Children

Today at church it was fast and testimony meeting. I love these meetings and I think it's great to hear what others think and feel when it comes to the gospel. The testimonies that I love the most are the ones that come from children. They are always so sincere and heartfelt in what they say. One kid about 10 years old in our ward stood up today and said that he was so sad when his uncle had to leave on his mission for two years. Then he started to cry and said, "My uncle came home and I was so happy to see him. It makes me happy to go on a mission one day and I know that the church is true." His testimony touched my heart and it amazes me what comes out of the mouth of children. It's easy to see why the Lord tells us to become like them. They are so pure, clean, and close to God.

What do you think about?

I am a firm believer that our thoughts eventually become our reality. The things that we think about we bring about. For example, if I constantly think about messing up during a presentation then I am probably going to mess up. Or if I am constantly telling myself that I am useless and worthless then I am going to feel crumby about myself. This is because if we choose to think it, then our minds will create it. The mind is no respecter of persons. You must decide if you want give it good thoughts or bad thoughts, but whatever you choose to think, it will create. That is why we have be careful about the things that we surround ourselves with. That is why the media is one of Satan's greatest tools to bring us down. If we are daily listening to music that talks of drugs, violence, and immorality then what do you think is going to show up in lives? Hopefully it doesn't but music and other things can influence our thoughts and actions if we allow it to. The prophet Brigham Young said, "The greatest mystery a man ever learned, is to know how to control the human mind, and bring every faculty and power of the same in subjection to Jesus Christ; this is the greatest mystery we have to learn while in these tabernacles of clay." (Journal of Discourses, 1:46-47) We can learn to think of virtuous things with practice and persistence. And the greatest of all good things is God. But I think it's interesting to occasionally ask ourselves, "What do I think about during the day?" "Are my thoughts uplifting?" "Are they positive?" "Are they clean?"

Would you rather be deaf of blind?

This is a really tough question. Each one has its pro and cons, but I believe I would rather be deaf. It would be really hard to live your life never being able to hear the voice of your family, friends, and others. I really can't imagine how hard that would be. But what would give me hope is that I know that I could learn to communicate with others. Whether it be through sign language or some other way it doesn't really matter as long as some form of communication could be achieved. I remember that there was one missionary in my mission who was deaf and he was an awesome missionary. He truly loved the people that he taught and he had so much faith. He didn't allow his disability to hinder him and everyone who was his companion learned a lot from him. So if given the choice I would have to go with being deaf because I feel that it could to some degree be overcome.

Small and simple things

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." (Alma 37:6) I have always loved this scripture. Last night I had an experience that made me think of this passage. It started at the soccer game. As I was playing, thinking, and observing, I had the thought come to me that a game isn't won in one single attempt. Nor is it won because of one great play or individual effort. Soccer games are one in the details. The team that does the small and simple things well and consistently is the team that will win the game. When I came home from the game it was late and I was tired. It had been a long day and I was ready for bed. I needed to eat dinner still and so my future mother in law offered to make me something. This little act of kindness touched my heart. She also had had a long and stressful day and must have been tired. However, she thought of others and made me dinner despite her fatigue and need for rest. Then about ten minutes later I found her ironing her family's shirts that they needed to wear to church tomorrow and I was again greatly impressed. This may seem small and simple but it was so kind of her and nice. It is by small and simple things that we can do good to others and change the world.

My favorite place to go is....

This may sound funny to some people but my favorite place to go is the temple. The temple is such a beautiful place and there is no place like it on earth. Whenever I go to the temple I feel peace and joy. The buildings are magnificent and the grounds are breathtaking, but the spirit that I feel is what impresses me the most. I feel as Moses did when the Lord said, “Moses, Moses. … put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” (Ex. 3:4–5.) I remember that thing that I missed the most as a missionary, other then my family, was going to the temple. The temple is the house of God. If we go often enough our natures will be changed and we will become more like the Savior. This is my favorite place to go and I wish that I never had to leave.

My special grandmother

Unfortunately my grandmother died about ten years ago. Even thought she is gone I still have the memories of her in my heart and mind. When I think of my grandma two things come to mind; cooking and endurance. My grandmother's cooking was absolutely divine. She would always cook us a large and delicious breakfast every time we came to visit her. She made us pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, muffins, fruit, and cereal all for breakfast. It was wonderful! She thoroughly enjoyed cooking for us and expected us to eat everything that she made. She would ask, "Kip, would like some more?" I would respond, "No thanks grandma. I can't eat anymore." Then she would literally slap some food on my plate. When it came to eating more food no was simply no an option for her grand kids. The other thing that always stood out to me was her endurance throughout life. My grandmother had been through a lot of physical trials that were very painful. She needed heart surgery three times, broke her hip at age 75, and her leg was run over by a giant tractor which left a brick size dent in her leg. These are just a few of the things that she went through and she still pressed on. She went on to live over 80 years of age and she found joy in her family. I love my grandma and I hope to see her again one day on the other side.

Soccer Game 2 - 0

Last night we won our soccer game against Colorado University 2 to 0. It was a really fun game for me and our team played fantastic! Our forward Jace Green scored two great goals and I had one assist.The weird thing is is that we don't have another home game for a month. Our next game in Provo will be the last week in May. This game marks the end of our pre-season training and now the season is approaching fast. We will be ready. I am really grateful for the opportunity to play soccer at BYU. There is no other program quite like ours. Yes we get play soccer at a high level but more importantly we are surrounded by good people who live the standards of the gospel. I look up to my coaches and teammates as examples and I am grateful for their positive influence on me. And not only that we have amazing fans! They are awesome!