Friday, March 27, 2009

Diamond #6


Well it has been awhile since my last post, but my excuse is that I have been with my wife as she brought our new baby into the world. Which leads perfectly into my next diamond: little girls.

Our daughter Lachlynn was born last Thursday and I must say that God sure packs allot of love in that little 7lb 7oz baby. She is the greatest thing that has ever happened to Camie and I. We love her with all of our hearts. But I think that the thing that makes her a diamond is not just the fact that she is so cute, but the overall dependence she has on Camie and I. It has made us be allot less selfish and really have to forget some of the things that we once enjoyed. Having a baby means sacrifice, we have to sacrifice allot of things. But it is worth it, everytime she cuddles up to me and she fits inside my hand on my chest I think of how I would give anything for this child. No sacrafice is to great, if it is for her best interest. I think it gives us a little glimps of what God must feel towards his children. It has really given me a new perspective on our relationship with God. If I as a mortal, and can only feel as mortals can, am able to feel this much love for my little girl, I can't even imagine God's love, which is perfect. I know our children are sent down here to remind us of God's love. What a diamond.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Diamond #5


Well Diamond # 5 is music. What would this world be without music. Most of my family is really musically inclined, but being the black sheep of the family in regards to musical talent, hated practicing piano more than going to the dentist. But I must say that good music can open a part of our soul that words just can't touch. When I was on my mission one night I woke up in absolute agony. I couldn't feel the spirit, I felt inadiquate as a missionary, and I felt as if I didn't get out of this slump that I was in, I would never be able to teach anyone anything about the joy of the gospel. I laid awake for a long time until I finally couldn't take it anymore. I went into my study room and pulled out a hymn book. I turned to Be Still My Soul and sang all 3 verses. It was almost immediate that I felt the depression completly dissapate. I was filled with a feeling of complete joy and hope. Music truly is a diamond.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Diamond #4






AMERICA
Although it is not the 4th of July, I just wanted to give my shout out to our great country. She certainly has her problems, but boy I love America. While I was on my mission to Madrid, Spain, I realized that America has so many things that make her great. My Grandpa served in WWII and I never realized what it means to go serve your country. To give up the comforts of home and family, and fight for a cause that is so important. While in Spain I saw the effects of religious persecution. People, when forced to believe a certain way, grow callused to God and his laws. Eventhough there has been freedom of religion for over 30 years in Spain, the residual effects still exist. However, in America, freedom of religion has always been protected. That is what this great country is founded on, freedom to believe any way you want and not be forced to beleive a certain way. I could go on for hours about why I am so gratefull to live in America but I think Rodney Adkins has a new song that really says every thing I want to say:


drivin' down the street today i saw a sign for lemonade there were the cutest kids i'd ever seen in this front yard as they handed me my glass smilin' thinkin to myself man what a picture perfect postcard this would make of America it's a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song, it's a ride in a Chevrolet it's a man on the moon, it's fireflies in June, and kids sellin' lemonade it's cities and farms, it's open arms, one nation under God it's america later on when I got home I flipped the TV on I saw a little town that some big twister tore apart and people came from miles around just to help their neighbors out I was thinkin' to myself I'm so glad that I live in America it's a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song, it's a ride in a Chevrolet it's a man on the moon, and fireflies in June, and kids sellin' lemonade it's cities and farms, it's open arms, one nation under God it's america now we don't always get it all right there's no place else I'd rather build my life a dancing kid with a chance it's a rock-n-roll band it's a farmer cuttin' hay it's a big flag flyin' in the summer wind over a fallen heros grave it's a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song, it's a welcome home parade it's a man on the moon, it's fireflies in June, and kids sellin' lemonade it's cities and farms, it's open arms, one nation under God it's america

I love how it says "we don't always get it all right but there's no place else I'd rather build my life" That pretty much sums it up. America is truly a diamond.