Oh the World That We Live In!

Well hello all! It's been awhile, hasn't it? Yep, pretty much. As you all can see, I'm not the greatest at this writing consistently thing. I felt like writing today though, so we'll see what comes out, eh?

Quick status update: If anyone is reading this blog to see how I'm doing, I am doing well! School is out in a week and a half, which is wonderful, but at the same time it means that I have to do pretty awesome on my finals, so I'll be studying quite a bit for those. I've recently learned the joys of longboarding (and oh! how great are those joys!), so of course I can't wait for the next time I get to go longboarding. I'm going to be in Arizona this summer selling pest control with an old mission buddy (readers of this blog might recognize the name Elder Fernelius :D), and I'm super stoked for that. And while I am not dating anyone currently, there is someone in whom I'm interested, but for lack of time in the semester I'm guessing we stay friends until who knows when. She's pretty fantastic though, so here's hoping!

This weekend was General Conference, and it was wonderful as usual. I must confess that I didn't have the most luck paying attention the whole time (I learn better by reading, not by hearing), but I am very much looking forward to reading all the talks when they come out in the Ensign. There was one talk that really impacted me, and indeed it is about a rather controversial topic nowadays. Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk about men's and women's rights and responsibilities involving the priesthood. As part of the talk, Elder Oaks mentioned, while referencing the institution of the family, that no matter what society begins to say is right, that does not change what truly is correct. No matter what society makes legal, God's commandments are supreme and immovable. Nothing man says will ever change that fact. I believe this statement to be unalterably true. And here is where things will get controversial. Elder Oaks stated (as far as I can remember) that marriage, according to God, will always be defined as a legal and lawful union between a man and a woman. I believe that this definition is and always will be true.

Many states are now passing laws making same-sex marriages legal. This case is a perfect example of what Elder Oaks was referring to. God never intended for men to marry men, nor for women to marry women. Indeed, especially in families, there are certain responsibilities that are best fulfilled by one sex or the other. In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", modern-day prophets define certain responsibilities that are meant specifically for men or for women:

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

 I love this section of the Proclamation so much. Many might think that these views seem old-fashioned and possibly even sexist, but they are the same views that have been expressed since before the world. God's plan always has been and always will be for men and women to be united in marriage. Men were designed to be priesthood bearers while here on earth and after this life, and as such, they have the responsibility to guide and protect their families. Mothers have always had the special role of nurturing their children. This role cannot be easily fulfilled by a man, certainly not to the degree that a woman can fulfill it. Anyone who has a mother or has seen a mother in action can attest to the fact that there is a special love and devotion which only a woman can offer to her children. While there are many cases in which spouses divorce or become separated by some circumstance, the family is meant to consist of a husband, a wife, and their children. This is the example which we were given by Adam and Eve, our first earthly parents, and is the example which should still be followed.

Now, related to this topic is one that I have been wanting to address for some time. It seems to me that conservatives are being bullied by minorities, especially in regards to homosexuality. Anything that appears remotely homophobic or that might possibly cause any type of rise out of liberals has to be whispered and shoved under the table so that the minority's feelings don't get hurt. Never mind that conservatives now can't say anything that they feel and their right to free speech is being impeded, a relatively few others might get ruffled up over the conservatives' thoughts. I think it's rather ridiculous, to be honest. In case you can't tell, this section is going to be quite opinionated, but remember: I have just as much right to speak my mind as you do, and all I ask is that you respect that right.

I have seen many cases of laws being passed which will favor gays and lesbians while basically persecuting conservatives. One example of persecution against conservatives comes from a case in London a couple of years ago. In this case a street preacher was wrongfully imprisoned after he quite simply stated what the Bible says. In summary, this preacher, when asked his opinion on homosexuality by a gay teenage couple, said that the Bible condemns homosexuality, but that Jesus has taught to love the sinner and despise the sin. The couple became enraged at this and had the preacher arrested, saying that the preacher was harassing them. What this situation boils down to is a man being arrested for reading lines out of a book. This is completely unacceptable and unfair. If there were some "gay bible" and a preacher of that "bible" read from it on the street corner, no one would ever be able to have that man arrested because his words offended others. The offended persons would be deemed homophobic and they would be persecuted in turn, with critics saying that the offended ones were trying to limit the "gay bible" preacher 's right to free speech. But lest you think this is one isolated case, let's evaluate another case closer to home.

A recently vetoed bill from Arizona is a good example of discrimination against conservatives, and indeed attacking the First Amendment. Let us review the First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

 There can be no law passed which prohibits the free exercise of religion. Okay, so that's pretty clear. There is a free-exercise clause to this amendment which protects any U.S. citizen's right to believe in any religion and to also act according to the beliefs of that religion. Now that we have this basis to start with, let's discuss Arizona SB 1062. Let me start by saying that I do not support the hostility which this bill could foster. I believe very firmly that everyone should be loved and shown respect, and I would never deny someone services because of their sexual orientation. However, I do believe that business owners should be given the freedom to choose who they want to give service to or not. Arizona SB 1062 would grant business owners the ability to deny someone service based on religious belief. Pro-gay rights activists saw this bill as a way for business owners to deny homosexuals service based on their sexual orientation, and so they took arms and shot the bill down. I believe that a business owner should be allowed to make decisions about who to serve and who not to serve for any reason at all. I would say that's a First Amendment right. If someone comes into my business and is cursing and generally being a ruffian, I want to be able to deny that person my services. I don't want to worry about him suing me because I wouldn't serve him. Besides, let's be real, it's not like there aren't other businesses that offer my same services. Suck it up and deal with it. If I don't want to deal with you, you probably don't really want to deal with me either, so you will probably have a better experience at another business. Now, those who know me know that I wouldn't turn down helping anyone unless helping that person would endanger my family or friends, but I would still want that legal right. Just think, one of these days a bank robber is going to sue a bank for not serving him while he was robbing the bank. Okay, that's probably hyperbole, but you can hopefully understand what a dangerous precedent shooting down Arizona SB 1062 sets for the rest of us. While I understand that the bill was somewhat unnecessary and was shot down more because it would have made Arizona appear "bigoted", it was another case of conservatives being bullied.

I don't understand why society has become so against anything conservative. I can't believe that people can be treated so harshly for opinions that they have. I know that I will probably receive some harsh backlash by people reading this blog, and I guess those people have a right to express their feelings. But it isn't fair. I want you all to know that I'm not homophobic in the least: I respect people who are courageous enough to say how they feel regardless of how they will be dealt with. I do not support homosexuality, but I will not condemn those who are gay or lesbian, and I won't condone people who condemn homosexuals. Everyone has their own right to practice and believe whatever they will. I don't believe in segregation of any sort. I believe that everyone should love and get along with everyone else. I sincerely hope that I don't come across as close-minded, bigoted, or anything like that, because I truly want to be understanding of everyone and non-judgmental. But I sincerely believe that it's time that everyone's opinions were respected, no matter how conservative or liberal they might be. I'm tired of fearing that if I post that I'm proud to be straight I'll get called nasty names. I'm tired of gays being called heroes just because of their sexual orientation, and straight people being called villains for the same reason. How about we choose heroes based on something much more important, like moral integrity, striving for excellence, or for constant acts of courageousness. How about we stop vilifying people because they think differently. Let's just all be friends and stop the hate, the name calling, and everything else that degrades someone else (this classic Disney song comes to mind). Let's learn to love each other.

I hope everyone found something of value in this post! Let me know what you think; I'm super interested to know what you have to say! I hope to hear from you and that you'll keep coming back for more in the future. Ciao!

In BYUland!

Hey there y'all!

Well, I have now arrived in Provo and am all set up in my new apartment. I'm super excited to be here at BYU again and be able to study and work and all that fun stuff. I've been pretty productive this week, and productive includes obtaining a job (in event set-up/take-down), getting a new student ID, getting internet taken care of, getting moved in (mostly), getting all the apartment essentials, attending the temple, and the likes. It's been awesome to be so productive, but there is a downside to massive productivity: I am left with little else to do. I'll probably be going to read Pride and Prejudice here shortly (promises to keep!). It's been a good week though.

I was extremely nervous to come back here. I was having all kinds of doubts running through my mind the day that I got here, but I am blessed to have a worthy priesthood holder for a father, and he gave me a blessing Saturday evening, after which I was feeling much better. Now I'm feeling super good about being here and very confident that I'll be able to do whatever is required of me. I'm ready to get back to studying, I'm ready to start working, and I'm ready to have a great time here. I'm excited for all of the wonderful opportunities which I'm going to have here. It's going to be a marvelous time in my life.

Well, that's about it for my update. I know that this week was pretty short, but I just don't really know what else to say. I'm sure that after my first week of school I'll have more to say...or rather this first full week of being here, because school still doesn't start for a week. Anyway, thanks for tuning in, and I'll talk to y'all again later! Love ya!

Love,
Andrew

Yeah, she makes me super happy. :D 

It's pretty great.

View from the apartment parking lot. I do so love the mountains.

Let's get it started!

Well howdies folks!!

I've been thinking that it might be good to start up on my blog again seeing as I'm going to college again Friday. I'd really like to be able to show this to my kids and let them see how much of a goof/nerd/stud I was, and so that they can see that I'm not that different from now. So I shall now let you know what's going on in my life! I know you're all super anxious to know what's going on. ;)

As I hinted in the first sentence, I'm going back to BYU this Friday. Well, I move in Saturday and school starts back up the 3rd of September. I'm trying to get into the business management major, so this semester and the next will be spent getting my grades up and prerequisites done. I will be getting a job as well, and because of the busyness of my schedule I won't be doing track. I have loved jumping and everything, but it's just not as fun nor does it hold my interest as much anymore. I'm much more interested in doing obstacle races, especially the Spartan Race. So my future roommate and I shall be training for the Spartan Race. It's going to be pretty awesome, especially because training with a partner works a lot better than training solo. So I'm excited to study again and to have fun college experiences, to make new friends and to get my grades up!! I'm really excited to be rooming with a mission bud too, so that will be even more fun! It's going to be way fun.

The one and biggest reason that I am not looking forward to going to BYU is because that means that I must leave my girlfriend behind. I've met an incredible and wonderful young lady by the name of Anna, and we've been together for a little more than a month. So it's a budding relationship still, but we've budded a bit. I'm really excited to see how our relationship grows, and my time at BYU will be a great building block for both of us. Anna is quite the young lady. She loves life, she loves people, she loves to laugh (a lot), she's super active/athletic (she is very good at football [:D]) and she makes me want to be a better person. I really love being with her, and she tolerates me rather well. ;) In short she makes me incredibly happy and I am very blessed to be with her.

Serving in the Church has been very rewarding. I've been able to see God's hand at work time after time. It's been wonderful to see how the Priesthood has been able to help bless many people's lives. I have loved every moment of service in the Church. I am so grateful for the Church. :) Jeffrey's mission has been going super fantastic as well, and I dare say he's growing more than I did! ...perhaps. Check it out!! I love to hear about how he's doing, and I am terrifically proud of his work and all that he does. He's pretty great.

Well, this blog should be updated more frequently now that I'll be away again. Even if no one reads this blog, I will be able to measure myself and see my own progress, and that might be the most important thing. I love all you guys a whole bunch, and I hope that your lives are progressing beautifully! Cuídense! :D

Love,
Andrew

Rambutan! Or achotillo in Ecuador. Tasty! 

The Gospel and the World

Hello all!

I think this post will be about a week after my last one, so I'm doing better! Huzzah! It's kinda weird how one can loose track of time so quickly, especially when one's life is dominated by routine (work, eat, sleep, repeat).

This week had some interesting events, but I think I'll probably just share one of those events. I won't say any names so as to keep confidentiality. It all started with a Facebook post that I made concerning some of my political views. Sharing my political views on Facebook was a huge thing for me because I generally try to stay out of politics and when I do have opinions, I don't usually share them publicly. They were opinions on some rather controversial topics in Colorado right now, and I was expecting someone to post his/her opinions on the topics as well, but I didn't prepare myself to be attacked, nor for my character to be attacked, and especially not from people that I thought were friends. As I was trying to defend my points of view, some of those with whom I was conversing started to attack my character and making false assumptions about me. It was rather shocking for me. I was okay with having an enthusiastic conversation regarding our viewpoints on these topics, but I didn't once call into question the character of those with whom I was talking nor attempt to offend anyone. It was a rather saddening event for me, but it really got me to thinking why someone would attack someone else just because his views are different. It was also saddening to see someone so blinded by the world that they couldn't see the dangers of some of the current issues. They would have accepted some immediate freedoms at the expense of future freedoms. I believe it has to do with a lack of the Gospel in the lives of those people.

With the Gospel in my life, I have a very different viewpoint on life. I believe that I am able to see future repercussions better because of the Gospel. I have an understanding of what God wants for His children and what will happen if we don't obey Him, and with that knowledge I can see better what will happen in the future because of what we do now. I can understand that by doing what God has told us, which He has always told us and will always tell us, we will be blessed to a greater extent than if we do not do what He says. Some people think that my opinions, which generally reflect God's will, are out of date, archaic, old-fashioned, and that they don't have a place in today's society. But the thing is that God's will has always been, is, and will always be the correct path, no matter in what age we live, because we, as humans and, more importantly, children of God, do not change. Sure, technology advances, literature and art styles change, new difficulties are presented, but we are no different now in nature than Adam and those of his time. The majority of people don't see it that way though. They think that because the world is changing, the way we conduct our lives, our morals, everything about us, also needs to change. The world is too focused on fixing the now than ensuring a future that is happier and better for all. And there are hundreds of millions of people that are so caught up in the world that they change right along with it, never mind if the world's change would compromise one's character. It's something that truly saddens me. But those who have the Gospel and understand it can stand firm throughout all of their lives. They can lead a life that is truly fulfilling and joyful. They will never feel regret for not having followed the world because they will be truly happy. Now that I think of it, it may be the level of happiness of those with the Gospel that threatens those of the world and causes them to lash out. Those of the world aren't completely happy, and instead of being happy for those who are happy, they are threatened and reminded of their own sadness, and in their bitterness seek to make others as miserable as they are. I wish everyone would be more receptive to the Gospel, because many will go their whole lives looking for that little something and never find it because they were not receptive to the Gospel. And if we all had the Gospel, we'd all be a lot happier.

I'm not sure that that was very well put together, but I hope that someone can make sense out of it. I truly believe and testify that the Gospel is the only thing that will provide us with protection and happiness now and in the future. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, and He taught us His gospel because He knows that only those who follow Him will be truly happy. I invite all to follow His gospel not in word only but in deed as well. I love you all very much. Hopefully next time my post will make more sense and be easier to follow. Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Andrew

Hey fellas and gals and everyone!

I'm really sorry that it's taken me so long to get a new post up. I don't really have an excuse except that I've been lazy about it. Also, this post probably won't be anything special or anything like that (just got back from running and I have to have lunch, shower, and get to work). I'll try harder in the future.

Since you last heard from me, several things have happened...I think. See, that's what happens when one doesn't write anything down for awhile. Anyway, I got a job shortly after my last post! I'm really grateful for that job, especially because it gives me something to do for eight hours per day. Also, I'm learning the über important skill of budgeting, 'cause I have all kinds of things that I need to do with my money and not a whole lot of money, so budgeting is a must. I really hope that I do well at it.

I'm also going to single's ward! That's really cool so far. I don't know a lot of people yet (I've only gone two Sundays), but I can feel that it's a ward with a lot of love. The bishopric especially loves the people in the ward, which makes me feel very welcome. I know that I'm going to have an amazing time with that group of people. I'm going to have to start "contacting" people though so that I can get to know them a bit more. You can't get to know a person if you don't say "hi" first. So that's what I'll do! I also have a calling in the ward as an activities counsel member. Basically I'll be planning ward and inter-ward activities like hikes, dances, etc. It should be fun, and I'm excited to get started.

I'm really anxious to get back to BYU. Not in a bad worried about going back way, but in the sense that I can't wait to get back. It's going to be a lot of fun studying again (I know, most of you don't relate the words "study" and "fun", but I do right now), and it'll be even more fun to start dating again. I'm kind of really impatient for that part, but I'll just have to learn patience because classes don't start for me until the first week of September, which is kind of far away. So I'll just spend my time preparing myself to be worthy of whomever Heavenly Father puts in my path. I was listening to the talk "Mountains to Climb" by President Eyring today, and something he said really impacted me. He said (very much paraphrased) that it's the constant doing of right things that determines our integrity. Integrity is also a key to being virtuous and, eventually, worthy of an eternal companion. So the constant doing of right things will prepare me to be someone's eternal companion. I'm glad that I have time to prepare myself even more before I jump back into the ring.

Sorry that this post has been so short and not necessarily full of insight or spirituality. I'll be working on being better, and hopefully you'll be able to see the progress. Thanks as always for your support and prayers. I hope everyone's week is fantastic and that you all can progress as well. Love you all!

Love,
Andrew

"CONSTANT [DILIGENCE]!!"

Hey howdy hey!

Well, a Monday post didn't happen. In fact, it's Friday, which is far from Monday, but at least I'm writing something, no? I hope everyone has had a wonderful time since I last wrote, and I hope that times will continue/begin to be wonderful after now.

I've had quite an eventful week. I had a visit from Michelle which was quite wonderful indeed! It was amazing to see her after around 2,5 years of not seeing her in person. In truth it was a tad surreal, and it was a very good visit in many aspects. After that visit I made some decisions that I feel were the Lord's will, and then I continued doing everything that I could to get back into the swing of things. The day after Michelle's visit I looked a bit more for work, as I've been doing since week 1 back, which included a phone call to find out the results of an interview that I'd had earlier. The results of the interview weren't the greatest, but the results of the phone call were wonderful. The helpful recruiter informed me of another company that was hiring and asked if I'd be interested in working for them. I said yes, and the next day I went in to fill out paperwork. I didn't actually know that the paperwork would be for my almost immediate employment with the company, but that's exactly what it was. So now, almost 3,5 weeks after returning from my mission, I was employed. I would say that's fairly good work. I'm also happier right now than I have been for quite some time. So, what does any of this have to do with the title of this post? I know that I have received these blessings because of my efforts to stay constantly diligent in the things of the Lord.

What exactly is diligence? Dictionary.com says "constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken" is the definition of diligence. In a more spiritual context, diligence can be defined as "consistent, valiant effort, especially in serving the Lord and obeying his word" (The Guide to the Scriptures). Diligence is actually part of the gospel: endure to the end. You can't endure to the end unless you're diligent. When one sees that you have to be diligent until the end, one can be slightly daunted by that thought. Until the end can be a long time. In my case the end might not come for another 65-70+ years. That's a long time. So how can one be diligent constantly? My mom has a saying that can be applied to this situation: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." How is one constantly diligent until the end? One day at a time. But what is it in which we must be diligent? 

There are many things which we must do in this life, and we should be diligent in most all of them. But as it says in Alma, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6, The Book of Mormon). Church leaders constantly impress upon us the need to do several things: daily scripture study; have personal and family prayers; attend Church meetings regularly; and hold family home evenings weekly. By doing these small and simple things, one will be able to develop the faith needed to live the gospel, a faith that leads to repentance, keeping of baptismal and other covenants, living worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and, yep, enduring to the end. These four small actions will lead to a lifetime of diligence and happiness. And while I have not yet experienced a full lifetime, I can testify that diligence does bring happiness and blessings beyond measure. I have tried hard to be diligent in these weeks that I have been back from the mission. I have tried to study the scriptures daily, pray daily, and attend Church activities and meetings. Family Home Evening is a bit of a challenge for our family, but we'll be working on that. I have also been diligent in seeking for answers and seeking for blessings, i.e. work. And now I'm starting to see blessings. If I hadn't been diligent, I know that I wouldn't be in the position in which I am right now. And I can testify to all of you that you too can receive all of the blessings that you need if you are diligent day by day. And if you're being as diligent as you can and things aren't changing, remember this quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley: 

I testify of the veracity of President Hinckley's words. 

I'm looking forward to these next weeks. I know that I'll continue to be stretched and to grow (like I need to get any taller), and I'll continue to learn. I'll find more challenges and more happiness, and "things will work out." I hope that everyone can take a bit of courage from this message and be diligent in all the things, one day at a time. I love you all and wish you all the blessings that Father has for you! May we be diligent in finding them! 

Love,

Andrew

Of new beginnings

Hello my friendlies and strangerlies and families!...that doesn't work as well with families...oh well!

I'd like to apologize for not having written Monday. I'll try to be better at that. I think this week I will be trying to manage my time better, and to do so I will be planning out my time more. I've found that if I don't plan to do anything, it's very likely that I won't do anything. Funny how that works. So the inverse should also be true, no? We'll find out.

Last week I said that I would be trying to work on my patience, and it's a little bit better. I'm still not the most patient person in the world, but I'm at least trying to accept that things won't happen right away. I need to study about patience better, and as I do I'm sure I'll get better.

I'm still learning how to do deal with post-mission life, and today has been no exception. There are so many things that can change over the course of two years. While in the mission, one has an interesting perspective of the world from whence he came. He hears that siblings go to school events and get awards, parents get new church callings, vacations are had, and the like, but none of those things are really real for the in-field missionary. That missionary slightly expects things to be somewhat the same when he returns. He "knows" that things will be different because others have told him so, but he doesn't expect to what extent.

When that missionary returns, he hopes for people whom he left behind to be there to receive him. He hopes for any past loves to be there, any friends, all family, and then he can receive a shock. Friends, while they have the same faces, have changed. Past loves have moved on. Family is different but the same as well, but they're always there for you (thank goodness for that). It can be a difficult time for the missionary. In his past life (i.e. the mission), he knew who he was and where he fit in. He knew who his friends were, he had a family in every ward, and romantics wasn't really a problem because there wasn't time nor a need for it. Life was comfortable. And then getting thrown back into "real" life is...hard. Almost immediately life demands your full attention with schooling, jobs, and searching out that eternal companion. Your friends have almost all graduated from college and are moving on with their lives, and you don't know where you fit in. It's just a lot to do, and if he doesn't have support from someone, real life starts looking bleak.

But he always has someone to count on, even if everyone else has moved on; his Heavenly Father. God never moves, never wavers, and never changes His feelings towards said missionary. He is always there for him. Even in the darkest, most lonely moments, Heavenly Father is there. That is so wonderful! And what more is that Heavenly Father isn't just there to say, "It'll be better", but He actually knows personally what that missionary is going through. God knows the exact things that that missionary should do to be able to move past the pain and the loneliness. If that missionary is faithful, he will receive all of the divine guidance that he needs to find happiness again, and any holes that have been left by unexpected change will be patched up again. All it requires is faith, diligence, and obedience to all that that missionary knows to be true. Little by little the darkness of a bleak life starts to dissipate and the dawn of a new life appears again on the horizon. Further striving brings the tangible blessings, and that missionary finds his place in his new life. I know that this is true because, as you have most likely guessed, I am living proof. The last part is still to be experienced, but I know that it will happen. I know that my Heavenly Father loves and knows me. He has seen all that I have passed through, and He will reward me according to my loyalty to Him, even when the world would have me follow an easier path. I know that all will be well, that I will find a job, get a wonderful education, and find a perfect woman for me, and I know that it will all be in God's time. So I'll just do my duty and let God do the rest.

I hope that I've helped someone out there besides myself. Sometimes these blog entries serve me to remember what I know, so if no one else learns anything, at least I learned something! I hope you have a wonderful week, and I will see you when I see you! Love y'all!

Love,
Andrew