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| Front of Bible Case |
Here you see something I've cherished for several years, ever since I returned from my mission. I served in the Brazil Belem Mission, from Jan. '06 - Jan. '08. My brother is actually in the MTC in Provo right now, on his way to the Rome, Italy Mission. Every week I get the chance to hear how he's loving the work. I loved my mission too. These pictures show another artifact from my life: My Scripture Cases for my Portuguese Scriptures. Since you probably don't speak Portuguese, I'll tell you what it says: On the top it says: "Only the Strong Serve in the North (of Brazil)." That was the slogan of our mission, and it was true. Every mission is difficult in different ways, and mine was no exception. I was truly proud to be serving there, and help the people of that area learn the restored gospel.
The other thing of note is the character with the sword on the front of my scripture case. That is a rendition of Cloud Strife, the protagonist of the Final Fantasy VII game. The reason I wanted him on the cover is because I felt that I could relate to him. He was a kid who was a loner as a youth, bullied, and pushed around by others. He had a dream, and fought for that dream, in spite of his weaknesses. Ultimately, with the help of friends, he achieved success, but alone he couldn't have done it. I too felt like Cloud, who had been confused and didn't know always what he should do. But like him, I had a good heart, and with the help of friends and family, I too have been able to achieve great things. Cloud helped me remember that its ok to be human; even being imperfect we can achieve marvelous things, and be true to ourselves.
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| Front of My Triple Combination Case |
The other cover I have has several important things on it. At the top it reads: "Vincit qui Patitur," which in Latin means "He Conquers Who Endures." This has been a personal motto for me, taken from my welsh pioneer ancestry (hence the Pioneer Picture). Also, the caption below the picture is a motto our family follows, which is in welsh. In English it means: "Children of the noble birthright: Remember who you are and act accordingly!" We as a family have always known how much our parents love us, and also their immense desire that we all return to our Heavenly Father together. My wife's grandfather had a similar saying: "No Empty Chairs (in heaven)." My pioneer ancestors left all their worldly goods and possessions behind for the Restored Gospel, and I revere their sacrifice. I try to remember and cherish it always, and this was one way for me to constantly remember their faith and dedication, and to emulate them in my own life, especially in my missionary work, but also throughout my entire life.
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| The Spines of Both Scripture Cases |
Additional the spines the of the covers have two similarly-themed scriptures: D&C 63:47 which says: "He that is faithful and perseveres, will conquer the world," and 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I finished the course, I kept the faith."
These ideals of Enduring to the End and whatnot are common among Mormondom, but for me they have always had a special personal meaning. My mission, and High school were very trying times,(that much hasn't changed, haha) and I sometimes thought about quiting. But when I did, I'd remember my pioneer forefathers, and my spiritual forefathers as well (like Paul, Joseph Smith, Christ, etc.) and remember that they had really trying difficulties in life too, but they managed to pull through. And I want to be with my family, so I can't quit, not ever. That still holds true, and I still use these as guiding beacons in my life even today.
