You must take "it" at times...

Meekness ranks so low on the mortal scale of things, yet so high on God's quoted Elder Maxwell in a talk given about being Meek and Lowly.  I have always loved this topic of study by this man because of the experiences I've had in life that portray a glimpse of what I've experienced at times.  Because I will be quoting Elder Maxwell so often in this entry I just want the reader to know I will put it in parentheses.  He speaks of the life in which we must live in order to obtain this Christ-like attribute which is hard to obtain but yet its sweetness is like none other.  Even though at times, the pathway to be meek and lowly cause pain, the end result is far above those praises of mankind.  (Meekness is needed, therefore, in order for us to be spiritually successful-...living in "thanksgiving daily" is actually possible even in life's stern seasons).  An experience that happened to my wife and I the other night, we were coming home from the store driving about 30mph in a 25mph zone.  This man is standing out in the parking strip of his property flashing a light at our vehicle as we drive by.  I tell Cars, he may need some help and flip around.  As I approach this old man in his 50's, I roll down my window and ask, "do you need some help sir?" "YES! You need to slow down!" he replied.  I share with him that I was going 30mph and understand it's a residential area.  He then proceeded, "Yes, it's 5 mph faster than the speed limit!"  I have no idea of this gentleman's motive but whatever it may be, simple we must take it at times.  So often, I wondered to myself, when Elder Maxwell stated, "He or she will have to "take it" at times."  


I always asked myself...what does it mean to "take it" at times?


My definition:  To swallow any pride while in the midst of an undeserved comeuppance. 


Such experiences of mine when having to "take it" was at a young age.  Late 1980's, my sister and I were playing with matches and caused a house fire.  At the age of Four, the blame was put on me even thought I did not do the act of starting the fire.  My father being patient with me, took me by the hand, walked down the stairs to the basement and with a room full of black charcoal and ash every said to me, "look what you did."


Another time, I was on my way home from a Jr. Jazz game.  I was getting a ride from some friends of mine and as we stopped at the light, we saw a kid whom we just played and won, was getting physically abused.  In the misted of the yelling of the mom of my friends, while my friends were pointing and laughing and I just sat there sad for this boy, next week I found this Mom pushing us in the direction to apologize for laughing and pointing and unsportsman-like conduct.  As a 10 year old boy, I asked myself why I needed to apologize for pointing and laughing that wasn't done by me.  


When I read the talks by Elder Maxwell, I know that he has suffered such experiences that helped him understand the pathways to discipleship.  


Often I know that we experiences hardships and misery to help us grow but how else will we know what God wants us to become if we don't walk his paths.  The very act of choosing to have a valid source of integrity comes within yourself.  Integrity is the act of doing 'it', because 'it' is the right thing to do, all the time.  Being able to make decisions that change the course of our lives gives us the better opportunity to refine our characters that once came from a more exalted sphere.  The glimpse of heaven can be seen here on earth as Elder Kimball once said, "heaven can be in a hogan or a tent...for heaven is of our own making."  I would add that it's up to us to ensure that we choose to see with the eyes of faith, to see how our Father in heaven sees us, not as the world gauges reputation.


Sometimes, we just have to 'take it' at times.

Rekindling the Fire.

My wonderful wife has been helping me get back in the habit of reading regularly.  So far I've tackled 3-4 books this year and right now I'm reading the Bio of Elder Neal A. Maxwell.  When I listen to this Disciple of Christ speak on many occasions, I can't help but to think of the refining moments that he went through in order to get where he ended up.  Starting off at such a young age, he served time in the military before his mission.  The deferring moment in his life when he knelt in prayer both in solace and selfishness for his life to be spared.  When bomb shells should have landed on top of him because the exactness that the enemy had solved where his whereabouts where, he knelt in a fox hole just big enough for him to be protected, that very moment he dedicated his life to God, if He would spare him.   I often think of how many times I have offered prayer in pleading cases where if I would get help, I too would change my ways and make better habits come about.  One of the big differences between Elder Maxwell and myself, is he was genuine when he offered such a prayer.  I've been striving to make changes in my life and dedicate more of my time, talents and interest to the Lord and He has seen fit to bless me with.  I know that I am being prepared for those blessings to come and I can only strive to prepare myself so when He is willing to take a chance with me, I'll be ready.

When someone takes for granted, the simple beauties of life, they miss out on understanding the love God has for them and fails to understand the meaning of being a Child of God.  When one comes to understand that he or she is a Child of God, and the take that understand with them as they pray with fervent minds, they become closer to being one with God as He is with his Son.  As it states in the Bible Dictionary, " Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them."  I am reminded of the scripture found in Luke 13:34 as it states, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"  Just maybe this verse applies to us speaking in the manner of gathering together (being you and your heavenly Father) for a meliorated conversation that becomes bilateral.  I personally feel at times that I forget that prayer is a two-way conversation.  Oft, I speak in prayer...but am still training to listen.  I also even pray that I will recognize the voice of the spirit and not only hear it, but act accordingly to do so.  It may be a hard feat to try but asking heavenly Father for ultimate submission.  Ask Him if there is anything in your life that you have done wrong and if so, bring it to your attention so that you make fix it and make things right.  I know it's not an easy feat, but the growth is ineffable.

One large problem of most people comes from the deviation of time allotment.  People aways say, "I don't have time to do that." What I hear them say is, "I choose to not use my time with that object or task." We all have enough time to do whatever we want.  However, it comes down to us choosing to use our time in such a way that is pleasing unto the demands of society, life, family, work and the various assignments we are given.

After reading part of this Bio of Elder Maxwell, I find myself doing things that I want in a book if someone were to write about me.  If someone came to me and said, "Trevor, I would love to write a book about you and what you did from the time you got married to the time you finished school." I would hope that I could give them substance and credibility.  My wife is the most helpful person in my life that helps give me more meaning to life then ever before.  She is smart, intelligent, self-sustaining, humorous, loving, care-giving and passionate.   She has helped my rekindle my fire when it comes to reading and I love her for that, plus all sorts of other things too. :)

Best Things Take Priority

As many have come to know, I have recently gotten married.  It by far has been the best decision I have ever made!!!  I know that some people think it's one of the biggest decisions to make, which it is, however, it's no different than others that I have made.  I have been blessed with many unique gifts and though those gifts are sacred, I know that when it comes to communicating with my Father in heaven, it's no different than communicating with anyone else.  Of course, His timing is different than typical conversations because when you are engaged in conversing, there is instant replying, answering and question asking.  When I prayed and asked my Father in heaven if he agreed with my decision to marry Carlee, it was a conversation that was completely understood.  I've never asked Heavenly Father what to do, I've always made my choice, and then taken it to Him and ask Him if he agrees with my decision.  There have been times that I didn't know what to do and had to make a decision that I never got an answer to, however, if it wasn't the best choice for me, He provided a way for me to remedy the situation and return to modern life. 

I think about the constant nourishment I try to provide my wife in all that I do and say.  Oft times I find myself trying to critique my lexicon to ensure that it comes out the way I want it to instead of being taken the wrong way.  When I say something that can be taken two ways, I mean the for the lesser to be taken.  I never will have the heart to do evil to anyone even though I have my moments about joking to beat up some 13 year old kid that stole $3,000 worth of personal belongings.  If I ever have the chance to meet the kid, chances are I'll give him an opportunity to make things right before his life ends up in a less fortunate path. 

I've always tried to have the heart to forgive and forget because I too hope that's the case when judgement day comes for me.  I have no greater fear than to not be able to stand blameless before my Father in heaven and have to answer to Him for the unkind things I've said or done.  I've think one of the greatest gifts I've been blessed with is to be a constant forgiver.  As many people don't understand how the atonement came to fruition, I've had dreams that I can't explain but fully understand how it works and how great the purpose is when in use.  The atonement is not only for people seeking forgiveness, but also for the forgiver.  The forgiver needs the atonement just as much as the forgivee.  The application of both the forgiver and forgivee need to understand that without the atonement, neither party can be justified.  Just as any law needs to be justified, in any case, there must be opposition in all things.

As aforementioned about opposition in all things, there were times that I needed to just have a moment and muse about those deferring choices that were about to be made.  Sure at times I felt like I was at peace just as much as times the adversary was working on me telling me that I needed to stay single...forever.  That was something that I just could not swallow.  I've lived my whole life in hopes to some day share with my kids why I made the choices I did, and yes, to strut my ego, there were times I made those decisions just so I could say, well if I did it, so can you!  I won't lie, it was hard choosing some of the paths that I did, but was it worth not ever compromising my standards, you bet it was.  I know I've said it once but I'll say it again, God recognizes character, Man recognizes reputation.  On the flip side, if you validate your character with worrying more about Him and less about them, those who seek to find your reputation will only reckon that it's character they seem to find. 

I don't have much more to say other than I am loving my married life and look forward to forever with Carlee, she truly is the love of my life!

Lastest News of my Life

I couldn't help but to think of how much fun Moab, UT was going to be knowing that I was going to ask Carlee Hamblin to marry for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord.

We ended up on top of a mountain overlooking God's beautiful creation. I wrote a story book for Carlee and created the perfect moment to propose to her. Check out this custom ring my buddy made! (Aaron's Jewelry)

 

There isn't a more wonderful act than showing your love through Diamonds!! I'm kidding.  Carlee knows from experience that a ring can not and will not validate my love for her.  So, I am now the luckiest man alive.  Engaged Feb 12, 2010 and we have a date of March 26th, 2010...yes...six weeks later, we will be starting our own family!