Eternal Marriage is a Blessing

Here is something to chew on:
What does " love the sinner, hate the sin" mean? As much as I know that holy marriage is between a worthy man and woman, I am continually reminded that a man cannot force someone to be obedient to the laws of God.

Prophets teach that they are blessed for being compelled to be humble and teachable(Alma 32:13). But when the anti-Christ was brought before the king, though his teachings encouraged people to sin, the law of the land had no hold against him(Alma 30:12). I admire the people of Ammon who did not harm Korihor. They just picked him up and carried him out of the land. But it was strictly against the law to put men on unequal ground, "legally" speaking(Alma 30:7).

No one can enter the temple without thorough soul searching and being worthy before God to participate in the sacred ordinances there. Eternal Marriage is the highest ordinance preformed in the Temple and that cannot be achieved while participating in behaviors contrary to the laws of Him who's house it is. There are spiritual consequences for disobeying His laws and there are natural consequences(Darwin would agree that any species acting like that wouldn't survive).

It is God's Law that matters. He set down all laws natural, physical, and spiritual. When His laws are broken there are consequences that we cannot avoid. We lose privileges and blessings through disobedience. Isn't that punishment enough? Shouldn't we look to those who have lost these blessings with the greatest of compassion and longing to love them into the path of righteousness? To make them "legally" less or to discriminate them would bring them and us to a misunderstanding of each other.

When a person truly understands the gospel they will choose to be obedient on their own. As President Boyd K. Packer said in his April 1997 General Conference Talk,"
I have long believed that the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior will improve behavior."
The law of the land can protect us but should it be used to lower the rights of others?

Please leave G-rated comments if you'd like to respond.

Jake-Truth is a Whole.

drop it like a bad habit

Failing to find time for the important things in life has been one of my short comings. I can manage money as well as any other person but time slips through my fingers. I have a great ability to live on practically nothing at all and therefore stop the flow of money. But time is unstoppable. I haven't yet figured out how to slow it down or save it for later.

In a recent class the book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" was a required read. As is my habit I did actually read one chapter in the book(well most of a chapter). The chapter that I read had to do with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, meaning physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of a person's life. Apparently keeping yourself fit in body and soul can keep you sharper and more productive. I guess I knew that but I didn't really think about it.

I can see that getting regular exercise will improve your productivity but I was surprised to see just how important regular mental stimulus can help. As the financial guru Dave Ramsey always points out: "millionaires read at least one nonfiction book a month. Can you imagine all the things you can learn if you read about something new every month?

This also got me thinking about other habits that millionaires might have. I'm not saying that each habit is the "cause" to "effectuate" millionaire status. It did make me think though. What if some of my current habits are costing me lots and lots of money? I don't think I can afford that.

Jake, I wanna be a millionaire so (something) bad

Changes: home sweet home Part 2

We both knew it would happen some day. I just didn't think it would feel so life changing to move across town. Thanks to everyone that helped us get our stuff to our new apartment. It is great being so close to work now(though I am sure I will regret this move when it takes me 40 min. to walk to school in the snow). The first thing to sink in besides how much more room we have is how much we miss the Logan 19th ward. Church is great where ever you attend but a home ward is special.
Of course the move would not have been possible with out the new addition to our list of toys... our new car! tragically the Rodeo met an untimely end right as we went to look for a new car. We(and the bank) are now the proud owners of a 2002 ford explorer! funny how despite our desire to have two cars we are still down to one.
Last but definitely not least is losing the best next door neighbors ever. For the last two years Kylee and I have shared walls with two awesome couples that would hang out at the drop of a hat or have a spur of the moment potluck Sunday dinner just because we could. At our new place we really have few options when it comes to neighbors. Here's to hoping the old neighbors will want to travel the mile and a half to see us now and then.

Jake, I can't change time.

I Would Walk Five Hundred Miles

It's been an interesting couple of weeks due to automotive malfunctions. I never realized just how much Kylee and I depend on the car until we have to go an entire week without it.

The lack of transportation didn't seem like such a dilema to me at first. After all when in it comes to driving priority I'm not the highest on the list. Walking the one and a half miles to work everyday is not such an ordeal and I can even rationalize that it is good for me. I have even turned it into a morning run. But finding a way to get Kylee to work has been a little more problematic. Thankfully our friends have really blessed us with help in that area.

It's not all bad news though. we have gleaned a few blessings from our period of pedestrian-ism  we actually live close enough to church to walk there and walk back. because we are planning ahead for a long walk we are starting to make it there early enough to hear the prelude music. On weekdays that Kylee works right after school we've taken the long walk together and had almost 40 whole minutes to just talk. As tiring as these walks can be, they are a blessing when we sometimes go a whole day without seeing each other.

Jake, the proclaimer

Writing for the sake of writing

Starting this semester I find myself once again in English 2010 "Writing and Presenting". I honestly had fun the last time I took this class which may have been the reason I didn't get a satisfactory grade for the school of Business.

The really fun part of this class for me is choosing a topic for "THE PAPER". The first time around I wrote about dating issues(from a guy's point of view), why dogs are superior pets, and about sleep and the lack thereof. I know these aren't exactly the most cutting edge topics but I refuse to write about what everyone else has already written, re-written, rebuttal, and beaten to death. It is the equivalent of posting your dread of finals on Facebook during finals week. Your thoughts are lost in a sea of other students all dreading finals right along with you.

So I find myself with two choices. Either I can find a topic of interest that has real world value such as the big scary genetically modified plants, or I can once again try to make some menial topic sound more intelligent than it really is. I have been favoring the idea of writing about goldfish. that is always entertaining to learn something about everyone's first pet.

Jake, take my word for it

Here Fishy Fishy Fish

As a kid my Dad practiced the wise decision to take his kids fishing. Sometimes we went quite frequently. My uncles and cousins would be part of the trip sometimes. Other times we would go with some of our neighbors.

To all of you who helped me worm a hook, cast my line, fasten my life jacket, and taught me to clean a fish, Thank You.

I admit I have become a fishing fanatic this season and it may seem like it came out of no where but I think its been a long time coming. I was given my own fishing pole and tackle box as a kid, before I even needed a fishing liscence. I really didn't know what to do with them at the time. In fact I can still remember a few bike trips up Provo Canyon ending without even a bite.

Another fond memory of fishing was when I caught a 22 inch rainbow trout trolling strawberry reservoir. That was when I learned that he who catches the biggest fish by decree must be thrown in the drink. because it was my first offense I was given a warning.

This year with a little nudge from friends and who knows what else, I have become some what... Shall we say "obsessed."  It may have been from watching "River Monsters" seasons  one through three. What really surprised me was that there are more fish to find than just trout. I have caught more than five types of fish this season that I didn't know were so close to home.

But as winter sets in some of these fish I've been going for are going to sleep. I think my fishing holes may be limited to Hyrum dam, Cutler reservoir, and Mantua. Anyone have any good tips for winter fishing/ice fishing for these places?

Jake, hook line and sinker

Best Birthday EVER

I was suspicious the entire week leading to my birthday but I had no idea how amazing of a surprise party Kylee had planned for me.

The day started off perfect. Being able to sleep in and take our time getting ready. I even felt good vacuuming and doing the dishes on my birthday. All I really wanted to do today was fish and I did that up at second dam(where you can see the fish but nobody can get them to bite). I opened presents there and she had given me the most thoughtful gifts(light-up frisbee, a mad gab card game, and underwear). Pizza Pie Cafe was a fun choice for dinner at the time but after hitting the bathroom for the next three hours I won't make that mistake again.

As I walked up to the front door and set all of the fishing gear down everything seemed normal. I went to unlock the door, and for some reason the front porch light turned on. I looked back at Kylee with a questioning look. and as I opened the door all the lights went on and everyone yelled "Surprise!"

Apparently Kylee had planned an entire friend party without me knowing. She invited people from my work, people from school, and many other friends. The apartment was completely decorated in StarWars theme, even all of the treats went with the theme.

Then to top off the perfect party, Kylee pulled out some glow in the dark wrist bands and we played a night game of light up Ultimate Frisbee.

I have the Most amazing wife EVER!,jake

Sweet Summer Days

Believe it or not Kylee and I have already harvested the first fruits of our labor in the garden. We plucked a radish today that was the size of a golf ball and not even the least bit hot. I know that growing a radish that big isn't a huge deal but this one was not even close to being "woody."  The knife just slide right through it when we cut it up to eat it today.

The garden is coming along very well and that is great for now. But here's the dilema: We are getting very close to knowing whether or not we can get a house soon. By next week we should know if we can or cannot get the house we currnetly have our eyes on. To make matters even more difficult, rent is going up in July another $15 a month. I don't want to lose all this hard work we put in. On the other hand I am not ready to lose more money to rent when we could be paying the same in mortgage and maybe even less.

Sad to say I will not be planting Eggplant and Zucchini. Our neighbors and friends will be planting these and since neither is really fit for consumption unless deep fat fried. I'm sure I will eat some by the end of the season.

Jake, maybe leaving "this old Apartment"

Little April Showers

Gardening has taken a back seat for the last few weeks as school draws to a close. Luckily April comes with it's own watering system and every other day is marked with low grey clouds and lots of rain.

plant update: onions, peas, and radishes are all up and growing( I re-seeded the radish and lettuce to get a thicker row). the lettuce really didn't come up except in the walk way where I spilled a few. I also re-started the Tomatoes after the first batch dampened off.

As most of you may have guessed Kylee and I are looking into homes in our area(walkable distance to campus). We went on our first home tour of a house well within our price range only to determine that the house should be burned to the ground and reconstructed. We've been heavily weighing the pros and cons of owning a home and its been a struggle to know what to do. With school getting out soon we may have more time to go looking, but we are going to have to acquire credit first to show the banks we are a good risk.

With all of the research into homes and payments, I recently spent time creating an Excel spreadsheet to see how much we are earning and spending throughout the year. So far we are breaking even but I'm sure when we are going to come out on top as soon as summer starts. Its our goal to own a home and use it to get our dream home before its time to retire.

Jake, just so you know

instant garden, just add water

I know it s been quite a few weeks but we finally made our garden more than just talk. Over spring break Kylee and I were outside working on the new beds while the weather was warm(and inside working on new spring decor).

I'm surprised how well the wooden retaining walls held up better than I expected and we found plenty of cinder blocks around the apartment building to fill in gaps and steps. We would not have finish the whole project before school started if Kevin and Melanie, our neighbors, hadn't helped us. So now we have three times the space we had last year and it only cost $20.

so far we have planted lettuce, radishes, peas, and onions. more planting to follow, pending on the weather. I've planned out a layout for the entire garden square foot by square foot, but we will see just how closely that is followed. Gardening is a science, but it is also an art.

Jake, This Old Apartment season 1

a narration of a moment

I am currently sitting in the public library using the internet, listening to an elderly woman mutter to herself how her husband better not forget to pick her up.

I would not be here if the internet at our apartment hadn't died. The manager said it should have been up today, but no luck there. so here I sit at the library doing online school work (and blogging). From my homework I've decided that Business and numbers don't get along very well.

This lady has been nervously pacing from the chair next to me to the courtesy phone and calling her husband every 5 minutes. It started snowing again and I'm guessing from her overly vocal mutterings that she REALLY doesn't want to be stranded here. I don't blame her but i usually rant like that INSIDE my head.

Oh wow, She just told the librarians that she is going to brave the weather and leave without her husband. either she doesn't trust her spouse at all or she is an overly anxious person. Good Luck random rambling lady!

jake, life is story

Ruminating about Rent

I had the greatest idea the other day to figure out a way to turn the weed lot next to our apartment into a green lawn to pic1nic on this summer. I found a cheap lawn mower on KSL.com and calculated just how much it would cost to do.

Sadly it turns out the manager and the owner had different plans. I was graciously informed that we are free to weed and mow the space as much as we'd like, but not to water it. I guess it has something to do with the cost of water. I was also informed that I should not plan on using a drip hose for our garden bed this year. Bummer.

It's moments like this that get me all excited about owning a home. Having our own space, with our own walls, and our own parking spot. Oh, and our own big mortgage payment. I think that's the only thing keeping us stationary. At least I have the best kind of room mate.

Jake, the grass is greener I'm sure!

'Tis the season

Getting ready for spring in the middle of winter is like counting down christmas in the middle of October. I know it's coming but it's taking it's own sweet tome to get here. Working at a garden store isn't helping me either. As soon as customers start showing up to get the seeds for this years garden my brain starts scheming about how all the things I want to plant this year.

I don't know if I can wait for the ground to thaw before I start breaking ground in our little growing patch. The dirt seems to be calling my name and begging me to get my hands and knees all muddy.

Just to see who all reads this post, I want some suggestions on what to plant this year. If you read this post you MUST write a comment and give atleast one suggestion. two or three would be great too. Ill keep a detailed acount of all i plant and you can see how your suggestions turn out!

A man's shopping trip

Last night I was killing time while waiting to pick Kylee Up from work. I went in to a few stores that she doesn't appreciate as much as I do though I'm not sure why. Best buy was my first stop but it was a forgetable experience. I mostly just wanted to dream about having a man cave. After that I skipped over to O'Reilly Auto (formally Checkers) to see if they had a part I need for the car. As I walked in to the store I was greeted by Thomas, a guy about my age, who talked to me not as a customer but like we'd been friends for quite a while. we talked about the part for a bit but when he couldn't find it in his database he did something I didn't expect. He picked up the phone and asked AutoZone down the street if they had it. Wow! Turns out the tailgate assembly for an Isuzu is a very rare thing. Now here is where any other sales person would say,"anything else I can get for you?" Trust me its almost programmed into them. But Thomas just kept making small talk about my car and how I like it. He even casually suggested I get some WD-40 to try and loosen the Tailgate latch. It wasn't a pressured sale. I even felt like I had wanted to do that all along. I left the store with my can of lubricant and a good feeling that I seldom get when I go shopping. Way to go Thomas for making shopping feel more like going to see a friend instead of an in and out service.

Jake, sure I'll buy another one!

Requiem for a Light

Lately I've been in one of those learning moods. No, not one of those study for the classes I've signed up for this semester. Mostly I've been interested in LED Lights and what is actually going on inside those tiny little gadgets. So one hour later after browsing Wikipedia I find myself now an expert on Light-Emitting-Diodes. I could explain in big geeky terms just how they work but unless you understand the energy clouds of atoms that house electrons its all going to sound foreign to you. But trust me, its cool. I've been trying to find some light source for our fish tank and I've played with the idea of setting up my own LED array of different colors for the tank. My only issue with LED's is that as cool as they are they are nothing like natural light from the sun.
Our Neighbor is actually a plant science major at USU and is studing the effects of LED's on plants (this work may or may not be related to growing plants on the international space station). Until I make up my mind on how light the aquarium we're going to stick with these cool little sinking LED's we found at Micheal's craft store for 50%.

Home sweet Home

One thing I love about Christmas vacation is having a week to go back home to Utah valley and not having to cook for a whole week! Actually I love being around our families and having so many people to talk to. We spent the nights at the Wood's house and spent the days at the Jensen's house and countless stores. Christmas was pretty special. Talking with Kylee's brother Jeremy over in New Jersey and then watching everyone open the presents we gave them made it very memorable.

What I wasn't expecting was how excited I was to be back in Cache Valley last night. Coming home to our three little fish and a sink full of dishes made me feel needed and responsible. So Yes I loved being home for the holidays and Yes I loved coming back to our own home. Does that makes Sense? Logan is starting to feel very much like home.

~Jake, "Lucy I'm Home!"

A Special Occasion

Today was Fast and Testimony meeting at Church. Since the time I left on my mission to Peru I haven't gotten up to share my testimony from the pulpit. My excuse for those two years was that i got to share it everyday and others should have the chance to share their's. I don't know what my reason has been for the last two years though. I don't think there was a reason not to, I just didn't. But today I knew I had to. As a baptized member of the church I promised to be a witness of Christ in all times and all places.

So I sat there trying to think of what I was supposed to say. With the scriptures open in my hand I flipped through the pages hoping that something would come to me. I said a prayer asking God to help me know what to say. As I finally decided that with or without something to say I would go up and share what I know, I was given what I just prayed for. A strong feeling of love came over me as my thoughts turned to how today was the Christmas devotional of the first Presidency of the Church and that two years ago I asked Kylee to be my wife. I was able to share with the ward how I know that God led me to be with Kylee and that He has blessed me everyday of my life with what I need most. I know He loves me and that He watches over me because He has promised me that I can be with Kylee for all eternity. Jesus Christ made that possible through His atonement and resurection.

thanks for reading this long post, I hope it brings the spirit closer to you all.

jake, in His name, Amen.

Finally Done!

What's done you ask? The biggest project of my Junior year of college!
Every year the Juniors get a project from an Interior Designer and about
a month later we present to them. This year Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe
from LA {Nickey-Kehoe} came. We were given a dining room to design.
Its in a craftsment style, Hollywood home for a screen writer. We designed
custom furniture, a custom light fixture, a custom rug and a custom plate.
Here is my project :)

MY BEAUTIFUL PLATE!

MY TABLE

MY RUG :)

MY LIGHT

RENDERING OF THE ROOM - VIEW 1

RENDERING OF THE ROOM - VIEW 2

IN FRONT OF MY BOARDS

My presentation went well, the designers loved it and so do I!

I'm super glad its over, now I can get back to life. 

Maybe our apartment will actually get cleaned now :)

When a Prophet Speaks

For those of you who were able to go to or hear President Uchtdorf in the Relief Society session of Conference... We've Got Your Forget-Me-Not Seeds.

No I really didn't go or hear his talk but from all of the seed customers that have constantly been asking for forget-me-not flowers I'm pretty sure it was pretty moving.

I would say a few dozen or so people have asked us at Anderson's Seed and Garden when we will be getting in a new shipment of these seeds. the thing is we have never carried them. So what would any wise business do? Get some seeds! Of course we were all brainstorming on how else to monopolize on this situation and personally I think we should send President Uchtdorf a letter asking him to speak on how using Fertilizer is like faith. that may help us out after April conference.

Jake, Come listen to a Prophets voice!

Fall Wreath

Hello there! Our fall decor has been up for awhile and I haven't shared it with all of you yet. So the next post or two will be about our fall decor!
First off..... Our wreath! I made it our of burlap, ribbon and some flowers from the dollar store :)
Go here or here to find tutorials on how to make this wreath!

Well enough talking, here are the pictures....

I'm linking to....