Tis the season for snow boarding

What a fun weekend, boarding friday and saturday (lake louise and sunshine). My snow boarding career has taken some time to come to fruition, a few years in the processing with a lull of not going for several years. This year I bought all my own gear and am geared up to make an awesome season out of it. Seriously, such a blast. I have to say though that sunday morning waking up I was so sore I literally had to roll myself out of bed. Here's a few pictures.

The good life!

What a fantastic weekend and day. I havent had a chance to update my blog with pictures from my last few trips and adventures, but I felt like blogging a little about today.

So today was my first day teaching Gospel Doctrine (a sunday school class at my church). I was nervous but excited, I had thought and prepared for a few weeks and I believe that it went well. I had good feedback from a few friends that felt that it was interactive and full of good questions with good principles taught. I am exciting to continue to learn and grow from this calling and be more immersed in the word of God.

Life sure has a way of teaching you, I had one of those, slower days, harder days, had a little cry. But somehow in the midst of it all, God reminds me that he knows me and that he is watching out for me and guiding me more than I can often recognize. I had a little nap, which was great, and than received an invite to a potluck and games night. I almost said no but then decided I needed to be social. On my way out, I met my neighbour for the first time, we got to chatting and since he wasn't doing anything I invited him to come to my friends with me. So he came, it was so great. I some how dont feel as alone now that I have one friend in my building. The shift to living alone has been a very welcome one and I am grateful for the experience that it was been. But like most new experience it has its growing pains and I am so grateful that the Lord continues to teach me.

THM Reunion and Conference

Attending my first mission reunion was such a delight. It was so great to see old faces and to reconnect with mission companions. I was also able to attend conference and visit with several friends. I love President Stewards Texas shirt, it was certainly fitting for the occasion. While I was in provo I also was able to spend time with 2 very dear friends. It is amazing how some connections will always be strong no matter the distance or time between visits.

The trip to Omaha

I had the privelage of visiting a dear friend in Sioux City, Iowa two weeks ago. When I booked my flight out there I had no idea the adventure that I would be going on. About a week before the trip I decided to look at a map and look at temples that are close by. Well to my amazement and surprise I realized that I would be flying into Omaha, NE also known as Winter Quarters in Mormon pioneer history, and that Nauvoo, IL was only a 7 hour drive away. Keri and I quickly made plans to do all that we could. It was such a important trip for me on a spiritual and emotional level. Thank you Keri for all that you taught me, and your little one.

Winter quarters was our first stop on our road trip. It was so amazing to be in these places that the saints were and to feel of their spirits. I had an especially wonderful moment. I stopped here and looked around the night I fly into Omaha, NE and I was able to speak with a few sister missionaries. They asked me to talk with them about different transitions and why I decided to serve my mission. It was an especially enjoyable experience to talk with these things with some fellow sister missionaries. I love their spirits!!

Nauvoo was such a testimony building experience. The temple was so beautiful and it was so amazing to learn of the history and sacrifices of the saints. All that they did and all that they accomplished in the short few years that they lived and flourished in this town. They certainly were a motivated and inspired people.

Kerry was especially interested to find out that the man how developed the automatic machine gun was a member and a friend of Joseph Smith. Browning. He is quite famous for his craftsmanship.

Our last stop on our road trip was carthage. I am glad we made the stop. It allowed me to pause and reflect upon my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is so incredible to me allow that he accomplished in his 34 years (right?). He is an inspiration to me, I will forever be grateful for the fruits of his labours. His example of perseverance, dedication, and diligence to a cause he could not deny. I know him to be a prophet of God and feel blessed to learn from his teachings and revelations. What a gift that we still have a prophet on the earth today to speak the will of God!

At the end of the trip I had a privelage of seeing Keri's 2 month old Nevaeh blessed.

Isnt she adorable. I became quite a attached to this little girl in the few days that I was able to spend with her. I do hope that I will be able to see them again in the not to distant future.

Caleb's Baptism

What an exciting weekend it was in September to go and witness the baptism of my nephew. I hope that these photos will be especially appreciated by my two sisters that were not able to attend. Make sure you watch the video at the end. By no means do I consider myself a cinematologist...but they are cute and saying hi to you.

Caleb and I, what a happy day!

Grandma and Grandpa Murray with Caleb

Caleb and a proud daddy

It was so fun to be with my older siblings and to laugh and just be together. Esther and Martha we missed you.

Grandpa Bishop with all the little ones. The are so cute!!

Caleb, Seija and Matthias with their gifts from Auntie Martha's trip to Ecuador

The antidote is Service!

Today was Stake Conference, what a feast. I was amazed to here our Stake President talk about what has been my most recent focus of study. Service, he shared some wonderful scriptures that I would like to share.

Service is such a fascinating principle, as we read in Matthew 6, we can only serve one Master, and when it is the Lord, our Saviour, he in turned will provide us with what we need. He already knows what we need. In this world it can be so easy to focus on ourselves, and worry and stress. My recent revelation is that, that is not how He intends it for us to be at all. He says, serve me, keep my commandments and then trust, do what is needful for the day and I will prepare the way for tomorrow. This doesn't mean be lazy and don't plan, but do what is needful and then trust. This is the key to stress and worry free living, Serve.

I have learnt from experience, specifically as a missionary, that when I serve my Heavenly Father and do His will with my whole heart (which isnt always an easy task). He cares for me.

Alma 32, reminds us that if we act this way in faith, and we are patient and diligent (therefore requiring work), we will be rewarded with the fruits of our faith, with peace to the soul (Alma 37:34), and we will overcome evil (Romans 12:21).

Life is difficult, but it is from these challenges that we are strengthened and tutored by the Lord. It is especially during these times that we need to put our Faith in Christ and turn out ward to serve those around us.

I am excited for a new chapter of my life, to re-focus my attention and recommit myself to goals that I have set and to see change in those I serve and myself. I know it is possible in Christ. I love that belief! It is what keeps me going, and keeps me motivated through the ups and downs of life.

Some might ask, how, but how do I serve? Keep it simple, look for ways to serve during the natural course of your day, smile, stop and talk to a friend when your hurried, be open to your surroundings and you will see the opportunities. This is an experiment that I have done previously with myself and it is amazing.

I would love to here of things others are doing to serve in their communities, leave me a comment.

If that wasnt enough...

Well, seriously if starting a new job two weeks ago wasnt enough, and with picking up this new business with Tupperware. I have been continuously looking for a Condo, it has been a year long goal and in long anticipation. I have looked at several properties over the summer and well...the search has come to an end. It has been a huge learning process, dealing with mortgages, lawyers, real estate agents and the like. Well, I am going to keep you in suspense a little longer, and there will be more details and pictures to come.