"Be ye doers of the work..."

Last night was institute for the Edgemont South Stake Singles; a class I love to attend. One of my favorite teachers, President Esplin, was giving the lesson as well, which made it even more exciting. As he taught from the beginning of the Book of James I had thoughts form in my head and a light went on. I have observed people in the past who seem to feel studying the gospel intensely is more important, or should be given higher priority, than going out and living what the gospel teaches. We are called on to “seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom...” (D&C 88:118), though that does not say seek ye out of these books and then sit back and you will be saved. Rather we look to the Book of James (as well as many other places in the scriptures) to find the other piece to the map back to our Heavenly home. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...” (James 1:22). This is where the light bulb went on in my head. It made sense. This is the analogy that came to mind:

Reading and studying the scriptures and expecting that alone to save you, no matter how hard you study, is like reading the instructions on how to use a toaster, then staring at the toaster and waiting for it to work. The scriptures are the instructions on how to get back to Heaven, but we must follow those instructions in order to get there. We cannot be observers only, but must study, then go out and do.

Most people probably already understood this principle, I just found it so simple when this though came to me. I love this gospel, and I am SO excited to serve a mission and be a tool in the hands of the Lord to serve the people of Brazil.

The beginning of an End

These few months have been the beginning of an end. For years we have had a group of cousins that have been very close and have done just about everything together. Sunday game nights, random movie excursions and random visits to each other late at night, Sunday cookie-making, love, support, friendship... We are each others best friends and, for the most part, have been our whole lives. We have been each others support in hard times (and trials in others... :D). Now, things are changing.

Two days ago (Tuesday) my cousin and one of my dearest friends was married for time and all eternity in the LDS Timpanogos Temple. I was so happy for her. She and her husband absolutely glowed the whole day. My cousin Jake and I are leaving on missions. Jake to California, and I'm off to Brazil. The boys and Kimmy are graduating from High school next year which means off to college and, very soon after for the boys, their own missions. The dynamics are changing.

We are The Cousins. That is not just a general phrase anymore to us. When we say it we see faces. When we hear it, we feel loved and happy. Now when I hear it I feel sad this wonderful era is ending, but excited to see what the future holds for all of us.

A lady here at work is listening to a song I believe fits my feelings very well... "You'll be in my Heart" from Disney's Tarzan. You will all be in my heart forever, no matter what happens or where we go. I love you guys. Thank you for everything you've done for me.