The "Magical" Slinky

Before I left back for Utah, my nephews Jack and Elliott were fighting over who got to play with this small slinky. I of course intervened and decided to stop it by putting it away, up high to where they couldn't see it. They didn't seem to notice that I put it away but after a little while I realized that we could have a little fun with this slinky after all. So I grabbed the slinky running up to Jack and Elliott and said, "Jack, Elliot. This is a magical slinky, one that can take us to anywhere in the world. But only if we are kind to each other and work together to overcome the hard things we have to go through." Their eyes lit up as they got excited when I began to say we were swimming in the ocean when all of a sudden a shark started to circle us. "Oh know!" Jack said. "We must get to the boat so the shark can't get us." So we all quickly ran into a bedroom and closed the door. It was a place of protection; a place where nothing could get us. "Phew, we're safe. Nothing can get us in here" I said. "I'm going to go outside and stop that shark" Elliott said with determination in his face, fists clenched with one on each side of his face as if he were going to try to intimidate the shark. So we left the room, creeping foot by foot down the hall way until Jack, who was holding the "magical" slinky, said "Oh no! An angry set of Vampires had shown up at the front door wanting to come in. We quickly ran to push against the door so they couldn't get in. The vampires were too many for us, they pushed the door wide open. Elliott jumped back and began to be scared running in circles. Jack ran and grabbed his hand yelling for us to all run back to the safe room. So we did. And we barely made it, too. "Ok guys" I said, "we now each have to take a hold of the slinky and pray that all will begin to disappear, that everything will be peaceful again in the house." Jack began to offer a real prayer. We went back outside and guess who showed up? Grandma Gemmell :)
When it was time for me to leave for Utah shortly after that experience I remember Jack wanting to play with the "magical" slinky again. Sadly I didn't have time as I had briefcase in hand. But they can be sure to count on it when I get back.

Elliott and Jack looking at a june beetle

Elliott and Jack raking the leaves with grandpa

Sometimes we fret too much in this life and not put enough trust in God. Ezekiel 37

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be 

though envious against the workers of sin...

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself because of him who pospereth in his way,

because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Cease from anger, and forsake the wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Ezekiel 37: 1, 7-8

Yesterday I was reading Nephi's prayer and desire to have no more sin in his life. He says this:

O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh;

my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am emcompassed about, 

because of the temptations and the sins which easily do beset me. 

And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins;

nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted...

Behold, he hath heard my cry...and by day have I waxed bold in

mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; 

and angels came down and ministered unto me...

Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart,

and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

2 Nephi 4: 17-19, 23-24, 30

There is much more to it but I think you get the point. Trust in God no matter what; whether it is your fault or because of someone else's fault that things go wrong, because that's just how the world works. During time here in college you can get very stressed. (Just like any other phase in life it seems.) And when you are stressed you are not often very happy. Not very joyous and excited for others. This last weekend was general conference. It was a wonderful conference, I was privileged to watch it with a few friends and roommates. I learned a lot about trusting in God and believing Him. To believe Him you must humble yourself. I've learned that my mistakes are from my pride. But I know that God can forgive you and I if we are but believing - trusting - hopeful - happy - not fretting (or worrying). Nephi states this: "O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness!" We can put on that robe of righteousness each day. I think I will buy robes for my kids and give it to them during a Family Home Evening and teach them the importance of righteousness. 

As my nephews and I played with the "magical" slinky we found out we had a place of refuge from all hardships. I have come to find that to be my Savior and keeping His commandments. 

For a current update: Life is great, I have so much to do but I am really happy. Sure, I don't have everything I would like, some of those make me sad, but it's a great time to come rely upon God more. That's the whole purpose, right? Classes are fascinating, I am learning a lot about my field of studies. I love the Middle East and it's rich culture. I am still social through library study gatherings. I started doing the P90X with a friend in my ward each morning at 6 AM. That really is some hard work but I think it will eventually pay off. I do it to be active, I don't need the muscles but I also don't want to be super skinny. My ensemble groups are getting better, I love being able to still play music. I love and miss my mission tremendously. And most of all I still love and miss my family.