You have a choice to change!

True Love

2010-04-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

I am happy that opinions and mindsets can be changed!

For a large portion of my life I have watched others in relationships and seen their joy. I have felt very much alone even when good friends surrounded me and an amazing family cared for me. I watched as couples held hands, kissed and displayed their love for each other. I watched with jealousy, I watched and became hurt.

Through study and words from others I changed the way I interpreted what I saw. Instead of feeling hurt I chose to change! If I wanted love in my life then I had to do something about it! What I decided from that moment was that I would not blame anyone else for my misery. The way we view and interpret something is our responsibility and ours alone. From this perspective I started a journey that led me to find something so precious and something I hold so sacred. I found and fell in love with Shelley.

Some may say our courtship has been short but I intend to continue it on into eternity. Some have asked how I know that I love Shelley. I know because of how I feel when I'm with her. I know because of how Shelley has helped me to grow. I know because of the joy Shelley brings to my life. I know because when I'm not with Shelley all I can do is think about her. I know because when I look into her eyes I feel peaceful, I feel as though I've always belonged with her. My words are not adequate enough to express how I feel.

I love the life I've been given and I am truely thankful for the blessing it is to have the opportunity to share my life with My One True Love, Shelley Woods.

Everything Connects

2010-04-06T05:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt as though every decision made, deed acted out, life direction changed has led you to this point in your life?

I feel a little overwhelmed with the knowledge that I am cared for and watched over. Right now I can honestly say that I am happy and that the future will be bright. There will be difficulties but there will also be accomplishments!

In all I am and for all I have I thank my God! Te Deum Laudamas (may have spelt that wrong)

2010-03-24T06:02:00.001-07:00

Recently I've had a lot on my mind. I find myself burning out sometimes and it's not necessarily the situation I'm in or the problem I'm trying to solve, it's the amount of time i spend thinking about it. I'm going to stop worrying about things that i can't control and the things i can i will take it step by step.

Handed in an essay today which has released so much stress and worry. I'm looking forward to the Easter holidays although it's not going to be all idleness... work will be done along with the rest.

Shelley reminded my of something last night. She told me i don't quit. It hit me then that i really don't. Accomplishments have been many, big and small and it's all because i know in whom i trust. Whatever comes in my near or far future, i know i will keep going and will never give up! Oh i am excited! And I'm extremely happy!

What will the future bring?

2010-03-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I've had the opportunity to ponder on the possible futures i could have. I also have studied my Patriarchal Blessing. I know that i am cared for and i know that anything is possible.

It's funny because Saturday i was privileged to meet an important individual, one who i have come to respect and look upto. As i watched him speak to my family and interact with us i realised that i wanted to be like that... I want to be a man of the Spirit, a man who lives the gospel and loves it.

Whatever comes, i will look forward to it. My heart is set and my mind made up that i will become the best i can be. Life is great, the gospel is true and i am happy!

My direction is a little more clear. Here i come, watch out.

2010-03-12T01:29:00.000-08:00

Loving the fact that i'll be spending a bit of quality time with my family! I'm sure you appreciate those you care about more so when you don't spend all day with them. Really, i don't think it should be like that and i regret now the time spent moaning to my familiy. I love them! I couldn't have asked for better parents or better siblings. I'm grateful for the short time i'm going to get with them and hope to use the time that i have to express that love.

Had an amazing night last night at institute. I learnt something that was needful and will be rewarding for my future. The promptings of the Spirit are always present but we sometimes don't hear or understand because we're not spiritually prepared for them. Heavenly Father is always trying to direct us to greater happiness but do we spend the time listening for that direction?

In my busy life with my different responsibilities i have made a reslove to listen more and find the time away from the world... the time to receive from on high... the time to be with my Father in Heaven.

Balance

2010-03-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

I am constantly aware of the fact that i have an addiction... I cannot say no! I find myself tired most of the day and when i sleep i usually wake every now and again to my subconscious mind trying to solve a problem. I don't wish to complain or whine but to just express...

I have no idea how the Lord does it but my body is renewed each day, i am actually thankful that i go to bed worn out because i know i've done something good that day. However, we are asked and encouraged to create balance in our lives. This week i intend to focus on uni work. I only hope that the time i spend away from other duties, some more enjoyable, will be put to good use and will reward me with fruit. Really hoping time with another is not affected too much. Shelley, i miss you already...

Hero

2010-03-05T02:50:00.000-08:00

I was called a hero today. I don't glorify in praise but it's nice to know sometimes that you have a positive affect upon peoples lives.

I think about the heroes in my life and i'm reminded of two from the Book of Mormon.

Ammon, what an example of service. He obeyed with exactness! I know that we are blessed with the opportunity in this life to serve others and what joy it brings. I'm grateful for Ammon, he's my hero.

Captain Moroni, what an example of love. He loved the Lord, the gospel and his people. He did not delight in bloodshed but would fight for the cause of right. We all have battles to fight, within our time it is the battle for rights and morals, it's the battle for the truth to be spread and taught to all. I'm grateful for Captain Moroni, he's my hero.

Mostly I'm grateful for my Saviour. What greater hero then the Son of God who suffered, bled and died to give us life. He lives! Through His life we can be made perfect. The Atonement is real and i can't express how thankful i am for it.

Let your heart rejoice

2010-03-04T03:54:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 9:52
I had an amazing day yesterday. Read the scriptures and found a verse that made my heart feel glad.

I have reason to rejoice! Take a moment to breathe.... to smile.... That is what it's all about.... life!
I have reason to rejoice because i have life! I am filled with gratitude for the many blessings i have. Family, girlfriend, friends... Food, water, shelter... Truth, Priesthood, callings...

This day will be great, you only need to breathe, then smile.

Time well spent!

2009-12-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

7 days spent so far with the family and i have honestly enjoyed every minute. I actually love my family!
Within the first few days i spent time with my little brother. We took advantage of the snow by building an amazing snowman together. I think my brother enjoyed throwing snowballs at me more than anything, even i couldn't stop laughing as the snow ran down my back.
Great is my joy, my family are eternal!
This Christmas will not be remembered for the presents or the food. This Christmas i will remember time well spent.
I look forward to the new year. Goals have been set and i will achieve all of them. I am excited! 2010 will be the year of huge personal development. Can't wait!

Trust!

2009-12-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Watched an amazing film with a few good friends last night. Avatar! Very impressive, especially in 3D.

It made me think about what we are willing to accept in life.

The sky people(natural man) invade a world populated by blue aliens. It's interesting because at first they use diplomacy to have access to a rare and expensive mineral found under the aliens home. They speak that which may seem appealing, even flattering. However, when diplomacy doesn't work they send someone to gain the trust of the natives to obtain military advantage.

The trust was betrayed! The only way he was able to regain that trust was by earning it, that effort was displayed by action.

I've decided that i'm not giving away trust so freely anymore. For me it's only led to disappointment. There's nothing wrong with trying to see the best in everyone but i feel there should be a line between hope and assumption. I assumed too much, from now on my trust will be given to those who earn it with the hope it can be kept.

There is only one individual who i seek approval and trust from. I know He will never abuse or betray mine. I know He will be honest in all things. I know that he will instruct and correct when it's needed. I know He lives! He is the Ever Living Father!

2009-12-17T08:55:00.001-08:00

I'm trying!

Laughter!

2009-12-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Laughter is a great balm for the soul!

This can be true when the laughter is not aimed at someone else. I think it's a common assumption that if we laugh at someone else we find escape from our own troubles. The assumption is wrong. The only escape from troubles and pain is to laugh at oneself.

I find a smile getting bigger even now knowing that i have allowed myself to be acted upon. I have come to a knowledge that i allow people to walk all over me. Not anymore! I'm going to learn the word no. I will develop boldness but not overbearance so that when it's needed i will not shy away.

Today is a new day, lets hope i may stand firm in what i know and what is right. If i can laugh at myself then i can recieve insult without taking offence. Let it begin.

Why? How?

2009-12-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

While i have written each new post i have come to understand more fully which direction i need to be heading. I know more of what i want for my future and also the why of affliction and how to overcome it in my life.

WHY?
The usually plea 'why me' can be quickly answered by 'why not'. Who are we to say what we need in our lives to mold and shape us? I understand at times we can find it difficult to see past the here and now but there is a reason. I have a certain type of tribulation that has caused pain throughout my life yet with it i have made a resolve to be firm and steadfast. Nothing will convince or persuade me to deny the conviction i have in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know.

HOW?
No simple solution or remedy can be given. Plod on! If you can find what you can learn from it then you are on the right path. The afflictions in life can become blessings. A friend often told me that 'what you think about you bring about'. If you think you are blessed then that's what you will become because you begin to see what you are blessed with.

At this Christmas time i wish to celebrate the gift of the Only Begotten Son. I know He lives! I pray that i can become like Him. I beg that my heart can be forgiving and my words are always kind.

Learn... live... prepare!

2009-12-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Learn from the past!

We are blessed with the opportunity to grow. Each experience is a stepping stone to fulfilling our potential. Mistakes will be made but it's not the mistakes that define us. What helps define us is what we choose to do about it!

Live in the present!

Learn from your past, don't live in it. Everyday we have choices to make, moving forward involves action. As they say 'don't put off tomorrow what can be done today'.

Prepare for the future!

Set goals. Have a plan. Create what will be! A common assumption of patience is waiting. Patience is a principle of action. Patience is the preparation in hope of something happening. The future is what you make it so make it great!

I know where my life will lead... consistency in service with a desire to always give!

Understanding!!

2009-12-11T03:06:00.000-08:00

Truth sometimes hurts. I am sincerely grateful for the preparation that an All Loving Heavenly Father provided to a naïve man who failed to accept what he saw. Recently I have seen. Now I know. Finally I accept.

Understanding comes with time. In my 24 years of mortality I have come to appreciate pain. I have come to understand that through pain we receive a greater joy. Blessings come through unexpected experiences.

I awoke this morning with emotional clarity. I have no hatred for anyone. Individual pain is no excuse and holds no justification to feel hate towards another. This is a principle I live by. My fear is that in a moment of weakness I may say what I will live to regret. We often lash out at those we care for because we ourselves are hurting. I resolve to be more thoughtful in word and deed.

The process of finding true happiness is a process that begins from within. Some of the decisions we make now have an eternal consequence. Now is the time to decide.

I know what I want!

The start of change

2009-12-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

There is a first time for everything!!

I understand the need for change is crucial for my happiness. I feel grateful for the opportunity i have had this week to study and the choice i made to apply what was learnt.

Hopefully this will be a great way to release the emotion that i am constantly directed by. I have a choice and i choose to be great!!