It’s been a while!

It’s been a while since I’ve written in this blog, but there’s some changes to it coming and i look forward to sharing them with you all!

Stay Tuned

Good Afternoon.

It’s been a while since I’ve written on here. My baby sister was the one who inspired me to write again. She asked for the url to this blog, and it hit me I hadn’t written in my blog since just after the passing of my grandmother.

This page still serves as a gospel resource for me. Somewhere I can share my testimony with the world. That testimony has been tried and tested these last 8 months, but that testimony that I know the Gospel is true, and that Jesus Died for our sins is still real in my heart. I know all this to be true, and I plan on writing more in the future. But until then, I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen…

Testimony

I know my savior lives…. Simple as that… I know he lives

Gerald R.

Grandma was a General of Love

I’ve been hesitating to write this post now for nearly 3 months. Mainly because it pertains to one of the most amazing and loving women to ever grace my life. I was blessed to have known her for the 27 years I did. But let me start from the beginning.

My grandma Geraldine Royster Creasy was what I would describe as a General of Love. If there was an army and it’s sole purpose was to love and help others, then my grandmother would be the general. For my entire life she was so full of life and full of undying love. Even when it wasn’t to her benefit she loved all. It didn’t matter what race, sexual orientation, religion or gender, when you walked through those doors you were family. Many of my friends can lay claim to being an “adopted” grandchild.

She only had one child, that child was my dad. She had him young so she was younger (50s) when I was born. I was named after her. I carry her name with pride. When I was little she taught me how to garden, cook, and various other things I’ve been able to use in my adulthood. I can remember spending the night over her house on weekends, and eating pizza and playing games with her as a little boy. She used to baby sit me after school, and made sure my homework was done, and that I had my after school snack, which usually meant a true lunch because I absolutely hated school food.

When I went to high school I was a little sad that I wasn’t going to be baby sat by her and go to Old Mill High. I’d now have the responsibility of using what I learned to come home, cook my own food and make sure my chores were done before my parents came home from work. But I always called. She became one of my best friends. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and that continued when I went off to college.

What can I say in college I was a wild one. I spent most of the year partying and doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. About the only thing I cared about was competing in Track and Field and weekend partying, but my grandma judgment free stayed on top of me, and kept me within the grasp of safety. She would warn me against my behavior, and to stay focused. Unfortunately it wasn’t until I came home from school that year and moved in with her that those words made sense. Ultimately those words led me to my faith, and the reformation of my life.

For the last 5 years, I had lived with her. It was a blessing. I got to know her in a different light. She could be sassy, and very upfront, but she did everything with love. From countless Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, to me sitting on the edge of her bed at night pouring out my heart, my grandma loved me.

Sometimes I find myself regretting not being home more, or just watching one more western with her. I find myself wishing I could just have an hour of her time, or one more fried chicken dinner. Watching our show “Big Brother” sometimes doesn’t seem as fulfilling because she’s not hear to talk smack about the contestants in her Geraldine way.

But one thing is for certain…. I know she’s watching over me. I know she is up there with our family and her husband, and she’s having the time of her life. See I know it was her time. I think in a way I could tell. The seemingly active grandma of my youth was now less active, and more tired. I remember hearing her say she was just “tired” in those last weeks. It hit me my grandma wasn’t young anymore….

I had always dreamed that my children would one day know just how amazing she truly was. That I could repay her for loving by letting her love the product of me. To be a great grandma. I had prayed that one day they would know “grandma” and love grandma the way I loved her. The thought of that not happening deeply saddened me, but I have faith. Faith that somehow up there she’s able to teach them all the qualities of being a strong Royster. All the qualities of being a loving human being. I hope and pray that they will know her in the pre-mortal world, so they can come down and be amazing like her.

I remember being at the temple a few weeks ago, and I felt closer to her. I know she watches over me. I hope I can make her proud, and she can find peace in knowing that she was a very strong driving force in my life. I’ve told my girlfriend and other friends, I lost a huge part of my heart. But what is loss really? She’s still all around me, watching over me from beyond. She’s still guiding me, I can feel it. I haven’t lost a darn thing. I gained a guardian angel. An angel of Love.

Until I see you again.

I love you Grandma.

Gerald R.

My Thoughts on the Prophet Joseph Smith

(Written on May 4th 2016 as apart of one of my “Foundations of the Restoration” Institute class final)

It’s extremely important to remember that Joseph smith is so much of a vital driving force and catalyst for the Restoration of the gospel that I know and love today. I always reference that I’ve been where “They’ve walk”, referring to the countless church history
sites I’ve been blessed to go to over the past few years. At these church history sites I’ve learned so much about the prophet Joseph Smith. Through this class I learned doctrinal truths about  the sacrifices and trials he went through, while leading the Saints west.

God chose an ordinary boy, with no high qualifiers to take the gospel to the world. Without him we wouldn’t be here enjoying the blessing which we receive and love. I am so grateful for the sacrifices of the Saints and brother Joseph. It is mainly to the face the gospel has saved my life. It helped change a college athlete party animal into a respectable man of faith.

When I hear the stories about the pioneers it strengthens my testimony and reminds me that things are not always as bad as they seem, that God is always there, and that if we follow the Prophets and the words of our Heavenly Father everything will work out.

I am so grateful for the sacred temple ordinances that I’ve had the blessings to take on myself. I know these blessings have helped me, and have done wonders for those who have not had the opportunity in this lifetime, that I’ve been blessed to serve as proxy for.

I want to close this with my testimony, that I know Joseph smith is a true prophet. That the sacrifice and trials of the Pioneers are a model of strength and pure testimony. I know my heavenly Father has saved me and my Savior lives. And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Gerald R.

Grateful for the Opportunity to Serve

Sunday I was formally released from my calling as 2nd Counselor in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency in my ward. This is the same ward I was baptized into about 5 years ago. I remember hearing from a previous Bishop with such a release can come a flurry of emotions. My most powerful right now is gratitude. I will not lie, I was sad to be released.

For starters release is a term we use in the church to acknowledge our current Calling (position/job) term has come to an end. The only callings that you cannot be released from are if you are called to be an apostle or Prophet/President of the church. So local and area positions can come to an end.

It was indeed an honor to serve the brethren of my home ward. Of course releases can come without warning. sometimes followed by another calling, or the basis that the Lord saw fit for your skills and gifts somewhere else. I am planning on moving soon, and while I am sad to see my time in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency come to an end, it will allow me time to focus on house hunting and packing.

When I called my girlfriend after my meeting with the High Priest, she reminded me of something I had told her a year or so ago, that “It’s a part of serving God, and that the Lord will indeed find work for you to do…”. I pondered long and hard about it, and found comfort in the fact that indeed there will always be work for me to do in the Lord’s kingdom.  One quote, my favorite Book of Mormon quote comes to mind…

“But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it, Amen”

1Nephi Chapter 9, Verse 6

No matter what I know the Lord will guide me towards my truest potential!

As I said before, it was an extreme honor to serve my brethren, some of who helped me out and showed great fellowship when I was a new member of the church. I feel through my service in the presidency, I was taught more lessons from those good brethren. I have no idea what the next few months hold as I prepare to move to a new town, and a new ward, but I’m confident in the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ, and my kind and gracious Heavenly Father.

This summer has been a very emotionally draining one, and I do know I will now have time to focus on feelings I may have tried submerging regarding the loss of my grandmother. I think within the next month or two, finding myself spiritually and emotionally will be of priority. I’m so grateful for the love of a wonderful family, an amazing girlfriend, and great friends, through this. As I have said, it was my grandmother and her Christ-like example that led me to my faith. She always urged me to follow God in everything I did, and I know I wouldn’t be here without her.

Through it all one thing is for certain and that is the growth in my testimony, that I know that Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are there every step of the way in our lives. I know and wholeheartedly believe that families are eternal, and that This church is true! I know that we have a living prophet in Thomas S. Monson here on this earth, and I know no matter how old I am or what my condition is, the Lord will always put opportunities to serve and teach in my path, and I leave that with you in the name of Jesus Christ….

Amen.

Gerald R.

 

It’s been a while…

So the last few months since I’ve written here have been full changes and challenges! I will get into that more as I write future posts. 

I recently 2 months ago lost my grandma, who was one of my best friends and hugest inspirations. She taught me to follow Christ! And I know she would want me passing along the good word in the best way I know how to. Through my words! So I’m back! 

I want to testify that I know Christ lives, and that his gospel has been restored on this earth in this time! I know that families can be together forever and I know we all have a glorious calling to do good unto others and share the gospel with those we come in contact with! In Jesus Christ’s name,

Amen

Gerald-

I promise this will not be one of those Welcome Back posts….

Long time no see Blogging world!

I have been on a bit of hiatus of late due to increased business at work, and seemingly no time for many other things. But I’m back! I can honestly say I don’t think there will be so many breaks between my posts, and I pray I can deliver spiritual posts that help others find a way through this crazy world. Through my testimony I hope I can help others.

So in the time I’ve been gone, I recently as of Sunday was set apart as the 2nd counselor in my Elders Quorum Presidency in my family ward. For those of my friends and family who are not familiar with the organization of my church, Elders Quorum Presidency headed by a President and his two counselors are leaders over the men in the ward. We serve and make sure the men and their families are doing well, and assist as needed. That’s kind of like the 50 cent gumball machine definition. (I promise a more in depth post on Church organization). But I felt so honored and humbled to be given such a responsibility and opportunity to serve in the ward I was baptized in almost 4 years ago. I have no idea what the next months or year or so holds but I know through faith in Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father all is possible. Like it say’s in the scriptures

But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold , he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen

1Nephi 9:6

I’ve lived by that scripture these last few weeks. It’s brought me great comfort as the world around me has faced turbulence and tragedy. It has given me faith through it all, and has given me hope that no matter what is thrown in my way all will be well, and I will persevere.

I can testify to all that no matter what you face in life, The Lord will show a way. If you trust in him and hold onto his counsel and guidance you will have a light through the storm of life. You can find peace in Jesus Christ the savior and our Heavenly Father.

It feels so good to write again on here, and I look forward to continuing as I continue to grow! Hope you all have a great day!

Gerald

Hey Guys! Long time no see!

Well… IM BACK!!!!

Yeah after a more than like two month hiatus from the blogging world I’m back. Allow me to explain myself…

So I have a Cornea disease known as Keratoconus…It’s a depletion or misshape in your cornea. It makes it very very hard to see!. WEll It got very painful to look at computer screens or see in general, so I took a break until I got medical help. Needless to say I’ve been blessed with an amazing Eye doctor and I’m doing good, but I’m not out of the woods.

So I wanted to update you all, and let you know I can’t wait to continue writing for all of you, and being blessed by sharing my testimony, and giving you updates.

One of the most important updates comes from my writing… As most of you know, I’m an aspiring writer. Currently I’m working on my series (EVO), which will hopefully be released in the next year or two. Along with editing my first book “Maniac”. Well I was at work yesterday and out of nowhere an idea came to me like a ton of bricks. To write a book about the singles Ward in the LDS church… I feel it’s a story that’s never been done, like most stories I write. But as far as I can remember outside goofy movies like “The Singles Ward”, there’s never been a true story done. This wont be goofy… This will be real, and tangible, and raw, and needless to say in your face. IT will of course be uplifting, but I think there’s going to be something everyone can relate to.

With this new found inspiration, it has motivated me to finish other projects begin working on my website, and publish this stuff so everyone can read it! Also it has motivated me to continue blogging and inspiring other.

Well I hope everyone had a wonderful sabbath day! Love all of you!

Gerald

I’m back

It has been a month exactly since my last blog post. Sorry for the hiatus. A lot has changed in the last month. Some beautiful things have happened, and change has come about. Nonetheless I am back.

I figured with my return I’d bear my testimony. I want to bear my testimony that this is the true church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that Heavenly Father guides us and that we have the agency to do as we will and to become the Consequences of those decision. I beleive in the atonement and that it is the reason for which we have all come to be, and I vow my servitude to our heavenly father and Spreading the gospel through this globe, whether is be through the web or in person, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ

 

amen