Okay, yeah, I know. I update my blog about as often as I clean out the trunk of my car. Moving on...
"We must help others reach their potential by facing the reality of who they are, but also realizing the possibility of who they can become. And that includes the person you see in the mirror." -Henry B. Eyring
Words cannot even begin to describe the adventure of this summer.
These are just a few pictures and personal quotes from my journal to echo the beauty of this place and the amazing people I experienced it with.
"Climb a mountain, cleanse your spirit." -John Muir
"If all you do is think of yourself and your own life plan, you'll miss out on the beauty of the world and others around you. We must expand our perspective and lose the "tunnel vision."
"It's not about being able to jump off a 40ft pole. It's about having the courage to do so, to fight through challenges and trials without giving up."
"It's better to burn out than fadeaway. Burn out baby!!!"
"It's never too late to change if you're still breathing."
"Listening to the spirit allows us to prepare for opportunities only God could see for us."
"I've learned that no matter how beautiful life is, I can't do it alone. I need people in my life, and people need me in theirs. And in the end, that's really what life is all about: sharing it with others."
While formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we're simply known by most as Mormons. I agree...it's much faster to say.
In the past couple years, the church has received more and more worldwide media attention. From Mitt Romney and Proposition 8 to the BYU Honor Code and Jimmer Fredette: everyone knows who we are. But many have tainted and skeptical opinions on what it is "Mormons" actually believe.
Here are some common questions with common answers:
Q: Why the name "Mormon"?
A: It's the name people gave us after they heard we believed in another scriptural record in addition to the Bible: "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ".
Q: What exactly is "The Book of Mormon"?
A: Another testament of Jesus Christ. It's an historical record of the ancient people of America. Through wars, miracles, and an ultimate visitation from Christ to them, their experiences, their stories, and their deepest beliefs are recorded by their leaders. The man who compiled most of the record was named Mormon.
Q:What about the Bible?
A: We believe in it wholeheartedly and hold it equal to the Book of Mormon.
Q: Are you Christian?
A: Yes. We are The Church of Jesus Christ after all.
Q: What makes you different from other Christian churches?
A: Modern day revelation, meaning that God speaks, not simply spoke. Miracles still happen. We have a prophet today (like Moses, Noah, Adam, etc.) that leads and guides the people and world-wide affairs of the church. There are also twelve apostles in the same manner that Christ called His twelve.
Q: Do you have really horns coming out of your head?
A: Only during finals week.
Q: How many wives do you have?
A: Zero, I'm currently single. And I'll be lucky if I can get one to say "yes". But the Church is, and has been for nearly two centuries, completely against plural marriage. Contrary to popular belief, you can't be "Mormon" and have more than one wife or husband.
Q: You're Mormon, huh? So you live off the land and without electricity, TV, and modern appliances?
A: Bingo. They're going to shun me for years for blogging this. Dude, those are the Amish.
Q: No alcohol, tobacco, drugs, tea, coffee, or premarital sex? Are you a cyborg?
A: False, I am a human being. For that reason we've been counseled to avoid putting substances into our body that are potentially addictive and can lead to more serious problems. The "Mormon health plan" (or Word of Wisdom as it's called in the church) seems to have paid off for Mr. Jimmer Fredette, no? And premarital sex...why take the risk? We all know that something as awful as taking a life (murder) is kind of a big deal, right? So shouldn't the beautiful experience of creating life be just as big a deal?
Most people still have several more questions about the church and its' teachings. If anyone reading this has more questions or concerns please feel free to talk to me. www.lds.org and www.mormon.org will answer many questions as well.
I love the church. I love the hope that it brings to people. I have seen the gospel of Jesus Christ change other peoples' lives for the better, including my own, and I absolutely know that it is true and of God.
The video below was produced by the church and tells of the life of Joseph Smith.
Watch it. Be inspired.
"There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
