A Day in my Head...

Overheard at USU

2012-02-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm a terrible person for writing this, but today, I was walking from the ESLC to the Institute building, and no lie, I heard the most hilarious thing. Now, if you or I were to say it, we wouldn't even think about it. What was said is a common figure of speech, but in this context... I couldn't help but laugh. There was a guy and girl walking, and USU seems to have a higher than normal population of blind people, and this was one of the blind guys I see around campus frequently. Apparently this girl and him were old friends who hadn't run into each other in a while. Well, long story short, all I heard was, "Long Time, No See."

Lights

2012-02-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

. . .

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above :) or down below :(
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I...

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

. . .

"I am the light of the world:

He that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have

the Light of Life.

. . .

enjoy this amazing video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnguqsMQmg4

special thanks to:

God

Coldplay, "Fix You"

Google Image Search

Youtube.com

So you think you can dance.

Overheard at USU

2012-01-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear girls behind me in my SI Session,

Wow. I've never heard such cocky, conceded, judgmental, inept girls in my life. Apparently, one of their "friends" from high school just came home from his mission early.
The first girl says, "But he said that it was due to medical reasons."
Immediately, the other girl follows with, "Yeah, but all of them who come home early just tell people it was due to medical reasons."

... Thats what really perked my ears up.

Then the avalanche of snappy comments came down, one of which was the most ridiculous and illogical. She said, "He'd been out for about a year now, and before he left, he did all of his medical testing to make sure he was healthy, so there is no reason that he should be having medical problems."
Girl #2 agreed that, "It must have been worthiness issues then."

And yes, they continued to bicker about how missionaries need to better prepare themselves and quit lying about why they are actually coming home, all the while, I'm trying my best to not turn around and say something. I was pretty occupied with thinking about blogging about this. :)

I surely can't believe people some times.

So this is Christmas.

2011-12-24T22:32:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas my friends. :)

With a Little Help from My Friends

2011-12-08T14:50:00.001-07:00

This song has been on my mind so much lately. I love every line... every word... and feel like this is just scripture for my life...

What would you do if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, I get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends.

What do I do when my love is away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you're on your own)
No, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, gonna to try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get high with a little help from my friends,
Oh, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I need someone to love.
Could it be anybody?

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,Mmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends,
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends,
with a little help from my friends.......

I love this.
I'm sitting here thinking of literally dozens of people that this post applies to, so if you are wondering who this really applies to; ask yourself, did I ever help him even a little? If it's a yes. Then yes. I am thinking of you. Thank you to all my friends, and you all know who you are, for when you've helped me out in my life during the many rough times that life brings. We all get bumps and bruised along the path, but sometimes I feel like I get all sorts of fractured bones and the occasional disease along the way too.
So thank you to you who've helped me.
Carried me when I was too weak to walk.
Listened to me when I needed to unload.
Been a shoulder for me to cry on.

I love you.

I will always love you.

I hope I can always be there for all of you, as much as you have all been there for me. So, to whomever this post applies to, Thank you.
You are my True Friends.

OptoClub

2011-12-07T16:23:00.001-07:00

Dear LOGAN people: If you got to CAFE RIO between now and Sunday, they are having

a USU Club Contest, and when you pay at the register, Mark a tally next to

"Optoclub." There is a name "Kyle Niedrich" next to it. Just be sure to write Optoclub.

We are currently in 1st place!!!!!! If we win, we get 100 FREE MEALS at Cafe Rio-

Logan.

Whew

2011-12-06T09:08:00.001-07:00

It's cold today. My friends' phone said it was 1 Degree at 9:00AM today. No wonder I'm wearing my poofy coat.

I'm awesome. :-)

Dear Elder

2011-12-03T18:55:00.001-07:00

This is something near and dear to my heart....

http://youtu.be/npe-RwInkTU

Please watch it!!! :-D

I've run aground.

2011-11-29T23:22:00.001-07:00

I think I've run dry.

2011-11-19T00:52:00.001-07:00

An old proverb says, “He that cannot ask cannot live”. If you want answers you have to ask questions. These are 75 questions you should ask yourself and try to answer. You can ask yourself these questions right now and over the course of your life.

1. Why not me?

2. Am I nice?

3. Am I doing what I really want to do?

4. What am I grateful for?

5. What’s missing in my life?

6. Am I honest?

7. Do I listen to others?

8. Do I work hard?

9. Do I help others?

10. What do I need to change about myself?

11. Have I hurt others?

12. Do I complain?

13. What’s next for me?

14. Do I have fun?

15. Have I seized opportunities?

16. Do I care about others?

17. Do I spend enough time with my family?

18. Am I open-minded?

19. Have I seen enough of the world?

20. Do I judge others?

21. Do I take risks?

22. What is my purpose?

23. What is my biggest fear?

24. How can I conquer that fear?

25. Do I thank people enough?

26. Am I successful?

27. What am I ashamed of?

28. Do I annoy others?

29. What are my dreams?

30. Am I positive?

31. Am I negative?

32. Is there an afterlife?

33. Does everything happen for a reason?

34. What can I do to change the world?

35. What is the most foolish thing I’ve ever done?

36. Am I cheap?

37. Am I greedy?

38. Who do I love?

39. Who do I want to meet?

40. Where do I want to go?

41. What am I most proud of?

42. Do I care what others think about me?

43. What are my talents?

44. Do I utilize those talents?

45. What makes me happy?

46. What makes me sad?

47. What makes me angry?

48. Am I satisfied with my appearance?

49. Am I healthy?

50. What was the toughest time in my life?

51. What was the easiest time in my life?

52. Am I selfish?

53. What was the craziest thing I did?

54. What is the craziest thing I want to do?

55. Do I procrastinate?

56. What is my greatest regret?

57. What has had the greatest impact on my life?

58. Who has had the greatest impact on my life?

59. Do I stand up for myself?

60. Have I settled for mediocrity?

61. Do I hold grudges?

62. Do I read enough?

63. Do I listen to my heart?

64. Do I donate enough to the less fortunate?

65. Do I pray only when I want something?

66. Do I constantly dwell on the past?

67. Do I let other people’s negativity affect me?

68. Do I forgive myself?

69. When I help someone do I think “What’s in it for me”?

70. Am I aware that someone always has it worse than me?

71. Do I smile more than I frown?

72. Do I surround myself with good people?

73. Do I take time out for myself?

74. Do I ask enough questions?

75. What other questions do I have?

Wishes

2011-11-13T22:36:00.001-07:00

Wishes do come true.

Thank you with all my heart.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

2011-11-13T08:52:00.001-07:00

Prayer is essential to life. It's the single most important part of my day. Some of you may read that and think.... "really? Of all things; prayer? That's ridiculous." But I mean it. Let me explain why.

Prayer is a form of communication. It's a spiritually meditative way to communicate with the most powerful being in the universe who is God, Our Heavenly Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ name. Prayer is where I receive guidance from God about how do live my life and feel His love for me. He reassures me of the decisions I make that I'm unsure about. Prayer is where I can receive God's spirit into my heart before I begin my day. When you have the spirit, He'll show you everything you need to do.

Prayer is an act of faith. In the LDS Bible Dictionary under "prayer" it says, "...Prayer is a form of work..." Anyone who has prayed will know that it's sometimes hard, isn't it?? Don't feel weird that you have to put lots of effort into your prayers sometimes. That's the way it's supposed to be. So, here are a few tips from Jeff about prayer...

First, talk to him like he's just chill and right in front of you. He loves you, He knows you, just talk to him.

Secondly, Try having a pen and paper right in your hand as you pray. This shows God your faith to receive answers. Trust me, once I started doing this, the efficacy of my prayers increased dramatically!!

...and Last, Do it. Pray. Don't just say prayers. We need to pray.

I promise you as your brother in Jesus Christ, Our Lord, that as you pray, your relationship with your creator will increase and your life will have more purpose and meaning in it, and you will be fulfilled.

Much love.

Altruism 2

2011-11-09T03:22:00.002-07:00

Pure altruism consists of giving

something of value (a reward or benefit)

with no expectation of any compensation

or benefits, either direct, or indirect

(for instance from recognition of the giving).

I was glad to experience a little bit of this today. Around 2:00 AM, I was asked to perform service to one of my best friends in the whole world... It took a little less than an hour probably, but it was about 15 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Thank you God for providing me with an opportunity to love and serve as Thou wouldst have.

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

2011-11-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, with various events going on in the environment around me, this question has been on my mind. To answer it, I'd like to quote a proclamation to the world about the family that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought forth in 1995,

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of

faith,

prayer,

repentance,

forgiveness,

respect,

love,

compassion,

work,

and wholesome recreational activities."

It is my belief that harmony in a home is most likely to be achieved when founded upon gospel principles. Go through each one and try and bring them into your family even more. Life will be better. Things are never, EVER hopeless.

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced me in my life?

2011-11-06T16:36:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite scriptures is in Gospel of John, the 13th chapter.

" 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

I have come to learn that if we all, will apply this teaching into our lives. If we can truly love everyone in the same way that the Savior showed his love for us, this world will change. If I love you, and you love me, and we can see each other as children of God- making us brothers and sisters, then we have made it. I know that if we can apply this simple, yet profound teaching into all of our lives, then everything else will fall into place. My hope is that someday, we will all be able to be true disciples of our Master and Exemplar, Jesus Christ.

I love you.

Why am I a Mormon?

2011-11-03T23:38:00.001-06:00

I have been a Mormon my whole life. I was born to parents who are of this faith. I was baptized and officially became a Mormon when I was eight years old. I have always been active in this church, though when I was in college I took it upon myself to learn a little more about other religions. I found it enlightening and enjoyable to make connections with other faiths and see the common ground we all have.
I've had much opposition to my faith. The area in which I used to reside is near the Hill Cumorah Pageant, one of the worlds largest outdoor theatrical productions, which depicts scene's from the Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Our church was started in that region of the country, Western New York. They even teach things about our faith in the public schools there because we are a part of the New York history. Well, I received much opposition which caused me to become like an investigator. Meaning I had to do my research as if I wasn't even a member. It was a very trying time in my life. I had much travail over whether or not this was really what we claimed it to be, or whether it was just another religion. I thought it might be something I was brought up in, though not the one Church of Christ established here on the Earth. It caused me to daily, pour over the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. I compared tediously the Bible and the teachings it had, with the Book of Mormon. I compared the differences that had been brought to my attention by those who feel very differently about religion than I do. It was the first time in my life that I was really sincerely searching. I was thirsting... yearning for the truth. I didn't care what the truth was, I just wanted to know the truth! I took sufficient time to study and pray.
Why am I a Mormon? I am a Mormon because I was open and willing enough to do what God wanted me to do. I not only hit the wall- I went several feet into it. Yet, in His Infinite Love and Mercy, He chose to save me, to guide me by the hand, and show me the path. I can now say, beyond any shadow of doubt, that Christ is our personal Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. He loves us. The Book of Mormon is the very word of God, brought forth in these last days to bring us help and hope. It is on the same level as the Bible and I love them both with all my heart. Why am I a Mormon? Because it is where Christ wants me to be. I know.

Best of Friend

2011-11-02T01:08:00.000-06:00

"Verily, I say unto my servant [Jeff], or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me."
---God

noun

a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.

a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe?

a member of the same nation, party, etc.

(initial capital letter) a member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.

I had a really cool experience today.

I was just getting out of a class when I thought of something to ask this guy that sits next to me in math. He had mentioned something vague earlier in the semester and it was a little awkward- so I was finally going to ask him.

I told him I had a question for him, and when he asked what it was... I stalled for a minute cause people were around and I was getting my backpack together still, then I had this feeling...

"Don't do it...."

I sort of brushed it off for a second. Then walked out of the classroom and there he was, and said, "yeah dude?" but again....

"Don't do it...."

this time, as usual, the feeling was even stronger...

so I came up with a random question to ask him that I fudged to sound like it fit my attitude about my asking him. He answered the question of course and I thought, why wasn't I supposed to ask that?

....

Right after I thought that, he said something that exactly answered my question, and not in the affirmative. What I was to ask him would have implied something that I had previously thought, which I now knew was definitely not true at all.

My friends, God is our friend too. He loves us and is going to help us in everything we need help with. Even simple little things like this. He knows us personally and is there for us. Cleave unto me and I shall cleave unto you. I love you God.

Trials.

2011-11-02T00:51:00.002-06:00

Love is one of the hardest things to deal with in this life.

Something

2011-10-18T11:45:00.001-06:00

Something in the way she moves,
Attracts me like no other lover.
Something in the way she woos me.
I don't want to leave her now,
You know I believe and how.

Somewhere in her smile she knows,
That I don't need no other lover.
Something in her style that shows me.
I don't want to leave her now,
You know I believe and how.

Something in the way she knows,
And all I have to do is think of her.
Something in the things she shows me.
I don't want to leave her now.
You know I believe and how.

---Beatles

Wish

2011-10-18T11:26:00.002-06:00

At times like this, it's when it would really be great to be able to make a wish and have it come true.

Dear USU Girl

2011-10-13T11:14:00.000-06:00

Dear Girl walking in front of me on USU Campus sidewalk,
If you're going to continue vocalizing your strong feelings about how guys need to do more on a first date than something "simple and cheap", then I'll just follow with one little thought, ... "maybe that's all you're worth"?
Sincerely,
Annoyed though Amusing Gent.

I understand that that's a pretty hard way to put how I'm feeling and I wouldn't ever be this rude. My point though is valid. Sometimes girls are so intense about wanting everything to be "classy" and "well planned out." I say, If you can't do something "simple and cheap" and enjoy yourself, you're going to have a VERY rough relationship. The simple and cheap dates are wonderful first dates because they really allow you to get to know the person you're with. Dating is about the person, not the date itself. I agree that sometimes you should have a little nicer dates, especially if you've been dating a while, but come on... If I had to do something "fancy and expensive" (which sounds like the opposite to "simple and cheap") then I wouldn't be dating anymore because I'd be out of money!!!!

Thank you. :)

Religion vs. Science

2011-06-08T23:42:00.000-06:00

Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth, the heavens, and the other elements of the world, about the motion and orbit of the stars and even their size and relative positions, about the predictable eclipses of the sun and moon, the cycles of the years and the seasons, about the kinds of animals, shrubs, stones, and so forth, and this knowledge he holds to as being certain from reason and experience.

Now, it is a disgraceful and dangerous thing for an infidel to hear a Christian, presumable giving the meaning of Holy Scripture, talking nonsense on these topics; and we should take all means to prevent such an embarrassing situation, in which people show a vast ignorance in a Christian and laugh it to scorn.

The shame is not so much that an ignorant individual is derided, but the people outside the household of the faith think our sacred writers held such opinions, and, to the great loss of those for whose salvation we toil, the writers of our Scripture are criticized and rejected as unlearned men. If they find a Christian mistaken in a field which they themselves know well and hear him maintaining his foolish opinions about our books, how are they going to believe those books and matters concerning the resurrection of the dead, the hope of eternal life, and the kingdom of heaven, when they think their pages are full of falsehoods on facts which they themselves have learned from experience and the light of reason?

--Augustine

2011-05-22T19:44:00.000-06:00

Would you condemn an Oak Tree because its timbers had been used to build battering rams?

Would you blame the air for allowing lies to be transmitted through it?

Would you judge Mozart's The Magic Flute on the basis of a poorly rehearsed performance by fifth-graders?

If you had never seen the sunset over the Pacific, would you allow a tourist brochure as a substitute?

Would you evaluate the power of Romantic Love in the light of an abusive marriage next door?

No.

The real evaluation of the Truth depends upon looking at the clean, pure water, not at the rusty containers.

Hmm..... Enlightening.

-The Language of God; by Francis S. Collins.

New Website!!!

2011-05-09T21:50:00.000-06:00

In My Life

2011-05-09T19:15:00.001-06:00

so, lately... I've been thinking a lot about lyrics and it seems I'm always finding application to them in my life. I could post at least 20 songs right now that I've been thinking about... and maybe I'll do more than one-- I haven't decided, but this is the one that hit me most recently... So- To whomever this post belongs... It's to you. :)

~~~~~
It's a hard time finding words,
when you do what do you say first,
to the one you love- unrehearsed,
and nobody else in the world.

Oh, the time needs to slow down,
need to gather my thoughts now,
and I can't say it too loud,
but how did you find me girl.

Don't wanna wait til it's over,
to tell you,
you were more than I wanted,
too much to lose,
and I wouldn't be who I am,
if you hadn't been in my life.
you hadn't been in my life...

Now it seems like a long time,
like you've known me my whole life,
like the stars know the moonlight,
and there's nothin' I'd rather do,
than spend my life lovin' you.

Don't wanna wait til it's over,
to tell you,
you were more than I wanted,
too much to lose,
and I wouldn't be who I am,
if you hadn't been in my life.
you hadn't been in my life...

And there you are,
With open arms,
We've come so far,
And you should know.....................

Don't wanna wait til it's over,
to tell you,
you were more than I wanted,
too much to lose,
and I wouldn't be who I am,
if you hadn't been in my life.

Don't wanna wait til it's over,
to tell you,
you were more than I wanted,
too much to lose,
and I wouldn't be who I am,
if you hadn't been in my life.
you hadn't been in my life...
(In My Life, David Osmond)
~~~~~

To whomever this post should belong to... I love you.