Sunday, February 27, 2011

He'll Carry You

This is for all those that are going through a hard time. This is for me and for my roommates. This is for my best friends and for those I need to forgive. This is for all those that I love and for those I don't even know. This is for all of His children near and far. This is to help me remember that He will help me through my trials, even though they seem unbearable at times. He loves us and will always carry us home!

He knows your heart
He knows your pain
He knows the strength it took just too simply breathe today
He sees the tears that you cry
He knows your soul is aching to know why
He hears your prayers each humble word
When you said you couldn’t face another day he understood
He knows the path that you will find
Though you felt alone he’s never left your side

Chorus:
He knew there’d be moments when no earthly words
Could take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He’ll bring you peace and leave you hope
And in the darkest night he’ll comfort you
Until you know the sun will rise and each new day
You will have the strength to live again

Chorus:
And when there are moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He hears you when you’re crying in the night
He hears you when your soul longs to find
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures

Chorus:
That in the moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

Thursday, February 24, 2011

My Role Model

There are so many people that I adore and admire so much in my life. i have been greatly blessed to know so many amazing people in my life. I love watching these people just being themselves without thinking twice about what they are doing. I don't know if some of these people even know the full impact they have on others. But I want all of them to know that they are influencing lives and making them better, especially mine.
Last night I watched one of these stupendous persons. I watched as he, out of sincere desire, ran a BYU booth. ( BYU lets wards and other groups come in and run their concessions stands for a cut of the money they earn) Now you must know some background on this kid. That is right, I said kid. At the mere age of 22 he has been put into a lot of situations with a lot of responsibility. But he always does it in style. I watched as this young man ran back and forth, in a very tight space, to get hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and cooked pretzels as I yelled to him what I needed. I saw him make sure everyone else was having a good time. He also made sure that no one was overly burdened. The lines didn't stop all night, we were super busy the whole time. But this role model of mine never once stopped smiling. And after it was all done, I watched him clean everything, count everything, and then clean again. All the while a smile on his face. What a trooper that boy is! He is my role model! What a loyal, undeviating, happy servant of the Lord. And oh how proud I am to say that this role model of mine is none other than my brother, Scott. Thanks buddy for all the many examples you set for me last night. I will always look up to you and that isn't because you are taller than me!
(P.S. I stole this picture off of Facebook. I hope that's ok!)

Sunday, February 6, 2011

THANK YOU

I don't need material things. I don't need money. I don't even need you to take me to do something fun. All I need is a sincere thank you. That's all! From the heart, down deep, genuine thank you and I will do just about anything for you.

Example #1: A family from my mission came to town this week. They were moving one of their daughters back to Florida. They had no one to help them. But as soon as they came into town they called me and of course I was there as soon as I could go. It was cold, I mean bitter cold, while we were packing the U-Haul. There were probably a million other things that I should have been doing. But I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Hugs were exchanged and a few tears were shed at the end of the day. And a million THANK YOU'S!!!!
My Florida Family (one of many). I love how their dog posed as well!

Example #2: My cousin hurt his knee really badly last weekend. They didn't know how bad it was until Wednesday. The doctors decided that he needed to have surgery on Thursday because it was so bad. Him and his wife live in Pleasant Grove and have four children. They called me Wednesday night and asked if there was any possibility of me coming to take care of the kids. I rearranged my schedule and was on my way by noon on Thursday. I hadn't spent much time with his family since my mission, so I was excited to go and see them. Once again, there was a lot of other things I could have been doing. But I am so glad that I was there. I was reminded of why I love children so much. I laughed and laughed till it hurt. I relaxed from the stress of life with some of the greatest children! I loved every minute of the day with these children. When my cousin and his wife finally got home, they didn't know how they could pay me. But all their THANK YOU'S where plenty of payment for me!
My cousins youngest! This was taken at my missionary farewell. These girls are older now but still really cute!

Example #3: My brother, Ryan, is a stay at home dad now. On Friday mornings he has class from 9-1 and he can't take Marley (his little girl) with him. He has asked around to see if anyone could do it but hasn't had much success. So he asked me. Friday's I don't have school but I do work. But I have moved my work schedule around and have disciplined myself with homework. Friday morning, as soon as I am done with work, I drive up to take care of Marley. We have so much fun together. She is so cute and I love her hugs and kisses! She is such a sweetheart. It is hard some weeks to give up this time but I wouldn't trade it for all the world. I feel so appreciated and it makes all my worries about school go away when Ryan and is wife, Sam, say THANK YOU to me!
Ryan, Sam and Marley

I am so grateful for my life! I have a great family and great friends that are family to me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve others. I love to help out. It is kind of selfish of me but I serve because I know that blessings will come to me for helping others. And they have. I pray for more of these experiences, where I have to give of my time and love, so that my life will be blessed.

So now I want to say THANK YOU to those that have let me serve them.
To my Florida family: I love you so much! It was so fun to see you. Your family hold a special part of my heart. I will be forever grateful for your examples, for your friendship, and your love! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

To my wonderful cousin, his amazing wife, and your beautiful children: You have shown me this week what true strength and faith is. Your quiet acts of kindness have made me believe in love again. I have loved being in your home. It has changed a part of me. THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your lives!

To my awesome brother and his beautiful wife: I love you both! Life is hard, but you have shown me that you can work through anything. I love being with you and always having fun. I am grateful that you would let me take care of Marley. It is a great time for me to get to laugh with that cute little girl! THANK YOU so much!