tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1854721060375040042024-02-19T08:48:21.707-08:00Immortal KombatHey! I'm Elder Uppencamp, and I'm a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and this is my blog. The purpose of this blog is to share with people the joy I have found in the Church and In everyday life. I like to compare this Gospel to things that I enjoy, and I enjoy a lot of things, so this should be fun. Swing by when you want a spiritual thought, some obscure movie referance, or to make fun of my spelling.Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-79985254770304859142013-01-08T19:54:00.000-08:002013-01-08T19:54:46.772-08:00Who you choose to be. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You are who you choose to be.</div>
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- Hogarth Hughes</div>
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In the movie "The Iron Giant" a small boy named Hogarth Hughes teaches a giant robot an important life lesson. The giant robot was built to be a weapon, but what Hogarth taught him was that it didn't matter what he was made to be, all that mattered was what he chose to be. The robot chose not to be a gun but a hero, and his choice saved lives instead of taking them. This something that's always stuck with me. How do my choices effect those around me? Who am I choosing to be?</div>
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We stand at the crossroads, </div>
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We choose </div>
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the thoughts </div>
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the passions </div>
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and the actions </div>
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we allow ourselves to perform.</div>
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The world today is under the impression that other people can decide who you are. They seem to think that peer pressure and social norms are what governs our choices, but they couldn't be more wrong. God gave us the gift of agency While some of our choices are effected by others, they are never made by others. The only power the world has over us is that which we give to them. </div>
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Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. (2 Nephi 2:27)<br />
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Who do you choose to be? Despite our circumstances we can always choose to be hero, even though it's hard sometimes. The Iron Giant's choice to save others cost him his life, but he saves thousands of other people who built a statue in his name. Using our agency to follow God's commandments shows Him that we love him, and are willing to listen to Him. It might not be the easy way, but God's way will give us happiness in this world and eternal life in the next.</div>
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Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-2686587955188645232012-12-20T09:41:00.003-08:002012-12-20T09:42:27.990-08:00Maybe Christmas, Perhaps, Means A Little Bit More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How the Grinch returned Christmas</div>
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A Grinch blog during Christmas time? Predictable? Perhaps. Applicable? Absolutely! The Grinch is my favorite Christmas story, because it truly helps us to understand the meaning of Christmas. To quote Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "Perhaps the Grinch’s story is so memorable because, if we are honest, we may be able to relate to him. Who among us has not felt concern over the commercialization and even greed of the Christmas season? Who hasn't felt overwhelmed by the packed calendars, the stress of finding gifts, the pressure of planning meals and events?". During this stressful time of the year we, like the Grinch, too easily forget why we are celebrating.<br />
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And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.</div>
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It started in low, then it started to grow.</div>
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But this sound wasn't sad!</div>
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Why, this sound sounded glad!</div>
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Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,</div>
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Was singing without any presents at all!</div>
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He hadn't stopped Christmas from coming! It came!</div>
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Somehow or other, it came just the same!</div>
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And the Grinch, with his grinch feet ice-cold in the snow,</div>
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Stood puzzling and puzzling. "How could it be so?</div>
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It came without ribbons! It came without tags!</div>
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It came without packages, boxes, or bags!"</div>
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He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore.</div>
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Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.</div>
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Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.</div>
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Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!</div>
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And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say</div>
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That the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day!</div>
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The Grinch had a change of heart, and spent that Christmas returning the things he had taken and serving others. He found the real meaning of Christmas, and real happiness with it. I pray that we, like the Grinch, can realize that Christmas can't be bought in a store. That Christmas for us means a little bit more. That we can give meaningful things, like our time and service. I promise that as we emulate the Savior who's birth we celebrate, our hearts will be filled with His spirit and His love.</div>
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Merry Christmas! I sure do love ya!</div>
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Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-57845435115188512312012-11-21T15:25:00.000-08:002012-11-26T09:10:36.027-08:00There's so much to be thankful for<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anyone who says there aren't songs for Thanksgiving doesn't listen to Josh Groban. Josh Groban sings a song called Thankful, it's a wonderful song with a powerful message. </div>
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Somedays we forget</div>
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To look around us</div>
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Somedays we can't see</div>
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The joy that surrounds us</div>
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So caught up inside ourselves</div>
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We take when we should give. </div>
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This is a wonderful world we live in, there is beauty all around us, but how often do we see that? If your reading this then you are on a computer, on the internet, what a blessing that is! We focus on ourselves so much that we miss all the little miracles around us. You are loved by your Father in Heaven, you have a Savior who suffered for not only your sins but your pain and sorrow! We have given the gift of repentance so that we can come closer to our God in this life, we have the Holy Spirit to comfort us and guide us. If there was ever a time on this earth that God has blessed his children it is now.<br />
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"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!” - Joseph F. Smith</div>
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Be that grateful and loving soul, and spread it around. Do something for someone else this Thanksgiving. Give everyone a reason to be as happy as we are. Truly we are blessed far more than we deserve, and those blessing don't begin in November and they don't end in December. I'll end the same way I began, with Josh Groban. Take it away Josh.</div>
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So for tonight we pray for</div>
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What we know can be</div>
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And on this day we hope for </div>
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What we still can't see</div>
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It's up to us to be the change</div>
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And even though this world needs so much more</div>
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There's so much to be thankful for</div>
Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-49153615584358293282012-11-14T14:56:00.000-08:002012-11-14T14:56:53.476-08:00R-E-S-P-E-C-T<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T</div>
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Find out what it means to me</div>
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- Aretha Franklin</div>
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Actually, to me respect means a lot. The world today doesn't encourage us to stand up for our morals, especially in our appearance. This is terrible. We live to a standard, and we should look like it.</div>
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"Servants of the Lord have always counseled us to dress appropriately to show respect for our Heavenly Father and for ourselves. The way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you."<div>
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I read a story recently about Muhammad Ali and how he reacted when one his daughters was wearing some less than appropriate clothes. He handles it like the champ he is, here is the story as told by one of his daughters: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbD_qqM4ckzKu0K7Bgb9Bqb6s5iKwB8XMWxY6-sYwSi0u7J6F4u8gMTnVvAMo9AnsyM2Ei1plHmPfU4JzGvkBaewlzqBFNVjkzms_l96Z9kvsTfllFREBDPQ-qz-JJdtLcHdANDC7Rko/s1600/main_ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbD_qqM4ckzKu0K7Bgb9Bqb6s5iKwB8XMWxY6-sYwSi0u7J6F4u8gMTnVvAMo9AnsyM2Ei1plHmPfU4JzGvkBaewlzqBFNVjkzms_l96Z9kvsTfllFREBDPQ-qz-JJdtLcHdANDC7Rko/s320/main_ali.jpg" width="320" /></a> “When we finally arrived, the chauffeur escorted my younger sister, Laila, and me up to my father’s suite. As usual, he was hiding behind the door waiting to scare us. We exchanged as many hugs and kisses as we could possibly give in one day. My father took a good look at us. Then he sat me down on his lap and said something that I will never forget. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, 'Hana, everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them.' He looked at me with serious eyes. 'Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too.'”<br />
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Our bodies are sacred gifts from our loving Heavenly Father. We should follow the council of Aretha Franklin and respect them. You'll find new confidence and assurance in the way you appear if you will simply respect yourself.</div>
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Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-15277905839593511402012-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:002012-11-10T11:44:11.228-08:00Can you feel the love tonight?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Lion King is one of the greatest movies of all time. I love it's story, I love it's songs, and I want to be just like Rafiki when I grow up (but that's a blog for another time). The songs are what this blog is about, one song in particular...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1KI5CE1zcTk6HhmVzw4ht54HsN8GtU-B0rbDaFpowVBDKlXJp2Cn9empFnozckhPaqhhL6qQBaZIcPq_25ghft79ejV0RWMI0N6WawJdkJ8D_kTMh0sG6z8CPcHwtehVpZD2ZJkv8uU/s1600/Lion+King+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1KI5CE1zcTk6HhmVzw4ht54HsN8GtU-B0rbDaFpowVBDKlXJp2Cn9empFnozckhPaqhhL6qQBaZIcPq_25ghft79ejV0RWMI0N6WawJdkJ8D_kTMh0sG6z8CPcHwtehVpZD2ZJkv8uU/s320/Lion+King+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you feel the love tonight?</div>
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The peace the evening brings</div>
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The world, for once, in perfect harmony</div>
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With all its living things</div>
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Can you feel the love tonight?</div>
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You needn't look too far</div>
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Stealing through the night's uncertainties</div>
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Love is where they are </div>
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It's such a good song, and it poses an interesting question. Can you feel the love tonight? Is it where you are? There have been times where I definitely did not feel the love. But why is that a big deal? </div>
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"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35) The Savior said it best. He has commanded us to love each other, that should be the thing that defines us as Christians. Love is the center of all the we believe, and love should be where we are.</div>
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Where love is, there is no disputation. Where love is, there is no contention. Where love is, there God will be also. -Thomas S. Monson</div>
Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-14736896008063151542012-11-02T10:11:00.000-07:002012-11-02T10:11:34.387-07:00Form = Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05GbhL99f2kYOrObJGVPtEREZKm3jZtUEUvYMv0gjKdnjiGbEY1JqG-dPMQTVOB3OhbhffdfDJHJp1zmndMEZBHT88p5aAI5vBcVtCeC-bWpXQRT70LKGlefuWGT8ss0eqzQOAWWiMbs/s1600/muhammad_ali_training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05GbhL99f2kYOrObJGVPtEREZKm3jZtUEUvYMv0gjKdnjiGbEY1JqG-dPMQTVOB3OhbhffdfDJHJp1zmndMEZBHT88p5aAI5vBcVtCeC-bWpXQRT70LKGlefuWGT8ss0eqzQOAWWiMbs/s400/muhammad_ali_training.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'</div>
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-Muhammad Ali</div>
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Anyone who has competed in sports knows how important training is. What turns an athlete into a champion is the amount of hard work and dedication they put into their sport. I love boxing, so that's the example I'm going to use today, and then we'll see how that applies to our spirituality. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SnWUwzhZB8govZTCKdGWMG6DHjazSffGcmT3C6n1Nb_Fp7D1e2WaJa43TAEY3fm150yIz4-OYYjS2hJXYt8BElw_1tOPHJ8yTP3ZLIRa9dE-eHCXQgKfq38ACYMJwiwPz9qlhcY-O34/s1600/basic-punching-tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SnWUwzhZB8govZTCKdGWMG6DHjazSffGcmT3C6n1Nb_Fp7D1e2WaJa43TAEY3fm150yIz4-OYYjS2hJXYt8BElw_1tOPHJ8yTP3ZLIRa9dE-eHCXQgKfq38ACYMJwiwPz9qlhcY-O34/s320/basic-punching-tips.jpg" width="320" /></a> Boxing is all about form. A misconception people have about boxing is that you have to be a big muscular guy to punch someone really hard, however the smaller boxers have some incredible power. But how is that possible? Shouldn't you have to be big to hit hard? NO! It's all about the way you throw your punch, the way you line up your arm and the way you shift your hips and feet. If you punch with perfect form there will be power there no matter how big you are. And how do you learn perfect form? You train hard, every day, until your body knows instinctively how to move the correct way.</div>
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How does this apply to the gospel you ask? There is a form to the gospel! There is a way that we've been asked to live our lives so that we can qualify for the blessings of heaven. You don't have to be the most spiritual person in the world to live up to this standard. It just takes practice, the more you choose to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings the easier it gets. If you follow the commandments and live worthily then you will have spiritual power. You just have to train hard, every day, until your spirit knows instinctively how to choose the correct way. There is a hymn that I love that says it best:</div>
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School thy feelings, O my brother; Train thy warm, impulsive soul.</div>
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Do not its emotions smother, But let wisdom's voice control.</div>
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School thy feelings; there is power In the cool, collected mind.</div>
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Passion shatters reason's tower, Makes the clearest vision blind.</div>
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As we make choices that bring us closer to God, we become his disciples. The difference between the casual christian and the disciple of Jesus Christ is the amount of hard work and determination they put into following Him. With proper training we can all be celestial champs! </div>
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Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-51271448602170060532012-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:002012-09-07T13:19:01.383-07:00An Unexpected Journey<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to.</div>
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- Bilbo Baggins</div>
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Our life on earth can be a strange one. We sometimes find ourselves in odd places and situations, and it can be hard to keep your feet. If there is one thing you can expect from life, it's the unexpected. What do we do when life's straight paths begin to curve? How do we keep our feet?</div>
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One of my favorite books is The Hobbit. The Hobbit is the story of Bilbo Baggins, who is a very successful and comfortable person, who likes nothing more than sitting in his house and eating great food. Bilbo hates adventures, the very thought makes him feel uncomfortable. But one day an adventure falls in his lap, full of danger, mystery, and a whole bunch of dwarves. And to his own surprise Bilbo takes it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRZuXgdekRL4oJeGbOcErU60CH92_IptQZnuPg0EPw6KKILOpYD33eBm3Rdw9kQIG5PVinEZx5BA6l22aSwPlgpVq5eSXCUS3lKIqZw0mBK5emuWleCFu7wm0JFmMAFncPRVr1V2CwQE/s1600/BilboDwarves-TheHobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRZuXgdekRL4oJeGbOcErU60CH92_IptQZnuPg0EPw6KKILOpYD33eBm3Rdw9kQIG5PVinEZx5BA6l22aSwPlgpVq5eSXCUS3lKIqZw0mBK5emuWleCFu7wm0JFmMAFncPRVr1V2CwQE/s320/BilboDwarves-TheHobbit.jpg" width="320" /></a> Sometimes we feel like Bilbo Baggins; We feel comfortable and content with the things we have, and we don't want anything to change. Though if we never change then we never grow! We don't always find ourselves coming home to 13 dwarves and a wizard eating all your food, but sometimes life throws us an opportunity and we need to take it. Leaving the comfort of our homes, or jobs, or our circle of friends can be hard; but when nothing is ventured, nothing is gained. </div>
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Bilbo found life-long friends, a pile of gold, and joy in his unexpected journey. Who knows what you'll find on yours! If we can recognize these adventures when they happen, and take advantage of the opportunities God gives us, we will find our own lasting happiness. Who knows! You may even find your own pile of gold, or maybe even find some friends, a long the way.</div>
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This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now. </div>
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- Thomas S. Monson</div>
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Dedicated to Chris "The Degn" Petersen</div>
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Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-47405235540220463092012-07-04T14:34:00.000-07:002012-08-14T15:08:23.452-07:00In a republic, who is the country?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On this 4th of July, I could talk forever on how much America means to me. But I'm just going to let Captain America say it for me. So without further ado, Captain America, in what is in my opinion one of the greatest speeches on our country, and the responsibility of the citizens in it, ever given.<br />
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"I remember the first time I really understood what it was to be an American...<b>What it was to be a patriot.</b>" </blockquote>
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"I was just a kid...A million years ago, it seems sometimes. Maybe twelve. I was reading <b>Mark Twain</b>.
And he wrote something that struck me right down to my core...something
so powerful, so true, that it changed my life. I memorized it so I
could repeat it to myself, over and over across the years. He wrote
--'In a <b>republic</b>, who is the country? </blockquote>
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Is it the government which is for the moment in the saddle? Why, the
government is merely a temporary servant: it cannot be its prerogative
to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a
patriot and who isn't. It's function is to obey orders, not originate
them. </blockquote>
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Who, then is the country? Is it the newspaper? Is it the pulpit? Why,
these are mere parts of the country, not the whole of it, they have not
command, they have only their little share in the command. </blockquote>
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In a monarchy, the king and his family are the country: In a <b>republic</b> it is the common voice of the people each of you, for himself, by himself and on his own responsibility, must speak. </blockquote>
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It is a solemn and weighty responsibility, and not lightly to be flung
aside at the bullying of pulpit, press, government, or the <b>empty catchphrases</b> of politicians. </blockquote>
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Each must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, and
which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a
man. </blockquote>
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To decide it against your convictions is to be an unqualified and
inexcusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label
you as they may. </blockquote>
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If you alone of all the nation shall decide one way, and that way be the
right way according to your convictions of the right, you have your
duty by yourself and by your country. Hold up your head. You have
nothing to be ashamed of'." </blockquote>
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"Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what
the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country
decides that something wrong is something right. </blockquote>
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This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement
that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the
consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to
move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree besides the river of
truth, and tell the whole world-- </blockquote>
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<b>--No, you move."</b></blockquote>
Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-12450101203144029452012-07-03T12:57:00.001-07:002012-07-03T12:57:54.338-07:00In brightest day, In blackest night<div style="text-align: center;">
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In brightest day, in blackest night,<br />
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No evil shall escape my sight<br />
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Let those who worship evil's might,<br />
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Beware my power, Green Lantern's light</div>
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The Green Lantern Corps. is a shining light in a universe full of evil and unhappiness. They police the galaxy to protect everyone from darkness and fear. But how do they overcome all that evil? Willpower! They have the will to do whats right, and help others, and that will becomes light. They have no room for fear, or doubt, because they are filled with righteous determination. They protect and serve others because they want that light to shine. They want others to enjoy peace and happiness, and they do everything in their power to give them that peace.<br /><br />
My favorite scripture is; "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you." (Doctrines and Covenants 50:24-25) I love the idea of shining brighter and brighter until we outshine our darkness. But how do we grow brighter?<br /><br />
Jesus Christ taught us "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(Matt 5:14-16) "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do."(3 Nephi 18:24)</div>
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Christ taught us that we should hold up our light that it might shine unto the world. And the light that we hold up is the things Jesus taught us to do. Jesus Christ taught us to serve, to love, to be diligent, and He taught us to share that with everyone. Then we will feel our light begin to shine. Then the light we feel will shine for others too, and they can enjoy that same happiness. "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations." (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5)<br /><br />
"When you walk in the light, you will feel at that moment some of the warmth and the happiness that will finally be yours when you are welcomed home again with the hundreds and perhaps thousands of others whom you will bring with you, who have walked in the light because you did." -Henry B. Eyring<br />
Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-69029219682771935432012-06-05T13:05:00.001-07:002012-06-05T13:05:09.248-07:00The Atonement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/atonement?lang=eng&query=atonement"> Atonement.</a> The word describes the setting “at one” of those who have been estranged, and denotes the reconciliation of man to God. Sin is the cause of the estrangement, and therefore the purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin.<br />
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Sin is a natural side effect of life, there are no perfect people nor
could their be. As we learn and grow in this life we will make mistakes,
and we will learn from them. Only Christ lived perfectly, and he died
perfectly, and in doing so He prepared the way for us. He did everything our Father in Heaven asked him to do, and he paid for all the mistakes we will ever make.<br />
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Jesus suffered for you. He suffered for everyone. The prophet Alma wrote of Christ: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."*<br />
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Jesus Christ understands you completely, he felt all the pain you will ever feel so that he can have compassion on you. He can help you through any problem in your life because He has already been there. As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our
trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and
consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ. In paying the penalty for our sins, Jesus
did not, however, eliminate our personal responsibility. We must show
that we accept Him and that we will follow His commandments. Only
through the gift of the Atonement can we return to live with God. </div>
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We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him. <a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/">Christ</a>’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">Forgiveness</a>
for our sins comes with conditions. We must repent, and we must be
willing to forgive others. Jesus taught: “Forgive one another; for he
that forgiveth not … [stands] condemned before the Lord; for there
remaineth in him the greater sin” and “Blessed are the merciful: for
they shall obtain mercy.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf<br />
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I know that is is only through the atonement that my sins can be forgiven. But the atonement isn't just for the times when you feel guilty, or the times when you think you've messed up. The atonement is always there, it is always available, and it is always ready to help you. The atonement is there to be used, and all it takes is a sincere desire to follow the example of your Savior. Have faith in Jesus Christ, do your best to live like he did, repent when you mess up, and you will feel the atonement work in your life. I promise you.<br />
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*Alma 7:11-12 </div>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-1845220900032400642012-05-15T14:09:00.001-07:002012-05-16T11:29:03.498-07:00Hungry for Heaven This blog is dedicated to Ronnie James Dio, a great man, a great example, and a great musician. R.I.P.<br />
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When I think of Dio in the context of the scriptures I always come back to a scripture in the book of Alma, it seems to fit the kind of person Dio was and what he stood for:<br />
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O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.<br />
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Ronnie James Dio was a singer, and though he was hardly above 5 feet tall, he sang with the voice of thunder. He sang songs about standing up for yourself and making yourself heard, he sang songs about overcoming the things that keep you down, he sang about fighting your fears, and he sang about the power of desire. Our desires shape who we are and how we act.<br />
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There is a song of his named Hungry For Heaven, and it's one of my favorites. I love the idea of that song, being hungry for heaven, desiring to make yourself better. When you hunger for something its not just something you think about It's something you need, you have to have it, and you'll do anything for it. I have often thought to myself "Am I hungry for heaven? Or am I just kind of snacking on salvation?" </div>
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Dio wanted to sing, he wanted to touch the hearts of millions through his music, and it became who he was. He influenced countless lives though both the lyrics of his music and the huge amounts of money that he donated to charity as a result of his success. And Dio did it all because that was just the kind of man he was. He was Hungry For Heaven.</div>
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One Columnist said about Dio after his death:</div>
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"The amazing thing is, Dio the man never succumbed to the typical ravages of drugs, booze or hideous all-body tattoos. He never gained 75 pounds later in life or lost most of his voice through merciless shredding and ended it all playing county fairs for 19 drunk dudes in a barn before collapsing in a heap in a motel room in Jersey. There's a lesson in there somewhere. Or everywhere." -Mark Morford</div>
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Ronnie James Dio knew what he wanted and he knew how to get it. And the lesson I learned from his life is that you can succeed and still be a good person. He passed away a few years ago on May 16 2010 from stomach cancer, after 7 Chemo therapies, but he was performing until the end. He was still on stage at age of 67 until his health kept him from doing so.</div>
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I know what I want, and I know how to get it. I only want to make my Father in Heaven proud. I want to do what he would have me do to be close to him, and I want to do it with the same kind of passion that Dio devoted to his art. It might not be easy, but neither is singing in front of thousands while suffering from stomach cancer.<br />
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It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting, and finally succeeding. - President <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/leader/thomas-s-monson?lang=eng">Thomas S. Monson</a><br />
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</div>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-33504236627986701272012-05-09T12:43:00.003-07:002012-05-09T12:51:59.245-07:00I pity the fool that doesn't love Mother's Day!<br />
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"We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters,
you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for eternal
happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real
builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and
peace will bring security to any nation. I hope you understand that, and
I hope the men of the Church understand it too."<br />
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf<br />
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The scriptures* have a lot to say about mothers and how amazing they are:<br />
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She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.<br />
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.<br />
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.<br />
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.<br />
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also,and he praiseth her.<br />
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.</div>
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Mothers are the most powerful force for good on this planet. They have
the patience and long suffering of Job, the strength of Samson, the
Wisdom of Solomon, and the courage of David. Your mom shapes your life,
from the second your born, and makes you what you are today. And don't you forget it!<br />
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Motherhood is the most sacred calling of them all. To be trusted with bringing souls into this life is something beautiful and amazing, and more than that, to raise that soul in a loving environment where it can be nurtured and grow. It must be hard, it certainly looks hard, but I know it must be worth it. I hope that everyone can remember their moms this Mothers Day, and make it a special one for her.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a mother that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.<br />
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I love my mom so much, she's the best. She put up with me for my whole life, and this is no small feat, and not only did that but did it with a smile. There's only one way to express my love for her, and that is by Mr. T's Mothers Day Rap:<br />
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Mother</div>
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There is no other</div>
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Like Mother</div>
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So treat her right</div>
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Mother</div>
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I always love her</div>
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My mother</div>
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So treat her right, treat her right</div>
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M is for the moan, and the miserable groan</div>
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from the pain that she felt when I was born</div>
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O is for the oven with it’s burnin’ heat</div>
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where she stood makin’ sure I had something to eat</div>
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T is for the time that she stayed up at night</div>
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and took my temperature when I wasn’t feelin’ right</div>
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H is for the hard earned money she spent</div>
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to keep clothes on my back and try to pay da’ rent</div>
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E is every wrinkle I put on her face</div>
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and every worry that I caused when I stayed out late</div>
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The last letter R is that she taught me respect</div>
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and for the room up in heaven that I know she’ll get</div>
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She’s a Queen</div>
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Second to none</div>
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Take care of Mother</div>
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You only get one*<br />
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*Proverbs 31:17,20,25,26,28,30</div>
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*Mr. T's Mothers Day Rap</div>
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</div>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-52805471880908485752012-05-03T13:28:00.000-07:002012-05-03T13:28:31.747-07:00Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This song goes out to all the Darek Heims.</div>
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"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens." -Rocky Balboa<br />
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Rocky Balboa faced the odds his whole life, he fought when he thought he couldn't, and he won. He never backed down, he never lost heart, even when he fought the most challenging fight of his life. In the Cold War, the Soviet Union had a champion named Ivan Drago, the strongest fighter in the world. He was a giant, a Goliath, and he fought and killed Rocky's best friend Apollo Creed. Rocky was afraid, he was sad, and he fought anyways.<br />
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Rocky said to his wife Adrian "No maybe I can't win. Maybe the only thing I can do is just take
everything he's got. But to beat me he's gonna have to kill me, and to
kill me he's gotta have the guts to stand in front of me, and to do that
he's gotta be willin' to die himself. I don't know if he's ready to do
that. I don't know. I don't know."<br />
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"Well might we look carefully into our own lives and judge our courage,
our faith. Is there a Goliath in your life? Is there one in mine? Does
he stand squarely between you and your desired happiness? Your Goliath
may not carry a sword or hurl a verbal challenge of insult that all may
hear and force you to decision. He may not be ten feet tall, but he
likely will appear equally as formidable, and his silent challenge may
shame and embarrass."-President Thomas S. Monson<br />
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Everyone has a Goliath, everyone has an Ivan Drago, someone who's bigger or stronger. Your Ivan Drago doesn't have to be a person, maybe it's smoking, drinking, or depression, maybe it's an uncontrolled temper; But there's not a single person on this planet who isn't afraid of something. Being afraid doesn't make you a coward. Being afraid just means that you have something to overcome. It means that there is something in the way of your happiness.<br />
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We don't have to face our Goliaths alone, "Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good." (2 Chron. 19:11). Our Lord will always fight for us, if we rely on him. "Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s." ( 2 Chron. 20:15) <br />
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The scriptures give us many examples of courage: "And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine." (1 Sam. 17:32) "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7) "Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it." (Ezra 10:4)<br />
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"Like David of old, 'our cause is just.' We have been placed upon earth
not to fail or fall victim to temptation’s snare, but rather to succeed.
Our giant, our Goliath, must be conquered."-President Thomas S. Monson<br />
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And we can, like Rocky Balboa when he overcame, say "Yea, I love yous too. I just also wanna thank God. Except for my kid
bein' born, this is the greatest night in the history of my life. I just
wanna say one thing to my wife who's home: YO, ADRIAN! I DID IT!"
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This Blog is dedicated to Darek "Plum Tea" Heim</div>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-69488388660410907892012-04-03T13:31:00.000-07:002012-05-10T13:12:39.662-07:00One armed Judo Fighter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your strength. Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who who decided to study judo despite the fact that he lost his left arm in a car accident. This boy began lessons with a old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.<br />
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"Sensei." the boy finally said, "shouldn't I be learning more moves?"<br />
"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know." the sensei replied.<br />
Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.<br />
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Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.<br />
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This time, the opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared over matched. Concerned the the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.<br />
"No." the sensei insisted "let him continue."<br />
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his one move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.<br />
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On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.<br />
"Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"<br />
"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered, "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."<br />
The boys biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.*<br />
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Jesus Christ once said "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27) Everyone has a weakness, but if we trust in our Master, or our Savior, that weakness can become a strength. Who knows what we can accomplish when our weak things become strong! I know that personal challenges have strengthened me, and made me better than I have ever been. And I know Jesus Christ loves all of you just as much as he loves me. Trust in him, and see what you can achieve!<br />
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*I got this story from Mike Alford</div>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-44808879743317417422012-02-14T13:50:00.000-08:002012-11-06T08:49:25.628-08:00Jurassichastity!<br />
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So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. <br />
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it. (Gen 1:27-28)<br />
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We have a powerful and sacred gift to create life, and it was entrusted to us by our loving Father in Heaven. In whose image we were created. One of the very first commandments given to us was to have children, to multiply and replenish the earth. This is a big deal, this is Gods very power of creation given to us. When used properly it can bring so much joy into our lives, but when used improperly it can lead to so much sorrow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lost-world.com/Lost_World02/Jurassic_Park.Site/stills/0630_23.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.lost-world.com/Lost_World02/Jurassic_Park.Site/stills/0630_23.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
In the movie Jurassic Park a group of scientists try to create their own life. They clone dinosaurs for a theme park they are making and try to play God. They abuse the power of creation and it quickly leads to a dangerous situation that they were not prepared for. As a result of their toying with things they did not fully understand several scientists were killed by the dinosaurs they themselves made. While our choices may not lead to velociraptors eating Samuel L, Jackson, they may have serious consequences of their own.<br />
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"I was overwhelmed by the power of this place; but I made a mistake, too. I didn't have enough respect for that power and it's out now. The only thing that matters now are the people we love: Alan and Lex and Tim. John, they're out there where people are dying." -Dr. Ellie Sattler<br />
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This privilege that God gave to man is not something to be taken lightly, but that isn't to say that it's bad! Within the bonds of marriage and with a full understanding of the importance it has, the ability to bring souls into this life is a beautiful and holy thing. But outside the bonds of marriage and with no thought of the consequences of our actions it can ruin relationships and even lives.</div>
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Just don't forget whose power it is, and to treat sacred things <i>like</i> sacred things. Be chaste, and have a nice valentines day.</div>
Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-72947475787475793232011-12-22T12:06:00.000-08:002012-11-03T09:16:31.179-07:00Like a bridge over troubled water.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's a song that I love, by Simon and Garfunkel that always make me think of the Savior. These are it's lyrics.</div>
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I'll take your part </div>
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When darkness comes </div>
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And pain is all around </div>
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Like a bridge over troubled water </div>
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I will lay me down </div>
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Like a bridge over troubled water </div>
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I will lay me down* </div>
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Jesus Christ is our bridge over troubled water. From the bridge we can see the water below us, and know that we have a safe way to cross. He suffered the pain of the world so that we didn't have to. He atoned, or paid, for everyone who will ever live on this earth. When he knelt in the garden of Gethsemane he took the punishment for every law we would ever break. Christ described how it felt to the prophet Joseph Smith "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—<span class="verse"> </span>Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18-19)</div>
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See how they shine </div>
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If you need a friend </div>
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I'm sailing right behind </div>
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Like a bridge over troubled water </div>
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I will ease your mind </div>
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Like a bridge over troubled water </div>
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I will ease your mind*</div>
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"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)</div>
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When Christ atoned for us he felt every pain we will ever feel, and did it so that he can understand what we are going through. He knows every bad thing we've done, every pain or sickness or trial we have. And because he knows where we've been, he can help us get over it. When we fully realize what the atonement is, all the guilt and shame and frustration are taken away. There is no reason to mourn the loss of a loved one, because he will live again. There is no such thing as too far gone, because Christ has been lowered beneath us all so that he can lift us up. He lay himself down so that we might have a bridge over troubled water. </div>
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I know that my Redeemer lives. I have felt the power of the atonement in my life. I know you can too.</div>
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*Excerpts taken from "Bridge Over Troubled Water" performed by Simon and Garfunkel.</div>
Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-69619277418057440742011-12-10T10:53:00.000-08:002011-12-21T10:04:29.169-08:00It's Christmas that we're waiting for, but we can wait a little more.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm37KYHmBL0wDd56ZO5ybUX-tP9K4O_IO1SozDnfYRb6C0wKXDF0DSubLp0Fu_Mr-TizlIs_DKFK3wNAy4EehT2XwR_oIyxkDzxdgCEsDnsB6xOfdeqq_IsR1MG0kbZsbqeNhyphenhyphenCqXQgX4/s1600/christmas-eve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm37KYHmBL0wDd56ZO5ybUX-tP9K4O_IO1SozDnfYRb6C0wKXDF0DSubLp0Fu_Mr-TizlIs_DKFK3wNAy4EehT2XwR_oIyxkDzxdgCEsDnsB6xOfdeqq_IsR1MG0kbZsbqeNhyphenhyphenCqXQgX4/s320/christmas-eve.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">On window panes, the icy frost<br />
Leaves feathered patterns, crissed & crossed,<br />
But in our house the Christmas tree<br />
is decorated festively<br />
With tiny dots of colored light<br />
That cozy up this Winter night.<br />
Christmas songs, familiar slow,<br />
Play softly on the radio.<br />
Pops and hisses from the fire<br />
Whistle with the bells and choir.<br />
My tiger is now fast asleep<br />
On his back and dreaming deep.<br />
When the fire makes him hot,<br />
he turns to warm whatever’s not.<br />
Propped against him on the rug,<br />
I give my friend a gentle hug.<br />
Tomorrow’s what I’m waiting for,<br />
But I can wait a little more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I love Calvin and Hobbes. This poem has always been a favorite of mine, it reminds me that there's more to Christmas than gifts and money. This is the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, and to show others the love that he showed us. How often do we stop to think of others in this time of the year? What does Christmas mean to you?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The poem helps me to think of my family and my friends, to remember the small things that make them great. It reminds me of the fun times we've had and those that we can look forward to. To show them that I care about them in simple but significant ways. Everyone has a poem or a book or a song, that helps them to feel that special spirit that Christmas brings. The spirit of Christmas, or the spirit of Christ, is always around when we put those around us first and it leaves a feeling of warmth and joy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> President Thomas S. Monson once said "As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others." That feeling of comfort and happiness that comes with the season doesn't have to leave. We can always feel the spirit of Christ, as we try to be more like Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Show someone you care this Christmas. Perform a small act of kindness, and see the happiness you can bring to someone who needs it. Don't be so quick to chase away the feelings of this wonderful time of the year. Bring that spirit of Christ with you, and keep it. You will notice the difference in yourself and the ones you help, as you love them like our Savior does. It's Christmas that we're waiting for, but we can wait a little more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Merry Christmas!</div>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-27627107493622934382011-12-05T10:08:00.000-08:002012-11-03T09:27:45.455-07:00The Hope of the Universe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"<i>I am the hope of the Universe. I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. I am protector of the innocent. I am the Light to the Darkness. I am truth. Ally to good! Nightmare to you!</i>" - Son Goku<br />
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That is one of my favorite quotes, its powerful and positive and gets me pumped to go and do some good! It makes me want to help someone, save someone in distress, make a difference. It comes from a character in a show called Dragon Ball Z named Goku who has a pure heart and fights for people who can't defend themselves. Goku is always doing the right thing even when its hard, he stands up to villains who are much stronger than he is and never gives up. <br />
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When I felt like giving up that quote from Goku has always motivated me, but I realized the other day that my favorite quote had a deeper meaning too. I noticed that the beginning of every sentence began with "I am", and that was the name that Jesus Christ told Moses when Israel asked what the name of God was.<br />
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Exodus 3:14<br />
And God said unto Moses, <span class="deityAllCaps"><span class="highlight" id="searchQueryTerm">I Am That I Am</span></span>: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, <span class="deityAllCaps">I Am</span> hath sent me unto you. <br />
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If Christ is the Great I Am then the quote has a whole new meaning. If we replace I am with Jesus Christ it becomes:<br />
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Jesus Christ is the hope of the Universe. Jesus Christ is the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. Jesus Christ is protector of the innocent. Jesus Christ is the Light to the Darkness. Christ is truth. Ally to good! Nightmare to you!<br />
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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Jesus Christ is our everything. He fought for us when we could not defend ourselves, He suffered all the pains and sorrow of the world so that we can be saved. He is the hope of the universe, the ally of good and the nightmare of evil. There is nothing we cannot overcome with the help of Christ. I know this is true, I know that through our Savior and Redeemer we can do anything, and I testify of these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-88216603328487736012011-11-17T13:14:00.000-08:002011-11-17T13:14:47.404-08:00Gospel! Defender of your Universe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMtxp3rEI4Ig5AlSsNtSdFqw2X47T3p7X_qrUFD_DGIuYFq-emzaELOfaUm-0ylIN5Nd6zJRTN9Z_knw1pE6FwU9Mr0EOvCzqDW_AXH9L0hsegcVvdrols_jDPuX7ZtpiuFac3-pkXMo/s1600/Voltron-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMtxp3rEI4Ig5AlSsNtSdFqw2X47T3p7X_qrUFD_DGIuYFq-emzaELOfaUm-0ylIN5Nd6zJRTN9Z_knw1pE6FwU9Mr0EOvCzqDW_AXH9L0hsegcVvdrols_jDPuX7ZtpiuFac3-pkXMo/s320/Voltron-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">GOSPEL! </div><div align="center">DEFENDER OF YOUR UNIVERSE!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"> When the universe is in danger, 5 heroic pilots go to battle in giant robotic lions. Each lion is powerful and capable of doing great things, but when the enemy is too strong the pilots combine their forces to form a fighting robot more powerful than any evil force. Voltron! The Defender of the universe!</div> <br />
When we are in danger, when we are confused or depressed or afraid, when our universe is in peril we have our own way to conquer evil. There are 5 spritual protectors who we can rely on when we need to be saved from the problems that we face everyday. Each one is strong but together they form a defense from the world that no evil can defeat. These are the first 5 principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
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Faith! - Faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement is our first line of defense, it gives us hope for better things. Its something that comforts and strengthens us. With faith we can do and be better all the time.<br />
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Repentance! - When we act on faith and turn ourselves toward God, and away from sin, we are forgiven. This is repenting and it relieves us of feelings of guilt and shame that keep us tied down. <br />
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Baptism! - Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins washes us completly clean. It gives us a fresh start and shows our willingness to follow our Heavenly Father and keep his commandments. After Baptism we can renew these promises by taking the sacrament every week at church, which is taking bread and water in rememberance of Jesus Christ.<br />
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The Holy Ghost! -<span class="verse"> Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) The Holy Ghost guides us through life, and helps us to feel the love that God has for us. The Holy Ghost tells us in our hearts what is true and good, and helps us search for those things that will make us happy.</span><br />
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<span class="verse"> Enduring to the end! - Once we have had faith and repented so that we can be baptised and recieve the Holy Ghost its not over. We will still face trials and have challenges, but by using the first 4 principles we can live the 5th.</span><br />
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<span class="verse"> These first five principles are the spiritual protecters that we can all make our own. They are here to fight the evil in our lives, and together they form! Gospel! Defender of your universe! With Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end, there is no evil that can stand against you. You will still be tempted, but there will always be a way to conquer it.</span><br />
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<span class="verse"> I know this works, because I have tried it. I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who wants us to be the best we can be. And He has shown us how. I challenge everyone who reads this to pray to know if this is true, and you'll get an answer.</span>Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-67198256879531135532011-11-09T13:37:00.000-08:002012-07-14T10:21:33.064-07:00Don't think Back, think To The Future!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back To The Future is one of the best movies of all time, at least I think so. But something Thats always bothered me is how nobody but Doc Brown and Marty Mcfly remember all the things that they do. Noboby knows all the ways they mess up but them. I was thinking about all the mistakes they made and how it afffected their futures and realized that it didn't matter that nobody else could remember what they had done, because <em>they</em> could.<br />
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Just because Marty and Doc Brown were the only ones who knew about it doesn't mean it didn't happen. All the things they did were still real, they just had the chance to go back and fix them. They were able to see the results of their choices and make the right ones. They could improve their lives because of it. This is something that anybody can do, and it doesn't take a Flux Capaciter to do it.<br />
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We have been provided with a way to go back and make up for things that we've done wrong, this process is called repentance. The reason we have the opportunity to repent is because nobody is perfect, everyone will make mistakes. When we do something wrong we have feelings of guilt over that thing, and repentance is the process of feeling real sorrow over what we've done. We then do all we can to make it right. After we have done all we can to fix our mistakes, we turn to our Father in Heaven. The last part of repenting is confessing to God what we have done and then forsaking it, or never do it again.<br />
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Repentance may not be easy, but it will always be worth it. "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." (Doctorine and Covenants 58:42) It's like it never happened. Its almost as if you jumped into a Delorian, went back in time, and stopped yourself from doing that thing. But though God will not remember, you always will, so that you will never do it again. We need to think about whats happening right now, once your forgiven your free to move on and be happy. Don't think Back, think To The Future!Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185472106037504004.post-72476446009858375472011-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:002012-11-03T09:23:50.391-07:00IMMORTAL KOMBAT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love fighting games, and one of my favorites is Mortal Kombat. In Mortal Kombat a group of talented fighters battle to defend the earth from an evil tyrant named Shao Kahn who wants to be the king of everything. The only way Shao Kahn can conquer the earth is by beating earths champions 10 times in a row in a tournament to the death. This tournament is called Mortal Kombat, because the fighters lives are on the line. This game is closer to reality than you think. We all fight evil every day in a tournament of the spirit, where your very soul is on the line. I'll tell you how and why we fight our very own Immortal Kombat. <br />
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Every day we are tempted, whether it be to break the law or just do something we know isn't right, it's something we deal with all the time. But what most people don't think about is why we are tempted, and what happens when we give in. We are tempted by a tyrant who wants to conquer us, and we can't let him win.<br />
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We fought a war before we were born, against someone who wanted to be our king. We all fought on the side of God who is that same all powerful being that made us and our enemy was our brother. We were spirits created by our Heavenly Father, he had a plan so that we could have bodies, make choices, and grow closer to him. But one of the spirits thought he had a better plan, to force everyone to make good choices so that everyone could be perfect and then this spirit could have all the glory. The spirits name was Lucifer or Satan, and God saw the flaw in Satan's plan. If we were all forced to good then we would never learn, and we would not appreciate what we had. So Satan's plan was rejected and Satan rebelled. He took one third of the spirits in heaven with him. We fought for our Father, and Satan was cast to earth. Satan was put on earth as part of our test, to see if we would really choose God's way and be happy or choose the devils way and be miserable.<br />
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So now we fight, every day. We battle an evil army led by the spirit that wants to rule over us. But we don't fight alone, we were given a champion to defend us. When God made his plan he knew we would make mistakes, so he provided a way for us to be forgiven. He gave us his son Jesus Christ to take upon himself the sins of the whole world so that we might have a fair chance. When Satan wraps his chains around us and says "Get over here" and "Your soul is mine", Christ can come in with a combo breaker and deliver a Fatality. But we have to let Him. We have to follow the commandments, we have to repent of our sins, and we have to make promises with God so that we can be saved if we will follow him. And then when we have done our best then we can say like Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished <span class="clarityWord">my</span> course, I have kept the faith". And we can live with God, and be happy for all of eternity.Elder Andrew Uppencamphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16183762201634420473noreply@blogger.com0