Magnificent Max

Max Swam the 100 butterfly in 59.88 seconds

2025-09-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

https://youtube.com/shorts/EsHojCWZfn4?si=R9Y9F3Wkf5MovdYc

MAC Swim meet June 15, 2024

2024-07-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Max was in a unofficial swim meet long course with MAC. He did a fabulous job.

Max's time on 50 free was 32:01

Max's time on 100 free was 108:76

Max's time on 100 long course BUTTERFLY 1:12.12

Max does not swim to try to beat someone he swims to beat his own personal record.

Swimming has been a big part of Max's life. He loves it and I mean loves it.

Max old goggles

2024-05-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Max has been going through a lot of goggles with all the swimming he has been doing.

Here are two that he finally retired.

HaPpY bIrTHdAY MaX

2024-03-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe Max is twenty Four. He has taught me how to have patience, love others and not be afraid to be who I want to be.

Max has his driver license, but still needs help with navigation. Soon, he will learn the roads.

He has finished the Pathway Connect and is going to attend BYUI online. His goal is to get his degree in accounting and work at his

dad's CPA firm.

Twenty four awesome things about Max.

1. He loves to swim and be coached.

2. He loves to garden, and he good at it.

3. He loves to play the piano.

4. He loves to help others.

5. He loves his siblings.

6. He loves working with his chickens.

7. He loves working on excel.

8. He loves learning.

9. He loves working out.

10. He is kind.

11. He his compassionate.

12. He is determined.

13. He is a good dog owner.

14. He is good at chess.

15. He loves math.

16. He is an Eagle scout.

17. A Special Olympics USA swim athlete.

18. He is truthful.

19. He is helpful.

20. He is willing to try hard things.

21. He is respectful.

22. He doesn't gossip.

23. He loves everyone.

24. He is magnificent at making others feel valued.

Videos I found of Max when he was 18 at Evo Swim School

2023-11-10T10:01:00.002-08:00

Max Swam in Special Olympics State Competition

2023-10-14T23:08:00.002-07:00

This year Max swim the 100 IM and the 100 Butterfly.

He enjoyed swimming and he still has a goal to

get his 100 butterfly in under a minute.

Lots of New Experiences

2023-09-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Life for Max is taking on a whole new world.

1. He finished his 2 year service mission

2. He got a drivers permit and passed the test with a 100%.

3. He is enrolled in driving school

4. He is enrolled in Pathway

5. He is attending the Single Adult ward for our church.

6. He is enrolled in 2 different LDS institute classes.

And he finished his regional swimming competition.

He has a goal to improve his PR in the 100 butterfly.

Max's MAC Time trials 07-01-2023

2023-07-03T18:23:00.005-07:00

Max swam in the MAC time trials with only having five hours of sleep and having jet lag.

His butterfly was amazing.

I'm proud of him for doing his best.

He swam the 50 long course in 31.4

He swam the 100 freestyle in 1:08.81

He swam the 100 Butterfly in 1:13.06

Max's Landing Talk

2023-06-12T17:09:00.004-07:00

Max's shared about serving in the Chandler service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He wrote what he read and gave the talk in Church on June 11, 2023. I'm so proud of him.

Elder Maxwell Q. Reynolds Landing talk

(New Beginnings and New Journeys)

Hello, Brothers and sisters. I am happy to be with you today to share with you about my service mission and what I have learned. I have a lot of wonderful experiences but most of them have come from spending time serving with and for other people. I have found that as I serve I come close with others and they become family. Family loves one another and loving one another comes through following divine responsibilities. It also comes through sacrifice through undeviating service to our God The Eternal Father. You may ask, why is God our Eternal Father?

Quoted from Elder Neal A Maxwell.”If there were no eternal truths, to what principles would mortals look for guidance? If not accountable to God, to whom are we ultimately accountable? Furthermore, if nothing is ever really wrong, then no one is ever really responsible. If there are no fixed boundaries, then there cannot be any excesses. Why should we be surprised, then, at so many disturbing outcomes, including the lack of community, when every man does that which is “right in his own eyes” (Judges.Judges. 17:6; Judges. 21:25) and seeks not the righteousness of the Lord but instead walks “in his own way”? (D&C 1:16).” Closed quote to add to this quote with a scripture, proverbs chp 21 v2 says “ every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the lord pondereth the hearts" in contrast the eyes of faith would have us following the Lord. Stated from Alma chapter 32:40 “…thus if we will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof ye cannot have the fruit thereof. Simply put you cannot have the results you hope for if we do not fulfill the divine responsibilities. According to Hebrews 12:9 God is the father of our spirits. With that there is an Eternal Family and we have come down from God to serve and to be tested so we can return to live with our Loving Heavenly Father. Elder Neal A. Maxwell states “Let us strive here and now to take especial care of our families as Jesus did of His, “even the family of all the earth” (2 Ne. 2:20). Closed quote. God has also sent his beloved son to die for our sins to help us get past sin. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Service missionaries are about showing God's love with those that we come in contact with.

“Our purpose is to help others come unto Christ by serving them as the Savior would, we serve voluntarily in charitable organizations, church functions and within the community we minister in his name to the one just as he did expressing his loving kindness.”

The service sites that I have had the privilege of serving with have been Midwest Food Bank, Gilbert Temple Grounds, Mesa DI, and TCSM social media center. Midwest Food Bank was a great service location. I was scanning receipts, checks on Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 to noon along with other activities such as taping boxes. We had to check every box to make sure it was taped tightly on both sides and filled all the way with the product for the satisfaction of the one who receives it. I sealed bags with a sealer, I have also learned to fill bags, label bags, print off labels, operate a pallet jack and operate a pallet shrink machine. While I served at the Midwest Food bank I was blessed to work with Skipper and hear his awesome compliments and see his good work ethic, Eric was always friendly and gave everyone hugs. There were many others that I felt had become family.

Gilbert Temple Grounds on Mondays we do trash and weed runs called blessing runs, leaf blow sidewalk, mope sidewalk, concrete walls and benches. We plant seasonal flowers in the fall and spring. We also do tree rings. Also prune tree suckers, seed pods and for shape. The grounds keeper Brother Rudd was an inspiration with his friendly personality, he taught me the importance of work and gardening and the value of loving others.

Mesa DI was a great service location serving there from June 2021 to September 2021 while I was there I worked in small as is in the back and soon after I worked in the front sorting clothing in the mens and children department. In September, I felt the need to change service locations and stop working at the Mesa DI. I loved working there, but felt a need to change it soon. Within a month after I changed my service location I realized why I felt the need to change. My mother and I were in a freaky car accident on October 29. She broke her arm and was not able to take me to any of my locations. Funny, my mom had a costume to go with Halloween. I had to ride my bike or walk. Mesa DI would have been too far to walk or ride my bike. It’s a blessing that I acted on that feeling to change locations.

Tempe chandler service mission social media center we pushed out content involving ask seek and ye shall find that is published on youtube I helped script and participate in the production as well as write scripts for others. Unfortunately, the media center disbanded due to missionaries pressing forward.

As a Service missionary I got to be a part of other service project activities like Feed My Starving Children nonprofit, participate in a missionary concert, and serve the homeless. All were awesome activities that promoted the service God wanted us to bring to others.The service missionaries became family. I have been blessed with so many wonderful missionary friends. Our relationships will last a lifetime.

During my service mission I was given the opportunity to be in the USA Special Olympics games in Orlando, Florida. While there I wore my name tag to let others know I am the hands of the Lord and that I want to serve him. I loved sharing with others why I am wearing a name tag for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints.

There were many opportunities to feel the spirit while in Orlando. When I was on the block ready to swim the 100 freestyle I felt weak and could not breath. I could not understand why, but I prayed for strength. When the Special Olympics found that I had covid I was shocked and they had me stay in a hotel room by myself. but with the help of the Lord I got through.

The final words I would like to add is that Family is always around you, The church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints is a family centered church, it does not matter where you serve and whether or not it is proselytizing, all that matters is that you serve. Never forget that when your loved ones pass it is not the end, they will always be with you.

May this bring peace to you and your soul.

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Elder Reynolds Two Years Mission

2023-06-06T10:13:00.002-07:00

Wow! It’s been six months since I posted on Max’s blog. Max has been busy serving at the Midwest Food Bank and the Gilbert Temple grounds. Plus, attending evening meetings including on Sundays. At the Midwest Food bank, he has served over 740 hours. He has made thousands of boxes for food to be shipped off to other places and countries. He has bagged Cheese Its and other foods. He sealed bags and helped scan papers. He served at the Media Center on Wednesday evenings. Max has grown so much in the past six months. He has learned to iron his own shirts, wash loads of laundry (even learned how to sort them out), make his bed, and clean the bathroom. He has learned to cook food and has become independent. Never did I think when he was three-years-old, 10 years old or even 14 years old he would have the life he has now. He has friends, interests, hobbies and goals.

I have told him several times never to let your autism stop you from your dreams. Don’t let it hold you back. Max and I have had discussions about how everyone has something that makes them feel like they’re not capable with doing what they want. I shared with him how even I, who is blind in one eye, deaf in one ear and now live with an arm that is not completely functionable. It might be harder and take more time to reach the goals, but never ever let a disability stand in the way of success. When we were blessed with Max and realized he had special needs, I was determined to not let his disability limit his potential of what he is capable of and his progression.

I have pushed Max and I mean pushed him to strive to achieve even the smallest of goals.

I told myself many times that he is capable and can reach goals.

My eyes water every time I think of him as a small child and look at him now. He is kind, compassionate, friendly, trustworthy and is loyal to those that he loves. He has bloomed into a wonderful young man who has a dream to someday have a family of his own. That last sentence I never thought I would write about Max. Never did I dream he would be able to be a husband and a father. I look at how he has grown and believe some young lady will be lucky to have him as a husband years down the road. He wants to educate himself like his siblings did so he can provide for his future family.

I am going to post lots of pictures of his mission.

I’ll try to put descriptions below the pictures so you know what it is about.

I even went and served with him at the Midwest Food Bank and at the Gilbert Temple grounds planting flowers. I came home both times ready for a nap because it was not easy work.

I am proud of Elder Max Reynolds

I am honored to be Max’s mother.

Max reading his mission call.

I videoed his talk he gave in church.

Below is the name tag he wore for two years and four days.

Once a month the service missionaries would go to the Mesa and Gilbert temple.

Elder Reynolds ready to give service.

Midwest Food Bank

Media Center

Gilbert Temple grounds

After working in the hot sun on Temple grounds.

Elder Reynolds planted these flowers.

Elder Reynolds last day serving at the Gilbert Temple.

Max in the Press On Band

Mission Christmas Party

2023-06-06T09:18:00.003-07:00

Max had a fun Christmas party with his mission. He had to bring an exchange gift. He got the idea to take five different size boxes and wrapped a gift in the smallest one and then put it in the next box were he would put another gift. It took us hours to wrap them one after the other. The person that got his gift got to also read a scripture Max had written with each box they opened.

It was a clever idea.

A Sunday mission meeting, his mission leader is holding the cookie.

Happy Birthday Elder Max Reynolds

2023-05-26T11:41:00.026-07:00

When Max was young I always asked him who he wanted at his birthday party. He always said, "My friends." I asked him what are your friends names? He said, all his aunts names and brothers and sisters.

The year of 2023, I asked him who he would like to have at his birthday party. He said, "My friends." I asked for names and he listed the missionaries in his mission. So, we invited them to come. He had a great time.

They made s'mores over the firepit in the backyard. Max had built the firepit. They sang songs around the campfire while one of the missionaries accompanied them with a guitar. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, chili, fruit and potato salad.

After the party ended they all went and play basketball. He had a fabulous birthday. The party was on his birthday!!!!

Here is the firepit Max built.

It was the first birthday party with just his friends.

Elder and Sister Missionaries.

Elder and Sister Missionaries

Max with his Mission Leaders Elder and Sister Johansen

Missionary Halloween Party 2022

2023-05-26T09:56:00.002-07:00

Happy Halloween

Max had a awesome time at the Missionary Halloween party. He went has Elf. He likes that movie and loves how kind Elf is. When he came home the kids in the neighborhood thought he was the real Elf.

The Chandler and Tempe Service Missionaries 2022

Playing a game outside.

Sister McCook and Elder Reynolds

Elder and Elder Reynolds

USA Nationals Special Olympics games

2022-11-02T17:23:00.004-07:00

Max swim in the Special Olympics USA games in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Aquatic Center. I took this picture.

Max swam the 100 freestyle and when he swam the Preliminary he swam it well. Then, when he swam the second heat of his 100 freestyle on a different day he was sick and still swam. He said when he was on the block he felt dizzy. He said while he was swimming he felt tired and worn out. Found out afterwards he was sick. He did not swim his normal time on a 100 freestyle. He still got second place. I was proud of him for trying. If I would of known he was sick I wouldn't of let him swim.

Max and Coach Roger

Max with his Dad and Mom

Relay with his swim team

Max swimming in the Special Olympics State meet October 21 & 22, 2022

2022-11-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

This was the first time Max swam the 100 IM he is glad he swam it.

Max swimming on September 16th at the Special Olympics District Regional meet

2022-11-02T16:41:00.001-07:00

USA Special Olympics Max swimming the hundred butterfly Preliminary

2022-11-02T15:05:00.004-07:00

Max had just swam the 100 freestyle relay with his swim team and in the same day he swam the Preliminary for the 100 butterfly. He did so well. I was proud of him.

Max's previous time in swimming the 100 butterfly was 1:10.10

He swam the second 100 butterfly heat in video below

First day of competition. Max swam in the Relay

2022-10-28T20:56:00.004-07:00

The relay video

Max's Relay Team

Max's relay team was in lane seven.

Max was the last swimmer for the relay.

Max and Coach Roger.

Max and his good friend and swim team member.

Max with his parents.

USA Special Olympics Opening Ceremony June 5, 2022

2022-10-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Opening ceremony was hot and humid.

They started a hour and half late.

Max brother and sister in law came with us to Orlando.

You can see from the pictures how humid it was.

link to video of opening ceremonies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZWUltuYv8&t=48s

Max USA Special Olympics Experience

2022-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Max at the hotel.

June 3, 2022

Max and his friends

Max was in the church News look at link below.

2022-06-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-06-17/missionary-2022-special-olympics-usa-games-257627?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cn-social&utm_campaign=facebookpage-en&utm_content=churchnews-en&fbclid=IwAR0tFJQXLzyFJ3RZB_p9SLxF6lG9GygMFvyx6V-0fnCqR5e-OxD3Tb0Dzck

Special Olympics State Swim Meet October 2021

2022-04-11T17:51:00.004-07:00

Max loved the State swim meet.

He had the opportunity to swim a 100 IM for the first time.

Max swimming a relay with his swim team.

Max and one of the swimmers from Tempe team

Special Olympics Regional meet

2021-09-15T13:40:00.001-07:00

Max has been looking forward to having the Special Olympics Regional Swim meet for over a year. Covid has made it impossible to have a swim meet and when he found out they were having one he was so excited. He loves to compete, not with others, but with his own personal time. He was not pleased with his times at the swim meet. When he did the 100 butterfly the announcer did not give him time to even get ready on the block. As you can see in the video, he spoke without giving a pause in between, “Take your Mark” and then, the beep a few seconds later. He had the beep go off right after he spoke. This happening through Max off and he was disappointed 😞 that he didn’t have a few seconds to prepare for his dive.

Max swimming the 100 Butterfly

Max lane 6 time for his 100 Butterfly. He was not happy with is swim time

I have realized after many swim meets that even a second is a BIG DEAL.

Max swimming the 100 Freestyle

Max had lots of support at the swim meet

his Mom, Dad,

Sister Miriam and brother-in-law Bryce came.

Thank you, Miriam, for filming the heats Max swam in.

Plus, three of his Aunts, Heather, Vivian and Delia came too.

Max with Aunt Delia, Aunt Heather and Aunt Vivian.

Thank you, Aunt Heather, Aunt Vivian and Aunt Delia, for coming to support Max.

Max with two of the three gold medals that he earned.

Max with Special Olympics Coach Roger
The day before Max got to swim with some of his swim team in a rely.

They swam a 4/50 medley. He got to swim the butterfly.

The rely team

Special Olympics try outs for National 2022

2021-09-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Max was nervous about trying out for National for Special Olympics.

There were a lot of great swimmers and we didn't think he would make the team.

But, he did, and we are so happy for him.

Here are his swim try out times. He had to be able to swim a 100 freestyle in under a one minute and thirty seconds. Has you can see from the videos of him swimming he did stay under that time allowed.

Monday Schedule

2021-08-24T20:02:00.003-07:00

Elder Reynolds starts his Monday mornings off at 4:30am and sometimes even earlier than that. Before he leaves for the pool he makes a sack of foods to eat for breakfast and gathers all his clothes he will need while he serves at the temple grounds. Elder Reynolds has stated many times that swimming from 5 to 6:15am, Monday- Saturday makes him feel happy, calm, peaceful and comfort. I have noticed that ever since Elder Reynolds has been swimming he has not needed to have deep compressions or wear a backpack with weights in it to help him. After a good swim of over 140 laps he changes at the pool out of his swim trunks and into his gardening clothes. While traveling to the temple grounds he eats his breakfast. What a wonderful way for Elder Reynolds to start off his week.

Elder Reynolds after swim practice.

We can not forget about Sundays...they are busy days for Elder Reynolds. He attends several different sacraments, during the morning and afternoon, plus he attends missionary devotionals, and Missionary meetings every Sunday evening. Yesterday he shared with us how he learn better ways to study scriptures and have missionary companionship study.

After Elder Reynolds serves at the Gilbert Temple he works in the backyard with his eleven chickens making sure they have food and water. Lunch is a must before he decides what next needs to be done. He loves his garden and studies about planting soils and gardening tips.

We are in the process of putting in a fall garden. Yay!

Elder Reynolds also goes over to our friends home to take her barrels up that he put out the night before for garbage pickup. Elder Reynolds loves this lady that he serves and often tells me how much he enjoys being with around her. She has been a blessing to our family.

He states how special she is to him all the time.

Elder Reynolds works on laundry, planning his week out and make sure he has everything he needs for the rest of his week. Every evening he checks on his chickens to make sure they are secure in their coop and that they have enough water and food for the following morning and he never forgets about collecting the eggs.