Easter Sunday and Christ shown in friends.

Easter Sunday. Christ shown in friends.

Today my good friend Heidi Allen invited me over for a potluck dinner. It was a nice evening filled with laughs and enjoyment. I'd make the story long and detailed but I need to retire to bed soon so just imagine a splendid evening with everything that comes with it.

The best part was that one of the girls said that she wanted to express the blessing of Easter and our testimonies of Christ. I really do miss sharing my testimony of Christ for sharing and bearing it is what make it grow and become stronger. And so we turned out guy vs girl war of a conversation into a united testimony of Christ by way of a spiritual hymn entitled "Army of Helaman/Sister in Zion" duet. I don't really know the office title of that particular song.

None the less Heidi sang us a song she composed and it was one of the most beautiful and spiritual songs that I heard. It touch and moved my soul deeply. And while listening to the melody I had the thought come to my mind

"My most valued friends are not the cool people but those the inspire me. They will be the ones I remember the longest in life."

And so the story goes that I realized that I want to have Jesus as my best friend and sit around with Him and talk to Him like I do people here. I might have that chance in this life but I did see that each of us has a part of Christ in them especially as we develop Christlike attributes. And so when we are in good company we are in a sort in the presence of Christ and we can bask in His glory.

So remember to be you best to others so that they may learn a little more about who Christ really is. For I know that I learn the most about Him when others are striving to be like He would be. It usually is a more powerful lesson to me then work in a book and ink on a page. Seeing a sermon preach has a more powerful effect than listening to it.

And I think that is how Jesus taught best. Do as I am doing. Come follow me. That is my perception of the week. I know that He lives and He loves us with a pure love. Even charity, which is His pure love. And I go now and leave that short story with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Happy Easter. God bless.


Brandon.

Rebirth

March 6, 2011

Its been a while since I have done my weekly news letter. And frankly I miss them. They were a blessing in my life and they were a blessing to others. So why did I stop? Well, laziness and forgetfulness. But I have felt strongly to restart them again.

So here I am, another great Sunday. Times in this last year were up and down. I had a lot of experiences that shaped me into a new person. A better person. I've had some rougher parts of my character chiseled away while other qualities developed.

So this will be short for I have to get up early in the morning. I've decided to try a new life style change where I get up with the sun and work while the day is young. Well, through the whole day. Then play in the night.

The blessing of the day. Today I felt myself have charity for others. I talked my friend Kylynn and listend to her life. I felt a true intrest in my friend and have no other desire than her happiness. She told me of a boy she liked and how she wanted to date him and all those cute things.

I find this girl attractive and part of me would like to date her but the charity part of me didn't care if she like me back or not. I was more interested in her happiness and wellness as a person. It mattered not who she dated, weither it was me or another, what matter is that she was happy, and that made me happy.

Even later that night my friend Robin hit me in the face. Normally I would have been upset and angry but I found that I was more interested in wanting to make her life happy than worry about myself and how I was feeling. In fact the more I tried to make her happy the more I felt peaceful myself. The more I try and serve and bless others life the more I feel like Jesus, and that is a great and peaceful feeling to have.

I know that I am far from being like the Savior but the fact that I've seen myself take one step closer to becoming like the Master does bring great joy into my soul. It is a great feeling to have. It make me hopeful for life. It makes me feel like I am really progressing.

I miss being devoted to God. I miss putting Him first. I feel like I've been letting other things come before Him and I seen that His blessing aren't as apparent. But today is a new day. And I am reclaiming the older parts of my life that brought the greater blessing. I want to become my best self put pulling in the best parts of my life and striving to live them.

So I also thank each of you who reads this blog. Those who read about my life. I am striving to make these letter easy and enjoyable to read while putting my soul into them. This is my heart and what matter to me most. And sharing it with the world makes it even more meaningful to me. Sometimes it scares me to share what I feel but the blessing of sharing it are so worth it. I feel a burning in my bosom, a fire inside me, that propels me forward into an eternal and happy life.

Thank you and God bless.

Brandon Fegenbush.

Sep 20, 2009 - During the Break.

Hey everybody!

This is what been going on in my mind.

I been wanting to write my weekly letter. I feel that I need to tell everything going on. I struggle to know what to say or how to say it so I end up not writing at all. Then sometimes I read some papers or letter that are extremely long and I lose interest. So I try and design a letter that will appeal to you, keep your interest and be an enjoyable read.

So after struggling with this I am just gonna try and write a little bit each week. A couple main points. I am also going to try and start a blog site so I can make it look even better and add pictures to it. That will cut out about a 1,000 words (since pictures are worth that)

My last letter I was probably leaving Disney world. After leaving that magical place I went back to school in Idaho. When on weird dating patterns. Five dates a week and two in some nights. After being frustrated by beautiful girls I stop taking people on dates. Then I was learning about time management and I need to put time in each week for dating. So I went to try for three dates a week.

I declared myself as a communication major. Got a C+ in my Time Management class because I was procrastinating (Yea, I know. Ironic) Joined the cheer squad. I bleed from being hit (more like bit because his teeth hit me) forehead by another cheerleader. I did a cheer stunt in the pool and hit my head on the bottom. I came up bleeding from that too.

After surviving cheer leading and the rest of school I traveled to Oregon. I did plan to go around and visit people but I didn't have the funds. So I ended up working for my step-dad's office scanning documents. That was interesting because I wanted to spent more time with my family and make some good memories but I ended up seeing my step-dad in a new way. He is a great doctor and employer and I have a new level of respect for him. I never knew how much good he did for other people. That was a great blessing to bond more with him and know more about my family.

Now I am back at school with a busy school schedule. I have tons of reading to do. I also ran into Summer (the girl I liked a lot, kissed and then everything blew up in my face). We talked about are friends again. I even got into one of her classes. I seen that I have grown a lot since last years. My desires are different and how I see people. I also learned to be more open with others and tell them what I am thinking or feeling. I used those newly developed skills with Summer to resolve our past concerns.

I might be finishing up my general education requirements this semester. Human Biology is a interesting class but there is a lot to learn. My communications classes are the most interesting and enjoyable. I love the material.

Everything seems to point me into a direction of focus and order. I started the school year helping new freshman become familiar with school. I am a sorta guide or mentor (or maybe even a parent type) to them. I am also the Family Home Evening group leader (they call this the "dad") so I am in charge of getting us together and doing things. I am also in the University Choir so that will help me be unified with others.

I also dance with my roommate at random and we got caught on film. Were now on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=henuucoZseI. I warn you that we are pretty silly... and we don't sing on key... or dance to the beat... which probably makes it all the funnier. I am gonna get a camera and start making pictures and videos to go with these updates. You might be able to enjoy my news better.

Lastly, a great blessing. My Saturday was really hard because I spent most of it trying to do all my homework and get ahead. I gave up the trip to the lake and the caves to do it. Would been a great trade if I had finished my homework. But I didn't. So I felt really angry at myself for my unfocusedness and slow ability to read.

When I went to church today, the first speaker spoke about adversity. The second talked about time management. It seems like God prepared both talks for me. I think He really just prepared me to hear those talks. It let me know once again there is a God watching over me and helping me along the way. By the time church ended I was feeling so good and happy. I was ready for life. I started getting a lot things done and planing my life. I am feeling great now.

As I was thinking about the events of yesterday and today. I noted that when I was feeling bad I was looking forward to today because I know that this day always helps me out. I am grateful that I have this perspective.

Till next time.

Brandon Fegenbush. Your BYU-Idaho student.

May 17, 2009 - Waffle Love and Mouse Cake

May 17, 2009

Oh how my soul Is filled with joy this day. All around me is filled with light. I feel confidence. I feel clean.  I feel worthy.

I gaze out my window and feel free as a bird. Life is great and the blessings are coming down upon us from the windows of heaven. The sky is a blue sea while we are the treasure below the surface. Priceless gems worth more than anything else in this world.

I woke up this morning just like other days feeling good about life. It was one of those great days we all get to have.

Mike, my roommate, made breakfast for me. Waffles with whip cream, jam, syrup, and caramel. Nothing says love like freshly cooked food when you wake up.

The sun shone all around Rexburg today. Our open windows let the warm breeze through the home. In the background we have the Mormon Tabernacle Choir playing its soft melodies to invite the spirit.

I talked to my bishop today. I am worthy before the Lord! It feels so go to be able to go to the temple, partake of the sacrament, and be able to give blessing. My life is so great!

We did a sweet activity this past week. It was a date auction. The girls and guys made desserts, nice desserts, and auctioned them for dates. It was a blind auction, meaning no one knew who made which dessert.

Mine was pretty much amazing! A cake in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head. The girls who bid for that one got a double deal because it was for me and my other roommate Brandon (yea, we have the same name and rock it). We are both very good looking guys with lots of great talents to offer.

In fact, all my roommates are amazing! Tait is studying Mechanical Engineering and made the clock that sits in our living room. Mike is a stud and makes people around have confidence in themselves. Burt is an Idaho boy with a chill personality and giant potato gun. Cody is a cool farm kid who off roads, shoots gun and flies planes.

Oh, and Brandon is one of the most amazing guitar players I know and can melt anyone’s one heart with his talent. We also build each up spiritually. He is a great example to me. Always praying, reading and caring an aura of happiness. Our apartment is basically amazing.

Summer is here and everyone is excited. Everyone is going out and I am managing about 3 or 4 dates a week. Top one the list right now is Gracie and Laurin. Both are very beautiful and catch my interested very much. There are so many beautiful girls around. So many. J

I got something really interesting for you. Guess what. I am a cheerleader. Lol. Crazy isn’t it. If you want to make fun of me it’s okay because I would probably do the same. I am really just a stunt dude, meaning I throw girls up in the air. And catch them. That my job.

I can grab a girl, throw her up, catch her feet in my hand, and extended my arms above my head and lock them. Then I drop her and catch her in my arms. It’s pretty sweet! I got a video of it on my phone.

School is great and I love all my classes. I have declared myself as a communications major. Turns out I like to talk to people and I am rather good at it.

Much love,

Brandon Fegenbush

July 5, 2009 - Quiet 4th

Quiet 4^th

                Rexburg’s population was cut in half this weekend. It looks like one out of every six students remained behind while thousands of others flocked to different parts of the U.S. to be with family and friends.

                I took advantage of the peace and quiet and relax this weekend. It was a nice change to do homework without pressure or distraction but I also noticed a lack of motivation and efficient of time.

                On the 4^th I just hung around my apartment complex, shoot romans candels and watch people have a good time.

Mentor for Get Connected. Partner Carlie.

                A current project I am doing is called Get Connected in which I help new freshmen come to school and catch the spirit of Rick (a moto to be good people and helps others. To be Christlike.) As a mentor I am a leader of other voulenteers to help these new students.

                I have been paired with a great girl named Carlie and we have a blast together. We do improto Ninja Destructinos games, feed off each other personalities and share personal insights.

                The process to choose the volenties and know where to place them come by direction of the spirit. As we chose people together we would feel strong about one person and have no feeling about another. What was really cool was that every person I didn’t have a feeling about Carlie did and it was vice versa for me. What a bonding experience!

Cheerleading pool accident.

Time Management

                In a recent church meeting we were given instructions about time management which was ironic because I have a online class about it which I was procrastinating.  Ironic. I know. This past week and most my homework focus over the holiday break was on this topic.

                Its an odd principle. Managing time will give me more time. Not that time is created but I will have done more with what I was given. Even the reason I have written this letter was because of that class. I put it on my to-do list.

                Setting goals and accomplishing them. Not always easy to do but worth the effort. I was also astounded by how much time I waste. Record what you do for a day. Reflect on it. I can tell you that there will be something you can improve on. Some time that can be better spent somewhere else.

There is Light in the cave.

May 24, 2009 - Memorial Weekend is Quite.

May 24, 2009

The town of is quite. Businesses and building are close to empty. The days are bright and sunny and while the nights are cool with clouds. The sunsets are a master piece of art by the Great Creator. Plans are being made, homework is attempted and relationships are blooming. This is Rexburg.

Memorial week is upon us. Students are traveling all over the country. Classes aren’t till Wednesday so we have a break to catch up on homework or get sweet on that special someone.

Our ward went to Civil Defense caves this past Friday. I had a girl, Gracie, who was suppose to come with me but she got sick. I tried to get her well, so I got some oranges and localized honey. The first makes you feel good and the second for allergies. It worked and she felt better! But it was the next day L so the caves weren't as fun.

Being out there is still amazing. Some students pulled out a couple guitars and a drum. Music floated into the night. We gathered around the blazing fire and sat on the cool earthy ground. The smell of smores filled the air. The flap on the bottom of my shoe served as a good holding spot for my roasting stick.

My plans continued to fall apart the next day. The plan was to splash around in Monkey Rock, a local swimming area/water fall, and go to some hot springs. Even today I was supposed to make bread with another girl. I am not sure why it all fell apart and it was rather discouraging but I trust that all things will work out.

I went to the temple yesterday and that boosted my spirits up. As I was leaving I felt to look for a scripture to guide me. I cleared my mind and felt prompted to read 2 Nephi 22:2(an excerpt from Isaiah quoted to the Nephites). I opened to it and read:

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.”

It filled me with hope for the future, especially when I don’t understand why things don’t work out.

I am also doing a challenged to read the Book of Mormon in 30 days. I have about two days left before I finish it. It takes anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 hours to read a day. It’s been a sacrifice that has been blessed back upon my head.

Spending that time with God has opened up more time for me. I am able to accomplish more in less time. I see miracles. Everything seems to just work out.

On top of that my days are better. By small things great things come to pass.

Life is great! I love it. And side note: I learned a new song on the guitar. J

Hope you have a great week!

Much love,

Brandon

P.S. I wrote this in the afternoon and am editing at night. Because of prayer and fasting I understand a little why things didn’t work out and what I should be doing now. God does answer our prayers.

May 5, 2009 - Back at school!

Brandon Fegenbush is back at school surrounded by books, lessons, and girls! What is one to do when there are some many choices before you? Being highly favored of the Lord and having blessing which there isn’t room enough to receive them (paying my tithing adds greatly to these blessing) give many choices in life.

What should I do with so much before me? The answer I feel and been enjoying is that of trying it all out. Following the feelings of my heart is the best guide in this great sampling of life. Each book contains great teachings in them, from the powerful scriptures to a collection of literary works.

I have taken up a challenge by my bishop to read the Book of Mormon in 30 days. Its take about an hour or two from my day to follow this counsel and I have seen great blessing. Some of these blessing include: more time for school work and social life, increased joy and confidence, spiritually knowledge and power and a brighter hope for things which are to come are some of which I experience. My Litature class is bringing to life many great works of old. And I am anxious to finish the Twilight series when I get some free time.

My apartment consists of all new roommates named Brandon, Tait, Mike, Cody and Bert. We all teach each other by example and love. We are tight like unto a dish and every night we gather together and name off blessing that we have received that day before we pray. It has brought a great feeling of peace and love into our home.

Classes are sweet and I have declared myself as a communications major. My spelling and sentence structures are improving. You might see some of that in this letter. On top of that I hope that my letters will be more often and shorter with more meat and power in them. Precise and to the point.

Speaking of to the point, I have been getting to the point with the women at school. This semester it is all about following my heart and just talking to, flirting with and asking out girls that I am interested in. Even today in class I sat next to a girl I don’t know very much, struck up a conversation and asked her out for Saturday. This new found boldness is a blessing from God and has gotten be about eight dates in the past two week being at school. My personal goal is at least three dates a week. Details on those to come. I’ll make a section for it.

Elder Bednar came to BYU-I and spoke out against time consuming online game and social networks. I thought I was amazing because I used to suffered from that problem of video game addiction and now I am free and his words confirmed to me that what I chose to do was right. It feels so good to do what right and follow the spirits great blessings. Reading about the travels of the children of Israel gives us great hope. Security.

Over all I feel great and extremely blessed to be at school. Recent great events are: My uncle Steve got baptized into the church, my dad’s birthday (he should be 50),

Life is great! Chose the right. Much love and appreciation..

-Brandon Fegenbush