Life is a test.  

Everyone on this earth knows this statement to be true.  Whether one is born into the Church of Jesus Christ, is part of another church, or is completely unaffiliated with the prospect of religon.  From the poorest man who pleads for loose cardboard to sell or to the fancy actress who´s ring could buy a city block, every individual has or will have difficulties thrown in their faces. 

One of the greatest trials of all is being a leader.  Countless times we look around us and see people of all different colors, sizes and ages choosing a path to follow.  In referance to Lehi´s dream of the Tree of Life, all the sons and daughters of God began in a dark and dreary waste.  Some began following the rod of iron provided but fell away, some persevired until they had partaken of the fruit of the tree, and yet others (the majority) looked to the great and spacious building (attractions, parties, `fun`- signifying the world). Feeling pressured by the amount of people/friends laughing at them or beckoning with a hand, they either became lost searching for a false hope, or fell with the great a spacious building when they reached it.   Personally, I was totally comfortable following others that were smarter, faster, or `more experianced` than me down school aisles, in the church´s hallways, and in regular, everyday choices.  Now I KNOW BETTER.  This state of being, when we don´t make our own decesions or progress using our agency, is in my opinion BEING LOST. 

I feel inspired to share what advice President Hart gave me in a 30 minute personal interview a couple of days ago.  The moment I opened my mouth to begin speaking, tears began coursing down my face.  I explained that I was afraid for the missionaries in our mssion because of their disobediance and absolute lack of desire to work.  President said that he was experiancing the same feelings and then said the following: `Elder Johnson...I NEED LEADERS.  I need lions...brave and couragous enough to stand up for what´s right.  I need a lion that can lead a herd of deer...NOT a pack of lions being lead by a deer.  ARE YOU A LION?`

That same question has been ringing in my ears...am I a lion???  Am I the one leading and guiding my own soul to salvation, or am I letting others influence me?  To each and every one of you, I ask the same question:  ARE YOU A LION?  If you´re not, please take a step back and look in the mirror. Are you actually you?  Where are you at in Lehi´s Dream?

Elder Johnson

Pictures from December some are repeats

Kumen at the park
Kumen hiqhlighting a symbol for San Antonio where lived when he left for his mission
Doing service with his companion

Kumen arranged this hymn for piano and violin.  I thought he did a pretty nice job!