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.      

        

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!

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