So Emotional?

I don't know why but lately I have been a huge baby! I used to hold strong (haha get it that's the name of my actual blog) and not cry over stories of people dying. No, I was not cold hearted. Lately everything is hitting me like a pile of bricks crashing down. The story with that 13-year-old boy in Montana, the story about my friend's friend 10-year-old girl dying, and just watching the news. The end is soon to come. I also recall watching dateline, or whatever it was, called last letters home. Now that tore me to pieces. I really couldn't imagine loosing any love one, let alone my own family. Angela has been on black out in Iraq and has let her boyfriend and me know how bad it really is over there. The media is not always correct. I found out that in the past few days over eight soldiers have died. She has also informed me of bombs going off on her base. I shouldn't worry because I know the Lord will take care of her but it is still so hard. When you have a love one in way of harm it can be very emotionally draining. Anyways, I just need to remember that the Lord has his ways and what happens will be for the good of things with a reason.

look at me and my bad self! 

God's little ones.

I would have to agree with my brother matt, we do take many things for granted, one being life. After reading both Matt's and Jamie's blog regarding the little boy that slipped in the river, I felt like I needed to put my two cents in regarding life.

I have a friend's friend that Lost a 10-year-old twin girl. For ten years this little girl was perfectly normal. This girl had no physical handicaps. One particular Sunday afternoon this little girl was folding up a plastic bag and putting it in the drawer. Her mother asked, "What are you doing?" The girls response was "I'm folding up my blanket and putting it away." This was only the beginning of the suspicious things this young girl did. Very concerned for her daughter's condition, they took her to a psych. Immediately they had her admitted into the Hospital. Remember this all happened on a Sunday, beforehand the little girl was just fine. Wednesday the perfectly normal girl changed in the blink of an eye. Grandparents were contacted to come down from Hawaii because they had to pull the plug. Her condition had become very severe, and she was now completely brain dead due to unknown factors.

That night once the grandparents got there and said their final goodbyes the little girl wanted to talk to her twin sister on the phone one last time. "I love you,” the one twin said to the other right before her heart stopped. The twin that was fine cried holding her sisters big fluffy teddy bear.

This is a huge example why we need to live life for all it's worth and not take it nor the things/people in it for granted. With the blink of an eye that little girl’s life was gone, with the blink of an eye that boy at the rivers life was gone. It is very reassuring that we have the plan of salvation. Everything happens for a reason. Remember all that as you leave you house leave on a good note with all those that live in it. Remember to stay faithful and humble so that you too can once again be with those that you have so dearly loved that have come and gone. I am so grateful for my life and all of the trials and struggles I went through because I know I relived one other person from having to have to experience what I did. I have so much to be thankful for. I love my parents, Mark and Lyndi. I love all of my brothers and sisters, Jamie, Willy, Laura, Lisa, Sam, Dana, Jill, Matt, Sara, Angela, Amy, (Ashley and Alysha, my half sisters), Marshall, and Abby. I Love there kids. I love all my aunts and uncles and cousins. I Love my grandparents.

Smile always.

me again 

one of my missionary prep, pictures 

It's been awhile

So here I am again updating this blog. I felt like I haven't had the time even though I know I have, so that people can get an update on how things are going. I'll try and update more often. I have been a little depressed lately not knowing why. I have a feeling though it could be the emptiness that I feel right now. I have been getting ready to serve a two-year mission in the Washington, Tacoma area. Yes I am very excited. I really look forward in serving the Lord. I think what has made things so empty is that I pretty much have my whole room packed, besides my clothes. It feels really empty in here and has actually played a small affect on me. I just need to get over it. I'm very grateful for Jill and Drew and all that they have done in getting me ready. I'm stressed out with this as well. I still have little things I need to get. I have to get all of my white shirts, socks, shoes, luggage, and my bike. It's really stressful. I'm very grateful that Mom and Dad bought me two nice looking suits. I know that once I get out there most of these little worries will vanish and I will be on the Lords errand. I have been doing really well though. Work is still going well, living life to the fullest. I just need to remember that the Lord will provide.