Individually

 

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Elder Gray (Erik)
Feb 2015

There are so many things you can learn from the temple. 

I read, well skimmed, through a book that a couple who used to be a temple president and matron of the Salt Lake Temple wrote. 

In that book, they gave one example: Heavenly Father loves us each individually. 

In doing baptisms, it would really be much more efficient to name 50 or even 100 names, and then be immersed for those people, but no, each person for whom we are being baptized for is baptized individually. 

That is true of all the ordinances of the temple! Each ordinance is done separately. 

How cool is that? 

It really shows that we are all unique and loved individually to our Heavenly Father; he loves each and EVERY one of us!

Fibula ----> Jawbone

 

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems

Written by JoLene (Erik's mom) in 2017:

As routine tests are necessary, a CT scan in July and confirmed a few months later showed that there was yet another reoccurrence of cancer.  This time in his jaw bone.  Chemo and radiation were not options.  It required an extensive surgery… one that would take 10 – 14 hours.  When two teams of doctors explained what the problem was and what the solution could be… one of Erik’s doctors asked him if he wanted to do this.  Erik’s reply was, “well, I want to live longer”. 

This is what he (Erik, in Dec 2013) writes about this experience:

     "I am STILL in awe at the enormity of it. I had no IDEA this surgery was even possible. Did you? I mean, seriously! How did anyone ever think it was even possible to take out a portion of the fibula, not replace it with anything, put the fibula in place of part of the jawbone, and still have me look normal, talk normal, walk normal, and even run normal?

     Sometimes when I think back to everything that happened a year ago, I just want to curl up into a ball. It was hard. Not being able to eat or drinking anything through my mouth for a week on top of a dry mouth, limited neck movement, a feeding tube, that (grrr) nurse that suctioned out my trach, the trach ITSELF (grrr...), the constant nurse visits, the infection that caused another hospital stay, having an anaphylactic allergic reaction, withdrawing from Spring semester, quitting my job, not being able to lay on my stomach to sleep, and learning how to move my tongue again.

     Although it makes me devastated to think about what I've been through, I turn and think of everything good about that surgery and the last year. I spent more time with my parents, had an awesome nurse, stayed at one the best cancer facilities in the world, was in the hands of amazing doctors and staff that I would (and obviously did) trust my life with, gaining a strong testimony of my Savior, Heavenly Father's plan, and the Atonement, celebrating my birthday by eating Winger's... and not in a hospital, taking some time off of school and work, finding out what I want to be when I "grow up", realizing my plan in Heavenly Father's book, getting my patriarchal blessing, having my friends surprise me on my birthday, sharing the gospel, sharing my testimony, improving my life, and getting one step closer to getting rid of this stupid cancer for good."

Faith enough for Curveballs

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems

Written by Erik, December 2013

It's okay that I didn't do what I had planned to do. Because that's life. Now does that mean I fall short? No, it just means that although I didn't accomplish what I thought I would have in 2013, I accomplished what my Heavenly Father wanted me to accomplish. I gained a significant amount for my testimony. I gained more knowledge of His plan and His love, and how He is always near me and always watching over. I gained things that I needed but probably wouldn't have been able to gain if 2013 would have been "according to plan." And I'm at peace with that.

I want to have faith enough that if a curveball is thrown my direction, I can react in a good way. If my plans for the future are altered, I want to be able to say, "Heavenly Father, I don't know exactly why, but I know you know why. And that is good enough for me."

Love you, miss you our sweet boy. It's been 5 years. 'Til we meet again....

I'm grateful

 

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems

Written by Erik, December 2016

Sometimes it's easy to think "Why was I given this trial?" But I've learned that I should be grateful... which may not make sense: I'm grateful that God loves me enough to give me these trials. I'm grateful that He wants to test me... to see how I can learn and grow from this. Hopefully to one day become just like him.

Heavenly Father loves us so much. He cares about everything we will ever go through. His son, our brother, Jesus Christ performed the Atonement so that we never have to feel anything alone. He will help us and lift us up when we need it. 

My favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:31... "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." 

However detrimental my trials may be, God is there. And one day I'll get to look into my Savior's eyes and say, "Thank you... I couldn't have done it without you." And that is what keeps me going. 

Journal Gems: A Connection

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems

Saturday, July 18, 2015
Wow.  What a day.  I woke up at 5:30am and left right at 6am to get down to the temple (St. George).  Today was great  working in the Cafeteria!! The Pallocks are such great people.  And Sylvia is an amazing woman.  She ate breakfast with me today and she talked about always having a connection...."It's when you think you know too much or that you don't need God or that you're smart enough, that you don't allow a connection - but when you let yourself have that connection with God, he'll guide you and bless you and help you in your life!"  So don't lose the connection!!!!

#qotd from Erik's phone
(quote of the day)

Dear World, I Have Cancer (Again)

It's always frustrating when I have to give out this type of news.


But let's get right down to it.   My cancer's back.

----

Let me take you back to three weeks ago... the 4th of July. My parents and brother decided that after the ward breakfast, they'd come spend a day up in Logan, and then we'd all go to my doctors appointments the next day. They arrived in town at 3, right about the time I got off work. I got to show them my house, where I work/worked, and some of the coolest places around Logan (like Heaven and the Hobbit Caves). That night, after dinner, I stay with my parents in their hotel, and my brother and I went and rode scooters. It was a great night! The next morning, I got to show them around campus, show them my old OFFICE! and also they met a few of my A-Team bosses. And then we got Aggie Ice Cream.

We drove down to Salt Lake, my brother and I in my car, followed by my parents in their car. I had my head/neck/chest CT scan, and an hour later met with Dr. Hunt. It was a pretty quick visit. He came in and said,

"Your neck looks great! I'll look at the official report tomorrow and give you a call."

And that was that. Or so we thought.

The next day, I had a 4 hour shift in the morning at Lowe's. During that time, I had missed two calls, both from the same number. I figured it was Dr. Hunt. So I waited and waited. After work, I called back Dr. Hunt's nurse, Anne, and she said that he just went into surgery, but he wanted to talk with me and he would call later.

I had the thought that if Dr. Hunt himself wanted to talk to me, it wasn't good. So I waited. Finally, at 6, he called me and told me what was up.

"Like I said, your neck looks great, but there's a spot on your chest that's concerning. We'd like to do a biopsy and figure this out."

That was three weeks ago.

---

Two weeks ago, I had a biopsy. Nothing too big. They just poked me and got a sample. Nothing special to report there.

EXCEPT that my mom is super awesome, and came and met me for it. We stayed in a hotel in Bountiful and she went with me to those appointments, we drove around the Bountiful temple, and went to this really good Pizza Factory-like place.

We waited and waited to hear the results, and didn't hear anything.

---

Catch up now to last week, the 18th (which, for the record, is the anniversary of my mission! Two years ago I started, and a year ago, I was released). I got off work at 1:30 pm, and felt like I just needed to go home for a few days. So, I called my brother to see what was happening, and decided to surprise the whole family. Only my brother knew.

IT WAS SO AWESOME TO GO HOME. AND EVERYONE WAS SO SURPRISED!

It was really good that I was on my way home, because I decided to call Anne and check up. She said that the results were confirmed, its the same cancer. My cancer's back. Like I said, it was good to be home to be able to process all these feelings with my family around.

The next thing on the list was to get a PET scan- a scan on my whole body where they inject me with "radioactive sugar" (their words) and scan me... the tumors eat up sugar fast.

---

That brings us to now..... here's whats happening:

• The path we're taking is probably chemotherapy
• I don't know about surgery, how much cancer there is, etc. We're still kind of in the beginning stages.... I just want to let you know

The biggest change: I'm moving back home. Around the first or second week of August-- sorry Logan. :( For that reason, I'm not going to school this next semester, possibly spring semester, too. I'm doing SOAR this week, but after that, I'm done with the A-Team stuff :( no Connections (being a TA for a class that happens right before school starts).

The most frustrating this has been the battle all along during this cancer stuff... aligning my will to God's. There are so many things I want to do, but God has a different plan. I want to be in Logan, I want to continue with more A-Team stuff. I LOVE Logan, and I feel like this town and school were made for me... and now I need to move back home. Don't get me wrong, I love home and I'm excited, in a way, to move back, but I'm still upset about changing all my plans again. I'm a Writing Fellow (tutor), on the NSSLHA board, and volunteer at the hospital, and I'll have to give that all up for a time.

HOWEVER, I know God has a plan for me. I know this is happening for a reason. And although it sucks and it's come back AGAIN, I've felt peace this whole time. So have my parents. No matter what happens, it's all going to be okay!

Yesterday in Church, we sang Come, Come Ye Saints, and verse two really stuck out to me:

Come, Come Ye Saints: Hymns #30

The things that are worth it are not going to come easy. My life is worth it, and what I learn from life is worth it. Yeah, it all sucks sometimes, but that's okay. I've got an excellent support system, amazing family, and amazing friends.

These are the times that truly define character.

Let's go.

Keep running.

Cool Experience

Today was like any other Sunday; sitting in Sacrament Meeting, just finishing the sacrament hymn and now awaiting the Sacrament. I like to use the time during the Sacrament to ponder and think about my life in connection to the Savior, what was good and bad about this week, and what I can improve on.

As I did some internal reflection, I felt so weighed down by the many things I feel like I'm facing right now. I closed my eyes, said a prayer, and had a thought or two come to mind.

I pictured myself holding all of these challenges in my hands, trying to balance them and struggling with the weight of it all. As I talked with the Savior, telling Him all that I had to go through, I handed Him these challenges one by one. He presented a backpack and put all of these challenges inside of it, and then gave it back to me. As I put on the backpack, I stood up straighter and felt stronger about the road ahead.

What stuck out to me is that these challenges weren't taken away from me, but because of the Savior, I was made stronger and more able to carry these challenges.

When I realized this, it immediately brought me such peace. This moment helped me to know that a purpose of the Atonement is to strengthen me in my times of trouble, and to lift me up when I need help. Jesus Christ really is there, willing to help, and willing to strengthen us because he paid for our sins.

In one of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon, it says;

"And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.  

"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Mosiah 24:13-15, emphasis added)

Because Heavenly Father loves us so much and because He wants us to succeed in this test of life, He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to perform the Atonement so that we can ultimately return to Him again. I know that because of what Jesus Christ did for all of us, I can be strengthened as I try to do my best in this life.

I'm so grateful for the gospel and that I can be strengthened through the Atonement. I couldn't get through my life without the gospel- that's a fact. Don't ever forget that you never have to face anything alone.

Keep running.

Do's and Don'ts of Teaching in Church

Since the time I've graduated high school, every calling I've had has dealt with teaching in some way.

First, I was a Primary teacher for the summer in my home ward. I taught the 8-turning-9-year-old's, and I really enjoyed it. I team-taught with my old Young Men's leader. It was a new experience for me, trying to adjust teaching to younger kids. I miss my class, and love it when I still see them now. They'll be Deacons and Beehives this year!

Next, I was called to be an instructor in Elders Quorum in my Young Single Adult ward. I was pretty scared at first, but over time I came to enjoy it as well. I learned a lot and really established my "base line"for how I teach.

The next year, I was a Gospel Doctrine teacher. I still remember the day when I met with my Bishop and he extended the call. That calling, especially teaching the Old Testament, was "the one calling I never wanted." When he first said it, it took all I had to not laugh in his face. I never wanted to teach Gospel Doctrine, and I told him that. But I accepted. Honestly, once I started teaching, I didn't know what I was afraid of. Over time, I started looking forward to teaching.

This year, I'm a ward missionary, and with that comes teaching Gospel Principles every so often. Just can't get away from teaching, I guess. It's a good thing I love teaching, now.

-------

Over time, I learned quite a bit of what you should and shouldn't do as a teacher. After church today, I felt inspired to share what I know after listening to a talk (which was a good one, for the most part) that had a few of the "Don'ts" listed below. I'm not sharing these lists because I want to brag about all my cool teaching moments- that's not my intention. I share this because I want what I've learned to help you.

Don't...

Tell the story of how you got your topic. We all have been called by a member of the Bishopric, we assume that you got a phone call as well.

Give excuses about your lack of prep. "I only had a day to prepare this" is not a good way to start your lesson or talk. It's an invitation for those hearing your talk to pull out their phones, take a quick nap, or do anything but pay attention to you. If you're not as prepared as you'd like to be, they don't have to know. Be confident- fake it 'til ya make it.

Keep mentioning the time/stuff you won't have time for. "I only have ten minutes, so..." or "I have four more topics I want to cover, but I won't be able to." Once again, you don't need to let them know your entire outline.

Be afraid to go off the outline. If the lesson goes one way, go with it. Most of the time, it's the Spirit guiding your lesson in the direction it should go. You could be an answer to someone's prayer. So listen!

Ask no-brainer questions. Make sure questions are deep enough. Simple yes/no questions aren't the best if you're trying to get interaction.

Be afraid of awkward silences. Embrace it. Someone will speak up eventually! One time after I taught a lesson, a member of the Bishopric came up to me and said, "That was a great lesson! But you need to give more time for your class to answer. Don't be afraid to just let it be silent."

Look away from someone while they're talking. If you're using the time people are talking to prepare for the portion or something like that, you're doing it wrong. People like to know their comments are appreciated. So, make sure you are listening to the comment being made.

Do...

Testify. One of the most important moments in my time as a teacher in the Church have been those moments when I can testify of eternal truths. One time, my uncle and cousin came to my Gospel Doctrine class because they were in town. At the end of the lesson, they said they were impressed that I "was able to testify at important times during the lesson, and thus making an easy transition for other members in the class to comment and testify." Testifying more than once should be your goal for the lesson.

Take your calling seriously. In Teaching, No Greater Call (which everyone should look at, by the way), a resource for teachers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it says: "As you think of the role of gospel teaching in the salvation and exaltation of God's children, can you imagine a duty more noble or sacred?" Not to scare you, but teaching is a pretty big responsibility. So take it seriously.

Make it a discussion rather than a lecture. Unless you're speaking in Sacrament Meeting. Otherwise, leading a discussion helps the class to interact, give to the lesson, and make the lesson better than anything just the teacher could contribute. My favorite lessons have been ones when people comment and contribute immensely- not because I don't want to talk as much (because I can talk forever), but because I love hearing examples that one person has that others might not have.

If you teach Elders Quorum or Relief Society, check out the teaching helps at the end of each lesson in the Teachings of the Presidents books. They're really cool. And I've used them.

Pray for the Spirit. I would be sorely mistaken if I thought that I could get through an entire lesson without the Spirit- at least a lesson where hearts are touched. The Spirit knows exactly which way the conversation should go, so pray hard that He can be there when you teach. Your lesson can go so much better.

Invite the Spirit. This relates to the last point. Sometimes in Sunday School we didn't sing an opening song, but I loved having one, because it really set the spiritual mood. Invite your class to be open to the Spirit, because what they get out of the lesson/talk is entirely up to them.

Enjoy your calling. If teaching is scary, find a way around that. Gospel Doctrine Teacher was "that one calling I never want." I laughed a little when my Bishop extended the call to me, but honestly, it turned into one of my favorite callings, ever. Just like everything else in life, if you aren't enjoying it, change something.

Keep running.

Fear of the Unknown

It's that time of year again!

Every so often, it's time to get a CT scan and see how things look in relation to this cancer crap I've been dealing with. Last week was the start of "that time." I drove down for a CT scan at the Huntsman. Literally in an out of that hospital in half an hour.

Right now, it's just about 2:30 a.m. I can't sleep. I can never really sleep the night before an appointment. This coming afternoon, we'll meet with Dr. Hunt to see how my scan looked; I'll know if the cancer is still gone, or if it came back. And to be honest, I don't know what to think. I'm feeling pretty optimistic because we've done a lot to get rid of this cancer, but I just get worried around this time of year; my cancer seems to rear its ugly head in again and again.

Honestly, I'm prepared for anything to happen. I'm sitting at a crossroad of two pretty different roads.
In one direction, my cancer's back. I have to get more surgeries, I have more to deal with, and I have this life up in Logan to worry about.
In the other direction, everything is still clear, I get to "go on with life", have a great spring semester, enjoy my time here in Logan, and get ready to just move on with life.

There's a lot of uncertainty for the moment, but there are some things I do know:

• Jesus Christ lives. He lived on the Earth, died for us, and rose again. He's the reason that we can even have the chance to return to our Heavenly Father again.
• I will never be alone in all that do. Alma said that "he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor [aid] his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:11-12)

• Family can be forever. I love my family and I'm super grateful for the chance to spend eternity with them. They teach me to love, lead, share, testify, and aid. It urges me to create that atmosphere for the family I start someday.
• PEACE is seriously shining through with this gospel. I have never felt more peace and happiness than I have during church, especially partaking of the sacrament. I crave Sundays, and I crave Institute- a church class during the week. I've never really felt how vital that peace is in my life until this semester; everything seemed to be going a million miles an hour, but I felt immediate peace in Institute.
• Things happen for a reason. It's something I hear, you hear, we all hear, often. I know, though, that Heavenly Father is constantly aware of all that goes on in my life. I'm sure it's hard for Him to see me go through trials, but I am a firm believer that if he knew that no good could come out of a trial, it wouldn't happen. Every trial I've had has had some kind of benefit in my life and ultimately made me a stronger person.

-------

I've always been a planner. I'm pretty adaptable, but I like to have somewhat of a plan. And let's be real, cancer has screwed that all up. I still am afraid for the unknown, because it's exactly that- unknown. I don't know for sure what I'll be doing six months from now; you could say the same thing. You might have an idea, but you never know.

Although it's the unknown, I have to remember that the unknown is okay- because someone DOES know. My life isn't just in my hands, but the hands of a loving Heavenly Father and my Savior and brother Jesus Christ. Because they know it all, there are sometimes that all I can do is trust.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

I may not get to choose the path I go down, but I can choose how I travel down that path. Will I use my experiences to help others? Will I use my experiences to make sure that I am living righteously?

The cancer "path less traveled" may be behind me. I hope it is! Whatever lies ahead, no matter what it is, I know it'll make all the difference. 

Keep running.

Let's [Not] Compare

I'm going to make myself vulnerable for a minute.

Over my lifetime, I've discovered that I'm really bad at comparing myself with others. I wish I didn't have this weakness, but I do.

I don't want to give you any specific instances, but I will tell you that I've been jealous of friends/roommates/etc that I see going on dates, having a girlfriend, meeting tons of new people. I see guys at what I feel like is the same point as me, but they have so much more going for them (from my point of view). I feel like I should be "as far along" as people around me.

Facebook and Instagram are another problem for me--- And this quote sums up how I feel perfectly: 

"The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare
our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel."

Social media is a false window into people's lives. Honestly, how willing am I to post about the bad moments? Only the good, fun, exciting ones, right? It's fun to see updates, and I love seeing what people are up to, but I walk away sadder when I spend a lot of time on social media.

I think it's "human" to feel like that, but to key is not to dwell on it. Here's the thing: I'm not like anyone else, and therefore, I don't have the same story as everyone else. No one else has served a mission exactly like mine, had ten neck surgeries, two rounds of chemo and radiation, and the many other good and bad things I've faced in my life. I'm not saying this to try and say I'm better than anyone else, but to tell you- we're all different.

Because I'm different than the people around me, why in the world should I compare myself to people who have a different life story than me? Erik's journey is my own and I'm happy to tell you my story, but I don't want to compare drafts.

I've come to realize over the last few years just how personal the gospel of Jesus Christ is. His Atonement is infinite and eternal, and available to everyone, and helps me and you in the personal battles we have. My witness of the Book of Mormon is personal. My patriarchal blessing is personal guidance just for me. When I pray to my Heavenly Father, it's personal. Why? Because my journey is not yours, just like your journey is not mine.

My biggest weapon against the fight of worldly comparison is perspective. I try to keep the perspective that I am unique, that the Lord is highly invested in our lives, and that our goal here on this earth is to learn and grow. Perspective in the scriptures, rather than on social media.


Comparing myself to others is what's holding me back, but today is a chance to make a change.

Keep running.

Post-Mish & Pre-Logan

Wow. It's still weird to me that my mish is over. In fact, a month ago today, I was released.

July 15, 2014- Day I was set apart

July 19, 2015- Day [after] I was released

I loved the time I served. Absolutely loved it. And if I had the chance, I'd go back and do it all over again! I learned so much about the gospel, about myself, and about life. Here's an update of what I've been up to in the last month:

• I got a job. I'm an "Office Assistant" at Precision Development. I scan, file, clean, do odd-job tasks, and advertising. I'm the one that's been posting on social media lately! Huzzah. And yes, this is a job I got from my dad. It still counts. It's a legit job. Someone asked me yesterday if I got paid "under the table", and the answer is no. I'm on payroll, I get taxes taken out. (booo)

• I still love photography. Oh, guess what? I bought a new phone. My old S4 has a majorly cracked screen, and I found one for $20. Well, the $20 phone sucked. It did it's job, but I hated the picture quality. So, I spent $120 and bought a new S4 off of eBay. It's worth it to me, because it's basically like buying a new camera as well. And I love having a phone with a nice camera again. Here's some of my cool pictures.

• I'm still working on my Book of Mormon reading. Can I tell you how IMPORTANT it is to read the Book of Mormon every single day!? This book is many things: it is another testament of Jesus Christ, a great teacher for us, and most importantly-- truth. I love this book so much and I just want to share it with the world. Every time I reread it, I find new lessons and truths all the time. It's almost like God put something in there that wasn't there before. But that's the joy of it-- I learn something new every time I read. I've recently discovered a new way to study the Book of Mormon, and I love it. I've learned so much. I won't give you the details today- it deserves it's own special post. I will tell you this, though- it's really helped me focus more than I ever have on this blessed book.

• Prepping for Logan. I told you I'm moving to Logan, right? Well, yeah, that's next week. Time flies. I seriously am really excited. I'm so excited to move, but I am going to miss the heck out of my family and home. I've never lived more than 10 minutes away from my parents, so it'll be an adjustment. But that's life, right? Learning, growing, and experiences that teach us how to become like God. I'm jumping right into my major, I'm going to live in the most social apartment complex on campus (at least what I've been told), and I'll be in LOGAN. I mean, come on... Logan. I've been applying for jobs like a mad-man and hope to at least get something. I'll sure need it- I just paid the rest of my tuition last week. :/ [PS.... the greatest gift of moving to Logan is that the temple is a minute drive from where I live.]

• I've still been able to keep on my goal of attending the temple at least once a week. I cannot tell you how much I miss going four/five days a week, but one day is still really amazing. I love the blessings that come from the temple, and I know that we are blessed when we give service. Temples exist on the earth for a reason. Utilize it.

• RUNNING! Half marathon here I come. It's so great to get back into shape again. And health update: I've truly felt the best I have in months. I feel like the "same old Erik" again. Aah I love it. And as you can see from the picture above, my hair's grown in quite nicely. I still haven't cut it since chemo.

I have been so busy since my mission ended. Seriously, I get up, run, go to work, come home, play with the nephews, eat dinner, play with the nephews some more, read, go to bed, and repeat. But it's been a blessing. During my temple mish, I had no idea how slow/fast/busy/not busy the month between mish and school was going to be. But I'm grateful that I've stayed busy, made some money, and even went on a date. ;)

Once again, I'll testify to you that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that He knows me; He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, what I need to become, what I need to learn and grow. I am beyond grateful that He is involved in my life every single day. Not a day goes by where I don't notice God's hand in my life. If you look hard enough, I promise you that you'll see it, too.

Life is not all easy, but it is good. It's good with God.

Keep running.

The Cafeteria

What I learned from

... working in the Cafeteria

This is another part of a fun installment I decided to do. Because I worked for a year in the St George Utah Temple, I got to experience a lot. Some of the experiences I had are sacred, and I keep those experiences to myself. I've also had really fun, enjoyable experiences in the temple. I would serve every day for the rest of my life if I could- and if I lived closer to a temple. The history of Temple Cafeterias is kind of interesting. At least for St George, it used to cover a much larger area than it does now. Sometimes people would have to travel long distances to attend temples. As they did so, the temple provided a cafeteria so that patrons wouldn't have to go hungry or go without food. In that sense, it's really kind of humbling, isn't it? Today, the goal of the temple cafeteria is to make enough so that it can sustain itself. We aren't looking for profit. We're just trying to serve and provide a home-y meal. Because of the larger economy and that there are so many restaurants out there now, the newer temples don't have a need for cafeterias, because frankly- they're fine without it. And that's okay. If you're in Utah, the Monticello, Vernal, Brigham City, Oquirrh Mountain, Draper, and Payson Temples do not have a cafeteria for you to eat at.

I'll say it right off: THE FOOD THERE IS SO GOOD! 99% of the food there is homemade. Most of the workers there are volunteers. If you haven't gone there to eat, you seriously need to go try it now.

All of the soda is Caffeine-Free. I found that funny when I first started.

We have daily devotionals. Also known as prayer meeting. Such a good start to "work".

We bless the food. In prayer meeting, one of the things we make sure to pray for is a blessing on the food. Seriously, where else have you eaten that the workers all meet together and pray for the food?

The head chef, Joe, lives in Cedar. Need I say more? ;) [Go Cedar.]

Everyone there wants to be there. As I said above, most workers in the cafeteria are volunteers. They don't get paid. And everyone who is there truly wants to be there. There isn't the stigma of "I'm just working here so I can get paid- but I hate my job." And it's beautiful.

Sometimes you get free food. Technically, we're allowed to have a bowl of soup and a piece of bread free-of-charge. But sometimes you get a little sample of foods. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I'M TELLING YOU TO EAT THERE, IT'S SOOOO GOOD.

Sometimes a lady you work with brings stuff to make cool desserts. Ckaz is so cool. She brought stuff to make Lava Cake once, and then stuff to make Trifle on my last day in the cafeteria. Request the Wednesday 8am-12pm shift. ;)

They give good portions. The server will make sure and give you a good amount. No skimpy plates here.

The food is moderately priced. Yeah, you've got your entrees that are usually $7-$8, but those come with sides as well. You can also get just a side, a bowl of soup, a sandwich, dessert, bread, salad bar, etc. And you can grab it yourself. The only thing you'll be served is the entree if you choose that.

Don't get a carton of milk. The batch we've had lately tastes a little sour before the expiration date. I'm not telling you to not get something, but maybe re-examine this issue in a few months.

Look at the napkin holders. Out in the seating area, all the napkin holders have a quote or scripture on one side, and a picture of a temple on the other. Different temples on each one.

If you're working there: Don't forget that you're serving in the temple. You may not be completing temple ordinances, but you are still in the House of the Lord. Your service helps those who come to the Cafeteria to eat. It is such a GREAT place to serve.

You should work in the temple. I recommend to everyone (that can) to work in the temple sometime in their life. You might work as a greeter, staff at the Family File Desk, recommend desk, Baptistry worker, Cafeteria worker, Grounds Worker, Ordinance Worker.

If you don't work at the temple... then be a patron. That's a GREAT way to serve! Doing the temple work itself. You are blessing others, and providing a reason to receive blessings for yourself by serving in the temple!

Keep running.

The Baptistry

What I learned from

... working in the Baptistry

We love when people come. It's the whole reason we're there. Come to the temple! There are so so many blessings that come from serving in the temple. You're helping your ancestors, helping others, and doing what our Savior would want you to do.

We love it when you bring in family names. Family names that either you or someone else found! Family history work is amazing. It's actually kind of fun. I always thought it was boring, but that is not the case. You willl be blessed for seeking out the names of your ancestors.

You don't have to bring in family names. The temple has so many names that can still be baptized and confirmed for. Do not stay away just because you don't have family names to bring in.

Most of the time, you get to call the shots. You must be an endowed brother in order to confirm or baptize. We have enough workers to baptize and confirm you, but if you would like to be the one to baptize, tell us. We are more than happy to accommodate.

We are not perfect... Yes, we are human. Working in the temple, I've noticed that we do get a little divine aid, but just remember that sometimes we make mistakes, or don't get you through as fast as you'd like to.

...But the work IS perfect. Temple work is performing the ordinances of Jesus Christ's gospel. These ordinances are the way back to Christ, and the means by which we can be in his presence again. This work is amazing. This work is divine. This work is sacred.

You will be blessed. There are so many blessings that come from temple work, attendance, and service. One, the ordinances themselves. Two, you are doing the work Christ wants you to do. In fact, it's what He would be doing. Three, you are serving others by doing their temple work. You are a "Savior on Mount Zion." (Read this) Four, you are sacrificing your time for a greater cause. Don't forget that.

GO TO THE TEMPLE OFTEN! :D Seriously. The temple is one of THE GREATEST blessings in my life.

Keep running.