![]() ![]() When I was younger, I would do a lot of white-water canoeing and my twin brother was generally the one in the canoe with me. If you have talked to me for more than five minutes in the last six months you already know all about it and I have tried to recruit, and in some cases, guilt you into coming to try it. ![]() In April of this year, I joined a community canoe club: Lāhui ‘o Ko’olauloa. ![]() My “just try” attitude led me to another more recent blessing too. To know in my soul the Lord’s love, and to have a passion to share what I have learned while on this blessed journey of becoming a follower of Christ. To find and be sealed to an eternal family and to this amazing job and opportunity. I do know that because of my brave step to “just try…” has led me to amazing things. So, while I feel confident in the fundamentals of the Church -say your prayers, read your scriptures, go to church, popcorn pops on apricot trees, and that once there was a snowman – I don’t feel adequate in ministering to adults. Since they figured out after the first 10 minutes of meeting me that I didn’t play the piano, I spent the rest of my time in Louisiana either in Primary or nursery. Needless to say, I was grateful for the help unpacking and for their fellowship that day. How they knew which apartment was mine and somehow managed to know right when I’d arrive, I’ve never figured out. The elders helped me pack up my moving truck and 37 hours later when I pulled up to my new apartment in Louisiana the Relief Society was there waiting for me to help me unpack it. Fasting and earnest prayer can change hearts as proven in my baptism, and it’s not so easy to disappear into the woodwork when you have a determined bishop. If this whole LDS thing doesn’t work out no one will ever know… I’ll just try… Well, I learned a couple of important lessons that month. I thought I’d give it a try, what could happen? I’ll be moving across the country at the end of the month to start my Ph.D. I was so embarrassed, but they were so sincere and kind about it that I decided to get baptized. However, one Sunday the missionaries told me that the next fast and testimony Sunday all the missionaries in Ohio were going to fast for my conversion. At this time, I was feeling good about the Church, but I still had a ton of questions about it and wasn’t 100% committed to it. I ended up getting baptized right at the end of my master’s program. I investigated the Church off and on for about two years before I was baptized. I didn’t join until I was about 25 years old. I’m going to count to three and then I want everyone to say, “Just try.” Are you ready? You need to be brave here for a second. The first part of a motto I want to share with you is: “Just try…” Some of these mottos have helped me be confident. These mottos have driven me and helped me through some tough times, some unsure times. One of the things that has given me strength are some well-loved mottos or catch phrases. Aloha! I’m humbled to be here and for the chance to share some of my thoughts with you today. ![]()
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