I Believe...

Me bottle feeding a calf - probably spring '94

I believe in hard work. I grew up learning to work. I didn't always enjoy it, but now that I look back, I see the benefits. Whether it was picking up my own toys, making my bed, mowing the lawn, or working on the family ranch, my sisters and I worked. Working teaches self discipline and helps shape who we are. It keeps us out of trouble and helps prepare us to be self dependent. Of course, life isn't only about work. After putting in hard work we need to have some fun! I believe that it's important to play hard. Growing up we would work on the ranch and put in a good days work. Then we would go on dirt bike rides, come home and go to the hot pots, or meet up with friends and go to town. My parents were always willing to let us go and do if we earned it. We also took fun vacations as a family. It's important to have fun in life but to first work. Work hard. Play hard.

Branding calves Spring 2009 - Jesse, Me, Melissa, Dad, Megan, Grandma Jones, Aunt LeeAnn, Uncle Jim

Me and Jesse mountain biking in Colorado May 2009

Wakeboarding the Snake River after showing my steer at the Cassia county fair. 2007

Less is more. Having everything we want or having it all doesn't bring happiness. We can find joy in the simple things. Often times kids will have more fun with a couple of sticks and a few rocks than they will with a room full of toys. The same can apply to all ages. We can find joy in the simple things around us. Quality is better than quantity. I believe having a couple pairs of nice shoes is better than having a closet full of cheap shoes. It's good to dress and look nice, but not great for that to become our main focus. The same applies with a home. Frugality will take one a long way in life.

Left to Right: Cordell Cox (cousin) Megan, Melissa, Me, Sydney 2007

Integrity is ALWAYS important. My dad and grandpa aren't the wealthiest or most well known ranchers around, but all who know them for miles around know them to be men of integrity. I have always been proud to say that Rod Jones is my dad and Bill Jones my grandpa. I hope to carry on this legacy and pray that it will continue on down through my posterity.

Learning is important. It may not always seem fun or easy but it will bring great rewards and knowledge if we let it. Remember, we can't take physical or material things with us into the next life, but we will always have our knowledge.

Family and friends are important. Treat them well. Choose good friends.

Being kind is always best. Sometimes it is very hard to be kind to others, especially when they have hurt us in some way. Let us remember our Savior and his example. No one was ever treated more cruelly than he was, yet he was always kind and he suffered and forgave even those who crucified him. He can learn from him.

Serve others. Sometimes this can be hard, especially if it's not convenient for us. Still do it. Great rewards come from serving others. We become more charitable and can grow closer to Christ.

Be Happy! Simple as that. We can always find excuses or reasons to not be happy or cheerful. Don't. People flock around those who are happy and optimistic. From the words of President Hinckley, life is meant to be enjoy and not just endured. Laugh instead of cry. It feels better anyway. "Come what may, and love it". (Elder Joseph B. Worthlin)

I Know to Be True...

I know that Jesus is the Christ. He served and taught us while on this earth. He atoned for our sins and suffered and died for us so that we might live. He now lives and will someday rule and reign on the earth as our king. I look forward to this day. Our Father in Heaven loves us and knows each one of us as we are his literal spiritual sons and daughters. He has a plan for us and wants us to return to him. He is involved in our lives and wants us to turn to him for all our wants and needs. He is always  there for us, all we have to do is go to him in prayer and speak with him. He truly loves us because he sent his son. The Lord has given us all the tools and maps we need to return to him. We have the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost if we live worthily. We have the Book of Mormon, which I know to be true. It can guide us and help us if we feast upon the it's words. We have a living prophet today and apostles who receive modern day revelation to help lead and guide Christ's church and saints. They will not lead us astray. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. He helped to restore the fullness of the Gospel which is on the earth today never to be taken again. I have faith in the power of the priesthood and have seen many miracles in my own life resulting in priesthood blessings. I am grateful to have grown up being surrounded by my father and  grandfathers who worthily honored his priesthood role. I now am married to a wonderful man who does the same. I know that families go on forever when they are sealed under this sacred power. We will all have the opportunity to live again with our loved ones if we heed the Lord's commandments and keep our covenants. I am ever so grateful for this knowledge and for my testimony. I say this in my Saviors sacred name, even Jesus Christ. Amen.