From the study journal...

So last night I was reading from my missionary study journal and there were a couple of quotes i had written down that really stood out to me. Mostly because of things that are either going on in my life or in my friends lives...hopefully to those of you who read them they might help you or someone you know.

Strengthening Each Other
by President Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign Feb 1985 (points of emphasis)
1. It is important to know that each of us gets discouraged on occasion.
2. Each of us should cultivate a sensitivity toward the feelings of others and, when encouragement is needed, make an effort to extend it.
3. We shouldn't waste our time feeling sorry for ourselves.
4. We should try handing out compliments and building up others.
5. The Lord refined and polished each of the Presidents of the Church, letting each one know discouragement and failure and experience illness and sorrow. This great refining process, so evident in our lives, is a part of each of our lives.

another one from President Gordon B. Hinckley (source unknown)
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop; most beef is tough; most children grow up to be just people; most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual tolerance; most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail-journey...delays...sidetracks...smoke...dust...cinder...and jolts interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

The Atonement: All for All
by Elder Bruce C. Hafen
"...So if you have problems in your life, don't assume there is something wrong with you. Struggling with those problems is at the very core of life's purpose. As we draw close to God, he will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser, stronger. If you're seeing more of your weaknesses, that just might mean you're moving nearer to God, not farther away."

Just for you, Heather!

Last weekend I went up to Rexburg to visit some friends.

My first stop was in Pocatello to visit Vicki, my first roommate in college. It was so good to see her and her husband Michael again. Last time I saw them was about three years ago at their reception in Orlando, Florida.

Vicki and Michael's Wedding Reception.

Vicki, Michael, and me in a boat at Sea World in Orlando.

Next stop Rexburg to visit one of my mission companion Dayna!

Rexburg Temple. (We went to a session on Saturday.)

Dayna. (We were companions for 6 months!)

Me and Katelyn. (Dayna and I taught Katelyn and her family in our last area on the mission.)

Last stop was to visit another one of my college roommates, Heather, and her adorable baby boy Isaac.

Thanks Brandon for this picture of your cute baby boy. Isaac is 2 months old.

Overall it was a really fun weekend. Thanks Vicki and Michael, Dayna and her roommates, and Heather!

My future niece/nephew.

These are pictures of my sister Emily and her 5 month pregnant belly. She finds out next week if it's a boy or girl.