Pioneer Day?

Apparently in Utah, there is a day where no one works, and everyone parties and gets together, and barbecues, etc. It's not celebrated anywhere else. It's Pioneer Day. Growing up in Arizona, I knew about Pioneer Day, but we didn't throw any huge celebrations. 

Pioneer Day is the commemoration of the day that the Latter-day Saints, being led by Brigham Young, entered the Salt Lake Valley on 24 July 1847. The Latter-day Saint Pioneers traveled thousands of miles across prairies, through rivers, and over mountains to obtain their promised land. The place where they would erect "the temple of our God." The place where the church would fluorish and find solace and refuge from those who wished and tried to tear them down and destroy them. 

After over 160 years, the Saints still have peace and solace along the Wasatch Front of the Rocky Mountains. Spreading clear up and down the Mormon Corridor and eventually around the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow and fluorish.

Living in Provo, Utah and being a member of the LDS Church, I observe the day that the Pioneers entered what would become their home. Such events would ultimately allow for millions of people including myself to one day join the Mormon Church and enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel. 

As I drove back from Phoenix last week, I looked at the mountains up close and from afar. How amazing it is that the Pioneers were given the strength to cross such dangerous terrain and climb such intense mountains to reach their future home. Clearly, the journey was not easy, and from records and evidence it was very hard. Oh, but how grateful I am and how grateful many are for the sacrifice of the Saints. For their diligence in obtaining a home, that the church might be built up and spread throughout all the world. That families might have joy in safety, in peace, and in the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

This is His church. They didn't travel thousands of miles just to leave behind terror and the face of adversity. They moved west for us. They knew that what they loved and what they would ultimately die for was real. They yearned to see their children taught in the ways of righteousness. They yearned to see their grandchildren take the gospel to the ends of the earth. They in no way crossed the plains for themselves, but for us. They suffered, for us. Many of them died, for us. They wept and struggled, for us. I would consider myself a modern-day pioneer, but I don't dare put myself in the same category as them. Their adversity is much and their faith is great. How grateful I am for the courage and faith of the Latter-day Saints in that day. Because of them, I found the truth. 

Phoenix, You'll Always Be Mine

I spent 5 days this week in Phoenix, Arizona where I grew up and lived for 20 years until I left on my mission. Going in the middle of July was.....smart? It was hot.....really hot, but I enjoyed it. I hadn't had a Phoenix summer in 4 years, with the mission, selling pest control, school, etc. I will tell you though, 5 days was plenty. I sweat enough for 4 more summers away.

Seeing my family was great. It's always nice to see them and to feel of their love in person instead of over the phone or Skype.

Here are some pics from the trip:

The Phoenix Temple is near completion and should open in October or November.

Brennan, Grandpa, and I

Sarah, Brianna, Veronica, and I. Basically my second family. Growing up with them, there was never a dull moment and everyday was an adventure. Brianna just recently graduated from college and I couldn't be happier for her! Her and I have been best friends for 10 years now, and I don't doubt that we will be best friends for many, many years to come.

Family favorite :) finally got some real Mexican food! Haha

These are just some pics from the drive. Edited of course. What pics don't I edit anymore?

The trip was great. The friends and family were even better.