2/16/2012

Today....

Well it's been great so far!

I woke up just after 8 a.m. then I decided since I didn't have work maybe I should go to the temple and attend a session.

Let's just say I went with some questions I had on my mind. And none of them were answered because I was asking the wrong question. The truth is I already knew the answers to the questions and He knew that too!

God do you really love and why do I feel like I have to put up with so much?

That's the question I should have asked even though I already know the answer. I felt the reassuring feeling of the Spirit that he does! And while I was there I truly felt that I have no reason to be scared and he will take care of me, because of my faith in him, I was reassured that my footsteps will be guided and I will have no need to fear in what to say nor how to act!

I love the temple!

Then I felt that like I should drive by the seminary building. I was thinking I would stop in ans say hi to the old seminary teachers. My favorite seminary teacher, Brother Anderson, asked if I would talk to his students. He had me talk to them about the missionary prep institute class they offer in the mornings and to talk about my preparation and I was already in tears by this time.

I don't know why, but I always seem to be the emotional type when it comes to this. Then he asked if I would bare my testimony!

I just want to say, I needed that a lot. To reassure myself of what I already know. The class was definitely filled with the Spirit and I am grateful to be given opportunities like these.

I have every reason to be grateful!!!

Oh Crystal!

I just got a letter! I just got a letter! I wonder who its from?!

(Blues Clues Letter Song)

It's from our friend Crystal!!!

 

 

 

 

I finally got a letter from her two months later!

 

 

 

 

She wrote me 5 wonderful pages of juicy stuff! Okay it wasn't filled with juicy stories, but it was the 5 sweet pages someone has ever written me!

 

 

Crystal Ponce! I am privileged to be your best friend and I really feel special that you care about me so much. Your letter to me, honestly had me crying! I am thankful for your friendship and your willingness to listen to me and my problem when I need to unload. You have been a great friend to me!!! I love you, Crystal!!!

 

 

 

 

I pulled out my letter and look what I found....

 

 

 

 

....a cute little decorated heart!

 

 

 

 

And look what else I found...

 

 

 

 

"will U BE MINE?"

I think she wants me to be her belated Valentine!

I am pretty sure she just wants me for my bah-day!

 

 

 

 

I would be honored to be your BELATED VALENTINE!!!

 

 

Look how young we are?! I found this picture on my phone!

Thanks for being a part of my life! You have been such a blessing in my life and it's been such a privilege to know you. I will cherish the good laughs and cries and moments we shared!

I love you, Crystal Ponce!

Fun Weekend in SLC!!!

 For those of you know It was my Trev and Amanda's wedding this weekend and it was a great weekend!

They were sealed together for all time and eternity and it was the most beautiful wedding I have ever witnessed!



Don't these two young people look so good together? I think they look perfect together. I love you guys and congratulations!!!

Lisa was attempting to pin my flower in my vest but I guess she didn't do it good enough because one of Amanda's brides maid fixed it. I thought she did a great job though!

Lisa and Jordon were awesome to come and visit and hang out with me at the reception! They are some of my best friends! I am glad I got to spend sometime with them while I was down there! Thanks Guys you're the best!!!

So once I got home from the Salt Lake I had a package from my best friend, Crystal, and a letter from my good friend, Elder Decker, waiting for me in the middle of the living room! It sure was a great surprise!

Crystal got me a Pillow Pet Kangaroo and it cam with a baby kangaroo the size of my hand. The big one's name is Betsy and she is mine and the little one's name is Meeco and he is Crystals. Funny thing is Betsy actually has a pouch! I love it Crystal! Thank you so much!!!



Scripture of the Day

Alma 27:27

And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.

Okay these are the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, the same people who buried their weapons of war and refused to kill their enemies. They were the most humble, faithful, and righteous people that I know. I really hope that I could strive to have this love for my fellow brethren and do my best to give those around me a second chance. They endured their trials with perfection and they accepted their life and their challenges without out any complains. The Anti-Nephi-Lehi people were amazing and so faithful and cared about everyone. I really hope I can one day be like these people!

Scripture Time

Alma 25:15-16

15 Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.

16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses: but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those this to come.

Can I just say: I love this scripture! For these people to keep the law of Moses, helping them look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ just blows my mind how incredible their faith really is. I hope I too can be have the faith these people had relying on the spirit of prophecy. I am also so glad that we have the Savior's example to follow now that the law of Moses has been fulfilled.

So tonight Lisa Cline and I attempted to go to institute tonight at Skyline but we could find the seminary building! We were getting super frustrated! Instead, we went to ShopKo and looked around for a while. Then my dad called and he asked if I could meet him at Men's Warehouse and Lisa was kinda enough to drop me off!

So I played dress up before I got to walk out of there and I just thought I would model just a little! I thought the Greg, Chris, and I looked pretty good. Good choice Amanda!

And while I was there Trev wanted me to try on his tux because I am the closest to his size. Let's just say I'm a tiny guy!

Trevor and Amanda I am really excited for you guys! I can't wait to have Amanda to become part of the family and I won't have to call her Trev's fiance anymore, but MY sister-in-law! I love you guys and I am so glad I can be here for your wedding!

3 MORE DAYS!!!



A Trip to Lizzie's

So it was time for me to get a hair cut!

I had to get a picture with my nephew, Knox. When I came over he was so excited to see me! Isn't he such a stud!!!

I got a haircut for a special occasion....My brother's wedding!

Can I just say? I love getting haircuts. Thanks Lizzie! I love it and you always do a great job!



1/26/12

I woke up at 3:50 a.m. again so I could be at the airport at 5 and so I could make my flight at 7. It was a good flight. I was so dead and I slept the whole flight! It was a fantastic nap my face was pressed up against the window!

So after I got home, I really wanted to visit my new nephew Matix Mark that I had waited pretty much a whole week to finally meet the little guy. So over to Lizzie's!

Just look at the little guy! He is so precious! He almost looks like he is smirking.

He is so tiny. I am proud to be called his Uncle Colton or Colt because its easier for the little ones to say. Matix makes 21 nieces and nephews for me! Keep'em coming!!!

And here is Matix's big brother, Knox, he wanted to get his picture taken too! He is such a stud and he is such a good big brother to Matix!!!

I just want to take him home for myself! I love babies and children they are so fun. I think I'm just a little too baby hungry! Haha!

These little guys are the sweetest gifts that Heavenly Father has entrusted us with! There is no doubt in my mind or in my heart that children are precious blessings that come into our lives because God loves us!!!

Sharing Time

Sorry, just saying sometimes it's hard to find time in the day to do this. I am trying to get started up again. So this morning I read in Alma 22 and this chapter was about Aaron teaching  king Lamoni's father. I love this chapter. My favorite verse in this chapter is after Aaron teaches Lamoni's father about the Plan of Salvation starting with the creation and ending with the redemption of Christ. And this is when Lamoni's father is pleading with God.

Alma 22:18

"O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead."

My favorite phrase in this verse: "...I will give away all my sins to know thee...". I just find this amazing how great king Lamoni's father's faith really is. I really admire him. This really is a truly humble man and I hope that could come to tell myself that everyday for the rest of my life and that those who I one day will teach!!!

I actually have some news, I got a month long calling! haha. Well it doesn't really have an official title but I now am one of the Young Men Supervisors for mutual and help out where ever I can. Since I wont be in town for very many Sundays, I only help out on Tuesday nights. I am pretty excited though and this is my first calling!!! Woohoo!

AZ Adventure: Day 7

Wednesday, I woke up at 3:50 a.m. and I had to wake Jeremy up because he wasn't up when we were suppose to head off to the MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE!!!

Oh man! It was such a great experience. Let me just say that it has been a dream for me to attend this temple and it has always held a special place in my heart. In this temple I was sealed to my family when I was a wee little lad in grade school! I really appreciate Jeremy's willingness to take me and we woke up so early to go because Jeremy had work. He also showed me around his work and it was pretty cool to see around and what he does. The guys he works with are really cool guys.

Then the rest of the day I just hung out with Natalie and Jetta. My last day Jetta was actually coming to me and making me feel really special. Then the Belnapers got out of school early and Haylee picked up lunch at In-n-Out. It was delicious!

Later that night the Thompsons, Elsworths, and Trinity came over to the Belnap's home and we had another bonfire and we had some awesome dance offs on Just Dance 2 and 3. It was so much fun!!!

I'll try to upload a video if I can get one.

When I was telling all the kids goodbye for two years, it broke my heart, especially when Haylee was giving me her love. She is one of the sweetest girls I know. She was just in tears and trying to hold them back. Now she sends me texts saying, "You should write that in your journal." That is something that I kept telling her. It's one of our little inside jokes.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!

Thank you to everyone who helped make my visit so great!!

A special thanks to Natalie and Jeremy Belnap for giving me a place to stay and everything else!!!!



Scripture Time!

I know I have been bad at posting my spiritual thoughts. I have just been finding myself more occupied all of a sudden.

Wednesday- Alma 18:10

"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them."

As I read this I was thinking how I would hope that I could be like Ammon and be a faithful servant as I serve a mission and throughout the rest of my life. I would think how great it would be to remember what I have been commanded to do and live up to those standard the best I could!

Thursday- Alma 19:13

"For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit."

I love how king Lamoni experiences his conversion being overcome by the Spirit and shares his testimony with his wife and his household. As I serve my mission I am so  excited to be able to share my testimony with others and how I have seen Jesus Christ in my life and the power of his atonement I have experienced. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Redeemer. I love the scripture John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the father, but by me."

Today- Alma 20: 27

"And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom: for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them."

Now king Lamoni's father was saying this to Ammon and Lamoni that he is impress with them. As Ammon and Lamoni listened to the Spirit and did as they were asked they were able to act as an instrument in the Lord's hands. I hope that as I listen to the Spirit and serve the Lord throughout my life I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands in building is his kingdom upon the earth!



AZ Adventure: Day 6

On Tuesday, I went to the Phoenix Zoo with my sisters Natalie and Kara, my cousins Kortney and Kylie, and my nieces Jetta and Braelyn!

 

 

We got here and I knew it was going to be a great day! My Dream car the Honda Odyssey!!!

If you didn't know monkeys are some of my favorite animals. I just find them so cute and I would love to be able to climb in the trees!

 

 

This is my tiger. Okay not really but he is the my high school's mascot! We think he was really hungry because he kept moaning and checking all the doors. I would hate to be in his cage!

 

 

 

 

The Giraffes, I love these animals! I find them so pretty!

 

 

I know this is gross and I'm getting ready to go on my mission but this was the big highlight of my zoo adventure.... two tortoises doing it! I felt so bad for the girl because it sounded like he totally cracked her shell. She was like trying to get away from him but she had like no choice. I felt so bad for her and by the way tortoises sound like cows!!!

 

 

Then that evening we went to my Uncle Justin's surprise birthday party! It was fun we went on a short hike at Usery Park again. It was really nice to see all of them again!

AZ Adventure: Day 5

 Monday, we drove back through the part of town I grew up in!

Welcome to Mesa High! If I didn't ever move to Idaho this is where I would have ended up going to school.

All of my older siblings actually when to this school and graduated except for Trev because he wanted to live in Idaho. I do want to add that I am super grateful to have moved to Idaho because I made good impact in my life. But I am a little sad I didn't have the opportunity to go to school here. I was a Tiger instead of a Jackrabbit!

This was the church building that I grew up going to. It was so weird going back through this area of town because it was like one big flashback. It was crazy to think that I was able to remember some of these things after so long.

I really wish I got to go to this place while I was down there. I love Bahama Buck's it has the best shaved ice and flavors. No offence to the SnoShacks up her in Idaho and Lisa you do make some pretty great snow cones! This place just brings back some happy memories that I've had in my life.

My cute, little niece, Jetta is chillin' with Nat and I at the cemetery!

I had to come visit my older brother Zachary while I was in town. I am so grateful for my brother he has been such a great influence in my life even though I didn't get to know him very well.

And I of course had to come and visit my Grandma and Grandpa Bingham! The last time I saw my Grandpa was about 5 months ago. And I am so grateful because it was the best visit I had with him. It was the first time I really felt that I had his attention and he let me know how proud and happy he was of me.

I love the back of their headstone where it has all their children's names! I am glad my grandparents are once again reunited!

This was the only picture I was able to get of my sister Natalie and of course she is picking oranges at the cemetery. I didn't know they had oranges growing there before. I was so embarrassed! I love you though!!!

And did you realize we were all wearing our Toms!

So for family night we hit up Skateland!

Trinity and Gage!

My nephews Kayden and Kyler, my sister Kara, and my niece Braelyn

It was so good to see them again! I love these guys!

I honestly couldn't ask to be apart of a better family!!!

 OH YEAH!!! That's right I was jammin' out like crazy! This brought back some old memories! Good Times!!!