Why and How I'm Restructuring Throwback Thursday

While compiling the results from the last poll of 2015, I noticed something about the votes for the Throwback Thursday feature.

There were no votes for Throwback Thursday.

Despite the lack of interest in these posts, I will continue to post an equivalent every Thursday at the normal time. Critics of my Throwback Thursday posts may throw up their arms in disbelief. "Why?" they may demand. "Why are you keeping this unpopular feature?"

Well, for several reasons.

Throwback Thursday posts give me a break during the week, an opportunity to work on other projects. They give me a chance to feature older posts lost and forgotten in the archives, posts still
relevant to my current audience.

Each Throwback Thursday is nothing more than a commentary on a post from the past, a look into my memories regarding the ongoing creation of the blog. It is the links found within the Throwback Thursday posts that offer the true meat of that day's message. However, as I've reviewed the statistics, almost no-one ever clicks on the links.

This prompts confusion. Without the context of the post found at the other end of the link, my commentary makes no sense. People read Throwback Thursday posts and wonder, What he is talking about?  No matter what I've done to try and promote knowledge of these links, readers just don't click on them.

So, I'm restructuring this feature.

Every Thursday, I will market a post from the past, only this time, it will have (with Added Commentary) attached to the title. You can think read the original post, and, if you want, click on the link at the bottom to read my fresh commentary.

Be sure to give me feedback as I continue on with this!

Bravery: New Beginnings (with Added Commentary)

1 Nephi 17:17 - "And when my brethren saw that I was about to build a ship, they began to murmur against me, saying: Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters."

I don't know if I made this clear, but I left home for the University a little bit early so I could work my mandated holiday shift. For various reasons, when I was given the option some months back, I chose the Christmas shift right before the advent of the second semester.

As it was, the full moon (or, at least it looked like it was full) found me tramping through the snow late last night with two of my fellow RAs, talking and laughing about life as we ensured the residents were doing right. As I usually do leading up to a massive shift in my life, I began to wax pensive in the quiet moments we three shared.

Endings, I believe, seem far more monumental to our mortal minds because there are less of them. We live in a world where many people begin things they never finish. It is far more rare to see someone finish that they have started than to actually see them begin. I can't tell you how many individuals used to scoff the idea that I would ever finish any of my books. Ending, it seems, is far more insurmountable than beginning.

However, I sometimes feel beginnings fail to garner the proper amount of respect they deserve. True, it is easy to take the first step of a thousand miles, but will you walk them? For me, though, no matter how many miles we fail to walk, I think it is more brave to begin than it is to finish. We fear failure. It's written into our makeup. If we never try, we can't fail. And yet, so many people risk it.

Today, I began classes with a new semester. I had many opportunities open before me, and I recognized many others that hadn't changed from last semester. I saw many students come back strong after hesitant semesters. I saw determination and strength in the eyes of many around me.

I saw bravery in the face of a beginning.

No one had given up.

As the year commences, and things kick into gear, I invite you to do the same.

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on April 21, 2016. Click here to read it!

Optimism: Minor Injury Overreaction (with Added Commentary)

Luke 6:42 - "... cast out first the beam out of thine own [hand] ..."

I woke up bright and early this morning to head over to a training meeting for us RAs, during which we were prepared for the upcoming week in regards to check-ins and what else was expected of us.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, we were charged with the task of clearing away the last of the Christmas decorations left over from the dance I described a few weeks back. Carting man-sized nutcrackers and wreaths the size of a small child across the housing complex, we the crew started chucking everything more or less back to where it needed to be.

As I struggled with a box full of plastic Christmas tree parts, I slid my hand across a wooden shelf and discovered a most peculiar pain throbbing in my flesh. Upon further inspection, I realized I'd shoved a baby-toothpick-sized splinter in the heel of my palm.

The natural man in me probably would have felt prone to moan and gripe about how I'd been wronged, about how my injury could have been avoided had the conditions in the storage room been better kept. I could have lashed out at my friends, my bosses, those in charge of the storage, or even taken to brooding and refused to help any more while I nursed my injury.

Instead, I said, "Coooooool!" and proceeded to help lift things until I could find a pushpin to carve the wood out of my hand.

That bloody line in between the pin and the gash? That's the splinter. The rest of the grain gets a little lost against the color of my flesh. I wish my camera was better, but hey.

Reacting negatively didn't occur to me until I'd already picked a good portion of the splinter, and even after it had occurred to me, I felt stupid that my brain was capable of thinking such things. Rather than see the painful experience as a burden or a problem, my initial reaction was to express excitement over a new experience and then push on with yet another. It's unfortunate that I don't always win the fight over the natural man, but at least I'm trying.

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on April 14, 2016. Click here to read it!

Had any splinters in your life recently? Be sure to comment below!

Your Top 10 Most-Viewed Posts of 2014! (with Added Commentary)

The original title of this post was "Your Favorite Blog Posts of 2014 (Part 2)."

Following up from Saturday, in which we reviewed you readers' least favorite posts of 2014, here we have a post detailing your favorites! Let's start the countdown, Jimmy! Click the titles to be taken to the posts!

10.) Optimism: No Straps, Four Arms [37 views] - Originally posted on November 15, this post featured an epic tale detailing the struggles and difficulties faced when four college students were faced with a simple problem: "Our car is way too small in which to shove this giant-sized piece of hardware!" Couple this with bitter biting winds, a class in less than an hour, and a broken vehicle, and many of you came in to enjoy the ride.

9.) TT #1 and Future of the Blog [38 views] - I'm not surprised this post made it onto the list, considering how often I've referenced it since its original posting on November 20. Not only was this the first Throwback Thursday post, it also gave an explanation as from where all these advertisements were coming from and to why there weren't going to be any more posts on Sundays. Of course, there still are posts, at least in the form of Sunday Snapshots, but very few people check the blog on that day, anyway. Seriously, though! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the Sunday posts!

8.) Christmas Report [41 views] - Let's be honest. Who doesn't want to know the story behind this Christmas present I received this year? Well, forty-one of you certainly did, which is why this post, originally posted on December 26, came in at number eight of this year. I won't spoil the surprise, but be excited: this is one of the most picture-heavy posts I've ever done. It even features private texts! From me!

7.) Why Preach My Marriage Doesn't Work [42 views] - There are several reasons anyone would want to read this post. I mean, first of all, it contains a hilarious anecdote about why I should be kept from dating as much as possible. Second of all, it features an anthropomorphic cantaloupe. Seriously, why are you still reading this description? I would have clicked on that link by now. Posted on July 27.

6.) Jumping Out and Jumping On [45 views] - I've received some constructive criticism about titling my blog posts from you readers. This post was written before I had earned such aid. So, when I saw this post had made sixth on the list, I honestly had no idea what it was about. It's been a while since I wrote it! Forgive me! Anyway, this picture didn't help me figure it out much, either. Shoot, that's probably why this post was so popular: NOBODY KNEW WHAT IT WAS ABOUT. Why don't you see if you can figure it out? Originally posted on July 19.

5.) Serving Others: Birthday Vegetables [46 views] - "Vegetables? Not a cake? PROPERTY DAMAGE? But ... but I thought he was an RA? What is going on? Man, oh, man we gotta check this out! Even if it's just for blackmailing purposes!" ... is exactly the thought process I imagine all o' y'all went through to make this come in at numbuh five. Posted on September 26.

4.) The Day Dawn is Breaking [47 views] - Originally posted on June 23, this is the mother of all blog posts. No, I'm not saying it's that amazing, but this is literally the first post I ever wrote, therefore birthing all other posts that you've ever read. There is absolutely no fanfare, no explanation as to what I was trying to accomplish, I just went with my original formula and went with it. It was only later that I actually tried to explain what I was trying to accomplish, long after I gave up sticking to one theme.


3.) 100 Posts, 3000 Pageviews [49 views] - Y'all came out in droves to celebrate this landmark with me! Not only did Change and Cherish reach 100 posts in 100 days, we also reached 3000 pageviews to boot! With a great start like that, it's no wonder I'm still here, chugging away with the two hundredth post in sight. Posted on September 30.


2.) RA Thriller Dance-Off: VIDEO [64 views] - Apparently, people dressing up like zombies and dancing to silly songs about herping and derping is quite intoxicating for the lot of you. I, for one, enjoyed this post as well, as it featured the conclusion of a several-week-long arc. Though we didn't win, I don't think the memories we built (and filmed!) will be forgotten readily. Originally posted on October 30.



And finally...




1.) Magnify your Responsibilities: Crazy Protein Shake [97 views] - I don't know why a post about me drinking a potentially harmful protein shake was so popular, but there you have it. I should do more death-defying tricks, like touch an electric eel or scream at a wild banshee. Yeah, that ought to do it! Anyway, if you want to view unprecedented blog popularity, check out this post, originally posted on September 29.

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on March 23, 2016! Click here to read it!

TOMORROW: Check back for My Personal Favorite Posts of 2014!

Christmas Report (with Added Commentary)

Matthew 2:11 - "... they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh ..."

My parents are very thoughtful people. A few days before Christmas, we had this short conversation.

The two most important lines are the first ones, but the rest was pretty funny, too.

I just about forgot about the conversation until Christmas morning, when I found this waiting for me under the tree.

It's a pun! Get it? Get it?

The outside of the box.

The inside of the box.

Yes, even my third request.

My parents are silly critters, aren't they?

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this piece on March 17, 2016! Click here to read it!

What thoughtful gifts did you receive/give this Christmas? Be sure to comment below!

Falling Acoustic (VIDEO) [Added Commentary]

Doctrine and Covenants 124:1 - "... for unto this end have I raised you up ..."

In a fit of emotion, I wrote this song. Video link and lyrics are below.

[Lyrics]

I got so far to another mistake

Was feeling so good now I ain’t that great

Why did my mind have to come so late

To the station waiting for me to leave

I’m falling

Westside, inside, outside, left side

Falling

Too close to the edge

I’m drowning, I’m moving, I’m screaming out for help

But there’s just one thing

To Keep me afloat

When I run, I tire of every little breath

When I scream, the fire pulls me close to death

It’s one thing to lose yourself

Another when you’re gone

And I’m gone

OH, I’m gone.

I’m falling

Eastside, outside, inside, right side

Falling

Gotta step back from that ledge

I’m holdin’ on, I’m beggin’ on, but one thing I don’t know

Is why I fall

Why can’t I say never again.

Oh, why can’t I say not again.

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on March 3, 2016. Click here to read it!

Experiencing All: Party Crashers [with Added Commentary]

Genesis 30:27 - "... for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake."

So I'm sitting in my room late Wednesday night, trying to give a care about my upcoming finals, with nary a shower or a change of clothes earlier in the day to get me going, when I heard a knock at my door. Oh great, I thought. Someone locked themselves out of their room. Again. Dragging my gym shorts off my couch and running a finger through my gnarled porcupine hair, I approached the door and cracked it open.

To my surprise, I wasn't greeted by a resident, but by one of my RAs. His opening statement was a bit more complicated, but the story boiled down to this.

"So, my uncle gave me tickets to a free dinner at a Brazilian restaurant hosted by UVU parking. I don't have a car, but you do, so wanna crash it?"

Well, duh.

So I actually showered and changed and jumped in a car and got lost on the way to this Brazilian restaurant. When we arrived, our entire plan boiled down to finding the event, sitting down, and hoping nobody asked any probing questions. After all, my friend's uncle was expected at the event, and seeing how we were from a rival school, any investigation might result in us being exposed for frauds. It was all very exciting.

So we found out where the event was and sat down in some empty seats, squashed between other empty seats. The food was bank, man, and the fact that we were getting it ... for free ... because some UVU executive was paying for this fantabulous feast when we totally didn't deserve it. I pay parking tickets, not give them.

Thankfully, we were lucky in that there were actually several factions represented at the event, so most everyone thought we belonged to a different group than the one they were associated with. Unfortunately, we couldn't avoid the moment forever. An older couple asked us what it was like, working parking. It was time.

We hadn't discussed an alias or plan prior to the event in case we did get asked such a question. I'd formulated one of my own, perfectly designed to throw my friend under the bus. "I'm with him." Of course, I never had the chance to use it, because my friend answered for us. "Oh, my uncle gave us his tickets."

Huh. Never thought about honesty.

The old couple was surprised. They nodded. They never said another word to us.

It was awesome.

Point is, besides the hilarious experience, imagine where I would have been had I rejected such an opportunity. Probably sitting on the couch, staring at the ceiling, wondering how the Glorious Revolution fits in regards to Marcus and what New Testament epistle he appeared in. True, studying would have been the best priority, but I gained a memory, something I won't be quick to forget. 

My challenge to you today is to not put experiences before something that can be put off for later. True, at some point, I had to buckle down and take the exam, but my two hour excursion didn't hurt that. This season often has us focus a lot more on its preparations than for what it is actually intended, namely, spending time with friends and family and spreading and feeling love. So go out there! Crash a party! Above all, have fun. 

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on February 25, 2016. Click here to read it!

Temple Square Reminder (with Added Commentary)

Isaiah 2:2 - "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."

Yesterday, the ward and I piled into a series of buses and jaunted all the way from Provo up to temple square.

Given traffic, we really didn't have too much time to do anything besides walk around, eat some food, and snap this photo before heading back to the buses to eat donuts and imbibe hot chocolate. To make matters worse, I'm still recovering from an illness, and I was struggling to focus on anything in particular.

However, I loved the trip. Temple Square always has, and always will be, a sign of the Lord's people persevering through pain, struggle, and hardship to accomplish His purposes. It took those pioneers forty years to build that structure, and still, today it stands. Even on that note, Jesus Christ, through His atonement, experienced everything those pioneers suffered, along with everything I, and you, and our families, and the people we know, and the people we don't know, and everyone else and everything they suffered. 

Seeing the temple again, being reminded of those grand sacrifices, gave me the strength to push on through my illness and other trials to do whatever is needed of me. Unfortunately, with finals coming up, that means do my schoolwork, but I'm ready! Let's go.

Hey you! I wrote a commentary about this post on February 4, 2016. Click here to read it!

Throwback Thursday #3 (VIDEO) [with Added Commentary]

I usually write a poem about once or twice a month and throw it up on the blog, here. Interestingly enough, even though the first few poem posts have pictures, I now generally post a poem when I either forgot or was too lazy to actually take a picture the previous day.

The first poem I wrote was actually on August 13, 2014, written during a time of personal reflection as I prepared to head on out to Utah and resume my education. I wrote this particular poem to express my frustration about a few of the conversations I'd had over my mission, in which the individuals I was conversing with refused to acknowledge the inanity behind their statements because their statements were their own. Hopefully, my thoughts and feelings are accurately displayed in the poem's text.

Of course, Throwback Thursdays don't just give me an excuse to be lazy on Thursdays. I actually made a very, very (very) low-quality video of a quick little Ukelele song I wrote using the poem from August! So watch the video, and then check the lyrics! You may notice some creative differences between my past and present selves, but we've forgiven each other at this point.

Click here to visit Location of Truth (Poem) and check out the lyrics!

Hey, you! I wrote a commentary about this post on January 28, 2016. Click here to read!

Lights Multitude (Poem) [with Added Commentary]

1 John 2:10 - "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him."

Some days I am wondering
What's the point to shine my light?
My glow is naught but feeble
not enough to scare the night

If only a single soul
were to espy my candle
couldn't they see brighter hues
from souls more fit to handle?

I've found it oft required
to battle hard my despair
and switch up my perspective
present with a certain flair

For boats stuck on the water
seeking for a distant shore
'tis one light they ever crave
the multitude cared not for

The light in a windowsill
alas, nowhere near as bright
as a lighthouse piercing wind,
fog and rain all through the night

So, my little angel, do
not worry about your wick
Your light can be the one to
save even a single ship

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on January 21, 2016. Click here to read!

Under the Belt: NaNoWriMo 2014 (with Added Commentary)

Alma 31:34 - "O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success ..."

WHOOOOOO!!!

I may have been an aspiring author for the entirety of my life, but given as how I'm completely distracted by the less important aspects of my life, like school and work and eating and breathing, it's always been difficult to really focus on producing quality--or, in this case, at least quantity--work on a consistent basis. As it is, I can honestly say I've never written this many words on a single project in so short an amount of time.

It was rough at the end, too. Given my determination to not write on Sundays, I woke up Saturday morning with some 4,000 words left to write before the end. I was sick, I was beat, and I personally wondered if I was going to succeed.

I did.

Anything you put your mind to, you, too, can achieve it. It may take time. Shoot, it may even take years. But I know, from personal experience, that whatever grand task you want to complete that's coming to your mind right now, you can achieve it.

I promise you that.

Hey there! I wrote a commentary about this post on January 14, 2016. Click here to read!

Needed Message (with Added Commentary)

Judges 3:20 - "... I have a message from God unto thee ..."

I had a rough day yesterday. A number of various incidents conspired against me to bring me down a little bit, and so I found myself desiring some much-needed encouragement. Unfortunately, different incidents also conspired against me to keep me from my usual support groups, which only helped me feel more desperate and alone.

As I was walking home, moping a little bit, I was walking past one of the buildings on campus and saw this in the windows:

Sorry, I still struggle with quality photography.

I don't know who made those signs. I don't know what impressions they had before putting them up. I do know that those signs were exactly what I needed, right then. Not only was it a reminder that there's always someone looking out for me, it was a reminder that God is looking out for me, too.

And after that, I found someone to talk to about life. I read a general conference talk that helped put my own problems into perspective. I had the chance to just relax. And things were brighter. Much, much brighter.

What small and simple ways will you uplift your fellow siblings of God over these Holidays?

I wrote a commentary about this post on December 17, 2015. Click here to read!

Morning Prayer (POEM) [with Added Commentary]

Psalms 102:17 - "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer."

The morning breaks with naught to fix
My sleep weighs on my brain like bricks

Roll out of bed, and on my knees
Just praying for a good day, please

Breakfast small and nearly tasteless
Clothes are clean is my best guess

Homework lost or now forgotten
Cross the board my grades prove rotten

Thoughtless statement, angry fight
My apology weighs as but a mite

Schedule trashed, cut out the fun
Work is long, want to be done

My bed to covet, end of road
Six hours more is yet my load

Unfinished tasks are now my bane
Too burned to slog, I lay as slain

Yet even though it stretched for miles
I look back on the day and smile

Own my mistakes, and now they're mine
Humor seen, laughter consign

Evening spent with awesome friends
Helping hand I find to lend

Late night trip out for some food
Ponder life as stars are viewed

I may have much left to complete
But given time, I'll have it beat

And so, with one last weary sigh
back on my knees, up to the sky

Thank You for answering my prayer
The day was good, I know You care

I wrote a commentary about this post on December 10, 2015. Click here to read!

Make Something Happen (with Added Commentary)

Deuteronomy 17:20 - "... to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom ..."

So, after the events of this post, I went online and found this offer. As I write this post, it says they cost $6.37, though I only paid $2.99. Who knows what the price will be when you click on it again, or even if the link doesn't break down the line. It probably doesn't matter; I don't think too many people binge read blogs like I do webcomics, so I don't have too much to worry about there.

Anyway, so, yesterday, I got the chopsticks in the mail. I had to go pick them up from the dorm administration building, which, incidentally, is where I attend my RA class, and, incidentally, holds the giant cafeteria all we RAs eat at following class.

So, straight from class, I ripped open the package and took the chopsticks with me, eagerly digging in. Sure, I struggled with the beans, but all in all, it was another fun experience that made the art of eating all that more interesting.

Straight from Hong Kong, $2.99, free shipping! Someone also pointed out there is both Chinese and Korean writing on the packaging as well. Cheap foreign products FTW!

As I sat there, however, I was pondering (among a whole bunch of other things) how my possession of the chopsticks came to be. I had an experience, an idea, I decided to make it happen, and then I made it happen. There are so many times in my life, however, when I've had an idea, and I let it lie on the side of the road. Ideas for books and videos and songs and illustrations come to and go from me all the time, it's difficult to keep track of them all. Unfortunately, sometimes, I choose not to.

I'm sure many of you have had similar experiences, where you think to yourself, Man, what a great idea. I should patent that. Lo and behold, you don't, and then, like, four months later, some guy is getting rich off the idea you had.

As it is, I invite you all today to make sure an idea you have comes to fruition, even if it's something stupid like deciding to eat most of your meals with chopsticks. Make it happen! I know you'll be surprised by the results. And, if you don't like surprises, then I know you'll really enjoy the results. Yeah!

Have a great day, guys! The week is almost over!

I wrote a commentary about this post on December 3, 2015. Click here to read!

Shrug Your Shoulders: Newspaper Fall (with Added Commentary)

3 Nephi 19:30 - "And when Jesus had spoken these words he came again unto his disciples; and behold they did pray steadfastly, without ceasing, unto him; and he did smile upon them again ..."

So mi amigo and I were out roving like we RAs do on a Sunday night, walking through every hallway and peering into every nook and cranny, talking all about life, the universe, and everything, when we stepped into a particular hallway.

At some point since the last time we'd visited this hallway, a group of intrepid individuals had brought in several large stacks of newspapers, crumpled the lot up, and then strewn them all over the hallway. I'm talking about a snow of papers, from one end to the other, creating an ankle-deep obstacle you either had to wade or high-step through.

Of course, my first reactions, internalized and considered, were pretty lame, in my opinion. Should we clean this up? I wondered. Should we fill out a report? Should we do some investigative work to figure out what happened?

It was the residents, and even their RA when he revealed he'd been in the hallway the entire time by bursting out of a pile of papers like they were a pile of leaves, that taught me the important lesson for the day. They'd been pranked. There was a huge mess. There were a lot of unanswered questions, including, Who should we seek revenge on? But not a one of them cared. Not a one saw the prank as a problem, or even bothered considering the next proper step to take. Rather, they took the spontaneity at face value and proceeded to enjoy themselves, playing and throwing and kicking and laughing as part of the grand experience they might not ever have again.

I think it relates to that old saying, "When life give you lemons, make lemonade." I think, sometimes, life throws people like me an orange, and we mistake it for a lemon. I was ready to see the newspapers as a lemon, a mess someone would have to later clean up, but everyone around me was just grateful for the orange.

So, I, too, along with my roving amigo, played in the 'snow' for a bit before we continued on our way. I took with me the decision to enjoy every spontaneous moment that arises, no matter what I may have to do later to rectify whatever problems the spontaneity may have caused. And with that, I'm convinced that life will be just a little more enjoyable.

I wrote a commentary about this post on November 19, 2015. Click here to read!

Optimism: No Straps, Four Arms (with Added Commentary)

Alma 27:18 - "Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness."

So yesterday, the crew went to go sell our plasma. After we were wrapped up and finished, one of my fellows requested that we go to Home Depot so we could procure him a giant white board alternative. It was agreed upon, and so off we went.

Now, my friend wanted the biggest, baddest white board around. My car is one of the dinkiest around. So, despite our suggestions that he, perhaps, buy a more modestly-sized board, he stuck to his guns and went for it all. We, his fellows, shrugged our shoulders, figuring we'd make it work either way.

Well, despite any optimism, the board was far bigger than the inside of the car. We debated, for a while, what we should do.

After we had it, we snapped the first of many pictures.

Then, piling into the car, we all positioned ourselves with our non-punctured arms next to the windows. Reaching out, we each grabbed one of the corners, keeping our precious limbs exposed to the blistering cold. Then, with a gung-ho attitude, we were off.

I tried to take a selfie of what we looked like as we drove, but after I dropped my phone about nine times and ran into three mailboxes, I gave up, so you'll have to imagine it. Regardless, it's pretty simple. One tiny grey intrepid, a white board precariously perched on top. Four rapidly-bluing arms, hanging on for dear life. Though we lost all function in our exposed arms for several hours, it was a trip totally worth it, for our laughs and pain prompted much fodder for fond memories later.

It was true that three of us had not signed the whole 'voluntary misery' contract before we jumped in the car that fateful morning, and any of us could have harbored grudges or frustration either over the possibly construed conscription or the annoyance prompted by the weather itself. But we didn't. Rather than dwell on the trial itself, we dwelt on the future and what we would learn and/or appreciate.

Life is sometimes bleak. Life is sometimes grand. I firmly believe it can be more of the latter rather than the former when we remember that everything is for but a moment. Sadness always falls to happiness. This, I know.

Love you guys! See you again tomorrow!

I wrote a commentary about this post on November 12, 2015. Click here to read!

Ten Virgins: First Snow (with Added Commentary)

Matthew 25:1-13 - "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins ..."

See, here on campus, whenever the temperature gets colder, some wise chap up in central heating gets the bright idea that the temperature within the buildings should rise inversely. Therefore, after you've bundled up like a Christmas present, escaped into the cold, and arrive in class, you find yourself sweating much like an overweight boar. The classrooms here, in essence, become gigantic coat closets as everyone strips down and deposits their articles of clothing anywhere they can find, which, unfortunately, means the floor. You know, walkin' space.

In order to combat this, I wear nothing but light hoodies for as long as I possibly can and merely run to class. My heart rate keeps me warm, and then I don't have to strip upon my arrival in class. Perfect! Of course, by the time the snow hits, you want nothing but to wear heavier clothing, and so you do despite the madcap stripping that follows.

So I left the house yesterday wearing nothing but a light hoodie, running through campus like a fire was lit under my butt. As I sat outside my New Testament class, waiting for it to begin, I glanced outside the window and realized something horrible.

It was snowing.

And that's where the title/selected scripture comes in. My experience, which concluded with me sprinting back home for my heavier coat, reminded me of the unpreparedness of the ten virgins in Christ's parable, which, in turn, reminded me of the preparation we need to undergo for the advent of Christ's second coming. But go on, then! Click the link! Read the parable! It's snowtastically awesome.

I wrote a commentary about this post on November 5, 2015. Click here to read!

Open Your Mouth: The Dentist (with Added Commentary)

Doctrine and Covenants 30:5 - "... for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel ..."

True, I'm in Utah. Practically everyone here is Mormon. However, as I drove to the dentist's office yesterday, I saw a bunch of people who, though possibly Mormons no longer practicing, certainly didn't look like they were a member of my church. Some were smoking, some were drinking, some were hanging outside what looked liked clubs; one dude was walking down the street completely shirtless, with his nipple rings exposed to the world.

Let's be honest here, it was still super cold yesterday, possibly worse than the night I complained about yesterday. Shirtless guy is a super manly dude. Mad respect for him.

Anyway, so I was at the dentist's, and I was asked some questions about my dental history and all that jazz. I hesitated to go into specifics about my time in Jamaica and the fact that I'd served a mission there, simply because I figured it was a similar story these dentists had heard a hundred times from numerous patients. It's not like they're going to benefit from my testimony, I thought.

But then, I went ahead anyway. Why not?

Again, I have no idea if none or all of these dentists were Mormon. But I didn't hesitate to openly talk about my mission and talk about a few of my experiences there. It later turned out the head dentist actually did a humanitarian trip in the Ocho Rios area, and my hygienist was in Haiti getting hit by Hurricane Sandy at the same time I was getting hit in Montego Bay.

If you consider the fact that the dentist's last name is White, you'll realize this post is FULL of puns ...

I think the main point is, in an unfamiliar environment, to people who are probably already familiar with my type of mission experience, I spoke up to share the Gospel message, to open a dialogue about my service for Jesus Christ. Yes, I was hesitant, but I gained a personal witness that, no matter who you open your mouth to, you will feel the Spirit work through you. I know that is true. So get out there and share today! You never know who might be struggling enough to need it.

I wrote a commentary about this post on October 29, 2015. Click here to read it!

Raw Power: Flippin' Freezin' (with Added Commentary)

Job 38:22 - "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail?"

Holy moly, Jamaica weather destroyed my ability to withstand cold. I have my heater cranked on in my room all day every day, I generally walk around campus hunched over with teeth chattering, and people keep stopping me to ask if I'm feeling all right.

Yes. Yes I am. Can you just figure out how to turn the sun back on, please?

Despite everything, I really am excited for the snows. The mountains during this time of year are beautiful, the mood becomes almost serene, and even cuddling will become more prevalent. The beginning of the winter season, right when everything is bright and fresh, before I get tired of black snow lining the roads and dark clouds killing our flowers, is when, I think, I literally ... well, chill out. I've found this season to be quite soothing, as many of the concerns I once felt so important seem to fade.

I suspect that change of mood also has to do with the subconscious reminders of divinity new weather offers. We marvel and wonder at construction projects that transform the landscape in a matter of months, but even something as simple as a snowfall does so much more than anything we, as mortals, can do. With such raw examples of God's power, it's easy to stop and ponder Him, all He does for us individually, and even all He doesn't do.

Christ suffered all things for me, the bad, the worst. He has the power to freeze my bones and the atmosphere, among everything else, and yet, still, even though He experiences everything I don't want to, He refrains from using His power to keep me from trial. So, if I trust Him, I can be assured that everything will be for my good.

What do you think of when you see a snowfall or otherwise large weather change? Tell me about it!

I wrote a commentary about this post on October 22, 2015. Click here to read!

Agency: Whichever Door (with Added Commentary)

D&C 93:31 - "Behold, here is the agency of man ..."

Some of my residents are planning on moving out this next semester. Some of them are leaving on missions. Some of them just want a change of venue.

I'm definitely going to be sad to see them go, especially the monk of the group, but I totally admire them for the decisions they're making. Each are making choices that will affect them, for good or bad, for the rest of their lives, choices I have also made, choices I'm glad I did.

I think, in the world we now live in, it is getting more frightening to make choices. I don't know what kind of risks existed back in the old days, but now, we consider risk in everything, from buying a new cell phone to ordering the seafood surprise at Subway. The bigger the decision, it seems, the more trepidation we put into making them. From career to marriage to children to buying that big screen TV (from least to greatest importance, obviously), we wonder, What are the risks? Will I get to where I need to be by making this specific decision?

And so it goes, the beauty of the thing. I can't imagine a world where I wasn't able to choose my own brand of toothpaste, or the activities I pursue on the weekends, or even what I write about in these posts. The fact that we have our agency, our freedom to choose, is a glorious thing, a gift granted to us by God himself. Yes, these decisions we make are difficult at times, but they are why and how we grow. And that is enough.

I thought of all this yesterday as I stood in my hallway at some time past midnight, alone, pondering the day, already missing some of the friends I've made before they've even left. Each door was literally filled with possibilities, as our future leaders planned and worked and prayed.

Which door will you take?

I wrote a commentary about this post on October 15, 2015. Click here to read!