The Passing of a Friend

Recently one of my childhood friends passed away. I came to find this out on facebook. I don't really know how to express my feelings. It's just hard to imagine that he's gone. This is his obituary. A few paragraphs could never show the great things he accomplished and the great friend he was to me, but it will have to suffice.

Jordan James Kagie 1987-2011

Jordan James Kagie fought the good fight. At 23, he passed away unexpectedly at home early in the morning on March 22 due to complications related to congestive heart failure.

He overcame cancer at the young age of 12 and battled multiple life-long health problems. Though he never complained and all these never held him back. He earned his Eagle Scout and became a member of the Order of the Arrow and worked summers at Tomahawk. He went on to attend SLCC. When his health finally caught up to him in July of 2010, and the news that he had congestive heart failure came after a near death episode, he rallied again. He went on to live life more energetically than ever. He finished his Associates Degree just five months later and was entering the Business Program at Weber State. He had the best reason to become the person he'd been waiting to be and took more joy in looking after himself and surrounding himself with others. He felt better than he ever had, and everyone around him benefitted. He was a standard nerd; as a gamer, a sports fan, a tease, a slight curmudgeon, Jojo was a fantastic addition to our lives. We enjoyed every minute of our stolen time with him these last months, and only regret that he finished his work here in this life so soon.

He is survived by his mother Rebecca Kagie, brother John Ross (Natalie), sister Jessica Kagie and many other family members who will all miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father John Clement Kagie. Till we meet again.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2011 at the LDS church at 311 North 800 West in West Bountiful, Ut. Friends may call there that morning from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2011 at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main.

   It was hard having to read this and know that I had found out three days after his funeral. I couldn't be there to celebrate his life. I knew I would miss him for these two years, but I didn't know it would be longer.
The most important message I want to convey is the great knowledge of eternal life, eternal families, and the Atonement of Christ.
   I know that I will see my dear friend again. I know that he is sealed to his mother and father, brother and sister, for time and all eternity. Most of all, I know that Christ was there for him during his most difficult times and I know that Christ suffered all that he went through to be there for him. I know that because of the Atonement of Christ Jordan's family will be able to feel peace and comfort knowing that he is with his Father in heaven.
   I give this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Protecting Our Title of Liberty

   Recently I had the opportunity to talk to a veteran of the U.S. Army. We talked much on the history of wars and the moral dilemnas and burdens carried by those that served. This wasn't the first time I had talked with veterans about the struggles of service, but I had a deeper realization of the great sacrifices of service men and women throughout the world this time around.

   As we continued our conversation he shared his different experiences over his years of service. He was away from home and away from his wife and children as he served his country and protected the liberties of his people.

   There is a great price paid by those willing to serve. They are away from family and loved ones and are unsure of the outcome of their service, but they do it nonetheless. Whether you are just out of high school or have a family of your own its always a sacrifice.

   My freedom, my family, my life, my liberty, and all things important to me are protected and secured by those answering the call to serve, and there will always be a price for our freedoms and liberties.

   In the Book of Mormon there is an account of a man named Captain Moroni. He is the best example of what a man of God does when he is at risk of losing his family and way of life.

    Moroni raises the Title of Liberty to rally his people together to defend their freedoms. It reads, "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children."(Alma 46:12) This is what they fought for. This is what they protected.
   There is further scripture that shows the qualities of Moroni. "And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding' yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed a man whose sould did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery"(Alma 48:11)
These are the qualities I see in my friends and loved ones that chose to serve. I am honored to know that my freedoms are being protected, and I am humbled to see the sacrifices of the service men and women that serve and protect their countries. Because, the sacrifice is worth it. Because, God desires us to have the freedoms we so deserve. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Meaning of Our Work

   Recently I was reading through my first journal entries of starting my mission. There were a lot of changes I had to get used to, and I didn't know how to adjust. I just didn't know how to manage. So, I did what I had learned to do through much trial and error, I prayed and started to ponder the importance of what I had been set out to do.
   December 11, 2010 after being a missionary for ten days, and praying constantly for the strength to continue in my service, the Spirit had enlightened my mind.

"A great thing happened to me earlier tonight. We sang our last hymn as a district, The Spirit of God, and I already know the song pretty well so I was looking around. I look down and notice my tag, so I take it off and look at it and feel that amazing joy of being called to serve and having the Spirit of God with me.

 At that point I realized that would be the only time my name would be so close to my Savior in performing the same work and having the same purpose. This is a time in my earthly life that must be cherished. I will never have this opportunity to live in this capacity again." -My Journal Entry-

"It has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost..." Jacob 7:12

The Holy Ghost can enlighten our minds, give us a greater knowledge and understanding, but most important for me is He gives us comfort and peace. To know the importance of the work is what gives me comfort in offering my service to God.

What am I missing? Better Question! What have I gained!?

   So just recently I have been on facebook. As missionaries we try to use it as a means to share the gospel and bring the Spirit into others lives. However, having friends back home on facebook makes it so I peer through a window and see into the lives of loved ones back home.

   Last night was prom night back at my old high school and I noticed some pictures on my facebook wall. I see all these familiar faces and I say to myself "Oh, I hope they had fun!" Soon after I see a picture of my close friends back home and say to myself "Oh, gosh I really wish I was there with them" I realize how much I miss my friends, and begin thinking "Hmm, Elder George what did you do last night?"



Elder Sabin & me cleaning out the freezer



   It all hit me like a ton of bricks! I was being a missionary doing the Lord's work! I had one of the best and most memorable nights of my life. I looked at the things I had done and realized how great the work of being a missionary is. Elder Sabin and I were able to visit families and share the gospel with them. We shared how the gospel had blessed our lives and sought ways to help. We gave service to our fellow man just how the Lord would want us to. We even cleaned the inside of our freezer and somehow enjoyed the experience!





   Being a missionary means so much to me. It requires a little more effort and some helpful reminders, but the reward is amazing. I have been away from my family and life for three months, I have missed some good moments, but I have experienced some great ones. I have made my companion my friend0, I have given service to others, I have learned to cherish the little things in life, and most importantly I have shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ!



Me, Elder Heywood, & Elder Sabin