If you've read my blog, you know I love technology. I keep pretty up to date on the latest software, betas, and experimental stuff out there today. I used to be a regular computer prankster here in the office where I work.

Recently, Cory, my brother-in-law and one of my co-workers, jokingly accused me of changing his XP profile picture to a duck. This happened several times and Cory suspected both me and my brother Ethan. One night, when the whole family was together after supper we started talking about this mysteriously changing profile picture. Cory was convinced that me or Ethan was responsible for the change.

Soon, we started asking Kristen's kids. Elise, the oldest said she hadn't and Ian said the same. Then we got to Merry Grace, who is 3 years old said that she has changed her daddy's picture to a duck. We were all incredulous, I mean, she is THREE YEARS OLD. So to test this out I asked her sweetly:


Me: "Merry Grace, could you help me change my computer picture?"


MG: "Sure, Uncle Adam"

Still incredulous, I took her over to my computer while we all crowded around the screen. Merry Grace clicked the start button, clicks on my profile picture, scrolls down to her favorite (the duck), picks it, hits apply, exits the screen, clicks start again to show my new picture (now a duck) and says:


MG: "That's how you change it Uncle Adam. I like the duck, its my favorite."

We stared in disbelief. I know that kids are getting more and more technologically comfortable from a young age, but never in a million years would I have suspected that the culprit to Cory's changing profile picture prank was the work of a three year old little girl.

One other quick little computer story. The other day Elise, (8 years old), was in the kitchen.

"Mommy," she asked "can we use Google Chrome on Netflix?" At the time, Netflix didn't support Chrome, but it now does. Kristen told Elise no, and Elise said:

"That's lame. Google Chrome is my favorite browser. I hate using Internet Explorer because it is so slow, and Firefox takes forever to load up."

It was a moment of pride for me. My 8 year old niece is already using and prefers Google Chrome to the other browsers. Logan's computer app teacher didn't even know what he was talking about when he told her that he used Google Chrome. Kids these days...

Here I am again, two years later, preparing to serve a mission. In case you haven't heard the news already, I got word this past Sunday all my mission-related paperwork is in Salt Lake, so a decision should be on its way.

Although my story may not be unique, it certainly isn't typical either. A little under two years ago, I got my mission call to serve in the Salt Lake City South mission. I entered the MTC but returned home shortly thereafter. I'll admit that this experience brings with it some embarrassment and shame. I remember thinking at the time that two years was this incredible, impossible sacrifice. I was determined, or at least not very willing, to serve.

Then about a year ago, I remember driving home from work and feeling this intense, burning prompting that I needed to serve a mission. The feeling was very unexpected. But from then on out things began to change. With the help of family, priesthood leaders, and a supportive best friend, I progressed and prepared to serve. This time, real desire filled me. I wanted to serve a mission. 


I believe that ultimately, the direction we are moving in life is far more important than where we started or where we may end up. Moving forward is progress and anything else is distraction.

I'm grateful for the experiences that have helped to shape me into who I am today. I grateful too, for those that have supported and helped me get to this point—on the cusp of serving the Lord for two years. As my best friend and I frequently say, things will work out. If we are doing what's right, then things will work out.

I'm preparing now to make the same two year sacrifice I almost made two years ago. Although the sacrifice is the same, it doesn't seem impossible. In fact, the future has never looked so bright and felt so full of promise for the next two years and beyond.