I might have nightmares tonight…

I’m a bit creeped out by this artist’s work. I didn’t even bother to get the guy’s name.  Aaren…you’re a rockstar for sending me this link but seriously…I need another Prozac today.

www.cubebe.com/blog

www.SantaLetterz.com

I’ve started a small side project for the holiday season. Check out www.SantaLetterz.com. You can send personal letters from Santa Claus, Rudolph, Mrs. Claus, or Frosty. You can send letters to your kids, coworkers, friends, neighbors, or anyone you want. We have decided that we’re going go give $1.00 for each letter we sell this Christmas to a children’s charity. We’re always looking for more creditable charities. If you know of any please forward them a like to the site or send me an email.

I Haven’t Found the Right Person, Slash, Uncanny Ability to Find Flaws In Those I Date Trap

There is a very good article in the September 2007 edition of Ensign called “My Conversion to Eternal Marriage” by James Welch. It is an insightful article about how to get out of the “I haven’t found the right person-slash-uncanny ability to find flaws in those I date” trap. I encourage you to read it or to stick your tongue to the pages and try and rip it out of the magazine. (just because I said that someone will try it…you know they will).

I’m going to trade mark “I haven’t found the right person, slash, uncanny ability to find flaws in those I date trap”. Let’s make some t-shirts. They be up for sale in a few weeks on From the Trenches. That’s how people make money these days right? Making t-shirts. Check these out. www.8tees.com or www.sundaydriveshirts.com.  They are great.

This article made me think. I asked myself if I have a testimony of eternal marriage. I thought I did. I don’t have a testimony of eternal marriage. I’d be willing to bet that there isn’t a single person in the LDS-never-been-married community that does. It goes against the eternal laws that govern the Plan of Salvation. To gain a testimony of an eternal principle such as tithing, you have to obey the principle then as your faith and obedience are rewarded you gain a true testimony. Testimonies of individual principles are gained one at a time.

It was encouraging to see that I don’t have a testimony of this principle. It is great to realize that no matter how much I talk, write, or read about marriage, only after the test of my faith (more so of my wife’s faith) and marriage, I will truly have a testimony of this principle. I have a testimony of the blessings that come from obedience. I have a testimony that marriage is a commandment (I’m reminded every week by my mother, church curriculum, and my friend who threw their 20′s away for marriage). The testimonies I hold of two separate principles do not equal a testimony of marriage. I’m totally okay with that.

I do have a testimony of dates one through three, never letting my sisters set me up with their friends, and TiVo. Why do those who got married at age 18-22 insist that everyone should get married at that age? My sister, who is happily married with 3 kids, said, “Because misery loves company.” Those who get married before they can go to a club or rent a car have lost all credibility when it comes to pre-marriage relationship advice. Please don’t encourage others to dive head first into the kiddy pool.

Why do I have to wait while that guy who doesn’t brush his teeth gets to marry that girls who is HOT & RICH!

Topic: Oh dating…how I hate it with every fiber of my being, unless I like the girl and she likes me back. Under those circumstances it can be quite fun. Things like cute text messages, funny pictures, laughing like a little sissy, and mix tapes get involved. Sometime after that love becomes real, deeper, and more intense, so I’ve heard.

Tangent: I have been diagnosed with environmentally induced ADHD. I contracted this disease due to the many hours of my life I’ve spend under the benches in sacrament meeting drawing, looking for cheerios, or just trying not to kill myself due to the boredom I suffered during church. You should see the looks I get at the singles ward. “Who’s this 30 year old bald guy on the floor with the coloring book?” Well, screw you for judging me! I’ve been prescribed a cell phone with games. That has helped keep me in my seat, unless I get the high score on Bejeweled. Then I just get strange looks for cheering. You’d think people of my same faith would be happy for my accomplishments.

Editorial Notice: Due to my condition I will label my entries with “Topic”, “Tangent” or some other BOLD note at the first of the paragraph so you can read only the parts you’d like or read it all. I really don’t care as long as at some point in time you send me money.

Topic: I’ve determined that I’m going to use my “blog estate” here for absolute truths and real life experiences (I might flirt with some ‘trick here & there). This isn’t a place for lies and untruths so I’m just going to tell it to you straight. Kind of like Dr. Laura without the self-righteous, down speaking, and underlying judgement (unless it’s funny).

Tangent: Is Dr. Laura from Utah County? (Everyone from Utah County…SHUT-UP!  You did this to yourselves by being so lame!)

Topic: 1) There isn’t an guaranteed a+b=c formula to rid yourself of the LDS singles scene. Everyone’s journey is going to be different. Here is a little hint to why…IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE THAT WAY!

You need to accept it. If you can’t accept it then leave. I’ve seen people take the leap from different spiritual, educational, financial, emotional, and moral stages in life. I’m not saying that all of these people have had happy or successful marriages. I’m just saying that I’ve seen it happen…DAWWG.

Tangent: People who say DAWWG and really mean it should be man smacked-same with the guys who pop their collars, moms who dress like their teenagers, and emo dudes. Do you think emo guys’ little sisters get pissed when their brother wears their pants? I do.

Topic: When I find out people close to me are getting married I’m happy, I congratulate them. Sometimes cry because they are going to make the freakiest looking children I’ve ever imagined. Sometimes I’m angry because the marriage will be over in less then 24 months, I’m good friends with one, and I didn’t become a divorce lawyer! That’s a guaranteed client! Most of all I’m relieved because their marriage is not my decision, choice, or problem (unless they have a 2 day reception over Labor Day weekend, robbing you of your vacation! Todd! I can’t wait to ruin one of your vacations.)…so to all those aspiring Relief Society Presidents…DON’T GET INVOLVED.

We have all been through ups and downs. We’ve all had similar relationship woes in one form or another. Anyone can find sufficient excuses, self pity, doubt, and question why. I know that I did. I remember it vividly. I had just found out that someone I had been close to over a period of two years wasn’t who they said they were. I’d hoped for a future with this person but it just didn’t work out that way. In my pain and hurting I turned to the Lord. I’ve never felt more love and direction then during these few months. At this time I began asking why and when.

In the introduction of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, he explains the purpose of the book was to bring someone to Christ. He says that once someone has accepted Christ the religion or denomination they join thereafter, is up to them. He compares Christianity to a “hall” and the different “rooms” off of the hall to the various religions of Christianity. The journey begins in the “hall” but ultimate fulfillment and joy is found within one of the “rooms”. He explains that some people, once in the “hall” quickly identify and enter a room while others are “made to wait”. He doesn’t know why people are “made to wait” but councils that the wait is for their good and they are to pray more and remain diligent, hoping for more direction & light. He warns against “camping” or making yourself comfortable. He finished this analogy by justifying the additional wait time experienced by some by saying “once those who are made to wait finally enter into a room, they will find more joy, happiness, & fulfillment [then those who aren't made to wait].

While driving alone on I-15 somewhere between St. George & Las Vegas, I got my answer as to why. I’m still waiting for when…and her….

From the Trenches

I’ve started writing on a weekly basis for a blog.  The blog is called, From the Trenches: an LDS Singles Survival Guide. It was started by a few friends of mine.  It’s a great idea and a lot of fun.  Please check it out.  My screen name is -ish.