The Best!

An old teacher recently proposed the following question to me: "If you were to leave this life tomorrow, how would you act today?"

The question has been the source of a great deal of thought and analysis since. If I am truly leaving this life, what do I want to leave behind? How do I want to be remembered? Will I be able to say I lived my life to the fullest? Fulfilled my unbelievable potential? Became who I know I can become? When the moment comes for my life to flash before my eyes, I want that life to be something worth watching. I want the scenes to be the ones people line up for days to see, not an ok dollar theater movie. I want to have been, done, and sought after "the best".

I was reading Elder Dallin H. Oaks' conference talk in the October 2007 General Conference entitled "Good, Better, Best". It is such a beautiful talk and unbelievably eye-opening! All too often we draw a distinct line between good and bad, between the adversary and the forces of good. But what about when the decision does not meet those parameters? What about when the decision is between two things that are both good? Reading Elder Oaks’ talk, it became clear how often these decisions present themselves and how vital they are. The need for a talk in general conference on the subject tells me one thing: The subject is extremely important for us. These are the decisions that can be the difference between happiness and ultimate happiness, or between success and reaching our full potential. Elder Oaks referenced the frequency with which we unfortunately settle for the good, forgoing the blessings of the best.

For some reason, we always, naturally fear the best. You’d think that would be an oxymoron, but I maintain that it could not be more true. Ha. Whether it is the longer fall if failure overwhelms, or the fear of what could be, we often allow fear to dictate the decision pushing us away from what is likely “the best”. We often do not even give ourselves the opportunity to experience what could be that best, writing it off. I would even contest that the adversary encourages what is considered “good”, knowing that it is better for him than the alternative. And it is significantly more difficult to recognize his crippling influence when his endorsement does not reek of evil. He stokes our pride and our fear to no end. He knows us and knows what it takes if we let it get there. I’m sure he smirks as he watches our pride and fear overwhelm what could be the best and, in our naivety, elect to go with the good. Probably not even aware of the gravity of our decision, we do not allow the best to have its intended impact.

A short bit ago, I decided to never settle for the “good” when it is in my control, but to always seek after the “best” and to do so with an open mind. When that day comes for me to leave this life, I will leave having always sought after the best, and having never allowed what might be slip away! :) For those are the situations and experiences Heavenly Father has blessed me with to help me achieve my greatest potential and return to live with Him. :) If I am going to leave this life tomorrow, I am going to make sure I have done all that I can do, served everyone I can serve, and chosen "the best" in every scenario. I will approach that great and last day with confidence in how I spent His time, knowing fear did not dictate the choices I made. instead, it will have been faith. And that is the first domino that leads to the best! :)

Do you want to settle for what is good when you could have what is the best? 


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"If your dream ain't bigger than you, there is a problem with your dream"

I could write for days about this but want to keep this one short and sweet. Life is to be lived in such a way that you are able and willing, at all times, to serve others. If you are not focused on others, there is something wrong. If your actions are solely intended for the betterment of yourself, it is my contention that you are ironically hindering yourself. If you are not making constant efforts to find how to improve the lives of those around you, something is wrong. It is empowering to be a part of something bigger than yourself that cannot be understood unless experienced. Some have questioned and criticized why I have played hurt. That is why. It is bigger than me.

Again, I could go on and on but I don't think it could be said as well as it was by my boy, Deion! ;) As one of my favorite athletes, I anticipated his Hall of Fame speech greatly. It was a culmination of an amazing career and unfathomable hard work. What I heard though, will have a far more lasting impact than anything he ever did on the field. Here is a clip . . . [the best part is around 2:15].

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Walking on Water

I am so unbelievably blessed! The amazing people I am surrounded by, the wonderful opportunities I am provided, and the glorious direction I am given are without comparison. :) Today was one of those days where that truth could not be more clear!

In my New Testament class, we had the opportunity to study and discuss Matthew 14. What a wonderful chapter! It is so full of applicable teachings and parables. Near the end, the story of Peter walking on water is shared. Reading through it I began to think about the remarkable application to our lives. 

A quick review: Peter, with the rest of the Apostles, was on a ship being "tossed with waves", as they were in the middle of a massive storm. Later that night, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. After an exclamation of fear of the apparent "spirit" they saw on the water, the Apostles heard Christ's voice comforting them. "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Is there a more comforting sentiment? Christ then bid Peter come unto him, walking on water. Peter does, literally walking on the water, waves crashing on either side [at least I would imagine so]. At some point in his journey to Jesus, Peter became more and more aware of the boisterous wind around him, and he grew afraid. Unfortunately, as the fear grew, Peter began to sink, pleading, "Lord, save me". Christ then reaches out his hand, saving Peter, and asks why Peter doubted. 

The similarities to our lives are uncanny. Look around. The storm is raging stronger now than ever and we seem to be "tossed with [the] waves" on a daily basis. General adversity, poverty, and the adversary all abound in our world. It's not hard to see the storm that, much like the Apostles, tosses our ship. One of my favorite quotes is "I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship". As Peter so aptly demonstrated, I believe we all already know how to sail our ship. Looking out beyond our own ships [our selves if you will], Christ is always right there telling us to be of good cheer and never to fear. He beckons us to trust Him and walk on that water. Trusting Christ, Peter was able to walk on the water as he focused on that final goal of joining Christ. It was only when he began to overwhelm himself with the turmoil that surrounded him that Peter began to fall.

Likewise, if we focus entirely on Christ and the goal to stand with Him at the last day, we can truly walk on water, so to speak. If our will is aligned with His, He will show us how. With Christ as our foundation and focus, there is no storm, wave, or level of wind that can keep us from standing upright on that "water" and moving toward Christ. All too often we allow ourselves to be distracted, to look around, and to fear what storm surrounds us. If we simply keep our focus fixated on Christ, not doubting, we will never sink. NEVER. I think it would be naive to believe that I will not ever falter in that focus, but it is a great strength to know that "His hand is stretched out still". Much like Peter's situation, Christ will never let us sink if we call out to him. 

That first step off of the boat is the ever-important leap of faith. I have recommitted myself to take that leap without hesitation. If Christ is beckoning me to do so, in whatever facet of my life, I will not hesitate to leap. It does not matter how fierce the current or possible future storm, or how violently my ship is being tossed. Dear friends and family help me see the potential of this life on a continual basis. By the example they set and the love they share, they show me how unbelievably beautiful our world is. "Despite its sham and drudgery, the world is still a beautiful place". When we simply take that step off the boat, the subsequent steps in Christ's direction, and maintain that eye single to his glory, not only can we calm our storms, but also calm the storms that surround us. What a beautiful opportunity and strength! =D

Look at the gem I found from freshman year! :) Majestic, isn't it??

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The Power of Prayer =D

"I Asked the Lord to Bless You"

I asked the Lord to bless you

As I prayed for you today,

To guide you and protect you

As you go along your way.

His love is always with you,

His promises are true,

And when we give Him all our cares,

You know He'll see us through. 

So when the road you're traveling on

Seems difficult at best,

Just remember, I'm here praying,

And God will do the rest.

LIVE.LOVE.LAUGH.