The Good in Everything - Always

I was reading this month's home teaching lesson by President Uchtdorf titled "Looking For the Good" and many different ideas came up that I thought I would write.

I often consider myself an optimist but sometimes I just am not. And often most of us aren't. We are more prone to look for the negative in a class, a teacher, a stranger, a homeless man, a leader or sadly even a family member. Some people in and especially outside of the church love to say a few crazy things about Brigham Young. Why? Because he was very outspoken on his talks and his personal life. He lived in a time of great adaptations were needed after the murder of Joseph Smith so it seemed as though most things were extreme (compared to know). Many church policies still needed to be made, church doctrine indoctrinated and a tumult of new members of the church coming weekly to the Utah frontier. Can you imagine if other members that were close to him said some of the little things we say about him now? Look at what his own counselor, George Q Cannon, a man who probably knew Brother Brigham better than anyone else has to say about Brigham Young's death,

"I never criticized or found fault with [Brigham Young's] conduct, his counsel or his teachings at any time in my heart, much less in my words or actions. This is a pleasure to me now. The thought that never was with me was: If I criticize or fin fault with, or judge Brother Brigham, how far shall I go; if I commence, where shall I stop? I dared not to trust myself in such a course. I knew that apostasy frequently resulted from the indulgence of the spirit of criticizing and faultfinding. Other, of greater strength, wisdom and experience than myself, might do many things and escape evil consequences which I dare not do." George Q. Cannon, Journal, Jan. 17, 1878

 My point of this article is not just to say we need to sustain our church leaders, but rather to always look for the good and not ever let ourself let negative criticizing thoughts come into our mind and heart. Once we let the littlest feeling of negativity it is that much easier for greater negativity to come and eventually take over our positive outlook on an item. So before we criticize anything, let us make sure we remember that there is always something good out of them. You don't have to like them to find good. (But as you find the good, you may just start to like them).

I have found that this type of attitude makes life incredibly easier. George Q. Cannon was probably saved from his own personal apostasy through this type of attitude. Likewise, for those of us that are members of the LDS church, we would be well advised to do the same. We also find ourselves more compassionate, begin to feel the pure love of Christ for others. We can forgive and repent more quickly and effectively. We have the spirit with us. People see that there is a difference in our countenance when we look for the positive.

I often think of the atonement. I think of how people here on this earth with me forgive me for my mistakes and short comings. How much more then does my Heavenly Father forgive and love me because of his positive outlook on me? He doesn't view me as a trouble maker, but He views me as what my full potential is and always encourages me to keep moving forward no matter how hard I fall. The atonement of Jesus Christ is what allows this to work and the atonement is God's witness of His infinite love for us which we don't realize how much it really all is. So before we judge those that have made mistakes and have weaknesses - let us remember that someone views them in a much more positive manner and we should follow that example.

The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of the Atonement

I don't want to say the typical things you hear of how we are missing the real meaning of Christmas. I'd rather share what the meaning of Christmas is to me with a personal insight.

 I have fond memories as a little boy of my whole family sitting together in my grandparent's home and usually scriptures from Luke chapter two from the New Testament being shared of shepherds, wise men, angels, a star, and the miraculous birth of Jesus through the virgin Mary. I do remember having a sense of awe but mostly couldn't wait to open my Christmas Eve present and play with my brothers and cousins that were there.  It wasn't until I was probably about ten that I felt I comprehended why Christmas was a sacred time through it's celebration of the birth of Christ. 

We had just moved into our new home (the one my family currently lives in) and it was Easter day. We have some apricot trees in our new backyard that in the spring time grow flowers before the apricots begin to grow. Maybe some of you recall the song "Popcorn Popping," well the song is true, it really looks like popcorn! I saw this and remembered how vastly plain the trees had looked during the winter and now it was beginning anew, a rebirth, a newness, a fresh start. I then remembered what Easter was about - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then it hit me, "Christmas isn't about the birth of a baby through a miraculous event, it is about the birth of our Savior to perform the Atonement so that all of us may return to live with our Heavenly Father. Christmas isn't just about a miraculous birth but about what came about through the birth of Him who is most important for each of us.

This months First Presidency message is by President Uchtdorf he invites us to find a way to remember Christ more this season. When I taught this while home teaching most of them said through acts of service, reading the scriptures and remembering the Savior more often, etc. are how we can remember Christ more. I thought about those a lot and thought I'd see what I have done that has brought me closer to Christ this season. 

There was one simple moment of a friend and I walking back from sledding - she suggested we sing Christmas carols, so we did. While singing, even missing words here and there, we could feel the love that God has for us. I remember occasionally turning to look at her while singing and there were big smiles on our faces because of what it meant to sing these songs with deeper meanings than we can comprehend. 

President Uchtdorf in his message says the following: 

"The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty."

Being more reflective of what the Savior has done, being forgiving and forgiven, coming closer to Christ - do these not all pertain what the Atonement does for us? I believe it does.
We have gifts we give to family and friends and what of a gift to Christ? This Christmas my gift to my Savior is to walk a little closer to Him, stand a little taller, do better in all that I do. I want to give my will to Him. I guess you can think of it as a renewal, a rebirth, gaining a brighter hope, a lot like the apricot tree in my backyard but for me in my life; all because of the birth of our Savior and the atonement. This season is a time to think of what the atonement has done for us and in turn give Christ's infinite love towards others.

"There is no better time than now, this very Christmas Season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ" - President Thomas S. Monson 

I pray each day that I may stand as a witness to the divinity of Christ's eternal love. Merry Christmas to all of you!

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.