The Things That Matter Most

Too often I get to thinking about what is next in my life; by so doing I tend to over look what is NOW in my life.  So its time for another poem....

Why do I over look

the things that matter most?
Like being with my family,
and keeping them close.

Jumping on the trampoline
with my Lauren May

Is one of the most important things

I could do today

Staying up all night
and talking to my girl
is very time fulfilling
and cheaper than pearls (only if its nights and weekends)

Reading old letters from those

who are close to my heart

Is a great way to feel
not so far apart

Enjoying nature

when I'm out hunting

gives me time to reflect

so I quit fronting

Helping out the needy

and feeding the hungry
can be as simple as attending

AA each and every Monday

My relationship with God

is at the top of my list

so everything I do

should always reflect this

I need Him every hour

so I call on Him above

cuz the most important thing in life

Is Gods love

The Best Two Years

The two years of my missionary service has come to an end.  I've always heard the term when referring to a mission "the best two years".  That statement could not be more precise.  I really don't know how to fully express myself when summing up my mission; so, I decided to write a little poem.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I love teaching the gospel
especially to the Jews


I have met a lot of people
Through out my mission
I just wish
I could take all of them fishing


I can't and I wont
Cuz that doesn't really matter
But if you'd like to...
I would be flattered


There is no doubt
That God lives
If you don't believe me
Well then here it is



Just look up into the sky
And you'll see God's hand
He is everywhere
And we are living His plan


I've seen people change
I've seen people grow
Here's a picture
Of this it shows

I will miss California

So very much

The extreme liberals and all

Yes the whole rowdy bunch

One thing is for certain
I will always hold dear
It's the people I've meet
In "the best two years"

Let your light shine!

I had the honor of serving as the assistant to President Bunker for 9 months.  Part of this assignment was the duty and privilege of picking up the new incoming missionary, straight out of the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah, at the Oakland International airport.  To the left is a picture of one of these occasions.

At this moment, there are a mixture of emotions going through these young missionaries.  But the one I would like to touch on at this time is "RELUCTANCE."

I, like these new missionaries, am naturally a reluctant person.  As I have studied and prayed for this tendency of mine to be removed. The words from a beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, has brought this characteristic of mine into perspective.  He teaches us that there are two major causes for us holding back.  I will share with you one.  (You will have to read his talk to get the other)

"the reluctance... to stretch just a little bit more in the service, instead of being too slow to see the power of their example or too shy about letting their light shine." -Let Us Move Forward and Upward

Why are we reluctant?  Why are we shy?  Why are we slow to see the power of our examples?
We can do more.

Let us heed the words of the Lord given to an ancient prophet; 14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16

I know that we are indeed the "light of the world".  Let us not hide.  The Lord will work through us as we work for Him.  I know this.  I have seen this come true in my own very life.  So, my advise for you and I is the same I give to the new and incoming missionaries, let your light shine!