Jason's Creed

A couple weeks ago I accompanied a friend to her Worlds Religion class here at BYU. In the class, a small religion in India, Jainism, was the subject of conversation. During the class, the great vows of Jainism were discussed. Ascetics of Jainism undertake five major vows that serve as guidance in their life of service. As we discussed these vows, it prompted the thought within me: What are my vows? What are my code of ethics? Over the last while, I have been trying to gather my thoughts on the subject and develop my own code of ethics. I chose a handful of words, or adjectives, I would like to be known by and expounded from there. The following is what I came up with. It will be refined and further developed. It is not perfect, but it is me. Enjoy!

Go placidly amid the noise, for the noise is ever growing. Garner and develop attributes that are becoming of a son of God and an emissary of His message. Stay true to yourself, no matter the consequences or opposition.

The centrality of faith to succeeding in this life cannot be overstated. To have faith is to have confidence in someone or something. Faith in God. Faith in family. Faith in humanity. Faith is an action word, and as such, precedes miracles. Be a man of faith, unwilling to flinch in the face of the adversary. Instead, seek to continually increase your faith and the faith of those around you. Faith is a key to progress. Cherish and strengthen it.

Do everything in your power to uphold, support and strengthen your family. Everything. Family is the most important institution in the world. When stuff hits the fan, as it inevitably will, there will be times when family are all who will stand with you. Never do anything to jeopardize the strength of those relationships. While immediate family will forever take precedence, always remember we are all members of the same eternal family. Act accordingly.

Be humble. Always. You are a child of God and, therefore, are of a royal lineage. However, without God you are nothing. Maintain a disposition of humility through all circumstance. All good fortune is not a consummation of your efforts as much as it is a gift from God. Be humbly grateful for those blessings.

Compassion is the lifeblood of all that is good in the world. Without it, humanity does not stand a chance. Be compassionate in every interaction, relationship and facet of life. Do not feign offered compassion, perpetuate it. Compassion is a key to happiness. We are all equal in the sight of the Lord and deserve one another’s deepest compassion. Show everyone the pure love Christ would.

Strive for excellence in every aspect of your life. To lift others, you must first stand on higher ground. Never get caught meandering in the maze of mediocrity. Strive for perfection in everything you do, great or small. The world deserves your best effort.

Surround yourself with greatness in everything you do. Associate with those who demand your very best and instill in you a desire to continually improve. Surrounded by greatness, your potential is endless. Anything less than greatness is an aggravation to your capacity to progress.

Never be afraid to act, for action is how we express our priorities. Be quick to act, but careful. Never permit action to precede thought. Appropriate caution and situational understanding are your ally. Do not settle for inactivity as it is a vexation to progress, both temporal and eternal.

Be responsible. Be dependable. Winston Churchill once said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” Your preparedness for that moment depends, in large part, on the level of responsibility you carry and practice. Be responsible. Many depend on you.

Respect all you come into contact with, for at their core, all deserve your respect. Withhold judgment of others, everyone you meet is fighting their own battles. “In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow the eye can’t see” (‘Lord I Would Follow Thee’, Hymn 220). Offer nothing but respect. It will provide strength to those places the eye can’t see.

Be smart in all you do. Seek opportunities to develop intelligence, for it is intelligence that increases your ability to lift others. Always seek to understand before being understood. Be smart in your interactions and endorsements. Be smart enough to know when you’re wrong. Be smart and wise. The world could use more wisdom.

Get lost serving others for that is where you will be found. Remember, the happiest are not those who get the most, but rather those who give the most. The more you give of yourself, the more there will be to give. The greatest measures of happiness are found in service because “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).

Be honest in all your dealings, both big and small. Remember the truth will always prevail. Hold your truth dear but speak it clearly when necessary. Never settle for anything less than sheer, unadulterated honesty. In the like, do not offer anything less than pure honesty. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Your word is one of the most valuable assets you have. DO not depreciate its value with anything short of honesty.

Be patient and trust God. No matter where you are on the journey of life, know this: all is unfolding as it is intended to. Be patient and work hard. God will take care of the rest. He’ll get you there.

Lastly, be a fighter. The chorus of one of my favorite songs says, “Give me scars, give me pain, then they’ll say to me, ‘This one’s a fighter’” (Gym Class Heroes, Fighter). Fight for truth. Fight for love. Fight for family. Fight for God. Fight for freedom. Fight for friends and fight for all of those who can’t fight for themselves. There are people and things in this world worth fighting for. Never give up the fight!

I know I have been placed on this earth, and am being prepared, for great things. I know that my God is aware of me and everything I do. I know that my Savior lives and does so for me on a very personal level. I know that I have to capabilities to become someone far greater than I could possibly imagine. All that will be through Him. This process, of determining my creed, or code of ethics, was wonderful and eye-opening. It would behoove everyone to do the same. Steal mine if you have to, but the whole idea comes highly recommended.

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How Bad Do You Want It??

I don't know anyone who, in one way or another, doesn't want success. However, there are also very few people I know who want it enough to go get it. You may not be a huge basketball fan, or sports in general for that matter, but the guys on this video are ones who truly wanted it and made it happen. There is an illusion that many fall victim to that success will come. Rarely, if ever, will it "come". Instead, we have to go get it. I like to think of myself as someone who is willing to go get it. I have BIG plans and want to do BIG things, but none of those will happen unless I go get it. Unless I REALLY want it. :)

This isn't exclusive to sports. I only use this video because (a.) I love it and (b.) I think sports are easy metaphors to understand. ;) It applies to all levels of success and all hopes and dreams.

How much do you REALLY want it?

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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.

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Merry Christmas To ALL!! :)

Those familiar with me are unavoidably aware of my near obsession with this time of the year! :) I look forward to it all year long. I try to emulate its spirit throughout the year as well. I may even be prone to POSSIBLY celebrating it a little early as well. Haha

I love the extroverted nature of the season. People seem so willing to look outward to help others maintain the level of joy that accompanies the holidays. I know I am not entirely alone in finding more joy giving presents than I do receiving them. [That is not to say that I do not enjoy receiving them too! ;)]

I believe the reason most are so eager to serve, whether or not they are conscious of it, is the centrality of Christ's birth and subsequent life during the holiday season. My testimony of the Savior swells during this time of the year, as it comes to a close. I am provided with many opportunities to reflect on the role He plays in my daily life. I have the opportunity to understand, however slightly, the role He plays in my exaltation. I love my Savior. He is my Redeemer. He is my exemplar. He is my best friend. And I absolutely love the opportunity to express my gratitude through service. It is an opportunity that should not be unique to this time of the year.

I love the centrality of family at the holidays as well. In the Survivor Finale, Coach said something to the tune of "If we don't have family, we don't have anything". Family plays a central role in everyone's life, whether good or bad, immediate or adopted. The time devoted to and available for family offers me unfathomable strength and joy.

I love the opportunity the season provides for reflection (see below). Whether prompted by the close of the year, or the humility of the holiday season, moments of self-reflection are common occurance at this time of year. Have I been honest in my dealings? Have I treated everyone fairly? Am I proud of how I have treated those in my life? Have I approached every moment and obstacle with my absolute and utmost best? Those moments are vital to growth! :)

I love the carols. I love the cookies. I love the excitement of Santa and Rudolf on Christmas Eve. I love the sociality. I love Christmas Eve dinner and waking up in the wee hours of Christmas morning. I love the tree and the lights. I love the smiles. I love the love. I love every aspect of Christmas time. It is only fitting that a holiday entirely devoted to a celebration of the Savior's birth can be cherished so much.

There are so many aspects of Christmas time that I absolutely love; far too many to write with hopes of retaining any ounce of your attention. So "I love it all" will have to suffice! I love Christmas and especially loves all of those [family and friends] who are a part of the season and a part of me. I am so unbelievably blessed. Thank you :)

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

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