Our Most Difficult Task

During Sunday School today something hit me. I love Sunday School because that is probably when I learn the most at church on Sundays. We had lesson 14 ("For a Wise Purpose") as our lesson today, which goes over books Enos through Words of Mormon in the Book of Mormon. The main thing we talked about were all the records that were kept, as well as how they were kept and by whom. Of course, this led to a discussion on our own record keeping of today, be it journal writing, blogging, scrap booking, etc. We talked about how important it was for the people in the Book of Mormon to keep their records for many reason. Some of which were to preserve their language, as well as pass down their beliefs in Christ. We also discussed what can happen if records are not kept, and a language not preserved. In Omni, verses 17-18, it tells us of some of the side-effects the Mulekites suffered because they did not 1) bring any records with them to the New world, and 2) did not keep their own records when they got here. Their language was corrupt, they did not have a 100% reliable source for their genealogy (it was written down solely from memory), they denied the existence of their Creator, and they fought many wars (language barriers/differences between cities and tribes most likely playing a significant part in their lack of unity). We also know that many - if not all - of the same things happened to the Lamanite people after the destruction of the Nephites and the record keepers. The natives of North and South America did not have a written language when the Europeans came to the New World, and they suffered many of the same consequences that the Mulekites suffered 1700 years earlier. So we see that record keeping is very important to the people of the Book of Mormon for many reasons, which are outlined over the course of the book. God even had Nephi kill a man for the sole purpose that he could preserve his people's language (by obtaining the Brass Plates) and therefore the ability to know and keep the commandments and write his own record.

As I was thinking about a certain question asked (which I cannot recall now) I found an answer I don't think many of us have thought about much before. I was pondering the difficulty these men - Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni, et.al. - had to endure in order to write their words on plates of gold. All of the major writers of the Book of Mormon indicate to us the difficulty of writing as they were required to by the Lord. Nephi says "I...cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking..." (2 Nephi 33:1) Moroni said this as he abridged the Jaredite record: "And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing...And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them. Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words." (Ether 12:23-25) We see from these two men's records alone that they did not enjoy writing, and Moroni even expressed his anxiety that the Gentiles would mock his words.

Sometimes we don't realize ourselves just how difficult it was to write like the Nephite prophets had to, or how time consuming the process was. We can look to chapter 28 of 3 Nephi for an example. This chapter is about Christ's last few moments with the Nephites. He asks his 12 disciples what they would wish of him before he leaves. Nine of them are blessed with life up until their 72nd year. The three others seemed ashamed to ask what they desired. They all desired to never taste of death, but to live until the 2nd coming of Christ. After quoting this account, Mormon writes his own words that he is not sure if at this time (after being taken up to heaven to experience a change to their bodies allowing for extended life) the Three Nephites are still mortal or immortal. (3 Nephi 28:17). Now, 19 verses later (a mere two columns on the page, about 2 minutes worth of reading) we have Mormon's response to his own uncertainty. He says, "And now behold, as I spake concerning those whom they Lord hath chosen, yea, even three who were caught up into the heavens, that I knew not whether they were cleansed from mortality to immortality- But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord, and he hath made it manifest unto me that there must needs be a change wrought upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste death;" (3 Nephi 28:36-37; italics added) So, during his abridging, two things could have happened. 1) Mormon took a break from his work, and during that time inquired of the Lord, and received and answer (something that usually doesn't happen right away). Or, 2) As he's abridging, Mormon's curiosity on the matter leads him to ponder on this issue. The abridging takes so long that he has so much time to really think about this issue, and pray about it many times, and then get his answer from the Lord. The abridging of these 19 verses took him at least a couple days, therefore allowing for the process I just described. I believe the latter possibility (and there may be more than two) is how things happened. It is consistent with how most people - even prophets - receive revelation. It usually doesn't come all at once, but over many ponderous and prayerful days. Therefore, it most likely took Mormon at least 2 days just to abridge this little section of scripture! Talk about commitment. Add on top of the time consumption the fact that these men were weak in writing. How strenuously painful would that have been for these ancient prophets.

I would say that writing on the gold plates was the most difficult task these prophets had to endure, except for the suffering they experienced due to their people's wickedness. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary for, really, the fate of the whole human race. So what is our most difficult task? What are we required to do (or at least what are we supposed to do) that we don't enjoy doing? What is asked of us that we feel people will make fun of us for doing? What is the one most difficult thing for us to do that may make us shudder at the thought of doing it? The one thing that we always put off for later? I have a few things myself. But now I can think about those prophets of old and remember that what they had to do was far more difficult, and far more strenuous. It may lead to greater blessings than me doing anything that I find difficult to do, but that doesn't mean doing whatever my most difficult task is will not bring blessings that could affect my life for the better. We'll never know how great the blessing will be unless we just do it.

Mid-January Update

Things have been going well these last couple weeks. I'm on a new project for work, and that's going well. Institute started back up and we picked up right where we left off. I'm glad to have an awesome Institute instructor, Bro. Bushman. He has taught me a lot so much already. I'll be sad when I'm done with New Testament.
The Gators won the Gator Bowl, beating OSU. It always helps winning the last game, but we did that last year and it didn't really do much for us this season. But, Weiss left to coach KU, so we have a new OC, Pease from Boise State. Just look at BSU's offensive production, and Alabama wanted him, and you'll know why I'm happy we got him. Gators b-ball is doing alright. Lost a few games we should have won, but they'll get it together before the tournament. Tebowmania went crazy. He beat the Steelers in the playoffs at home. He lit them up (as much as one can with only 10 completions). But then he lost to NE in Foxborough. It's not easy to win there on the road. He just didn't do too well. But he had a season like that at UF and then came back the next year and was the best he ever was at Florida, so he can still do it.
I'm still reading "Fourth Thousand Years", I'm in Judges in the NT, 1 Nephi in the BOM, and about to read "A Broken Heart," which my dad suggested. I also want to start on Tebow's book. I've had it for a little while now and haven't read a bit of it. It's out in the garage, and it's cold out there.
Speaking of cold, it snowed today. And it's supposed to keep going for a couple more days. It looks so pretty. Much better than Idaho snow.

2012 - New Year's Update

It's a new year, so it's time to update the blog. Not too much to update, though. Over the last four months I've been working at Nintendo. My first project was released already, so I can tell you it was Mario Kart 7. It was a fun game to test, and has gotten pretty good reviews. I've had the last week-and-a-half off of work, and I'm totally ready for it to start back up again tomorrow. And then I'll be ready for it to stop by Friday.
I went to Institute all this Fall. I had gone before, but this was the first time I actually went every week. I have had a pretty rad teacher, Brother Bushman. He's pretty knowledgeable of the Old Testament, so it's been fun with him. His experience plus reading the 1000 Years series has helped me learn a lot.
We just started reading the Book of Mormon as a family tonight. Hopefully that lasts.
This Christmas was really nice. I got the best gift ever: a Florida Gators pillow pet. It's awesome. It was also nice to see most of the family again, like at Thanksgiving.
For New Years we went out to Sebastian's, out at Lakebay. He actually lives really close to Camp Colman, so we went out and lit off fireworks at the beach there. It was crazy being back and realizing my memory of the place is pretty accurate.
Now it's 2012. I don't have too many resolutions. To continue reading and to work harder. To find some sort of drive in my life. I don't know, something like that. We'll see how it goes.

Update

I'm sitting at the licensing center, so it's gonna be a while. I figure I might at well type up an update.
Last month I decided to move back to Washington. My time in Idaho was long overdue, and it was time to move on. I wasn't going anywhere over there anyway, so it was a good decision. My brother Gregg helped get me a job as a game tester with Nintendo. He has been working there a few years, and when I visited for Grant's baptism he mentioned how I should join him. I thought and prayed about it, and I felt that it was what I was supposed to do right now. I've been doing that for three weeks now and love it.
Back in May I visited Florida...again...for the 3rd time. It, of course, was awesome!! Highlights include the beach, Sarasota, my awesome friends that I miss so much, going to church in Deltona, seeing the whole Nolasco family at church, St. Augustine, Universal Studios & Island of Adventure, and Gainesville. The best part, though, was seeing Melvin give a talk about his mom for Mother's Day. It was very sweet and touching, because his mom is so awesome.
Not everything went as planned, but it was still amazing.
I've continued my drive to read more. So far I've read "True Grit", "Animal Farm", "1984", "The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland" & "Through the Looking-Glass", and "The First 2,000 Years". They have all been awesome. I'm now working on "Moby Dick" and "The Thrid Thousand Years".
Overall the last 6 months have been great. Now that I'm in Washington again, I hope having a winter without snow and freezing weather will be great, too.

Bishop Brown

That's right, you read correctly. Bishop Brown. As in, a member of my dad's family is a bishop. Haha. They talked about miracles a lot today at church and it truly is a miracle. Who would have thought this day would come. Okay, enough joking around. I know my Uncle Doug is a wonderfully spiritual man is definitely called of God to be the bishop in his ward. I also know my dad would make a great bishop as well. All them priests would get their Eagles. haha.
Anyway, after spending an amazing couple days with one of my best friends, I was able to go to my uncle's ward and see him get sustained a bishop in his ward. There were some amazing things shared, but nothing sweeter than the Spirit that I felt.
Doug started off by commenting on the temple being built just down the road from the ward. He urged everyone in the ward to be worthy to go now, and until the Brigham City Temple opens, to go regularly to do the Lord's work. The Ogden Temple is closing for renovations in April, so he wanted everyone to know he expects them to go to Logan during that time and show their faith, to sacrifice time, for those deceased, converted souls.
He then talked about our family for a bit, but very briefly. Just about how his parents are getting old so they were under no obligation to be there. Same with my family. And also that he was sure his in-laws were present at the meeting.
After that, he talked about contention in the home. He shared the story of how, when sitting in the upper room with the apostles, Jesus told them all one of them would betray Him. They all responded by asking, "Lord, is it I?" Doug said that when we find ourselves being contentious in our home, we should stop and ask, "Lord, is it I?" I guess contention always comes from both sides, so whoever asks this will hopefully recognize their fault in the matter and maybe see from the other person's perspective.
Another thing he mentioned was how he knew a few months ago that he would be called to be the next bishop. And it wasn't a feeling or thought like, "Oh, the bishopric will probably be changed soon. They will probably call me." He could have bet his life on the revelation he received. I'm sure most bishops feel that, so they can prepare for the great responsibility they will hold - and maybe stock up on some sleep they know they will miss.
That's about all I remember from his talk. It was very spiritual. I almost cried.
When he was set apart, the stake president said some things I loved. One was a phrase - "The Solemnity of the Eternities." I don't know what it means, really. I just thought it was a nice phrase that I will understand someday. He also blessed him with the power of discernment. I usually take that to mean the discernment of people - what they think, need, feel, yearn for, desire, hope, etc. But then the stake president mentioned the Gifts of the Spirit, and I realized the power of discernment is also to discern between the Gifts of the Spirit - my guess would be to see who possesses which gifts, and how those people and their gifts can be used in the ward. But that power could be used for many things, I suppose.
Also when setting Uncle Doug apart, the stake president bless him to love the people as Christ loves them. I know I've never loved anybody like Christ has, so I thought that would be an amazing feeling to have. I almost cried then, as well.
Well, that's about it for the calling. Also this weekend, I went to Areito. It's a Dominican celebration they have at USU. It was amazing, the singing, dancing, and food. I loved it. Then my friend, Paola, and me went to SLC. We went shopping, saw "I Am Number Four" (better than expected), and to Rodizio for dinner. That was an amazing day. I love her, I always have a good time.

My Car (AKA: Growing Up)

Earlier this week I went a got a car of my own, my first one. The Tercel of my parents that I was driving isn't doing so well, so I needed to use my saving to buy myself a car. After shopping around and doing some research, I settled on a 2007 Saturn Aura XR. As you will see, it's a pretty nice car. It isn't too easy to impress me or anyone else in my family, though. We haven't had a new car since 1997 after we got the Caravan.
Here are some of the specs for my car: 3.6L V6 engine; 252 HP @ 6300 RMP; 6-CD changer; remote ignition (still gotta figure that one out); remote entry; remote trunk; universal garage door opener; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes; rear seat radio controls; and much more (can be found here: http://autos.yahoo.com/saturn/aura/2007/xr-sedan/features.html)
I have yet to take it anywhere but to work, to the mall across town, and shopping. I hope to take a trip to Utah this month to see my friend and see what it's like on the open road. I can't wait.
Here's a video I made showing off some features of my car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl3PTixbwQU

Time Just Gets Away From Us

Ever since I watched No Country For Old Men I have been nearly addicted to the Western genre. That's not to say I have watched Westerns nonstop, but I have watched more Western movies in the last couple years than I have throughout the rest of my life.
When I heard the Coen Brothers were making another Western, I was really excited. Of course, I read up on the movie and found out it is based off of a book called True Grit by Charles Portis. I also found out John Wayne starred in another film adaptation of the book and won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film. When I learned there was one book, and two movies to be based off of it - one starring the most renowned Western actor, the other adapted by and directed by one of the best duos in the movie business - I had to see how they all matched up against one another.
I first saw the 2010 film. My brother Geoff and I went to see it in the theaters. The first thing you notice is this film is no No Country For Old Men, which is perfectly okay. There is music, and a narrative, and humor, all absent in the Coen Brothers's previous film. However, the story goes along nicely, is not complicated, is very funny, well acted, and indulges us with a great ending. However, It wasn't mind blowing like No Country For Old Men, so it wasn't everything that was expected. A great movie that I expect to do well at the Oscars, but won't be surprised if it does not win Best Picture. I hope it does, though.
Next I read the book. There isn't much to say about the book that I haven't said about the latest film. It is funny, entertaining, exciting - a well written piece of American literature. Why is this book neglected in schools? I do not know. I enjoyed reading it, and it's the second novel I have read by my own freewill and conviction since...well, at least since high school.
This morning I watched the earlier film adaptation of the book. For a 1960's Western not directed by Sergio Leone, I was very impressed. I think I laughed just as much watching this film as the more recent version. Also, the 1969 version features famed actors Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper, and the aforementioned John Wayne. I don't know how famous Duvall and Hopper were in 1969, but it was great to see those icons play their roles.
Well, after reading the book and watching both films, the natural question is which one follows the book more closely? Which one does the book more justice? Well, I can honestly say the 1969 film follows the book more closely. Since I watched the 2010 movie first and then read the book, as I was reading I was waiting for certain things to happen. Some things did not happen. It became disappointing the Coen Brothers left certain parts of the book out, or added their own parts. One of the main things they changed affects the story completely (not the end result, but the story as it goes along) is LaBoeuf breaking off from Mattie and Rooster, then rejoining them as he is met by Ned Pepper and his gang at the little holdout when the shootout from the cliffs takes place. In the novel, LaBoeuf is always with the other two on the journey, and he shoots at the bandits from the cliffs on  the other side of the valley. He never bites part of his tongue off, but gets splinters and lead lodged into his arm. The earlier film does a much better job staying accurate to the novel in that aspect of the story, and others.
In the end, after all is said and done, I love this story. Both films are great as movies - entertaining, funny, great cast and acting. The novel is great as well. It is a story that you care about, and for someone who has not read much throughout my life, I will read it over and over.