What's new

Hey I'm back. So many new amazing things have been happening in my life... so I thought I would just share a few of them with you.

On August 18th 2010, I returned from serving a 2 year LDS mission in the best place on earth, Colombia Barranquilla! It was and has been the best experience of my life and has shaped who I am for ever. Its funny how the Lord always seems to put the people you need right in your path. He is always a "step ahead" like he says going before us preparing the way.

3 months after returning home I was able to meet the most amazing young woman ever, a gorgeous girl from El Paso, Texas named Vanessa Escobar. And now 4 months later my gorgeous fiance and I are preparing to be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity.

My family is doing amazing... although we get a few bumps and scrapes the Lord has always been at our side... I always find myself thinking and pondering on how lucky and blessed I am to have experienced and received so many blessings in just 23 short years.

Mission Call!!!!

I GOT MY MISSION CALL TODAY AND I AM SUPPER SUPPER PSYCHED!!! I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW I FEEL!!!! SO I WILL JUST TELL YOU WHERE!!!

COLIMBIA, BARRANQUILLA MISSION!!!

Shake It Off

My good friend, Dr Jenkins, shared a great story this week that I think we all can find relevant.

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

The farmer invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to toss the dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well.

He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and then take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the “well” is to shake it off and take a “step up.” Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest of “wells” just by not stopping, never giving up! I also love what Jeffrey R. Holland said about the various troubles we face in life. He said, “no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.”

Shake it off and take a step up.

god bless

sam

Giants, Why they are there...

An old friend Emailed me this this morning .... a very good lession I had forgot tell now Thank you Dr. Paul Jenkins Phd

Occasionally along the path to our dream we encounter giants that stand in our way and threaten us. In a menacing way, they insist that we turn back, trying to discourage and intimidate. These giants may be immovable objects, opposing individuals, sluggish systems, or crushing burdens. In a scene from Harry Potter, the kids encounter a huge three-headed dog-like beast named “Fluffy”. After fleeing from the beast, Hermione chides the boys a bit for not noticing that the beast was actually guarding something – a trap door. Ask yourself what your particular giant is guarding. Only by moving beyond and through the giants can we attain the dream. Sometimes the brick walls are there only to test how badly we want something. Make sure you have something bigger than your giant on your side – namely your God, your resolve, and your dreams.

2nd Joes Valley trip In May!

My brother Bruce and I just got back from our 2nd Joes Valley climb trip this month! And it was amazing!!!! We both sent (climbed) some of the hardest grades we have ever done, and enjoyed an amazing weekend in god's breath taking out doors! I will put up some pics soon!!!
god bless

sam

Broke My Own Barrier V10

This weekend My big brother Bruce Friends MIssy and SAm Headed down to good old Joes Valley Utah for a climb trip! It was amazing, the temperatures where perfect! And the Boulders, the boulders where to die for!!! we All enjoyed It, but Bruce and I reached new heights! we both broke into way professional Grades! We both completed multiple V5's and V6's, But Also broke on to the scene with a very stout V7 in the Area 51 boulders. I also completed My personal best climb ever, "Finger Hut V10." If you are not familiar with rock climbing Grades, Braking into double digits for Bouldering is a very big deal! ... I just thought i would share My amazing weekend with all of you! and will put up pics shortly.
god bless
have an amazing day!

~He works in mysterious ways~

Today, Again I was amazed how our Father in heaven uses people around us as tools to further his plan "To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Today I had an experience, just a simple conversation with a friend at work. Earlier this year I had learned that she was not LDS, or of any faith for that matter. Throughout the year I have had a few conversations of my faith in god, and my religion, and my choice to serve a mission. But never really asked her about what she believes in or what drives her. Earlier this year I made it my goal to give her a Book Of Mormon, and talk to her a little more about my beliefs, and My religion.
Over the last few months I have had the chance to read this amazing book " The Book Of Mormon" and learn for my self the truthfulness of the gospel, and the simplistic beauty of our fathers plan. As I Talked with her today, she relaid and experience she had this last week at a womens retreat in Zions National Park. Her whole life (40years) she had not believed there was a god. She didn't believe in a "divine being" either, but she did believe that Christ was a wise man that did once life, but was not the son of god.
At this retreat, the purpouse was to cleanse. A chance to get away for everything, and get to be one with yourself. At the end of her retreat last week, the women leading it ( unknown to her a Relief Society Pres.) brought them through a meditation session. Near the end of this session, the women talked about The Father, his son Jesus Christ, And the Holy Spirit. Before this moment in her life, she had never believed in god. But when the women talked about The Holy Father, his son, and the spirit, she had an overwhelming feeling come over her. This feeling she talked about was so real, she could feel it start in her chest, and go through out her whole body. She said that it was so tangible that she could almost touch it. And at that moment she Know that there was actually a God in heaven. That our father lives! And that he loves her! As she told me this story, she said how every time she talks about this amazing feeling she gets goosebumps! She said that she has never felt so alive in her!
Talking with my friend, hearing her try and explain what she felt (the spirit) was another testament to me that our father dose live and loves everyone of us! I am hope and praying for my friend, that she keeps on her journey of finding truth in her life. Again I am so great full for the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ! The Plan Of Salvation is so so sweet! I know in my heart that my father lives! He loves everyone of us! He is cheering us all on!! I am so thank full for the spirit and the priesthood in my life! And for the knowledge and blessings of eternal families.

Mission!

For the longest time I never would have imaged that I would be going on a mission. But it is funny how the lord will bring things or situations into your life, that will humble you and help you see that your not the only one on this planet! About a year ago, I had a string of events that where brought into my life. I'm not going to go into detail on the events, but needless to say it was probably 2nd to the most humbling situation of my life to date. Now that I look back, I know it was the lords hand helping me turn to him. Before this situation, I had given up on the whole mission thing. Through High school I kinda lost my way, and strayed far the path god had laid out for me. Its not far off to say spiritually, I was not heading anywhere fast!
Although the events where not pleasant, It was exactly, and probably the only thing that could have really got my attention. Thinking back, I thank my father in heaven for those events! Without them I probably would be back where I was a year ago. With the help of the lord and my situation, I came to understand, and use the atonement in my life.
Through the repentance process, it helped me build my relationship with my savior and redeemer. Through the repentance it helped me know of the beauty of Christs sacrifice for all of us. And ultimately gave me my first taste of wanting to share the beauty of it with others.
Now for the last year I have been trying to live my life in accordance with god. I cant say that I have been perfect, or even close to perfect but I have been trying. And I think as long as we are trying and quick to repent god is happy with that.
A year ago, I made it my goal that I would sever the lord on a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Later Day Saints. And help bring people unto the knowledge of our brother and savior. To help teach them of the sweetness of the gospel through the holy ghost, and the amazing blessing of repentance. And to have a helping hand in bringing souls back to live with our father in heaven.
I can honestly say this year has not been an easy one, but I can also say that I have never been blessed like this last year either! Yesterday April 6th, I started my papers to serve a mission. Its funny to think back to high school, I would have never guessed in a million years I would be where I am today! And now that I'm here, all I can think about is getting out and serving ASAP! Thats what my world revolves around!
The Gospel Of Jesus Christ, has been the only true source of happiness in my life. Looking back throughout my life, all the blessing and good things that have happened are because my parents have had, and lived the commandments of god. My family has been so blessed, and I know it is because my parents have tried there best to live in accordance with god. I am so great full for the opportunity that I will have to serve the lord as a missionary. I cant wait to share the gospel. I know that our savior died for us, and that he lives today. Our father in heaven loves us and wants us to return. Thanks so much to all those that have helped me and lead me by example, you don't know how much of an effect you have had on my life. Thank you could never mean enough.
I hope you all are doing well!

god bless

Sam

He Came Home!

My dad Came home today!
Just thought I would let everyone know how excited I am!!!

God Bless!

Our Views On Life...

Hello Readers!

Have you ever wondered how some people have the happiest lives!?
This morning I was reminded of a good lesion I learned from my good friend Paul H. Jenkins, Ph.D.
Through out our lives, we are given situations, and choices. It might be, choosing between going to the gym, who we are going to call, or all the way up to the hard choices in life. The Great Thing Is We Get To Make Choices! Sometimes we don't notice, but our attitude and our outlook on life is a choice. All though some of us have hard things to deal with, we still get to choose how we look at the situation. One thing I have learned is, that with every situation there is a POSITIVE, and also a NEGATIVE side. It dose not matter on the situation, it is a a fact of life. Its like a packaged deal!

Just like this package has two choices, we also have two choices. Our Choices are to be a VICTIM, or an AGENT. Victims are people who only look at the negative side of there package that is presented to them. Victims also put blame on others for there misfortunes. "Because ( fill in the blank) I have to deal with this!", or "If it where not for (blank) I would not feel this way." "(You) make me mad." On the other hand an Agent is always actively looking for the positive side of each situation, and not putting blame on others for there feelings, or there current situation's.

The Fact of the matter is, we are always in total control of our; feelings, emotions, actions, and ultimately our Lives! What a beautiful thing this is! Although it dose take more time, and energy to actively be looking for the good, and not blaming others. But also along with it, it frees us!

I like to picture it like this. We all have our filters, or lenses we see life through. Someones might be curved, another's might be more rounded. But depending on witch lens, we chose to see life through will determined our happiness.

I am sure that throughout our lives, we have all come into contact with, or even have friends or family that are either both Victims, and Agents. I hope this Blog has helped give you a paradigm shift, and started you out on a new life! A life of happiness in witch you choose to be an Agent , and ACT on like, not let life ACT on you.

So I hope when you get a situation, or a tough package in your life, you pause and actively thing, "Am I going to choose to be a Victim, or an Agent?" And take control of your life!

Thanks again to my good friend Paul H. Jenkins, Ph.D.


God Bless! and go be an Agent!!!



sam

MY DADS CONDITION

ON THURSDAY LAST WEEK... MY DAD WENT INTO THE HOSPITAL WITH HEAD PAIN AND PRESSURE... BY FRIDAY MORNING HE WAS HAVING EMERGENCY SURGERY... WE FOUND OUT THAT MY DAD HAD GLIOBLASTOMA (THE MOST AGGRESSIVE BRAIN CANCER THERE IS)

HIS SURGERY WENT WELL... THEY REMOVED 80% OF IT ... AND THE DOCTOR IS HOPEFUL THAT WITH RADIATION AND CHEMO THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF THE REST...

MY WHOLE LIFE, MY DAD HAS BEEN THE MOST AMAZING EXAMPLE OF CHRIST LIKE ATTRIBUTES.... HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR MY FAMILY, WORKING HIS HARDEST TO PROVIDE A GOOD LIFE!... HE HAS TAUGHT ME ABOUT THE GOSPEL... AND LOVE...
HIM AND MY MOM ARE MY INSPIRATION FOR LIVING!

AFTER ALL THIS MY DAD IS STILL THE MOST OPTIMISTIC, SPIRITUAL PERSON I KNOW! HE IS A FIGHTER! AND MY HERO! ... LOOKING AT HIM GIVES ME HOPE!
ME AND MY FATHER ARE SO MUCH ALIKE, AND SEEING HIM IN THIS TIME OF TRIAL HE IS STILL FAITHFUL !

IN THE SCRIPTURES IT SAYS; IF WE ARE FAITHFUL AND TRUST IN CHRIST, AND TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND ENDURE TO THE END ... THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS OURS!
THIS IS MY DAD!

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE GOSPEL IN MY LIFE! I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT IT! THE PLAN OF SALVATION IS SO SWEET!... I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE TEMPLE COVENANTS MY PARENTS MADE! I KNOW THAT MY FAMILY NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS CAN BE TOGETHER FOR EVER! THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH!
I KNOW THAT JESUS CHIRST IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD! AND WITH FAITH IN HIM ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE! I KNOW THAT THE LORD OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN LOVES EVERYONE OF US! AND GIVES US OUR TRAILS SO WE WILL LOOK TO HI M FOR STRENGTH... THE LORDS HAND IS IN EVERYTHING!

I PRAY THAT EACH OF US CAN ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE SINGLE TO GOD, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM.... HE LOVES US MORE THEN WE COULD EVER COMPREHEND... I PRAY THAT IN OUR LIVES WE CAN ALWAYS REFLECT GODS GLORY TO ALL OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS! CHRIST LIVES! HE LOVES US! I KNOW IN MY HEART THESE THINGS ARE TRUE!
I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!
THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!
MY FAMILY IS SO GREAT FULL FOR THE PRAYERS! WE REALLY FEEL THEM
MY DAD IS ALSO VERY GREAT FULL!

WE LOVE YOU

GOD BLESS

SAM

Life can Change Fast!!

Its kinda Crazy how fast life can change... we live life by a list of things that are important to us... It might be our friends, our family, our jobs, or even our hobbies that drive us.... But it is so Crazy how FAst EVery Thing Can CHange! ....Then you come to understand once again.. that the only things that really matter are Relationships .. And the ones that really matter our
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH:
-GOD
-FAMILY
-OUR SELF
-AND THOSE AROUND US

The lord has weird ways of humbling his children to turn them to him.. But He dose love us.. And he gives us our trials so that we may turn to him in our time of need and exercise faith.. With faith in Christ we can do anything... Through Faith miracles happen!
I pray that we Can all look to our lord with Faith... And show him we love him by the way we live...
I want to say thank you to all those around me who have had and influence on me in my life! And i want to say sorry to all those who i have hurt along the way...
I know that I have Been probably the most far from being perfect then anyone i know... But im trying...

So please remember what really truly is important in life. The next time you see your parents tell them you love them.. tell your brothers and sisters, and friends how glad you are that they are a part of your life... for get your grudges with each other..
This life is to short to be distracted by the things that dont really matter...
I love everyone of you and you are all in my prayers

god bless