tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53612830224739544172024-02-07T00:37:40.086-08:00Benjamin David NelsonWelcome To My WorldBDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.comBlogger376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-64783921200305247942022-08-07T18:35:00.008-07:002022-08-07T18:39:53.175-07:00Week of August 1, 2022: "Dost thou still retain thine integrity?" <h1 style="text-align: left;">Introduction</h1>As life gets busier and the world gets crazier, it's important for me to take the time to study and ponder the Gospel. The older I get, the more I realize how important those "seminary/primary/Sunday school" answers really are. Scripture study, prayer, attending church, attending the temple...The same answers we have all heard over and over again. <div><br /></div><div>For me, it's simple as those answers. When I am living the Gospel by doing those things, I am happy and at peace. When I am not doing those things, I am anxious, self-doubting, and insecure. And while these are things that are important for me personally, I know they are equally important for my family. Ariel and I obviously haven't been perfect, but our relationship is what it is today because we have striven to attend church together weekly and study the scriptures and pray together daily.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we do these things, we really can have His Spirit to be with us. While that is important for a variety of reasons, one huge reason this is important to me in today's world is this nugget from the Church Handbook: </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57WS3GiRiJ0tQtvhJRj66XAq10iwqU8L_v5HXXC8ALLhvj2czqADO_iev6FM1XtYMCQn2VpyKlcXJ9Fkf7OWS3ca4SpkslZx3oBsqYSNJizfdTx35uvpEliMIQ7KLRDqtPBWV_W8usO1WVOsRweFNLVVNBHVO15PbIK8vNPuf-WFa8_YRsBqQLiWyPw/s1153/2022-08-07%2008.27.16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57WS3GiRiJ0tQtvhJRj66XAq10iwqU8L_v5HXXC8ALLhvj2czqADO_iev6FM1XtYMCQn2VpyKlcXJ9Fkf7OWS3ca4SpkslZx3oBsqYSNJizfdTx35uvpEliMIQ7KLRDqtPBWV_W8usO1WVOsRweFNLVVNBHVO15PbIK8vNPuf-WFa8_YRsBqQLiWyPw/w288-h400/2022-08-07%2008.27.16.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other words, in a world where there is so much information thrown at us, it is important that we have the Spirit's guidance. Another reason why it's important to live the Gospel by doing those seminary answers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I digress. The reason I am writing this post is that from here on out I'd like to share some of the things I've learned during the week from my Gospel study, attending Church, attending the temple, etc. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts for this last week. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">What I Learned This Week</h1><h3 style="text-align: left;">Scripture Study (Job)</h3><div>This week I learned a lot about Job. I learned that his story is very unique because it's not entirely clear why it's included in the Bible when Job was not an Israelite. I learned that the book of Job is basically all poetry which may be why it was so hard for me to understand...Like most of the Old Testament. đ</div><div><br /></div><div>I learned that we all may experience Job-like sufferings in this life. When we do, it's our trust in God and our faith in Christ that carries us through these trials. For me personally, I am happier and more at peach when I am living the Gospel. I'm not perfect, and struggles will always come...But if I am faithful through my trials like Job, I will be better for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."-D&C 122:9</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-DwVsbuj-wxLpf4g6ORapO6e_-XgV2yVfPAu_MS5EnX-gYxcRs5uQv7gy4zg1BwoylV6ntnEeiuaWudCQe7UF8Xf9UK0zOr3yeqkhUhRBv7Og0T1_cw31qVoOiftqjo1euLqj-9Z2fjjPkbZ0BuU9MOoa1oJodm-TjrnDGLA7bjYUmTGQKJwoXfCF3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-DwVsbuj-wxLpf4g6ORapO6e_-XgV2yVfPAu_MS5EnX-gYxcRs5uQv7gy4zg1BwoylV6ntnEeiuaWudCQe7UF8Xf9UK0zOr3yeqkhUhRBv7Og0T1_cw31qVoOiftqjo1euLqj-9Z2fjjPkbZ0BuU9MOoa1oJodm-TjrnDGLA7bjYUmTGQKJwoXfCF3g" width="320" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Conference Talk ("Fear Not: Believe Only!"-Elder Holland, April 2022)</h3>This week I listened to Elder Holland's talk "Fear Not: Believe Only!" while I was at work. The following quote is what jumped out to me the most:<div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkYhEiHVM3CE1QvaRD5v01tla73Yf0QGL42IykOM2J2lYYiMDfUNOZYkMjMeK0MBYqW2YBpFXiHbpwYN5QiUB4hwCZkgLSVndFR83tgfOZg42k3lmOn5KDdDdjLNR1C3sCaP2DkV-vo8-BNKkMt1-kW49ZlugDXoLvi7cOAOdNojMH_LlPftPohdj4g/s828/2022-08-07%2018.55.41.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="828" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkYhEiHVM3CE1QvaRD5v01tla73Yf0QGL42IykOM2J2lYYiMDfUNOZYkMjMeK0MBYqW2YBpFXiHbpwYN5QiUB4hwCZkgLSVndFR83tgfOZg42k3lmOn5KDdDdjLNR1C3sCaP2DkV-vo8-BNKkMt1-kW49ZlugDXoLvi7cOAOdNojMH_LlPftPohdj4g/w400-h341/2022-08-07%2018.55.41.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>To me, Elder Holland is reminding us that remaining active in the Church is NOT easy. As members of the Church, we will all face our own doubts and challenges. Enduring to the end sounds so simple when we are baptized, but I don't think that's the case in reality. It is not easy to endure to the end...It is tough. But I think that's okay because it should be tough as that is what will help us grow the most. By striving to live the Gospel, God truly will "grant us the power to finish the course." </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lesson At Church</h3><div>A small lesson I learned at Church today is that small acts of kindness can go a long way. I took Emmaline out to the foyer to help her finish her bottle. When we sat down and I removed the cap to the bottle, the cap went flying to the middle of the foyer. I was a little embarrassed because the other ward was in the middle of their sacrament meeting. I had just got Emmaline all comfortable and the last thing I wanted to do was get up to go retrieve the cap...But a nice lady from the other side of the foyer stopped what she was doing with her own kids to jump out of her seat and grab the cap for me. Even though it was the simplest act of kindness, it was a great reminder to me that we should always be ready to help others when the opportunity arises. We never know when these small acts will make someone's day!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope everyone has a great week. God is in charge!</div><div><br /></div><div>-Ben</div><div>D&C 122:7-9</div></div>BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-30179519489346415462022-07-17T09:02:00.002-07:002022-07-17T09:16:31.275-07:00Why I Choose To Stay!<h1 style="text-align: left;">Introduction</h1>If you are reading this, chances are that we know each other, and you are well aware that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My parents raised me in the Church, and I was baptized when I was eight-years-old. Many of my friends and family have the same similar experience; however, as we all grow up our experiences and feelings can change. Many leave the Church, many stay in the Church. Having many friends and family who have now explained why they've left the Church, I decided I wanted to write a blog post explaining my side and why I've chosen to stay in the Church.<div><br /></div><div><u>My first disclaimer is this: I respect and love every single one of my friends and family who have left. While I think it would be great for everyone to think and feel exactly the same things as me, I also understand that that isn't life. People take different paths in life. That's okay. My only hope is that this acceptance will be reciprocated, and those who have left will still respect and love me even if we have taken different paths. </u></div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Backstory</h1><div>If you know me well, you know that my seventh-grade year of schooling was an extremely dark year for me. I had what my dermatologist called the worst case of nodular acne she had ever seen. (You can read about that experience <a href="https://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2008/09/flashback-to-03.html">HERE</a>.) I was bullied and harassed by any kid who made eye contact with me. It was a miserable time that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy...Luckily, I had great parents and siblings who were a huge support to me at that time. However, my biggest support was the Church! The kids at church never bullied or teased me about my face. They were great friends that I looked forward to seeing every Sunday. Most importantly, this was the time in my life when I started to draw closer to God because I felt like I just could not do it without Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of years later, my parents were divorced. As I am sure is the case for any teenager, this was the hardest thing in the world for me to deal with. But it was a crossroad in my life...I could either be angry with God and leave the Church (I had an amazing dad who never *forced* me to go), or I could draw closer to God. Once again, I chose to draw closer to God. While I wasn't nearly as close to the group of kids in Henderson as I was to the kids in Mississippi, it was still a highlight of my week to go to church and learn from my youth leaders. If it was not for them, I would not be the person I am today. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I wish I never had the nodular acne and I wish my parents could have stayed together, I have no choice but to be grateful for these two challenges in my life because they taught me that I am happiest when I choose to draw closer to God. Time and time again, I have found myself at similar cross roads in my life...Do I stay or leave? Every time I choose to stay, I am at peace and am at my happiest. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>(My second disclaimer: I know many who have had the exact opposite experience as me. Those who have gone to church hoping to be accepted and loved only to be bullied/teased/judged by others. My heart aches for those who have had this negative experience because I know if that had happened to me when I was dealing with my nodular acne, it would have been too much for me to bear.)</u></div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Testimony</h1><div>My backstory hinted at why I stay: I stay because it helps me be at peace and makes me most happy. However, I would also like to take the chance to explain some of my beliefs: </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>God is in charge! He loves us and knows what is best for us. Life often doesn't go like how we expect it to go, but by drawing closer to God and His will for us, we can be happy.</li><li>Christ is our Savior! I have been especially grateful for this the last few years as there have been so many changes and so much confusion in the world. The one constant for me is my Savior. He is always there! If we reach out to Him, we can feel peace. Because of His atonement, we don't have to be perfect. We just need to do our best to follow Him.</li><li>The Holy Ghost testifies of truth! I know that the first two bullet points are true for me personally because I have felt it in my heart. I am at peace when learning about my Heavenly Father and Savior. It is through the Holy Ghost that I also know of the truthfulness of the teaching in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I am at peace when I read the scriptures (even if I don't understand most of what I'm reading); I personally believe this is the Spirit testifying to me that the Gospel bring joy.</li></ul><h1 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h1></div><div>Like everyone, I have felt doubts. In my adult years, I have felt judged by others. A lot of the doctrine and history of the Church does not make sense to me. However, <b>the reason I choose to stay is because the Gospel brings me peace. </b>I don't mean to sound redundant, but I am an extremely simple guy and so my reasoning is that simple. This peace is especially important to me living in this crazy upside down world we are all living in. </div><div><br /></div><div>Again, we all take different paths in life; if you've taken a different path that brings you peace, all I can do is respect that! If you've left the Church, just know that I still respect you and love you. But please respect my decision to always stay...I hope that is not too much to ask. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>-BDN AKA Ben</div><div>2 Nephi 25: 26-27</div>BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-14323064905483400132018-06-15T01:33:00.000-07:002018-06-15T02:02:14.728-07:00Ben & Airy's Episode 1: Celtic Nights & The Duck<h2>
Introduction</h2>
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Ariel and I first met on January 4th (or 5th?) of 2014. I tried impressing her by showing off a huge hole in my sock. A couple of weeks passed, however, and we talked a little more. These talks led to the following events. Now, whether my account is more accurate than Ariel's account...Well, we will leave that up to the readers to decide. Enjoy! :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ih7ztcn213irfr7/Ariel%27s%20Account%20%28Celtic%20Nights%29.pdf?dl=0">Ariel's Account</a></h2>
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While I was working at flower shop I sort of won a free ticket to the Celtic Night show that evening and I was pretty excited about it because there were videos in the MC showing cool dances and bagpipes and stuff. While I was still pretty excited about it, Ben showed up and I showed him my free ticket and he volunteered to go with me if I was going alone. I was kind of glad because I wouldnât have gone if I had to go alone.</div>
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When we got there we were told we were only allowed to sit in the bleachers. But then of course I saw that there were tons of closer spots! Whatever. We got a nice spot at the top with a good view and there were relatively few people around us.</div>
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We had gotten there pretty early so we had plenty of time to just sit and talk for a while. He spotted his friends way across the gymnasium and tried really hard to get me to see them. He told me a lot about his brothers which I really wasnât paying much attention to. He didnât know this about me but I just really struggle remembering names without faces. But he continued to regale me with stories about his siblings, his past semesters, and his sock. I told him that I had duck I was planning to cook up.</div>
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I didnât notice at first but he was gradually sitting just a little closer to me. I thought for a while that it was just natural shifting of the body during animated conversation but it didnât seem to change even when the program started and we werenât really talking anymore. It was a pretty long first half of the performance made almost agonizing because of Ben sitting way too close. I kept thinking, âDoes he not see that weâve moved along this bench at least five feet??â and I couldnât think of a non-awkward way to tell him that I really didnât want to cuddle him.</div>
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After about the fifth fake out ending we decided to just leave the concert because âit was just way too longâ but I was really thinking that I needed some space. So we were walking back to our apartments and I thought things were pretty comfortable again, itâs not like he was walking too close or anything. Then as I get to my complex he says casually, âYeah, just let me know when that duck is ready.â I think, âGreat, what if I wanted to eat my duck? I barely even know you and youâre just gonna come eat my food?â</div>
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Next day, Iâm cooking my duck. By the way, it takes a long time to cook frozen duck and make it soft-ish to eat. But when it was finally done I thought, âI donât really like this. Who can I feed it to?â So I gave some to each of my roommates but there was so much that there was still left over. And in the back of my mind I hear Benâs voice say, âYeah, just let me know when that duck is ready.â So I pull out my phone and send him a text and he was there two minutes later. He kept saying it was good and I just kept thinking how weird he was cuz it just wasnât that yummy. But I was grateful that he got rid of it for me.</div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/nkgp7kdnp2j68zy/Ben%27s%20Account%20%28Celtic%20Nights%29.pdf?dl=0">Ben's Account</a></h2>
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On January 16, 2014, I stopped by Arielâs apartment to grab some cookies from her room mate Elisabeth. Elisabeth was in class, but Ariel was home! Even though Ariel was my FHE sister, it was the beginning of the semester, and I did not know her all that well. For that reason, I was naturally surprised when she invited me to go buy a flower from her on the BYU-Idaho campus the next day. I thought, âOkay, okay. A super cute girl just invited me to go buy a flower from her? Heck yeah. You better believe I will be there tomorrow at 1 PM.â</div>
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Sure enough, I was there at the Manwaring Center on campus at 1 PM buying a flower from Ariel. Long story short, that same night, Ariel and I were attending an Irish Celtic Nights music show thingy (something like that). It was pretty obvious she did not want to be there with me. She was originally planning on going home for the long three day weekend (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), or--if going home fell through--she was planning on going to Utah. She made it super clear that being with me at this show was her third and last option for the weekend. Even still, I was happy to be with her, and I knew from the very start that we were going to be best friends.</div>
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The show was alright. It was a little too long for my liking, honestly. And it was too loud in there for me! And so, naturally, I was trying to scoot nice and close to Ariel so that I could hear her without any problem and talk to her before the show, during the show, and after the show. In the middle of all our conversations, she mentioned that her teacher had given her some duck and that she was going to cook it in a crock pot. I told her that sounded delicious and that she should definitely let me know if there were any leftovers. I walked her home--but not to her door--and I could tell immediately that Ariel thought I was a little strange, which I was honestly kind of okay with because I really just wanted to be her friend.</div>
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The next day, I was goofing off at my apartment when I got a text message on my phone from Ariel mentioning that she had some duck that I could try. I had honestly forgotten that I had told her to let me know if she had any leftovers, and so I threw on some shoes and hurried on over to her apartment.</div>
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The duck was so delicious.</div>
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BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-67747153602846776552018-05-22T02:43:00.000-07:002018-06-02T21:21:23.452-07:00"What About The Magic!?"<h2>
Confession & Suggestion</h2>
I have a blog. If you are reading this and have known me for 7+ years, chances are you are aware of this. If you haven't known me for quite that long and are reading this, chances are this is the first blog post you've ever read of mine. My suggestion to those who haven't seen my blog: Take a look at some of my old posts for some deep, inspirational stuff. (That's a joke. Especially if you go back to 2008. Yikes. Dark times.)<br />
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Anyways, this is my first blog post since over <i>four </i>years ago!! Geez. Tonight, I was having a great time at work when it dawned on me, "Hey, I should write a blog post!" So here I am at 2:25 AM writing a blog post. Not entirely sure what's gonna happen with this, but prepare yourselves and read at your own risk!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5C02oub7HWcWLZXT94Jn-c_AJDBmpZdp35RJRcQxE-xhLFw9n549AsMZqi2t6rTYtcdX828qA9oH5NoQ2qWSC0fk-qqAsj07mL2fn5BYpEqljoEn-RpkxlwbgP9_XWFjNRX3mCirzASn/s1600/2014-06-14+17.12.31-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5C02oub7HWcWLZXT94Jn-c_AJDBmpZdp35RJRcQxE-xhLFw9n549AsMZqi2t6rTYtcdX828qA9oH5NoQ2qWSC0fk-qqAsj07mL2fn5BYpEqljoEn-RpkxlwbgP9_XWFjNRX3mCirzASn/s320/2014-06-14+17.12.31-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Is it okay if I call you mine from here on out? <br />
As if I could ever stop when your laugh is<br />
like a light that fills me up because you are<br />
my love."-a pretty song</td></tr>
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Happy, Happy, Happy</h2>
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These last four years (since I last wrote) have been the greatest of my life. As I said earlier...2008 was dark times. Well, not only was 2008 dark times, but so was basically every year of my life until 2014 when I met my one and only--my best friend and wife Ariel. Funnily enough, the last time I blogged was literally days after she and I went on our first date. (In fact, that same blog post vaguely mentions Ariel and can be read <a href="http://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2014/02/still.html">here.</a> It's actually not a bad post and has a good message. Nice!)</div>
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Of course, I am exaggerating when I say that <i>every </i>year was dark times. But to be more exact, I lived what I felt was a very dark life after my parents' divorce. It is what it is, and I don't blame anyone or anything for it, BUT...Obviously, I was negatively impacted by it like any and every kid is. For years, I was lost. While people were able to call this place or that place home, I felt like I had lost that. While I did have plenty of moments of joy and happiness, I wasn't <i>really </i>happy. </div>
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That being said, everything changed when Ariel came into my life, and we were married. The last four years have done nothing but given me more hope and happiness than I ever knew was imaginable. While my parents' divorce is something that I will never 100% get over, beginning my own family with Ariel has been very helpful in the process of healing from that trial I've been asked to face. </div>
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Another thing that has been helpful for me and that has blessed our marriage immensely was the inspirational decision to study Marriage & Family studies at BYU-Idaho. For all of our married days, the classes I took will be a blessing to us and our marriage, and I am grateful for that.</div>
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Back to The Future</h2>
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Now that Ariel and I are both graduated, I have had many people ask about our next plan of action or all that what not. Initially, I wasn't sure. But my patriarchal blessing talks about being guided by the Spirit in leading and presiding over my family. And so the last few months have consisted of me being the most prayerful I have ever been. More prayerful than I was when I was thinking of serving a mission. More prayerful that I was <i>on </i>my mission. And--yes, even more prayerful than I was when I sought confirmation to marry Ariel. </div>
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Another confession (and a fun fact about me) before I say anything else: I <i>love </i>cleaning. I have for a very long time. I used to clean and rearrange my room for kicks and giggles as a kid. My sister Cynthia and I would clean the bathroom and other parts of our house without being asked...because we enjoyed cleaning. My absolute favorite part of the MTC as a missionary? It was cleaning 64 toilets every Wednesday with my good friend Elder Boyd. There's a reason I've been cleaning for work for the last five years: I love it, and it makes me happy. (Disclaimer: I am terrible at cleaning at home, and, Ariel, if you are reading this, I am going to try and be better about that. ROFL!)</div>
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I am especially happy to be the new custodial supervisor at Seasons Medical. This is no easy task, but it was a challenge that I hoped for and am up for. The last few weeks have been amazing as I have come up with a more effective system to ensure the building gets cleaned the way the administration is expecting it to be. I look forward to becoming a better leader through this experience. </div>
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With all that being said, I understand that custodial work--while I love it--is not sustainable for me or my family. I'm only 27 years-old after all, and at this rate my body might be broken by the time I make it to 40. ROFL. </div>
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I guess this is what I am trying to say...To answer everyone's questions: After a lot of prayer and pondering, I have decided to continue my education while working as a custodian. Despite studying Marriage & Family and exploring other options in elementary and secondary education, I have decided to not go either route and instead study Data Analytics. </div>
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My second-to-last semester, I took a statistics class, and it was amazeballs. And while neither have come as naturally for me as they have for my brothers (they know who they are)...I actually really enjoy programming and math. Luckily, a lot of the data analytics skills can be learned on your own. </div>
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The mistake I have made in the past is not being very good about sharing my plans and goals with family and/or friends to hold myself accountable and all that what not: So my plan for now is as follows:</div>
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1. <b>Complete the 300+ hour free curriculum for Data Analytics <a href="https://www.springboard.com/learning-paths/data-analysis/learn/">here</a> before April 2019 (Adjustable since I'm still not sure if that time frame is attainable. Lets just say so far I've completed 1.4% of the curriculum. Haha.)</b> After completing the curriculum, I am confident I will have enough skills to apply for and get offers for Data Analytics jobs.</div>
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2. However, if it's not as golden as I am thinking, <b>my next plan of attack will be to get a nanodegree for Data Analytics through Udacity</b> found <a href="https://www.udacity.com/course/data-analyst-nanodegree--nd002">here.</a> </div>
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3. Whether I get a job or I have to get a nanodegree, <b>a long-term goal of mine is to get a Master's Degree in Data Analytics through Western Governors</b> (which can be found <a href="https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/data-analytics-masters-program.html">here</a> for those interested). (Side note: Is a Master's degree really needed if I can teach myself all the skills? Probably not. However, it would lead to more job opportunities such as teaching online for BYU-Idaho and/or BYU Pathway Worldwide.)</div>
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And What Not!</h2>
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Now I'm just rambling, but that's just how I roll, I suppose. :) Good night, world, and I promise I won't make you wait another four years before you hear from me again. Until next time...Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and all of that what not! (Final disclaimer: If most of this makes no sense, keep in mind it is now 3:33 AM. "A little bit tired."-Babe the pig)<br />
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(DISCLAIMER: YES, Ariel and I have communicated everything that has been talked about in this post. We are happy with our decision and have faith that our future is bright.)</div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-49302691993462110632014-02-23T22:39:00.001-08:002014-02-23T22:42:17.602-08:00StillSince I haven't written a blog post so far this year, I thought I'd take the chance to do so right now. I used to plan beforehand what I write, but it seems like a lot of my latest blog posts (with the exception of a few) have been kind of random and stuff. This blog post will be one of the random ones.<br />
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It's interesting to think that only three or four months ago, my plan was to be in Las Vegas at home right now. Timmy comes home soon, and Logan leaves soon; my plan was to spend time with them during my off-track because I love those guys. In September, I thought that was what would be best for me. That was my plan, and I kind of forgot about it. On the way home for Thanksgiving, however, I started thinking about it again, and I felt pretty strongly that I needed to reconsider my decision and maybe stay in Rexburg for my off-track. I pondered it out, and I felt it was what I <i>really</i> needed to do. The only challenge for me would be giving my little brothers the news; I knew they were excited to have me around.</div>
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My little brothers probably didn't realize it, but it was so hard for me to bring that up because I was worried they wouldn't understand. Well, sometimes I forget those guys are grown up; they understood, and they told me that I needed to do what I felt was best. With their approval, I decided to come back to Rexburg with barely enough money to pay my first month of rent and health insurance. Looking back, it was actually kind of risky. I literally spent every dime I owned to pay for those two expenses, and I remember getting here and thinking, "Oh crap. I still gotta buy food!" Luckily, I was comforted by the fact that I <i>did</i> have a job and I <i>did</i> have the opportunity to make some instant cash by donating plasma. It all worked out.</div>
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Still, I really struggled the first few weeks here on my off-track. I don't think anyone in the world knew it except maybe my siblings, but the first few weeks of this off-track semester were some of the loneliest times of my life. I was staying busy with work, figuring out what I am going to change my major to, working out, trying to maybe go on some dates, etc. BUT I felt left out. People were always busy doing school work while I felt like I should be working on an assignment or two myself. A week or two passed, and it turned into more than that. I started to think that I had no friends here at school. Even though it probably wasn't true, I had so many nights where I was sitting alone at home thinking stupid, delusional stuff about how everyone in the ward was doing all these fun things without me. (Yeah, dumb stuff like that.)</div>
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A few Sundays back I was having an especially bad day and all those delusional thoughts were sticking with me. I was positive that everyone in the ward who did talk to me was just doing it to be nice and not because they really wanted to be my friend. (Again, yes, dumb stuff like that.) It eventually reached the point where I was really hating myself for choosing Rexburg over Las Vegas and thinking that maybe it wasn't what God had in store for me. But I remember sitting there after church that same Sunday after church and just really praying that maybe one person would show more love to me than a simple "hi" or "hey." I was so sick of being lonely; I just wanted to have one positive experience with someone that would maybe give me some confidence and take me out of my delusional, I-have-no-friends mode. </div>
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Again, I don't feel it necessary to say what happened or who it was that reached out to me, but it was definitely an answer to my prayers. And you know what? Ever since I received that answer to that prayer, things only keep getting better and better. It was at that exact moment on that Sunday that I felt so much love, and I was reassured that I indeed made the right decision to stay at Rexburg. It sounds extreme, but as bad as that Sunday started, it ended up being one of the happiest days of my life. </div>
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I guess what I am trying to say consists of two things: First, if you are feeling alone or if you are struggling, never give up! Keep doing what you know is right. Keep praying for the Lord's help and guidance. It may not come in the way we imagine or the way we want it, but I know that it will come because God loves us so much! Second, you never know when you will be the answer to someone else's prayer. If you ever feel prompted to talk to someone or to walk with someone that looks lonely or discouraged, JUST DO IT. You never know when you will be a mortal angel to those who may be struggling.<br />
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Thank you for letting me share. Too blessed to be stressed!!</div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-90899096537125981072013-12-29T16:15:00.004-08:002013-12-29T16:21:07.529-08:00Briefly: 2013 (In Review)Man, what a year! As some of you might remember, last year was a little more predictable for me because it didn't take me long <a href="http://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2012/07/god-is-in-charge.html">to recognize why I felt prompted to stick around in Las Vegas after my mission</a>. However, my purpose in sticking around in Vegas came to a quick close as Timmy, Skyler, and Levi were all on missions serving the Lord by the end of 2012. While helping them prepare for their missions was one of the greatest and most gratifying experiences of my life,<a href="http://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2012/11/utah-bound.html"> I decided in November of 2012 that I would be moving up to Utah</a> at the beginning of the year.<br />
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Although I told everyone I was excited for the challenge, I must admit that I was scared half to death. Yes, my mission taught me how to be self-reliant and responsible, but...this would be the first ever that I would <i>actually</i> be out on my own--no companion following me everywhere, no mission president to give me advice, no money being automatically deposited onto my mission credit card at the beginning of the month, etc. Indeed, the year 2013 was going to be unpredictable and quite the journey! However, despite not having the mission companion, the mission president, or the money, I <i>did </i>have the confidence and testimony that I developed on my mission that <i>everything </i>works out as long as we are working hard and trusting in the Lord--even if it doesn't work out the way <i>we </i>want it to. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Working McDonalds' Drive-Thru</b></td></tr>
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The first three months of 2013 were spent living on the Berrys' couch in Orem, Utah. (The Berry family is a family that I got to know in Mississippi when my family lived there; they then moved to Orem around the time we moved back to Vegas, and we've stayed in contact throughout the years.) I was <i>very </i>grateful that they were willing to let me stay with them those three months while I figured everything out. As stated earlier, however, it didn't quite work out as expected. Originally, I was supposed to get a job at the chocolate factory with my BFF Chris Berry; however, we learned quickly that that would not work out. I remember sitting in the Berrys' living room my second day there and thinking, "Oh man. Maybe I can't do this?? Maybe this wasn't the right decision?" Long story short, I trusted that I made the right decision, and before I knew it, I was working at McDonalds and staying busy. Even though it wasn't the ideal job, I felt so blessed that I was able to find work so quickly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My Car That Matt Sold Me</b></td></tr>
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As stated in many of my blog posts throughout the years, my dream was always to graduate from BYU. Hence the reason I applied before my mission, while I was on my mission, after my mission, and one last time while living at the Berrys' house. All four times I was denied, and after the fourth rejection, it hit me that the Lord had different plans for me. I decided to accept those plans, and I enrolled at BYU-Idaho for the Spring 2013 semester. </div>
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My brother Matt (who lives in Blackfoot, ID) sold me his car, and next thing I knew, I was moving from Orem, Utah, to Rexburg, ID. What I thought would be a tough transition actually ended up working out <i>perfectly</i>. I roomed with an old MTC buddy (Danny Hardisty), I had a car, andâbest of allâI got a job immediately when I got to Rexburg as an early morning custodian. Like my McDonalds job, it wasn't the ideal job having to wake up at 3:30 AM to clean toilets and do other "dirty work", but it was work! And to this day, I am super grateful for the opportunity I have every morning to go work.</div>
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While it was a smooth transition, I must admit that I didn't enjoy my first semester at BYU-Idaho as much as I should have. Those of you who know me well, know that <a href="http://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2013/01/bdn-philosophy.html">I believe that there is an "order of operations" when it comes to dating.</a> I realized suddenly that being an RM made it a lot more tough to date because it seemed that every girl I tried dating automatically assumed I was dating them to marry them the next week or something crazy like that. Besides the dating woes, though, I enjoyed Rexburgâjust not as much as I thought I would.<br />
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The seven week summer break was much needed. I spent the first three weeks in Indiana with my sister Kerstin and her family; I spent two more weeks with my brother Brent and his family in Washington. It was so awesome being able to spend time with my siblings and their kids; I was especially grateful for the hospitality and patience they had with me.</div>
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However, the break went by way too fast, and before I knew it, I was back at BYU-Idaho for the Fall 2013 semester. My classes were much more challenging, but overall, the semester was so much better than the first. Everyone was telling me that I needed to date more, and I always just laughed and agreed with them to avoid any arguments. In reality, I wasn't expecting to date too much because before going back to school, I came to the conclusion that all girls were the same and none of them would ever understand me. I came to the conclusion that I wasn't good enough at expressing myself and letting the girls know that I was trying to build a strong friendship before anything else. So the sad truth was that I was pretty set on not dating during the Fall semester.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fall Semester Was Awesome</b></td></tr>
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However, at the same time, I was praying that the Lord would prove me wrong and place some awesome girls in my path to show me that the world was still full of girls that weren't "like the others." Long story short, I met one of my friends the very first day of classes, and as I got to know her those first few weeks, I realized she wasn't "like the others." It was an answer to my prayers, and I ended up dating <i>a lot</i> more than I did during the Spring semester. My life was more balanced; it was three of the greatest months of my life because I was working hard, helping others, and having fun in the middle of all of it.</div>
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Even though 2013 was unpredictable and I had no idea what was in store for me, I must admit it was one of the best years yet. Despite all the hard times, I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and challenges that came with 2013. Looking forward to what 2014 has in store for me! </div>
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My original plan was to write a blog post like this on Thanksgiving, but I realized today that I will be far too busy hanging out with my little brothers to have time to write a blog post on Thanksgiving. So I decided that I would go ahead and do it today since I am off to Las Vegas tomorrow!</div>
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<b>I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. </b>I feel it appropriate that my gratitude begin with what I am most grateful for. I simply cannot imagine where I would be in my life without the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony of the Gospel is sometimes hard for me to express because for me words simply don't do my feelings justice. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been my anchor in the worst of times, and I know that that pattern will continue throughout the rest of my life. I am not the brightest person and there is a lot I don't know, <i>but</i> I <i>do </i>know that Christ is my Savior. I know that He established His Gospel to provide a way for us to be truly happy. I know that if we follow Him, we will be blessed infinitely. I have a very strong testimony of God's plan, and I know that we can live in a state of never ending happiness with our families as long as we follow this perfect example and Gospel that Christ established for us.</div>
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<b>I am grateful for my parents.</b> I love my parents; I always have, and I always will. I mean no disrespect to them when I say that they are far from perfect. And I won't even go far enough to say that they are "the best parents ever" because I know they've made a lot of mistakes as parents. <i>BUT </i>they were and continue to be the best parents for me; I know that my mom and my dad are my parents for a reason. I know that's true because I look back on a lot of the things they taught me. I look back on a lot of those mistakes they made. I look back on all of that, and I just think, "Wow. My parents may not realize it, but they taught me so much by saying that" or "Wow. My parents made that mistake, but I'll take note of that so I am never put in the same situation." Again, my parents are far from perfect; but I think that is why I love them so much.</div>
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<b>I am grateful to be the fifth of eight children.</b> Man, I am grateful for my siblings more than I think anyone will ever be able to comprehend. I am grateful that I was one of the middle children, because it has given me the chance to <i>really</i> get to know all seven of them really well. I would say something awesome about each one of them, but man, words wouldn't do my feelings justice for this either. But I will say that I am beyond blessed to have my older siblings; they've helped me by setting an example. All four of them have been the best examples of what it means to progress and live righteously. I am blessed to have my three little brothers because each of them have taught me valuable life lessons. Like my parents, my siblings are far from perfect, and they've made mistakes. But I love them so much, and I am honored to call all seven of them my best friends.</div>
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<b>I am grateful for technology.</b> I wasn't aware of my gratefulness for technology until after my mission when it was <i>so </i>easy--and continues to be so easy--to keep in contact with the Chilean people that I got to know so well. This year, I've gained an even greater appreciation for technology since my older siblings and I are literally able to text message each other <i>every day</i> in a group chat on our iPhones. It is an awesome thing to be able to communicate with people with today's technology--even if they are on the other side of the world.</div>
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<b>I am grateful for my mission.</b> I won't go as far as to say that my mission was the best two years of my life. Heck, when people say that I kind of feel sorry for them because I feel that life should only get better after the mission. I can't speak for all returned missionaries, but I definitely feel that my life has only gotten better since. And the reason is simple: While the mission weren't the best two years <i>OF </i>my life, I am fully convinced that the two years of my mission were the best two years <i>FOR </i>my life. My mission taught me so much about how to love people. It taught me how to be self-reliant. It taught me to never give up. The list goes on and on. Now, I will admit that I haven't been perfect about applying these lessons to my life. I will even admit that I wasn't the greatest missionary. But I will also admit that I have no regrets because the mission taught me so much, and it continues to do so as I often ponder the experiences I had while serving.</div>
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<b>I am grateful for my job. </b>I had tithing settlement today at church, and man, it made me think of how grateful I am to have a job. Sure, I don't make a lot of money nor is it the ideal job. But I am grateful for the opportunity I have every morning to wake up at 3:30 AM to go and make some money to purchase the things necessary to live. </div>
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<b>I am grateful for my friends. </b>I am grateful for all the good people who have befriended me throughout my life. I feel that I am a pretty awkward person when people first meet me, and I don't always give the best first impression. But man, I am grateful for all the people who have given me a chance by becoming my friends.</div>
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<b>I am grateful for food. </b>On a less serious note, I just want to say that I am grateful for all the delicious food in the world. Here in Rexburg, Costa Vida has been especially good to me. I am grateful for all those who provide that food.</div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-10917293480438417012013-11-17T21:01:00.001-08:002013-11-17T21:07:02.166-08:00Tomorrow's Anniversary For English this semester, we've basically been working on writing research papers all semester, and so I've been writing a lot these days. I feel that is the reason why I've been in a blogging mood the last few days. Granted, I usually plan out what I am going to write; however, tonight I am just going to type out some of my thoughts. We'll see how it goes. :)<br />
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First of all, I was looking back at some of my old posts from back in the day, and I was laughing so hard. It's incredible to realize how immature and ridiculous I was even at the age of eighteen. The funny part about that is the fact that when I was eighteen I really felt like I was mature. And maybe I was for my age at the time. But looking back on those old posts helps me realize that I've at least matured to the point where I don't post ridiculous stuff about <i>The Dark Knight</i> or the most RANDOM pictures and videos. But who knows? I'll probably look at this post another five years from now and think, "Wow. I was pretty immature when I was twenty-three." So, man, maybe it's just a never-ending cycle. That's fine.<br />
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The main reason I feel like I am writing this, though, is because tomorrow marks the <b>four</b> (four!) year anniversary of when I entered the MTC. Incredible! This semester I've thought about my mission a little more than usual, and it still amazes me how much I learned and how much I continue to learn from my mission. Even though it was only 1/12 of my mission, it's especially impressive how much I learned in the MTC. Here are just a few examples of the things I learned in the MTC:<br />
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<i>I learned an impressive amount of life lessons as a missionary in the MTC.</i></div>
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<li><b>I learned that I was never alone. </b>I entered the MTC a handful of months after graduating high school, and so it was my first <i>real</i> time being away from home. Leading up to my mission, it was something I didn't really think about. I love my parents, and they've always loved and supported me in return. I don't mean this as any disrespect to them, but it wasn't really hard for me to enter the MTC and not have my parents by my side. However, it was <i>extremely </i>difficult to enter the MTC and realize that I wouldn't have my siblings around. My siblings are my best friends, and all seven of them have taught me more than anyone will ever be able to comprehend. And so I remember being in the MTC the first few days and thinking, "Oh my gosh. I can't do this." However, by the end of my first week in the MTC, it hit me that my siblings were praying for me every day, and they wouldn't forgive me if I gave up. Not too much longer after this realization, I was reminded also that the Lord would <i>always </i>be by my side--throughout my mission and throughout the rest of my life.</li>
<li><b>I learned the true power of testimony.</b> All of my teachers in the MTC as well as our branch presidency were <i>so </i>awesome, and they taught me so much. I can't remember who it was, but one of our leaders told us that whenever a companionship within the district would start fighting/arguing in the middle of class or something, he would have them get up and bare their testimonies. When I first heard that, I remember thinking, "That's interesting. I don't get why that would be appropriate or effective." It didn't take me long to realize just how quick a testimony can change an environment from contentious to an environment of peace. And it's that way because testimonies invite the Spirit of the Lord. </li>
<li><b>I learned to work hard, but to have fun doing it. </b>While I was in the MTC, I noticed that there were <i>way</i> too many missionaries that would work themselves way too much and stress way too much. Just being around them made me depressed, I will admit. Now, I am not saying that missionaries aren't supposed to work hard. But the MTC taught me that if we are working hard to the point where we aren't enjoying it or having fun, we aren't doing something right. On the flip side, I learned that if we aren't working, and we're just goofing off, that wasn't a good thing either. I learned that there had to be a balance. For example, I remember one day after studying all day, my district and I decided to take my camera with us to gym time, and we did a "photo shoot" of all of us exercising on the exercise equipment. It sounds crazy, but it was fun things like that that helped us both in the MTC and in the mission field.</li>
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The list literally goes on and on. The MTC taught me a lot of valuable lessons, and it's just crazy to think that I learned these lessons <b>four </b>(four!) years ago.<br />
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With that said, my last random thought for the night is this: I am <i>super </i> excited for Thanksgiving!! Can't wait to do some road tripping with my little brothers. We haven't road tripped together since last Christmas! It'll be so good to spend a few days with them. Can't wait to joke with them while jamming to some tunes and what not. I am giddy just thinking about it. LOVE those dudes. Oh, and Timmy gets home in FOUR MONTHS and a few weeks!! Just saying.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-85918096319416176222013-11-14T19:42:00.007-08:002013-11-14T20:26:03.466-08:00Too Blessed To Be StressedIt's been a while since I've blogged, and I have some time on my hands tonight; so I decided to take some time to sit down and write a few thoughts down. I don't promise anything extremely exciting, but I hope at least one person reads and enjoys what I am about to say.<br />
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It's football season, and I think everyone reading this <i>probably</i> already know how much I love football--especially BYU's football team. Man, I really do love that team. But my reason for loving BYU's football team might be a little different than the usual BYU fan's reasoning. I am not usually very open about this idea because it's a little strange, but man...I really feel like BYU football has helped me through some of the toughest times of my life. </div>
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Now, allow me to explain myself before anyone calls me sacrilegious or something. Perhaps the best way to do this would be by giving you an example or two. <i>Possibly </i>three:</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first example is really simple and actually has to do with the sport.</span> </b>It was in 2006, and life wasn't the greatest for me as I was struggling through some tough transitions in my life. I wasn't much of a sports fan. I hated sports, actually. But I enjoyed going to my high school's football game in November 2006, and so I decided to give sports a chance. My first opportunity came when I heard BYU was playing Utah. At the time, I didn't realize how big that rivalry was, but I knew it was a rivalry and so I decided to just cheer for BYU since it was the school I always dreamed of attending. </div>
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I didn't know it when the game first started, but by the time that game was over, I would have learned a valuable life lesson: <i>To never give up--even when things seem impossible.</i> How did BYU teach me this? With one minute left in the game, BYU was down 27-31. They needed to go 90+ yards to win. I remember thinking, "Man, it's over. It's not even possible to go that far in a minute." For those of you who don't know, John Beck threw a 15-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Jonny Harline as time expired to win the game. </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That first experience with BYU football was enough for me to continue following them.</span></b> In the process, I fell in love with their coach Bronco Mendenhall. Not because of his awesome name or because of his abilities to coach football, BUT because of his courage to put faith and the Gospel <i>before </i>football. As a used-to-be sports hater and a lover of the Gospel, that intrigued me that he would do that. And so I've followed Bronco and BYU football ever since. <br />
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And in the process I've learned a lot of life lessons from Bronco. Before my mission four years ago, I attended a BYU football fireside in Las Vegas the night before the BYU vs. UNLV football game. I had my mission call, and I was starting to worry a lot about my mission. I wasn't sure if I would be able to pull it off. I was doubting in myself. But attending that BYU football fireside was huge for me. I can't remember what he said, but Coach Mendenhall spoke, and the things he said were <i>exactly</i> what I needed to hear.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since that experience at the fireside, I've learned a lot from the football players themselves.</span></b> One of the most impressive things I've ever seen was last year in 2012 when BYU played Utah. BYU was favored to win, but they lost on a missed field goal. I remember thinking, "Man, that really sucked." I decided to watch the post-game show, and when I turned it on, BYUtv was interviewing Kyle Van Noy. I sat there and thought, "Oh boy...He's probably <i>so </i>mad."<br />
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Kyle Van Noy became my hero that day, though. When they asked him what was going through his head during the defeat, all he said was something along the lines of, "I was just thinking about what a blessing it is for me to play this game. I was thinking what a blessing it is to play with my team mates."<br />
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Even more impressive was this year when again BYU was favored to win. Kyle Van Noy had <i>never </i>beaten Utah. He was 0-3. This was the year. I was positive it was. I'm sure KVN was positive it was. Heck, every BYU fan was positive it was. But BYU lost 20-13.<br />
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Kyle Van Noy's reaction?<br />
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Too blessed to be stressed. Again, KVN taught me that when things don't go our way in life, we just need to count our blessings and focus on what we <i>do </i>have.</div>
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And these are only a few examples. The list could go on and on, but it suffice me to just say that I am really grateful for BYU's football team and the things they've taught me--especially players like Kyle Van Noy and coaches like Coach Mendenhall. Football is just a game that I've learned to enjoy, but BYU football is a program that I've learned to love because of the small lessons they've taught me--on and off the field. </div>
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BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-75417316459824348092013-10-06T21:47:00.002-07:002013-10-06T21:47:21.094-07:00Guardian AngelsI feel that it is too often that when we think of seeing an angel, we think of having experiences such as Alma the younger when an angel actually descended from heaven and visited him face-to-face. While it is not wrong to think of having such an experience, it is important to know and understand that God has more than just this method of reaching out to us. In the October 2008 General Conference, Elder Holland taught:<br /><br /><i>"I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk withâhere, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."</i><div>
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Elder Holland teaches us that we are literally surrounded by angels. I've listened to this talk many times, but it wasn't until recently that I gained an even more powerful testimony of what Elder Holland taught. It was a few weeks ago when I was driving up to school from Las Vegas. I don't have the best car, but man, that thing is a fighter, and I had no doubt that it would get me up here! It was starting up still, I got the oil changed, I made sure it had everything it needed, etc. I left Vegas, and that thing was running better than ever. </div>
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And so it was a big surprise when I got to Beaver, Utah, and stopped to use the bathroom...and my car wouldn't start! I called my mom to let her know that I'd be getting to Ogden a little late, and I felt bad because I had told her that I'd give her a ride to work if I made it on time. My car had troubles before, and so I didn't panic; I just tried what had worked before in hopes that the thing would start. After a good 30 minutes or so of trying different things, nothing worked. I still had my mom on the phone, and I could tell she was starting to worry a little. And everything to that point was suggesting that I should do the same and start panicking. But I didn't--especially because my mom suggested I say a prayer--which I did--and I felt comforted and knew everything was going to be okay. </div>
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I was go into every single detail on what happened next, but I will say that after another hour or so, I was leaving Beaver, Utah, after receiving help from a family-owned mechanic shop close to where my car was parked. They didn't charge me a dime, and my car didn't need any serious repairs. It was just a matter of a person more familiar with cars being able to take a look at it. </div>
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I was giving my siblings the play-by-play via our group chat, and when they heard I was on the road again, thanks to this generous family in Beaver, my brother Matt texted back and said, "Thank goodness for guardian angels." It was then that the light bulb in my head went off, and my heart was filled with gratitude. It was thanks to those guardian angels in Beaver that I was able to continue my journey back to school. I didn't get to know these people super well, but I will never forget them; I will always be grateful for the love and kindness they showed me that day. :)</div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-30275472537390650032013-09-06T03:04:00.003-07:002013-10-02T10:43:09.172-07:00Small, Powerful Adjustments In Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Just Because You Think Something Is Some Way, It Doesn't Make It Right."-BDN</i></span></div>
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This week I decided to put a little something to the test. You see, in recent weeks I have realized that I've been a tad malnourished. No, I am not talking about being physically malnourished. Rather, I speak of being spiritually malnourished. I noticed that I had been slacking in reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, having charity for others, etc.<br />
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However, even when I was doing those important acts of faith, I recognized something pretty disturbing...I honestly hadn't felt the Spirit in church for quite some time. I was at church physically, and I feel like I learned a thing or two every week. But I wasn't <i>feeling</i> anything. I felt empty, and so as soon as I returned from my vacation to Washington and Indiana I decided it was time to turn my life around.<br />
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It didn't take long for me to realize what was preventing me from feeling the Spirit. I knew immediately that my iPhone was the root of the problem. Now, I am not saying that phones are evil and no one should use them in church. I recognize that they can be effective (for scriptures, talks, lessons, etc.) if used properly. But I also recognize that they can be very distracting. For some, they are more effective than distracting while for others it is the opposite. Unfortunately for me, I fall under the category of people who get way too distracted when I have the World Wide Web at the very tip of my fingers.<br />
<br />
Even more unfortunate was that I was allowing something as small and dumb as a phone to prevent me from feeling the Spirit at church. But earlier this week I wasn't so convinced. I thought to myself, "Well, it can't just be because of a phone. Maybe I need to pray harder for the Spirit?" I quickly laughed at myself because deep down inside I knew it was a big problem. I was just being prideful and making up excuses to justify my actions.<br />
<br />
However, while I was sitting in my car on Sunday, about to get out and go into the church, I decided to put it to the test. I put my phone into the glove compartment of my car, picked up my "hard copy" of the scriptures, and walked into the church phone-less. And boy, did it work wonders!! I felt the Spirit strongly in all three hours of church, but especially during fast and testimony meeting. There were no distractions, and I could finally give the Lord my full attention during the meetings.<br />
<br />
Since then, I have been to two institute classes, and I decided to put it to the test again. I went to both classes phone-less. Same results. Amazing!<br />
<br />
My purpose in writing this is not to say that electronics shouldn't be allowed in church. I have no doubt that they can be used effectively. My purpose in writing this is to explain the powerful lesson that I have learned this week. That lesson is this: Each and everyone of us probably has adjustments that need to be made in our lives in order to better feel the Spirit in our lives. They may be small adjustments like stopping to bring your phone to church with you, but they are powerful adjustments. And I am a witness that it's worth it to make these adjustments. BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-82713934898267428512013-06-09T11:49:00.001-07:002013-06-09T11:56:50.782-07:00Talk Given On June 9, 2013:<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Becoming A Disciple of Jesus Christ</span></b><br />
<b>Benjamin David Nelson</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Today in my talk I will focus on three questions.<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What is a disciple of Christ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">How can we become Disciples of Christ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What blessings do we receive when we are
Disciples of Christ?</span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
To answer these questions, I would like to use the
scriptures as well as talks from our latter-day prophets that will help answer
these questions clearly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>I. What Is A
Disciple of Christ?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Bible Dictionary, we read that Disciples of Christ
are â[A]ll followers of Jesus Christ.â</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the September 1974 Ensign, Chauncy C. Riddle expounded on
what a true disciple of Jesus Christ is:</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>The
word disciple comes from the Latin [meaning] a learner. A disciple of Christ is
one who is learning to be like Christâlearning to think, to feel, and to act
[like] he does. To be a true disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the
most demanding regimen known to man. No other discipline compares ⌠in either
requirements or rewards. It involves the total transformation of a person from
the state of the natural man to that of [a] saint, one who loves the Lord and
serves with all of his heart, might, mind, and strength.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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In the October 2012 session of General Conference, President
Uchtdorf taught:</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>[Becoming
a disciple of Christ] is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path
to our best and happiest self.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In The Book of Mormon, we read about a handful of Disciples
of Christ, one of them being Alma The Younger. Like each and every one of us,
Alma The Younger was far from perfect, but he learned what a true disciple of
Christ was. At one point of his life, he was an unbeliever; his only desire was
to prevent the work from going forth.<br />
<br />
As we know, however, Alma The Younger was visited by an angel, and he had a
mighty change of heart. It was essentially at this moment that Alma became a
disciple of Christ. In Mosiah 27:32-33, it explains:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>32
And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the
people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them,
traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the
things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much
tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being
smitten by many of them.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 1.5pt;">
<i>33 But notwithstanding all this, they did
impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting
them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<b><u>II. How Can We
Become Disciples of Christ?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alma teaches us that no matter where we are in our lives, it
is never too late to become a Disciple of Christ. It isnât necessary for us to
see an angel like Alma did, but we can decide now to follow Almaâs example of
true discipleship. <br />
<br />
In the April 2009 General Conference, President Uchtdorf taught us what we can
do today to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. He shared:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>The first step on the path of discipleship begins in the exact place
where we stand! We do not have to prequalify to take that first step. It
doesnât matter if we are rich or poor. There is no requirement to be educated,
eloquent, or intellectual. We do not have to be perfect or well-spoken or even
well-mannered. You and I can walk in the path of discipleship today.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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President Uchtdorf then shares a list of things that we can
do to begin our journey of discipleship:<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Let us be
humble; let us pray to our Father in Heaven with all our heart and express our desire to draw close to Him and learn of Him.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have
faith.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Seek and
you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. (See Matthew 7:7.)</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Serve the
Lord by serving others.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Become an
active participant in your ward or branch.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Strengthen
your family by committing to live the principles of the gospel. Be of one heart
and of one mind in your family.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Adjust
your lives to be able to have a temple recommend and use it.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have
meaningful family home evenings, read the word of God, and speak to our
Heavenly Father in earnest prayer.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fill our
hearts with gratitude for the Restoration of His Church, for living prophets,
the Book of Mormon, and the priesthood power that blesses our lives.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">¡<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Embrace
the gospel of Jesus Christ, become His disciples, and walk in His way.</i><br />
<ul>
</ul>
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At times, however, it can be difficult to follow these
suggestions given by President Uchtdorf as we are surrounded by so many distractions
in this life. In such situations, we can follow the advice that President
Eyring gave in the April 2010 Priesthood Session when talking about diligence:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>We
are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence,
never being lazy or slothful. The pattern is simple but not easy to follow. We
are so easily distracted. Studying the daily news can appear more interesting
than the priesthood lesson manual. Sitting down to rest can be more attractive
than making appointments to visit those who need our priesthood service.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i>
<i>When
I find myself drawn away from my priesthood duties by other interests and when
my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: âRemember Him.â<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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As we remember the Lord and our love for Him and His work,
we can progress as His disciplesâeven when it seems impossible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>III. What
Blessings Do We Receive When We Are Disciples of Christ?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the same talk where President Uchtdorf talked about true
discipleship, he also talked of the blessings that come from being true
Disciples of Christ. He promised:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Let
us rememberâŚthat the restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has
the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow.
It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord. The gospel of Jesus Christ
is taught in its fulness in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>I
bear my solemn witness that Jesus the Christ lives. He is the Savior and
Redeemer of the world. He is the promised Messiah. He lived a perfect life and
atoned for our sins. He will ever be at our side. He will fight our battles. He
is our hope; He is our salvation; He is the way.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we strive to become true Disciples of Jesus Christ, any
emptiness we are experiencing in our lives can be filled. As we strive to
become true Disciples of Jesus Christ, He will fight our battles. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>[Testimony]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<img height="400" src="http://www.lds.org/images/Manuals/tchg-pix.nfo:o:218.jpg" width="306" /></div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-67704872443483134422013-06-06T21:37:00.000-07:002013-06-06T21:37:13.296-07:00Looking Up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9q2zN47pZkVACGVniAApOeLCCOhCPLOrrquu4r7Khk0BT4viGtk5qkCqJEzpRSpaTRK2_2lhHZQL26KfufMKWxfVt0mHJH5ERljK7gUQVeYB-fUQiEivGvhiv3VSmMpXzeZH_8OPKyfC/s1600/GEDC1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9q2zN47pZkVACGVniAApOeLCCOhCPLOrrquu4r7Khk0BT4viGtk5qkCqJEzpRSpaTRK2_2lhHZQL26KfufMKWxfVt0mHJH5ERljK7gUQVeYB-fUQiEivGvhiv3VSmMpXzeZH_8OPKyfC/s400/GEDC1301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today in my Science Foundations class, my teacher shared a spiritual thought that really impacted me. He talked about how too often we think along the lines of, "Man! I'll be happy when this semester is over" or "You know, I will be much more happy when I am done with this difficult task." What we don't realize, though, is that when we finally reach these "turning-points" we aren't actually happy after all because--well--challenges and difficult tasks are going to follow us the rest of our lives.<br />
<br />
So what's the point? Well, I personally believe that it means that we need to find a way to be happy even if we are overwhelmed by what life throws at us. We need to maintain a positive, hopeful attitude toward life. I am reminded of the talk Elder Carl B. Cook gave a few years back--<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng">"It Is Better To Look Up."</a> After a busy day at the church offices, he was a little down on himself; he got on the elevator and kept his head down. To his surprise, though, President Monson hopped onto the elevator, whistling away before he told Elder Cook, "You know, it's better to look up." It's simple, but sometimes the answer is to just be a little more positive and hopeful by looking up and not down.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another talk that can help in such times: <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng">"Come What May And Love It"</a> by Elder Wirthlin. That talk has helped me "look up" even during the hard times.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My Science Foundations professor had some great advice, too, though. He said, "Write a list of activities you love doing...and do them!" When he said that, it hit me that even the smallest, simplest things that we love can help us "look up" as long as if we remember to do those things. For example, I have realized these last few months that I <i>love</i> sending random text messages to my siblings and my parents. And I have been pretty good about doing so. And sending all of these texts has truly helped me "look up" even during some of the most difficult times that I have faced these last few months. Something as small as a text message to a loved one can help us be happy now rather than later. Amazing, isn't it?<br />
<br />
Of course, this will be different for each person. But I am fully confident that it is always possible for us to "look up" as we strive to do the small things that make us most happy. Life will always have challenges and will never get easier. There will be heartache, tears, and disappointments, but these things are much easier to bear as long as we are "looking up."</div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-46252125923216905532013-06-04T07:31:00.002-07:002013-06-04T07:31:40.879-07:00The Lord's Hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are often taught and encouraged to look for the Lord's hand in our lives as we go about our days. Sometimes the Lord's hand is obvious, while other times the Lord's hand is there, but we simply do not recognize it as that. For me personally, it has been difficult for me to recognize the Lord's hand in my life at times, but when I recognize it, I am overwhelmed with peace, joy, and gratitude.<br /><br />I have been here at BYU-Idaho for almost two months now, and I have seen the Lord's hand in my life so much during these two months. To try and state each occurrence would be unnecessary, of course. But I do want to share an experience that happened to me yesterday that helped me recognize the Lord's hand in my life.<br /><br />Today I have a project due in my Visual Media class, and so I decided to get it all done yesterday so that I wouldn't be scrambling around today trying to get it done at the last second. The project required that I mount what I had created to a 13x16 "mounting board" (for lack of a better word). It seemed like simple enough instructions, but the problem for me was that I had no idea how to use the spray room used to mount projects, I had no idea how to mount it in a way that it looked professional, etc.<br /><br />In such situations, I feel like I just need a little input and/or feedback from another person to get me going in the right direction. And so as I went about my day yesterday, I kept a small prayer in my heart that everything would work out with my project. Surely enough, my prayer was answered. Arlan, a fellow classmate of mine who also happens to be a professor here at BYU-Idaho, showed up to the spray room and asked me if I needed any help or suggestions.<br /><br />Long story short, I was in that spray room mounting my project to that "mounting board" for five minutes tops thanks to Arlan and his willingness to take just a few minutes to help my lost, uncertain self. As I walked away from campus with my completed project, it suddenly hit me that it was once again the Lord's hand (Arlan's help) that helped me complete that project.<br /><br />The Lord's hand is evidence that He loves us and is aware of our situations. It is that unfailing love that anchors me when the trials and/or troubles come. And that love--the Lord's hand--will always be there as long as we let it and recognize it.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-70445754671562272162013-02-21T22:56:00.000-08:002013-02-21T22:56:04.831-08:00Old Phone Call (July 8, 2012)<object data="https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/embedPlayer" height="64" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"><param name="movie" value="https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/embedPlayer" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="FlashVars" value="u=16387440234084131125&k=AHwOX_AiLGZUAdLbsfW-Vbm5lzmjEroiYz2ZAIAX76Jz6Zf7mqhYSrdidyPjHpFHY5u0djl8rNK7vyHxC8KZuP4aBlIyJlEQ6Ojk2r2XEUXLLhLru89BlKSIYPHGqN2wnzeAjJ_A7DtXQM_vpt4X_xNZdApzvQlAHjy-HdEs0895fPdbvZGRbG0&baseurl=https://clients4.google.com/voice&autoPlay=false&cap=THE%20BIRTH%20OF%20THE%20CONVENTION%21%21%21" /></object>BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-8862670511502488882013-02-21T22:39:00.001-08:002013-02-21T22:39:49.693-08:00Old Phone Call (July 4, 2012)<object data="https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/embedPlayer" height="64" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"><param name="movie" value="https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/embedPlayer" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="FlashVars" value="u=16387440234084131125&k=AHwOX_AAuEsRTtPAaAgfJCAzI4vAtsr1_qvo3GuC5ZQumDdB8ruL5Cw9Ffh64PDDaKOES7t-NOQZYPBlaweISw7QM25_b1msZXNGNsUV3EuKNj0waFQmew2nfUxHSEFGclPC1ecRWIV3TANQS9pAUprF61Z4_fqLEHDYUff53eIo0jU6-iB1nxk&baseurl=https://clients4.google.com/voice&autoPlay=false&cap=This%20made%20me%20laugh%20so%20hard%21%21" /></object>BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-10639192676797236652013-02-05T21:40:00.001-08:002013-02-05T21:43:17.046-08:00One Of My First Recorded Testimonies<b><i>Originally Written and Sent On November 17, 2003</i></b><br />
<br />
Dear Family,<br />
<br />
I finally decided to tell you guys my testimony. As you guys all know, this school year has been one of the hardest yet. (Matt working while I stay home and the kids at my school saying rude stuff about me and such.) When school first started, my acne really hit me hard. My friends from 4th, 5th and 6th grade stopped talking to me and kids would say rude comments about me and my face. I didn't know what to do so I decided to pray to the lord one night and asked him to help me get through my hard times. The next school day during First Period (P.E.), I made up a daily schedule called The LDS Daily Schedule. It says:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
========================================================================</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>LDS Daily Schedule</b></i></div>
This daily schedule will help you prepare to serve a honorable full time mission. (One of the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood.) It will also help you keep the body and the mind clean. It will surely also strengthen your spirit and Testimony. Put this schedule anywhere where you will see it when you wake up and when you go to bed. (For example, I hung mine up behind my computer, where I will see it every morning and every night.) Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Morning</u></div>
1.Pray as soon as you wake up.<br />
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2.Shower.<br />
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3.Read at least one chapter in your scriptures. If you have time, read more. Understand what you read.<br />
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4.Eat a healthy breakfast.<br />
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5.Brush Teeth.<br />
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<u>Night</u></div>
1.Eat a good dinner.<br />
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2.Shower. (If you don't take morning showers.)<br />
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3.Brush Teeth.<br />
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4.Read at least one chapter from your scriptures. If you have time, read more. Understand what you read. (HINT: If you have a younger or older brother or sister, ask them if they would like to join you in reading. Help them understand. (My brothers and I did this every night when I was in 4th grade. It is a great way to get closer to your family.) )<br />
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5.Keep a Journal. Write in it every night. Record what you do, learn, and what you would like to remember that day.<br />
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6.Don't stay up too late when it is not needed. The earlier you get to bed the earlier you awake.<br />
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7.Pray right before bed.<br />
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After making this schedule, I put it above my computer and every night/morning I followed it. After using this schedule, I was able to do and get the following:<br />
<br />
1.I got accutane 3 weeks early.<br />
2.My pain disappeared.<br />
3.I made 4 new friends at school.<br />
4.I got all A's on my report cards.<br />
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After all these wonderful things happened I Know that God lives and I Know He loves me.<br />
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I love all of you guys!<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
Benjamin Nelson<br />
<br />BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-65841873033830894892013-01-05T01:29:00.001-08:002013-01-05T01:29:26.849-08:00BDN Philosophy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm0pzBYvNsoH8kY7h2X-Is5MxLua0djpzeVygpowZKTqRXnZf1mkYLCEgzt6FkmcmCgMxtRSkPc8VA-ZziHih9JKRN9WWZGF5XIdbTBuu6yWuAb_jMNz4beZQzwGPxlvvyorw6d9NzuTa/s1600/2012-12-30+19.33.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm0pzBYvNsoH8kY7h2X-Is5MxLua0djpzeVygpowZKTqRXnZf1mkYLCEgzt6FkmcmCgMxtRSkPc8VA-ZziHih9JKRN9WWZGF5XIdbTBuu6yWuAb_jMNz4beZQzwGPxlvvyorw6d9NzuTa/s400/2012-12-30+19.33.46.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><u>BDN Philosophy #1: Persistence vs. Overbearance</u></b><br />
I personally believe that persistence and overbearance are often mixed up. What's the difference? Read my definitions <a href="http://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2012/10/persistence-vs-overbearance.html">here</a>.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>BDN Philosophy #2: Love's Order Of Operations</u></b><br />
I personally believe that too many people these days rush into love. I believe that there is an order that must be followed; I believe that love is something that must be planted and then grown. I believe that friends become best friends, best friends become boy/girl-friends, boy/girl-friends become fiances, and fiances become spouses. I believe that love's order of opps is: like, in like, love, in love.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">BDN Philosophy #3: Communication Is The Only Way</u><br />
I personally believe that communication is the key to having healthy, enduring relationships. I believe that it's absolutely vital that we are open and honest with those that we love. I personally believe that most relationships could be saved so easily if only the ones involved were a little more open and honest with each other.<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u>
<b><u>BDN Philosophy #4: Regret Is The Result of An Unlearned Lesson</u></b><br />
I personally believe that regret is seen way too much in the world. I believe that regret is a direct result of failing to learn something from our mistakes. I believe that with each mistake comes a lesson and with each lesson comes improvement. But I believe that regret damns our progression.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>BDN Philosophy #5: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid</u></b><br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>I personally believe that some things are better left unsaid. This can be the trickiest of them all because--as stated above--I also believe that it's very important to be honest with everyone. For example, perhaps we have strong feelings for someone. But if that special someone is not ready to hear about those feelings, it's probably not necessary that they are said. It all boils down to this: There is a time and a place for everything.<br />
<b><u><br />BDN Philosophy #6: Awfulness And Sincerity Cannot Co-Exist</u></b><br />
I personally believe that awfulness and sincerity simply cannot co-exist. It is far too often that we hear people criticizing others and calling them awful for not keeping up with the pace or for not executing a task with ease. But I believe if someone is sincere and gives something everything he or she has, it cannot be awful. Sincerity and simplicity are more powerful than most people realize.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>BDN Philosophy #7: Practice Doesn't Make Perfect, But It Makes Progress</u></b><br />
I personally believe that practice makes progress. The simple truth is this: No matter how much we practice, we will never be PERFECT at what we do. But yes, the more we do practice, the more we progress. And the more we progress, the happier we become.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-86039668876439449872012-12-09T20:29:00.000-08:002012-12-09T20:29:59.280-08:00Redefining BDN.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy68b-jyHHMBh8_ByrUwVxWaM-oZLry475N857pWkRNepVIFNfOBZ6wXjl1sokyDMxwiKe7tpKQ7wYpdjnLGcSk5zCwNZtdbvzYijj-3Aqhx5z-8VobUTnoh3qgFbBGqzrnasc6eSwvHl7/s1600/2012-11-25+03.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy68b-jyHHMBh8_ByrUwVxWaM-oZLry475N857pWkRNepVIFNfOBZ6wXjl1sokyDMxwiKe7tpKQ7wYpdjnLGcSk5zCwNZtdbvzYijj-3Aqhx5z-8VobUTnoh3qgFbBGqzrnasc6eSwvHl7/s320/2012-11-25+03.03.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Change. It's all part of God's plan. Our bodies change daily. Our surroundings change daily. Our circumstances change daily. It might not be seen and/or noticed because these changes are often small when looking at it as a day-by-day process.<br />
<br />
Benjamin David Nelson is no exception to that rule. And neither is anyone for that matter. However, there are certain things about us that might not change--especially when it comes to a personality trait or a personal belief.<br />
<br />
For example, I am BDN. And I follow my heart. I've done so for as long as I can remember. Because I've always felt that it's necessary for us to do so as human-beings. God trusts us to do so, as long as we do not do it in wickedness. Something like that.<br />
<br />
But I don't follow my heart perfectly. In fact, I am pretty bad at it. When I feel that something is right, sometimes I am sloppy with the way I go about doing that thing. Sometimes I am quick to act or speak before I plan out what needs to be done or said. Sometimes I do plan how to go about following my heart, and--well--it doesn't go as planned, and I mess up by not sticking with the plan. Sometimes I am scared. Sometimes I am overbearing rather than persistent. Sometimes I give up on following my heart, and I regret it later.<br />
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But I am grateful for the gift of repentance. I am grateful for the opportunity to become a new BDN each week by partaking of the sacrament and starting anew. I am grateful for all the second chances I have and will have to follow my heart, despite a lot of the mistakes that I make in the process of attempting to do so.<br />
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Of course, I am using this as an example. It doesn't matter what it is; we will always have the opportunity to start fresh by repenting and partaking of the sacrament. And by doing so constantly, we might notice that we--as a whole--are changing into much better, spiritually-sound individuals.<br />
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The Nephites of <i>The Book of Mormon</i> are the perfect example of this. In Helaman 15:7, it states:<br />
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<i>"And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto <b>repentance</b>, which faith and <b>repentance</b> bringeth a change of heart unto them."</i>BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-7271148268727468072012-11-29T23:22:00.000-08:002012-11-29T23:29:05.378-08:00Become As Little Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I has been quite some time, so I thought I would take a few minutes to unleash some thoughts on this fine Thursday evening. As it seems I always do, I have pondered for the last 10-20 minutes or so about this one topic, and I felt it was potentially something that could help not only me but perhaps you other random folk out there.<br />
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Jesus Christ has always taught the following principle:<br />
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<i>"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and <b>become as little children</b>, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."-Matthew 18:3</i><br />
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Perhaps it is just me, but this is a verse of scripture that confused me again and again as I heard it growing up. Was Christ teaching us that we needed to act like children? Obviously not, and I eventually learned that Christ truly meant that He wanted us to develop traits such as being quick to forgive and full of love--both of which all innocent children possess.<br />
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Children truly are some of our greatest examples. The picture above is a picture of a brother and his little sister from the daycare that my step-mom owns. I immediately set it as one of my background pictures on my phone because it was what I thought was only a tender moment. But I am happy I was able to snap this picture because it truly was a learning moment for me now that I look back on it.<br />
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The little sister was screaming and crying for reasons that I did not quite understand. I tried to talk to her and comfort her, but I didn't have any luck. It went on for minutes, and everything I tried was a sudden failure. But I was surprised by what took place next. In between her cries, I heard her say her brother's name. "Oh, do you want your brother?" I asked. "...Yeah..." she replied.<br />
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Her brother was running around with his friends and having the time of his life. I have been around these kids a lot, and I was almost positive that the big brother would be a little hesitant to spend time with his little sister. To my surprise, when the big brother realized that his little sister was sad, he put his scooter away, and he told the other kids, "Play without me. My sister needs me."<br />
<br />
I sat there watching as the little sister sat on her big brother's lap, and he comforted her with ease. She almost immediately stopped crying, and they just sat there together for probably 5-10 minutes. (That is when I took this picture.) It was an extremely simple thing that took place in front of me, but I was so touched by the big brother's willingness to immediately stop what he was doing to comfort and spend time with his little sister.<br />
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At the time, it was only a tender moment, and that is why I took the picture and set it as my phone background. But now I realize that this picture will forever symbolize much more to me--it will always symbolize the Christ-like attributes that children possess that we must all strive to develop in our lives. The picture will be a constant reminder that I am no exception to the rule, and I must work toward this goal daily.<br /><br />That is all. :)BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-48537917277874092512012-11-20T20:41:00.002-08:002012-11-20T20:45:03.478-08:00Utah Bound.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDaEPM9rw_X0X38zTBN1Wn8N_wtGQMX3sE3qTH6INk4-VYn6UYRH0eJJQubr9ZK8BUIYeuHtYPbcHo0OYlHmoLKaRgzVKMRkI4BFkl8tpEFZpyCKmPTASQX-0W_uoMbzFWfgvd6VIgtN2/s1600/2012-11-13+08.42.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDaEPM9rw_X0X38zTBN1Wn8N_wtGQMX3sE3qTH6INk4-VYn6UYRH0eJJQubr9ZK8BUIYeuHtYPbcHo0OYlHmoLKaRgzVKMRkI4BFkl8tpEFZpyCKmPTASQX-0W_uoMbzFWfgvd6VIgtN2/s400/2012-11-13+08.42.09.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
It's been a year since I arrived home from my mission. Wow. Time sure has flown quickly!! It's been a hard year, but I have grown and learned a lot. It's all been rewarding, of course! Like I said in <a href="http://benjamindavidnelson.blogspot.com/2012/07/god-is-in-charge.html">a blog post a few months ago</a>, my decision to ultimately stay in Vegas for a time was made with my brothers Timmy, Skyler, and Levi in mind. I felt like being here to support and help them with their mission preparation was the right thing to do. I will never regret that decision. It's been absolutely great.<br />
<br />
However, Levi is the last of the bunch to leave, and he leaves very soon. And I am ready for my next journey. I am super confident about my chances of getting into BYU this time around. As I've said over and over again, it is my dream! And I will do everything I must to get there. And I am feeling good about my chances this time. :)<br />
<br />
With that said, I have been praying these last three months about how to exactly go about this. And long story short: The course has been shown. I feel that it is greatly necessary for me to get out of Vegas ASAP so I can get out and be in the real world on my own for a while. And so I've decided to leave the comfort of my own home to head up to Provo in January. I fly to Indiana on January 10 to attend my nephew Landon's baptism, and then I will fly straight to Salt Lake from Indiana on January 16.<br />
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A new start! I am excited for it.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-79404873479326553002012-10-20T23:36:00.000-07:002012-10-20T23:36:14.909-07:00Persistence vs. Overbearance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>Overbearance</u></b></div>
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Overbearance steals one's agency; it is forceful. Overbearance is selfish. Overbearance is thoughtlessness. Overbearance is unwise. Overbearance is trying too hard with little results. Overbearance leads to disappointment. Overbearance is controlling. Overbearance leads to heartache. Overbearance isn't understood by others.</div>
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<b><u>Persistence</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibun7p0IjyShsDOWRlaNn_wrT-0nTGBUfeqAeeE57K3Gc1biyc-CqrrO1Es9Yv-n-sxzOnVAKFbKYPIqoeogTT_FLEEFNb3xMjcUsPCNC0s5UNphG85TowZgTA-gdXsUIVVpXKVglLR9Oh/s1600/GEDC0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibun7p0IjyShsDOWRlaNn_wrT-0nTGBUfeqAeeE57K3Gc1biyc-CqrrO1Es9Yv-n-sxzOnVAKFbKYPIqoeogTT_FLEEFNb3xMjcUsPCNC0s5UNphG85TowZgTA-gdXsUIVVpXKVglLR9Oh/s400/GEDC0536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Persistence is fueled by love. Persistence is open-mindedness Persistence is aggressive, but not overpowering. Persistence is creative. Persistence is consistent and enduring. Persistence is bold. Persistence is inspired. Persistence is righteous. Persistence is evenly balanced; it requires self-control. Persistence is smart and tactful. Persistence earns respect and trust. </div>
BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-6951117998819652102012-10-13T21:37:00.004-07:002012-10-13T21:37:39.676-07:00Blogging Spree: No Tengo Nada En Mente<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These last few weeks (months, even) I have been in this whacky artsy and/or creative mood. And that may or may not explain all these blog posts that I have thrown out there recently. I dunno. It actually might not be all that artsy or creative. But I'll blog anyways. Why? Because I can. And I want to.<br />
<br />
This time around, though...I really have no idea what I want to write. But I have gained a great love for something called improvisation. Rather, I like to improvise and make things beautiful along the way. Don't get me wrong...I prefer to plan things out in advance and execute those plans exactly. And that's usually what I do with blog posts; I have a nice little plan of what will be written.<br />
<br />
But not this one. It's coming out just as quick as I can type all these words. No plan whatsoever. The above picture is giving me an idea of what to write about, though. You see, I ran into this Slender look-alike while I was cruising along the Las Vegas strip. Las Vegas Boulevard, to be exact.<br />
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You might be wondering why I was there. Well, the simple answer is I had no choice; I had to go to the Belagio Gallery of Fine Art for an art assignment. And while I was out there on the strip, a sudden realization stuck me. "This is great. I have never been on the strip alone."<br /><br />The truth is: It was an adventure, yes. But it only was an adventure because I got lost a handful of times. I won't go into detail, but I will say this...I am grateful for a lot of skills I learned as a missionary (i.e. speed walking, asking for directions, etc.) I was walking around like a blind cheetah; I was walking with haste, but I had no idea where I was or where I was going.<br />
<br />
That adventure took place...well, yesterday. And now that I think about it...As awesome and fun as it was to be out there on that journey, it also kind of stunk. I was alone in an unfamiliar environment. I didn't have a friend, a sibling, or a companion to turn to. And that's what I am used to! I am almost never alone. I like figuring out crap myself. But when I can't figure it out, there's always that comfort that comes from knowing that I have a sibling, a parent, or a friend that I can turn to for answers.<br />
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But I simply love figuring out the crap; I love the adventure. And I think getting out there and being in unfamiliar environments is the key to growing and progressing.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-91210231182952143392012-10-11T23:34:00.004-07:002012-10-11T23:35:01.410-07:00A Confession, A Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Meet BDN-PC. He's my new laptop that I recently got with my scholarship money. Although he's a new friend, he and I have shared a joyful memory or two already. I love this piece of machinery.<br />
<br />
However, I must confess that I was a <span style="font-size: xx-small;">little</span> heart-broken when I realized that a good 50 GB of its 120 GB hard drive space has already been used up with the operating system, the programs, DROPBOX, and mission pictures.<br />
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The question haunted me for days: "What the devil is going to happen to my thousands of files of music?" You see, I personally own a good 30-40 GB of music. But with only 70 GB of HD space left, what was I to do with this crap load of beautiful music?<br />
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I decided that I was never going to listen to ALL 30-40 GB of that music. So I decided to tone it down and only put my favorite albums on this small piece of machinery. I began to transfer the music over wirelessly. But it was taking forever. And something didn't seem right.<br />
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A voice suddenly spoke to my mind. "Screw it. Spotify is the key."<br />
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It hit me like a sack-full of potatoes. I immediately deleted all the music from BDN-PC, and I downloaded and installed Spotify within a matter of 2-3 minutes (thanks to BDN-PC's quickness).<br />
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Spotify had everything I wanted to listen to (PLUS MORE!) as long as I had an Internet connection. It was love at first listen.<br />
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But little did I know that my love for Spotify could run even deeper. It all happened so quickly. In fact, it was about ten minutes ago (11:17 PM). I am sitting here waiting for my little brothers to call for a ride home from the Foothill vs. Basic game. And I have a huge urge to put on some Ben Folds Five.<br />
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I turn on the first album that catches my eye. <i>The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner </i>is its name. And I am thinking, "This looks good."<br />
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Oh, it was blissful. The album started off with a tune called <i>Narcolepsy. </i>And I am thinking, "Okay, okay. Pretty good, pretty good." Before I knew it, I am hearing <i>Don't Change Your Plans. </i>Then <i>Mess. </i>And then <i>Magic. </i>By this moment, the tears are beginning to roll down my face.<br />
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"Beautiful music." I say to myself.<br />
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Then <i>Hospital Song- A Cappella</i> begins to play. I start to bawl.<br />
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And now I am rocking out to the some-what explicit <i>Army </i>while wiping those tears from my face one by one.<br />
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My confession is simple: I love Spotify. It's an antidote to BDN-PC's inability to hold my personal collection of music.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361283022473954417.post-58981933728932497212012-10-07T19:10:00.001-07:002012-10-07T20:04:56.748-07:00The Only True Church, Personal Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Another General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ has come to a quick close. As always, I am left thinking, "Darn. It's already over? How could it possibly be so?"<br />
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A lot of other things have been on my mind, too, of course. It may have something to do with all the wonderful talks and words that were heard all across the world. So many simple truths have been taught and learned these past two days. And I am simply overwhelmed by how much these past two days have helped me spiritually. I am beyond grateful to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know it is Christ's church. It's His, and there is no other.<br />
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That simple truth and belief of ours is found in the Fifth and Sixth Article of Faith:<br />
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<i>5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>A man <i>must</i> be called of God. He must be given the authority, the keys to preside over Christ's church. This is nothing new. We saw it again and again and again in the Old Testament in prophets such as Moses and in Abraham. They were entitled to know God's will for all of His children. They talked to God and received revelation straight from Him.<br />
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It is no different today. As Latter-Day Saints, we believe in a latter-day prophet who receives revelations straight from the Lord. We saw that this weekend when President Monson announced the new, younger age requirements for Elders (now 18) and Sisters (now 19). How awesome is it to recognize and know that such an announcement didn't come by chance? It is the Lord's will. We may not quite yet understand why the Lord needs these slightly-younger missionaries, but I can assure the world that there is a purpose behind it. It's not because "it makes more sense" or "it's more convenient"; otherwise, it would have been this way a long time ago. The Lord needs more missionaries, and He needs these younger Elders and Sisters.<br /><br />Aside from the revelation that our prophet receives for us as God's children, I am grateful for the personal revelation that each of us can receive be listening to conference. As I listened to Elder Holland speak earlier today, he said something along the lines of (referring to being a true disciple of Jesus Christ), "<i>The call is to come, to stay true, to love God, and lend a hand. I include in that call to fixed faithfulness every return missionary who ever stood in a baptismal font, and with arm to the square said, 'Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ...' That commission was to have changed your convert forever. But it was surely supposed to have changed you forever as well.</i>"<br />
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When I heard those words come out of Elder Holland's mouth, I couldn't help but start to tear up. It was a reminder to me that I need to do a better job of being a disciple of Christ. I wasn't only meant to be affected by my mission during the two years that I served. I am meant to let those baptisms and those mission experiences continue to change me.<br /><br />I want to be a faithful Christian soldier. I cannot and will not stop--no matter the price.BDNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16378274281939034406noreply@blogger.com0