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!

Waiting

 

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

I've learned a lot about waiting, too. There are lots of gospel articles I've read lately about waiting. 

Yes, it sucks waiting for the time to be healed, waiting for a mission call, waiting to get married... ya know. 

All that stuff. 

But Heavenly Father KNOWS me and knows exactly the best time for the waiting to be over. And I seriously think that the hardest times, during that waiting period, are when we grow the most spiritually. 

So waiting? It's okay. 

It's a part of life and we're all going to be okay. 

We don't have to do this on our own.

"Wow, this feels like home"

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

I'm feeling great this week, just tired. I can't wait to be done with this crap chemo. Haha. 

But seriously. When Mom and I went to our Huntsman appointments last week, we had a chance to go to the Bountiful temple.

I didn't have any big spiritual experience, but I distinctly remember the feeling of walking in the temple and thinking, "Wow, this feels like home." 

And really, what should the temple be??? 

More like, whose home should it feel like? 

Just that small thought increased my testimony that it is the Lord's house, it is the most peaceful place on earth, and that we are God's children. 

So go to the temple OFTEN!

(And if you can't go inside, then go read your scriptures or write in your journal on the temple grounds!!)

 

BEST years of my life

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Elder Gray (Erik)
May 29, 2015

When I worked in the cafeteria on Saturday, Ash and Hayden came to say hi, and they got to meet Joyce, who works in the cafeteria. She is like my temple grandma, ha ha. The people who work at the temple are all so nice and sweet and just a joy to be around.

I LOVE my calling.

I am noticing that my body is taking a little longer to feel as good as I usually do. Right now I'm doing Thursday-Saturday, and that is hard. I come home tired. But it's worth it. 

I had a thought today- that I am experiencing what I would experience on a full-time mission through my mission as well... 

rejection from this chemo crap, 

going to bed exhausted, 

teaching the gospel (in my calling as a gospel doctrine teacher), 

and meeting tons of new people every day. 

I think that I always felt a little sad because I couldn't go on a full-time mission, but it's interesting that I can still have these mission experiences, and that I can tell you that my time as a missionary is one of the best, if not the BEST, years of my life. 

It's not all easy, but I'm glad I get the chance to serve the Lord!

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven. Sacrifice some of your time to go to the temple soon! :D

Elder Gray

Opportunity to SERVE

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Elder Gray (Erik)
July 8, 2015

I love life and I'm so grateful for my mission and the opportunity that it's given me. When the time came to start thinking about this mission, I thought that I wasn't sure if I should- I couldn't go out on a full-time mission so should I just move on with life, and continue with school and stuff?  BUT I AM SO GLAD I CHOSE TO SERVE.  This mission has been such a great insight and time for me in my life. Don't pass up any opportunity you have to serve- even if it's just spending a few hours with the missionaries or going with a group to do Temple Baptisms. Have a great week. I seriously love you all! Elder G

What a True Hero Is

 

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Erik June 30, 2015

There is a young woman in my home ward who passed away last week after fighting for a year with brain cancer. She is strong, she exemplified what a true hero is, and she's a light to all of us. 

We attended her funeral yesterday, and it kind of hit close to home for me, because I've dealt with cancer, too. 

Truthfully, the difference between her and I is that Heavenly Father has things he needs me to accomplish here on the earth, and things she needs to accomplish on the other side. 

My heart breaks because, yeah she is so young (16), but I'm so so so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and this life isn't it. Her services yesterday were amazing. Her family and friends testified of her life and of the gospel and their joy that they can and will see her again. 

Family is priority. 

Don't get distracted and put other things before your family! (Mike, we love your family!!!)

Rally Hats -Thank you!

Instagram Post
November 10, 2016
by @Erikthered7

I never had the chance to thank each and every one of you. 

A few months ago, my aunt started an idea to send "Rally Hats for Erik."

And I've received so many hats from all over the place, along with signed softballs, a few blankets, and gifts that mean so much. 

Every hat here has a unique story. 

I want to thank each and every single one of you who sent me something because it really REALLY has made a difference in my last few months of treatment; having physical evidence all around me that so many people care. 

Thank you!

Mini Glimpses of God's Plan

Journal Gems
Instagram Post
December 21, 2016

by @Erikthered7

With my cancer growing, I am pretty low on energy these days. Luckily, I felt good enough to not only attend the temple yesterday, but to sit through an entire session.

The immense peace that comes from the temple is unexplainable. 

It was such a neat experience. 

I'm grateful for the mini glimpses I can see of God's plan- and the reality that God is SO real- when I worship in the temple.

 #sharegoodness #ldstemple

"Christ The Redeemer" statue, Brazil

Erik Gray's journals
Written by Erik, February 4, 2017

Okay something cool from today... I am amazed at how perfect my choosing of Piano Guys posters turned out. 

I bought a poster before the concert. It's called "Wonders" and includes the Great Wall of China, as well as the giant "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, and also a beautiful waterfall from Brazil. 

I didn't think too much of it until today... when I realized that that was my favorite song explanation and testimony that they shared: at the concert last night, Steven Sharp Nelson explained that for their song:

"The Mission/How Great Thou Art" they filmed at both "Christ the Redeemer" and the waterfall... 

and they talked about how it was amazing and beautiful to film at both... but it was MORE amazing and felt more beautiful and peaceful to film at the Waterfall. 

Steven said, "It felt amazing to be at 'Christ the Redeemer' because it was man's gift to God to show how much we love him. However, it was MORE amazing to be at the Waterfall because it was God's gift to show much He loves US." 

Yeah..... so amazing. What a great testimony.

And I have the poster that I will think of that everytime I see it!!! 

Like I said, I bought the poster before the concert so I had no idea of Steven's testimony. :) 

TENDER MERCY. Thanks, God. 😊😊😊😊😊😃😃😃😃😃😃

Why he journaled

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written by Erik

January 28, 2017     That's all for my journaling tonight! Glad I'm doing this, I don't want these insights to be forgotten. Especially because these insights and these feelings I've felt are SO real, and there is no way I can deny the truthfulness of the gospel the Savior, everything about the gospel. Goodnight, journal. SOO glad I'm writing down my thoughts. :)                                                   

February 6, 2017     When we went to the hospital today, I just had a strong feeling (like I did months ago) that I need to finish catching up my journal- and soon. So I worked on my journal some more tonight. I'm catching up slowly... about at the end of August now... and also grateful that I'm currently writing. These current ones I'm writing in my phone and I'll add in once I finally get my journal all the way caught up. But yeah, I feel like my journal is my #1 priority now. Dad gave me a blessing tonight. Just that I could he comforted, that we DO have the faith to be healed if it's God's will, that we also know God's will is best. I felt a peaceful feeling from it and feel that I'm gonna be okay. :D also, to not worry about the family when my time to pass comes. They'll be okay. :) God is in charge. Goodnight journal, that's all for tonight.

 

(Erik’s family helped him accomplish his goal of finishing his journal on February 9^th at 8:30pm. He celebrated with ice cream, of course.  He passed away early the next morning.)

Birthday!

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

collage picture created by Erik 2014

Happy Heavenly Birthday to you Erik!

31 years ago you came into our family and blessed us 

with your energy, love for others and testimony of Jesus Christ. 

Miss and love you. 

Until we meet again....

Move Forward

 

#journalgems
Scholarship application
written by Erik 2015

Cancer is a word that is sometimes 

not associated with winning, 

but that has never been an option for me. 

In fact, every day I choose to move forward is winning.

Nephews and a niece

 #journalgems

Pictures of Erik and his nephews and niece. He loves them!

Running With The Blind

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written by Erik 2011, a school paper

RUNNING WITH THE BLIND

Everyone knows that a runner sometimes faces difficult obstacles. Adrian Broca is a runner may have an obstacle slightly bigger than the average runner- Adrian is legally blind.

                In his senior year in high school, a genetic condition caused him to lose his eyesight. Over time, all he could see a few color contrasts and shadows. For a while, he was very depressed, but that’s when he started walking. After many cuts, scrapes and bruises he learned how to walk around his neighborhood by himself, eventually leading to running, and soon to running marathons.

                Adrian first signed up for a St. George Half Marathon and met Cedar City runners John Hart and Clinton Rhoton there. These two helped Adrian run the race by running beside him, holding a shoelace and guiding him along. They talked to him and said things like, "there's a runner coming to your right, let's go left." He set his personal time during this race.

 In the 2010 St. George Marathon, Adrian ran the race with help John and Clinton and also two others: Brandon LaCagnina and Jon Hermansen. He says this about himself: "I viewed losing my vision as a gift and think it's something that has propelled me to overcome my challenges and not give up no matter what the obstacle that's ahead of me might be.”

A Champion's Race

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written (and drawn) by Erik 2011

My Greatest Race

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written by Erik 2011, a school paper

MY GREATEST RACE

People always seem to remember a ‘first’ in their lifetime, whether it was their first time riding a bike, their first time driving a car, their first day at school, or even their first kiss. Sometimes it’s a vague memory, and sometimes it’s crystal clear. Nonetheless, it is something that you will never forget. One thing that I remember very clearly is the day of my best 400 meter race.

It started out like any other day. I crawled out of bed like a sloth, dragged myself to school, and after a long school day, I headed to the bus for the meet. Throughout the bus ride, I was a little nervous for my race, but not as much as I soon would become. As the bus pulled into the Dixie High parking lot, I remember thinking, Dang! It’s hot! Our team headed to the shade and we all rested up for our races.

            “First call for the Varsity Boys 400 meter…” I faintly heard the announcer declare.  My race is after that, I thought, It’s coming closer! Knots filled my stomach; I felt as nervous as a cat in a cage of dogs! “First call: JV boys, 400 meter!” was what we all heard the announcer say. “Let’s go warm up!” I called to my friend who was also running the same race as I.

            Our warm-up happened speedily! While watching the varsity runners sprint their event, I thought: It’s right after this! I finished warming-up and headed for the starting line.

            After being assigned to our lanes, the official said, “On your marks!” I jumped once to loosen my legs one last time. I positioned my legs on the starting blocks and adjusted my hands. “Get set.” I was ready. I leaned my body. Boom! screamed the gun. I ran! I remember running next to my friend, who was a little ahead of me on the second of four stretches of the 400 meter track. As I round the third stretch, the curve, I passed my friend. I recall feeling very tired, but honestly- would I really stop at this point? No! I pushed and struggled to the finish line, coming in at third place. I felt as accomplished as I ever had before.

            I was very anxious to see my time, but after a LONG while of waiting, my dad went to converse with the officials of the meet. They explained: “We got behind on timing races, so we skipped the time of the JV boys 400!” You’ve got to be kidding me. I was furious! My best race, and there was no official time!

            I left to talk to my coach. He said, “After watching your race, Erik, it looks like you got about a 58 or 57!” (seconds, that is)

            “Yes!” I exclaimed. This time was better than my last race by about 4 seconds (I only ran the 400 meter twice during my freshman year). Even though it wasn’t as fast as the others on the team, it was good enough for me! I tried my best, and it showed in how the race turned out.