Everything's going "Uphill"

This post is about our most recent trip to Jasper National Park. It all started out with a quite 3 1/2 hour drive, and a stop at Subway. The silence ended with a competition to find the first wildlife with the prize being $5: Mom got first grabs when she saw a coyote despite numerous objections, but then Sophia stole it when she spotted deer. The hotel is the exact same one as I went to last year; a Best Western Motel with fireplaces two floor rooms and a swimming pool with a hot tub which we swam in later on, then we settled down for the night. The next morning we awaked to the sound of cable TV  and family eager to greet us. Soon after we got skis, and ski gear then headed for the mountain. When we got there, to my own discontent I left my mitts at the shop, so I had to borrow some from my relatives. When we set foot (or ski) we were greeted with a load of rough terrain which allowed my sister to do a bit of 'gymnastics.' The next few times before lunch we went up was just up to mid-mountain. We traveled up the the top once but when we got there it was a total whiteout. After that we ate lunch where I helped myself to some onion rings, french fries, a burger, and a chocolate milk. We did the same thing over again until we went inside when my joints were starting to ache then did some more runs. When we got back, I relieved myself of the pain by sitting in the Whirlpool back at the Hotel, but I left earlier due to sensory overload (it was crowded and noisy, two of my least favourite things.) The next day we took things even further on the mountain. We went as high as we can go on the chairlift and took different runs. I was doing the same speed and technique until lunch, that is where thing changed for the better. When inside my father criticized my slow pace (I was fastest on the Old  Road Run but anywhere else was a bit of an issue.) He explained that because I kept using the 'snow plow' move (where you put my skis together to make a triangle) it was the reason my legs were killing me. Believe it or not, the message got through to me and my technique and speed improved drastically. After skiing we headed with the family to L&W, a greek restaurant to celebrate my brother's 13th birthday (*insert dramatic tune here*) The day after that we dropped off all our equipment then did some window shopping where my brother got a fascinating piece of bismuth. On the way back we had another game of "Spot Some Wildlife" as I like to call it where this time I took the $5. (I spotted a heard of elk.) It was a great trip but there was one minor issue. Can my parents take me sometime when I'm not learning economics in social.

Venturer Winter 'Camp' 2014

Recently I got back from my camp in Nordegg, and believe me it was quite the experience. It began with a ride in the Motorhome, the only stuff that happened were us engorging on mom's signature cinnamon buns and playing games of Slap and Snort. Before we arrived we got stuck in a ditch and the elders vainly tried to get out, but soon a truck came by and noticed us, and towed us out. Soon enough I became transfixed in the National Geographic Magazines they had to offer. Later we played games of Foosball and after dinner we had other round of Slap and Snort and I was introduced to Liar's Dice. The next morning we did the priority objective of the camp, our FOCUS, (or Leadership training.) We went over things such as what makes a good leader and causes of stress. The minute that was out of the way, we went snowmobiling. We we set off, believe me they were 10x as fast as the quads in Barrhead. I wasn't driving even though I never get distracted on the quads, and besides it's a whole new machine. After a quick drive we stopped, set up a fire and roasted smokies, and on the way back we hit a jump. It was like this for the next day before we left. And it's something I'll never forget.

Road Rage

Now, I said in the last post about the false alarm with the fire department. As if things couldn't get any worse, another incident happened last monday. I was going to get a game for  my Wii U that I got for Christmas. So there we were driving on Ottewell road the direction we take to the church when all the sudden we spin out of control and scathe a small pickup truck. And my parents say i'm going to screw up on the road. The left side of the van was dented and the headlight window was broke. Thankfully the driver we hit wasn't as mad as he should've been. Then he took us to his insurance company which was less than 2 blocks away; By that strip mall with IGA. Once that was done we headed over to the police station where we should've gone in the first place. Mom called Dad the minute we hit and he advised we should go to the authorities. Once that was settled we headed home; and I was disappointed we didn't enjoy the day like we should've had. Speaking of driving, you know how I have been begging for a learner's permit or even the driver's book. Well, my parents say I going to have to learn I'm not permitted to drive their vehicles when I get a license.

All fired up

Okay, now this post may be short but it's something to do with last Thursday night. My mother was cooking dinner when she accidentally spilled oil on the pan. Inconveniently the smoke alarm was nearby and it wailed for about 2 seconds before mom shut it off. She was expecting a call from ADT (our alarm brand company) but they didn't call due to issues with the smoke alarm which went off in the first place. Then aunt Suzanne called saying she got a call from them, and told her they called the fire department. Pretty soon they arrived, as the police and mom was outside saying there was nothing to see and she was sorry(I'm glad they didn't break the door.) After that they left and word spread to my aunt Alisha who got pictures of the incident. It was quite eventful and a bit hilarious. Oh, I wish it could've been the police, then I could've turned my brother Grayson in for physical assault and repeated scarring (for life.)

Indescribable Indexing

Recently last week I started Indexing.  Now I started FamilySearch way before that but it wasn't until last week I started. It all began with one simple practise with Brad, and since then I have been really into it, doing at least a batch a day. My first major project were Pennsylvania Obituaries. Brad warned me it was going to be very difficult but I made it through. Now the interesting thing about it is finding out how they died, which I discovered after one of the Obituaries says about a man who committed suicide. It also warned it wasn't for children or the tender-hearted. Because I kept my sadness silent, Mom called me hard-hearted (not the sinful kind.) Other projects I did included Jamaican marriages, Massachusetts births and London Registers of Electors. If you haven't started indexing, try it. It's a wonderful service completely worth your time.

Our Saviour's Love

I AM SO SORRY! I WAS CAUGHT UP WITH THE HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR THAT I NEARLY FORGOT ABOUT THE BLOG!!! Anyway Here's my first 2014 post. The Sunday after Christmas, I was asked to do a talk, and for those who missed out, here it is

Our Saviour's Love

Today I have been invited to speak to you about the saviours love. I’d like to share one of my favourite examples of seeing the Saviour’s Love in the world. 

One of my favourite parts of general conference is watching the World Report in between sessions: and one of my favourite parts about the World Report is hearing about the Church’s humanitarian service. 

Around the world the church and it’s members share the Saviour’s love by providing aid to the victims of natural disasters. Some of the examples in the last year include Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, support to Syrian refugees and help with the floods in southern Alberta. 

I watched a video that talked about some saints in the Philippines. They had experienced death and devastation but they still had faith. One man said they experienced so much destruction but had faith, and felt hope. God answered his prayers and his family

 was spared. 

Its like the words in the hymn Our Saviour’s Love

Our Saviors Love

shines like the sun with perfect light

As from above

It breaks through clouds of strife

Lighting our way

It leads us back into his sight

Where we may stay

To share eternal life 

An example of the saviours love is found in 1 Nephi 11: 8 - 25 (better known as the story of the iron rod.) Here, Nephi is learning about his father’s vision of the tree of life. In says in verse 25 … “And it came to pass that I beheld the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God which lead unto the fountain of living waters, or the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God.” This verse means that our father in heaven loves us so much, he sends prophets, so that we may grip the iron rod and guide ourselves to the tree of life, so we can live with God once more and avoid temptation. 

Also in D&C 20:31, it says… “And we know also, that sanctification through grace of our Lord and Saviour is just and true and all those who love and serve God with all their might, minds and strength.” 

He loves so much that he sent his only beloved son down to Earth to perform miracles; Curing leprosy and all manner of diseases, even causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, the lame to walk, cleansing sinners and even raising the dead. Later he atoned for all of our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane where he sweated drops of blood, and then later betrayed, where back in Jerusalem where he was condemned by his own people, and was mocked, beaten, reviled and later crucified on the cross, and risen from the tomb after three days so we may live again.

It’s a good thing to call yourself a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, but it’s a better to show your a member of the church by showing the saviours love to others. 

Our prophet recently spoke of the love of our saviour.  President Thomas S. Monson said “Our celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the love and selflessness taught by the saviour. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. We feel more kindly one to another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate. Our hearts our softened. Enemies are forgiven. Friends remembered and God obeyed.

One way our family has experienced the Saviour’s love in our lives is through the adoption of my new sister Maylia. The adoption wasn’t easy and took many years. Over the years we prayed, fasted, and hoped, and finally just before Christmas my parents brought her home. 

Maylia came from an orphanage in southern China. She was found by the police as an infant. She had some health problems including a hole in her heart . We don’t know why her mother left her but we don’t think it was because she wasn’t loved, but because her mother loved her so much and just couldn’t take care of her.  

It metaphorical terms Sometimes this is like us. Sometimes we might feel abandoned or alone. But, in fact the saviour loves us very much, and wants to fill all the holes in our hearts.

She also adapted well to her new environment a lot better and quicker than we thought, and we’re grateful for it. I think it’s really exciting to have a new sister and I love he very much.

I like to bear my testimony, I know god loves us no matter what, I know that we can live with him again, I know Joseph Smith restored the gospel. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen

World War Z review (SPOILERS) revised

A month ago when my siblings were in bed, my parents took me into the TV room to see my first horror/zombie movie. World War Z; Based on the novel by Max Brooks. I'm kidding I just started to read the book and the movie zero resemblance to the movie, ZERO! They only got the title, and nothing else. What a way of good source material. The book is a recollection of survivor stories from around the world, not one character. Also you know how Jerusalem fell in the movie. Well not in the book. Even though it's 100% inaccurate it makes up for it with a mixture of and dynamite action and suspense that kept you on the edge of your seat. The characters were well put together. It said to have many production issues yet somehow it made millions and good reviews. The main reason I like this film is because how it started my love of zombie pop culture. My verdict is Dynamite for being a decent living dead film with thrilling action suspense, scenes and more