An Uplifting Poem- The Oak Tree

   A poem was shared in church a little while back. I thought I'd share it with you:

"The Oak Tree"

A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark

But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak?

The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway

But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me

Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew

-Johny Ray Ryder Jr.

   I hope that helps lift your spirits as much as it lifts mine. What a wonderful poem!

How To Maintain A Positive Attitude

   Every morning I try to think of some things I am grateful for. The new day. A good night's rest. Maybe the fact I'm no longer getting a bad night's rest. But whatever it is, I like to start off the day on a note of gratitude. Whenever I do that, it is easier to be happy and have a good day.
   Someone once told me the last thing they do before going to bed was think of a way God had touched their lives that day, that way they could end the day on a happy note. When we take a little time to be grateful for our blessings, it opens our eyes to heaven's view and uplifts us. When we are grateful, we recognize our blessings, and God gives us more. Even though we will still face challenges, we face them with positivity and optimism, and our days seems to go better.
   I for one am grateful for good friends and loving family. I am grateful for my knowledge of the restored Gospel. I am grateful for the experiences God has given me to help me, strengthen me, and feel of His love. I am grateful that when we make mistakes, God has given us a way to correct them and be forgiven. I am grateful for nature. I am grateful for my Savior, who marked the path so I can know how to return to my Father in Heaven. What kinds of things are you grateful for?

Walking

   Missionaries are often tagged by their white shirts, ties, and name tags. You may have seen us walking down the street, or biking across town. That's usually us! In case you were wondering, some missionaries do have cars. Elder Waltman and I have a car. But we try not to use it too much so we can be out talking with God's children: it's kind of hard to have a Gospel conversation with the guy going through a hard time when you pass him at 40 mph going down the road.
   Today is one of those days when we are going to give up the car and walk it. We have people to see and a Gospel to preach, and I can't wait to go! So if you see us out there on the road, say hello! We'd love to talk with you!
   Well, I'm going to go hike around town for a few hours! Hope to see you out there!