I'm Back!

I have just returned from a 2 year absence from the United States.

Where have I been?
India!

What was I doing?
Serving a two-year volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What does that entail?
I taught Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Atheist, and others alike about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What's the Restored Gospel?
The Restored Gospel is the truth of God brought again to the Earth. Through a living prophet God has revealed knowledge of His plan and how we can receive Eternal Life. This is made possible through obedience by exercising faith, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost and obeying the commandments throughout our lives.

More?
God is our Father and has taught His children truth throughout the history of the Earth. From the beginning he has spoken to messengers called prophets to help us understand where we came from, the purpose of our life, and how we can receive happiness and perfection after this life. God sent his Son, Jesus, to make it possible for each of us to overcome sin and death. Jesus Christ was the most important part of God's plan. He also taught truth and authorized individuals called Apostles to continue His work. Unfortunately, many people rejected the apostles and killed them. The result was the creation of many different churches with different teachings. God is one and has one truth. The confusion of His teachings presents a difficult situation for those who are seeking truth.

In 1820 a young man living in New York named Joseph Smith began looking for the Lord's church. He became confused with the different teachings of the pastors and their different interpretations of the Bible. He one day read in the Book of James, chapter 1, verse 5 which says: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him." Understanding that only God had the answer he needed, he went to a forest and offered a prayer asking which church he should join. God answered his prayer.

God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of God, appeared to Joseph and directed him not to join any of the churches that were currently on the Earth. They were good people but did not have the full Gospel or the authority to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. Jesus chose Joseph to become a prophet through whom He would reveal his word as He did in the past. Jesus sent angels to give the authority called priesthood to Joseph so that he could perform baptisms and confirmations. As evidence that the Gospel had been restored God revealed a book called the Book of Mormon. It contained the record of the ancient Americans between 600BC and 400AD and followed this people as they received the words of God. If read and prayed over God will confirm the truth of it through the Spirit.

Knowledge that this actually happened gives us confidence that God lives and loves us. That he has not changed and continues to guide us in truth just as he did in the past. If we learn that these things are true then we have knowledge of the path to Eternal Life and can receive the peace and strength we need now with the promise of greater rewards in the world to come.

It completely changed my life for the better. I went to share that with those in India. I'm going to keep sharing it with people I meet.

Links?
www.mormon.org
www.lds.org

More on the way.

Again

I apologize again. However, there is something that I've managed to make even while I've been burdened by Work and Failure to Achieve. It's a quiz, 50 questions on excel, and it's sweet. I'll upload it when someone explains to me how to get it up correctly, because Google Docs only uploads half of all the formulas.

Anyways, I'm almost done watching Into the Wild. I hate to be an advocate of any R rated movie, and I apologize for suggesting that you watch perfect movies like Fight Club, Pan's Labyrinth, American History X, and Sunshine. Some of these movies are just existential enough to be watched for their inherit truth, although imperfect in presentation. When a movie, as Jeff Martinez has defined, can make you step back, view the world in a different light, and change the way you live then it is worth seeing. I completely agree. Into the Wild is one of those movies.

***disclaimer: Get the edited version if you find one.***

I feel selfish, materialistic, and burdened from self-imposed criteria and societal standards. I'm political enough to make an argument when an issue is brought up, and I completely agree with the need for an organization of society and participation in it, but sometimes a good excursion into nature and an appreciation for the natural beauty of the earth and God's creations can do wonders.

That's why I liked going out to North Carolina so much. Getting to walk around in the mountains was awesome. Anyways, life: appreciate it.

P.S. I was reading comments on the movie on IMDB and I can't help but think a few things.
1. People (at least vocal internet users) have developed a severe case of ADD.
2. Art, beauty, and self-adventure hold little interest to casual movie viewers.
3. People would much rather argue via name-calling and profanity than with logical points.

P.P.S. I can't tell if anyone reads this and cares, so leave a comment if you want any more posts.

I'll Be Honest...

I'm a jerk.

Sorry to everyone that looks at this blog and now (correctly) assumes that it has nothing to offer.

In reality, I have some mp3s of some random new music that I've made, no new drawings, though I will be doing some of that as I travel to and from Massachusetts, and plenty of useless ideas and concepts that I can't remember at the moment.

However, I do plan on coming through on a new ambition of mine. The idea is to collect and compile the email and addresses of all of my friends who are on missions for easy access.

The end.

Egads! A New Post.

Sweet. So I'm back in Florida and absolutely loving it. I definitely prefer the heat to cold weather. Anyways, I've been hearing a lot from people regarding my last post, specifically the Mariposa/ work stuff, so cool beans, thanks for reading. Along those lines, I'm hoping to improve my financial gain by working at Verizon, making 11 to 12 an hour on the phone... hopefully, fingers crossed.

In other news, I got WoW (thats World of Warcraft for you n00bs.) I currently have a level 19 Night Elf Shadow Priest. W00t.

Enough of that.

Unfortunately though, my long post last time may have given you false hopes regarding my incredible power to woo through words in long and elaborate sentences. This, however, will be proven wrong right.... now. Seriously, that's the update, I have nothing more to say, sorry to make you wait so long for nothing. (good stuff coming soon.)

Sorry

I've been kind of busy lately, with finals and... Halo. Anyways, Josue's comment has reminded me that I haven't updated my blog in quite a while, and I might as well grace you all with my talents and abilities.

Ready?

This post is a triple threat, with Music, Art, and Rantings all force fed into a blender, poured into a baking pan and cooked on 350 for 40 minutes.

Music:
There have been some severe breakthroughs in musical genius-ness. I've made a good 5 or 6 more QUALITY pieces, and I'm thinking of adding vocals to one of them. Neat-O right? I'll have the new stuff up soon enough.

Art:
See above. I can scan some more stuff in and...
here it is:

Rantings:
I was thinking today about responsibility. Specifically about that old adage "What 'err though art do thy part." My first impression was, wow, that's random (to just think about,) but then I waxed profound. Whoever wrote that would be a famed reform rapper today. He would make
ridiculous word contractions (like Nelly (who is no good)) and rhyme, but would teach a valuable lesson to the impressionable young ones too... Awwww cute.

My mind quickly turned to more serious matters, as I was walking over to take a final. I realized that some jobs suck, but that people have to do them. I thought of my work at a Mexican restaurant name Mariposa (which means butterfly in Spanish... technically. It is more commonly used to call people gay.) I'm considering going back to work there, but realizing that I wouldn't be getting nearly as much money as I was getting there previously (due to wage cuts.) A bunch of my friends used to work there, but have quit due to their summer "needs" or various other reasons. I was fighting these random urges to be nice and "help them out" by returning to work there (I'm friends with the owners) until I realized that it's all about self interest really. They want quality workers who will work hard for the least amount of money.... but I want more money. They can't survive without the people who get stuck with the menial labor. Someone has to fill these jobs for the restaurant to survive. At the same time, it's too bad that those hardworking people have to get paid so little for their work. I guess what I'm trying to say is this: that it is important for everyone to work hard with the options they're given, but you often aren't tied to a specific role, in which case it is imperative to realize this and find a better one!

Also, I'm not a liberal.

Finally... A surprise extra entry!

Dear Josue,

I too have enjoyed the many years that we have been friends. It's fun to think back on those times when you've tried to pull off ridiculous stunts, failed, but found out that you're essentially immortal. I've liked playing too many hours of video games with you, working on yards, and just hanging around. But this makes it sound like we are no longer friends, which isn't the case.
Josue, you are very much my friend, and I don't hate you. I do, however, have trouble leaving Emily without the protection of her older brother, and that goes for Beth and Marie too. Not being in the same home, or even in the same state with them has been incredibly hard because if anything happens and they need me, I'm too far away to make a difference. I get to spend one last summer with them, but my role as protective older brother has to evolve beyond immediate physical protection now. That being said, all I want is for Emily to do what she wants, and not be caught in any situation that she is uncomfortable in.

Love, Kyle

The End.

The Things I Do...

That's Jack Winn for all of you who couldn't tell. That's right, the same Jack Winn who's link is staring at you on the right column of my blog.

The story goes like this...
"Hey Kyle, do you want to draw my self-portrait?"
"Isn't it not your self-portrait if I'm the one drawing it?"
"Whatever."

So I drew it (after a month and a half of procrastination.)

Tools: Paper, Techniclick .5 pencil. About 1.5 hours.

People and Their Bonds

It's not like it has been a recent observation, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that people, if not actively trying to obstruct the mobility of others, are subconsciously drawn to do so. That was a complicated sentence, so let me clarify. Everywhere I go there are people. In the way. Whether I'm trying to traverse a hallway, exit a room, or dance down the stairs, there are people. These are not moving people, ready to get to their destination. These are not moseying people, enjoying the environment and taking their time. These are stationary obnoxious people, unaware of the needs and wants of others.

Alright. That's the ranting. My point is not to hate the people, rather, perhaps, the science that causes them to do so.

I propose that there are bonds and attractions that cause humans, whether as individuals or groups, to stop their movement in inconvenient places. Based on my observations, and backed by countless documented experimentation, I have found that much like the molecular bonds we learn of in science class there are distinct and supernatural bonds that are activated in key areas of a building between individuals, causing people to stop their movement.


First, the locations. There is a direct correlation between the most efficient places to completely prevent the flow of moving people and the place where immobile people are stopped. These places are:
1. In doorways
2. In the middle of tight hallways
3. In the middle of stairs
4. A combination of the above

Second, the methodology. As I have previously mentioned, this strange bonding of people to the ground can occur with individuals or as groups. The most common scenario being the multiple people. It occurs even more frequently between people who are either see each other very often (like a couple) or between long lost friends. These are the strongest of bonds, resulting in a stationary state for times in excess of five minutes.

There are isolated case however, that have shown a single person to cease movement and bind himself to the floor. Often, he or she will not decelerate, but will instantly come to a halt. To this day science has been unable to explain why this occurs.

Clearly these people are attracted to the floor and these inconvenient places by some natural and invisible force. I'm sure that it's tied to the laws of sociology, psychology, and obnoxicology. As my research continues I will be sure to keep you posted. Also, if you have any personal insight, do share.

Exciting News = My New "Album" is Out!

So that's what the cover album looks like.


So basically, my "release" of this album (new vision) is basically just me being done with it. It's off my hands now. If you've listened to Starfruit or Exploration then congratulations, you are one of a whole four people. Oh, also, you know two of the songs on my album.

Anyways, if you're reading this, again, if you're one of those four, then you probably know me and I'll just give you the songs (and then hit you up for money.) In the extremely unlikely chance that I do not have the ability to get into physical contact with you, and you actually want the songs on this album, then I'll send them to you via the internets.

The songs from the album are in the sidebar now.

Oh, and what do you think of the album art?

Random Thoughts

Okay, so I was walking along today and thought of how I was spending my time. As it turns out, I was coming back after attempting to do some service, but was sent away, due to my clothing choice (or lack thereof (I'm just kidding.)) Anyways, so I got to thinking about how I spend my time and how one way of spending my time may be better than another, and why. In this case, I decided to use money gain as the determining value. This of course hardly covers much of the worthiness of one's time, but give me a break.

Anyways, so I was thinking that when you spend your time sitting around and doing nothing, you are not profiting. This would cover doing service, or socially beneficial things of the sort that do not have any actual measurable gain, which is a shortcoming of the graph.

If you happen to not be doing anything with your time but gaining money for doing nothing, then congratulations, everyone hates you. This situation would render a person rich for nothing, the wish that every person still hopelessly binds to.

If, perhaps, you find yourself putting forth your time towards earning money, and succeeding, then you have put yourself in a valiant position. You are the working force.

Rankings?
I would put service, even though it profits the person nothing but uses their time, at number one best use of time (because I'm a sucker for the sentimental things.) Next goes the infinitely efficient money for nothing, followed closely by working for money. Putting forth time and effort and receiving no reward is like seventh or something, because it is an uber waste of time.

So, this post made little sense, and if it did make sense, then it probably wasn't very worthwhile sense, meaning you've just earned yourself a spot in the seventh place of my ranking system for wasting your time and gaining yourself zero profit. I, on the other hand, have been practicing my writing and persuasion skills, I win a spot at number three. Booyah.

Exciting news is coming soon, so look out.

Religion Anyone?

Recently, in my aforementioned mission prep class in fact, we learned about a guy who put his testimony as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (what is commonly referred to as the "Mormon church" up on his blog. You can find that here: http://truthisrestored.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Conversion%20Story

I really like the idea. You see, the problem that I'm finding is that there is a lot of anti Mormon propaganda on this here internet. I am a strong believer in people being allowed their opinions (I myself have many opinions) and the internet is a valid place to vocalize and discuss these opinions. Unfortunately, when it comes to the LDS church, there is little debate between if the church is good or bad, which doctrines people agree with it, or other things of that nature. Rather, the "discussion" that pops up everywhere is just blatant flaming of the church. I don't understand why there's so much of that going on, but that's not really the matter at hand, the fact remains that there is a lot and it's unsettling.

That's where I as a Mormon come in. It isn't really my job to post ALL CAPS RESPONSES fighting what has been posted on youtube. It wouldn't make a difference for me to write furious posts to editorial authors. I will have little influence in those parts of the internet because the people posting anti-mormon literature and videos don't really care about my side of the story. The fact is, the people who post those sorts of things are convinced that they are right. To them, that is how the world is. They were probably taught as a child growing up, or as a member of another church organization, or as an avid internet browser that the Mormon church is bad. I on the other hand have grown up in the church. I have attended church very close to every Sunday since I was born (honestly, I end up missing like 2 sundays a year max.) This being the case, I am quite familiar with the church, and because of this I have a little insider knowledge. If I were to preach to you and state facts about the church, you could easily ignore me and deny what I say. Like I said, that is your choice, and I don't argue with it. However, I can share how the church has blessed my life, and the testimony I have that accompanies this.

I was born in August of 1989 and grew up under some of the most amazing people in the world, my parents. Going to church meetings and progressing by my age through church classes as I grew up I was familiar with many of the basic principles of the gospel. I sang children songs like "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" and "Give Said the Little Stream." I learned how to be reverent and got to stand in front of others in my primary and show them that I knew how to be quiet and fold my arms. At eight I decided to be baptized and gained the companion of the holy ghost. At twelve I received the Aaronic priesthood and went home teaching with my father. I had the opportunity to serve others through various group service projects and through the Boy Scouts program. I went into the Temple and performed baptisms for the dead, allowing those that have passed from this physical world to be able to accept the gospel. I developed my testimony through earnest scripture reading, both of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I developed a relationship with my heavenly father through prayer. And I developed a love of others through serving them. Now that I'm eighteen I'm at Brigham Young University. I have the awesome ability to take religion classes that mold me in my spiritual growth. And now I am preparing myself to be able to go on a two year mission for my Heavenly Father.

I have a testimony of my Heavenly Father. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ his son, my brother and my savior. I know that it is through the atonement that I can be forgiven of my sins and be allowed to enter into Heaven to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus, and with my family for eternity. I know that Jesus Christ prayed to our Father and took on the sins that I, and every other person on the earth, would commit and that he was then crucified by the very same people that he had asked God to forgive. I know that Jesus Christ performed miracles, that he fed those that came to hear him speak an endless meal of bread and fish, that he helped the blind to see, and the lepers to be healed, the sickly to be healthy, the crippled to walk, and that he raised the dead.

I have a testimony of the Holy Ghost, the third and physically separate member of the Godhead. That it is through the Holy Ghost that the gospel is able to go forth. That the Holy Ghost testifies to those that will listen of the truthfulness that is taught.

I have a testimony of Joseph Smith. That he actually did kneel in a forest and pray to Heavenly Father and Jesus for help on what church to join. That he was attacked by Satan, who attempted to prevent him from receiving revelation. That Joseph Smith actually saw and spoke to Heavenly Father and Jesus, who told him not to join any of the churches that Joseph Smith had been contemplating. I know that Joseph smith was the righteous vessel through which the same gospel that Jesus taught when he was on the earth was able to be restored to our day. That the God he taught and testified of was the same God that saved Jonah from the Whale, the same God that allowed Moses to free the Jews, the same God that protected Daniel from the lions, the same God that loves and watches over us today.

I have a testimony of living prophets. I know that we have not been left to our own devices in this period of time. That the same revelation that was given to messengers of God throughout history, is still around today. That this very day Thomas S. Monson is prompted by Heavenly Father on how to administer to this generation of people.

I have a testimony of the priesthood. That the power of God can be administered righteously through humble servants to accomplish what needs to be done on the earth. That through faith miracles can still be performed and received. That even today the sick can be healed and people protected by the power of Heavenly Father.

I know that temples are houses of God. That the buildings that are erected all over the world are more than just pretty stone, they are sacred places where the ordinances that need to be performed can be. That the marriages that occur in them are eternal and that families that are sealed can be together for all time in their righteousness.

I know that missionary work is an essential part of progressing the gospel that I am very excited to be a part of. I know that others can be blessed by knowing of the eternal plan of happiness that is the whole reason that we have come to this earth. That by choosing to come to earth and receive a body is one of the best choices we have ever made. That by trying as hard as we can to follow God's commandments and taking part in the atonement that we can be happy and that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.

I know that I have loving parents that have cared for me so much and done their best with me in every aspect of my life. I know that I have beautiful sisters that are going to grow up and become even more amazing than they already currently are. I know the love I have for them and the love that they have for me is enormous, and yet pales in comparison to the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus have for all of us.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is built upon a sure foundation. That the principles and teachings that are taught by members of the church who receive revelation by the Spirit are true and can be found in the scriptures and confirmed by prayer.

I love the gospel, Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the eternal Plan of Salvation.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.





Feel free to comment. Ask questions. Be level-headed please.