Faith to Face the Future

I've been learning a lot about faith lately. Well to be honest, I've been learning about faith for a long time- I'd say starting with a challenge from Elder David A. Bednar given to a group of Young Single Adults in August 2011. That's when I started to take my first steps on a journey that would be hard but also the happiest I'd ever embarked on.

When my younger brother passed away barely 3 weeks later, I'd already started a foundation that would help me to keep going. My testimony in the Plan of Salvation was strengthened and I knew that know matter what happened, I had a loving Heavenly Father who knew me and loved me. As I struggled to figure out where to take my life, I found myself on my knees pleading for guidance and courage from my Father in Heaven. Thus, I found myself serving as a representative of Jesus Christ for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 18 months in the California Long Beach mission. Let me tell you, a mission is the hardest, greatest, most challenging, and most rewarding experience I've ever had. I devoted 18 months of my time away from my family, from school, work, technology, from everything to share my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I certainly wasn't perfect and I'm still not perfect, but once again I learned how much Heavenly Father loves me. He has a plan for me. And if I do the things He asks of me, I will become more like the person He created me to become.

As hard as the mission was, coming home was even harder. I had to relearn who I was. I had to shape the person I had become on my mission and find a way to fit it into the world. I had to find my place. I'm still trying to find my place. I certainly am not anywhere near finding it. However, I have found the faith/am still finding the faith to trust the Lord and put one step in front of the other.

Next test of faith: the other day, my mom approached me. I believe my parents only want the best for me so when my mom told me the "Bite the bullet" and "take a leap of faith" I knew she just wanted me to be happy. She told me to move out. Not in a "threw-my-clothes-out-on-the-front-yard" kind of move out. She wants me to be happy and I can't be truly happy in this little dusty town (it's not actually dusty).

You know when you were a kid and you attempted your first jump off the diving board at the local swimming pool. It can be really scary but you are already out on the board over the water. Sometimes, you need someone to push you off so you actually end up in the water. This is what my mom did. She pushed me off so I'd get into the water.

It can be really scary to take that step of faith. Whether it's moving out of the house like me or getting a "grown up job". Going to school. Going on a mission. Rejecting the world to live the gospel. Going to church every Sunday even if it feels like it's not worth it. Whatever that step of faith might be, it can be hard to take it. But it will be worth it.

I thought this video really captured what I've been learning lately. It's about having faith to face the future even if only a couple steps at a time are illuminated.

Life begins at the END of your COMFORT ZONE.

Smile Always,

Chuck

Smile Always Chuck Spotlight: Mike Wazowski

This week's Spotlight is...

Mike Wazowski!!!

This may or may not have to do with my recent re-viewing of Monsters University and Monsters, Inc. It doesn't matter! As I viewed these movies, I was struck with the continual optimism and bright side attitude of Mike. Even when his face is covered by the logo for Monster, Inc in a commercial or by the barcode on a magazine, Mike still has excitement because he's ON IT! And as a young student, he continues to go for what he wants even in the face of adversity.

We need more people like Mike Wazowski. Optimistic even when it seems like everything is against you. A drive and a passion for what you want. We need that. I think that's what I loved most about watching Mike in both Monster films. Also, there's something plucky about him. He's the underdog. He's the forgotten kid.

 He lives in the shadow of the most popular monster (who happens to be his best friend) in Monstropolis but he doesn't even notice- he keeps going for what he wants.

In school, he keep fighting for a place in the Scare College. Even if it meant teaming up with his enemy to get there. In the workforce, he continued to help his best friend even if it was physically harmful to him and would cause him to lose his job. He's got spirit! I love that about him.


That's what makes me smile about Mike Wazowski: his plucky, optimistic nature. His determination to achieve his dreams. His big green eye (green is my favorite color). His wide, toothy grin. He's just a ball of cheer- like a chocolate truffle.






May we all be a little more like Mike Wazowski...

Smile Always,

Chuck

Smile Always Chuck Spotlight: Prank Wars

Smile Always Spotlight:

I stumbled across this book last week... and I consumed it! It was, in my own opinion, SO good. I love this author to begin with so when I saw that she had a new book out... well I couldn't resist.

Here's the Story:

Madeleine is a typical girl at BYU just trying to figure out her life and relationships. Byron is the attractive "player" across the street. Madeleine and Byron are out to get each other using harmless little pranks. Of course, it spills over to their roommates and soon the two apartments/genders are going at it- stealing couch cushions, glue as toothpaste, all that good stuff.

Well, we all know where this is going... Madeleine and Byron sitting in a tree... Haha. But there's a ton of funny pranks, situations, and a whole lot of mystery on the journey. I kept guessing the ending but I was almost always wrong.

It's a good book if you're looking for a laugh and a smile. Which I always am. It's got humor, mystery, romance, and it's set in Provo, Utah. What more can you ask for? Haha.

Excerpt:

"Hey Carrie, watch this. I have the force." Byron licked his hand and brought it towards my face.
I scrambled backwards without him having to touch me. "Not cute and not funny," I shouted out.
"What? I wasn't going to do anything. Where's your trust? Do you really hate men that much?"
"What gave you that impression? I just hate you." It came out before I could stop it. And of course he leaned closer to me, flashing an infectious grin. I wondered how many women it had worked on.
"You aren't hurting me, you know. You're only hurting the Beta Unit."
I snickered. "You are such a nerd and you are so dead. Your place is so dead." 

This book is available on Amazon.com. Totally worth it!

Smile Always,

Chuck

Smile Always Chuck Spotlight: Thor

Sorry about the delay in a Spotlight. I had a really wonky week last week and I just never got around to it. Because of that, I will be doing two spotlights this week. The second one will come later in the week.

This week's first Smile Always Spotlight is...

(Chris Hemsworth is my most recent and current celebrity crush. *wink*)

Here's a little background on the Marvel movie character Thor:

Thor is the prince to a wonderful little kingdom in an alternate universe named Asgard. In the beginning, Thor is just a tad arrogant as he prepares to take the throne and rule over the people. His father isn't really impressed with the arrogance and self entitlement that seeps from every pore of the buff young man. To teach him a little humility, along with a little trickery on the part of Thor's brother, Loki, Thor is banished to earth.

On Earth, Thor learns many lessons which humble him and help him to become the superhero that we have come to love.

Reasons (in no particular order) why Thor makes me smile:

1) He protects the ones he loves.

Boy does he!

2) He values family.

Even if his brother is a little evil...

And his dad only has one eye...

3) He's built like a Norse god.

Just look at those eyes...

I'm sorry! I couldn't resist. I promise this is the most nudity you'll see on my blog.

4) He's a superhero trying to be worthy of the Hammer.

This is why he's Thor.

5) He's part of The Avengers!

Avengers! Hulk, Iron Man. Captain America, and Thor... (Not all of them but important ones.)

These may not be the most scientific reasons (or even the most accurate- let's call it creative liberties) but it works. At least for me.

Sometimes, it's the little things that makes me smile... or in this case the big thing...

Smile Always!

Chuck