Category Archives: Goals

Attention & Focus, Goals, Reports

Conquering Timp

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The evening was warmer than it had been the past couple of days. Invitees were texting to bail while others were firming up plans. In all, fourteen brave souls took the challenge to hike the 2nd largest mountain in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain range, Mt. Timpanogos.

Although this was my third time to hike this beautiful natural beauty, by the time I finished the hike at 12:00 pm the following afternoon it sure felt like the first time that I’d EVER been hiking.

Each of my three ascents to the top of Mt. Timp have started at night. The latter two started began from the Timpooneke Campground. Beginning here as opposed to the Aspen Grove trail head means a smaller elevation hike, but a longer distance hike.

After arriving at the trail head and making sure that we all had headlamps we began our journey. Turns out that if you want to hike a mountain and have everyone stay together you can’t put the fastest people up front. After 20 or 30 minutes we had split into two groups and about an hour later that 2 turned into 3 as I took the caboose with two other hikers, one of which had sprained her ankle about 10 minutes into the hike…courageous soul.

The night remained warm and there was no need for my sweater. We walked the entire night and reached the saddle just as the sun rose. We never stayed still long enough for the cold to catch us. Once up top and after resting a bit, two friends and I ascended to the summit. It was a first for all of us. THAT’S where it began to be cold. Now on the front side of the mountain (west side), we felt strong colder winds. While the skies were blue, they were preparing to gather the gray clouds that would eventually drop their rain moments after we reached the bottom of our hike.

I had a great time filled with detective footprint tracking and great friends. I’d do it again. Pretty much the coolest thing ever!

Goals, State of the Art

The Decision

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In the wee hours of an early July (7/5/06) morning I considered once again the idea that I had been entertaining for nigh over a month. I knelt down to again dedicate myself to the service of my Father in Heaven. While I prayed I felt to make my decision to go to medical school official. I told my Father that I would be heading down a new road and that I knew without Him the road, while it may be helpful to others, would ultimately be fruitless to myself. I felt a sense of peace and in my mind seemed to form the thought “with God nothing is impossible”.

As the week progressed I felt positive in my new decision. I emailed UVSC’s student & career counselors and set up an appointment with the premed counselor for the upcoming Monday. By week’s end I felt the stark reality rest upon me once more that this journey would not be what it could be without my focus being firmly set on doing the will of my Father, on keeping Him first and foremost in my life. I again recommitted to reading from the good word of God. Turns out that I’m teaching the Old Testament in church, a nerve racking, but rewarding call.

Since that decision I’ve begun to pull my resources. I’m considering how much money I’ll need to attend school, where I’ll be employed, and if I’m going to keep my businesses and business interests. I’ve purchased some CDs about the MCAT, a book on med schools and had an offer from a friend to get the Kaplan books to prep for the MCAT.

This is my update.

Faith, Goals

Success

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Finished up tonight with the last of my reading. I read about 30 pages today to get to that point. Despite the catch up I was playing it felt really good to finish up my reading in the Book of Mormon. I went running when I finished up and came home soaked! As I ran I thought about the blessings that have come into my life through reading the Book of Mormon. My thoughts recently have been a lot on my family and how a study of the Book changed my relationship with them. Whereas once I fought and hated, I now love and find joy in their company. It performed a miracle once and I feel it taking hold again.

This year I’ve learned a lot and have come to some pretty strong conclusions about my faith. I know that I can never assume for a moment that I am strong enough without my Savior on my side. I have lots of goals this year and I don’t want to accomplish any of them without the Lord close by. I thank my Heavenly Father for his blessings in my life and embark on another leg of my journey towards perfection through his grace.