A Balanced Diet

We eat, we sleep, and we repeat. The necessities of life are often plain and simple to us, a normal way of life.

My companion and I have been trying to eat as healthy as we can as of late. We make sure we get enough fruits and vegetables and stay away from sugary sodas and desserts. As I reflected on how much of a difference it has made in how we felt, I thought of how "spiritual food" greatly affects the way we feel also.

For many of us, much of time is spent taking care of our bodies needs but how often do we take some time for our spiritual needs. When was the last time you took some time to ponder about what you want to become? When was the last time you helped a friend? When was the last time you prayed? All of these things literally feed our spirits and help us live balanced, happy lives.

The Young Little Kite

The Young Little Kite

As the young little kite began his first flight

the breeze blew softly until the string was tight

Gently he was lifted just a few feet more

"Surely, I'm higher than I've ever been before."

Soon a wind replaced the soft breeze

Until the young little kite was above all the trees.

His very first glide had turned to a soar.

"Surely, I'm higher than I've ever been before."

The winds sped up and the clouds turned grey

He was beaten and tossed in every which way.

And all he could feel was the string's tension pulling down

So he let go of his string and soon crashed to the ground.

The poor little kite was lying broken in the dirt

When the Master picked him up and wrapped him up in his shirt.

He cradled him tight as he took the kite in.

Then fixed every hole and glued every limb.

The kite was now fixed and felt good as new.

As the breeze came alive he began flight two.

Little did he know was that the string "pulling down,"

Was the only sole thing keeping him off of the ground.

Soon the wind replaced the soft breeze

Until the young little kite was above all the trees.

Once again, his glide turned to a soar.

"Surely, I'm higher than I've ever been before."

There is always somebody who is there for us. God has surrounded us with people and things that he knows will help us. They can be in the forms of friends, family, church members, and even strangers. A lot of times when we hit trials in our lives the easy thing to do is to let go of all our support and think we can do it ourselves. Just like this kite we need to hold on to the things that make us happy, especially when the storms get rough. I know that when we crash down that there is always a way to get back up!

Someone to Lean On

This week's blog post will be short and sweet.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

One of the best parts about the Christmas season for me is definitely the Christmas songs that are so familiar to all of us. Usually, they just remind me of fond memories of past Christmas seasons but the verse to "Away in a Manger" was particularly touching to me the other day. It hit me when we were singing it at a fireside. Sitting beside me was a rather large man we have been teaching for about a month now. As he sung the verse with his low, grumbling voice I could nearly feel the the ground shake beneath my feet. What's more than that was that I could feel his spirit. The words touched me "I ask thee to stay close by me forever, love me, I pray."

We all need help, no matter how much we think we can take everything on head on. Let's face it, this world we live in is full of pain and heartache. I really have come to find out, that is why God gave us families and friends. We need that support sometimes to get through the rough patches. What's more is that God gave his Son for us. When life gets hard we can lean on Him. 

The lesson I learned from our friend at the fireside is that we all got struggles that, to us, are extremely hard. To others on the outside it may not seem like they are that big of deal but they are big. We simply cannot do it alone. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Wow! Can you believe it is already December? In North Carolina, December is a little warmer than back home in Idaho so it seems to have crept up on me quick! The Christmas lights are beginning to line the main streets of the small towns I serve near. Christmas trees are popping up in the windows of nearly every home. What's best is that everyone seems a little happier, smiles seem a little brighter, and faces a little friendlier. Those are a few reasons why this is one of my favorite times of the year. 

To some people, the thought of setting aside all things (college, friends, family, home, comfort) for 2 years to be living somewhere far away is completely foreign. Especially at the Holiday season, I thought I would be missing my family or friends. And though at times I may question why I am here, I know there is nowhere I would rather be than on a mission right now.

This past week we had a great opportunity to go caroling with a family, leaving others with a plate of goodies and a message on Christ. Even though we have never met these families before, more often than not, the would let us come into their home only a few lines into our Christmas carol. More permanent than the plate of pumpkin rolls or the message shared is the feeling of friendship we all were able to have. Hearts are really opened this time of the year! Only thing that I could hope for, is that this feeling could linger in everyone's hearts a little longer than a month or so :) Below is a little poem from prophet and President Thomas S. Monson and a picture of what this season is really all about. Merry Christmas everyone. 

What do you love about this Christmas season?

For future reference, Tuesday will be my posting day on most weeks. So keep your eye out on Tuesdays I guess!

There’s Christmas in the home and church,

There’s Christmas in the mart;

But you’ll not know what Christmas is

Unless it’s in your heart.

-Thomas S. Monson