Henry B. Eyring on being Unashamed

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tinted visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am lifted up in prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed, will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the case of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me and when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me”.
- Elder Henry B. Eyring

David's Eagle Project!

I posted this on my facebook, but for you family members who aren't on facebook - here is a recap!

David turned 18 on March 12. He got his Life scout rank on September 10th 2008 (you have to be a life scout for six months before you can get your eagle) and he turned in his Eagle papers on March 10th, 2009 - exactly 6 months to the day after getting his Life, and 2 days before his 18th birthday. I'm just glad he decided he could do it, and then did it! What a great accomplishment - I am very proud of him!

He decided to refurbish at least 10 bikes and then donate them to Shepherd's Gate - a local women's and children's shelter. He got the bikes donated (thank you all who donated- You are wonderful!), set up two weekends for volunteers to clean, repair and refurbish the bikes. This usually meant cleaning off rust and dirt, wrapping handle bars, replacing tires, tubes, seats, and sometimes chains, and adjusting or replacing brakes and cables. We had a good turnout both weekends with many people volunteering from our ward, and even some of our good friends from Los Gatos came up to help! (Thanks guys!) We loaded all the bikes into a trailer and took them over to the shelter. They were in need of bikes - as most women there do not have cars - and use them as transportation - and also when women leave the shelter, they like to give them a bike for transportation. The wonderful lady we dealt with at the shelter made the comment that they seem to get whatever they need- that as soon as they have a need, someone will donate it. I thought that was pretty neat. There was a very good feeling there. David really worked on this project and it was a good experience for him. I hope it is a catalyst for doing service for the rest of his life.