Missionary experiences. Something every Mormon wants to have with someone else. An opportunity to tell someone about the church and possibly help them understand more about our beliefs and to clear up stereotypes.
Stereotypes are a big one. For example, I was at a friends house the other day and saw a show called Mormons in America, we clicked on it just to see what it was saying. Turns out, it was a show on polygamists and how they are in America. What??? No wonder everyone believes Mormons practice polygamy because Destination America has TV shows portraying us as polygamists. Anyway, that's what missionary experiences are for.
You don't have to be 18 or 19 to be a missionary. Just by telling someone about the church makes you a missionary. It's always a great thing to be at a young age. It's always amazing having those opportunities to spread the gospel. And honestly, during a bleak moment where you are arguing with someone about stupid things can strangely turn into a missionary experience.
For example, I was arguing about POLITICS with some random kid on Instagram. It was so stupid and meaningless. Well, we finally realized how stupid it was and we both were just like dude let's stop this is a really dumb argument. So where does the missionary experience come into play? Afterwards, he then asks me what its like being Mormon. So I tell him and we are going back and forth and I decide to talk to him in a direct message instead of publicly. So we are talking and he's asking about what happens after we die, if we believe in polygamy, why Mormons love Utah. And I explained to him in detail our beliefs on afterlife, explained to him the pioneers and how they were persecuted so they came to Utah and that's why we love Utah. Then I mention to him if he had anymore questions that he could go to Mormon.org and get every answer imaginable. I was like wow. 3 minutes ago I told him Obama is a horrible president and no one likes him and now I'm telling him about the church.
It's also always great when you see Mormons team up to defend their religion.
On another friends Instagram page, some kid starts telling us we can't believe in the Book of Mormon and the Bible because they contradict, then starts telling us that we aren't Christian and a bunch of other stuff. Well, about five Mormons went on and were preaching hard core. This kid kept trying to prove us wrong but always came back to one argument that we had proven wrong 20 minutes earlier.
That post ended up with 150 comments. We dominated the argument of course and hope that he realized that we are a great church and the true church. We never want to put someone else's beliefs down but all he was doing was putting our beliefs down then trying to tell us he respected our beliefs.
There will always be people who try to prove us wrong and there will always be haters. But the only thing we have left to is bear our testimony then hope they open up their heart. It's happened before, believe it. People have changed and opened up their hearts, it is possible. If we believe in ourselves then we can do anything. Don't be afraid to ever admit you're a Mormon, its something to be proud of not ashamed of. So go out there and have a missionary experience and change the hearts of others. Thank you.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Leaders, adults, and parents are less evil than you think
I tried to come up with a more creative title for this post but that's the best I could come up with.
So for any teens or children who read this, I know your pain. Adults and your parents are out to ruin your life. Well, to some point that is true. The teacher fails you on a test you didn't study for, the principal gives you detention for ditching class, the cop gives you a ticket for J walking (only at GOHS haha), and the parent grounds you for staying out after curfew. Yes, these evil mean adults are just trying to ruin your life. Now you can't hang out with your friends for 3 weeks, you have a C in Chemistry, you have to pay a 100 dollar ticket, and you can't hang out with your friends at lunch for a week. Has it worked? Have they ruined your life? Their plan has officially worked. Wrong!!! These adults do this to teach you lessons.
In life, everything is based on rules. At work, in public, everywhere. As an adult rules are more severe than as a child. If you hit someone, you don't get suspended. This time you will land yourself behind bars for a couple days and pay a fine. When your principal gave you detention in 11th grade for getting a fight he did that to help you. He was trying to teach you a lesson because he knew that when this happened later in life you would be in worse trouble. Everything parents and adults do now is to teach you a lesson so you can do well in life later. Yeah I know, it doesn't seem like, I have felt that my parents just birthed me to make my life a living heck but I know what they do is to make me do well in life.
Now I have a bunch of adults I would like to recognize that have made a difference in my life.
First off, my wonderful parents. Yes the people who are supposedly here to ruin my life. Plot twist: they aren't here to ruin my life. Donald is an amazing person. He's a great teacher and I love him. Debbie is an amazing role model (she was actually a real model when she was like 20). My parents are amazing people. I love their love of the church and how they have strong testimonies of the gospel. They are the ones who push for me to serve a mission.
Second would be my bishop. Bishop Sorenson is a great bishop. Your bishop is there to help you and to prepare you to serve a mission. As much as I think Bishop Sorenson is just there to call me annoying and ruin my life, I know he's there to help me. After all, he is the one who told my dad that I have to mature before I can serve a mission. I love my bishop and so should you.
Next would be Brother Hunter. I love George and his kindness towards me. Not only is he my young mens president but he's my therapist. Yes, I go to therapy - get over yourself and stop judging. He helps me all the time. He's like a second dad to me. I can go to him for everything. I can joke about anything and can say anything to him and he won't judge me. He's a great guy and will always be like a dad and best friend to me. He really helps me prepare for my mission.
Third would be Brother Myers and Brother Osborne. These guys are amazing. Brother Myers jokes around with me about shutting up, and at times I really do need to shut up. But I love him. Brother Osborne is a great man. He is a great example and has had like 20 kids or something serve a mission already with a daughter out right now. And I love his omelets.
The last individuals I would like to thank is Brother Traconis, Brother May, and Brother Walker. Brother T is really funny and makes the best breakfast burritos. He has such a kind soul and is only focused on doing service. Brother M is going to teach me how to surf because, hey, it gets the girls! I love him. He's such a great man. Brother W is also my dentist. He is such a great man and a really hard worker. These men are all part of the Stake young men's presidency with my dad and they're all great.
There are so many countless great leaders and adults in my life. Mr. Guzman my 7th grade science teacher is amazing too. From scout leaders to church leaders to school teachers and hero's out in public. I love them all.
Remember, ADULTS ARE NOT EVIL. They are here to help not ruin your life. Adults have made a huge difference in my life. They have made me want to serve a mission even more. Thank the adults in your life sometime. Your parents, church leaders, teachers, policemen, mailman, anyone. Leaders, adults, and parents are less evil than you think.
Love,
Michael Skaggs
So for any teens or children who read this, I know your pain. Adults and your parents are out to ruin your life. Well, to some point that is true. The teacher fails you on a test you didn't study for, the principal gives you detention for ditching class, the cop gives you a ticket for J walking (only at GOHS haha), and the parent grounds you for staying out after curfew. Yes, these evil mean adults are just trying to ruin your life. Now you can't hang out with your friends for 3 weeks, you have a C in Chemistry, you have to pay a 100 dollar ticket, and you can't hang out with your friends at lunch for a week. Has it worked? Have they ruined your life? Their plan has officially worked. Wrong!!! These adults do this to teach you lessons.
In life, everything is based on rules. At work, in public, everywhere. As an adult rules are more severe than as a child. If you hit someone, you don't get suspended. This time you will land yourself behind bars for a couple days and pay a fine. When your principal gave you detention in 11th grade for getting a fight he did that to help you. He was trying to teach you a lesson because he knew that when this happened later in life you would be in worse trouble. Everything parents and adults do now is to teach you a lesson so you can do well in life later. Yeah I know, it doesn't seem like, I have felt that my parents just birthed me to make my life a living heck but I know what they do is to make me do well in life.
Now I have a bunch of adults I would like to recognize that have made a difference in my life.
First off, my wonderful parents. Yes the people who are supposedly here to ruin my life. Plot twist: they aren't here to ruin my life. Donald is an amazing person. He's a great teacher and I love him. Debbie is an amazing role model (she was actually a real model when she was like 20). My parents are amazing people. I love their love of the church and how they have strong testimonies of the gospel. They are the ones who push for me to serve a mission.
Second would be my bishop. Bishop Sorenson is a great bishop. Your bishop is there to help you and to prepare you to serve a mission. As much as I think Bishop Sorenson is just there to call me annoying and ruin my life, I know he's there to help me. After all, he is the one who told my dad that I have to mature before I can serve a mission. I love my bishop and so should you.
Next would be Brother Hunter. I love George and his kindness towards me. Not only is he my young mens president but he's my therapist. Yes, I go to therapy - get over yourself and stop judging. He helps me all the time. He's like a second dad to me. I can go to him for everything. I can joke about anything and can say anything to him and he won't judge me. He's a great guy and will always be like a dad and best friend to me. He really helps me prepare for my mission.
Third would be Brother Myers and Brother Osborne. These guys are amazing. Brother Myers jokes around with me about shutting up, and at times I really do need to shut up. But I love him. Brother Osborne is a great man. He is a great example and has had like 20 kids or something serve a mission already with a daughter out right now. And I love his omelets.
The last individuals I would like to thank is Brother Traconis, Brother May, and Brother Walker. Brother T is really funny and makes the best breakfast burritos. He has such a kind soul and is only focused on doing service. Brother M is going to teach me how to surf because, hey, it gets the girls! I love him. He's such a great man. Brother W is also my dentist. He is such a great man and a really hard worker. These men are all part of the Stake young men's presidency with my dad and they're all great.
There are so many countless great leaders and adults in my life. Mr. Guzman my 7th grade science teacher is amazing too. From scout leaders to church leaders to school teachers and hero's out in public. I love them all.
Remember, ADULTS ARE NOT EVIL. They are here to help not ruin your life. Adults have made a huge difference in my life. They have made me want to serve a mission even more. Thank the adults in your life sometime. Your parents, church leaders, teachers, policemen, mailman, anyone. Leaders, adults, and parents are less evil than you think.
Love,
Michael Skaggs
Monday, August 4, 2014
Non Member friends influence
Sorry for all these post. I have a lot to say to introduce my journey and just a lot to say. For those who are going to or are following my blog, this is my last post of the day. I do thank you guys for reading my blog, it really does mean a lot.
As nice as it is to always have friends who have the same beliefs and values as you, its always nice to have friends outside of your beliefs. Being in public school my whole life, I've definitely had non member friends. Most of the time they respect my beliefs. Sometimes they aren't true friends and are kind. And then there's just the haters of Mormonism who we just ignore.
I wanna thank all of my high school friends. My elementary and middle school friends have fallen from me and I don't hang out with them. But, my high school peers and friends have stuck with me and have made a huge impact in my life. They have always made me feel included and that I have actual friends. I think my dad played a huge role in that since he was their teacher they probably felt responsible to make me feel good.
So let's start with the class of 2013. Daniel Kasim, man I love this kid. He's so funny and always made me smile. His patience with me and his kindness just always made me feel good about myself. Kassidy Moore, she is so caring and so sweet. She's been a second sister to me for I don't remember how long, at least 4 years. When I was bullied freshman year, she brought me cupcakes to cheer me up. A couple weeks later she brought me a cake for my birthday. There have been countless others in that class that were just so caring and kind to me, it's too much name.
Class of 2014. The class that just graduated was great. Lexi Provost was an amazing influence towards me and was just so outgoing. She never let a mean comment get to her and tear her down. Ariana Kasim, she isn't a member but hangs out with our group. We've had our differences but she's truly made a difference in my life. Josh Constant, he's always so happy and is so spirited. Brooke Lowrey, the kindest sweetest person you'll ever meet. Her attitude was always in a good mood and she made me smile every single day. The class of 2k14 was a special unique class made up of wonderful people.
Class 2015. Trey Endris, such a kind soul. I love him to death. He's always kind to me and makes me feel good about myself. I'm so happy for his positive influence. Kimmy Baker, she's so outgoing and positive. I don't know her super well but I know her well enough to know what great person she is. Joe Ghandini, he is such a cool person. I love being around him. I will always support him no matter how his parents treat him. I feel that most of the seniors this year are Mormon so there's no one left to talk about.
Class of 2016. Oh yes, my class. Julia Pion, really wanted me to talk about her so I guess I will. She is so sweet and kind. I love being around her because she is always so happy and just makes me wanna be happy. Tori Picquelle, Julia's best friend, is so sweet too. She always has a smile on her face and makes everyone happy. She has been a great person to get to know. Savannah Jaouri (that's spelt wrong), I love her craziness and how hyper she is. I never met someone so outgoing. Cassie (I always forget how to spell her last name), she is so kind and sweet. I love being around her because she is so positive and nice. Maddie Provost, her sense of sarcasm is so great. She is also super kind and fun to be around. Dillon Hall, he's been super nice and patient with me. There are so many more people I know that I want to recognize in my class but I can't name them all.
I love the lower class men too. Each of these grade levels have great people who are positive examples and influences. I'm thankful to know everyone I know and to call them my friends. Even though they aren't members of the church they still have been influences in my wanting to be a missionary. Trust me, anyone can have an influence on you, no matter what religious background they have. You just gotta open up your eyes and see who they are.
I have so much more to say and more people to thank but I will do that another day. I'm so thankful for everyone who is following my blog. You don't know how much it means to me. Love you all. Thanks.
Michael Skaggs
As nice as it is to always have friends who have the same beliefs and values as you, its always nice to have friends outside of your beliefs. Being in public school my whole life, I've definitely had non member friends. Most of the time they respect my beliefs. Sometimes they aren't true friends and are kind. And then there's just the haters of Mormonism who we just ignore.
I wanna thank all of my high school friends. My elementary and middle school friends have fallen from me and I don't hang out with them. But, my high school peers and friends have stuck with me and have made a huge impact in my life. They have always made me feel included and that I have actual friends. I think my dad played a huge role in that since he was their teacher they probably felt responsible to make me feel good.
So let's start with the class of 2013. Daniel Kasim, man I love this kid. He's so funny and always made me smile. His patience with me and his kindness just always made me feel good about myself. Kassidy Moore, she is so caring and so sweet. She's been a second sister to me for I don't remember how long, at least 4 years. When I was bullied freshman year, she brought me cupcakes to cheer me up. A couple weeks later she brought me a cake for my birthday. There have been countless others in that class that were just so caring and kind to me, it's too much name.
Class of 2014. The class that just graduated was great. Lexi Provost was an amazing influence towards me and was just so outgoing. She never let a mean comment get to her and tear her down. Ariana Kasim, she isn't a member but hangs out with our group. We've had our differences but she's truly made a difference in my life. Josh Constant, he's always so happy and is so spirited. Brooke Lowrey, the kindest sweetest person you'll ever meet. Her attitude was always in a good mood and she made me smile every single day. The class of 2k14 was a special unique class made up of wonderful people.
Class 2015. Trey Endris, such a kind soul. I love him to death. He's always kind to me and makes me feel good about myself. I'm so happy for his positive influence. Kimmy Baker, she's so outgoing and positive. I don't know her super well but I know her well enough to know what great person she is. Joe Ghandini, he is such a cool person. I love being around him. I will always support him no matter how his parents treat him. I feel that most of the seniors this year are Mormon so there's no one left to talk about.
Class of 2016. Oh yes, my class. Julia Pion, really wanted me to talk about her so I guess I will. She is so sweet and kind. I love being around her because she is always so happy and just makes me wanna be happy. Tori Picquelle, Julia's best friend, is so sweet too. She always has a smile on her face and makes everyone happy. She has been a great person to get to know. Savannah Jaouri (that's spelt wrong), I love her craziness and how hyper she is. I never met someone so outgoing. Cassie (I always forget how to spell her last name), she is so kind and sweet. I love being around her because she is so positive and nice. Maddie Provost, her sense of sarcasm is so great. She is also super kind and fun to be around. Dillon Hall, he's been super nice and patient with me. There are so many more people I know that I want to recognize in my class but I can't name them all.
I love the lower class men too. Each of these grade levels have great people who are positive examples and influences. I'm thankful to know everyone I know and to call them my friends. Even though they aren't members of the church they still have been influences in my wanting to be a missionary. Trust me, anyone can have an influence on you, no matter what religious background they have. You just gotta open up your eyes and see who they are.
I have so much more to say and more people to thank but I will do that another day. I'm so thankful for everyone who is following my blog. You don't know how much it means to me. Love you all. Thanks.
Michael Skaggs
Friends part 2
So, like I said last night, there's too many people to recognize but I feel that everyone that is recognizable should be recognized. Some people who should be recognized are never recognized. For example, how often do you thank the mailman, policemen, firefighters, and teachers? The countless hours many people put in and don't get thanked. That's the same for the people in your life. Every single person who has made an impact in your life should get at least some sort of recognition. That's why I'm actually going to recognize almost every friend that's made an impact in my life.
So let's start with church. A few years ago I had a small get together at my house for the people my age at church, like older sister did all the time. Well, zero people showed up. Fast forward to Saturday August 2, 2014. We are at a youth beach party in Oceanside. That day was a peculiar day where for some reason it actually rained in Temecula, and so the beach day ended early. Everyone still wanted to hang out. So we wanted to have a movie night at someone's house. Grace offered then realized she couldn't, Ryan Child offered up Steve Moss's house, and in conclusion we decided my house. Well, knowing what happened a few years back while we were packing up, I pestered them asking if they were really going to come and I think they got annoyed. We went home, stopped at Walmart, then finally got ready. My mom told everyone, anytime after 7. So 7 hits and you don't always expect people to come on time, so I was like OK people will come. 7:30 Joey Castillo shows up, a few minutes later Macey Marshall showed up. Within 20 minutes I had 16 people plus my brother and I sitting in my family room watching Good Burger. I don't think they know this, but those 16 people raised my self esteem so high that night because I was happy to know I had friends.
Now they are just great people in general. Corinne Stafferi who agreed to take me to school from seminary this school year is great. I know I have a friend who is willing to drive me so I can get to where I need to be. I know I can count on her for anything.
Now a quick shoutout to the Hunter girls for being kind to me, Chloe Earl for just being sweet all the time, Isabella King for her kindness towards me, Gillian Warren for how her singing just makes me feel so good inside, Sam Niven for her amazing piano skills and someone I can compete against in seminary, though she moved. There are so many other girls in my ward I wish I could recognize.
The boys. Bryce Martin, is a convert who isn't able to come to church often but he wishes he could come every Sunday. I love his example. Tyler Yoshida, Austin Lange, Jacob Child, Trevor Hazen, Wesley Dernbach, Spencer Sorenson, Dillon Lange, Marc Tyszka, Wyatt Fronk, Braden Temple, and Jonathan Harris, being on High adventure with them was a phenomenal experience. I love these guys so much and am thankful I get to hang with them.
Remie Marshall is the last one I would like to recognize. I know her deepest darkest secrets and I could share anything with her knowing that she would keep it private. She drove me to school every day even though she didn't even go to GOHS anymore. She's been a huge blessing in my life and influences me to serve a mission.
Countless church friends are just great examples of members of the church. I'm grateful for each and every one of them and just want them all to know. It makes me wanna serve a mission even more. I'm glad I have people in my life that I can count on. Thanks.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
So let's start with church. A few years ago I had a small get together at my house for the people my age at church, like older sister did all the time. Well, zero people showed up. Fast forward to Saturday August 2, 2014. We are at a youth beach party in Oceanside. That day was a peculiar day where for some reason it actually rained in Temecula, and so the beach day ended early. Everyone still wanted to hang out. So we wanted to have a movie night at someone's house. Grace offered then realized she couldn't, Ryan Child offered up Steve Moss's house, and in conclusion we decided my house. Well, knowing what happened a few years back while we were packing up, I pestered them asking if they were really going to come and I think they got annoyed. We went home, stopped at Walmart, then finally got ready. My mom told everyone, anytime after 7. So 7 hits and you don't always expect people to come on time, so I was like OK people will come. 7:30 Joey Castillo shows up, a few minutes later Macey Marshall showed up. Within 20 minutes I had 16 people plus my brother and I sitting in my family room watching Good Burger. I don't think they know this, but those 16 people raised my self esteem so high that night because I was happy to know I had friends.
Now they are just great people in general. Corinne Stafferi who agreed to take me to school from seminary this school year is great. I know I have a friend who is willing to drive me so I can get to where I need to be. I know I can count on her for anything.
Now a quick shoutout to the Hunter girls for being kind to me, Chloe Earl for just being sweet all the time, Isabella King for her kindness towards me, Gillian Warren for how her singing just makes me feel so good inside, Sam Niven for her amazing piano skills and someone I can compete against in seminary, though she moved. There are so many other girls in my ward I wish I could recognize.
The boys. Bryce Martin, is a convert who isn't able to come to church often but he wishes he could come every Sunday. I love his example. Tyler Yoshida, Austin Lange, Jacob Child, Trevor Hazen, Wesley Dernbach, Spencer Sorenson, Dillon Lange, Marc Tyszka, Wyatt Fronk, Braden Temple, and Jonathan Harris, being on High adventure with them was a phenomenal experience. I love these guys so much and am thankful I get to hang with them.
Remie Marshall is the last one I would like to recognize. I know her deepest darkest secrets and I could share anything with her knowing that she would keep it private. She drove me to school every day even though she didn't even go to GOHS anymore. She's been a huge blessing in my life and influences me to serve a mission.
Countless church friends are just great examples of members of the church. I'm grateful for each and every one of them and just want them all to know. It makes me wanna serve a mission even more. I'm glad I have people in my life that I can count on. Thanks.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
Sunday, August 3, 2014
My friends influence on me
Since I was born I wanted to serve a mission. My dad served a mission to Montana Billings, 6 of 7 uncles served a mission on my dads side, my mom served a mission to Auckland, New Zealand, and I just grew up watching people like Tyler Sorenson and the Osborne children leave on missions and it made me want to go.
I was anxiously awaiting for when I turned 19 because then I could go, when the prophet announced the age change. I was so much more excited that I could serve at 18. Like I said in my last post, I have had social problems and don't always think before I speak or act. So on Tuesday July 29th, 2014, the bishop met with my dad and said that he would love to send me on a mission but he can't do that until I learn to behave better and not be sensitive and he's worried with how I would react if someone slammed the door in my face. My dad took me to Menchies that night and told me and I understood. I needed to make drastic changes and mature before I could go on a mission. Now, that was only a week ago, so that's very recent. But I still have 2 years to mature. I believe in myself.
Now, I don't know where to start. I've been to countless missionary farewells, had a lot of missionary experiences, and have been influenced by so many people. There are so many people who I have just heard speak and just wanted to serve 10x more.
Can I start out with just naming friends who have been great to me and who influence me to live the gospel? James Sorge is one person I want to talk about. He is a great example and is just perfect. He's never done anything to go against the church's teachings and values and principles. A bad word has NEVER come out of his mouth. He has never had a bad thought come to his mind. And he is a really kind person and just knows how to have a good attitude. I love his example and how he treats people. Brennen Eisenhut is next. I've known his sister for 4 years. I met him about 3 years ago. Honestly, I have no idea how we became as close as friends as we are now. He would drive me everywhere. He paid for my meals about 10 times and never acted annoyed by me. He was called to serve a mission to the Texas McAllen mission to report July 23, 2014 a week after my sister. So he's been gone for almost two weeks in the Mexico City MTC. It's kind of lonely not being able to hang out with him but he's serving the Lord. He's been a great blessing to me. He taught me what a true friend is, made me laugh countless times, and drove me to my track meet around Dana Hills because I didn't wanna ride the bus. He has taught me so much about the gospel and I love his example of serving a mission. I know he will do great on his mission.
I wanna shoutout a few guys and girls real quick. Guys: Trent Gharring, Cameron Carpenter, Braden Starr and Manley, Brayden McLaughlin, Bryce Baugh, Jeremy Duvuall, Emmett Rock, and Devin Downing. Sorry if I left anyone out. These young men are probably some of the most accepting young men ever. I think I annoy them all the time by talking and texting them. And maybe touching booty a lot. But they continue to invite me to hang out and various other events. They are so kind and I'm grateful that I have them if I need support or if I'm ever in doubt of the gospel.
Next the girls. Natalie Orme, Lindsay Keeler and Ariana Kasim. Ariana isn't a member but hangs out with us. These 3 girls I have not treated them like I should and it hurts me. They have taught me that I need to be less judgmental and to accept people even if they wear short shorts or bikinis and that I need to let them live their lives. Now some other girls Melissa Stanfill, Alyse Finalyson (pretty sure that's spelt wrong), Jenny Duvall, and I can't think of anymore, my mind is blank. These 3 and others are so kind to me and I love them so much.
Friends in the ward have influenced me so much too. I would first like to thank Grace Warren for agreeing to sing as the special musical number at my farewell even though its still 2 years out. She has such an amazing singing voice like her sister Gillian and I just love it. She has the sweetest soul ever and I don't think she has ever been angry with someone. There are way too many girls in my ward to really acknowledge and thank. But I'm grateful for all the young men in my ward too. Ever since our wards split I have felt closer to the new young men than in my old ward.
Well, I have written a lot in this entry and I still have a lot to say and I can just go on and on about how wonderful my friends influence on me has been. But I will stop here. I have a lot more people to thank and a lot more to say but I will save those for tomorrow or another day. Thanks.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
I was anxiously awaiting for when I turned 19 because then I could go, when the prophet announced the age change. I was so much more excited that I could serve at 18. Like I said in my last post, I have had social problems and don't always think before I speak or act. So on Tuesday July 29th, 2014, the bishop met with my dad and said that he would love to send me on a mission but he can't do that until I learn to behave better and not be sensitive and he's worried with how I would react if someone slammed the door in my face. My dad took me to Menchies that night and told me and I understood. I needed to make drastic changes and mature before I could go on a mission. Now, that was only a week ago, so that's very recent. But I still have 2 years to mature. I believe in myself.
Now, I don't know where to start. I've been to countless missionary farewells, had a lot of missionary experiences, and have been influenced by so many people. There are so many people who I have just heard speak and just wanted to serve 10x more.
Can I start out with just naming friends who have been great to me and who influence me to live the gospel? James Sorge is one person I want to talk about. He is a great example and is just perfect. He's never done anything to go against the church's teachings and values and principles. A bad word has NEVER come out of his mouth. He has never had a bad thought come to his mind. And he is a really kind person and just knows how to have a good attitude. I love his example and how he treats people. Brennen Eisenhut is next. I've known his sister for 4 years. I met him about 3 years ago. Honestly, I have no idea how we became as close as friends as we are now. He would drive me everywhere. He paid for my meals about 10 times and never acted annoyed by me. He was called to serve a mission to the Texas McAllen mission to report July 23, 2014 a week after my sister. So he's been gone for almost two weeks in the Mexico City MTC. It's kind of lonely not being able to hang out with him but he's serving the Lord. He's been a great blessing to me. He taught me what a true friend is, made me laugh countless times, and drove me to my track meet around Dana Hills because I didn't wanna ride the bus. He has taught me so much about the gospel and I love his example of serving a mission. I know he will do great on his mission.
I wanna shoutout a few guys and girls real quick. Guys: Trent Gharring, Cameron Carpenter, Braden Starr and Manley, Brayden McLaughlin, Bryce Baugh, Jeremy Duvuall, Emmett Rock, and Devin Downing. Sorry if I left anyone out. These young men are probably some of the most accepting young men ever. I think I annoy them all the time by talking and texting them. And maybe touching booty a lot. But they continue to invite me to hang out and various other events. They are so kind and I'm grateful that I have them if I need support or if I'm ever in doubt of the gospel.
Next the girls. Natalie Orme, Lindsay Keeler and Ariana Kasim. Ariana isn't a member but hangs out with us. These 3 girls I have not treated them like I should and it hurts me. They have taught me that I need to be less judgmental and to accept people even if they wear short shorts or bikinis and that I need to let them live their lives. Now some other girls Melissa Stanfill, Alyse Finalyson (pretty sure that's spelt wrong), Jenny Duvall, and I can't think of anymore, my mind is blank. These 3 and others are so kind to me and I love them so much.
Friends in the ward have influenced me so much too. I would first like to thank Grace Warren for agreeing to sing as the special musical number at my farewell even though its still 2 years out. She has such an amazing singing voice like her sister Gillian and I just love it. She has the sweetest soul ever and I don't think she has ever been angry with someone. There are way too many girls in my ward to really acknowledge and thank. But I'm grateful for all the young men in my ward too. Ever since our wards split I have felt closer to the new young men than in my old ward.
Well, I have written a lot in this entry and I still have a lot to say and I can just go on and on about how wonderful my friends influence on me has been. But I will stop here. I have a lot more people to thank and a lot more to say but I will save those for tomorrow or another day. Thanks.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
Intro to my life and religious background
OK. So yes, I am only 15 and almost 11 months. So I still have 2 years until I'm ELIGIBLE to serve a mission. I will tell you why I said eligible instead of "going" in my next entry.
So I was born September 27th, 1998. I was born to some of the greatest parents ever who love and care for me. They have raised me to love Jesus and Heavenly Father, and to one day serve a mission. I have grown up in 2 wards and one stake. I used to live in the Temecula or Temecula Creek ward (I always forget), but have lived in the great and wonderful Redhawk ward the past 11 years of my life. I have always lived in the Temecula Stake, though. My dad has been the activities director at Great Oak High School for 11 years now and its been a great blessing for me. Of course, every time I get in trouble he usually finds out within 10 minutes or sees me in the principals office. But, I love being in his class and seeing him every day. My mom works at a medical office and her boss has been a blessing in our life. He is Jewish but is very accepting of our beliefs and religious holidays. Have you ever heard of a Jewish man giving someone a Christmas present? I have. Both of my parents jobs have given us blessings in our lives. Since my dad is a teacher my family is able to bond so much together by going on family vacations every summer and it gets me even more excited to serve a mission so I can help other families come together and live for time and all eternity.
Being part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has its ups and downs. Growing up with Aspergers and being socially awkward half my life has made it harder than usual to bond with people. But because of my dad being pretty much the heart of our high school and for me growing up in the Church it's made it so much easier to be accepted. People like Trent Gharring, Cameron Carpenter, Natalie Orme, Braden Manley, Bryce Baugh, Lindsay Keeler and so many others have accepted me into their friend zones and have been so kind to me even though a lot of times I'm really rude towards them. I'm grateful for those people for making my life so much better. They influence me to serve a mission. Brennen Eisenhut is the greatest influence though. I can probably write a whole post just on him but I won't. I will talk more about him later but he is such a great best friend and I'm thankful for his example of serving a mission.
Now like most Mormons, I have been persecuted and made fun of for my beliefs. I had an Ask.FM account where you ask anon questions to people. On that account, I was called names, cursed at, told no one liked me, and was made fun of for being Mormon. So I finally deleted and life has been so much better. I occasionally get the "how many moms do you have?" statement put on me but that doesn't bother me anymore.
So that's my introduction into my life. I'm going to write another entry today but I wanted to start an intro first. For the next two years leading up to my mission I will continually update and tell you guys about my experiences and my preparation to become a missionary. I don't know when I'll go, where I'll go, or whose life I will change but I know I can start by being a missionary today. I hope that everyone can follow my blog for the next 2 years and see where life and the Spirit leads me.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
So I was born September 27th, 1998. I was born to some of the greatest parents ever who love and care for me. They have raised me to love Jesus and Heavenly Father, and to one day serve a mission. I have grown up in 2 wards and one stake. I used to live in the Temecula or Temecula Creek ward (I always forget), but have lived in the great and wonderful Redhawk ward the past 11 years of my life. I have always lived in the Temecula Stake, though. My dad has been the activities director at Great Oak High School for 11 years now and its been a great blessing for me. Of course, every time I get in trouble he usually finds out within 10 minutes or sees me in the principals office. But, I love being in his class and seeing him every day. My mom works at a medical office and her boss has been a blessing in our life. He is Jewish but is very accepting of our beliefs and religious holidays. Have you ever heard of a Jewish man giving someone a Christmas present? I have. Both of my parents jobs have given us blessings in our lives. Since my dad is a teacher my family is able to bond so much together by going on family vacations every summer and it gets me even more excited to serve a mission so I can help other families come together and live for time and all eternity.
Being part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has its ups and downs. Growing up with Aspergers and being socially awkward half my life has made it harder than usual to bond with people. But because of my dad being pretty much the heart of our high school and for me growing up in the Church it's made it so much easier to be accepted. People like Trent Gharring, Cameron Carpenter, Natalie Orme, Braden Manley, Bryce Baugh, Lindsay Keeler and so many others have accepted me into their friend zones and have been so kind to me even though a lot of times I'm really rude towards them. I'm grateful for those people for making my life so much better. They influence me to serve a mission. Brennen Eisenhut is the greatest influence though. I can probably write a whole post just on him but I won't. I will talk more about him later but he is such a great best friend and I'm thankful for his example of serving a mission.
Now like most Mormons, I have been persecuted and made fun of for my beliefs. I had an Ask.FM account where you ask anon questions to people. On that account, I was called names, cursed at, told no one liked me, and was made fun of for being Mormon. So I finally deleted and life has been so much better. I occasionally get the "how many moms do you have?" statement put on me but that doesn't bother me anymore.
So that's my introduction into my life. I'm going to write another entry today but I wanted to start an intro first. For the next two years leading up to my mission I will continually update and tell you guys about my experiences and my preparation to become a missionary. I don't know when I'll go, where I'll go, or whose life I will change but I know I can start by being a missionary today. I hope that everyone can follow my blog for the next 2 years and see where life and the Spirit leads me.
Love you all.
Michael Skaggs
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