The Karate Kid

I really wish I had my camera today. The funniest thing happened at school. I never seem to have my camera when I need it.
Anyway, so I was walking down the hall of flags (self explanatory) and on the right side of the hall there is a courtyard. I could see a group of people looking at something, so I looked over too, and there was this random kid practicing his sweet karate skills by himself. It was the funniest thing I have seen in a while. The kid didn't hold anything back, and the thing is, he really had no karate skills whatsoever. But he was really serious about it. Soon a huge crowd began to gather and people were recording it on their phones and such. Finally one kid went out there and told him that everyone was watching, but he kept at it. Then a little later a different kid went out there and started doing some fake karate moves to be funny, it was awesome.
This all went on for about a half hour!
I wish I had had my camera!

Peer Pressure

Ok. I'm going to try and do this story justice. Keep in mind that I am the worst story teller in the world, and also that its hard to describe things on paper rather in person. I have decided to give it a shot nonetheless. It's not a super amazing story, but it's kinda funny. Here goes.
So at Institute (yes, another institute story.) once again while shaking my hand expressed his positive feelings toward me.(I think his words were: "You're the man!") No big deal. I already know this. He had me choose the hymn, so I thought I would have to play the piano again(I did last week) but turns out that I just chose the hymn. No big deal. By this time, he already has my name memorized, which is interesting because he doesn't know the names of too many yet. Anyway, the lesson went on, and about half way through, he paused, and started scanning the class for a volunteer. Yep, you guessed it. He stopped his gaze right at me, and paused and said: "yep, it's you." He then proceeded to call me to the front of the class. He had me stand there in front of everyone, and he told me(at least this is what I understood, as well as a few of my friends in the class) to "find a handsome young lady." Now I understood this as: "pick out a girl and you have to take her on a date." I thought this because earlier he had mentioned how important it is for us to go on dates with girls, etc etc. So thats why I was expecting that from him. So, to follow along with him, I started sheepishly looking around the room.
Then somehow he changed it to asking me if I was a handsome young lady. I have no idea how it got to that, nor how I had understood it the other way. Since I was not the only one to understand it that way, however, I think that he was the one that messed up.
At this point, I was already awkwardly in front of the class, and I didn't know what to do. So, somehow I ended up agreeing with him that I was a handsome young lady. Mostly because I was put on the spot. And peer pressure. Then he took it to the class. He asked them if I was a girl or not, and only like 2 people raised their hands, but the one girl said it was because she thought that everyone would too. Peer pressure.
Then he asked them if I was a guy and they all raised their hands, myself included, and he started asking me why I changed my mind. At this point my mind was starting to seriously jumble. He turned me around and had me look at a slide of the 10 Virgins on the projector, and asked me to describe them. So I did, and came to the point that they represented us, as members of the church.
Hence, the reasoning for the "handsome young lady." Because I am one of the 10 Virgins (metaphorically). So apparently I was right at first when I said I really was a handsome young lady. I'll just pretend like I knew it all along. Right.
Does anyone else think that that was the weirdest way to convey the message he wanted to get across? I sure do. It was so awkward. I already hate being in front of people. But my roommates told me that I was actually pretty composed, and handled it pretty well, considering the circumstances.
But it was so awkward. But funny.
I guess he could tell that I am gullable, and kind of a push over. Who knows. But as soon as his piercing gaze settled on me, his eyes lit up like it was Christmas.
But, the good thing about all of this is that he likes me even more because of this whole experience! Haha.
Hopefully this made somewhat of sense. I am not a good story teller. Maybe this didnt even seem funny. I guess you had to be there.
I'm not as bad as Logan, but I gained some awkward points on this one.

Stretchy Pants

We were playing a game like "mafia" for our FHE and at the very end, Christian(the Mexican kid that is going on his mission) was asking about how to say sweat pants, and Dutsons told him they were stretchy pants, and he told him to say, it. So later tonight we all got together and convinced him to say the quote from Nacho Libre, and it was so so so funny. So, here it is so you can all remember how it goes. Its way funnier with Christian!

Finishers Wanted

So today right after the opening hymn in Institute, the teacher likes to shake everyone's hand before class starts and sometimes he has to do it during the hymn, but after the hymn was over he came over to me and shook my hand and said:"You are a great guy. I can tell, and I don't even know much about you." Then he went about the class as normal. It was a really good class. He is really good at opening the class to us to comment, or discuss anything. We read a talk from President Monson titled "Finishers Wanted". A very good one. We ended up talking about how its not an easy thing to be a finisher. Its not easy to do all the little things right, but as we do our best we will be blessed and great things will happen to us (Alma 37:6). Then we read 1 Nephi 8:21-22, and in verse 21 it talks about how those in the vision of the tree of life were "pressing forward" to get to the tree. Then it hit me that being a finisher doesn't mean that we have to be the best, all we have to do is press forward, doing our best and repenting of our sins on our way. The blessings don't come immediately. They come after a while. But as long as we press forward we will be blessed. I really liked that.
Here is a small poem that President Monson used in his talk:

Stick to your task 'till it sticks to you;

Beginners are many, but enders are few.

Honor, power, place and praise

Will always come to the one who stays.

Stick to your task 'till it sticks to you;

Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;

For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile

Will come life's victories after a while.

-Author Unknown

On my way out of the class, Brother Soderburg shook my hand at the door again, and said:"You are a great man, I know it!"

Needless to say I left the building in a great mood!

I love Institute.

Viva México!!

So the well anticipated day of the mission call came for our roommate Christian, from Mexico. He is here studying English at the BYU English Learning Center. He had been waiting for 5 weeks for the mission call. Wow, and I thought that 3 weeks was a long time for mine to arrive, and I was going crazy. So, Christian got his brothers there, and we all got together to watch him open it. He is going to.....(drumroll please) Mexico City West Mission! You could kind of tell that he was wanting something here in the states since he is already here, but he was excited. And even if he isn't too excited right now, he will be. He will LOVE it!
It brought back a lot of memories of when I received my mission call, and just of the mission in general. Good times. I didn't even know how to pronounce Fortaleza! haha
I am a very firm believer that you are called to the place where you are supposed to go. So I am happy for Christian and the new adventure that he will begin on March 17th(pretty soon).
As you can see, I changed the layout thingy on my blog to this super cool baseball one I thought that it was cool, and a little more reflective of my personality. I cant wait for baseball to start again. Although, it will be strange not actually playing it.
Well, I need to hit the sack.
Until the next time...

The best part of Provo

Macey's in Provo is my new favorite place to shop. Derek and I went to Fresh Market or whatever Albertsons changed to, but we were in the mood for some Guaraná, so we decided to go to Macey´s which is not too far away at all. Wow, they have so much good stuff! They have cases and cases of Guaraná and other sodas from other places, as well as the next best thing that I found is Água de Coco aka coconut milk in a can. (This is me drinking coconut milk in Brasil FYI)
I was so excited to find it. I love it with a passion. (I dont understand why it is called coconut milk by the way. it should be coconut water. Thats what it is in Portuguese. Anyway) Logan told me he had found it, but I always forgot to look for it, but since there are so many return missionaries in "P-town" you can find this kind of stuff really easily. Which is great.
We signed up for the Brazilian Club at school today. I have no idea what that means. But I guess they will have occasional parties and BBQs or something. But its fun to say that I belong to the Brazilian Club at UVU. It has a nice ring to it.
I am super tired right now. So I will end on that note, and get some shut-eye.
Until next time...

Pumping iron

Well today marks the first day of my workout routine, and I am pretty excited about it. I gained some definite "holiday weight" and I am not too happy about it, so Derek and I decided to get a pass to the gym by us, and today was our first day there. I am beat. It is a pretty good feeling. I definitely want to take advantage of the free time that I have while I am not working and work on my bod. haha
I definitely am a weakling though. Lindsay could definitely beat me in an arm wrestle again I think. Wait, didn't we do an arm wrestle after I got home? I cant remember, but it seems like we did and I won, but barely. But that is because she wasn't a super tough gymnast anymore. But still, I am weak.
Things are good on the school front. I am liking my classes so far, and I haven't really had too much homework which is nice. But then again, it is still the very beginning of the semester. I have already dropped some dough, and I need to get a job to improve the economic situation.
Things have been really good lately. I am in a good mood.
Today was my first day of institute class. We (Derek, Eric, Collin and I-my roommates) are taking Teachings of the Prophet Thomas S. Monson. I am really excited about it. There was a cool quote from Ezra Taft Benson that says: "The living Prophet is more vital to us than the standard works." I thought that was really interesting. Obviously the standard works are very important to us and we should study them often, but having a living prophet to receive revelation from God for us right now is so important. I love listening to the Prophet, because it is as if the Lord is personally speaking to us. SO... I am excited for the class. I think I will learn a lot.
So, Whitney and I have decided to "officially" go to the next level. I am really happy with how things have turned out. Its just a bummer that we are going to different schools. Oh well. I think just about all of you know about her already so I won't write too much. But things are just dandy! :)
Well, I can barely lift my arms to type anymore, so thats where I am going to end, so... TCHAU!

Back to school

Well the time finally has come for me to get back to school. A whole lot has happened since I last posted anything so I feel like a slacker but that's ok. I plan on doing a lot better now that I am hitting the books again. I am glad to be able to do something productive with my life, although I really did enjoy my time watching NCIS every day.
For those who didnt know, I am at UVU living in Provo rather than going back to Virginia to play baseball. This was basically the hardest decision that I have ever made. I was very very stressed out, because it was a win-win situation. But ultimately I decided to stay close to home. It just felt better. I think that either way would have been good, but this was what I felt best doing. So, we'll see how things go on that end.
I am really excited to get back to school. This was my first week of classes, and I am pleased with how things are going to end up. I have some good classes, and hopefully I wont struggle too badly. Its like riding a bike I guess.
Anyway. I moved in this week, and I have some really cool roommates. My roommate is Derek Dutson(who was my last companion of my mission) and there is one other guy from my mission named Eric, and his friend, and then there is Christian from Mexico and Taeku from Korea. They are both learning English at BYUs ESL program. I really like all the people I live with. We are having fun getting to know each other lately. Christian will move out as soon as his mission call comes in the mail, so we are excited for him.
Anyway, I dont know what else to write for now, but at least I am posting again right?
Até o próximo.

From the office of the First Presidency...

I had a once in a lifetime opportunity yesterday. All the youth in the ward got to go downtown, and tour the First Presidency's office in the Church Administration Building.
Our Bishop, Bishop Mortensen works as the Assistant secretary to the First Presidency, so he showed us around and answered a lot of questions. It was really neat. We got to see President Monson's office(but not enter), and we saw a couple of their meeting rooms(one is a board room where some committee meetings are held(general welfare, etc.) The other is another meeting room for the Apostles and First Presidency along with the Presidency of the Seventy.


That is where they meet most often, and if you look in the photo, in the left corner is the door that leads to the Prophet's office. Our Bishop has the responsability to open it for the Prophet. The wood in the room was imported from Russia, and the door is at least 3 inches thick, so it is heavy and President Monson always jokes with our Bishop because its hard. One day they were joking and The Bishop mentioned he was doing push-ups to get ready to open it and Pres. Monson said: "Oh really? Well lets see!" So Bishop Mortensen dropped down and gave the Prophet 10 push-ups and got up and Pres. Monson said: "I meant show me by opening the door!" Funny story.


This is the tree inside the Joseph Smith Memorial Building



We went through the lights, but it was so cold(like 2 or 3 degrees F) that we hurried and left and went to Crown Burger. That is apparently a tradition they have, but this is the first time that we were able to see the offices.
SO overall it was a great, cold night!

I love to clean the Temple

Well I had an interesting experience today. Dad signed me up to do cleaning at the Mt. Timponogos Temple. I really enjoyed doing it. I got there at 8:00 and left at Noon. Even though it was 4 hours, it actually passed by quickly.
I worked in the basement of the temple. I swept the floor in the Laundry room, I washed the stainless steel doors of the elevators, I dusted paintings, and other things. I dusted off every wooden door and trim in the whole lower level, and finally we went to the locker rooms(mens and womens), and I vacuumed out all the lockers, then we wiped the front of all the lockers down with disinfecting stuff. It was surprisingly tiring, and I am feeling worn out right now. But it was good, and I was glad to have that experience. It brought back memories of the MTC in Brazil where we had to do an hour of service each week, and like the Temple(but to a lesser degree) the MTC was not really dirty, so we cleaned things that really didnt need it, but that is what made the MTC look so nice all the time. They told us that they wanted a similar atmosphere to the temple inside the MTC. There, I washed walls in the hallways of where the rooms are. I picked up leaves outside too. But the funniest thing was one certain day of service. We got down there, and it seemed like they had nothing else left to do, and there was this HUGE stack of boxes(taller than me), and they opened them up and inside were loads and loads of papers. They were cafeteria orders and stuff like that. Well, we were instructed to open the boxes, take out the papers..... and rip them in half! So because of that we all left with blisters on our fingers, it was funny. We started getting into competitions as to who could rip the most at one time. I remember doing over 90 papers, but I dont remember what the record was. I still think that that was so funny... ripping papers. Oh well. It built character I guess

New Glasses

Well I finally broke down and bought me a new pair of glasses that I have been needing. I got a really good deal on both the frames and lenses. They were both 50% off. I ended up saving about $250.00 So that was good. I am pleased with them.
Tell me what you think.

Welcome to Buena Vista, Home of the World Series Champion Manager, Charlie Manuel

So after the Phillies won the World Series, Charlie Manuel came back to his hometown, and they built a really nice sign at the entrance of BV that welcomes you to his hometown. They had a little wooden one before, but now it is high tech with lights and everything. Pretty funny. He is the biggest star from this little podunk city, which is actually pretty good considering the size.
So I went back to Virginia to check out SVU again, and practice with the baseball team. It was a really good little trip. The flight to Virginia was really long actually. I stopped in Atlanta for a couple of hours then I went to Detriot, and jumped on a tiny plane to Roanoke, Virginia which is a really small airport too.
But I had a good time here. I was able to meet up with friend who took me around the city to see what was new, and then I had practice on friday, and we went to the Basketball game it was pretty fun. I only recognized a few faces there. Most everyone else has left. So that is a little weird, but I will be able to make new friendships.
Playing baseball was really fun. It was like riding a bike, but the bike was really really wobbly! I had a hard time adjusting to playing again. It seems I am a step slower in everything, but there were also som positive things that I saw in the experience too. Good to know what I need to work on. I like the guys on the team, they are pretty cool. Its a different feel than the last team, but thats because they are all different guys. We had 5 recruits come in too to, and they were all pretty interested, so hopefully they can make it too. A couple were really good.
The only boring thing was going through the open house the school did, because i already know everything about the school. But I had to do it in order to receive the reimbursement for the travel, we got $250 back, which was really good since we only had to pay $160 to process the sky miles.
I went to church at the new chapel they built, and it was really good. I was able to see a few people that I knew from before, so that was fun. I had forgotten how quiet a singles ward is compared to a regular one, especially during the sacrament.
Anyway, thats my recent news.
Over and out.

Vegas Trip

Well I we all thought that this video was so funny, we had just gone to Circus Circus to play the arcades and stuff, then we went to In-n-Out Burger, and this video was from the drive home after that. Rex was so tired from the day, and he was trying so hard to stay awake! Jay had just won that sword at the Circus Circus, and loves it!(especially its kachow noises. Lets just say that it isnt really cool at 7am though; or when it gets jabbed into your stomach huh chad) Anyway, Kyle and I went down to watch the Utah vs UNLV game. It was a really fun trip This is where we sat for the most of the game, right next to the Utah band. It was so loud! There were so many utah fans there. the whole east side(where the picture shows) were Utah fans! almost half of the fans at the stadium!! It was cool.

Oops

Well this is whats new in my life.
I was working, no worries, stocking up the produce stand, getting everything ready, listening to music, etc. and I went to go grab some boxes of tomatoes to put on the shelf. Well as I bent over, I heard (and felt) a "rrrrriiiippp" noise and to my surprise I had a huge rip in my pants in the back pocket area. I would show a real photo rather than the spongebob, but that would be inappropriate for the children. Each time that I bent over in the next few hours, it got worse, to the point that Luke had to go find me a pair of pants in his house. Too bad though, it was nice to have a little bit of a breeze back there! haha just kidding.

General Conference part 2

Well, I ended up going to the sunday morning session of general conference with my old companion (elder) Derek Dutson.

It was actually my first time ever watching there in the conference center, so i was really excited and taking in the experience. It was quite impressive seeing the leaders of the church all in front of me, especially President Monson. So it was a good first experience. The Brazilians always assumed that i always went to conference, and were alwasys really surprized when i said that i had never been, Well Now I can say that I have gone!
We got there really early we walked around and then we sat down and waited. The fun part of going on sunday, was being able to watch "Music and the Spoken Word." It was interesting because the Apostles were there watching it too(except elder Christofferson and Elder Cook who were in the Tabernacle) But it was interesting that they watched it too. I had always heard and seen about how special it is when the prophet walks into the room, but being there in person really was an amazing experience.
I sat next to a girl from Costa Rica who was just visiting, and to her side was a lady from New Zealand. I never realized how many people come from far away to watch conference.
I especially enjoyed President Monson's talk in that session. Being in his presence, I was able to feel even more strongly that he is that Lord's true prophet.

General conference

Well I am sure I speak for all in saying how great conference was. I was only able to watch the priesthood session and the Sunday sessions because of work, but thanks to the DVR I recorded it and I will catch up on Saturdays sessions.
There were two highlights of the conference for me. First: President Monson announced a new temple in my mission, Fortaleza!! You can imagine how happy I am! The fun thing has been to hear from the members there and how happy and excited they are. I would like to say that I had a part in the preparation for this temple. The people of Fortaleza are such a special people, and the church is growing like crazy. To use the phrase my friend Alex Johnson(currently serving a mission in thailand) says:"the Lord is smiling upon Fortaleza." I don't doubt it.

To be continued....
It's late

Its about time now...

Well, after much procrastination, I have once again reacquainted myself with bloggerland, posting my first thing in 2 years. Its not really anything special, but you the stone just needs a little nudge to get rolling down the mountain. So i guess this is my nudge.
I have not really been up to much since returning from Brazil, other than work. In case you didnt know, i am a "farmer" meaning that i work on a farm and i have callused hands, but I am not a real farmer. i dont wear boots, keep a knife in my pocket and I dont wear a cowboy hat(yet- i have a sombrero from Brazil that I keep forgetting to wear to work still. Dont worry I will use it!) But I actually like it a lot. Its hard work, I really sympathize real farmers who do it for a living, because it is really demanding and time consuming. Luke(the cousin-boss) spends the whole day out there. I put on about 9 hours a day of work, but he goes from 6:30 to dark (maybe with some rests inside, but still). I am definately glad that i learned some work ethic skills from being a missionary.
Anywhoo, thats about what i have been up to. I dont do anything too fun usually because i work weekends, and I am usually too tired to do stuff when i get home, so i just end up chatting with friends on the internet, or watching Lost(except i finished the 5th season, so i am officially caught up now). But the produce season is winding down so pretty soon i will be out of work, and I will have more time to do "stuff".
So thats my current life situation in a nutshell.
More to come in the future... if i dont get lazy.
Tchau!

New shoes

As most of you know, I got my Partiarchal Blessing yesterday from Grandpa Burton. It was pretty cool, I am apparantly going to get married so that is a good sign!
Not much else to say... I got another pair of shoes today, so I am pretty much ready to go, I just need my toiletries and such, and we are going to get most of them today.
Thats all I have to say for now

My Talk

Wow its been two months since I put anything on here... What a slacker!
Here is my outline for my talk I gave today if you are interested or whatever.

Prayer 7-29-07

Tell story about Chad’s investigator on his mission in Singapore learning to pray for the first time.
--Non Christian family - never prayed before.
--Went through the steps of prayer with them
Our Father in Heaven, we thank thee… we ask thee… in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
--They had the father pray
--He said, “Our Father in Heaven, we thank thee, we ask thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
-- Funny but true story. Happened to him more than once.
--They had a hard time realizing the fact that they are more than just words on a page, and that they were really communicating with a higher power.


Principles of Prayer
-- Some of the important principles: (from Preach My Gospel)
--Make prayers meaningful.
--(having real intent, no vain repetitions 3 Nephi 13: 6-7.)
Ex: people in other religions write their prayers down to make the prayer sound elaborate, or make the person sound better.
--Use the proper language to show respect. (thee, thou, thy, thine) --Show gratitude. It helps us with humility, and we recognize our blessings
--Pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Listen to his promptings, and Courageously follow those promptings. (P.M.G.)
--Pray for others needs. Have love and charity in your heart.
--Believe that God will answer your prayers.
--His thoughts are not your thoughts. (what you want may not be what He wants.)
--Trust He will answer in His own way, in His own time.

Personal Prayer
--Our Prayers should be a 2-way communication where Heavenly Father listens and answers our prayers.
--We need to not only express our feelings to Him, but allow time to reflect and listen to the Spirit.
--Repentance is not possible without prayer.
--We must communicate with H. F. confessing our sins to Him.
--Satan wants to convince us that we should not pray.
--Elder Scott: “Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.”
--P.M.G.: “If you do not feel like praying, pray until you do feel like praying.”
--2 Nephi 32: 8

Receiving Answers
--Doctrine and Covenants 8: 2
--D&C 9: 8-9
--He will answer, in His own way, and the answer could be “no”
--3 Nephi 14: 7-8
--Elder Scott talks about 3 types of answers to prayer:
1. Peace and comfort
2. Stupor of thought
3. No response (after time could mean no)
--Elder Scott: “Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase.”

Missionaries and Prayer
--Very important, Missionaries use prayer many times everyday.
--Personal Prayer.
--Before Studying.
--Praying for members or investigators before leaving the house.
--Praying for where they should go for that day.
--It invites the Spirit (for the missionary and the investigators)
--You cant teach effectively without the spirit.
--One of the important steps to finding truths (BoM, etc.)
--“No one can know of spiritual truths without Prayer.” (P.M.G.)
--The Holy Ghost then helps us know of these truths.
--Builds testimonies and faith
--President Hinckley:(P.M.G.) “Every morning…, missionaries should get on their knees and plead with the Lord to loosen their tongues and speak through them to the blessing of those they will be teaching. If they do this, a new light will come into their lives. There will be greater enthusiasm for the work. They will come to know that in a very real sense, they are servants of the Lord speaking in His behalf. They will find a different response from those they teach. As they do so by the Spirit, their investigators will respond under the influence of the same Spirit.”
-“Missionary Service” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan 11, 2003

Mission Preparation
--Crucial to building testimony
--Helps to know of the truths I talked about earlier
BoM, Joseph Smith, if you should serve a mission, etc.
--I prayed about trying to decide whether or not I should serve a mission, and that it is the right thing for me to do.
--Prayer helps to escape Satan and his influence, & helps focus on Savior and H.F.
--Family Prayer helps with the preparations to serve a mission.
--Brings the family closer, you learn from their examples.
--Mom and Dad have been great examples to me with their faithful prayer and testimonies.
--Example-- Lost wallet: I Looked and looked then prayed expecting an immediate answer, but there was none. Now I realize that my faith was being tested. I kept praying and looking, but I got lazy and stopped praying about it, accepting that it was gone, but my mom kept praying and that gave me the hope to keep praying for it. The answer to my prayers came when I was least expecting it, as do most answers, and I found it in my messy room looking for something else.

--Deciding to go to school in VA.
--Brought blessings that I would have never expected.
--Was able to Confer upon someone the Aaronic Priesthood, and ordain him to be a Priest.


The end. I also read the closing prayer that President Hinckley gave in the October 2001 General Conference because Elder Scott tells us to study and learn from that prayer so I thought it would be good to have. So there.

New Job

Well I started a new job today. It is pretty grueling. All I do is pretty much sweep and shovel dirt out of gutters in housing developments that are in the construction process so that it looks cleaner, and sells more houses. It is a lot of hard work let me tell you! I have killer blisters on my hands, and my back kills from bending over! A little after lunch, I learned how to drive a Bobcat for the future, and we put it on the trailer, an got out of the neighborhood, and ran over something with the trailer, and totally blew the tire. It was crazy. We spent about 40 minutes just trying to get the lugnuts off, but they were on way too tight. I dont think that Andre the giant would even be able to do it! But it was ok because I got paid to sit around for about an hour, so thats cool. By the way I make $11 and hour. Pretty cool. But its hard.