A professor gave us each a single phase card. He explained that each of us is dealt a different hand in life. Some get a king of hearts, or a Ace  while others get something less "valued." He said something that really pierced me.

It's not how the cards are dealt but how the hand is played that matters. 

Empathy:  The ability to co-experience and relate to the thoughts, emotions, or experience of another without them being communicated directly by the individual.

Sympathy: The ability to understand and to support the emotional situation or experience of another perso with compassion and sensitivity.

 I believe our Savior is empathetic of our situations

Alma 7:11-12

Todays daily grace: knowing that the Lord used me and my personal experiences to help someone in need

Todays daily grace is brought to you by the letters R.O.T.C

At 6 am this morning, the ROTC decided that to practice their march right outside our apartment. Kelsey and I laid in bed and thought of all the funny things we could do. Example A: wave white flag out the window while saying, "we surrender" or  what I really wanted to do was play the song from the elephant march song from jungle book on my speakers.

Not sure if we were really that funny or if it was just because it was early but there is no better way to start your morning than with a good laugh. After a few minutes I went to the window and stuck my head outside and added my peanut gallery comments on their marching. Luckily for them they were marching away as I did so.

I personally believe that God answers a majority of our prayers through someone else. Today in my jogging class I met a new friend who just got home from her mission too. As we ran, we talked about the things that we were both struggling with (or enjoying) about being home from our missions. As I listened to her talk, I was filled with the reassurance that I am not the only one who feels inadequate, or unimportant.  It's comforting to know that I have others who are struggling with me. Not only are others suffering but I can do a little something to help them. Todays daily grace was to know that I am not alone and that I can find strength in the lives of others. 

The Gift That Never Stops Giving

 Everyday I receive blessings from my service as a missionary. Whether it's a letter, text, call or facebook message from the people I love. The other day, at the perfect timing, I got a call from Diane. Just hearing her voice brought me peace and comfort. Then upon returning to my apartment I saw this sitting on my porch. How can you not smile when looking at that? 

 I got a package in the mail from a family I taught on my mission. THANKS HODGES!!!! 

It was full of Hello Kitty stuff and chapstick, which I desperately needed because it's SO dry here. Also included was my Tampa snow globe that was given to me by Sister Funsh!! Some times I stare into the snow globe and I can almost see myself inside riding my bike around.

I have decided that I am going to start a new segment called " Daily Grace." Each day I am going to find  the tender mercy of the day and make a written account of it. I have noticed that I am getting so caught up in life that I haven't taken time to see all the things the Lord has done for me. One thing my mission presidents wife said before I left was to always see the Lords hand in your day. So follow me, if you like, as I discover the daily grace in my life.

SHAMED

I am not one to usually promote stuff but I full heartedly agree with this project. I personally know some of the people involved in making this documentary and I support their cause.  Pornography is affecting everyone and it's something that can't be hushed. If you or someone you know has been affected by pornography, you understand the consequences that are involved. Please watch the trailer and if you are able donate to help get this project underway it would be so greatly appreciated.

Here is a little synopsis written by Jorden Harker, a friend of mine here at BYU. 

I am producing a feature length documentary film about pornography addiction recovery amongst conservative Christian communities & faiths.  It will cover a gamut of related topics but its main focus is looking at removing the debilitating fear and shame surrounding confessing/recovering from pornography addiction.  So many have tried to do it alone and fail, not acknowledging the problem as something that requires more specialized steps and recovery processes.  The hope is that this film will help those who want/need recovery to feel supported, encouraged, and educated to get the help they need.  There will not be any kind of condoning the addicts actions, nor will there be any finger pointing. 


Here is a link for more info
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/141091137/shamed-a-documentary-feature-film

Lessons Learned from Nephi

So I just recently finished the book of 1st Nephi again and I wanted to share some of the life lessons I learned from Nephi's example in adversity. Good news, just in case you were wondering, they did make it safely to the promised land. That storm gets me every time, but without fail, they always make it safely.

All joking aside, after some contemplation, I came up with 8 things that we can learn from his example

1. He was always obedient to the commandments, no matter how strange they seemed (3:7, 4:10-14)
2. Constantly expressing gratitude (18:16)
3. Placed his trust & strength in the Lord (4:1-3; 7:17; 11:17)
4. Forgave others (17:55; 18:21)
5. Sought his own personal revelation and guidance from the spirit (2:16; 10-17)
6. Never complained (16:17-3; 17:2-3)
7. Searched the scriptures (5:21)
7. Diligently pressed forward (8:8&24)

What was the reward....  Inheriting the land of promise flowing with milk and honey!