my last class, my last paper, and my last group presentation at BYU. (As an aside, I wanted to make our presentation more interesting, so I gave my part of the presentation with an accent; it was awesome) I also attended the "Unforum"  today, which is a fun event at the Marriott Center to celebrate the end of the school year. There were several performances and videos shown, in addition to some final remarks from President and Sister Samuelson.

I got there a few minutes late, during one of the videos, and it was extremely dark. There were a few lights shining down on the aisles, but it didn't help much. I could see the silhouettes of enough people to know that it was pretty packed. So I made my way toward the top of the arena, trying to find a seat. I could barely see the people in the aisle seats. I went up about 10 rows and I couldn't tell if someone was sitting on that bench or not. After agonizing for a moment, I decided I would give it a try, and I put my hand down on the bench. Thankfully, no one was sitting there! I sat down and enjoyed the rest of the program.

At times life requires us to walk into the darkness and to put forth our faith. For instance, I had to do my best to assess the seating situation and then move forward, not knowing what the exact outcome would be. We likewise need to do the best we can and then take action, trusting in God that everything will work out in the end.

Budding Blossoms

Have you ever noticed something change drastically, as if in an instant? Two days ago, as I was walking back to my apartment, I noticed that so many trees had suddenly blossomed (my allergies actually told me before my eyes did). I told my friend about my observation and he said that it had been at least a week since the blossoms began to appear. I don't know why it took me so long to notice this, but spring is certainly in the air--and on the trees.

This is a picture of the yard that is right next to my apartment. The owners don't really take care of it, and I have seen it as an eyesore for some time. To my surprise, yesterday when I passed by I noticed that there were several types of beautiful flowers that had sprung up all over their yard! The arrangement of the flowers seemed quite random, but I imagine at some point that someone had to plant them. I appreciate who ever did, because it cheered me up. Sometimes we do something nice or good and don't think much of the impact, but sooner or later, such efforts are bound to touch someone.

Bits and Horses

Yesterday I was reminded of an experience I had last summer at Philmont. For the first time in many years, I got to go horseback riding. I was the tallest person there, so of course I was given the largest horse. My sturdy, black horse was named Shadow. We spent about an hour exploring the nearby prairie. Our horses followed each other in a line, so I didn't have to do an much work in guiding my horse. I learned that one of the ways I could communicate with Shadow was by tightening and loosening my grip on the reins. I didn't realize it at the time, but the reins were connected to a bit, or a metal bar that sat in a gap between Shadow's teeth. A change in pressure of the bit on his teeth could be used to indicate my desired speed and direction. Now, I'm no expert when it comes to riding horses, and this explanation may not be completely accurate, but it works for this parable.

In some ways, we are like horses going out for a ride on the prairie. If we care to pay attention, there is a rider on our back who will direct us where we need to go. He knows the final destination and the best way to get there, but he will not force us to follow every command. We can choose to rear-up, sit still, or find our own way. Or, we can willingly obey and trust in the commands of the rider. As we do so, we begin to notice subtle signals which he gives that keep us on the best path. In this analogy, God is the rider, but he is not an indifferent rider going for a joy ride. He actually cares about His horse and seeks to help him. True, this is an imperfect parable, but it helps me understand that God loves us and wants to help us return to Him. He will help bring us home if we but listen and follow Him.

My thoughts here were inspired by listening to Elder L. Tom Perry yesterday during General Conference. Click here to read or watch his message.

Clouds

Fluffy, floating,white, wispy clouds. Today on my walk home from campus, I noticed that the clouds were touching the mountains. Later, as I was walking up to the Provo Temple, I again noticed that the clouds were descending into the valley below. This caused me to consider, what do clouds symbolize? After some thought, I came up with two possible interpretations.

Provo Utah Temple

1. Clouds are a symbol of protection. Think of what clouds do on a sunny day; they serve as a shield from the sun, both for our eyes and our skin. At other times, clouds engulf or surround something as if it were a protective barrier. 

2. Clouds are a symbol of divine guidance. This is very clear in light of the book of Exodus. After the children of Israel fled Egypt, God led them in a "pillar of a cloud" (Exodus 13:21-22). When Moses went up to the Mount Sinai to speak with God, the mountain was covered in a cloud (Exodus 24:15-16). Finally, upon its completion the Tabernacle--a holy place where God could come--was covered by a cloud (Exodus 40:35-36). When clouds touch earth, this reminds me that God speaks to us today, just as He did in times past. 

Certainly there are other things that clouds can symbolize. Take a minute to think about it. I'd love to hear what other interpretations you come up with!

Passing On

Life is such a fragile thing. Though sometimes it takes an earthquake for us to realize this truth. Today my world received such a shaking. It was like any other Sunday, until I received a text message from my mother telling me that my grandpa was in cardiac arrest and that things were not looking good. A few minutes later she called me to tell me that he passed away. At first, I could hardly believe it, and then I felt a great sadness in my heart. What about my graduation, my brother's wedding, and the fishing trips we were going to take this summer? But most of all, I thought of my grandma and the certain pain and uncertain trepidation that she was experiencing.

My brother and I drove up to the hospital and then spent the remainder of the day with family--remembering grandpa and trying to comfort one another. This is really the first time I have faced death at this point in my life. Although it hurts, I have been comforted by my knowledge of God's plan and the future resurrection from the dead that we will all enjoy.

As I have reflected on these feelings, I noticed that there were several small blessings, or tender mercies, leading up to our loss. These tender mercies have brought reassurance to me. For instance, just last week, I felt like I should go home to spend some time with my family and I got to see my grandpa as well. How grateful I am that I didn't neglect that prompting. For me, the take away from today is not to delay a feeling to call or visit a family member or friend, for you never know when it might be too late. Life is such a fragile thing.

Relativity and Time

Have you every watched a clock tick? Or watched from an airplane as cars drive on the freeway below? I have, and in these instances time almost seems to slow down. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the faster we move, the slower time passes and the smaller space becomes--relative to the time and space we perceive on earth. Theoretically, if we were to travel at the speed of light (more than 186,000 miles per second), then time would converge to all things being "now" and space would contract to all things being "here." If you really think about that it's pretty incredible, and while this is just a theory, I think it helps us better understand God.

You see, God is omniscient, meaning he knows all things. Doctrine and Covenants 88:42 explains, "He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever." Perhaps this means that God perceives time as we perceive space, in a holistic but not necessarily sequential manner.

In my mind the most significant application of God's omniscience is that God sees us not as we are, but as we can become. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming."

So next time you are cruising by someone in a plane or a car, let that serve as a reminder to you that God sees each and every snapshot perfectly and collectively, because "all things are before him."

Fishing at Dusk

Sometimes the most relaxing thing you can do is to get out of town and enjoy the outdoors. I was in need of such an adventure on Friday, so after class my roommate David and I headed up the canyon to go fly fishing. We suited up in our waders, special boots, and 10-foot long poles and headed down the Middle Provo River towards the mouth of Deer Creek Reservoir. To our dismay, it was a bit windy, which made it difficult to cast and improbable to catch a fish. We cast our little flies as far as we could (which was far) and we got a few bites, but we didn't hook a single fish.

As dusk settled in the valley, we headed back to our car. Shortly thereafter, David stepped in some sort of sink hole that pulled him into water above his waist. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't get himself out, so I walked over and grabbed his hand. With a bit of effort, we were able to get him out of that quasi-quicksand hole. The rest of our trek back to the car was uneventful, and I was glad that we made it back to the car just before dark.

On occasion, our experiences may require that we reach out and ask others for help. Don't be so stubborn that you fail to recognize when you need power beyond your own to free you from the difficulties and troubles that you face.

Brain Bash

You probably didn't know that this week is brain awareness week. Neither did I, until I got an email inviting me to teach a group of junior high students about the brain. I signed up and got my friend Emily to teach with me. Yesterday we went to Freedom Prep. Academy and taught fifteen 7th graders about the brain for an hour. We really had no idea what we were supposed to teach before we got there, but I think it went pretty well. We had a good time and the students learned some interesting facts about the brain. For instance, how many neurons do you have in your brain? *Que Jeopardy music* What's your answer? If you said 100 billion, you're right!

The highlight of our time with the students was dissecting sheep brains. The eight students that I was working with were filled with awe and curiosity as we looked at the brain and passed it around, until the wise guy in the group stuck his smelly gloved hand in his friend's face...then chaos broke loose until their teacher came over to calm them down. This morning as I was thinking about this experience, I realized that I could learn a thing or two from those energetic 7th graders. I could be more excited about learning and find ways to make potentially boring things fun. When I am repeatedly involved in something, such as college courses, it can be easy to view my life and these activities as mundane. Perhaps it's time to bring back the kid in me.

What do you think, how can we best maintain childlike curiosity and enthusiasm in our lives?

Picture obtained from the National Museum of Health and Medicine

Surprise!

Today I got two surprises which threw me for a loop: 1) It snowed this morning, and 2) A new president of BYU was called. Yesterday it was 60 degrees and sunny in Provo, but when I left for my 8 AM class this morning it felt like winter again. The snow even collected on the ground--although it melted within an hour--but that is Utah weather! It's utterly unpredictable.

Later in the day I went to the BYU devotional. Brother Larry M. Gibson spoke. My family and I met him during the summer while we were at Philmont. We spoke with him and his wife for probably a half an hour. They were very nice people, and I was excited to hear his message. He spoke about two important companions that we need in this life: a spouse and the Holy Spirit. At the end of his remarks, President Henry B. Eyring spoke and announced the release of President Cecil O. Samuelson. In his place Kevin J. Worthen was called as the new president of BYU (effective May 1). Although the Samuelsons have served for nearly 11 years, this too came as a surprise. They received a standing ovation for their service (see the picture below). President Eyring bore witness that the Lord, Jesus Christ, directs His kingdom on earth. I wondered how anyone could question President Worthen's calling after such a powerful testimony.

Life is full of surprises. Some are welcome and some are not, but either way they are, by definition, altogether unexpected. To me it seems that the trick is to try and enjoy what comes our way and trust that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28).

Justice or Mercy?

Justice or mercy? This is a fundamental question, not only when we consider God's character, but when we consider how we should treat others. If you are anything like me, the first thought to come to mind when considering how we should act is usually dictated by what we perceive to be just. However, I think we can all agree that we would prefer mercy when others make decisions that affect us.

I teach a molecular biology lab class at BYU. I have about 40 students and we meet once a week to discuss and practice various techniques in molecular biology. One of my students had been absent for two weeks in a row and I was concerned that something might have happened to him. I sent him and email to see what was going on. He responded yesterday and explained his situation in part. My initial reaction was one of justice. I didn't understand how he could simply neglect his class and fail to contact his teachers. Was it so hard to write an email or to better plan his time? Aren't we all are busy? Don't we all have difficulties that we are facing?

Then I asked myself an inspired question, "What would Jesus do?" I wasn't thinking in abstract terms, I was trying to imagine the Savior in the same situation that I was in. What response would He give? After some thought I determined that He would act with mercy. So, I wrote a response encouraging my student to give added effort to the class and I indicated that I would be excited to see him in class next week.

Back to my first question: justice or mercy? I don't know that there is always a hard-and-fast answer, but in most cases I think we should be markedly merciful without neglecting justice. We should give people a chance to do better, while still making known our expectations and inviting them to live according to truth, for this is the way that Jesus Christ has shown.

If you have had a recent experience regarding facing the decision to be just or merciful in your interactions with others, I invite you to comment on this post and share!

Keep on Swinging

Tennis is one of my favorite sports--both to play and to watch. Last Saturday I went and watched my first BYU men's tennis match. I've been wanting to go for some time, and the advertised free pizza sealed the deal. I was quite impressed with the exciting and fast-paced tennis our team played. Surprisingly, only 2 of our 12 players were from the United States.

At one point during a doubles match, BYU was down 6 games to 7 (they were playing to 8). One of the BYU players made a frustrating mistake, but they went back and gave each other a high five nonetheless. Right now you are probably thinking, "Oh, I bet they came back and won." If so, you are wrong! They did come back and tied 7 to 7, but they lost the tie breaker and hence the match. However, I was impressed that they never gave any indication of giving up. Even when things looked grim, they kept on swinging.

Reflecting on their mental toughness and determination helped me recognize how far I have come in my mental capacity. When I first started playing I usually beat myself before my opponent had the chance. If you have never played, then you probably don't understand that tennis is perhaps more of a mental sport than a physical one. It can be easy to get in your own head and give up mentally, even though you keep moving your body and trying physically. From my experience, in this state it is nigh impossible to attain victory. While I still am not perfect at this, I am much better at maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to fight, even when the scoreboard says I'm down and out. Can you see where I'm going with this? I think life is more of a mental sport than a physical one. Don't let others get you down or discourage you from reaching your dream. Even if things don't work out now, there is much to be gained in the struggle at hand. Keep on swinging.

Are You Aware?

I love BYU. It is hard to believe that within two short months, I will have finished my undergraduate studies! One of my favorite things at BYU is the weekly devotionals and forums. This last Tuesday I attended a forum address given by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I found his message to be compelling and thought-provoking.

One of his major points was that secularism has found its way into our modern culture and is beginning to erode human dignity and human rights. I agree with Dr. Mohler, that without the belief that every person is a child of God, who deserves respect and certain rights, we begin to loose sight of the value of human life. Consequently, religious liberty is also being threatened as some seek to interfere with or question the fundamental right to worship God. On this matter Dr. Mohler encouraged believers of different faiths to stand together to protect the religious freedom of all people; for as he humorously put it, "I believe we will not go to heaven together, but we might well go to jail together."

As I headed to my next class after the forum, I walked among a throng of BYU students--this happens daily as there more than 30,000 students here. At one point I came to a bottleneck where students converged from 4 congested paths. To me it appeared as if there was a current, pulling students in various directions as they skillfully slipped past one another. It was difficult for me to make it through the crowd, as I was heading in a different direction than most, but I looked up at the people around me and I found a way through, because others took notice of my need and opened the way.

With Dr. Mohler's address still on my mind, I realized that this experience was somewhat like real life. We frequently come to a congested intersection where we could run into others or be pushed down a path against our will. However, if we take the time to look up and become aware of where others are headed, a spirit of concern ensues and we are able to help one another accomplish tasks that would be impossible on our own. This is the type of community that I think Dr. Mohler was encouraging, and one that we need to lead peaceful and prosperous lives.

To access Dr. Mohler's speech, go to http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2166.

I Can See Clearly Now

The truth is I'm going blind, but before you jump to any dismal conclusions, let me explain. Growing up I never needed glasses or contacts, and I prided myself in my 20/15 vision. However, in recent years my eyesight has slowly deteriorated. About two years ago I got glasses to help me see better in my college classes, but now I often find myself wearing them throughout the day. Although I can still get by if I forget my glasses or if find it inconvenient to wear them, I crave the clarity of sight that my glasses provide, especially when I look out into the distance.

Not unlike my eyesight, over time our vision of what is actually important in life can become blurred. Sometimes we become so wrapped up in the here and now that we loose sight of what is essential. Private introspection may yield important insights concerning our priorities and path. What then is truly important? For me, three priorities are paramount: God, family, and friends. The quality of my relationships with my God, my family, and my friends allow me to determine whether I need to correct or continue my course. Take a look into the distance. Are your sights set on what matters most, or could you benefit from a pair of new glasses?

Long in the Making

Today I went on an adventure to Arches National Park in Utah. I was amazed by the natural scenery that we encountered. My favorite sight was the Delicate Arch, which is depicted on many Utah license plates. While I was at the park I learned about how this (and 2000 other) beautiful arches were formed. Initially, some seismic event caused rifts to form in the solid beds of rock. Then, as rain fell, water pooled and slowly eroded away the rock and widened the rifts until the arches and other striking features were formed.

On the car ride home I was thinking about this, and I came to the realization that the formation of these arches is very similar to how we as human beings develop our character. Initially, we are like flat and common slabs of rock, but at some point we realize a need for change. Something within calls us to be better, and we break down--usually due to our own flaws or mistakes. In this state of humility, we allow truth from heaven to shape us to become something of far greater beauty. At first large changes are required, and then over time the fine details of our character are rounded out. The final product is something so natural and good that it could not have been the result of our efforts alone. Remember that God is shaping you into the person that He foresees, so be patient in this long process until you develop character as breathtaking as the Delicate Arch.

The Beginning

Hello world! I've been considering creating my own blog for sometime, and I have finally done so to share thoughts and experiences from my life that I hope will be interesting and of worth to you. Recently, I was encouraged to look for parables, or analogies, in my own life. Since that time, I have had several experiences when I recognized that I could learn a great lesson from seemingly unimportant occurrences.

As I attempt to share my thoughts with you, I realize that I am limited in my views and experiences. Thus, I hope to follow the example of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, to help me express my thoughts and feelings in a way that can reach each of you. I also hope that my posts will generate genuine discussion and will inspire you to look for your own everyday parables.