So, I went to the Crandall museum. I enjoyed it, actually. I'll admit that I was skeptical but I came away with several things that I am very grateful for.

First, a much deeper appreciation for my printer. I had no idea and still can't fully wrap my head around the sheer amount of time that it would've taken to make some of those first prints. It'd take FOOORRREEEVVEEEERRR! Thank you and some serious props to Guttenberg.

Second, ya' know the little metal pegs that have the letter on them backwards that you put into the press, ink up, and then use to imprint letters on the page? Remember how he made one in front of us? Well, I asked him if I could have it. (Ah, the power of questions and confidence is mighty.) Yeah, he gave it to me!

Third, I left there with a greater testimony of things that are TRUE. Heavenly Father is not limited in His tools. He uses good men for even greater things. He IS in charge! I know if I'm on His side I have nothing to worry about. I choose Him!

Wow, who'da thunk it? All that from a couple sweet old man and a little printing museum. I love life! :-)

Hi, Katrina.

Paul's Final Trip

The fact that Luke wrote down Paul's final trip is more than anything else a testament to the fact that recording what they did and not just what they said is important.

That which we say is indeed important but more important than that is what we do. This then culminates in who we are. It is so appropriate that the last thing recorded of Paul is an action. It's his "travels" not just his words. In the scriptures it speaks of being mighty in "word and deed". In order to achieve this level of growth we need to first recognize that this level of being is not done alone. In reality we truly are indebted to our Savior for everything. Even that which we "do" are only possible through the situations given to us by He who is in control.

Moreover, it's important here to note how we must all be "recorders" of the words and deeds that make a difference in our life. Recently, I have been reminded and taught, re-reminded and re-taught how important this is. It may be small it may be only a line. Even if all it is is just a simple Captain's log - it is still worthwhile. Luke was a profound example of this in recording Paul's last trip. I'm going to follow his example and Paul's example both in recording and being a "doer" of the Word.

Then they can be TRUE!

The Apostasy and Restoration

I love what it says in Preach My Gospel about the Apostasy and the Restoration.
It states that we..."must understand that a universal apostasy occurred following the death of Jesus Christ and His Apostles. If there had been no apostasy, there would have been no need of a Restoration. As a diamond displayed on black velvet appears more brilliant, so the Restoration
stands in striking contrast to the dark background of the Great Apostasy." Working at the MTC has shown me that often the Restoration is the weakest point of a missionary's testimony. It was for me, anyway. But, by the end of most missionaries mission and certainly by the end of mine, it was the strongest!

A couple things that helped me come to realize what it meant for me were these:

First, realizing that there is a pattern of Restoration and Apostasy that has led to the creation of every church. So, when we think that our church is young it's somewhat helpful to remember that our's was actually the first. Our first prophet was Adam.

Second, realizing that every good thing I've ever experienced is in some way connected to Restoration of some Truth or Power. It's TRUE! My whole life has been blessed by the influence of the Restoration.

Third, realizing what exactly the Restoration has done for me. Think about it? Where and what would you be without it? I know I wouldn't be writing this blog for sure! For me it is as simple as this: Because of the Restoration I know exactly what my heart TRULY wants and I KNOW I can get it!

I know that Joseph Smith was indeed the instrument by which the FULLNESS OF TRUTH was Restored to the earth. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ did appear to him. I know that to be TRUE! My very life is evidence.

I love the TRUTH!