Author Archives: Riley Alexander

Wedgies and the Personal Choice

22 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in Agency, Wedgies

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As a little kid I had a chronic case of what could be diagnosed as “little brother syndrome”. It’s a condition in human males that seems to be recessive in females that makes little brothers blind to their lack of size, strength, or mental abilities in comparison to their older brother(s). The “gene” is carried through both parents and intensifies with each consecutive son. As the youngest of 4 consecutive sons my case was very prevalent. I noticed my attitude, big mouth, constant habitual teasing, yet runt like size growing up didn’t translate well for me. I didn’t realize or more truthfully simply didn’t want to realize that all my brothers were all bigger, older, stronger, faster, smarter, and wiser than myself. When an argument or wrestling match broke out I didn’t stand a chance… yet for some reason I couldn’t help but feel like I had the upper hand.

For example: One day Tyson was dishing out my just reward for something I had said and/or done and he hung me by my underwear on the doorknob in his room… and yes, this is a true story. I made all sorts of threats of what I would do once I got loose. However, with my feet not able to touch the ground and hands not able to reach the walls for leverage I struggled and struggled in vain. The harder I tried and struggled the worse the wedgy became. Yet even holding still the wedgy was constant due to my own body weight and gravity. I was like a fox caught in a trap whose only chance at freedom was to gnaw its own leg off… but in my case my “leg” was my underwear and to “gnaw it off” meant to struggle so hard that I would eventually tear through my own underwear which would take courage and inflict much pain but would eventually grant me my freedom. I actually remember contemplating that last option, but thankfully I decided against it and thus walk without a limp today. So, after fighting it way longer than I should have, I finally gave up and realized I had been completely neutralized by the dreaded “quicksand wedgy”. Tyson had created the equivalent to a plastic prison for Magneto (other nerds will understand) and I was powerless to escape. My words and threats were now exposed for what they truly were, empty and without force because I had not the ability to act them out nor could I force Tyson to budge on words alone. His strength had rendered me powerless and I had no power over him. Tyson’s strength had voided all my abilities to affect him or harm him. Eventually of course Tyson’s heart was softened and I was granted release. It’s also seems that time has since cured my “little brother syndrome”.

My intention today is not to speak of wardrobe malfunctions elicited by a third party but to speak of the lesson that can be learned from this. We have been told that God granted the adversary power to “bruise our heels” yet we retain power to “crush his head”. Think about that… that is a massive, huge, vast, gaping canyon of power difference between us! So how is it that we always seem to be on the defensive and so often we falter, and even falter continuously? I think it’s more complicated than a simple answer. Part of it is because we are not perfect. Part of it is likely because we choose to fail. We have been sent here to be tried and tested. We have been sent to prove how faithful we are, how strong we are, and to show our Father in Heaven essentially “what we’re made of”. We know that it will be an uphill battle as we constantly have to fight against not only the adversary but ourselves as we are all by nature “natural men”! The adversary is relentless, and refuses to yield, to stop or to give in. He has an army with him and is always recruiting to strengthen his side. He relishes in our demise and defeat. He salivates at our destruction and failure. In other words the little brother to our perfect Elder brother has the worst case of “little brother syndrome” eternity has ever or will ever see! His case is so prevalent and advanced that no amount of time or “quicksand wedgies” will ever or could ever cure it! With that against us can we succeed? If so, how do we succeed? How do we get to the point that we are truly seeing his tactics and influence for what they really are? How do we render him powerless?

I think the first thing to realize is that we are not perfect. We can’t hang our heads when we make a mistake. It’s why Christ sacrificed for us, and why the Atonement is so incredible. At the same time, we must realize the Atonement is there to use, not abuse. It’s also interesting to realize that it’s us, and only us who give him power. He can’t take anything we don’t give to him. If we give an inch, he will take 100 miles. With the power we are told he has vs. the power we know we have, not to mention the help and support we are given when we earn it… it seems we all at one point had him hung by his undies on the doorknob. Yet, when we entertain his words, start to listen, or believe his words, or think “just this once”, it seems the more and more power he seems to gain over us. He doesn’t care about us, he will do anything he can to influence us, he just wants off the doorknob!

I’m not trying to imply that this life is easy, that living perfectly is easy, or that I’m perfect. I’m simply saying with God it can become easier than we now find it. I say this because for every method, every tool and for every ability the adversary has, God has more than an answer. We have so much at our disposal for good! We have God and Jesus Christ! We have a living prophet who through God knows the adversaries playbook on each of us. We have the Holy Ghost and angels to help lead us, inspire us and influence us. In a nutshell we have been given, told, and warned of the adversary’s plan which he now employs or plans soon to employ. We are warned on what to watch out for. We are counseled on ways to prevent physical and spiritual harm to ourselves and our family. We essentially are allowed to see the bigger picture and the end of the book before it comes to be! We have so much more than those who oppose us! Or, in other words “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” To take that one step further I would even say “Those who are with us are more powerful than those who are with them”. We have been told from the beginning that we will be victorious… and we will there’s no doubt! With God we cannot fail! What I believe it comes down to is us individually. No matter how strong or weak we are, God can make us stronger. He can help us overcome all. He will give us power to withstand all that is placed before us because we know with our effort, our determination, and our own diligence to his word he will help us withstand the adversary. The most important thing is we have to want it, and do what is necessary to earn the help and protection of Heaven in our behalf.

Here are two scriptures I like on this.

1 Nephi 15:24

Corinthians 10:13

The Greatest Gift Exchange Ever

08 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas

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We’ve all been there before. Christmas is approaching and you have that one person on your list that is impossible to buy for. It’s your mother in law, your boss, or Ted from accounting whose name you drew in the company gift exchange you immediately regret participating in. The following is a story that I wished really happened to me, at a company I wished really existed, that I really wish I really worked for. Even though it’s just a story, I hope you’ll still get the point.

I was working as an employee of Heaven Incorporated, the biggest company in the Universe. Owned and operated by God, with Jesus Christ as President and CEO. The esteemed Joseph Smith headed the board of Directors which also includes Nephi, Abinadi, King Benjamin, Heleman, Moroni, Alma, and Samuel the Lamanite. It’s a flawlessly run company with about 150 gazillion employees. The annual birthday celebration of our CEO was approaching and I was so excited because the owner always makes it a big deal! For this event all the employees from all divisions are called to the Great Hall where the annual drawing of names takes place for the gift exchange. This year It was also announced that for the first time ever, God would also be entered in the annual gift exchange. How Exiting!

I was in the elevator heading down with Ephraim Hanks, Tiancum, and 7 of the stripling warriors singing “everything is awesome” in unison because at Heaven Incorporated everything really is awesome. The gift exchange from the year prior was a breeze! I drew was Frank from shipping. It was super easy, I just had my wife gift wrap his Olive Garden gift certificate and then stuffed myself silly with Moses’s famous Cinnamon Manna bread that is a huge hit every year.

I reached the lobby and said Hi to Gordon B Hinckley who runs the product develop division and his assistant Hyrum Smith. I hopped in line to draw the name from the hat. My turn finally came and I stuck my hand in among the gazillion names and pulled out a paper. Oh boy, wait… this must be a mistake! My knees buckled as I read it again. Sure enough it was unmistakable. My paper read: God.

No way! Suddenly my jokes with Lehi and Ammon a minute ago in line about the difficulties of buying gifts for our wives didn’t seem that funny anymore. I had a real conundrum on my hands. What would I, what should I and what could I possibly give God? It was obvious it was going to have to be more heartfelt then an Olive Garden Gift certificate. I couldn’t get it off my mind.

I stressed all day and upon getting home I wracked my brain. How about the new iphone 6? Nah. Everybody knows he’s totally an android guy. How about a super exotic bore hair brush for him to comb his beard? Nah. How about a sweet new Calvin Klein robe? No way. Making no progress I started “googling” all sorts of stuff like “what to get the guy who has everything” and “what to give the almighty at the Christmas party gift exchange” but it didn’t help. Finally I gave up and went to bed still empty handed for the gift exchange the following day. At work the next morning I finally had the “ah hah” moment I was waiting for! I knew what I would get God! Duh, it’s what everyone would love! (at least I knew I would) I would get him A Gopro Hero 4 Black Edition Video Camera! “Yes! Nailed it” I thought! I went and purchased the gift and arrived back at work just in time for the party and gift exchange full of confidence and feeling like 10 thousand talents!

The gift exchanges commenced as the employees gathered in the great hall and were called up two by two to be witnessed by all. Everyone was having a good time. Peter, James and John all got matching ugly Christmas sweaters while Mathew, Mark, and Luke all got the new Piano Guys album on Itunes they all wanted. John the Baptist got a pair of waterproof waders, Enos got a pair of knee pads and Porter Rockwell got a new Norelco beard and mustache trimmer set. Everything was going swell and then the moment of truth arrived. The last two people to exchange gifts were called forward, God and myself.

God politely asked to go first and presented my gift. It was small and wrapped beautifully. With my hands shaking I opened it. It was a handwritten note. I began reading out loud for all to hear:

To Riley,

You may think I do not know you, as I oversee countless from a far, but that my child just isn’t true, I know exactly who you are!

I know your talents and your gifts, for I gave them all to you, the very body which you have, your abilities and senses too.

The very air you breathe, through the lungs that fill your chest, your very soul within you, and the heart beating within your breast.

I granted you your very life, and everything joyful you find, my greatest gift above all these, was my Son so perfect and so kind.

I’ve provided for you the Priesthood, and Temples to dot the earth, that you may help others also, for I consider you of great worth!

I make possible your way, every day of your life, I’ve lead you to a beautiful woman, who you are blessed to call your wife.

I knew she would make you happy, and in you bring out your best, to support you in all things, and leave you richly blessed.

Not a single day I’ve left you, and that I will never do, for without me you would be lost, and I will not forsake you.

I love you more than you can know, but please know this my Son, I will be waiting here to greet you again, when your life is done

Signed,

You’re Boss, God.

Filled with incredible love and gratitude for God and his Son I realized the very works I had read aloud had brought not only myself but the entire hall to their knees in gratitude for the Father. The words from God which I had read had entered the hearts of those watching. With tears down my face I pondered for a second. I was stumped on how to respond. My simple vocabulary wouldn’t suffice to portray the love and gratitude I was feeling. I felt inadequate to the highest degree. I turned around to view those in the hall, many with tears streaks down their face also.  The entire Hall was filled to its entirety yet was completely and totally silent. Then, reality entered again and I realized I was TOAST! I thought back at the gift I had to give God and lost all confidence in it. Nothing could even come close to measuring up to what I had been given. I came to this gift exchange feeling like 10 thousand talents and now I felt more like 100 pence. My gift wouldn’t even qualify as a “white elephant gift” in comparison. Then a gentle thought entered my mind. I found the courage and raised myself to my feet and though my very frame shook, I spoke simply and clearly.

“Father, as you know I am a simple man, born as the mortal Son of a school teacher in a small town. I am not of royalty or of riches or esteem. I speak but a single language, and have never traveled to any foreign countries. I do not have decades of advanced learning to claim, nor do I hold any degrees in physics, law, or chemistry. I know little of science or astronomy or of different cultures of the world…”

“However, I will tell thee what I do know. I know exactly who thou art! I know of thy power, thy abilities and incredible unfailing love for myself and all that ever were or will be. I know of thy patience, tenderness, mercy, guidance, and forgiveness. I know thy Son also, even Jesus the Christ!  I know of his sacrifice for all that we might be able to again live within thy presence. I know and revere the Priesthood and its power and ability to perform thy will, with thy power in the name of thy Son! I know thou hast given me the body which I care for, along with the gifts, talents, and abilities I am grateful and thankful unto thee for. I know thou art in control of all things and hast all power. How do I know this? Because I feel it! The very soul which thou hast given me explodes with gratitude, love and joy for thee and thy son! I know that thou art God, and that Christ is Christ because I feel it! The Spirit has made it manifest unto me! I have felt thy love, I have felt thy presence, I love thee and I know that thou does love me also! I have used the Priesthood in the name of thy Son and spoke the very words which thou placed into my mind! I have seen miracles performed by thee for my benefit! I know that thou art here, and that thou does live, and that thy son does live also! I know that thy Son is perfect and hast provided the perfect example of how I should live. I seek to live by that example every day of my life. I seek to follow thee and thy son in all ways each and every day. I know that I am imperfect and I am grateful for the sacrifice of thy son and for the means to one day remain with thee. I am grateful for the gifts, talents and abilities which thou so generously bestows upon my head. I am grateful for the type of spirit thou has made me Father. I am grateful to at times be allowed to be a tool in thy hands and I am grateful for all things thou hast done or will do for me”.

At these words I again found myself upon my knees drained, as if the words and feeling of love had exhausted my physical body. Looking down I continued…

“Father, I have nothing to give to thee of worth but myself. The very gifts I have received from thee I have sought to also share with others. I know these gifts are above the worth of the world and I seek to freely give of them. I have not, for I cannot keep them unto myself. However, if thou does at this point or at any other want them back, know that I will freely give them unto thee. Thou canst have my very body, my life, even my very soul if it pleases thee Father, for that is what I strive only to do. Praise and glory be to thee for all things. Slowly, raising my head again still feeling inadequate and meeting my Father’s eyes I said “Father, I give myself to thee for that is all I have to give”.

With these words tears rolled down my Father’s eyes. He replied “What greater gift than this can there be? This gift, is the gift which I seek. Well done Riley, my good and faithful servant. The smallest gift of all is a man wrapped in himself, for he gives not even that to others”. He opened his arms and beckoned me forward. Our embrace was the sweetest I have ever known with a feeling of love and gratitude beyond description. At this, the hall exploded with joy! It was as if all the words both received and given between God and myself were received and given by all.

Then, with words only for me to hear and a smile and wink God said “by the way, you can keep the GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition Camera you bought for me, you’ll enjoy it more than I will”. Wahoo!! It was officially the best gift exchange ever!

There are multiple morals of this story, and I’ll let you distinguish them for yourself. However, if you take nothing more from this story just remember what this Christmas season is all about. Know that Christ truly is “the gift” which is the greatest gift ever given, and it was given to all. Let us all remember that “The smallest gift of all is a man wrapped in himself”. This season and always let’s strive to #sharethegift

Migrating Salmon vs. Migrating Hairlines

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in Opposition

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We’re all familiar with the annual migration of Salmon swimming upriver. These Salmon expel every single ounce of energy in their effort to “migrate to greener pastures” to safely lay their eggs. Shortly after their eggs are laid, the fish that have actually reached their goal and destination die from the exertion of the trip itself. The journey for these fish is laced with myriads of pitfalls like fisherman, bears, hawks, polluted water, and competition from other fish that can prevent them from reaching their goal. This migration is of course necessary and is for the greater good of the species to continue its existence. In contrast let’s compare that to my hairline. The hair on top of my head as of a couple years ago seems to have started its own migration toward what it deems as “greener pastures” which seem to be located in my ears and nose. This totally gross aspect of aging is totally not cool and even worse, unlike the Salmon the hair on top of my head is not returning, rather, it’s dying off and headed for extinction! I see the logic and reason for the Salmon migration yet my hairline doesn’t realize it’s being deceived and that the “greener pastures” it’s migrating toward are really not greener at all! In fact, are leading to its demise!

Let’s take a look at our own migration pattern. There are two sides to this battle here on earth. These two sides have been at war, are at war and will continue to be at war until Christ returns. In this war you are on one side or the other and always in migration (never standing still). You are either heading deeper into your chosen side or closer toward the opposite side. There is no middle ground! There is only black and white. Your allegiance, your alliance, your time, your talents, your gifts and abilities are sought constantly and relentlessly by both sides to give their side strength to overcome the other. Here’s the kicker though… we all know which side will be victorious in the end! Both sides are claiming that the “Grass is greener on their side” yet only one can be true and that truth is easily recognized. Christ loves us, cares for us, wants us to be happy, and wants to help us so we can help ourselves and others. Aside from the countless blessings and gifts he gives us are a living Prophet to inspire and lead us. He also offers us gifts like the Priesthood and the Holy Ghost. These gifts help us with understanding and help us reach our potential. Of all the gifts, signs, and aids he gives to us, the most telling of them all is the atonement itself. That single act, the greatest act that has ever, or will ever take place was done for each of us.  Our Master, our Capitan, our Leader, our Teacher, our Example literally sacrificed his life for you and I. Read that again, the very creator of the world, the Savior himself, perfect in every way died for you and I. THAT is love. That is courage, sacrifice, love and understanding and that is the type of leader I want to follow. In this battle however, that is exactly opposite to the type of conniving leader that Satan in. Rather than sacrifice himself he’d rather throw any and all “under the bus”. He hasn’t, nor would he ever do anything to uplift or help anyone, not even those he attempts to lure to his own side! He wants to use us, trap us, force us, enslave us, and snare us in his grip under the false advertisement of fun, good times, the easy way out, or the more socially accepted thing to do.

So the question is where are we “migrating” to? Are we being unrelenting and productive like the Salmon towards the greater good until our time comes? Are we using and utilizing every gift and ability that we are able to, to insure that we stay on the right team and enhance our team’s abilities? Are we giving everything we have to God? Are we migrating to the “correct pasture”? Are we avoiding the pitfalls, being careful and attentive to avoid the snares the adversary places before us to entrap up to stop us from reaching our goals? Or, are we like the hair on my head. Migrating toward the “ears” and “noses” of life realizing or not realizing they are filled with only empty treasures. After all, the only “treasures” ever found in ears and noses are blobs of earwax and boogers. Contrast that to the mansions and treasures we know are in Heaven. Let us strive to be faithful servants. Let us check our “migratory pattern” and insure that it leads to the “greener grass” which God’s presides over and resides in.

Courage vs. Crazy

15 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Example

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Years ago as a young 17 year old I was working with my Grandpa in his yard. He was holding the hose watering a patch of dirt prepping it for the weeding we would shortly do. As he always did while working together my Grandpa was dishing out sound advice to me. Today’s topic was “remembering to have fun in a marriage”. Just then across the flower patch my Grandma who was also weeding turned what was exactly and precisely 180 degrees away from us and bent all the way over to work on a section of weeds. Her rump couldn’t have faced us more squarely had it been plumed with a rafter square. My Grandpa and I stopped for a second now silent as we noticed our situation. Suddenly visions of not sugarplums but water balloons, mud balls and tomatoes danced in my head and I started to see more of a giant target than my Grandma’s rear quarters. It was as if I were Nephi and Laban had been delivered into my hands. However, anyone who knew my Grandma knew she is not one to be messed with nor is she a pushover in any sense of the word. My odds of physical survival after taking advantage of this situation would be higher wrestling an angry grizzly bear while handcuffed and blindfolded than with my Grandma. I weighed out the hilariousness of what could ensue vs. what it would be like to learn to walk again once I awoke from the coma she would have put me in. At 17 years old and still now, I have plenty of crazy, yet at that moment I bucked and faltered for lack of courage. I then looked back at my Grandpa who was still holding the hose who simply smiled at me. Without words I understood he had been thinking the same thing the entire time. It was as if the heavens had presented him with a golden opportunity to demonstrate a point to the topic he was speaking to me about that day. A point he couldn’t resist to make. With a simple phrase that went something like “watch this” (which always means something good is about to go down) I suddenly knew what crazy and courage were. My Grandpa was risking his very life and limb to demonstrate a point to me. The perfectly aimed stream of water hit my Grandma square in the butt and she shot up faster than a Cobra striking its prey. It was everything I hoped it would be! Hilariousness and consequence followed. My Grandpa immediately owned up to the act and took his beating like a man again proving his integrity. In fact, he never even lost consciousness! It was totally awesome.

Was it courage? Was it crazy? I’m not sure. I think it was both. My Grandpa was willing to do something completely crazy which required an insane amount of courage for the greater good. That greater good was to demonstrate his point to me on the topic he was teaching me about that day. He risked life and limb for me. He knew there would be consequences, yet he went forward out of love for me.

I don’t mean to say that my Grandpa’s example is on the same level of the atonement, nor do I mean to portray the atonement as a joke, only that the lessons learned between the two can be similar. To anyone who doesn’t understand the atonement what Christ did sounds crazy. He allowed himself to be subject to ridicule, scolding, torment, pain, suffering, hurt, grief, sorrow, anguish, agony, scorn, laughter, evil speaking, jeering, misery, embarrassment and afflictions of all kinds. This came from all directions, all of which he could have silenced totally, completely and permanently at any second, yet he declined to do so. Christ allowed himself openly to their words and actions and was maliciously and ignorantly tormented, spit upon, mocked, teased and tortured all the while choosing not only not to stop it, but not even to buffer it in the slightest! Why would he do that!? Why did he do that!? He did it for you and me. He did it for the very people who were persecuting him. He did it because he loves us. That is not crazy, that is courage and love beyond what we can fathom. That is courage and love surpassing words that exist to describe. I don’t know if the mortal mind can even comprehend the full extent of that sacrifice. Christ allowed himself to be subject to this, knowing he was being led as a lamb to slaughter. He had the power to stop all who reviled him and persecuted him, yet out of love he not only allowed it, but suffered through it without even becoming bitter, hateful or even angry toward those against him. To further my point while hanging on the cross with nails (which were likely more like spikes) gruesomely driven through his very hands and wrists while bleeding badly, cut, bruised, scraped, and with flesh hanging off him finally chose to speak. He didn’t speak words of anger, or cause the burden or treatment to cease with words of fierce rebuke. Not so, rather he petitioned his Father in behalf of those guilty of this very atrocity, IN THE VERY MOMENT and said “forgive them Father, for they know not what they do”! There are countless examples of what the Savior did that could act as a summery for him or the life he led. This just seems to be the most telling of all. No doubt God himself and the very angels of Heaven wept through this! No doubt the Angels struggled against their order not to offer aid! No doubt this was pain and suffering to the highest degree and beyond our physical comprehension! No doubt this was heartbreak beyond compare!  Yet, in his perfection, for the greater good, he endured for you and me. In fact, he endured this for those who hated him. He endured this for those who still hate him. That’s not crazy, that’s courage!

Very recently I’ve witnessed with my own eyes the strength of my own Mother. She like Christ with incredible courage led herself as a sheep to slaughter. She went openly through torment, ridicule, angry words, pain, grief, ignorant words and much more all out of pure love for myself and her other children. Just as with the Savior, she chose not to speak words of fierce rebuke or to become angry at those mistreating her. Rather she was filled with love and by so doing changed the very hearts of those involved and for me forever solidified a legacy of love, strength, sacrifice and courage. Words fall short to express my gratitude, love and respect for the deed done and the courage it took to accomplish. It was personal. It was for me. It was courage of unthinkable degrees which was driven by love of the highest degree for her children. It wasn’t crazy, it was courage! I will forever be grateful for my Mother, who has shown me, and demonstrated through literal example what it means to possess those traits. I will be forever indebted to her for her example and for her love, and for the life which I now live which she brought about. I have never known my mother to lose faith or even doubt her faith. She like the Stripling Warrior’s mothers of old is full of faith, strength, hope, trust, love and courage all with an eye single to the glory of God. I then, like a stripling warrior of old will follow her in faith and go to battle willingly for her and my God both Now and in the future.

Facial Hair and Motorcycles

13 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by in General

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When I was a kid growing up I wanted two things more than anything else in the entire world. More than any Nintendo game, more than peacefully watching a Chicago Bulls game with a 6# bag of gummy worms, yes, even more than my own body weight in my mom’s Spaghetti with a pound of parmesan cheese on it, the things I desired above all else were facial hair and a Motorcycle. As a child I was too weak in spirit to follow the commandment “Thou shalt not covet” and I found myself coveting all men (and occasional women) with facial hair and coveting every motorcycle I saw or heard. I made it a goal to one day achieve them both. As a boy I was powerless to “hasten the work” of puberty and I was forced to sit and wait for that euphoric day when I would have the opportunity to pick up a razor and with it, shave the few patchy hairs emerging from my face in glorious triumph and victory! Then, for added emphasis leave the hairs in the sink only to boastfully claim them when someone yelled “Gross, who shaved and left it in the sink?!” Sure, you may be the worst blog post you have yet to read, but I swear there is a point to this, just stay with me.

Years later the day did come and I likely felt more joy than any other human on the face of the earth has ever felt while shaving. Since that day and still to this day I have avoided shaving at all costs to enjoy the pleasures of the beard I now have that I waited so long to receive. As for my motorcycle the day I purchased it was one of the happiest days of my life. As I stood at my house staring in awe at my Motorcycle (while bearded in fact) it was as if I had achieved the greatest achievement in the history of achieving achievements. It was like the feeling you get when as Mario you jump over Bowser while dodging his hatchets and free Princess Peach for the first time X 1,000,000. It was incredible!

The reason that day was one of the greatest days of my life was because I finally had two things that I truly desired with all my heart. The wait, the work, the desire had finally paid off and I was now able to enjoy them both to their full extent. It’s also important to note that I was able to achieve these things on my own. I was in no way constricted or stopped (other than my Mom, Wife, Grandma, and everyone who’s ever known me telling me how bad of an idea a motorcycle was) or did I have to wait for others to help me. I could reach these achievements as quickly as I was personally capable of. Again, I didn’t have to rely on anyone else.

Not relying on anyone else is a complete contrast to Temple work for the dead! The Holy Ghost, the Priesthood, and being sealed to loved ones for time and all eternity are incredible gifts worth far more than any sum of money or any material possessions could possible even come close to! Those gifts are infinitely better, cooler, and more important than the latest Honda CBR motorcycle and trump the awesomeness of even Hagrid’s beard. There are countless souls who have gone on before us who above all else desire nothing more than these sacred and holy ordinances to be performed in their behalf! However, unlike me they are completely and totally helpless to help themselves! It’s like having an itch that ranks higher than any other itch ever recorded on the “itch richter scale” yet you have to wait for someone else to scratch it! They rely 100% on us! I see this as a tremendous responsibility and that we have much work to do! Linked to that tremendous responsibility however is also tremendous opportunity and blessings! When I think about how truly amazing it is that we get to act as a proxy for past friends, family, and even strangers in their behalf to partake of the eternal blessings they could not, or chose not to partake of in mortal life which they now so desperately desire… I just shake my head in amazement. I don’t think I fully understand the blessings that come from doing Temple work. I know the diseased are blessed with these amazing gifts as we perform their work, but I can’t help but feel as if we are at least equally blessed for facilitating the process. I try to imagine the joy, love, happiness, gratitude and appreciation they must feel at finally, after weeks, months, years, decades or even centuries being able to receive the Holy Ghost, the Priesthood, or to be reunited with their loved ones again!  I try to imagine the reunion that takes place when Husband and Wife see each other again! How about the overwhelming joy in the embrace from a daughter or son given and received by their parents after so many years! We through Temple work have the opportunity to bring about so much happiness and joy and gratitude by literally bringing entire families, and generations of family together again! This to me is an eternal service with an eternal rippling effect. If you haven’t already made it a point to make Temple work a part of your life I would invite you to make that change or work toward that change now. You will not regret it!

Are we Superman or Clark Kent?

05 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by in Strength, Superheroes

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When it comes to total abandonment of fashion sense Superman outdoes even my 3 year old. For decades this Symbol of power and justice has defied fashion logic entirely and chosen not only to wear tights, but also to reverse the traditional relationship between underwear and pants. Maybe he does it because he knows he’s that awesome. Maybe he’s actually super dyslexic and doesn’t realize he’s doing it. Maybe that’s the traditional way of dress on his native planet Krypton (although he was raised in Smallville Kansas) and maybe I’m showing how nerdy I am right now by starting my article out with Superman facts, but despite all his imperfections (or what I perceive to be imperfections) he was one of my heroes growing up. I pretended to be him on plenty of occasions. I had a makeshift cape, I fought imaginary bad guys and at one point I even tried to wear my underwear over my shorts. As a matter of fact, I was born in the front seat of a car as opposed to in a hospital bed. (not quite Krypton but the best I could do with two mortal parents).

There is something else unique about Superman. Most superheroes are regular people whose disguises transform them into their Superhero alto ego. Superman on the other hand IS his true identity. His disguise and alter ego is Clark Kent the mild mannered, clumsy, freelance employee at the Dailey planet. As we all know Superman blends in as Clark Kent until danger is amiss and then he retreats to a closet, phone booth, or somewhere discreet and busts out ready to deliver a beat down to the bad guys as the 6-packed, perfect haired Superman.

My point with this ramble is this. Everyone knows who Superman is. Everyone knows what his morals and standards are and where his heart lies. He immediately uplifts those around him and brings hope. They know he wants the best for them and wants everyone to be happy and safe. Being born in Kyrpton yet living on Earth Superman truly lives the saying “Be in the world, but not of the world”. Thinking about it, Superman is a pretty awesome guy. On the other hand… no one knows who Clark Kent really is or what he stands for. He blends in and gives no impressions on who he really is or what he stands for. No one knows what he believes or where his intentions are. However, Clark Kent’s standards are every bit as high as Supermans because of course they are one and the same person! So that then leads to the question which is the title of the article. Are we Superman or Clark Kent?

Like Superman do people know who we are and what we stand for? Do we personally by our words, our actions and our deeds show people, whether they know us or not see that we stand for truth, righteousness, love, hope, and peace? Do we aspire to inspire others to do good, to be good and to be the best person they can be? Do we attempt to follow one of my favorite sayings by Ghandi “Be the change you want in the world”? Are we a force for good? Can we be counted on by the Lord? Or, on the other hand are we like Clark Kent? Do we simply blend in? Do we keep ourselves and our stance quiet in this world which is in obvious and rapid decline!? Do we allow people to make their own assumptions on who or what we are? Do we give them reason to doubt what we stand for? Or do we, or will we now choose to make a stand?

The truth is, we are constantly showing who we are. So yes, I’m basically saying that in a way we’re all like Superman… which is awesome! Whether we know it or not, whether we are aware or not, whether we are even trying or not, we are constantly showing and proving who we are at all times to people around us. People across the office, at the post office, across the parking lot, at the stop light, in the next line over at the checkout line could be paying attention to you. How we treat others, our spouse, our children reveals our true character. That is something we cannot hide nor should we want or need to hide it! Are we being the best person we know how to be? Are we proud of our character? Are we letting it shine? Does our character speak for us when we cannot?

If we’re not, and even if we are our Heavenly Father can help us magnify who we are to an even higher degree. He can and will help us become the best person we can be. His gospel can change our lives and add happiness and joy, love and peace. It can provide comfort in times of turmoil and can help give us guidance and hope. The Gospel of Christ is something that I love. It is something that has helped me tremendously in life and I’m sure will continue to help me in the days and years to come. I hope that we can all become more like Christ and be proud to show our character as it aligns with the Character of the Master. He is here to help us, he always has been, and always will be.

Flexing and Admiring our Spiritual Muscles

29 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by in Strength

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I think it’s safe to say that at one point or another every man in existence since the invention of the mirror has spent plenty of time in front of it, flexing and admiring his physical muscles. Admiring how “manly” he looks…. Maybe even admiring how much chest or armpit hair he has while thinking to himself “created in God’s own image indeed”. (or maybe that was just me) I’d be lying if I said I never did that through my teenage years… or maybe even a little since then.

Building physical muscle takes dedication, time, effort, pain, and maybe a little help from Richard Simmons. You don’t, cant, and won’t get stronger without going through that process. No pain, no gain right? The harder you work, and more you sacrifice, the better the payoff. In working out there are tools that can help us. Weights of course provide the resistance needed to break our muscles down. The water, Gatorade, or nutrient drinks provide the replenishment our bodies require to rebuild stronger muscles. The neon leggings provide…. well they don’t really provide anything and pretty much just make us look weirdoes. One thing for sure though is that when it comes to working out, the hardest part is always getting started. However, once the ball gets rolling and we’re in the habit it becomes easier and yes, dare I say the word “enjoyable”! However, the second we stop working out, and putting in the work, our body begins to manifest the signs of it also. Muscles become less defined. Our endurance and confidence in our physical strength begins to decrease. My point with all this is to see and receive the reward or physical strength, it takes constant and consistent effort on our part… my other point is that neon leggings aren’t awesome anymore…. If they ever were in the first place.

Let’s put a twist on this now. How many of us (both men and women) have stepped back in front of the same mirror to flex and admire our Spiritual muscles? I’m guessing not as many of us. The ironic thing is it’s our spiritual strength more than physical strength that will enlighten our lives and the lives of others. It’s our spiritual strength that we will carry throughout eternity and bring us the blessings that give us the greatest joy. It’s our spiritual strength that truly matters both now and in the future to our father in heaven. In short, it doesn’t matter how much you can bench press, how much you can curl or how many miles you can run… if you are spiritually weak you are missing out on a whole new world of opportunities and blessings that will enrich your lives and the lives of others and likely even effect generations of people!  So how do we get our “spiritual workout” on?

Much like building physical muscle, building spiritual muscle takes dedication, time, effort and pain also. The pain needed to build spiritual strength however is often in the form of trails, struggles, disappointments or heartaches. It takes that pain to build us, teach us, and forge us into the men, women, husbands, fathers, wives, sons, and daughters that we are capable of being and that our Father in Heaven would like us to be. We don’t, cant, and won’t become spiritually stronger without that process either! Again, no pain no gain! It’s surprising how similar building the two types of strength really are! Just like the tools in the form of weights, electrolytes, nutrients and questionably the neon leggings used to help us build our physical strength there are tools to build our spiritual strength also. The Book of Mormon, bearing our testimony, Prayer, fasting and service to others are all tools that can help. Best of all, for building our Spiritual strength we don’t need help from Richard Simmons… we receive help from Jesus Christ!

The similarities don’t stop there though. Just like the regimen required to maintain and increase physical strength, we also require a regimen to maintain and increase our spiritual strength. The second we stop working out spiritually and putting in the work, our spiritual strength begins to manifest the signs also. Our relationship with the Lord weakens, it becomes harder to feel the spirit and feel promptings. Our desire to offer sincere prayer decreases as does our desire to do right and help other do the same. It takes constant and consistent effort to maintain peak spiritual shape also.

So, if we want to admire how awesome our “Spiritual 6 pack” is, or how “ripped our spiritual guns are” or how much we can “spiritually bench press” we’re going to need to know how to work up a spiritual sweat. (Is that even a term?) How do we build our Spiritual strength? Although replacing iron weights with stacks of Books of Mormons would physically weight about the same, that’s not the idea we’re going for. It’s simple. The primary answers. Read the scriptures, attend Church, and the Temple if worthy (and if you’re not worthy work to become worthy). Provide service to those in need, look to share your time and talents with others. Bear your testimony when given the opportunity. Lift and inspire others, be a good example, be honest, pray, have faith, and be happy! There are lots of ways that we can build our spiritual strength and they don’t even require a gym membership. I can also attest that the hardest part of working out spiritually is getting started. Getting in the habit of daily scripture study, service, the sharing of energies, times or talents is harder at first, but I can promise you the blessings will soon follow! You will realize a change within yourself and look forward the work it takes as you will notice an increase in strength or confidence or relationship with the Lord. It will make burdens and struggles appear in a different light as you will understand they are there to learn from! It will be become more than enjoyable. It will go beyond a desire also, and transform into a necessity!  So, this is your “spiritual pep talk” to get off the couch and hit the “spiritual gym”, to get your “spiritual workout on”, and pump those “spiritual irons” so you can appreciate your “spiritual guns” your Father In Heaven is waiting to bless you with!

Spiritual Hearing Aids

12 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by in Holy Ghost

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The Spirit is often described in testimonies or experiences as being a “still small voice”. In thinking about how the Spirit works I can’t help but compare it to my Grandma Alexander. That amazing woman bless her soul, was about deaf as a board. Communicating effectively and trying to converse with her in her later years was no easy task! Speaking to her using a “still small voice” would have been utterly and totally useless. The method I found most effective way was to pretty much yell loudly and slowly in her face hoping that she would also somehow also read my lips. Even with my signature communication method being used, like clockwork and without fail, my Grandma would stick both her pinkies in both her ears simultaneously, turning her hearing aids all the way up and sweetly ask “What did you say dear”?

In contrasting that to our own lives, it makes me think “are we like that towards the spirit”? The Spirit is less like me yelling at my Grandma, and more like a librarian who almost 100% of the time chooses to speak only in a quiet and gentle voice. What if the spirit prefers to use the voice you use when talking to someone in a movie theatre when you know you shouldn’t be talking as opposed to the voice used when you’re yelling to your neighbor across the yard? I realize those probably aren’t the best examples, but truth be told, the Spirit does seem to have a preference, and that preference is a “still small voice”.

So, how do we more easily hear that still small voice?” You guess it… Spiritual Hearing Aids! Stick those things in our ears, and when we think we hear something, simply stick both our pinkies in our ears simultaneously, turn them all the way up and sweetly ask “What did you say dear?”

The truth is, not even Rite-Aid carries these specific hearing aids (last time I checked anyways) and it doesn’t really work like that. The fact is, whether we know it or not we are born with these spiritual hearing aids. Better yet, we CAN turn them up, and best of all we don’t even have to risk poking our eardrums or brain to do it! However, turning them up often requires us to turn our surroundings down. The Spirit rarely, if ever, complies with our surroundings but rather makes us comply to his. “Turning down our surroundings” could mean turning down or abandoning the distractions, loud music, the crude language, movies or TV shows. It could mean changing the way we think, speak, talk act or react to others. It could simply mean changing ourselves and our surrounding to someone and somewhere that Christ could and would be comfortable in.

Take a look at where you are right now. Yes, right this second. Are you covered in Cheeto and Dorito crumbs? Are you surrounded by empty pizza boxes? Are you in a place that the Lord would feel comfortable in? Would you feel comfortable with the Savior there? If not, what would you change? How would you change it? What should it be? I don’t know all the answers but in my experience changing myself and my surroundings has been the most effective method in being able to feel and hear the spirit more easily. The harder I’ve worked, the more dedication I’ve shown to be more like the Savior, the easier it’s been to not only eliminate the things that don’t matter but also to break bad habits and replace them with good habits. Furthermore, it’s made it easier and more exiting to read the scriptures, to pray, to have patience, to go to the Temple, and yes, to be more receptive to the Spirit. The truth is the Spirit is always speaking to us, always! It’s whether or not we allow ourselves to hear, and be spoken to. It’s whether or not we choose to turn up our “spiritual hearing aids”.

I don’t mean to sound like this is easy because it likely will not be. Changing lifestyles and breaking habits can be very hard. Often times this means giving up, or changing hobbies, mindsets, habits, ideas, ideals, standards, and maybe even friends! It can be incredibly difficult. There are millions of people battling substance or alcohol abuse, pornography, various types of addictions, gambling, lying, backbiting, negativity and countless other tools the adversary uses to entrap us that would attest to how hard lifestyle changes are to make. HOWEVER, the bottom line is YOU CAN DO IT. You, yes you, really can do this.

You may want help and in fact often times you will NEED help. The Lord often uses experiences like these to build our faith, reliance and relationship with him. I can tell you however, that the Lord is always more than willing to step in, and offer you aid. It may be in the form of friends, co-workers, church members, family members or various support groups. Yes, that does mean that figuratively speaking there will likely be plenty of people willing to help you stick your pinkies in your ears… come to think of it there will probably even be those who are willing to go the extra mile and willing to stick their own fingers in your ears to help turn those spiritual hearing aids up! My point is, gather strength from wherever you find it. Whether it’s the Scriptures, prayer, fasting or from the testimonies or experiences of others. It may be from the words of the Prophet or Apostles. Know that our Father in Heaven loves you and is here to help you! Pray for help. Pray for strength. I can tell you, as you begin to make these changes and turn up your “spiritual hearing aids” you WILL become more receptive. It will become easier to make even more changes, or to keep up with the changes you’ve already made. It’s common for people may be scared of change, or fear what the changes will bring. They worry about what others will think and say. Know this; there is NOTHING of eternal worth that you will lose by becoming more like Christ and endless possibility to gain! Start slowly, even if it’s with a single trait or one small step at first. Even if you’re moving slowly forward at first just make sure you’re moving, it’s the fact you’re moving and changing that matters.