My Experience In Truth

One of the hardest things you will ever have to do is accept God's will when everything inside of you wants the opposite. It's difficult when you try for months to make something happen and then God tells you no; that it's time to stop; that it's time to move on. It feels like my soul has been ripped from inside of me and I'm left empty; wandering without a purpose. I know that God is real and I know that he wants the best for me, but it's so freaking hard to accept! How do you move on? How do you start over? I really really really don't want to do this!....Please don't make me do it!......please...... *sigh* .....ok.....I'll do it.....

I have spent years trying to forget most of the things I am about to write. I'm going to tell you about the most miserable time in my life. My experiences during this time are the single worst memories I have. The only reason I am doing this is because I feel like there is someone out there that needs to hear it. There is someone out there that needs to know how I overcame the hardest trial of my life. This story does have a happy ending, but I went through hell to get there. So here we go. This is me in 2004: I was a scrawny kid just out of elementary school, headed into junior high; scared, but also excited; pretty much your average 7th grader. I remember my first day at Elk Ridge Middle School. It took me so long to get my locker open that I was late to my first period. Once again I was your typical seventh grader sprinting through the halls with a map of the school trying to find his class. I remember that I was especially excited for this one: Tech Lab. I'd alwa...

This is what I live by, my motivation to be a better man: How will I be remembered? At the end of your life don't let it be said of you: "He was late, forgetful, and disorganized. He always said he would reach his goals, but never did. His is a legacy of failure."   But let it be said instead: "He was honest and true, always keeping his word. He was a strong leader that could be trusted and relied on. He was always one to act. His is a legacy of success." What kind of legacy will you leave behind?  Remember that our decisions determine our destiny. Choose your path and never leave it. Life's a garden. Dig it!

I wrote this poem two weeks before the end of my mission. It is my witness of the reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. "Whom Shall I Send?" My head was high, my smile proud My heart was hard, my laughter loud. I loved myself, and me alone My brother lacked, I had a throne. I saw him lonely, with a frown To build me up, I tore him down. I laughed and mocked his lonely stare The pain I caused I did not care. The praise of man, my only goal Caused me to lie, destroyed my soul. To change my ways, I had no thought In my own eyes I had a lot. I spent my life on useless things I gave my all to worldly dreams. Then came the day when all was lost With nothing left I felt the cost. The pain was great, my soul was racked I lost my strength, my body slacked. I fell upon my knees to pray "Dear God" I said "take me away. I see my sin, I cannot bear To stand beneath thy piercing stare. I neve...