A Week of Gratitude - Day 7

Today I am grateful for the time I had serving in the Kingdom of Tonga. I loved every bit of it and every person I met. I learned a lot while I was there. One of the biggest things I learned was the example the Tongan people set of charity, selflessness, and love to all. Every single day there was an instance when someone would offer me food even though it was all they had, or someone gave me sandals when mine were completely destroyed, or someone offered us a ride to a place that we needed to go to even though it was in the opposite direction they were going. These are just a few examples of the Christ-like love these people showed and it made a impact on my life. I learned that a little can go a long way, and that it brings me so much joy to make someone's burdens a little lighter. I would not trade the experiences I made in Tonga for anything in the world. Plus I got some cool tan lines.

Please remember to go out of your way today to help someone out! It will mean the world to them!

A Week of Gratitude - Day 6

Today I'm extremely grateful for Temples! I'm grateful that I can visit these beautiful places and feel God's love inside them! The Temple has blessed me and my family so so much!

A Week of Gratitude - Day 5

Today I am grateful for sports!

Playing sports, especially football and lacrosse bring me so much joy. I've learned throughout the years that to become a great athlete you need to practice every day. You need to have the discipline to practice every day and to have the determination to know that you won't be the best athlete after one day of practice. It takes many many weeks, months, and years of practice to become an outstanding athlete!

I love this so much, because it relates to the Gospel so well, and to me it relates to scripture study. Through daily scripture study we can strengthen or testimonies and knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Scripture study takes lots of discipline and determination. Over time you will be able to feel your testimony of the Gospel, and of Christ, and of the scriptures grow.

A Week of Gratitude - Day 4

Today I'm grateful for my amazing parents! I'm so thankful for the great example that they have set for my siblings and I. I'm also so grateful for their love of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that they could help me learn how to be the very best person I can be!

I love them so much, and I'm always filled with joy to know that I can live with them for eternity!

Mom and Dad, I love you to the moon and back!

A Week of Gratitude - Day 3

Today I am grateful for all the amazing friends I have made on the mission!

If you have ever crossed paths with me on the mission both in Texas or in Tonga you have made an impact on my life, believe it or not! I'm so happy to be able to be surrounded by such amazing people who inspire, support, love, and elevate each other.

If you're thinking about serving a mission I would say one of the benefits is that you will make tons of lifelong friendships!

A Week of Gratitude - Day 2

I'm grateful for my metal steed, also known as a bike. It gets me where I need to go, plus it gives me a great workout. It hasn't given up on me yet.

A Week of Gratitude - Day 1

Today I am grateful for the Prophet Russell M. Nelson and for the guidance that he gives to us. He is truly an amazing example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.