Big Daddy James!

This is (was) my roommate James. Big Daddy James, to be precise. He chose the title himself.

James was one of my roommates last semester. As Family Home Evening Apartment Leader, he assumed the incredible role of being our resident Brotherhood patriarch. James is also a champ. If I could only begin to tell you why...!

As the youngest member of the Brotherhood, he was probably showered with the most love (youngest children are always the most spoiled--James was the most loved). Everyone in the ward loved him! You can probably see why! He's quite the good looking guy.

James isn't in Rexburg this semester. He's at home in Portland. He's also trading in the white tux for a new suit. Why the trade-in? James just turned in his mission papers to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can learn more about that here.

So now the waiting game begins. Where will Elder James Neubarth serve? I guess we'll just have to wait for his call from the prophet to arrive!

Ode to a Semester Gone By

Finals were over last Friday, but I had to post a few pictures to show what the semester was all about. I couldn't get a picture for every fun activity I did, but Here's a sneak peak at Fall 2008.

A now, dear semester, may you rest in peace (because ever since my finals were over I've been sleeping peacefully, too!).


Just in case you had evil thoughts of stomping on the plants up "R" Mountain, now you have a reason not to.

The top of "R" Mountain...well, kind of. We took this picture at the summit, and then we made our way around to the R. This was a pre-missionary activity, and they asked me to come. Oh man! Those guys are stellar! They'll be amazing missionaries!

This is my friend Jodi and her mom at the Mother's Weekend Service Project. We did this as part of one of the organzations I was involved with this semester on campus. When the moms came to visit, we created newborn kits for a hospital nearby. Service definitely rocks.

The morning of the Service Project, we woke up to find 6 of these (one for each of us) taped to the mirror in the bathroom with a note inviting us to have an adventure that day. Our mission: find someone we didn't know who needed some extra cheer and give this to them. My mission: complete success. The anonymous roommate who left these out is a CHAMP! It was like being on the mission again out looking for "the one." I'd recommend this activity to anyone looking for a fun way to serve those around you!

This is the structure that greeted us when we came back. I was only home for four weeks and the open area suddenly looked like this. You should see it now. Click here or here. I can't even begin to tell you what I know of this miracle. Wait until you talk to President Monson or President Clark (President of the University--I've been in meetings where he has begun expounding on this miracle). And if President Hinckley could tell you, he'd have amazing things to say (I heard some of it straight from one of the Vice Presidents last week).

If anything, this is to me the metaphor for my life--continual growth, constant change. There's really not a time when the progression stops. A disciple's life moves forward and helps as the stone rolls forth.

And when I got back from summer break, this greeted me, too. I don't recall who it is, but some light construction in one of the buildings on campus necessitated this mystery statue be covered up, and I couldn't help but think about stories I'd heard about Brazil and Carnival (where some Catholics cover the statues of Mary and party for a week since she can't see). I had to snap this shot.

Here's to the random Christmas Carollers that came by--in October.

And Dan and Michelle celebrating the first snowfall (also in October? It only lasted one day).

And here's to the best roommates EVER! The semester was awesome, but it would not have been what it was without you. Thanks for being an awesome "family" away from family and creating a home away from home. Good luck with your adventures next semester! It just won't ever be the same!

Brotherhood 'Ties'

So we all wore matching ties to Church yesterday. The Ghost of Christmas Future stopped by our apartment and left them hanging in the vanity by the sink. Sorry no pictures. But, if anything, we have more ties (ha ha!) to keep us together wherever we go next semester.

Our Christmas tree (yes, we have a tree--a real tree. Kevin got a permit and cut it down over Thanksgiving break) with lights. we even have mini stockings by the chimney. Sorry, still no pictures.

I'm just grateful that in such a crazy finals week, we have a wonderful apartment and wonderful roommates. It's nice to have an apartment that feels like a home.

Elder Joseph B.Wirthlin

1917-2008

Here's a tribute to a man who lived great and died great. As one of Christ's special witnesses on the earth, Elder Wirthlin served as an Apostle of the Lord since 1986. You can learn more about apostles here: www.mormon.org

Elder Wirthlin's daughter, Jane, who was with him when he died, is a great friend! My mom called her this morning and Jane said that her family is doing well.

Elder Wirthlin passed away in his sleep around 11:30 pm last night.

Perhaps he'll be best remembered for his talks on charity and love, finding peace in a time of grief, and laughing despite the embarrassing or hard times. It seems his family is doing just that! And perhaps he'll be remembered for his talks giving advice from his own life. For me, it was always advice that rings true!

Most of all, he was a servant of Jesus Christ, called and annointed by Him to serve.

May the Lord bless the Wirthlin family. We love them! And may we honor the legacy of what Elder Wirthlin taught.

Just in case you were wondering...

Here's a taste of what goes on behind closed doors. Enjoy your sneak peak into "Brotherhood Night I" from a few posts ago. The thigns boys....men....will do when the camera is rolling and the front room is covered in mattresses. Yes, we got some nice hang time.

Will there be Brother hood Night II?

Thanksgiving was great, and we're all beginning to get back. It's good for the Brotherhood to be back. Let's see if we still love each other after these two weeks (finals week included). The semester flew by way too fast. Thank Heaven for good roommates!

And the winner is...

The results are in. Student Body elections were held this week. It was grueling week and I had tons of fun! I had one of the largest campaign committees in BYU-Idaho history (We were limited to 50 people and I got 43...trust me, getting 50 people to do that is not as easy as it sounds!) Gratefully, some of my great friends helped me out! I couldn't have done it without them. they are incredible examples and truly amazing people!

With 42.5 % of the student vote, I won. Thanks for your love and support. Thanks for your prayers as I begin this new adventure as the BYU-Idaho Student Body President Winter 2009.

It's gonna be fun!

Love to you all!

-Jared

Oh How Lovely Was the Morning

I just found this through a French blog: lessaintsdesderniersjours.blogspot.com (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...all in one word, in French, on blogspot). It's about 4 1/2 minutes long. I loved it, and I thought you might, too! I got this off YouTube.