Christlike Love

This past week I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity and time to give some service, and it has felt so good. Having dedicated the last two years of my life to service, I was accustomed to feeling love for others and enjoying the blessings of service. I guess I had kind of forgotten that, though, in the last few months. One thing that solidifies in my mind the divine calling of Jesus Christ is his emphasis on service. I find it so interesting that while the Jews were looking for a king to come in power and liberate them from their state of vassalage to Rome, Christ proved to be a real leader by serving others. In Luke 22:26-27 Christ speaks to his apostles and commands them that "ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest amongst you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. for whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth."

back to basics

Yesterday We went to the MTC with a big group of girls from our ward to make calls at the referral center. It was an awesome experience not only for them, but for me as well! I remember being a little nervous to make calls before the mission, but this time I was much more comfortable and talked to a lot of cool people. I spoke with one lady from texas who was calling for a free "Lamb of God" video for her 19 yr old daughter. I could feel the love she had for her daughter as she talked of wanting her to see it so that she might find more direction in her life.

I've noticed a lot lately that so so so many people lack direction and grounding in their lives. Choices they've made, or haven't made, have been influenced by what many consider "the norm" in today's society. To me it's a little sad, but helps me to be grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that has provided a solid basis for my own life. I often dont have to worry about what kind of decisions I will make or where my life will end up because I already know the answer to a lot of those future questions; I know who I am in the eternal perspective of things. And it's been such a blessing in my life.

Feel the Rhythm

So now that i have gone off on my first political tangent, I may as well show where it all starts from: you got it, faith. In my last post i tried to leave the religious aspect out of the argument, because it's obvious that not everyone shares my own religious affiliation, but i think it's only appropriate to get to the roots from which my opinion stems, which are deeply entrenched in Cristianity. I'm a little hesitant to write that (sadly) because the term is so generic and broad, but in the end, i believe in Christ, me being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, so I would most definitely fall into that category. Anyway, about 10 years ago, the late prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, along with the twelve apostles (leaders of the church) released an incredibly definitive and inspired document entitled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," the contents of which can be read here:

http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html

I suppose i feel particularly strong about the issue because my family has meant so much to me in my life, and I know they have shaped and molded me into the person I am today. If you have any questions PLEASE feel free to ask. Yes on prop 8!

-Rossssssssssssssssssss

Yes on Prop 8

To reiterate for a second what my friend Cait said, prop 8 will most likely have a larger effect on our country than the results of the presidential election. Normally I'm not one to get all fiery about political issues (because i am usually so busy getting fiery about how rediculous politics are) but I'm starting to understand how big of a deal this is. Why should gay-marriage NOT be sanctioned? Because it's just as much an infringement on my rights as gay couples claim it is to theirs; and i think this clip explains that pretty well. And if you are still not convinced about the matter, check out the blog "Classic Savage" at http://caitanderson.blogspot.com . Vote yes on prop 8!

Jumper

I finally made the greuling (?) trek that unofficially defines one's BYU student-ship...and it was actually an awesome experience. After going out to eat amaaaaaazing Italian food at a little place called Gloria's (ormai famosissimo qui a provo) with Hayli, we reconvened at around 9,30-10,00pm to hike up to the Y to celebrate homecoming week! It was a little cold, but really not bad at all. There was a band just finishing a few numbers as we reached the base, and then we hiked up, took some pictures, and soaked in the view of the utah valley for awhile. That night probably constitutes the pinnacle (pun may or may not be intended...) of one of the BEST weeks I've had out here at school so far. We also had a friday night renegade party. RENEGAAAAAAAADE!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Provo Utah:

Currently Listening to: "Long Way Down" -Guster

Home-coming-home!

:)