2 Years Ago Today

On December 30, 2009 I was standing in the Phoenix airport hugging my family with tears in my eyes. I was about to board a plane for Salt Lake City and I knew I wouldn't be seeing them for a while. For most 19 year old boys this might be the time to head off to college or a job, but for me, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I was embarking on a two year proselyting mission in Montana.

As I arrived in Salt Lake I was greeted by my two sets of my grandparents who delivered me safely to one of the most famous places in the church, the MTC or Missionary Training Center. After more goodbyes were said I was escorted by an Elder into a building. I had made it!

For many in the church the MTC is very iconic because of what begins there and the history that follows. For me, my father, grandparents, cousins and friends had all came through these very same doors as they started out missions of their own. I had heard so many stories about this place that it was a rush of emotions to finally be here for myself on my very own mission.

What happened over the next three weeks was such a roller coaster ride of new things as I spent every moment dedicated to studying and training to be the best missionary I could be. As I did that I gained new friends, new knowledge, a new increase of the Spirit, and a new love for my Savior and His church and gospel.

After all of that it was time to once again board a plane (this time a very small one) and set off for Montana and a life changing experience with the hope that I had learned enough to at least survive the next two years.      

        

Jesus, Help Me Take The Wheel

In the popular song sung by Carrie Underwood she tells the story of a girl who's driving and looses control on an icy road. In desperation she throws her arms up in the air along with a prayer.

Jesus take the wheel

Take it from my hands

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

Jesus take the wheel

While this is a touching story of a woman and her baby who are saved from getting into a horrible car crash the lyrics have caused me to reflect would God really want us to just let go of the steering wheel as we offer up a prayer?

    James 2:17-"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

I do believe God will help us if we pray, but we also need to put forth some of our own effort. There are times, like the story in this song, that He will help us fully and completely, but other times we need to be willing to do our part as well.

     Matthew 7:21-Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

So the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, or driving down an icy road of sin, don't just say Lord, Lord and throw your hands in the air hoping He'll save you. Instead say a prayer, grab the wheel, and take control of the situation as God helps and guides you to safety. In the end this will prove to be way more effective.  

Cause I can't do this on my own

Put The Watch Away And Enjoy Christmas

This morning I went to the temple here in Billings. It was nice to walk in to that beautiful white building on a cool crisp December morning. In the temple they have lockers where you can store your belongings while in the temple. It is one of my favorite things to do to take off my watch and set it in the locker. To me it's very symbolic. The watch, in my eyes, represents time, and often the constrains it can place on our lives. So for me to take that watch off, put it in a locker, and lock it up while in the temple helps me realize that I need to forget about time and focus on the reasons I am there and the things that I can learn.

    As I did this today it also made me think of this busy Christmas season. As all of us find ourselves in the hustle and bustle of decorating, baking, singing, and Christmas programs galore let us essentially take the watch of time off and put it away. Even for just a night let us forget about worldly Christmas time and focus on family Christmas time. May I suggest a reading out of Luke chapter 2, or watching a video about Christ's birth off of biblevideos.lds.org. I can promise as you do this you will grow closer to your family, you will remember the Savior more, and will find an increase of Christmas spirit in your home and in your life. This is a wondrous time of year, let's not let it go to waste.

  For some family Christmas ideas Click Here!

My Christmas with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

One of my favorite Christmas traditions has to be listening to Christmas music. Growing up in Utah we had the privileged of going to The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's yearly Christmas concert. Most kids my age probably would have found listening to a choir sing for two hours a bore, but for me it was the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season! As I sat there in amazement listening to this angelic choir sing praises of Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Hark! The Harold Angels sing I felt something inside of me. As I continued to pay more attention to this feeling I realized what it was....It was the Spirit! I'm sure there were other times in my life when I had felt the Spirit but it was these concerts that provided me the first opportunity to recognize what the Spirit really felt like.
   Each year I look forward to this, the Christmas season, for the opportunity to, through music, relive this spiritual experience. I'm grateful for what I call "God's Choir" and their heavenly songs who's tunes and lyrics are now ingrained into my mind and heart.  This time of year is truly a great one as I am able to reflect on the Saviors birth and, with my voice, join in singing praises to Him.  

My Name is Mitch...and I'm A Mormon.

Hi my name is Mitch, I'm originally from the Salt Lake City area of Utah but have had the chance to live in Chicago,IL , Idaho Falls,ID , and for the last six years in Queen Creek,AZ where I spent most of my growing up years. I Love Sports, especially BYU football and basketball. Go Cougars! My family and friends would call me addicted and I'd probably have to agree. You can find me most nights sitting on the couch watching sports with my Dad and friends.
     I also love to play sports. I played baseball and basketball when I was younger but in High School I found a love for swimming and tennis and competed on both teams.
Some of my other hobbies would include camping, fishing, making movies, and eating. There's nothing better then watching a big game and chowing down on many of my favorite foods.
    I've put that all aside for two years though as I am currently serving a mission in Montana and loving it. Its been a great experience to be able to share my beliefs with others and I am truly cherishing this time I am dedicating to the Lord.
     I was born into the church and have a very strong background of faithful family members. I always felt like the church was true because of the strength I saw it brought to me and my family. As I continued to read the Book of Mormon I felt time and time again the feeling of peace brought about by the Spirit. After finishing the Book of Mormon I took Moroni's challenge and prayed to know it was true and I felt the same feelings that I had felt my whole life and while reading The Book of Mormon; that the church was true and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was something that could continue to help my family and I in our lives. I am so grateful for all that Jesus Christ and his Gospel has done for me. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without it.

     Before my mission I lived my faith every day by setting a good example and showing others through that example what I believed. Now as a missionary for the church I am able to teach and invite others to learn more and share my testimony with them every day of how Christ's Gospel and his restored church has blessed my life and I love it!

    My Name is Mitch, I'm currently serving a mission in Montana. I love sports, food, and my family.....and I'm a Mormon.

Look Forward With Faith

All of us are traveling down a road called life. It can be a joy ride, a thrill ride, or a car wreck depending on how we handle the up hills, down hills, sharp turns, bumps, and pot holes of life.
     Sometimes we feel like we can drive anywhere we want and have freedom and success. Other times we think we're driving solo with no co-pilot by our side and we feel nervous or frightened about what lies ahead. But as we continue to make it through those sharps turns and speed bumps we then look back through the rear view mirror and realize God and Christ have been there all along guiding us through a route that we may have never taken without their quite encouragement and guidance through the Spirit. So how do we make it so that instead of looking back through the rear view mirror and finding them we look forward through the windshield with faith and follow the road less traveled?

     We all would like to think we have enough faith in our driving until we hit a snow storm and that windshield starts to become blurred. I think back to this last winter and being an Arizona boy it was my first time driving in the snow. When you drive in a snow storm your personal vision is reduced drastically. Because of this you have to be very tentative, slow down, and use your windshield wipers to keep the snow from building up on your windshield. These three steps and a prayer will help you keep the faith to press forward and make it home safely.
      In life we hit storms of temptation, sin, laziness, or whatever Satan can throw in our path to reduce our vision and cloud up our windshields. If we will become aware of the distractions, slow down before we act, pray, and wipe away those temptations we will have a clear path to follow the guidance God and Christ give us. The more we can follow their guidance during the drive and have faith instead of looking back to the past and realizing they were there the whole time easier our road to travel will be. So have faith, travel smart, and enjoy the ride.       

Priesthood Lockout

NBA opening week! Ahhh! Professional hoops back again Time for the holiday season! The excitement has been building for big marquee match-ups like Kobe vs. Lebron, Celtics vs. Heat, and to top it all off the debut of the college basketball player of the year, Jimmer Fredette! So quick turn on your TV, grab a soda, and maybe even your thundersticks because it's time for some NBA Basketball!.....

      (chirp).....(chirp)......(chirp)....oh wait.....the nba is in a lockout. 

Due to recent labor desputes between players, owners, and league officials the NBA season has been halted, stopped, and put on hold until the parties can come to an agreement over  revenue sharing and the structure of the salary cap. The owners and league have their agenda and will let the players resume play once the players can agree to the terms of a contract.

   Sometimes a similar lockout occurs. God has allowed men to be players in helping him in his eternal work. Using his authority and priesthood power through them, here on the earth, these players are able to baptize, confir the Holy Ghost, administer the sacrement, give blessings of healing to the sick, and perform other ordinances in the temple. 

     In the Doctrine and Covenants section 121 we read these words from God about this Priesthood. He states"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

   That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man."

   So we see that if a holder of the Priesthood of God tries to use it in any other way then God would have him use it or if he tries to use it without being worthy just like the NBA that players priesthood is put into a lockout. Well then how does one receive that Priesthood authority again in his life? Through repentance hopefully he will bring his life back into harmony with the terms of his contract with God to hold and use that Priesthood again. Just like hopefully the NBA players can come to an agreement and take the court sooner then later.   

    

         To read more about the Priesthood of God visit Elder Wahl's blog The Ice Cream Truck and The Squad Car: Authority

A Leap Of Faith: Mega Ramp

One thing I look forward to every summer is watching the X-games. Though I don't participate in skateboarding, BMX biking, or dirt bike riding myself it was always amazing to watch the things these xtreme athletes could do. One event that always blew my mind was the "Big Air" skateboarding competition. The Big Air competition takes place on a giant mega ramp. A mega ramp is a ramp that has a 30-foot drop in, a 25-foot gap and an 18-foot quarterpipe. 

A Leap of Faith No Doubt!
(Click to view full size)

       As the skateboarder takes off down the 30 foot drop in he starts to fly down the ramp quickly gaining speed. He then approaches the first ramp where he is launched off over the gap and into the air. At this point the skateboarder pulls of a sick first trick. As gravity starts to take hold on his body he is quickly headed back down to earth.  At the point that most humans would worry more about which bones they're going to break the skateboarder lands the trick and then quickly heads into quarterpipe where he hopes to seal the deal with one more gnarly trick, all while riding a thin peice of wood screwed down to four small wheels. All of this will either amount to a skateboard ride of glory or a ride in an ambulance.

     I've thought about this event and have tried to fathom the skills, determination, guts, and potentially lack of brain cells it must take the cause some one to even attempt a big air mega ramp. Then again I think about some of the things I do in my life. Some would call it crazy to believe in and follow the words and commands of what some would label a so called God. There are those out there who would rather place their trust in themselves then someone they can't see. But for me it's simply faith. 
   Just like the skateboarder, it started out as a leap of faith. I had to pray. I had to read the scriptures. I had to go to church. I had to put God, in a sense, to the test. I never really doubted, which crazy enough is how most skateboarders that attempt the mega ramp feel, but I wanted to see that he was truly there for me. And as I prayed, and as I read, and as I went to church I felt something. It wasn't the sense of victory or accomplishment a skateboarder must feel, though that must feel pretty cool. It was the Spirit, The Holy Ghost, that confirmed to me that there is a God who watches over me. And as I continue to go throughout life I find other times when I feel like I'm flying down a spiritual mega ramp on my skateboard. And when that happens I know I can trust in God and he will help me to a safe landing.  

Are You A Few Degrees Off?

President Uchtdorf in the April 2008 conference related the following story:"In 1979 a large passenger jet with 257 people on board left New Zealand for a sightseeing flight to Antarctica and back. Unknown to the pilots, however, someone had modified the flight coordinates by a mere two degrees. This error placed the aircraft 28 miles (45 km) to the east of where the pilots assumed they were. As they approached Antarctica, the pilots descended to a lower altitude to give the passengers a better look at the landscape. Although both were experienced pilots, neither had made this particular flight before, and they had no way of knowing that the incorrect coordinates had placed them directly in the path of Mount Erebus, an active volcano that rises from the frozen landscape to a height of more than 12,000 feet (3,700 m).

As the pilots flew onward, the white of the snow and ice covering the volcano blended with the white of the clouds above, making it appear as though they were flying over flat ground. By the time the instruments sounded the warning that the ground was rising fast toward them, it was too late. The airplane crashed into the side of the volcano, killing everyone on board.

A few degrees can be the difference in a spiritual flight or spiritual crash

It was a terrible tragedy brought on by a minor error—a matter of only a few degrees. 

Through years of serving the Lord and in countless interviews, I have learned that the difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees." 

       In life we make decisions every day big, and small. These decisions can keep us safely on the flight path of Christ's Gospel or lead us unsafely towards a volcano of sin and spiritual death. So the question is how do we know where our flight path is leading us and if we are deviating off course?  

    My mission President, President Gardner always says" If you're doing good, you'll feel good and if you're doing wrong, you'll feel wrong. What is that feeling? That feeling is the spirit. The spirit will guide us and help us to determine if we are a few degrees off. Just like a pilot needs to watch their instruments and gauges we too need to watch our thoughts, words, and deeds(Mosiah 4:30) As we consistently examine ourselves and continually work at staying on our Heavenly Father's path we will find the blessings of safely and happiness in this life and the life to come. This is my prayer and my promise in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   To read President Uchtdorf's full talk Click Here.   Click Here  to follow the best compass of all Jesus Christ.

Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings

Have you ever wondered what makes the church move forward and upward as it continues to grow? Is it the structure and organization? Is it the social aspect? or is it something more? President Uchtdorf helps us learn it is something more basic, along with helping us learn how an airplane flies.
     He says "During my professional life as an airline pilot, I sometimes had passengers visit the cockpit of my Boeing 747. They asked about the many switches, instruments, systems, and procedures and how all this technical equipment would help such a huge and beautiful airplane fly.

     As with all pilots, I enjoyed the fact that they were impressed by the apparent complexity of this plane. To the visitors in my cockpit, I would explain that it takes a great aerodynamic design, many auxiliary systems and programs, and powerful engines to make this flying machine equal to the task of bringing comfort and safety to those joining the flight.

    To simplify my explanation by focusing on the basics, I would add that all you really need is a strong forward thrust, a powerful upward lift, and the right aircraft attitude, and the laws of nature will carry the 747 and its passengers safely across continents and oceans, over high mountains and dangerous thunderstorms to its destination."

     So we now know an airplane can't fly off of cool buttons and gadgets alone. Obviously they have a purpose, but when we get down to the basics it's the thrust, upward lift, and laws of nature that help a plane to get up into the sky.

   Just like the church it's members can't survive on organization and social life along. "Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints."

   So what are those basics principles? President Uchtdorf first points out faith and Christlike attributes. He says "Individually, we need to first “follow Him,” and as we do this, the Savior will bless us beyond our own capacity to become what He wants us to be. Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim." 

    This brings us back to the airplane. President Uchtdorf finishes by saying "I spoke of focusing on the basics. Christlike attributes are the basics. They are the fundamental principles that will create “the wind beneath our wings.” As we develop Christlike attributes in our own lives, step-by-step, they will “bear [us] up as on eagles’ wings” (D&C 124:18). Our faith in Jesus Christ will provide power and a strong forward thrust; our unwavering and active hope will provide a powerful upward lift. Both faith and hope will carry us across oceans of temptations, over mountains of afflictions, and bring us safely back to our eternal home and destination."

     I too know as we look to the basics of faith and becoming more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, that's when our spirituality will really take off and soar!

     

         To read the full talk given by President Uchtdorf Click Here

President Uchtdorf, Pilot Me Mini Series

In 2004 Dieter F. Uchtdorf was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Later, in 2008, he was called to serve as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church. But before his time of church leadership President Uchtdorf was a man of flight.
   In 1959 he joined the German Air Force and received his pilot wings in Big Spring, Texas, and fighter pilot training in Phoenix, Arizona. Later he joined Lufthansa German Airlines as a pilot. He worked as an airline captain from 1970 to 1996 holding many executive positions including senior vice president of flight operations and chief pilot of Lufthansa German Airlines.
    Because of his countless hours of flight, and his dedication and love for aviation and God, President Uchtdorf has many stories, and analogies, that he has used in many different LDS General Conference talks, to help us learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of this Davis' Daily Bread is taking you soaring through the clouds on the wings of President Uchtdorf and his stories in a mini series titled "President Uchtdorf, Pilot me."
   Check back frequently over the next few weeks to read some of these stories and learn from the wise counsel of Pilot President Uchtdorf.

Click here  to learn more about President Uchtdorf.

General Conference: The Super Bowl of the Church

The 181st semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is this weekend. This is like the Super Bowl of the church! You've got to watch it! We're talking Apostles and Prophets delivering messages to us from our Heavenly Father. General Conference has something for everyone. So watch with an open heart and willing mind and the Holy Ghost will impress upon the things that you need to take from the talks and messages you hear. I love General Conference. I love the chance to hear from these great men of God and I know you will too.

Check it out. Sat. Oct. 1 at 10am and 2pm and Oct. 2 again at 10am and 2pm.
  

Family Night and Monday Night Football

For most Americans Monday means one thing...Monday Night Football. The NFL's biggest match up of the week on national television for all to see. However for members of the LDS church Monday means something a little different. It means FHE or family home evening. This is a night set aside by the church and families to spend time together, have a gospel lesson, some fun, and the always desired treat. Interestingly enough these two Monday night activities were officially started the same year.    

    In September 1970 the Priesthood Bulletin announced that in a recent meeting the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve approved the setting aside of Monday night for holding family home evening throughout the entire church. Likewise, the 1970 season of the NFL officially had a televised Monday night football game each week and promoted it as Monday Night Football. The very first official Monday Night Football game was held on September 21, 1970. Is it any coincidence that these these two Monday night events were started the same year? Could be for good or bad.
     Bad:If we look at the family in the world we live in today we see that it sure has changed a lot. The typical family no longer eats together let alone spends a night together. Our schedules have all become filled with more and more activities that take us away from the family. Satan uses any tactics he can and could very easily use something good, Monday Night Football, to keep us from doing something better, spending time with our families.
    Good:Now I'm not saying we shouldn't watch some good old American football on Mondays but let's make sure our priorities are straight. If you want to watch some football here are some tips to getting the best of both worlds, family and football.(This is especially for the husbands and fathers out there)

1. Get a DVR: This allows you to hold your Family Home Evening and have fun with them and then go back later and watch the game. God has given us these inventions for a reason. haha
2. Make Monday Night Football a part of your evening: After spending some time together teaching your children, reading scriptures, having a gospel lesson, singing songs, and playing a game, have a little treat while you sit down to watch some football.
3. Read Davis' Daily Bread: Use Davis' Daily Bread's gospel football analogies to teach a lesson and then watch Monday Night Football while helping your kids see the comparisons you just taught about during the game.     

As parents lead out and show your family that they are more important to you than Monday Night Football and apply these three steps you'll get to enjoy spending time with your family along with the big game which is always a win, win.
         For more info on FHE and different activities Click Here

Good,Better, and Best Footballs

Good, Better, and Best Footballs: When my dad was in college he worked on the BYU equipment staff for the football team. He tells a story about HeismanTtrophy winning QB Ty Detmer. During the week leading up to Saturday's game each quarterback is able to go through a cart full of footballs and pick out which ones they want to use in the game. Many of you may be asking why do they do that? Aren't all footballs the same? In many ways they are. They are all brown, made of synthetic leather, have laces or ties, and are all....well, football shaped. But once placed in the hand of an expert quarterback, like Detmer, he sees a lot more than we do.
     My Dad tells about how Ty would feel each and every football very carefully. He would place his fingers on the laces and feel the grip of each ball. He'd even toss them in the air to see what kind of spiral they had. After carefully examining and going through each football he'd pick out the very best ones.
    My dad continues his story by saying that one week they put a little mark on a football Ty had rejected the previous week to see if he'd pass it up again. Sure enough each week, without Ty even knowing, he would reject the ball again and place it back in the bin. So is every football the same? Not in Ty Detmer's expert hands and eyes. There are good footballs, better footballs, and best footballs, and Ty only played with the best!
    Likewise we will face many decisions in our lives. At first they may appear like the pile of footballs. What difference does it make in which one I choose. It doesn't really matter is what we often times will tell ourselves. But just like the expert QB we need to get picky at times for our own benefit.

     Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a talked titled Good, Better, Best . In this talk he states "As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.

Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom” (D&C 88:118)"

    Just as we should look for the good, better, and bests in life God too will look for this in the end. The more we can learn to make the best choices the more likely we will find ourselves living with him when all is said and done. I promise if you will make the best decisions in life the best blessings will follow.

 

Don't Be A Christian Bandwagoner, Be Loyal

Don't Ride The Christian Bandwagon, Be Loyal: After this past weekend's BYU vs. Utah football game which resulted in, what I've been told, was a dismal, one-sided, loss for my fellow Cougars it's been interesting to see what's since transpired. It started with stories I heard about people from other wards complaining about BYU. One speaker even said, "How can I speak about faith after BYU's performance?"
     Then the Elders I serve around on preparation day telling me how BYU will never be any good and will never amount to anything and on, and on, and on! I then get on Facebook to do my online proselyting and am bombarded with comments all over my Facebook news feed from individuals saying they are no longer going to watch BYU football, and how they aren't going to cheer for them any more. By the time I had witnessed all of this my true blue heart was just feeling crushed. This caused me to reflect on some lessons I've learned on my mission about loyalty.

Loyal: characterized by or showing faithfulness to commitments, vows, allegiance, obligations, etc.

 As a missionary we come in contact with a wide variety of people. Something I've noticed is that the world today lacks true loyalty. We, as missionaries, talk to many people who say they are Christian. As we continue to talk to them we find out that their actions are not so Christian, and then they complain that they aren't seeing His hand in their life. To use a sports term maybe you could call them bandwagon Christians.
   When they feel life is going good this is when they praise God and say how great He is, but when the losing streaks of life hit they're down in the dumps cursing Him. Similar to what we're seeing with what I'd call the "Sunday to Sunday BYU fan". The Sunday after BYU wins they are their biggest fans at church and the Sunday after a loss their fan-hood disappears. To use another sports term they have a "what have you done for me lately" kind of fan-hood. Sadly many of the worlds so called sports fans, and Christians, fall into these categories.

Christ, the most loyal fan of all.

     If we look at God and Christ they are the exact opposite. No matter what we do, good or bad, they will always be there for us. They are not band-wagoners, they are loyal fans of all of their children. They want to see us improve and succeed. Don't get me wrong when we play bad, in terms of obeying their commandments, they are disappointed, but that disappointment will never lead to dis-fellowshipment. They will allow us to go through the rough times and losing streaks of life though because they know it will strengthen us(see Ether 12:27) and make us better. 
      In order for us to gain their help during these rough times we need to show our loyalty to them, and by praying for help and striving to keep their commandments. Whether we feel we're currently winning, or losing, in the end our loyalty will make us true winners. So stop riding the pine of the Christian bandwagon and loyaly strap yourself to the rock of Christ with faith, and actions, solid in Him.        

    

The Football Armour of God

Football Armor of God on Prezi
Click the arrow to play and scroll through.

The Prompting To Audible In Life

The Prompting To Audible In Life: The Indianapolis Colts recently lost their first game of the NFL season. This, more than likely, was due to them being without their star quarterback Peyton Manning, who recently had neck surgery. Manning is very valuable to the Colts for many reasons but what sets him apart from any other QB is his amazing ability to audible, or change a play before the ball is snapped.
    As Manning leaves a huddle with his team and heads to the line of scrimmage he immediately starts to dissect the opposing teams defense. In his mind he's asking himself what type of defensive formation they are getting into. 4-3? 3-4? Nickle? or Dime? Are there any signs of blitzing linebackers or safeties? Are the cornerbacks playing tight or loose coverage? The answer to all of these questions will determine if the Colts run the play they originally selected or if they audible.
      After looking over all of his options and deciding to audible Manning's magic begins. Manning will then start to orchestrate his offense around to give them the best chance to be successful. He'll start to yell out signals and commands and point in different directions and give hand signals. "Green 18 left Omaha stack strong !!!"As the running back, receivers, and tight ends are moved around and change into position, and before the play clock expires, hike is called, the ball is snapped, and the play is underway.
      In our lives we find decisions to be made all of the time. Some are big while others are little. Others are important and can weigh heavily on our lives while some are trivial and have no impact. As we step up to the line where we have to make a big decision often times we've already made a choice in our mind of what we desire to do. Similar to Peyton Manning stepping to the line of scrimmage having already chosen a play.
      This next part is key though. Just as Manning diagnoses the situation very thoroughly we too need to look over the decision we are facing. Is this what God would have me do? What consequences could come from this decision? Are they good or bad? As we do this the Holy Ghost has the chance to whisper to us, in his still small voice, the "play" we should run. Sometimes, like Manning, we will need to audible or change our course from our original plan. Following the spirit and following through on a potential audible will bring great blessings. We may not recognize it at first but over time these good decisions, prompted by the spirit, will lead us to a "touchdown" of eternal life in the "endzone" with God.
 
Click Here to watch a Mormon Message about the voice of the spirit.
To read more about the Spirit and how to receive prompting from it Click Here.  
       

September 11th: A Nation Turns to God For Peace

All of us remember where we were September 11, 2001. It is a day that will live on in our minds forever as we rewind and play back the memories of that awful day. Even I, at the age of 10, remember watching history unfold in front of me on my family's television screen. From the initial plane crash, thought to be an accident, to the second plane crash, to the Pentagon, to Pennsylvania, all of these images of terrorism flashed by leading up to the ultimate horror of so many lives being lost as those two iconic towers, along with a country and its people, had their world turned upside down, and came crashing down. America, the land of the free, the home of the brave, was now left in the dark, and in fear that September day. As the country mourned the loss of those, at the time, known and unknown there was only one place people could turn to find solace. "In God We Trust" was something Americans had always heard before but now it was time to start living it.
       The Book of Mormon prophesies of America and its freedom by saying "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ." September 11th was a brutal awakening for all. In order for us, as Americans, to remain free and find the peace through our struggles, caused by these horrible events, we needed to serve and trust in God once again, just as our forefathers had done.

     As the nation turned to prayer, church, and singing anthems of praise such as "God Bless America" something amazing happened. Despite the hurt, despite the pain, despite the fears and tears, America became knit together in unity and in love one towards another through God.(Mosiah 18:21)
     Now here we are 10 years later. Where do we stand today as a country? Do we still trust in God, or have we allowed our faith to slip once again? I often wonder if we, as a country, as a nation, need an awakening yet again. Let us hope and pray that it doesn't take a similar series of unfortunate events to refocus our attention on the true ruler of this nation. Instead let this 10 year anniversary of September 11th cause us to reflect on that dark day. Let us take the glowing embers of the fire, the lessons learned, and leave the ashes behind. Let us reflect on our relationship and faith in and with God. The words and counsel from the third verse of our nations national anthem should be our guiding star.

       Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."  

Let us fear not. God is with us. He will give us aid and be our guide if we will come and put our trust in him once more. This is my promise, this is my prayer. God Bless America! Let us never forget September 11th.  In the name our our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Watch this video below to see how one man's September 11th experience changed his life for the better. Also Click Here to learn more about viewing The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 9/11: Rising Above concert. 

LDS Head Coach's Playbook of Principles

"Navy head coach's playbook of principles" from the Mormon Times: Walk past the football coach’s office Monday around 4 a.m., and you will find him alone, his back to the door, studying a book on his desk. It’s in the quiet solitude of those predawn hours that Navy’s head man, Ken Niumatalolo, becomes immersed in his playbook.
Not his football strategies, his scriptural playbook, the Book of Mormon.
“It’s his personal time. No one will bother him until he turns back forward in his desk,” said Barbara Niumatalolo, the coach’s wife. “If something touches him, he goes back to it during the day. It’s usually something he needs to hear to prepare him for that day.”
       Daily scripture study is just one of many key strategies in Niumatalolo’s personal playbook of principles. Devotion to family, church service and living the gospel have helped the Mormon coach endure the rigors and stress of the college coaching lifestyle from Hawaii to Annapolis, Md., for almost two decades. Much of his success can be traced to something he learned at an early age.
“For me, growing up as a member of the church, I always knew as long as you are obedient, the Lord will bless you and everything will work out,” Niumatalolo said. “Gospel principles are universal.”
      To read the rest of Coach Niumatalolo's story Click Here.

Tailgating: Feasting on the words of Christ

It's the opening weekend of college football. Along with all of the sights and sounds of this big weekend comes the smells of college football. For many fans this comes in the form of tailgating!
 Tailgating is a long tradition among fans as they congregate together to pump themselves up before the game as well as feed their stomachs. Tailgating is really big in college football, especially in the south, where often they dine on ribs, pulled pork, and good ol' southern cookin'. Out west often you'll find hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chips, dips, and drink. You name a food and a tailgater has it.

    For my family and I, all big BYU Cougar fans, we always get to the stadium early before a game to tailgate. We find a place to park the car, set up the grill, throw the pig skin around and have some fun while getting fed. I have many fond memories of tailgating and it has definitely become a family tradition.

   There is something else we need to feast on besides just food in our lives though. Nephi, a prophet in The Book of Mormon, taught us to feast upon the words of Christ when he said "Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." If we can learn to have a spiritual feast this will help us have the spirit more in our lives and will lead us to what God would have us do. It's great to enjoy a good tailgate before some football, but whatever you do don't forget to be spiritually fed as you feast on the words of Christ.

Two A Days: Prayer

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”-Vince Lombardi

Two A Days: As football season is quickly approaching, teams from all levels are getting geared up and ready for the season. From the peewees to high school to college to the NFL ranks, all are getting ready for their season. To be ready before the season starts they work hard to practice and refresh their skills and knowledge of the game the best they can. For many teams this means two a days. Two a days is when teams have practice twice a day as they put as much effort as they can into preparing, the month before the season. This is a grueling process for football players as they are put through drills and run plays almost all day long. This very tiring and challenging series of practices really prepares the players and is a great start to their season.

   There is something else that we should practice twice a day, and not just before football season.  This would be communication with our Heavenly Father. Our two a days of life should come through prayer. Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, gave this counsel to his son: "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." As we do this we will see ourselves become stronger both physically and spiritually. We will see the guiding hand, like a coach, the spirit, in our lives. As we pray twice a day and make it a habit in our lives we, like a football team, will become more united with our Heavenly Father and our season of life will be a success. This I can promise you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
           To hear a testimonial about prayer Click Here

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Image of Are You Ready For Some Football 3
Are You Ready For Some Football?!! Davis Daily Bread is ready to blitz you with an all out hard hitting, knockdown, drag out version of September football! Here you can get your gridiron and gospel fix with a mix of great stories of touchdowns and testimonies! So "Rise and Shout" and check back frequently through the month of September for all of your football action!   

Happy Birthday President Monson!

Happy Birthday President Monson!!!(Aug. 21st)

I know I'm a day early but I know I speak for all members of the church when I say thank you for your spirit, hard work, and dedication to our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and their church. We truly do thank thee O' God for a Prophet!

Practice?!!!

Photo-shopped by: Elder Garcia

Image of Practice


NBA player Allen Iverson is known for his skills on the basketball court but he is also famously known for complaining about practice. In a news conference after his coach had publicly criticized him for missing practices Iverson went on a rant complaining about how he was the franchise player and his coach shouldn't complain about him missing practice because it wasn't a game. "We're talking about practice man, we're not even talking about the game, when it actually matters, we're talking about practice." It's clear that despite practice being what got Iverson to where he was, in the NBA, he didn't feel it was important any more. He felt as if he'd already accomplished what he needed to with practice and that it wasn't that big of a deal anymore.
    This can often become our thought too as we look upon our studies of the scriptures. Often times as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have a belief and testimony in the scriptures and in the Church. We believe in God and Jesus Christ and we know, through past scripture reading, that they and the things they teach are true. But sadly a lot of us at times have the attitude that Iverson did. "Scripture study?!!! We're talking about scripture study man, we're not even talking about church, when it actually matters, we're talking about scripture study!" This is a horrible attitude to have!
    Whether we, or Iverson, realize it or not We Need Practice! We all need more studies of the scriptures because we need to be constantly increasing our knowledge of them and growing our testimonies in the gospel, and this can only be accomplished through the study of Gods words to us. Scripture study isn't a thing of the past. It is a thing of today and of the future. And as we continue to strengthen that knowledge and testimony in God and in Christ he will give us the insight to become superstars!! Don't let these skills, knowledge, and testimony, slip. Practice!! and read your scriptures!!!  
     Click Here to view a powerful video talking about the blessings of the scriptures.