Just something I liked from one of my classes.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.- Mother Teresa

Life

How we handle life in stressful, ugly, unwanted circumstances is really what defines us in life. Everything is great when life is easy. Honestly it really is. There have been times in my life when I have wondered what was wrong with me, because everything typically goes my way. I am a man accustomed to getting what he wants out of life. Good grades in high school, sports, adventures both winter and summer. I even dated a girl who I now call my friend. (she hated me for a long while... and actually I hated her back. It was a stupid mutual thing that we both got over.) I went to college not really knowing what I wanted to do. I got good grades (again) and then left on a mission to spread the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ. It was hard, but not. Life was easy, life was simple. You knew what you were supposed to do, and most importantly, you felt what you needed to do. The hard part was getting out of bed at 6:30 each and every morning. I got home and went back to school, deciding on a major I didn't really think I could do. I didn't think I was smart enough... but that made all the difference. It really wasn't that bad. I have decent grades, I got an awesome job doing exactly what I want to be doing, (I didnt even know it when I started my major) and I only interviewed with one company... in a crappy economy. So when I say that I am accustomed to getting what I want, it's true. Sure I worked hard, but things just always seemed to fall into place. (Anyone feel a but coming on?)

But... the one thing that my hearts yearns for. Aches for. Hasn't come easy. Hasn't come yet. The 1st time I learned a lot, and the 2nd well let's just hope I can put myself back together. Take comfort in the thought that I gave it everything? Or wonder where it went wrong? Running won't help, and most really don't care. We all have our own lives to live. Oh this could go on, and I would only get deeper and deeper into a place I won't go. So bottom line? Hope. Hope in the future, hope in God. Hope that the tears will stop flowing and sleep conquers.

We are defined both by man, and by God, by how we act. Act and not React. To react to how I feel in my situation would be both painful and destructive. To act with love, with kindness, with repentance... Now that I pray will help to define me. Will help me be the man I wish to be. I pray to be. I hope to be.

Enough said. There is no pain or sorrow or guilt, a painful smile maybe... but, only hurt.

High time for News

So, let's make this a little bit more up beat than the last one. I was certainly not in a very good mood that night. I lot has happened sense then. Christmas was great! I got to spend two weeks with Family, which you never really know how much you love them until you have to leave... or think about moving all the way across the country. And... I got to spend a few precious days with Tawna and her family. Though I'm a little sad that her little niece doesn't run around asking for me... ;-) Well not really, she knows the important people, Mom, dad, Grandpa, Grandma, and Tawna. I'm sure she knows Amber's name as well, I just haven't heard it.

School started again... the beginning of the end of my undergrad schooling... AWESOME, and I got a job offer in New York. Talk about really moving all the way across the country. After a few days of thoughts and prayer, the pros definitely outweighed the cons and so... TO NEW YORK! Before y'all get too excited, it's upstate new york and if you are all going to come visit, it's still a 2 hour drive to New York City. But still!!! The empire State had better watch out. (ya I also have tons of paperwork to fill out...)

School is same ol same ol. Though, I have been skiing 4 times in the last 8 days. hehehehe What the life hu? Nothing like good clean College living. I also Love my Personal Finance class. It's like a religion class about money and there isn't any other way to teach it. The integration of Gospel into seemingly mundane topics is another joy that I will be sorry to let go of when I leave for New York. BYU has brought many many blessings into my life. Friends, learning, and spiritual growth. What more can your ask for. (if anyone even mentions marriage, ya well... I put my trust and patience in the Lord and keep on truckin')

Updates soon to come...
Until then, See things as they really are. -Elder David A. Bednar