August 24, 2010 - From the CTM

Hello from Brazil the most beautiful place on earth with the friendliest people I think I have ever met. Seriously. I think I've hugged more missionaries here or hugged more males than I have ever in my entire life. And I´ve only been here for about 3 weeks. It´s really crazy and I love them so much. One thing, if you ever come to Brazil soccer is huge here. I´ve learned about 3 or 4 different teams and I think I´m going to be buying jerseys of random teams I find. I´m pretty darn excited. I have this paper I carry around in my pocket and I write down thoughts that I want to send home to my Family and Friends. So here they come. First. Brazilians see Americans and jump to all the American movies they´ve seen and match famous actors, artists and stuff to American missionaries. In my district apparently we have David Beckham, Johnny Depp, Jack Johnson, Clark Kent, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Multiple others too. Apparently I look like Johnny Depp... Kinda weird. One of the Brazilians was joking around with me and asked me when I was going to shoot the Fourth Pirates of the Caribbian movie. I thought it was funny. My response to him was I´m setting my movie career aside for now. Next thing I learned this last week is there is no connection between ASL and Portuguese. I´ve tried to find something but I think ASL was stuck in a box when all the languages chose teams. Poor poor Sign Language. When I want to say a word and and don´t know it in Portuguese, I start to sign the word. Then remember no one here knows anything about sign language... so I have to actually use my voice. It´s kinda difficult sometimes. So another thing is that when I left home I thought I´d be setting aside all music when coming on a mission. That´s a totally different story here. I´m in the Choir, my district likes to sing, we are going to do prelude to some meeting and I´m singing/Playing the piano for them and the lady here who is in charge of the music has given me music to practice. So now I need to to find time to do that. It´s crazy. Crazy fun though. I also have decided this last week the Elder Holland is probably one of my favorite apostles. He´s so strong and if you don´t want to listen to him. He won't care. But his message will break down the wall you tried to build. So you might as well listen to him on your own free will. This last week I also learned something really cool about the parable of the Good Samaritan. For everyone it is saying be kind to everyone. But if you read it very carefully you´ll learn it has a deeper meaning. Read it. Study it this week. Next week I´ll tell you what I learn from that story. I have about 7 minutes left to write a letter. and I don´t know what to say. I´m sure by now you´ll have a headache from reading this letter as it crammed together cause I have no 'Enter' button to make it look any nicer. Oh the language here is difficult. As you can already tell I´ve tired to find a medium between English and Portuguese and I haven´t found anything. I´m pretty sure I´ll learn this language before I leave the mission in two years. But right now I only can follow a little. Literally follow... almost. The word ´To Speak´ in portuguese is 'Falar". Almost sounds like follow. The hardest part right now is congugations and spelling if you haven´t noticed. I think my spelling is deterioating. so... yeah. Not much to say here.
Signing Out Elder Barry

#2 from the CTM - written without an Enter button

Hello everybody. It´s me again. Surprised? I am. I felt like yesterday that I was writing this letter back home. Literally it was yesterday. It´s amazing how fast time flies when you´re studying the gospel and language. It´s very fun. So if my letter looks weird it´s cause the Enter button doesn´t work here and some of the buttons of these keyboards are in a very weird place. So I have a couple of new things that happened this week and I think I wrote all of them down so I could tell you but if I forgot one don´t hate me, ok? So first of all I learned this week that the hardest part about the mission... Well the hardest part for me is figuring out my companion and figuring out how he works. It was really hard to talk to him and to study. We finally worked it out though so we´ll see how this goes. Next. I was in this choir for a dedications of a new Chapel that is just up the street from here. It was really, really fun and I was asked to sing a small tiny solo in one of the songs. It was really tiny and I didn´t do all that good but it was a fun choir thing. Something to keep me singing. I love singing. Ok next. The coldest it´s gotten here is a balmy/warm low 60 degrees. It wasn´t that cold and while all the missionaries from the USA had short sleeved shirts, all the Braziladoes had on about 3 jackets/sweaters. It was really really funny. We all liked it and it was just fine. AAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNDDDDDD next. My regular day starts at about 6:20 in the morning. I wake up. Take a shower and get ready for breakfast at 7:00. I eat, like usual, really fast and me and my whole district get up to our classroom before 7:30. From 7:30 to 8:30 we have personal study. Then we have class from 8:30 to 12:15. Then we go eat Lunch. Companion study is from 1:15 - 2:15 then we have MDT (Missionary Directed Time). Then GYM time which is one of the best times of the day. Then we have MDT again. At 4:45 till 5:45 we have dinner. Then more classroom from 5:45 - 9 o clock. At 9:00 we do our daily planning for the next day, have a snack, write in my journal, floor, district, companion and personal oração (Prayer). Then it lights out at 10:30 which I am the king of the light switch. My room might be a little annoyed about it though. Right at 10:30 our lights go out give or take a minute. It´s pretty epic and pretty fun day. But today (Tuesday) is my P Day so I write a letter. Get up at 6 o clock to go to the temple and do whatever I want till 4. Then we have more stuff we need to do. I love going to the temple everyweek. It´s one of the highlights of the week. The other highlight is GYM time which we play Volleyball. We can´t play soccer down here because the Braziladoes get too competitive. So the things we can do are volleyball, basketball, running, and a couple of other things which are pretty cool... (Not really much more to do). But I love being busy here at the CTM because I don´t have to worry about what I need to fill my day. It´s all planned for me. I just need to decide if I´m going to follow that plan. Which I do. And I need to choose what to study for Personal, Companionship study and MDT. But other than that it´s a simple amazing spirit filled life. One word of advice to everyone who hasn´t gone out yet. Label all your clothes. You´ll throw them in the wash with everyone in your room usually cause it´s easier and if they are marked then it makes life so much easier. "My life flows on in endless song above earths´ tempations". So think about that. Have a wonderfull week cause I will. Endure to the End. Let the Holy Spirit guide. Go to the temple as much as possible. Study hard. Be kind to everyone. Read the most amazing book on earth "The Book of Mormon ". I love you. Signing Out Elder Barry

The 1st letter from Brazil

Picture of everyone who entered the CTM with Matt. He is the back row 3rd from the left.


"Hello everybody, How is everybody doing? I hope you´re pretty good. Personally I´m doing wonderful. So the computer I´m typing on is kinda weird. Like there are too many buttons and I keep hitting the wrong ones for the ones I want. So I know you want to hear about Brazil. It´s a country that´s bigger that the United States. So it´s pretty amazing. Huge. The CTM (MTC) is pretty good and honestly the food isn´t all that bad. I do have a lot of gas though but I guess that´s just my body getting used to what i´m eating... which is a lot. I wish I could say that I´ve gained weight like the rest of my district but unfortunately I´ve preobably lost a pound. Which just doesn´t make sense. I eat so much here. I´m full almost all day and I still lose pounds. It´s a curse. But I think it´s a curse I´ll live with. This place is pretty amazing. Something I thought was cool is the sidewalks. Every store and every house is in charge of their own side walk. So there are side walks that look horrible then the next moment there is one that is tiled. Then you trip because the next on goes up three feet like it´s a driveway. It´s pretty intense and pretty freaking awesome. Also the Motor cyclists are crazy here. They go on the lines of the highway and go anywhere they want. I heard a story from my teacher that sometimes the motor cyclists will put out their legs and kick of side view mirrors. I don´t know if that´s true of not but that´s what I´ve heard. My companions name is Elder Robinson. He´s short and is totally opposite than me. I´m spratic and kinda laid back where he´s more strict about rules. When the rules don´t say about a certain thing he worries about it. But it´s a good thing right. I´m tall and skinny and he´s shorter and broad. He wears glasses and I don´t. He has wonderful nice handwriting where as mine looks horrible. My district is amazing. We are learning pretty fast and I´m pretty sure everyone else is learning slightly faster than me. But it´s nice to have people who know what they are doing. The language is hard. But I´m pretty sure I´ll get it eventually. Before I go I want to share something I thought about. So when mirrors are across from each other it looks like they go on forever and the thought hit me today that it shows so much how our life is. We can see to a certain point but the farther you go the more blurry it gets and the harder it is to see whatever you´re looking at. Finally you can´t see anymore cause it´s so blurry. We can´t see around that bend on the mirrors. But God can. So trust in him and he will help you. He will be with you always and her loves you. Too find out if he does love you pray to his with faith. James 1:5 says "ask and ye shall receive". Just ask him with faith. Nothing wavering. The gospel is true. I love you. Stay strong. Endure to the End.
Signing Out Elder Barry"

The Lost Posts... or Last Post(s)... same thing right?

So this is being posted right about the time I'm being set apart.
Pretty Cool eh?

But I just want you all to know that I love you so very very much. You're probably thinking "How can he love everyone?" Three words "Gospel of Christ".

It true that when you live the gospel of Christ that you love everyone and want to share the gospel with everyone. "Be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." Share it because it's the most amazing feeling when the spirit takes over and you feel amazing. (Hello, Department of Redundancy Department... I've got a friend... yes I actually do have friends.) It's amazing how just opening your mouth and talking can help any situation.

Story time.
So this past weekend I went to Flo-rida ok just Florida but that's not important. The important part is that I flew to Jacksonville. (On a plane you silly.) The best part about being on planes is they shove you in this tiny seat with a tiny back with a tiny table in a tiny row on a tiny plane. (Who came up with that plan?) As you're on this plane they don't let you sit by yourself. Oh no no no. They shove twelve more people into the same row where only 2 people could fit comfortable. So you get to by "happen chance" meet people.
Hey how is you?
Is this your foot?
Mind if i sleep on it for a while?
Ok so they aren't THAT small but anyways. I got to meet some wonderful people. (Yes there is a point to this story) I met 3 on the way out and their names are Val, Bob and Kenny. Val and Bob are husband and wife and they live in South Carolina working for Michelin Tire company. It was pretty cool eh. Me and Val talked while her husband sat... and sat... and sat some more (What else can you do? You're sleeping on someones foot.) Me and Val sat and talked about everything and I told her about missions and unfortunately I didn't think about getting their address and sending missionaries over. But I'm hoping I sparked her interest cause we talked a lot about Brazil and Missionary work. She was pretty awesome
Next I talk to Kenny... Not much to report except he's awesome. Him and some other guys are trying to start a resort in the Bahamas. Really cool. He also is starting something called "High Life" They are bumper stickers. Look it up... but I don't know if he has something up yet. It's basically  talking about "High life" Meaning Camping and hiking and stuff like that. He got the idea from people who do something called "Sea Life". Sea life is about oceans. So he does mountains. I thought it was pretty darn awesome. He was a cool guy.
But the important part about this story was coming home. I met a Lady name Joyce Donning. She was the coolest old Lady I have ever met outside my family and Spencer Thomas's Great-Grandma. We talked about religion about half of a 3 hour plane ride which ended up in getting her address. Her getting a little small copy of the Book of Mormon (that thank goodness someone one one row up had and gave to her.) She was interested which was really cool considering that I was Crammed in the seat beside her.

The moral of this story is don't give up. Open up your Mouth. The Spirit will help. The Gospel is True.

*This has not be an advertisement for any company, group or name... or maybe it has*

I just want to let you know I love you and I hope the best for you. All of you in High School, live strong in an environment where it is kinda hard to live so. Whatever you are in, excel and strive to be YOUR very best in it. Have a wonderful time and make the most of it. College buckos... College is amazing and you are going to love it so much. Just like high school live strong even though everyone around you will be living the way you are. Well most of every body depending on where you are going. Strive to do your best in your classes because statistics show... when who cares what they show. Just do your best because the transition into college is pretty hard. All males, I hope to see you out in the mission field. Live worthily so you can be out there for the best years of your life. I expect a letter telling me where you're going. Females, live strong and be an example to the males around you. Help them out as they strive to go on a mission and return with honor. If you get married while I'm gone it better be to an amazing guy because I wont be able to inspect him. Live worthy to enter the temple because it is the most amazing place on this earth and strive to always have the spirit in your lives.

Try to apply principles into your week that you find in the scriptures and write down your experiences.

I love you all so very much

Signing Out
Elder Barry

'Nother maybe last post

So I just want to say read the scriptures and strive to follow the commandments everyday. I have been able to just sit down and study the scriptures for as long as I was for the past two days. It has blessed my life so much and I know it can bless yours. Strive to make it part of your day.

Endure to the End

Signing Out
Matt

Probably the Last Post i'll post before my Mission... Maybe

So, this is good bye for two years my friends. Ok, not technically good-bye because my letters will be posted on here. I did leave some surprises for you to find and look at while i'm gone. So, look... well. Don't kill yourself cause they aren't there yet but they are coming. I will not be using blogger while I'm on my mission. The next post that you will get from me when I actually post it will be in about two years. Good-bye to all ya'll.

Signing Out
Matt

I'm now feel ready and I'm now can speak

 NThere is something about giving a farewell talk and just talking with friends for a long time that just makes me feel more ready then I ever have. It's actually going to happen and now I feel less scared. Feel more prepared because of friends who are supporting me. I'm ready to leave and even though I have so much to do before I leave. I don't feel rushed. Which probably is a bad thing. But I'm just letting you know that I ready. So don't worry about me. For those of you who will receive your mission calls while I'm gone. I expect a letter while I'm gone so I can know where you are going.

I'm so excited for friends and others going out. It's so cool and wonderful. I love it so much. Please keep me posted and I'll try to keep you posted about how a mission is in Brazil.

Singing Out
Matt

Farewell Talk

So this is the basic outline of what I said. It's not what I said but pretty close.

 Hello, I'm Matthew Barry if you didn't realize that by now. But if I could say one thing about me to describe me, that would be I'm going on a mission. Hopefully all of you know that before you came but if you didn't. Well... here ya go. Honestly I would of never thought I'd be going on a mission. Well, I did but I didn't. That doesn't make sense. What I mean to say is I don't believe it's really happening. Growing up I remember always saying that I wanted to be a missionary. Saying that I would go with no doubt. But now my words have turned into actions. Actions that I’ve heard will change the rest of my life. It's a scary thought that I’m actually leaving. It's unbelievable. Can I really do this?

I want to share a line from a song from a show that I remember watching when I was little. The show was called ”It's a Miracle”. This show is a really good show about kids who want to serve missions but as they grow up they have to make decisions about if they really want to go or not. One particular part gets all the kids in one room singing the words “Imagine me, a missionary traveling through the land. Imagine me, a missionary doing what I can, to spread the gospel message in the latter-day” Well I did imagine me a missionary. But it still makes me really really scared. I'm actually going, it's surreal. It's unbelievable. It's scarier than I thought it would be.

But with being scared I found two scriptures that really have helped me get used to the idea of leaving. One is Psalms 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Another one I have found comfort in is D&C 38:30 “... If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”

Basically even though I'm scared out of my mind. He's still there. To guide me and to guide you. He will comfort us through any trials. And we have the wonderful knowledge to know that if we are prepared that we should not fear. For in D&C 11:21 it reads – “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.”

As we all strive to obtain the word of God we can look to some scriptures to help us.

Joshua 1:8 – Meditate - But thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

2 Nefi 32:3 – Feast upon the words of Christ – Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all thing what ye should do.

3 Nefi 17:3 – Ponder and Pray – Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow.

1 Nefi 19:23 – Liken – I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

In college I am taking a Book of Mormon class. In this class we strive to learn more from the Book of Mormon and to increase our knowledge. One particular assignment that we are doing right now is called a personal application paper. The basics of this paper is every week for three weeks we find a scripture. So I'd have three different scriptures for three different weeks. Each week we try to apply one scripture to the whole week. Then at the end of the week we write up basic a summary of what happened. What we experienced and felt. Last week the scripture I choose was 2 Nefi 32:8-9. Let me read it for you – Nefi 32:8-9 “...For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray , but teacheth him that he must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.”

My favorite part of this scripture is how many times it says pray and the different ways it says pray. It's say “ye must pray” “pray” “pray always” “pray unto the Father in the name of Christ.” It says pray 6 different times within two verses of scriptures. In D&C 10:5 it reads – Pray always, that you may come of conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.

In this scripture we are promised that if we pray always; we will be able to conquer Satan and his followers. We will be able to resist the temptation of whatever they give us. Another thing I love about this scripture is the two words “Pray Always”. It may not seem significant but to me this represents that the communication of prayer is always open. Even though electricity may fail and technology wont work. We always have an open communication with our Father in heaven.

We may have an open communication with our Father in heaven but to be able to receive guidence we ourselvs need to be worthy to receive that gifts of the Holy Ghost. Without the spirit it says in D&C 42:12 that Without the spirit ye shall not teach. It also says “The spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith. It just seems like prayer comes up everywhere.

“Pray always”

In D&C 18:8 it reads – “...if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments he shall be blessed unto eternal life...” He being Joseph Smith. But if we follow the counsel of Nephi. We should liken this scripture unto ourselves. So now it should read “... if I shall be diligent in keeping God's commandments I shall be blessed unto eternal life...” Blessed unto eternal life. Blessed unto salvation by keeping God's commandments. By following in Christ's footsteps. Trying to be perfect even as Christ is perfect.

To be perfect... that's a tall order. All of us sin a little and all of us live in a fallen state. How can we be perfect. Well the truth is we can't by ourselves. It is Physically and Spiritually impossible for us to be perfect by ourselves. But with Christ we are can be perfect. We can strive to be the best person we can be and Christ will help with the rest. If being perfect was being at 100%. I'd say I am at 50% or 60%. But it is wonderful to know that if I'm at 60% then Christ will make up for the extra 40% I'm missing. He does that because He loves us. He suffered in the Garden and on the Cross for us. He suffered for all man kind.

Last friday I went to a play called “I Am Jane” This play is about the difficulties black people had even with members of the church. At on particular point Jane is extremely upset about the trials and the things that have been happening in her life. A friend of her's comes by and comforts her with the doctrine of Christ. He talks about how Christ suffered for everyone. He knows what it's like to be a slave. But He went bellow that so that He could push us up.

Brothers and Sisters. He can push us up if we accept His help. A saying I got in on of my classes from school that acts like a comfort and a warning reads “Live how Christ lived or Suffer how Christ suffered. I think i'd like to choose the first choice. It may seem hard now but the Harder it is for us here on earth. The easier it will be for us in heaven. But this can be the other way too. The easier it is for us on earth. The harder it will be for us in heaven.

We've all heard about attributes and qualities Christ had. Let me list some out for you.

• 
  
  
  Knowledge
• 
  
  
  Humility
• 
  
  
  Charity
• 
  
  
  Love
• 
  
  
  Obedience
• 
  
  
  Diligence
• 
  
  
  Faith
• 
  
  
  Hope

My favorite ones are Love, Diligence, Obedience and Hope. But I want to talk about Obedience the most because obedience is the way and the path to make it back to our Heavenly Father. My sister who is on her mission right now told us an experience she had with obedience. She talked about how the work wasn't going so well for her or her companion. So is order to overcome that gap. Jessica and Her companion decided to follow every mission rule they knew of. As they strived to follow every rule; to wake up on time, study personally, with a companion and study the language. Then strived to be out of the door at the time specified by the mission president. They experienced a change in the way the work progressed. They we able to talk to more people. To use their time more effectively. How amazing would it be if all of us could have that much trust and willing to put that much effort into being obedient to the Lord.

Now the Lord has commanded us to spread the Gospel to all the world. It is our duty to do this thing. To bring others into the fold of God. To spread His infinite love to everyone we meet. We are responsible for all who have/do/will live on the earth.

I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know the Christ lived and died for us. He Atoned for our sins. I know He was resurrected the third day. I know that this is the restored Gospel. That this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that our Father in heaven loves us and that he will continue to always love us and hope for our return to the kingdom of heaven. I'm so grateful that Joseph Smith saw a vision and that God guided him to form this church. Just like joseph we can pray to our Father in Heaven anytime and anywhere. I know that if we liken the scriptures unto ourselves that we will be edified and grow stronger in spirit that we may come off conqueror to Satan. I'm so grateful for the faithfulness of friends and family. Their continued trust and love makes me to want to become a better person. I know this Church is true.

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Signing Out

Matt

Idea... Well... More like sentimental Idea

So... You get one of these again... sentimental and probably annoying... but here it goes

So I was listening to a great wonderful song and have been for almost three days... ok well... not straight... well... I am straight but I mean I like I listen to it whenever I can and when others aren't in the car.

THIS SONG HAS PENETRATED MY SOUL!!! LITERALLY!!! ouch...

I know some people might not get this cause it's more of a song for a guy... Girls like the song and they might be able to compare with me how they feel but seriously... for the guys... This one... well for the guys who want to read and the girls who will read...

Author : Stephen Speaks

Song : Out Of My League

Album : No More Doubt


(Girls you can change the word to be about a guy if you want)
Before anyone goes crazy and stuff listen to the song a couple of time.

Yeah it's cute and sentimental... but the reason why i'm having you listen to it or you can choose to listen to it is not the reason you probably think.

Most people listen to this song and think "Oh was a great love song" "I'd melt if someone sung me this..." (Yes... you know who i'm talking about... hopefully) "Great song to get a girl to like me"   And other stuff like that. But take a step back. Don't listen to this song on a one to one level or a boyfriend to girlfriend level. I know the song is really targeted to lovers or people who want lovers...

But the beautiful thing about music is that you can take it anyway you want. It's up to you. Whatever you think might not be what the person next to you is thinking. It's beautiful.

The reason I went through all this work to tell you this is so you can think about it too. I guess that's what Blogs are about.

I just thought you could think about it about everyone.

The way I see this song is...
     Picture the friends and people you have met and that have influenced you over your life. Now listen to the song and picture the friends, the family, the stranger who has helped you in your life. Picture their face. Picture how they have helped you. Remember how grateful you are for them and how much you really love them. How even though there isn't anything romantic between you two, you still Love them with all your heart.
     Now most people when they think about friend that have influenced them for the better, I usually think I'm "Out Of My League once again"
     How in the world did I become so lucky to have such wonderful friends. Grown to love how they act and their funny little quirks. Even though you are totally different you are so glad that you have met them because they have made you so much better than what you were before.
    
This just all hit me tonight. How grateful I am for people; People who lift me higher.

We are all out of our leagues. Think about it. We can all grow to something on this earth. We could be the dictator of the world and still be out of our league. Without the Love of God and the Atonement we wouldn't be able to get in the right league. We're out of our leagues without the condescension of God. The Love he has for us. The infinite love. The infinite Atonement. "We all should Love how Christ Loved." Infinitely and without guile. Without hate or light-mindedness.

I'm sorry that just turned into a religious thing. Actually I'm not sorry. It's true. God loves us. He will always love us. He will always want what's best for us. We just need to figure out his will and strive to live a Christ-Like life. Looming, I know. We can't live a perfect life but we can live a life to the best of out abilities and Christ will make it up for the rest. Perfect through Christ.

(Watch out CHALLENGE AHEAD READ AT YOUR OWN RISK)


Challenge Part 1: Now go out and tell someone how much you love them. But don't tell someone who you talk to regularly. Talk to someone who has influenced you and you don't see them all the time. Don't Facebook them or Text them. Socialize. Call them. Meet up with them. Talk to them. It's so much better to talk.

Challenge Part 2: Now for the second part of the challenge "Be not afraid of the Gospel of Christ." Stand as a witness in all things and in all places. Don't be afraid to talk about the Gospel to people. The biggest part about this part of the challenge is to not be afraid to talk. In our day and age of texting and blogging (Ironic eh?) and Facebook. We lose the social part of life. Talk. Be not afraid.

Signing Out
Matt

P.s. Try to keep the special experiences to yourself unless you are prompted to share them. Don't flaunt around with the gospel. It is a sacred and special thing. But testify. I know a little confusing... but you'll get it.

So... Oceans

I just heard a really good song last night... well two nights ago. First time I've ever heard it. But it was a really good song. One that gets stuck in your head. You know those songs that once you've listened to them they never leave. They never go even when you get annoyed by them. Well this time, I've decided to take this song and try to learn something from it...

You know what I learned...

I'm a Sap.

There I said it.

But really I am.

I'm one of those guys who loves a good Chick Flick, a good Love Song. I don't know how it happened and it doesn't make sense. I guess growing up with 4 girls took it's toll on me.

It's true... Sappy sap. Probably not the worst but really... I watch Leap Year and I was all mad close to the end when she didn't end up with the right guy. Then I was really really happy when at the end she finally ends up with him. I wouldn't say as much as I cried. I'm not much of a sap. I'm not a saap. Just a sap.

It's been a thing coming. It's not new. I know it. I tried writing songs... but they all ended up to be something about love and stuff... It was strange. Even when I tried not to do something songy and with lyrics that was sappy... it just happened. I've sat down and started playing and a song just pops out. I don't even remember them the next day. It's just like they need to pop out or I'll go insane.

Oh here is an example. This is the last one I wrote and I only got a couple lines in... basically one verse. Maybe half a verse... or a chorus... I'm not sure but here it is.


I am walkin, Through the forest of Love
They a mockin, The way I feel for you but girl
Oh girl, please know you are the one for me
who I love completely

Sappy. I know. It just happened. I sat down with my guitar and put a capo on and started playing and after a while I started to sing. Kind of strange. I thought I was going insane. Yeah make fun of me. Go for it. You can if you want... but I don't think it'll change me.

I just thought of something random... would a "Sappy Man" be a contradiction?

And there is my wall.

Oooo... 'nother idea pop. Blam. Bam. Bap.

So i guess this in the end... I'm not really sure.

I could just ramble. But I don't think many would read it. Well... I just had an idea. I'll make a separate page that has some random lyrics on it. I'll change it periodically... if you want. Posting them isn't as good cause then you just get lyrics... no commentary. The commentary is probably the best part eh. Read on... if you want.

But this is ending.

Singing Out
Matt

Just Because

Sitting in my bed room with plenty to do
But i'm kinda lazy
So I got on the computer not knowing what to do.
I read some random stuff and then started to type

This is what I got as you might be able to tell
It's not all that good you see but that is just because
This is just because there is no other reason
No rhyme or meaning or other junk to make any sense.

So please just don't worry I haven't gone insane
well mostly haven't gone but that adds to the mystery.
The mystery of why i'm still typing and why you are still reading.
Don't look at me, You're interested apparently.

Interested in strange rambling of a Tall, Weird kid.
But don't worry, it's not contagious.
Well I don't think it is, So you probably should stop.
Stop before you actually start to like this garbage.

But if you start to like it then ummm.
Woop de doo.
I'm personally not a fan
I'm just saying stuff

This probably doesn't qualify for anything really cool.
But between you and me
I'm gonna go jump in a pool.

Signing Out
Matt

Change... It's good for you.

So that bright annoying yellow just had to go. So I got something that I thought was still awesome and was a little tiny bit still musical... casue it'sa me.

Signing Out
Matt

It's been a while...

Hey, Guess what... I'm not dead. I'm just clarifying that i'm not dead and haven't fall off the face of this earth. I'm just at school... which is pretty much the same thing but whatever. School is intense. Really really intense. I love it. I have found the perfect time to study and the perfect place to study... well for me. Perfect time is right after all my classes are done and on Tuesdays after the devotional. I go to the Library. I know that some people don't like this place but I find the BYU Library a perfect place to study because the only distractions I have is my laptop doing what i'm doing right now. But it's not a bad distraction because I only use it when I need a little break from studying. A way to clear my brain for another while of study.

BYU is pretty much the Bomb.com. It's really fun to be here and you meet a lot of people from all over. I have made about 6 friends but unfortunately/fortunately they are all guys. One is from Cali, another from Orem. One from Iowa, one from Arizona and I really can't remember where the other one are. I don't even think we've talked about where they are from. So... don't judge me. But they are awesome. I have two classes with 3 of them so I see and talk with them during the day. The two I've grown closest with names are Taylor and CJ. Taylor is from Cali and CJ is from Orem. It's pretty interesting to hear stories, especially from Taylor, about life. Here in Mormonville it's kinda hard to understand people who aren't members because literally everyone here is a member. Not everyone but a lot of people are members. It's cool to hear stories of people they have talked to and friends they know and stuff. It's really cool to hear their testimonies and try to understand how the received it.

One this I though was really cool was from a friend called Trevor. He lives in Iowa. Iowa is all one mission and it covers I think one stake or less. I find it intriguing that the whole state of Iowa is one mission. Iowa isn't really that small. I bet it's so hard to find people who believe the same things you do out in Iowa because it's just huge.

Meeting new people is fun. Classes are fun. Everyone wants to be there and you have no party poopers who are just there because they have to be. Everyone participates and everyone is awesome.

Nothing more... just an update on my life

OH MISSION UPDATE!!!! I now have a visa to leave the country!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm definately going to Brazil now!!!!!!!!!!

Signing Out
Matt

Mmmm... Mmmm... Chalk

I Love Chalk. When you mix chalk and friends well a lot of fun happens.

Some friends and I/Me/whatever is proper grammer, have hung out tonight and yesterday night. Well each night has been topped off with a piece of amazing. They got awesome idea to go and draw on a round a-boot with chalk. I thought that it was pretty much brilliant. It was way fun and it made me realize that it doesn't matter what I'm doing, just as long as I'm with friends then I'll be ok. It'll like that with movies too. I went to go see How to Train Your Dragon by myself and it was kinda good. Then I went with friends and it was loads better. Like 50 Times better. So much better that you wouldn't believe how much better. I really like it, especially when I'm kinda hyper. It's fun that way.

Not much of a post and I know... EARLY but I'm up and I can post something right?

Signing Out
Matt

The Longest title you'll ever see in this blog about nothing really. More like a blog inside a Blog and a title. I wonder how many characters I get to put a title. This is really long. It's like just as long as I am tall. Kinda weird to think about. It's not short or anything and this goes on for ever. Are you really going to read all of this? Cause it's more like a waste of your time to really read and try to understand all this. Snorkel. See I can do it too. The walls are white and the ceiling is white. My bed is white. I'm white. Man... I need to paint something... I choose the carpet. Or Pichachu What ever comes first in the line of my mind. Man. I wonder if all this will post. It's like a Title Blog. It's probably going to be just as long as the post. Or as me tall. Man, I'm running out of things to type. If two dogs are running as speed of 10 MPH and they are going to collide. How many people are going to die in the plane crash right next to them? Answer me that Math Teachers. Ok, this is a really long title. I really expected it to just randomly cut off halfway through a sentence about 10 years ago. But it didn't. So I'll keep typing till it does or until I annoy myself so much that i'll stop... . . . . Woah that took a lot of space and it still isn't down. I wonder how many people will read this. If you read this Leave a comment that says the one random word that I put way earlier back. If you get it right I'll send you a Doritos bag or something. Something cool. But since only like one person looks at this anyways... I don't think that will happen anytime soon. Oooo I just realized I probably have a bunch of random one word things in this ahem.. "Title" Good luck Guess away. Hopefully it's not too obvious cause I really want this Doritos bag. Thursday is my favorite day ( For this week and while I go to school cause it's basically the weekend for me now) looooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg Ahem... "Title" I guess i'll just name this one Ahem... "Title" ok sooo I guess Signing out of this Ahem... "Title" Matt

July 1st,
July 2010
1st, 2010
July
1st
2010

Moving on,

Hey guess what... today is July 1st of 2010. Yeah, Pretty epic. I'm counting down to just about 34 days. What about you? What are you counting down to?

*Listens (Just like all the kid cartoons)*

That's a great one.

Now we go off to save the doritos. As a flying Hawk (Doritos Link) I'd say look at it and read and watch it be amazing like 20 and a half times in a row for 20 years. So don't worry. You've got a lot of time to watch it over 20 years. Better get started.


Well, now lets say i'm sitting in my room being bored. Lets just pretend I'm writing a post that will be view by round about 5 people. Maybe 10 if each of the 5 look at it twice for kicks and giggles. Or use it to find the Doritos Link. That means within 20 years I should have like 102 and a half visits to this page just to find the Doritos. That's cool.

Blagh is a cool word. Cause it's Blah and Blog put together. I'm pretty sure that is all this is. A Blagh. A really bada one-a. Pretty bad. I'm like a fly, never know where it's going and really really realllllllllly annoying. That's why you just pull out your newspaper and swat this Blagh. Bleh.

Wind is cool. The End

HA, you thought I was done... No Dice. :P

"I'm the leader I say when it's done
.
.
.
Ok it's done"

Singing Out
Matt

Three days later... all is just peaches and pie.

Well. It's been three day's since the last post. Nothing much to write about and nothing much to talk about. I ummm... am at school... but you know that already. Nothing exciting. Nothing to report. Boring Post. Blah Blah Blah Blagh.

Singing Out
Matt

My Thought Process

So, I know some people are probably thinking how i Think... Think to think (Help help, We're sinking).Well... I don't know how to let you know how I think. I guess I'll just through... well type a bunch of random thoughts in my head to get them out.

"Steven Colbert really has things right, just gets to them in the weirdest and sometimes most disgusting ways."

"Strawberry's my favorite"

"If the healthy hand line forms here... where does the unhealthy hand line start?"

I know this really doesn't help you understand... but it's fun.

"2+2=fish
fish=food
food=good
good=alive
therefore we find that
2+2=alive."

"My sister is the most awesome person I know, I always learn so much from her. For example she wears her CTR ring so that the CTR is facing herself so it reminds her to choose the right. I know it's not a lot and it probably doesn't make sense but I always thought I'd wear my CTR facing away from me so it could remind others to Choose the Right. A subtle difference I know but Now I try to wear mine facing towards me cause I realized that to 'make the world a better place, take a look at YOURSELF. Then make the change' (Man in the Mirror)"

"I think kids have more wisdom than adults. We think that we need to teach kids the right way which we should be through examples and such. But sometimes we need to slow down and listen to our child because they are amazing. They have taught me so much"

"The moon is amazing tonight"

"Mars is bright tonight (Harry Potter Number something)"

I can never choose a favorite character from the Book of Mormon because they all have done through so much and a lot of them are filled with the Spirit. I'd just pick all of them somehow. They are all amazing."

"I need to somehow work on music or learning something more music related"

"OOOOO... I'm kinda teaching myself the drums. I just play with them and get rhythms down and work on becoming better. It helps me to not be boring during the summer... not lazy."

Signing Out
Matt

I think I need to post... Bam... A post is born.

 Life moves fast... especially in college. Wow, the end of my first school week... Weird. You know what is even weirder... College girls. You wanna know why? Well... every girl in college from the age of 18-27 ish all look the same... Not the same as in... 'haven't i seen you before' same. Like there isn't an age put on girls in college. It's weird... Which also it very weird cause you start talking to a girl and since they are all so mature they just can talk to literally anyone. Well, I guess that also comes with the 'girl' or 'woman' status. But it's especially weird cause you start to get to know one of the girls and then the next class period you learn that she is 25 and almost done with college. It kinda freaks me out. I know, I know, 'grow up matt'. But it's still weird. College is just weird. Who came up with it... oh wait... probably girls.

It's the way for girls to freak out some little frosh by talking with him. Oh I get it. Just a giant conspiracy of girls trying to make Pre-missionaries feel weird. Oh great. How fun. It's scary. Watch Out.

'This post has been brought to you by Matt, "Tall and not all that small, snorkle". Please refrain for doing anything stupid while reading this post. (i.e. pick your nose, punch your computer, eat your arm, drive a car, read this post, ect.) Causes from reading this post include nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea (go pepto-bismal). Side effects can include and are not limited to death, dizziness, death, blindness, death, death, dearth, darth, considering things that start with the letter M, losing your head, going insane, death, teenagers, very small rocks, gravy, churches, a duck, death, death, Brad Pitt, restless leg syndrome, narcoleptic, madness, twitterpation, death, Eric Whitacre, Lights, Blind spots, seeing spot run, buying a puppy, crashing a car, having friends, losing friends, living, death, losing your hair and death. Don't eat 5 hours before reading this post. Must be taken with food. Don't eat anything 47 hours after reading this post. Don't be Dumb. Take with plenty of Mud, dirt and worms. Don't puke or else you will have to start everything over again. Fish. Don't lay down for 3 hours after reading this post. Don't go out in the sun. Get plenty of sunlight. Don't do Drugs. Read this post. Puke or not. Avatar. Sleep for 6 hours after reading this post. Don't Die. Love others. Have fun. Remember who you are, where you come from and what you're doing.'

Singing Out
Matt

Preparation

So, I've been preparing (who would of thought) for my mission and stuff. It's pretty fun. I love learning. I learn from my Book of Mormon class and my Mission Prep class. Well... I learn from those places more doctrine and stuff. But my favorite learning has been personal study. For an example, if you have see 'The Other Side of Heaven' the main guy in that movie (sorry, I can't remember his name) he learns the language from reading the Book of Mormon is his native language and then in the foreign language. Back and forth and Back and forth. Well, I'm trying it... but it's a Portuguese and not in Tongan? Samoan? Not sure which it was in the movie. Well if you want to check out the page 'Portuguese' I have new words on there. I'm kinda guessing at these words. I haven't checked them. I just guessed from what I read from English to Portuguese.

Anyways that has been the funnest preparation I've been doing. It feels awesome to be learning the scriptures and trying to learn Portuguese. It's way fun. If i can give any words of small counsel to people who are learning a foreign language, try it through the Book of Mormon. It does take a while to do but it's so much fun.

Signing Out
Matt

First Day

So as some might know I started College today. I'm all grow up and saving china... well... saving something. Let me just tell you a little about college... HOLY COW, IT'S BIGGER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!!!! Ha ha, I keep learning things I need to do so that I don't get tickets and stuff. There is a lot of stuff... Wow, let me tell you somethings I learned so that you don't get a ticket or die at BYU... If that's where you're going.

1. If you are going to live at home you need to turn in this weird form that says you're living at home. It's strange. I mean if you live in Provo or Orem why do you need to turn in something that says I live at home. The paper says it's a declaration. I declare that I live at home... Well, it's kinda obvious... I live at a place where my family lives. Is it really that bad. I mean come on. If it was something else I guess it'd be bad but I live at home. H... O... M... E... Don't forget it.

2. For some reason you need a bike license... to.. park you bike? huh? logic? what? It's strange. I find it strange. It's so that the campus police know which bikes they can slash the tires or not. I can just see it... "Does this one have a license on it? It doesn't... well... *slash* Mwhahahahahaha"

3. College everywhere you get a lot of homework... first day and wow... I feel sorry for the people who don't have religion classes cause theirs are probably harder. My classes are Monday-Thursday. I have a Book of Mormon class form 9-9:50 in the JSB. Then i go to Mission Prep from 10-10:50 at the MARB. For those who don't know what those are then the JSB is the Joseph Smith Building and the MARB is the Martin Building... But i've never had so much homework and I only have two classes. I guess the word(s) of wisdom here are don't fall behind and do get overwelmed.

Also I'd suggest getting to know the campus before you go... I got semi lost... just a little bit though. Names like acronyms are confusing.

Signing Out
Matt

D&C (The Good Stuff)

Doctrine and Covenants 4: 2, 7
Doctrine and Covenants 6: 28
Doctrine and Covenants 8: 10
Doctrine and Covenants 9: 8
Doctrine and Covenants 10: 4
Doctrine and Covenants 11: 21
Doctrine and Covenants 15: 6
Doctrine and Covenants 18: 10
Doctrine and Covenants 24: 8
Doctrine and Covenants 25: 12
Doctrine and Covenants 31: 5, 12
Doctrine and Covenants 38: 30
Doctrine and Covenants 42: 14
Doctrine and Covenants 64: 10
Doctrine and Covenants 68: 4
Doctrine and Covenants 75: 5
Doctrine and Covenants 76: 1-4

Signing Out
Matt

Weekend, You?

fru fru... Fruit... ok I'm home, it was great. Played games, had fun, slept and everything like that. I mean what else do you do at a cabin besides sleeping and playing games... It's what you do right?

Well that's what I did this weekend. Nothing really to report except that it was awesome.

What did you do this weekend?

Signing Out

Blahg

Blog, Blahg, Blaug...

Ok today is a day of a month called June. Today is a day.

So I really don't know what to tell you for today. I'm going to my cabin so I wont have a post tomorrow.
I'm thinking of not blogging everyday like an awesome Journal log thingy but do it whenever I feel like there is something to be said. Like today, I have nothing to say. Blah.

Smile (Spiritually Minded is Life Eternal)
Don't Do Drugs

Singing Out
This Guy

I'll miss you.

We all say it. We all say it a little to liberally too... It's usually accompanied with phrases of "let's hang out" or "Let's play". It's accompanied with feelings of good intentions. But we all know good intentions aren't going to get us anywhere. Good intentions are just intended. Intended is another way of say "I was going to do it, but then i didn't but it's the thought that counts right." I don't know but good thoughts and good intentions aren't going to keep a friendship alive.

To stay alive we need to actually act. Act on something we think/know is right. No more good intentions of hanging out. I challenge those who read this blog to act and to challenge those they see/meet/chat/text/talk to act. To go and make friendships, grow them stronger and get away from the computer. Shut it off. Don't use it for more than like an hour or less. Find something better to do. ACT. I commit to start growing my friendships. I commit to not using the computer more than is needful.

What do you commit?
Pass it on.

Signing Out
Matt

This is a blog

This is a blog.

Blog:
1.Words or thoughts that randomly pop into ones head and are transferred onto the computer
2. A Journal type idea that is shared with the whole world
3. Something created out of pure boredom and is kept running out of pure boredom
4  Has absolutely nothing to do with logs.
5. The owners of these things usually have no life except to follow others blogs/Post something.
6. An idea to try to keep people connected
7. Things usually filled with ADD people.
8. For more information look up 'Computer' 'No Life' 'Internet' 'Boredom'

Ok, I still don't know what to post today. I'm trying to post something everyday but after a while it's hard to post something new. Oh i know. I have family who are cool and fun to talk about. Well i have a niece that is really cute (like all of them are, They are going to be heartbreakers growing up).Well this cute niece is pretty much funny. She loves to do things her way. If she has an idea she'll do it and if it's something she isn't supposed to do or if she is told she can't do it while she's half way doing it or right about to start doing it (Try to follow that 'do'ness) Then she'll do it anyways. It like she can't stop herself. Then she's act all cute like she's innocent. It's pretty funny. Well this little girl is really really funny because she loves to be independent and wants everything to be her idea. Well whenever she is with others and they say something like 'I want to go outside.' She'll repeat it like it was her idea. Then try to get others to go with her. It's pretty funny.

So today i was weeding like i'm going to be doing tomorrow and the day after that. Well as i was doing that this niece and another niece come out. So there is two of them. Well the niece (who i'm not talking about) asks me a question. As i start to answer the niece (who i am talking about) asks that same question. So i wait then answer it. It's like have a copy and play machine that always follows you around. I just got in the habit of waiting for both of them to say the same question then answer it so i wouldn't be interrupted. It was cute/annoying (like i've talked about before). I really hope she gets out of that habit before she starts school or else she'll have a hard time copying everyones ideas and probably lose herself in process. Well... That's about it folks. I know. It's time already? But i need to work. Don't Do Drug (DDD).

Singing Out
Matt

Cool Guy

All this post is about is a guy

Look him up

He's really really really cool

His CD's are AWESOME

Jon Schmidt...

The End

Singing Out
Matt

Lego Man and Forgetting Sleep,

I didn't post Saturday...

Sue me

No takers? Good cause I have nothing to be taken or anything that can be taken... well i guess you can take the things that i claim are mine... but really they aren't... but then you'd have to sue my family. So that wouldn't work.

I haven't really told much about graduating and stuff like that. well here it is.

Gradiation... twas fun. Well, honestly I thought it was a waste of time for about one tiny little thing. I really think Gradiation is for the parents sake. It's so they can think "oh my cute little child is all grow up and savin China" (Movie Quote... Guess?) But seriously, what teenager really wants to sit for an hour and a half procession with rehearsals and everything inbetween? It's proposterous.

I think the best parts of this Gradiation had three parts.

Part 1: Song 1
When you're weary, Feelin small? It's so great. I love it. That song just has so much meaning in my life. I sang it my sophomore year with Mr. Mendenhall and it was the best thing ever. I loved it especially that year cause there weren't any solos. Everytime there was a solo we sang as a group. But I bet since we had a choir of 28ish people then it would be easier to mix and blend and make it sound awesome. It's great cause we really never had the feeling that we were better than each other and we all just grew closer. But that song is such an amazing song with such an awesome groove in it. So I just got in the groove and forgot everything and probably sounded really gross which i do... a lot... all the time... Moving on

Part 2: Lego Man
Just a short little side note. A bunch of the seniors gave Principle Ray legos. You could tell when he got one cause right after he congratulated someone who gave him a lego. With the ease of a principle who has done this before, he'd switch the lego into his other hand and into his pocket. I thought it was brilliant.

Part 3: Song AWESOME
BOOOOOOM!!!!!

The End of Gradiation

That night AFTER Gradiation we had a senior all night party which was pretty much the bomb. Forgetting sleep you say... well that's not what that's about. Senior all night party was the best because i played basketball literally all night. I'd say over half of the time i spent at the party was spent playing basketball and was spent getting reeeeeallllly sweaty. But there were times they made us stop and go to an activity.

The activity that I say in 'Forgetting Sleep' is the hypnosis activity. A guy came and hypnotized people. It was pretty much the coolest thing ever and i'd love to do it. But he never choose me. Sad. But it was really awesome to watch the people who were hypnotized. They were FUNNY!!!! Awesomely funny. I'd want to watch it again and again.

Well... that's about all i can really think to talk about or really have time to talk about now.

Singing out
Matt

Nieces

Here are my house, right now, this very day. Awesome days. I have 7 Nieces/Nephews living here. So of course comes with it (since this is Nana's house (Grandma)) comes toys. New things of splendor to catch the eye of the little ones so they don't end up being annoying all day long. It happens in every house hold... I wouldn't say annoying... ok I would. But not in a mean way. It's a cute annoying and you love it so much that you don't care it's slightly annoying. But moving on, we have this toy. It's a video game. A Smart Cycle as seen in this ---> pic. It's like a video game. It's pretty darn cool and if it wasn't so small i'd probably be riding it for exercise training or something cool. But if you look really close at the picture there is a small red joystick. Don't know why it's a JOYstick. Weee? But right below this "Joystick" closer to the little cute/annoying boy, are three buttons. These three bottons are as follow

- Green background with a little picture of a map

- Red background with a little picture of a hand like in the position of halt

- Blue background with a little picture of a book.

Well this story only involves the Blue button. Well it's a lot to explain for such a little thing. I really didn't have to tell about everything but you'll still read everything so HA HA. Moving on. I have two nieces who were playing on this bike playing this video game. They were "Learning". They were having "Fun". But as i sat and watch one would try to help the other with the game. It's was cute. If it were me it'd be cute/annoying/still freaking cute. But it wasn't. Now these two girls are cousins and the love each other as much as that can work. But at one point the girl who wasn't on the bike point to the Blue button and said "Press the Book of Mormon to get to... ect."

My brain stopped, I didn't hear anything else that was said except Book of Mormon. It was the coolest thing i have ever heard/seen/been in the same room with. It just made me so glad to know they are being taught and the first thing they think of is the Book of Mormon.

Another story while i'm here posting. While we were on vacation in Missouri/Illinois i had the opportunity to be in the same car with one of my nieces. We were just talking and counting trees and stuff when all of a sudden she bursts out with a phrase of "Jesus knows everything"

It reminds me of 3rd Nephi in The Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ has come down to the Nephites. He teaches them then at one point in Chapter 26 Verse 16 "...and they both saw and heard these children; yea, even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things;..." Also in Alma Chapter 32 Verse 23 "...words given to little children which confound the wise and learned..."

Little children are such a blessing and they are so close to God. We usually don't realize it cause people see them as "distractions", "annoying", "Waste of Time" and "Short People with nobody". They are far from that. They are amazing and cute. "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." (Article of Faith 13)

Take time to listen to a child. Take time to hear their words. Take time to love them. Try to teach them but in many cases they will teach you. The Book of Mormon is a Holy book of scripture that i know to be true. I have read it and have prayed about it and the Holy Spirit has witnessed to me that it is true. That the people in the book really lived. They learned like we do growing up and learned by raising children. Jesus does know everything and he lived for us because he loves us. Joseph Smith and many other men, including more women and children have died for The Book of Mormon. If they didn't know if was true themselves then they wouldn't of done that. Like what was said in Elder Hollands talk about the Book of Mormon.

" Later, when actually incarcerated in the jail, Joseph the Prophet turned to the guards who held him captive and bore a powerful testimony of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. Shortly thereafter pistol and ball would take the lives of these two testators.

As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest—and last—hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth?

Never mind that their wives are about to be widows and their children fatherless. Never mind that their little band of followers will yet be “houseless, friendless and homeless” and that their children will leave footprints of blood across frozen rivers and an untamed prairie floor. Never mind that legions will die and other legions live declaring in the four quarters of this earth that they know the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it to be true. Disregard all of that, and tell me whether in this hour of death these two men would enter the presence of their Eternal Judge quoting from and finding solace in a book which, if notthe very word of God, would brand them as imposters and charlatans until the end of time? They would not do that! They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

For 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history—perhaps like no other book in anyreligious history. And still it stands. Failed theories about its origins have been born and parroted and have died—from Ethan Smith to Solomon Spaulding to deranged paranoid to cunning genius. None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young unlearned translator. In this I stand with my own great-grandfather, who said simply enough, “No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.” " (Elder Holland Oct 2009 General Conference)

Think, a little girl knows what the book of Mormon is. She knows what the book of mormon is. "...words given to little children which confound the wise and learned..." (Alma Chapter 32 Verse 23)


Signing Out 
Matt

Movement of a Third Kind

So as some people might that know me might know or if you car to know my parents are moving... yeah moving... But i'm not going with them... which is a little or a lottle strange. Some people probably think that it's impossible to not stay with your parents... HELLO!!!! It's call college and a mission. It's just wonderful. So my parents are moving to Jacksonville, Florida to become mission presidents. Since they are leaving this city. But because they are leaving and with all that is happening by "coincidence'... My dad is leaving his dental practice and i just happen to have a brother who is graduating from dental school. It's like an awesome switcheroo. My brother comes back and just gets a house to live in (my parents old house) and a up and full and running dental practice. It's like everything happened by  "coincidence'. Strange huh.

Well it's more strange because... well i grew up as the youngest and a lot of that was either being the only child in the home or with one/two sisters. Now i'm living with 4 little kids until i leave. And right now i have a sister and a brother visiting so that's 3 more kids. So i'm living with 7 kids... Uhhh... it's strange. I mean think about it. Now i'm sharing a house like most of my friends do with little brothers and sisters. Except they are neices and nephews. It's... strange. Life is strange... It brings new things to help us learn and become bigger and stronger. It's weird though...

Also it's strange because i'm so used to how things were for 18 years. Everything has a place and now those places are gone. Now when i open a drawer looking for a spatula i find everything but that spatula. It's like a talent that i have developed. Like a super hero i have the super power of moving into a house i've lived in for 18 years. To know how it is to moving into your house that you're living in right now... have someone move your drawers around in your room so you have no idea where things are. It still looks that same... but everything is out of place. Try it.

Singing Out
Matt

Wa to the ter

I know, you're probably thinking why in the heck would he devote an entire blog post to water. It's ridiculous. It's preposterous. It's idiotic. It only takes up most of the planet. Why talk about it? We don't need it... do we?

Back to reality pal... Water = Essential. Water is awesome... with no possum. Sorry. Can you imagine a world with no water... we'd have to artificially make everything. Water is such a blessing and it's so weird. H2O... Weird. And think of how many things it cures and without it think of all the sickness.

Fever, Headaches, Bodyaches, Fatigue. It keeps our whole body running and going. People say that certain objects or things make the world go round. I say Water.

Signing Out
Matt

Summer Time

"Summer time, and the livin is easy." Too easy, It's like i don't have anything to do and i don't want to start anything too long cause i don't know what a day has in store for me. Think of it. Having nothing to do but only look forward to the couple of times you actually have something planned. But those are too far away to really think about. I mean come on, it's not like everyone has everything planned for every second of the day. And being graduated and all; all you want to do is just sit and be lazy. Start the summer out with a bang... Then what. I spend morning time just working and then about... now i'm done and have nothing to do.

I guess i could make a list of things to do and i'll put it on here for ideas for other people. I got this idea from a friend and she is totally awesome and since we are basically related i think i can put it too. Any how oppose this motion say NAY....*silence* YAY! Ok since no one opposes or since no one can oppose except me, lets get this show on the road... paper... internet.

-Music- I guess i could write something or do a music search. Spend a whole day on just music or spend as much as i want, I could even do it everyday if i was so inclined. But i guess it would get to a point where it would just be boring. How about music in moderation. That sounds good.

-Biking- I can go on bike rides and with friends too. But that can't happen everyday. Let the Planning begin.

-Video Games- I know WASTE OF TIME. But it gives me something to do so i don't get bored.

-Studying- I start school June 21 so this comes into play... then.

-FRISBEE- The best idea i could ever come up with. If i could multiply myself by like 13 then i'd go play a good game of 7 on 7. Man. A game against myself would be epic. But unfortunately no one has invented a cloning machine i guess that 7 VS. 7 Games of Matt must wait for the future. But this is another planning things. The Great Planning of 2010 will need to be planned... sometime.

-Learning not to be stuck up- As you can tell from the frisbee idea... moving on

-Exercise- This is a good idea. But i only can do it for like... 30 mins or maybe 60 mins. So... I guess will happen anyways.

-Swimming- WEEEEEE!!!!! PLANNING

-Piano- I just got a piano to play. For those of you who didn't know my parents have moved our grand piano to my cousins house cause she a piano performance major. But my Brother and Sister just moved in yesterday so they brought a piano... but the out of tune might not be very fun.

-Working more?- Who in their right minds would... but an idea.

-Bowling- PLAN

-Lazer Tag- Plan... again

Ooooo -Date- I guess could find someone to take on a date. Cheap dates will be the plan.

Signing out for now
Matt

New and Clean

People Change

Blogs Change

I Change

Just puttin ideas into space

I'm kinda strange that way

I'm not all that insightful

Or anything like that

This blog is just

A mind list.

I guess this post

Is just to say

My mind is empty

And i have nothing to say

It's just wide open space

With beautiful faces

Rolling hills

Nothing to block the path

Goes on forever

With the potential

To grow and learn

New and Clean

Signing Out
Matt

Life of a Recent Person

Blog Post of today... the day of Saturday May 29th, 2010. It's been a while. It's pretty weird how long it's been since I've been on here.

Day in the life of this guy. A graduate of Provo High School. Now i know everything so here are my WORDS OF WISDOM:
- Find some HOBBY of good interest. Something that will give you exercise and be able to enjoy it. Don't waste your day with boredom.
- Ummm... Nothing really else is words of wisdom. If i learned anything from High School is that it only matters until you get to college. After that no one cares really.
- Don't get too lazy about high school for all ya'lls in high school. It's still important... until you graduate.
- None of this is wisdom. As a friend of mine would say. "DON'T BE DUMB"

Have a wonderful Summer my friends.
Signing out
Matt

Words of Flying

My friend asked me if I knew how it felt to fly
Naturally since being in a plane I said "yes"
But then she said without wings

It made me think of if I have
I didn't know for sure
If she meant it literally of figurative in mind.

If she meant it literally then i have never flown
Never defied gravity
Never gone as much a 7 feet
Without falling

But if she meant it figuratively
Then I do it every day

By leaping into music
I fly away for safety

By leaping into friendships
I fly away for shelter

By trusting my instincts
Trusting music
Trusting friends

Yes...
I have flown

Written May 7th 2010
Signing out
Matt

Words of Bliss

We all find joy in different ways
Some find joy through the sun
But one has never heard the bliss
Found in my friend's fingertips

Spiders running up and down
Sometimes fast, Sometimes slow
But they always seem to sing
Words of bliss

Sounds of joy vibrate in my soul
As they play the angels sing
As they play, the world is gone
And I'm floating in peace.

So as I'm lying here,
under here where I am free
Please don't interrupt
The beauty of bliss

Written on May 7th 2010
Signing out
Matt

Play Poems

So as some might know or not some know, i was in a play called "The Fantasticks". It was a fun play to be in. Well during one scene i stand in a "tree" and write "verses". Well as some might not know... I actually wrote stuff and this is it. Just as a warning, some of this might be random, inside jokes and really when i wrote each one i just wrote whatever. Don't Judge me. P.S. I'm going to edit them as a write so that they don't sound as stupid and bad grammerish...

Final Dress Rehearsal
While I'm writing verses
My Father curses
And falling in love
With one sent from above

First Performance
My Father was in the Navy
My mind is Gravy

Second Performance
Kiss me
Too much moisture
EWWWW

Third Performance
Joey starts with J
Jupiter starts with J
Josie starts with J
Matt doesn't start with J

Fourth Performance
WEEEE
This is a great night.
I don't have to fight

Fifth Performance
Plink Plink
Plonk Plonk
I love to write
My father hates it

Sixth Performance
Great many things
Cause many things

Seventh Performance
Confetti
Spaghetti
I love ye
I met ye yonder

Eighth Performance
Flag Bag
Old Hag
Mean the same thing
When their on the wing
Curses

Ninth Performance
Banners are for shows
Tanners are for salons
Btanner: What is that?

Ten Performance
Audience, WOW
And they go sign on
Encore
YAY

Encore Performance
Encore, Encore
We got an encore
Curses? Nope

That is the end.
Signing out
Matt

Half of Always Time

Sometimes i just sit down and like to type whatever comes to mind.
Usually i know that people are going to read my thoughts and
Usually i steer away from things like that.
Most of the time i say the wrong thing
Often i find that i say the wrong things
Usually i can fix the wrong things but
Sometimes i fail.
Most of the time i pick myself up
Usually i grow up stonger
Often i even mature a little
Sometimes i'm bipolar
Often i'm not
Most of the time i'm me
Usually i'm not
Sometimes i don't even know that i'm saying
Often it's while writing on a blog
Most of the time it's around this time
Usually... I just stop.

Signing out
Matt

How can i Keep from singing?

How can i Keep from singing?
A simple phrase

But oh how a simple phrase can mean so much
When paired with the atonement

How can i keep from singing when...
...the restored gospel is here on the earth
...I love my friends
...I can become better
...Christ my Savior paid for my sins
...Christ my Savior suffered all Pains, Heartaches, Sins, Death, Sickness.
How can i keep from singing when i know that...
...The Lord knows all
...I can fix friendships
...I can repent
...I can serve others
...Serve my Lord
There are so many things to keep singing about. So why not sing?

Signing out
Matt

Random writings

So today at school i was listening to a song and i just started randomly writing
Oh the song was "Sugar Pill" by Ambulance LTD
Here's what i wrote.

Stab
Twist
Burn
Pain

But I take a sugar pill for the Death
Oh my sugar pill
Placebo of Life
Sugar makes everything nice

Sugar Pill of Life
Does nothing to stop the pain
Just a temporary cover up
To move on with Life

Hide it away
Hide the wound
Sugar Pill
To my Doom

Hide the pain
Move on with it
Take the Train
To get away

Signing out
Matt

How is it so

How is it so that we don't know
When we are still bouncing or when we're on the floor

How is it so that we don't know
When to keep running or stop

How is it so that we don't know
When to jump or when to hop
Or when to just hop off

How is it so that we don't know
When it's time to get off or when to stay on
Or when to never get on

How is it so that we don't know
When to keep on going or when to turn around

How is it so that we don't know
When it's time to talk or stop
When it's time to aplogize or when to wait for it

How is it so that we don't know
When it's time to move on
When it's time to get off
When it's time to just stop
When it's time to...
When it's time...
When it's...
When...
...

Signing out
Matt

Quote of setimental sedimanets and horrible speeling (spelling)

A friend once told me this and i saved in onto my phone cause i thought it was just so brilliant and so amazing. Thought i'd share it.

"We live in a world that is being coaxed into misery. By the most miserable being ever."

Signing out

Knife and Words

Knife and Words
They're both the same
When sent through anger
Grief and Pain

But why do we use words to degrade
When a knife does the same thing
It's apparently about morals
And keeping them uphelp

But don't Knife and Words cut just the same?

Signing out
Matt

Lyrics?

The world keeps on turning

I'm trying to find

A way to not drown myself

In loves state of mind

So as i am falling

Please don't turn and stare

Just give me something

Anything is fair

So write me a peom

Give me a note

I'm here in the Ocean

And trying to float

Give me a rope

Give me your hand

And try to love me

The best that you can

Signing out

Matt

Injury

The feelings of emotions is strange to me
A friend once told me to let it be.
But with all the striving and the strife
It has all ended up being my life

The pain of the heart and of the flesh
But time moves on and it's all just mesh
From letting down others with one mistake
And knowing i can't just fix my fate.

I feel the heartache and the pain
And can't figure out who to blame.
As time is spinning out of control
The fingers are pointing at my foot roll.

So as this world spins round and round
And sooner or later i end in a mound.
The lessons of life i've learned to be
Is just live life being me.

Signing out
Matt

NEW POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey... this is... old? so time spice it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WEEEEE NEW POST!!!!




Ok... so lately i've been listening to new stuff and something that really everyone should look at is BYU Vocal Point's CD "Nonstop" So good and i bet you'd be amazed at what is on there and how awesome BYU really is. So that's it for music today children. Have a Great day






Singing out
Matt

Christmas Choir

So if anyone or any"who" know me then you'll know i'm a geek. 'But (matt) you can't be a geek you play guitar, well you aren't thinking that, i am.' Well i do too much choir singing stuff related activites. Like so much many. Well, right now i'm in a Christmas Choir where we sing for a pre-show at the covey arts center every thursday and saturday. It's just weird. I got asked to do it by a lady in my ward who conducts it. It's pretty fun except i've only been to almost one whole practice and now we are performing and all the music is flying in 'waves, sheet, fusillades of feiry arrows' over my head. It's just crazy weird and i'm just guessing on everything. WEEEEE

Singing out
Matt