"As he grows from Boy to Man"

           
There is one great program that has helped me grow "from Boy to Man" other than my family. That is the Boy Scouts of America. I started out in Cub Scouts and that instilled in my heart a love for the flag and what it stands for and a knowledge of my country. It helped me learn a little while I was young and prepare me for my growth through the Boy Scouts. I remember just how much time Ruth Epperson and Ray Talley devoted to helping us as boys to learn and grow. Then I turned 11 and became a Weblos. In case some of you don't know, it stands for "We'll Be Loyal Scouts." That is exactly what Nathan Udall taught us. He taught us to work hard and be loyal to our friends and others. Then I turned 12 and finally moved to the real Boy Scouts of America. I learned so much from Kris and Kevin Fletcher. I remember many times tying nots and braiding ropes and such. Then my family moved from Apache Junction to Pima. That is when my love for scouting and this great country really took off. At first I wasn't to sure about it. I got homesick to the point where I would throw up every night and Kendall Lunt, Ryan Slade, and Jerry Barney were always there to help me clean it up and get back to bed. They probably didn't care for it and were probably cursing my name but they helped me get through that stage and grow. Because of their persistance and their love for me, I was able to come out on my mission and haven't had to much of an issue with homesickness. I have had many other scout leaders that have helped me grow: Jeremy Hughes, Jason Hughes, Tom James, and many others but the person that helped me grow through this the most and that I really owe a lot to is my Dad. He was an example to me from the beginning. He was right by my side when I went through all of the years of scouts, good times and bad. He is the reason I got my Eagle. The fact that he got his and was always there for me in the process. Because of my involvement in Scouts and the love I have for the United States of America that scouting has instilled in me, I want to join the Air Force after my mission. I want to protect the freedoms that I enjoyed as a kid. I Psalms 32:8 it says "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." The Lord does this thorugh our parents, our peers, and our trials which make us stronger. He has definitely done it to me and I am greatful to all those who have been a part in the growing process for me.

God Bless America!

                  

It was the evening of Sunday, May 1st 2011, in Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies baseball team was playing the New York Mets. It was the 14th inning, the score tied at 1. Then phones lit up and the fans started chattering. Soon the chattering became chanting, starting out faint but growing till it enveloped the stadium. "USA, USA, USA" could be heard clearly throughout the ballpark. A sense of extreme patriotism an pride was felt among all those who were present. Once again, for at least a little while, the citizens of this great nation were united. Some opposed the war on terror and some supported it but for that night there was no arguement. The man responsible for stabbing the knife into our hearts almost 10 years ago was dead. We, as a nation, felt some sense of solace. Many athletes voiced their opinion via Twitter and reports to newspapers. Mariano Rivera, of the New York Yankees said, "You do something like that, somewhere along the way you're going to pay. This was the time." Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson, said "Man, I went to bed early and missed the big news. What a way to wake up though. Thanks to all the men and women who serve our country." Dirk Hayhurst, of the Toronto Blue Jays said, "While I understand the God Bless America sentiment, how about God Bless every nation terrorism has caused senseless pain and suffering? May we all honor you by learning from our past and working hard for a future wherein your sacrifice is no longer required." My personal favorite was said by Daniel Hudson, starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He said, "Days like today make me proud to be an American! Got chills watching baseball tonight hearing fans chanting USA USA!! Awesome!" We came together again and that is what we needed. One of my favorite scriptures is found in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:17. It says, "And now, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only on the service of your God." This means that when we serve others we are serving God. A verse that relates to that is found in Isaiah 60:12. It says: "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted." I am greatful to the many men and women who served and currently serve our country and in doing so serve God. It is because of them that our nation has not perished. To all of you out there, I say Thank You. You are in my prayers daily. Your names are spoken in reverence by many, myself included. God Bless You and God Bless the USA!
                                                            

Love Your Enemies

¶When I got the news of Osama Bin Laden's death I was really happy and felt like we as a country finally had some justice. Then my cousin brought me to my senses. He helped me rethink it.  I am glad that this evil is off the Earth but at the same time, Osama is our brother. Our Savior told us in Matthew 5:43-44 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;." This is the way it should be, hate the sin, not the sinner. I am most definitely not perfect and have a ways to go in this field but I am trying to do better and I would challenge you to do the same.