Motivators from the Air Force

This was given to me in the form of a PowerPoint presentation from someone at work and I liked and so i converted it to a video to put on my blog. There is no music but some great motivators.

Great insights from Gordon B Hinckley

Last night I was reading from the Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinkley volume 2, Laie, Hawaii Regional Conference. I was very touched with what he said. The messages were for me and possible for you as well. He shared this story about this lady by the name of Toma. She was converted with her family to the Gospel and shortly after came a war that devastated her island. A few people hid in caves and ate bugs and leaves and this is where she was. Her husband got sick and she prayed that the Lord would just take her and the answer came back, "Do not forsake your husband and your children." This gave her the strength to carry on. After the war, they bought a small home and started a business. Her husband died but not before he found the church meeting house. He was the first Branch President in Naha, Okinawa. He had suggested a location but Hinckley told him that would not work. They walked around town and Hinckley suggested this area but it turned out to be the burial of a Nahan king. Hinckley said to try and get it. They did get it and then the husband died leaving the Toma alone. Their business partner pulled out. She worked from 5 am to 11 pm. Some nights she would come home and say lets just sing hymns tonight. The children knew that they were not getting food those nights. Somehow they survived. Her boys went to BYU Hawaii and then to BYU Provo and did very well and bought Toma a home and everything worked out. Toma's motto was: "Morning will come. Morning will come."

For me this was very tear jerking because how often do we feel that we are at the end of our strings, but if we can say to ourselves "Morning will come. Morning will come" we can get through it and things will work out in the end. Almost never on our time table but the Lord knows best and he will not forsake the faithful.

Thoughts in the Temple

While I was in the Temple today I kept thinking about how in ancient times the oldest son usually if not all the sons were required to learn a sacred language and memorize major portions of scripture. I realized that I too can help my family to gain in the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by following a similar pattern. As a family we could set goals each year to read certain books and memorize scriptures or quotes, and so forth. I thought it would be fun to tie that in to family vacations as a prerequisite or something. It is just a thought and I will think about it to see if I could come up with a good plan.

Feed my sheep

The other day I told Alexa (who was at the table eating) that I loved her so much and then she said, "then feed me." This hit me hard because the Savior said similar things to Peter:

John 21:14-17
14 This is now the ^athird time that Jesus ^bshewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, ^aFeed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, ^aFeed my ^bsheep.

The Lord's sheep need us to feed them because they can't feed themselves the Gospel. Some are like my daughter who could eat by herself but asked me to help her if I loved her, and we must help those that need extra help to feast upon the words of Christ and to come unto Him. We have the power of God on our side if we will but go forward.

Mary Did you Know (just audio)

Lacie went Home Teaching with me

I never posted this, but back on 11/26/06 Lacie went with me Home Teaching becasue my companion was not able to go with me. We taught the lesson that Alexa's picture was in. Lacie loved it, she said it is like goin on a Daddy-daughter date on Sunday. We had fun together.

From 2006-11-26

My First Christmas
In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below with tiny light,
like Heavens, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please
wipe away the tear, For I am spending
Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that
people hold so dear. But the sounds of
music can't compare with the Christmas
Choir up here. I have no words to tell you,
the joy the voices bring, For it is beyond
description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from
my heavenly home above. I sent you
each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold. It was always most
important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as
my Father said to do. For I can't count
the blessings or love he has for each
of you.

So have a Merry Christmas
and wipe away that tear, Remember I
am spending Christmas with Jesus
Christ this year.

** This poem was written by a 13 year old Ben
to his mother before he died of a brain tumor.
He died in 1997, and that year his spent his
first Christmas with Jesus.

http://pws.gamewood.net/~byoung/holidays/christmas/heaven.htm

What should our focus be?

Today I met with an individual that we may hire as a company to do some training for us, and found out that he has served as a Mission President, taught at BYU, and is now a Stake President in BYU Idaho area. This interview made me think about several things. I realized that our focus should not be on obtaining a calling or anything of a short term nature but that our focus should be to become sanctified by Him who is mighty to save. Our focus must be on developing ourselves to be worthy to return to Him someday. If we will put our priorities straight, then along the way the Lord can use us as he sees fit.

Monument symbolizing faith, and courage

When we first walked into Temple Square we saw this statue. It really hit me hard because I had never seen it before with snow covering the wagon. It brought their struggles and faith to a new level. To realize that they traveled by handcart with snow covering their wagons it was amazing. It was snowing while we were walking in and it was cold and our girls were complaining and they were bundled up very good. I have such reverence for their sacrifice and pray that I too can sacrifice in a manner that can leave a legacy for my children and their children and so forth.

Salt Lake Temple lights

We wanted to go out to the Christmas lights at Temple Square and this is one of our only chances to go since we are leaving on Friday to go to Arizona for Christmas. We had a blast and as you can see they are absolutely beautiful.

This one makes a very nice background for your desktop on your computer.















This one makes a very nice background for your desktop on your computer.



Kiera could not resist making a snow angel, because earlier as you can see in the next picture I make one in shorts at our house. And yes, this is Kiera on the side of the road just outside of Temple Square acting like a little girl. I could not take a picture of Lacie because our camera was out of batteries but she had also made about three snow angels as well. Lacie was so funny the entire night she was throwing snow balls at us, it was so cute.

White early Chistmas

Nothing like waking up on Christmas to about 9 inches of snow. We wrote Santa and asked him to come early and bring the big things because we would not have room for everything when we came back from Arizona.





Lacie and Alexa got Playdough and craft tables. They played with them all day today.



Ashlyn got a rocking horse and at first was a little scared of it, but now she loves it. It is broken so we will have to have Santa bring us a new one that is not broken.



I got a set of golf clubs from the family (Santa allowed them to set it out with his gift), and I got an indoor putting machine that will eject the ball back if I make it in.



Kiera got black Airwalks, she has been wanting those for a few years now. I need to get a picture of her with them.

Inspiration given to Kiera regarding my Excel Class

I was taking 4 classes this semester: Spanish 102, Healthful Living, Public Speaking, and Excel. Excel was an open entry which means that I have until the last day of class to turn in all the work.
Well, about a week ago we noticed that I had been auto-withdrawn from Excel. I was in the middle of turning in all my finals at that time and was too swamped to think about it and so I had just accepted that I would have to just re-take it next semester. Well, Kiera was feeling just sick about it and so yesterday she called me at work at asked me to call real quick and leave a message with my teacher (she gave me her number) since she would most likely take a while to respond back. I am glad that she had me call right then because she answered. I explained how we noticed that I was auto-dropped from the class and that I would like to have a chance to still get a grade sine the deadline is not till tomorrow. She looked into it and found out that my end date was 11/10 and that the system had given me an extra month to complete it. I told her that I had seen emails that said that my end date was the 15th. Anyway she checked with another group (involved in grading) and said that if I could submit everything by 2:00 pm today that she would accept it. I told her that that was impossible since I was at work until 6:00 pm. She said that they were all going on vacation at 2:00 pm and that was the latest they would accept it. I told her that I could not do and then called Kiera to tell her the bad news. Kiera and I talked and I decided to just try. i left work, called my teacher, and raced home. I had not even opened my book yet. Once I got home around 10:30 am I opened my book and went to town. I was racing the clock. I am good with Excel and so I was not that worried until I found out that I had to use all their concepts data and spreadsheets. With the Lords help I was able to get everything turned in by about 1:45 pm and then she told me that there was a final as well. The final was a three hour final and luckily I was able to finish it in about 14 minutes. I called my teacher to report that I had finished the entire class at 1:59 pm. I could not believe it, I had finished an entire semester in 3 and half hours. To make things better I got a 96% in the class as well.

I am so glad to be married to such a spiritually powerful women. She is so in tune with the Spirit it is amazing. I am also so thankful to Heavenly Father for helping me to focus for those 3 1/2 hrs which is a feet in and of its self, but also to help me to finish on time. It is impossible to overlook His hand and I am indebted to Him for he blesses my life every single day. (He also helped me get a B in Spanish).

Opening Christmas Dresses

So great shall be his anguish

Mosiah 3:7
7 And lo, he shall ^asuffer ^btemptations, and pain of body, ^chunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can ^dsuffer, except it be unto death; for behold, ^eblood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his ^fanguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

I think that it is very interesting, how it says "so great shall be his ^fanguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people." It is more graphic than just saying he suffered for our sins. I can actually feel and sence his anguish for my wickedness and my abominations.

Ashlyn wants her food

We were feeding her in her high chair and left for one second and came back and she had got out. She up on the table helping herself to Daddy's food. She is so funny.

My Persuasive Speech for Public Speaking

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3807913880026014428

My Outline- http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dfxzqmc4_43pdk76h

Hear His voice and know Him

My NT: Hear His voice and know Him

St John 10:2-5, 14-15
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the ^asheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his ^avoice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and ^bleadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they ^aknow his ^bvoice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of ^astrangers.

14 I am the good ^ashepherd, and ^bknow my ^csheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so ^aknow I the Father: and I lay down my ^blife for the sheep.

I was pondering these scriptures and was given insight into the meaning of hearing and His voice and knowing His voice. This is revelation, and that is how we hear Him and know His voice. We must draw closer to the Lord and become more sensitive to the Spirit.

Lacie is growing up on me

Lacie did her own hair for me, Kiera told her that I love straight hair. She is getting so grown up on me.

From 2006-11-26

Flavor of what Judment day will be like

This morning I received a call to meet with the Stake President after church at 4:20 pm. It is hard to explain how I felt and some of the feeling that were going through my mind all day today. I did not feel worthy to meet with the Stake President and it cut me to the core, I felt as if to flee from this interview simply because of how I felt. I know that the way I felt was ridiculous and incorrect for the Lord will qualify whom ever he calls but still I went through this. I felt that I had a glimpse of what the unprepared would feel as they are preparing to interview or to stand before God and their Christ. It is not a feeling that I would recommend, and it came as a call to be better and draw closer to my Savior. I am committing today to make greater efforts to prepare myself and to bring others to prepare themselves as well.

The interview went good, but it was with the second counselor, the President and first counselor got called away on an emergency. It was an interview to get to know me better and I was not very sociable. I tend to have a hard time being sociable and know that I need to work on it especially after today.

This morning before church I felt impressed to give the Stake President my talk on Journey Toward Righteousness. So I told him about my feelings and gave this talk to the second counselor and he said that he would like to read it but that he will give it to the Stake President first and then ask to read it. I was glad that I did this, because back in Arizona when we attended Power Ranch ward I felt to send a copy to my Stake President and did not and always felt bad about it. So now I have acted and it feels great.

Idea for Home Teaching

Kiera and I were talking about Home Teaching and how it is hard to check up on your families because if you ask, "Is there anything we can do for you?" They will usually say no or we are doing great. As I was thinking about it I had a great thought and that was why not say, "We would like to at least do one thing for you this month, what can we do." I think that would provide a different response. Kiera suggested saying, "We would like to help your family in some way this month, how can we help. So I will be testing this out to see what kind of a response I get and then report back.

My Crazy A-Pashy

Ashlyn is getting so big. She is doing all kinds of funny things as seen below.

Here she is trying to feed her baby a bottle, I do not know how she figured this out because she has never taken a bottle before.


She is trying desperately to put this dress up shoe on.


And here she is just flat out cute.


Now she got tied of feeding her baby so she decide to try it herself.

The Lord answered my prayer

The Lord is truly involved in our lives. I find it amazing that even the simple prayers are answered as if they were very important. Today, we were all in the car and we stopped before getting out of the apartment parking lot to find Ashlyn's pacifier. It was no where to be found so we turned back to go up and get it. Well I could not find it anywhere, so I said a prayer. I searched the family room and nothing, but then I had a thought to check the toy box that was in the family room. Sure enough there stood a pacifier. It was not one that she liked that much, but it could do. I felt impressed to just look a little harder in the toy box and sure enough he favorite one was right there. I was overwhelmed with the love that my Father in Heaven has for me and my family.

Santa comes to Orem Mall

Kiera took the girls to see Santa (I was not there) with her friend and her two kids, Eden and Judd. Ashlyn was not very happy as you can see.

Faith Anne Coats was born yesterday

My dad called me just now to enform me that they were in Salt Lake and that they (him and Mom) were on their way to visit Grandma Young on their way to visit Kim's new baby. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz.

Feelings of gratitude and desire to come unto Christ

I was walking to the coaching office for a meeting because Kiera had the car. It had been raining all day but only sprinkled on me. The coaching office is up the Provo River about a quarter of a mile. It was sprinkling and cool about 40 degrees. It was a beautiful day. The river is always beautiful and I enjoy walking along it. Today I walked with a smile that could not be erased. I was filled with gratitude to my Father in Heaven for everything He has given me. I have the best family ever and a great job that I am really loving. I am member of Christ's church here on earth. At that moment I felt to conquer all my weaknesses and to become who the Lord wants me to be. I was even thankful for my weaknesses and the chance while in this probationary period to change and become who the Lord wants me to become. As I walked I felt impressed to turn and capture the moment to remember for all time. So I turned and took a picture with my camera phone. I did not have any way of transferring the picture so I took a picture of my phone with our digital camera we just bought the day after Thanksgiving.

Every time I look at this picture I will remember the feelings that I had then and recommit to my Savior to become more and to be thankful for all He has given me.

My Ashlyn Standing

Ashlyn has been standing for about a week and a half, here is a short video of her standing over Thanksgiving.

Day after Thanksgiving or Black Friday?

We got to bed around midnight and our sleep was interupted by Lacie
throwing up. So after several purposed ideas we decided to have Tina
(who likes to be called Chris) Come and sleep in our room and we would
take Lacie and Ashlyn. It was an interesting day.

We left my mom's house where we are staying in the apartment at about 2:30 am.

--
Craig Conover
cconover2@gmail.com

Alexa was recognized by her picture in the Ensign

Alexa's nursery teachers were very surprised to pick up the Ensign today and see Alexa's picture in it. Also after church there was this girl in the ward that we ran into delivering visiting teaching assignments that said that she saw her picture and then saw Alexa at church and recognized her. That was neat, it is like she is a celebrity.

Alexa finally loves nursery.

We have had such a hard time getting Alexa to go to nursery. I have spend the last few months going to most of nursery and being able to sneak out sometime in the middle. We have done lots of traveling to Arizona and Idaho and that could of been a problem to have to adjust to several different wards. But this last time that we went to Arizona she was like a new girl. She would kiss me good-bye and that was it... she was off. Today the exact same thing happened, it was great.

Breakthrough in undestanding thoughts

Last night I had a breakthrough in understanding thoughts and how they work. I am writing a talk that I am hoping will be a start in writing a book about how faith is linked to our thoughts. So stay tuned for that this month.

Increasing Our Faith

Understanding Faith
Change YOUR Thoughts... Increase YOUR Faith

Why is faith so hard to describe or explain?
How do we increase our faith?
How can I use that faith as a source of power to pull down the powers of heaven in my life?


These three questions will be my focus to explain to you as has been given and shown to me.

Why is faith so hard to describe or explain? Let me ask you if you knew what $6,456,467.87 meant to lets say Company A? All the study about this amount of money will not bring meaning to the company all by itself. Now if I told you that this figure was the total revenue for the company last year, meaning will form. Faith is very similar, all by itself it is a mystery. Now, if I told you that it was the total results of your thoughts, it now has greater meaning. Faith is not just thoughts, just like a dollar bill does not make up $6,456,467.87, but millions of dollars will amount to $6,456,467.87. Our thought shape our faith. Is it really that simple? The answer is yes, but the trick in not in the understanding what faith is but in the increasing of faith. Just like for Company A, knowing what the total revenue for the year, is not as important as understanding how to increase that total revenue, year in and year out.

Now that we know that Faith is really the total results of our thoughts we can begin to transion into learning how to increase our faith. There are realling three important components to increasing our faith and they are graditude, feelings, and visualization.

graditude-always remember Him, and sincere and other prayer (pray contiually scripture and over all things, flocks, etc..

positive self talk, writing goals in the present Ex. I understand Isaiah.

visualize- decribed in the scriptures over and over and the word is remember (most used word in bofm ?)

We are told to ponder the scriptures, this is a form of visualization or should I say that visualization is a powerful way to ponder. Many if not most revelations were given to the prophets as the pondered. We are literally opening the windows of heaven as we ponder and visualize.

Alexa made the Nov 2006 Ensign pg 112

Alexa's picture appeared in Kathleen H. Hughes talk titled "Remembering the Lord’s Love."

We had so much fun going to General Conference. Kiera and I alternated going in because children under 8 years can't go in. We also stood in the stand-by line every time and got in every time but one. We attended all sessions down there but Sunday morning. We are going to make it a tradition to go down to the Conference Center to attend Conference.

http://lds.org/churchmagazines/ENSN_2006_1100_Nov_Complete_26911_eng.pdf

Personal Alter to offer up prays unto God

I went and knelt down in the living room to gain knowledge from Heavenly Father how I could help Kiera more. She has been having a hard time living in Utah in such a small apartment. I have not helped much because I have such a hard time getting my homework done that it stresses her out even more. Any way it was so powerful, I knelt down and put my arms on our night stand. As I knelt I felt the spirit of God rest upon me and as I held this night stand I could almost see in my minds-eye an alter of old times. I felt the importance of communication with God and his son Jesus Christ and our need for His guidance in our lives. It was such a peaceful feeling and felt as if my prayer was true communion with my Father in Heaven. I did not get any specific answers for my particular concern but was blessed with such feelings, knowledge, and love of this great experience. I felt to continue to pray when Lacie woke up and started to cry. We must always stay tuned into the Spirit and to the Eternal Perspective so that we can be instruments in His hands and for him to communicate such love that I felt at this time.

I am the new Training Coordinator for Prosper

It is very exciting, I went in and talked to Jeff to let him know that I was back from Arizona and he told me that he still needed to get one more clearance from Aaron Peterson, the owner over sales, to extend the offer to me. He Said that I had the job but the final offer had to wait for clearance. He apologized for the great delay on the process. He had to go through so many different approvals that it just took so long. He said to look for him today so he could extend the offer.

I called Kiera and she screamed, because she was so excited. Based on the history of the process I do not figure that I will get the offer today but we will see.

I was laughing with Danion, a guy on my team that I told this story, and later with Kiera about the first time I went in to Jeff's office, HR manager, to inquire about the position. He told me, "That this was a BIG POSITION." It was funny because when I finally turned in my resume I knew that he was in for a rude awakening. Sure enough during the first interview he was so ecstatic it was comical. Now that I got the position I just laugh because it is a "BIG POSITION".

Hinckley is now the olders prophet

Here is an aticle put out by the Deseret Morning News:

Thursday, November 2, 2006
LDS leader ties record for longevity

By Lynn Arave
Deseret Morning News
President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints marks a major milestone today. He has now equaled President David O. McKay in age.

Deseret Morning News graphic President McKay and President Hinckley are now tied as the oldest prophets in the history of the church.

As of today, Nov. 2, 2006, President Hinckley is 96 years old, plus 132 days — the same age that President McKay was when he died on Jan. 18, 1970. President Hinckley is thus poised to become the oldest-ever church president Friday.

Born in Salt Lake City on June 23, 1910, he has served as the 15th president of the church since March 12, 1995, and has been a general authority for more than 48 years.

President Joseph Fielding Smith lived to be 95 and 8 months old, the third-oldest church president. President Ezra Taft Benson was fourth at age 94 and President Wilford Woodruff fifth at age 91.

While President Hinckley is approaching age 97, no other church president has displayed as much vigor and energy as he has.

"I think it is significant for any church to have an extended administration that is not chopped up," said Jan Shipps, professor emeritus of history and religious studies at Indiana University-Purdue University.

She is considered among the foremost non-LDS scholars of LDS history and said she has not only been impressed with President Hinckley's vigor and vitality — despite his advancing age — but also with his openness among church members.

"President Hinckley has been strong and consistent," she said.

President Hinckley's first major health issue in his life came on Jan. 24, 2006, when he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his intestine.

President Hinckley briefly addressed his longevity in the general conference last month.

"Now, as all of you know, I am somewhat old in years," he said in the Sunday morning session. "I had my 96th birthday last June. I have learned from many sources that there is considerable speculation concerning my health. I wish to put the record straight. If I last a few months longer, I will have served to an older age than any previous president. I do not say this to be boastful but rather grateful."

He also said, "The Lord has permitted me to live; I do not know for how long. But whatever the time, I shall continue to give my best to the task at hand."

President Hinckley's father, Bryant S. Hinckley, lived to age 93 and almost 11 months. He died on June 5, 1961. President Hinckley's mother, Ada Bitner Hinckley, died at age 50 on Nov. 9, 1930.

The average longevity for all 15 LDS Church presidents is 83.4 years. Not counting Joseph Smith, who was martyred at age 38, the remaining 14 presidents have had an average life span of 86.6 years.

President Hinckley currently ranks sixth in his length of tenure as church president, with 11 years and almost eight months of service. Fifth place is held by President Spencer W. Kimball, who was prophet for 11 years and 10 months.

Brigham Young had the longest tenure as church president, with 29 years, followed by President Heber J. Grant with 27 years. President McKay was prophet for 19 years and President Joseph F. Smith for 17 years.

The oldest-ever LDS general authority was Elder Joseph Anderson of the Quorums of the Seventy. He served as a general authority for more than eight years and had an additional 13 years of emeritus status. He died on March 13, 1992, at age 102.

Graditude to three pioneer boys

I just got done watching a movie part of the Church History DVD's about these three 18 year old boys and their courage that gained them eternal life, worlds without end. I sat here and cried because of their courage and thought to myself that I needed to rise to their level and live the Gospel with exactness. These three boys remind me of 2060 young stripling warriors that demonstrated like faith in their God.

Alma 53:20-21

20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for ^acourage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

21 Yea, they were men of truth and ^asoberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to ^bwalk uprightly before him.

Alma 56:44-48, 56
44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?

45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen ^aso great ^bcourage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.

46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will ^anot suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the ^aliberty of their ^bfathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their ^cmothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their ^amothers, saying: We ^bdo not doubt our mothers knew it.

56 But behold, to my great joy, there had ^anot one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the ^bstrength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.

I want to gain even a fraction of the faith of these young and valiant sons of heleman and the three pioneers. I will forever indebted to the Lord for preserving these great scriptures so that we can have their legacy and feel of their spirits.

Cindy comes home today

My wife and kids are at the airport waiting for Cindy to come home from her mission in Canada. Her plane is an hour late, so my family is just hanging out right now. We will wait for her to come in now (I am in Utah because I had to work.)...

Perfect knowlege of our wickedness

I opened the scriptures to read before bed and I felt to flip through and stopped at Alma 55. I stated reading from verse 1 and was very impressed.

1 Now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle he was more angry, because he knew that Ammoron had a perfect knowledge of his ^afraud; yea, he knew that Ammoron knew that it was not a just cause that had caused him to wage a war against the people of Nephi.

Let me now reword it to apply it to us. (We are told to liken all scriptures unto us).

1 Now it came to pass that when the Lord was more angry, because He knew that we had a perfect knowledge of our wickedness; yea, He knew that we knew that it was not a just cause that had caused such wickedness to come among us and to be partakers thereof.

Many times we question why so many wars are in the scriptures and I believe that there are great lessons to be learned. I also know of the great spiritual wars that are to come. The Spirit rests upon me as I testify to you of the spiritual wars which are to come for I have seen in vision the darkness and the destruction that waits this world. The Lord opened my mind and filled my soul with understanding of the wars that we will soon be called to fight in. The destruction is more real than any other battle we have ever fought in and it will require all the Strong to come forth and lead the Saints to victory. I believe that we will need and use the scriptures of war much much more as time passes and as the battle begins to intensify. Let us all move forward and resist evil, for we know the wickedness within us and we must purge out the wickedness to make room for righteousness. I have more to work on than anyone else but I give my pledge here today in the presence of my God and your God to move forward and rise to be a leader in Zion to triumph over all enemies and to be caught up to meet our Lord and Savior even Jesus Christ in the clouds and embrace him with love overfilling. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Subtle testimony to my Spanish teacher (Isabella)

I had asked my teacher in email today if I could have an extension on my test due to day and she replied back with the following:

Hi Craig! I am sorry about the death in your family. My condolences to all. May his/her soul rest in peace. Of course, you get an extension for test lesson 10. Just let me know when you are ready. God Blees you and Protect you all, Dr. Pajewski

I then sent her this email:

Thank you very much. It was sad and yet there were miracles at the same time. Isabella was almost 3 years old and her friend (Jose, son of the nanny) who was her age also slipped through the back gate that was left open by one of the families workers. They found them a quarter mile down the canal. Jose was holding with one hand to this pole, there is no way he could of got hold of that pole on his own let alone be able to hold on with one hand in the strong current, someone had to have been there helping him. Then once they got him out he said that "I", that is what he called Isabella, was "in water asleep". How could he of known that she was asleep under the water? They found her at the bottom of the canal. She could not be revived and was rushed to a hospital but did not make it. The boy was rushed to the ICU and was not doing very good. He got pneumonia in his lungs and several other things as well. The Branch President (in the The Church of Latter-day Saints church he is like a pastor or a bishop) came and administered to him (gave him a blessing) and commanded him in the name Jesus Christ to be made whole. Once he finished the blessing Jose opened his eyes and the doctors could not find anything wrong with him at all. So there was tragedy and the work of the Lord mixed all together. We are just thankful for our religion that teaches us that life does not end with death and that through the power and mercy of God we will be able to be with our families after this life. i appreciate you for being understanding.

I wanted to bear my testimony about the Church but in a subtle way. I felt that this was nice and subtle but I tend to think that everything is subtle. Anyway she now knows a little bit of the Church.

Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly

This morning I was given insight into the words of the scriptures that read, "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly" found in D&C 121:45.

45 Let thy ^abowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let ^bvirtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy ^cconfidence wax strong in the ^dpresence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the ^edews from heaven.like garnish on a plate, to ocupy empty space...

One thing that I realized is the word garnish. I thought about garnish in restaurants. They bring out the food with all this garnish on it. Why garnish, well for one it adds to the beauty and appeal of the food dish but also to fill empty space. Our plates are never filled with a 30 once steak, but rather a 10 once steak and a small amount of potatoes or something and then garnish. So relating that to our thoughts, they are like an empty plate and our minds will fill in all the empty places with garnish of wickedness or garnish of virtue. What is interesting is that virtue like faith can't co-exist with evil or wickedness just like faith can't co-exist with fear. This concept was given by i believe Boyd K Packard that compared our minds to a stage. If we do not occupy our stage with righteousness that the evil one will occupy that stage with all manner of wickedness. I really like the way that the scriptures have used "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly," it takes on a greater value and viewpoint.

The other thing that is if we "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly" then it will be amazing at what will happen with our thinking and out thoughts. I believe that they will be centered on the Savior than ever before. If virtue accompanies or garnishes every thought it will cleanse and sanctify each thought and prepare them to be worthy of Celestial review. Peter taught:

Acts 8:22
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not ^aright in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy ^awickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the ^bthought of thine ^cheart may be forgiven thee.

Our thoughts are to be pure just as our actions are to be pure. I would even go as far as to say more important because our action are simply the actions of our thoughts and if our thoughts are evil then our actions will reflect evil. Satan wants to control our thoughts because he knows of the power of the mind and knows that reality begins there and then is realized outwardly. The famous Trojan House was the most powerful devise that could of been used, it conquered from with in and ensured victory. Our battle is found inside and the victor will be seen by his actions.

Kiera's faith in tithing

Kiera made a determination that she would follow the advice that she was given in Relief Society General Conference to pay tithing first and foremost. There was a very powerful story about tithing that touched Kiera very much.

Add Story....

These last few weeks have been very financially challenging for her to pay tithing each week, because we needed the money so much but she felt that it was more important to pay it. It seems that every week I earned extra spiffs or made sales or something that made it possible to survive. She always hears people saying, "How can you afford to pay tithing," and others saying, "How can you afford not to." Kiera now feels strongly that she can not afford to not pay it.

Isabella died today

Today Isabella drowned in a canal behind their house. She is Kiera's cousin and the same age as Alexa. Isabella and their nanny's son both were found in the canal. The boys feet were above water and he is in ICU but should be fine. Isabella was found on the bottom of the canal.

Moments like this bring to reality how important life is and how quickly it can change. Just last night Kiera and I were talking about how fragile life is and today it is realized.

Here are the articles that made the papers:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=77328
http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/1024drowning1023ON.html

Kiera's Favorite Scripture

Alma 5:16ish

Kiera's thoughts and my van crashing experience...

Home Teaching visit

I was reading over the message for this month and it was directed to the new members of the church. I also felt impressed to put a different spin on it and apply the principles to our new ward that is so very large.

First Presidency Message

A Perfect Brightness of Hope—to New Members of the Church
Ensign, October 2006

By President Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. HinckleyWe congratulate you on your recent baptism and welcome you most warmly. What a wonderful step you have taken in joining the Church! We stand ready to assist you in any way that we can.

At this critical time you may feel like the woman who wrote this letter:

"My journey into the Church was unique and quite challenging. This past year has been the hardest year that I have ever lived in my life. It has also been the most rewarding. As a new member, I continue to be challenged every day."

She continues: "When we as investigators become members of the Church, we are surprised to discover that we have entered into a completely foreign world, a world that has its own traditions, culture, and language. We discover that there is no one person or no one place of reference that we can turn to for guidance in our trip into this new world."1

What you are going through as a new member should be exhilarating. Your faith in the Savior is strong. Your excitement to learn more and more about the restored gospel is sincere. But it is also easy to feel overwhelmed by new words, new meetings, new teachings, and new challenges. Even new people may be something to deal with. You may wonder if you can ever measure up to the standard of being a true Latter-day Saint. I have a simple message for you: Of course you can! Don't give up!

On the Path

Remember what Nephi said:

"Ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son. . . .

"And now, . . . after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (2 Nephi 31:18–20).

Joining the Church is a serious thing. Each convert takes upon himself or herself the name of Christ with an implied promise to keep His commandments. But coming into the Church can be a perilous experience. Unless there are warm and strong hands to greet you, unless we reach out to you with love and concern, you may begin to wonder about the step you have taken. Unless there are friendly hands and welcome hearts to greet you and lead you along the way, you may drop by the side. We have the challenge of helping you to strengthen your testimony of the truth of this work. We cannot have you walking in the front door and out the back! Every one of you is precious. Every one of you is a son or daughter of God.

I have said before, and I repeat it, that each of you as a convert needs three things:

1. A friend in the Church to whom you can constantly turn, who will walk beside you, who will answer your questions, who will understand your problems. You also have home teachers, visiting teachers, and other members who will help you on your marvelous journey of faith.

2. An assignment. Activity is the genius of this Church. It is the process by which we grow. Faith and love for the Lord are like the muscles of my arm. If I use them, they grow stronger. If I put them in a sling, they become weaker. Each of you deserves a responsibility.

In handling that responsibility you may make some mistakes. So what? We all make mistakes. The important thing is the growth that will come of activity. Your leaders can help you find ways to be involved. Be willing to accept new challenges, and trust that the Lord will help you be equal to them. If you get discouraged, ask for help. But don't give up. As you keep trying you will find that your abilities increase.

3. You need to be constantly "nourished by the good word of God" (Moroni 6:4). You will be affiliated with a priesthood quorum or the Relief Society, the Young Women, the Young Men, the Sunday School, or the Primary. Come to sacrament meeting to partake of the sacrament, to renew the covenants you made at the time of your baptism. Read from the scriptures every day. Pray every morning and every evening, that you may stay close to the Lord.

You know and we know that there are many good people in other churches. There is much of good in them. Your family and your prior religious traditions may have taught you many good things and established many good habits. As the Apostle Paul said, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Bring the good things with you, keep them, and use them in the Lord's service.


Rejoicing Together

We rejoice with you in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many blessings in store for you. We know at times it can be terribly lonely. It can be disappointing. It can be frightening. We of this Church are far more different from the world than we are prone to think we are. But the gospel is nothing to be ashamed of. It is something to be proud of. "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord," wrote Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:8).

To those of you who are new, I plead with you to continue with us. We need you. We will put our arms around you and be friends with you. We will do our best to comfort you, to make you feel welcome and accepted. We love you, and we know the Lord loves you. Forgive our faults and weaknesses. Come and work with us side by side as we grow and learn together.

This is God's holy work. This is His Church and kingdom. The vision that occurred in the Sacred Grove was just as Joseph said it was. There is in my heart a true understanding of the importance of what happened there. The Book of Mormon is true. It testifies of the Lord Jesus Christ. His priesthood has been restored and is among us. The keys of that priesthood, which have come from heavenly beings, are exercised for our eternal blessing. Such is our testimony—yours and mine—a testimony which we must live up to and which we must share with others. I leave this testimony, my blessing, and my love with each of you and my invitation to continue to be part of this great latter-day miracle that is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lunch picnic with family

Kiera and my girls (Lacie, Alexa, and Ashlyn) picked me up form work during my two hour lunch for a picnic. I work only 5 minutes from Provo Cannon so we went down there and parked in front of the big waterfall and ate our lunch. Kiera went to Arby's and they were offering, buy a sandwich and get one free. So Kiera got 4 different sandwiches and they were great. After we were done eating, we headed up to Aspen Grove which is a nice resort type of a place owned by the Church (I think). On our way up there we saw like 5-7 deer and I jumped out and got about 6 feet from one of them. That was the first time that the girls have seen deer that they remembered, so that was neat. There were some very nice home/cabins on the way up to Aspen Grove, and one of them was the biggest home I had ever seen and by far the nicest considering the landscape and location. Kiera stopped at Aspen Grove to go to the restroom and when she pulled in, it started to snow on us. It was very light an melted the second it hit our skin but the girls could hardly stop screaming, "It is snowing, it is snowing." Lacie did not remember snow either and so that was fun. On our way back to my work we stopped at this park that is the most beautiful we had ever seen.

Needless to saw that was one of the best lunches we as a family have had and we owe it all to Kiera. She is the best wife and mother a guy like me could ever ask for.

My Second Interview

I was selected out of 12 that interviewed in the first round of interviews. I prepared a killer presentation of a program that I designed for UOP called the NAV Pad. I also prepared a handout to impress the panel in all areas: presentation, PowerPoint design, handout design, and my ability to create innovative and power tools. I thought everything went well except for one guy on the panel was not very cool and got me concerned about the interview. I am supposed to find out this week, so we will see.

Blog Happy

I have to admit that I am "blog happy". I owe it all to my brother-in-law who allowed me to have a blog on his server (http://www.behindthewords.blogsite.org/) where I will post all my Monthly Talk Tradition as well as other things as I see fit. From there I have created a Journal Blog as well (http://www.behindthewordsjournal.blogspot.com/) where I will post more things pertaining to my journal as well as an archive feature for my main blog. I am so excited for these blogs and the power that they will provide to keep family and friends posted and up to date with the Monthly Talk Tradition as well as on our family.

Second Interview for Training Coordinator

I got scheduled for my second interview for tomorrow at 1:00 PM MST. I sure could use all your prayers.

A little background on this position. There were over 100 applicants inside and outside our company and of those, they only selected 12 to interview. So I made that cut which was nice. Of the 12 that interviewed they only invited 3 back for the second round.

First Daddy-Daughter Date

Two weeks ago Kiera and I went to the Purple Turtle Restaurant to grab some ice cream. While we where sitting there we noticed a Dad and his Daughter having what appeared as a date. We decided to start doing that, so we told Lacie the next morning. She was so excited for Friday. Sadly we had a ward party that Friday so we planned to go the following Friday. It seemed like she talked about it every day and her excitement continued to grow.

Friday came and Kiera took her to buy these new sandals but they were not on sale like they thought they were so she was not able to get them but instead Lacie and Alexa got butterfly Halloween costumes. I got home and we busted out the video-camera and videoed us as we left. We went to the Purple Turtle because that is where Lacie wanted to go. On the way over I thought to myself that there is no way her car seat is going to keep her in her seat because she was screaming with excitement.

At the Purple Turtle Lacie asked me, "What do we talk about, it is just you and me." I thought to myself that it is just like a real date. Luckily by the time we were done, she said, "We know what to talk about now." That made me feel good. After eating we went to the park. We had a blast. There was a tire swing that we spent the most time on. I took some pictures of her spinning and in one she was going so fast that the camera could hardly pick her up. I am glad that I had that time to spend with her and look forward to our next date.

Reminder to call Companionships

It is that time of the month where I need to call my Companionship's to remind them to make their appointments with their families.

I also need to do this.

Conversation with Elders Quorum President

After church I spoke with the Elders Quorum President, Austin Miller. I talked to him about my Home Teaching thoughts that I had after I had been called as Home Teaching Coordinator. He informed me that there was proposals in to split the Elders Quorum and possibly the Ward or Stake. So his suggestion was to wait to do anything until we know what the plans are.

My thoughts were recorded earlier as "Home Teaching Thoughts." But the implementation was were I felt that I needed his guidance on, and apparently it was inspired. My thoughts involved either a meeting after church with my companionship's as a "Meet you Companion" idea and then to have a meeting covering the thoughts that I had. I also wanted to get the families together to unit them and create friendships.

We will see how this all works out and I will report back.

Home Teaching Thoughts

After I was called as Home Teaching Supervisor I fasted and prayed about my calling. The Lord has opened my understanding to the importance of Home Teaching. I was overwhelmed with the understanding that Home Teaching is a call from Heaven and we will be held accountable for our neglect of not magnifying this great call. Late one night I could not sleep and felt to turn to the scriptures and was taken straight to D&C 45: 6 which reads, "Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts." Let us not harden our hearts but rather open our hearts to be taught by the Spirit.

The Lord is involved in aligning home teaching families with Home Teachers. These questions should be on your mind often:

1. For what purpose have I been aligned with this family?

2. How can I make a difference is this families life?

I was in the Temple about a week ago and had been praying for understanding and guidance in my new calling. While I was in the Celestial room I felt impressed to open the scriptures and turned to 4 Nephi. I thought to myself, Oh no, I will not find what I need here, but I kept reading. I started at verse 1 and when I got to verse three it hit me that this was specifically for Home Teachers.

"And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift (4 Nephi 1"3)."

Although we do not as of yet practice the law of consecration, we have a responsibility to our families to strive to help make them become "free, and partakers of the heavenly gift". If you look at the cross-reference for "gift" it is described as the Gifts of God. The scriptures are full of the gifts of the Spirit and our charge to obtain these gifts. The use of these gifts of the spirit are described in 3 Nephi 8:1

"... for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity."

So how do we as Home Teachers help our families to obtain these great gifts that will bless our Home Teaching Families lives and well as our own.

First and foremost we are counseled to have the Spirit with us when we teach and so we MUST live in such a way that we will have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. If we will live this way I promise that the power of God will rest upon you as you teach and befriend your families and that the Spirit will flow into the hearts of your families as you teach.

After we have the Spirit ourselves, our focus must be on our families. President Gordon B Hinckley has taught, "the most important thing we can do for those whom we lead is to cultivate in their hearts a living, vital, vibrant testimony and knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world (Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley, p. 648)." Faith on Jesus Christ is how we will help our Home Teaching Families to become free and partakers of the heavenly gift.

Home Teaching is all about the families of whom we visit. Home Teaching is almost like Friendship with an added stewardship. We are to show absolute love for our Home Teaching Families and be prayerful and listen to the Spirit so that we can have a spiritual impact as well. I was also impressed to talk about Ammon and his love for those Lamenites that he served who became the people of Ammon or the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Ammon told King Lamoni, “Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die (Alma 17:23).” He ended up converting all of the people of King Lamoni and then he met King Lamoni’s father and had the opportunity to kill him but did not because he met Ammon’s conditions. “And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly (Alma 20:25).” We learn from this account that the love of just one man can have such a powerful effect upon the hearts of so many thousands. Ammon not only loved those whom he served but he also brought the light of the Gospel into their lives which transformed them into a people of God.

It is our challenge and duty to love those whom we serve with Ammon-like love which is Christ-like love and then to bring the light of the Gospel into their lives. We must make a difference in their lives. In this last Priesthood Session, Elder Stanley G. Ellis said, "But the Spirit taught me this truth-the Lord expects a difference! I knew in that moment that each of us will one day stand before God and give an accounting of our priesthood service and stewardships. Did we make a difference? (General Conference October 2006)”

I will close with this question, "Will you make a difference in the lives of your Home Teaching Families?"

Pictures at BYU

Here are some pictures of our beautiful girls.

Awake and Arise

Trying to identify a topic is always fun and amazing how they come about. On this occasion I had some quotes and a scripture that I wanted to use in this months talk, but had not narrowed down the topic. As I was walking to my computer to sit down and type up a talk, I just knew that my topic was to be Awake and Arise, which falls in line with the scripture I had in mind but also allows for greater depth. In this talk hopefully the Spirit will take to your very soul the message and that it will cause action within us all. Moroni could no longer sit still and watch his freedoms taken from him and he took action and required all men, women, and children to come forth and take action as well (Alma 46: 12-13, 19, 21, 23). We no longer can sit still while righteousness is taken from us, we too must take action and warn others to take action as well. Awake and arise should take on new meaning in your lives by the conclusion of my talk.

The simplicity of the word, awake, causes many to miss or overlook the purpose and use of the word. We see from scriptures how simplicity can be the downfall of many.

1 Nephi 17: 41

41 And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simplexes of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.

Here we sadly learn that "the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished." I think that is important to note that those that perished, understood the meaning of the word "look" but failed to understand the action needed to be saved. The concept of awake and arise is equally simple, and yet we hardly give it a second thought. As I look at it one must either be asleep or awake, there is no middle ground. I believe that is why this term is used over 60 times in the scriptures. It is a descriptive word that is not open to interpretation, there is only one possible interpretation and that is one is either asleep or awake. The Savior spoke in parables, but why?

Matthew 13:34-35

34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Mark 4:10-11

10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

The Savoir spoke in parable to keep all those that had not the spirit to hear, asleep, and those that had the spirit to hear he, awoke or unstopped their ears and they were given understanding.

The key is not the meaning of the word "awake" but instead the action or act "to awake." This key will either be "asleep" to you still or the spirit will unstop your ears and you will begin to act or strive to learn how to act which is what contains the power to save.

I was having a difficult day a while back and was sitting at a river behind where I currently work. I was praying and felt prompted to open my scriptures. I opened my scriptures to the same chapter I had read the night before and my eyes caught hold of a scripture that meant very little to me the night before. I was given understanding to unlock its meaning. This scripture is found in D&C.

D&C 133: 10

10 Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.

Here we see those words "awake and arise." There a few components here that are important to point out.

1. "Yea, let the cry go forth among all people" The cry has gone forth through the Book of Mormon, but we are also commanded to do the crying or warning. Just in the D&C the Lord uses the word warn 20 times and many of them are a command for us. We must give heed.

D&C 63: 37, 57-58

37 …lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth; and declare both by word and by flight

57 …those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power.

58 For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words…

D&C 88: 81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.

D&C 38: 41 And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.

D&C 112: 5 Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning; and day after day let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber, because of thy speech.

D&C 124: 106 And in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the sound of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come.

2. "Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom." I believe that this is the stage that we are in and it was confirmed to me that this was the case. We are no longer allowed to sleep and we must awake the rest of the world. I was given some insight pertaining to this stage. This stage combined with stage 4 and includes going forth to meet the Bridegroom. In my mind it was likened to getting ready for church or a wedding both similar dress and similar requirements.

At night we set our alarm to go off an hour and a half before we need to be leaving to get to church on time or slightly early. When we hear our alarm, what do you think we do several times? That is correct we hit the snooze button. This can be very dangerous and many times leads us to being late. When we finally get up, we make a mad rush bathing kids and ourselves, finding clean clothes, tights, jewelry, and shoes. It is more than just getting ourselves and girls ready, we also have to find coloring books, toys, and snacks to keep the kids stay quite during Sacrament meeting. Then comes the drive which is always fun and hectic. So that is the typical routine for Sunday morning at the Conover house.

The thought then came to me if it takes that kind of time to prepare my small family of 5, how much time is needed to prepare a ward, community, nation, and the world. Now be careful not to judge. What was given to me was not necessarily time related but rather a greater understanding of circumstances. The Prophets have already told us many times that we are at the doors. There is an urgency to prepare rapidly ourselves, families, and to take this warning to our neighbors and to the world.

3. "Behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." There is no doubt that he will come, it is inevitable. We must choose whether to have oil in our lamps or not.

4. "Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord." Once we can view the correct circumstances then we can act appropriately if we choose. Preparation is a choice. Here in lies the truth of the saying I have heard Thomas S Monson quote, "When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past." For example, if we were still asleep and kept hitting the snooze button, can we miss the wedding all together, the answer is yes. Can we take too long in the shower and just drag our feet and miss the wedding, yes. One thing to remember is that there is no late, those that are late will miss the wedding as well. We learn this from the parable of the ten virgins, five of who were late and were locked out of the wedding.

Matthew 25:10-12

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

We all know why the five virgins were late, and that was because they ran out of oil for their lamps. The oil is simply the preparation that we make. As we think of preparation, lets look at some of the times that the Lord through the Holy Scriptures tells us to awake ourselves and then to prepare.

D&C 117:2-3

2 Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and not tarry, for I, the Lord, command it.

3 Therefore, if they tarry it shall not be well with them.

There is a powerful statement by Henry b Eyring, who said, "The danger lies in delay or drift, (Always, CES Fireside 1/3/1999).

2 Ne. 1: 13, 23

13 O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe.

23 Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.

Rom. 13: 11

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

1 Cor. 15: 34

34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Eph. 5: 14

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee alight.

2 Ne. 4: 28

28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

2 Ne. 9: 47

47 But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?

Jacob 3: 11

11 O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death.

Mosiah 2: 40

40 O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.

Alma 32: 27

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

Ether 8: 24

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

In closing I would like to extend a challenge to more fully awake to your own personal standing with God and take action today. Let us no longer hit the snooze button, but let us awake and arise and be about our father's business (Luke 2:49). Let us prepare ourselves and families and get to work preparing to go forth and meet the Bridegroom. I have a testimony of this great work and know we possess inside our souls greatness and all we need to do is tap into that greatness. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.