Religion and Science

With all the science in the world, we need faith in God, whenever faith in ourselves has reached its limit. (Werhner von Braun, July 18, 1965)

I know that religion and science are important to have together. As Elder Richard G. Scott, a known nuclear engineer, once said..there are two ways to find truth. You can find through the scientific method or through the Holy Ghost and personal revelation. You find different truths through each way. Through the scientific method, we have found the age of the universe and the earth, how the earth is always changing, evolution, weather..etc... Through revelation and the Holy Ghost, who is sent to us by our loving Heavenly Father, truths are revealed about the existence of God, the existence of faith, the existence of a living prophet who is our guide from our Heavenly Father...etc...

Science and religion complement each other. I know this is true.

The Outdoors

I could write pages on this glorious subject, but I will try to summarize it ;).

Ever since the first time my dad took my brothers and sisters and I on a camping trip, I have slowly gained a testimony of the glory of our Heavenly Father...the high-rising mountains against the blue sky, the canyons of Arizona (full of wonderful formations, waterfalls, and wildlife), the rivers of the mountainous West, the lands of sweet-smelling sagebrush, etc...I could go on and on. I love going outdoors and feeling His love in everything I see, feel, touch, hear, and taste. No matter where I am away from the city, I can find peace as I get away from the bustle, meditate, and feel and know the glory and wonder of God's creations.

I know that we are blessed with a beautiful world in which we live in. He has given us these places to go to and ponder/meditate and enjoy His creations. I feel like I grow closer to my Heavenly Father every time I take time in His world...away from the city. No matter where it is...watching the starry night on a backpacking trip, floating down the blue river, hiking through the towering mountains, standing amongst the Idaho sagebrush, etc...I can find His love.

Naknek AGS Fish Canary

Well, I really loved my month experience in Naknek, Alaska. I went there with my two sisters, Rachel and Rebekah, and our friend, Rachel Roos. I had the opportunity to gain a greater love for hard work and the importance of it. I know that we can learn great lessons about hard work. But remember that we must have diligence but not "run faster than we have strength"

I also love the beauty of the river which comes out of Bristol Bay as I stand on the dock of the canary. I watch the boats fish in the river and I admire the wonderful creations...like the rolling hills, the green trees, the beautiful flowers, the sun in the sky...which our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. I feel His love as I sit there and ponder.

Don't get me wrong..there were many difficult times. I struggled at times to keep going, but the thing which brought me through was my Heavenly Father's and my Savior's love for me. I knew that everything would be alright.

I can't wait to go back..if situation permits...and enjoy another month or month and a half in Alaska. I met many awesome people, and I enjoyed the peace of my Heavenly Father's love.

Forgiveness

Whenever I think of the miracle of forgiveness, I think of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. He, through the Atonement, experienced every sin of all mankind. He knows what we are going through. If we only become like a little child and humble ourselves before Him, He will wrap His loving and merciful arms around us. He will forgive us.
One story I always enjoy is that of the adulterous woman. She was brought by some pharisees to Christ and was accused of breaking the sacred law of chastity. Christ, knowing the full desires of the hearts of the children of men, forgave the daughter of our Heavenly Father,
"When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:10-11)
If we turn to Christ in humility and repent of our sins, He will forgive us of those sins and not remember them anymore.

My Family

I have my mom and my dad. My mom is a stay-at-home mom for the most part. She is sometimes a substitute for the elementary schools in the district. My dad works as a nuclear engineer at INL.

I have two older brothers, Luke and Jacob. Luke is married to Karen Wilford Cottam. They live in Layton, Utah. He graduated from BYU-Idaho in Mechanical Engineering and is now working at Hill Air Force Base as a civilian. Jacob is going to school at Idaho State University with his masters in Pharmacy. He has already gotten a Bachelors. He is currently working at the Walgreens pharmacy in Blackfoot. Luke went on a mission to Birmingham Alabama and Jacob went on a mission to Baton Rouge Louisiana.

I have two younger sisters who are twins. Rachel and Rebekah are both at BYU in their second year. Rachel has a major of Music Education and Rebekah has a major of Music.

Friends and Family

Well, it's been a great semester. I have met alot of great friends here in Greenbrier and at BYU-Idaho. They have all changed my life in many ways..in ways they don't even know.
I am reminded of what President Gordon B. Hinckley said about three things a recent convert needs. One of them is a friend. That is very true. No matter who you are, you need a friend. Friends help you get through this difficult and hectic life.

I'd like to thank my family also for their wonderful examples for me. They always teach me how I can improve in life.