The Richest Love There Is

 45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

Before I start this, I want you all to know that I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us so much.  We are His hands trying to "Love one another" as He commanded us.  When we show our love, we don't ask for things in return because doing kind things and loving our brothers and sisters is what Christ himself would do.

Recently, I have thought a lot about how something can lose its value if there is too much of it.

For instance, inflation.  If there is inflation in an economy, the currency loses its value.

Charity is not puffed up.

The Savior's love is not an inflated love.  He did not tell everyone that he loved them to become popular.  He helped the lame to walk, the blind to see, the sinners to be cleansed, and the dead to live.  He performed the Atonement and died and was resurrected to fulfill the plan of salvation.

Ever since I became a missionary, I have been paired up with a companion.  We work together to bring people closer to Jesus Christ.  We both have a set of talents and abilities, strengths and weaknesses too that make each person unique.

Right now I am in a companionship with Elder Eshiet.  He and I are two peas... from two different pods. :) We are quite different and so we talk a lot about understanding each other.

He told me he noticed how positive and upbeat I was.  He let me know that it was cool that I was willing to tell many people that I loved them.  He told me that it was not necessarily a good thing though.  He told me of how it could lose its value.

He said that if you tell too many people that you love them, then the value of what "I love you" actually means when I say it will go down.  I thought about contending and I may have even contended a bit with my view of "I want everyone to feel loved."   :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)

But I really thought about what he said.

And he wasn't telling me to not tell people I love them... just not to overdo it, or inflate the love I have for people.

I am in the greatest mission in the history of life.  There are so many people that have touched my life in a wonderful way and have blessed my life.  They are metaphorically writing in the book of my life.  Whether a person writes a sentence, or a few chapters, I am SO grateful for them being in my life, and I feel I should tell them of my appreciation.  It makes me happy especially when I get to serve them or they serve me.

When I am with a group of people after a spiritual high, I usually will be more eager to tell lots that I love them.  I want everyone to feel the love that I feel.  However, I can give the wrong impression to some if I tell them I love them.  OR, if I tell one person I love him/her, and then he/she sees me say that to 20 or 30 other people, that person might not feel like my words meant much to him/her.

Said President Thomas S. Monson,
"Said William Shakespeare, 'they do not love that do not show their love.'"

You can say "I love you" all you want, but it is when they are backed up with actions that the receiver of the love can feel the most love.

Also, it can go the other way around.  If a person NEVER says "I love you," to someone he/she loves,

 how will that someone know?

If I want my words to mean a lot, I should mean what I say, and say what I mean, and not throw out words like "I love you" or "I'm sorry" if I don't mean it.

Another companion of mine said that I sometimes throw out "SORRYs" like candy.  He told me, if I say it once, I need to mean it then change.  The word sorry doesn't need to be in every sentence I say.  Even if I feel like what I say might not be what the person wants to hear.

I have learned many lessons of self-improvement and giving and receiving constructive criticism from being a missionary.  I have learned lessons of repentance and forgiveness; and of people having spiritual gifts.

Each person we know and each we don't know is an individual child of our Heavenly Father.  We should respect each other, be kind to each other and understand each other.

Another thing: We may only have one connection with certain people... as in, we might only see a certain person only once in your life.  So, be careful what you say.  You might ask yourselves "Am I a blessing or a burden?"  A kid could ask, "am I being nice, or mean?"
This doesn't mean you should treat poorly those you see often and every day.
They should be the ones we try to love most.

I have relearned something else important from Elder Eshiet.  Actions speak louder than words.

Dayton's Legs

I know that charity is the pure love of Christ, and charity never faileth.

Coming back to things losing value if you have too much of it... Our Savior's love is infinite and eternal and may not apply to this situation.  When we receive that love, we need to show it to our brothers and sisters.

Show kindness.

I'm Trying to be like Jesus - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

I'm trying to be like Jesus.
I'm following in His ways.
I'm trying to love as He did
in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted 
to make a wrong choice
But I try to listen
as the still small voice whispers

Chorus
Love one another
as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness
in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving
in deed and in thought;
for these are the things
Jesus taught.

I'm trying to love my neighbor.
I'm learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness
when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons he taught
then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts saying:

Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought;
for these are the things Jesus taught.

Do you feel that?  That's the Holy Ghost telling you that what I have said is true. :)  
Remember to say your prayers and read your scriptures.
Peace be with you.

The Holy Ghost: a story of boys

On January 1st, 2001 (yes that's 1-1-01), I  got baptized.  Shortly after I was baptized, my Father confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then said "receive the Holy Ghost."

When I was baptized, I was only eight years old, but I knew right from wrong, and I knew that getting baptized was a good choice, and that I was following Jesus Christ.

My parents taught me at an early age about the wonderful Gift of the Holy Ghost. (click here and scroll down the page until you see "The Gift of the Holy Ghost," then click on that) They taught me how it would protect me, comfort me and how it would warn me of dangers.

One night, within one or two years of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, I was spending the night at a friend's house.  He had some cousins over.  We were having plenty of fun like all boys do, running around, wrestling, making messes, playing video games, eating junk food, watching movies, not caring much about anything at all :)  Life was perfect.

My friend and his cousins wanted to go out in his backyard and play outside during the night-time.  I knew he had some horses in his backyard, but I hadn't really been out there and I got this feeling that it was unsafe.

He and his cousins said that everything would be fine.  After a bit of them trying to convince me, I went along with them outside.  The light from the backyard porch was the only light we had.  It was dark.  We were hanging out outside, playing tag or whatever.  I remember we were running around.

All of a sudden, both my friend and one of his cousins start screaming.  I went to my friend to see what happened.  He had stepped on a two-by-four with a rusty nail sticking out.  The nail went right through his shoe and into his foot.  Oddly enough, the same thing happened to his cousin... at the same time.  It was strange.

I ran inside and told his Mom what had happened.  His mom had to carry them both inside and treat them.  I remember him sitting on the closed toilet with his shoes off just crying and crying.  He told me that he should have listened to me, and that it wasn't a good idea to go outside and play when it's dark when you can't see anything.  I have learned two things from this experience.  One: Listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  Two: If it is dark outside, it is harder to see.  "well, yeah!"

That second one makes me laugh. :)

The gift of the Holy Ghost has helped me to make right choices.  Those who are baptized by immersion for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Both of these ordinances are done under the proper authority in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since my story had to do with light, and how more light would have been helpful, here's a video about light.  David A. Bednar is the man speaking.  I hope you enjoy it.  There are 2 other parts to go with it.  Watch those too if you have time.  SO good. :)

And remember kids, don't do drugs.

Have a great week. 

People are... Human?

We all make mistakes.  Simple as that.  I, myself, have made millions of them throughout my short lifespan of twenty-some years...

Shocking, right?

Mistakes are made, feelings are hurt, some choice words are said, then someone goes home with a knot stuck in their throat and a feeling that they've been wronged.
 
Accepting that truth has been something that I have had some difficulty with throughout my  life.

Let me clarify; I've tried to make a distinction between a person and their actions, President Monson puts it pretty well in this Mormon Message below-

We don't know the reason a person did the things he or she did unless they explicitly tell us.  We don't know their circumstances and feelings(completely).  We can make guesses, but we don't honestly know.  I know I've jumped to an entirely wrong conclusion before(many times :(...). 

"So be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we."[Emphasis Added]

-Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe"

Even when people do things for a malicious reason, I've tried to think about the bright side of things, after all, as Jeffrey R. Holland puts it-

The Book of Mormon: A Reading Experience

Sometimes when I would be hanging out with my friends, they would start to talk about certain books that they have been reading.  They would say how great it was and how it lined up in the series.  They would talk about how the character's roles were genius and how they loved the story line.

At these times I would feel separated from my friends, think about something and do whatever I could to change the conversation into whatever it was I was interested in.

I didn't like reading books.  I thought my time was better spent watching TV, playing video games, making music, or doing something else fun.

I had read the "Harry Potter" series as well as the "Series of Unfortunate Events" when I was a grade school student and they made sure you read something.  I did enjoy them when I got into them.

I had the"reading experience" that my friends had so often with very few books.

After I graduated, I wasn't compelled to read much... so I didn't.  College would have kept me reading (begrudgingly) but I did not go to college after high school because I had my heart set on serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I've always wanted to serve a mission because the missionaries were my heroes.  They knew the scriptures back and front and they could teach people how to find happiness, peace, and the truth about God and His plan for us.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.  (Article of Faith 1:8)

The Book of Mormon is a reading experience. 

As I was reading it earlier this week, I found a few verses that struck me.  The people in the Book of Mormon had their own reading experience in Mosiah chapter 25

 5 And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read, the records of Zeniff to his people; yea, he read the records of the people of Zeniff, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until they returned again.

 6 And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again.

 7 And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement.

 8 For they knew not what to think; for when they beheld those that had been delivered out of bondage they were filled with exceedingly great joy.

 9 And again, when they thought of their brethren who had been slain by the Lamanites they were filled with sorrow, and even shed many tears of sorrow.

 10 And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.

 11 And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.

The scriptures are true.  When we read, we may feel like King Mosiah's people and say "I know not what to think."    

Here are the reactions they felt and you may feel as you read the Book of Mormon.

1. Brethren out of bondage. . . . . . . . .joy
2. Brethren slain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sorrow
3. Goodness of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . .thankfulness
4. The Lamanites in a sinful state. . . pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls 

Reading the book of mormon can be like reading other books.  Most people I know, when they read a book, they want a happy ending.  Just as in other books, the Book of Mormon has protagonists and atagonists and at times the protagonists experience a lot of joy.  However, there are times when they struggle, suffer, are in pain and sometimes they even die preaching the gospel.  Check out the link to read about how this happened to Abinadi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon. 

There are also times they make mistakes, repent and learn from them.

 

 People can change sides!!! :)

In the Bible, it happened to Saul.  He became Paul after running into an Angel who asked why He was persecuting Jesus Christ.  In the Book of Mormon, it happened to Alma the Younger.  Both of them were converted, and sought to serve God and build up His kingdom which they were attempting to destroy not long before then.

For the members of the Church, the Book of Mormon is more than just a "good read."  The things that happened anciently in the Book are for our day.  They are for us.  Those words are His words and they help us be and stay converted to the Lord.  It helps us see the difference between good and evil and the prophets who wrote invite us to choose good.  

The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon confirms: 

Jesus IS who the Bible says He is.

 

The Book of Mormon is light and knowledge that comes from God through His holy prophets.  God has always spoken to us through prophets.  It helps us understand God's plan, and it contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love the Book of Mormon.  If the Book of Mormon is true, that means God still speaks to man.  

I invite everyone who reads this to read the Book of Mormon and pray and ask God in the name of Christ if it is true.  I was not the first to invite you to read... Moroni was.

Pick it up and read it.  It is SO good.  I LOVE The Book of Mormon.  I want to share it with everyone.  Everyone should have a chance to read the Book of Mormon.  Please send me a message on Facebook what experiences you have during or after reading/praying about The Book of Mormon.

Here's my Facebook Page. 

Thanks for Reading everyone!!! :)  and let me know if there's any suggestions you have for a new blogger. 

 

 

Repentance

My name is Matthew Hart.  Whether or not you know me, you and I have some things in common.

Of the many things we may have, I will just list a few.

• We both are Children of God

• We both make mistakes that make us sad and separate us from our Heavenly Father and true happiness.
• We both have a Savior.  He loves you and will wrap you up in His arms of mercy as soon as you repent.
• We both need to repent.

What is Repentance?  To me, it is an opportunity to Come to Jesus Christ and and take the heavy burdens off my shoulders.  Matthew 11:28-30 is a scripture I love about how Jesus Christ helps us lift our burdens.

Repentance makes me feel all better.  After tasting something disgusting, Spit it out!  Use Mouthwash!  Make your mouth Clean.  Sure mouthwash might sting a bit while shwishing and gargling, but your mouth says "thank you for giving it a fresh, clean feeling just as your soul does when you repent.

Repentance might be needed even if you haven't done anything bad.  Just like a car needs maintenance, or teeth need to be brushed, clothes need to be washed, and carpets need to be vacuumed, our souls NEED repentance consistently.

In Washington DC, and the area surrounding it, there are many trees.  During this time of the year the leaves change color.  I often find myself in awe with how beautiful the trees are and how marvelous God's creations are.  Then I think about what it must be like for the trees.  If trees had feelings, maybe during autumn (or fall), they might be frustrated, upset, or depressed.  They worked all spring and summer developing their leaves only to have them fall off again.  One by one those leaves fall until the trees don't have any more leaves. They might feel embarrassed, cold, naked, hungry, lonely or unloved.

All that work to make those leaves... was it all for nothing? could it be that trees make leaves only to lose them? No way José!  When a tree loses its leaves, it has room to grow new ones.  Spring comes and trees bud and blossom and they make new leaves.  I think trees have been around long enough to have positive attitudes about the need to change, adapt and grow.  We should see repentance as that opportunity awaiting us to improve.  Although we may have to give up something good first, as we repent, we can trust God will return to us something better.

Repentance is not really changing who you are, but finding out who your Heavenly Father intends you to be, and acting on that.

Repentance is becoming who you divinely invited to be.

It's kind of like what Mufasa says to Simba in the Lion King.  

"You are more than what you have become." 

Simba is awakened to his potential and his responsibilities and repents of his slothfulness, and commits to do his Father's will.  2 Nephi 9:45

Repentance is coming unto Jesus Christ and renewing our commitment to follow Him.  

2 Nephi 31:10-12, 15, 19-20

Okay so ALL of 2 Nephi 31 is fantastic, and I invite you to read it, because I LOVE IT!

The principles of Repentance and enduring to the end are weaved together.  You need one for the other to work.  Jacob says that after we repent we should Cleave unto God.  Jacob 6: 5, 8-9, 11-12

I will now say a line quoted often by Christians worldwide. 

"Jesus Christ died for us."

There it is in its beautiful simplicity.

Is this true?  If it is true, what does that mean?  Am I saved?  Is there something I need to do to accept His Atoning sacrifice?   ---   These are some questions of the soul concerning Salvation.

The role of Christ in our life:  Alma 7:11-13

We have our ability to make choices and we have the ability to choose to rely upon Christ's Atonement.

Lehi, a prophet from the Book of Mormon around 580 BC says this about choices:  2 Nephi 2: 27-28,30

How do we choose Jesus Christ's sacrifice on our behalf?  First, we must believe or have a desire to believe until that desire grows into Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Alma 32: 21, 27

Then! Alma continues on to say, Repent and keep the commandments.  Alma 7:14-17

I will say more concerning Baptism in a later blog post.  For now, I will say repentance prepares us for Baptism, and Baptism is our first covenant we make with God, and it is the way to receive a remission of our sins.

Trust in the Lord enough to have faith in Him enough to repent.  He knows much more than we do.

Proverbs 3: 5, 11-12

This is a video of leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that everyone should watch.

Technology; A Blessing and a Curse

 "...Thou shalt not ^aidle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy ^btalent that it may not be known." 

-Full Reference-

There are countless opportunities provided to us through the virtual world.

We can go all over the world in the blink of an eye.  We can see the Great Wall of China, travel to the Eiffel tower, then talk to another person on the other side of the world, all while eating at the local burger joint. 

 

This technology, more specifically, the internet, has allowed us to keep in touch with people that we otherwise would not be able to and keep tabs on them(ahem... FACEBOOK-Stalking!).  We can take classes online and learn in ways that may not have been dreamed of even ten years ago.

But there are dangers too.

Viruses.  Hackers.  Time-wasters.(yes, they're a danger too!)

Back when I was home, instead of spending some quality time with my family, I wanted to try to save the galaxy from the tyrant Mengsk.  Again.  

I wanted to survive the Zombie Apocalypse with my fellow virtual survivors, rather than chilling with my real family.  

I wanted to beat down the Sith Lords(or join them to rule the galaxy... One can never decide...) instead of playing with my little brother.

Y'know, the little things.

Technology is wonderful.  I will never argue that, but I look back to the time that I could've been spending with my family, maybe helping those around me, and I just shake my head...

What could I have done with all that time that I spent on the computer???

I love video games!  There is no arguing that.  I love playing the stories, listening to the music, discovering who beat who.  But I feel like I could've spent it more wisely!  As it states in the bible; there is a time for EVERYTHING(!) and it's important that we not waste the already little time we have! Amulek (A missionary from The Book of Mormon) reminds us,

"For behold, this ^alife is the time for men to ^bprepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of ^cthis life is the day for men to perform their ^dlabors."  -Full Reference-

The internet is great, wonderful, and all around useful, but think about what we could be doing instead of wasting time. (Unless, of course, you're doing something useful, in which case; Good on ya!)

In the Mormon Message below, David A. Bednar(an Apostle) provides the following two questions to help us with our use of technology;

1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?

2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?

Made with excerpts of David A. Bednar's  talk, "Things as They Really Are"

In the end, I can only remember the prophetic council of Jacob(another prophet from the Book of Mormon), which helps me when I'm trying to make a choice-

"O be ^awise; what can I say more[!]?"

-Full Reference-

Note: There is a voting option to the right that you can select a question that Elder Hart and I will answer!  Vote!  Make your voice heard!  Let us know that people care...  :( 

Question; What methods have you learned to help you spend your time effectively?

Parents: They really do care!

"I, [Aram], having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my [Father and Mother]..."

                                                                                          -Full Reference-

I wish I had spent more time with my family before I left on my mission.  I wish I had gotten to know them better and built up a better relationship with them.

Yes, we have a good relationship right now, but I think back to what it could be if I spent more time getting to know them when I was younger...

When I look back at my child and teen years, I take a look back memory lane.  I see flashes of the little things my Dad did for me.  He tried to reach out to me but something else was always more... Important. (you know; video games, books, homework, etc.)

Created with excerpts from M. Russell Ballards' Talk "Fathers and Sons: A remarkable relationship"

Did I take a moment and ask my parents about their hopes and dreams?(shocking, right?)  What about their life BEFORE I came into the picture? (Yes, there is a before)  How much time did I really spend with them?

Made with excerpts of Robert D. Hales Talk "Our Duty to God: the Mission..."

It's a two way street, both parent and child need to want it...

But how do we increase our relationship???

We do it the same ways that we build friendships with other people!  At least that's what I've found.  I talk with them, I ask them how they are doing!

I think it's kind of like that with God.  

Do we really know our Heavenly Father?  Do we want to know Him?  He's already there, just waiting for us to go to Him and let Him know that we are ready to start talking!  This Mormon Message really puts it in perspective!

I know that we can go to our Heavenly Father in prayer and talk with Him, just as we do with our parents here on Earth.

What activities have you seen that help build a better relationship with your parents?

Note:  Elder Matt Hart will be taking over posts on Fridays starting next week!  Be sure to give him a warm welcome!

Patience: It's a virtue for a reason

"Go forth among... thy brethren and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

-Full Reference-

Patience has been something that I've struggled with my entire life.  I want to keep pushing forward, I want to keep improving myself as fast as I can.

Most of the time, that's not in Gods plan.  FALSE!

God realizes that if I improve as fast as I want too, I would be very, very, very, tired...

 King Benjamin(a prophet-king from The Book of Mormon) talked to his people about this.  I'll 'liken' this scripture to how I read it when I need a reminder to slow down,

"...See that [improvement is] done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [you] should run faster than [you have] strength."

-Full Reference-

Improvement has a cost-
Trials.  Time.  Pain.

Even when we exercise, we're tearing muscles to make them stronger.  When we go through trials, we're trying our Faith, to make our spirits stronger.

Something that has always helped through these times of trouble is the fact that I can always go in prayer to my Heavenly Father.  I can talk with Him.  I can ask for help.  I can tell Him what I'm feeling.

Like any loving Father, he knows what's going on, but he still wants to hear it from us!

I also found that serving/helping others is a GREAT way to help me feel better.  It just gives you that warm tingly feeling!

Over time, I have learned that patience with our Father in Heaven and trying to understand why He would allow us to go through trials is a way to thrive while going through our tribulations.

This Mormon Message is a great uplifter and it's helped me out a lot!

Made from a speech given by Quentin L. Cook, "Hope Ya know, We Had a Hard Time"

How have you learned to help yourself be more patient?

Creating; A lifelong dream...

"And it came to past that he began to speak to [the] people from [his blog]; and they could not all hear his words because of the greatness of the multitude; therefore he caused that the words which he spake should be written and sent forth among all those that were not under the sound of his voice, that they might also receive his words."

-Full Reference- 

I've always wanted to do... something.  Throughout all of my life, I have loved taking apart things, figuring out how they work, making new things out of the scraps.  

It's safe to say; Lego's were my favorite toy while growing up.  

To tell you the truth, sometimes in the past, I grew frustrated with myself;  "I want to have his/her talents!", "Why can't I do stuff like they can!?", "I wanna be creative too!"

Every single time, I eventually came to the same conclusion and sometimes, I didn't like it;

I am me.

I have my own talents, my own abilities, my own skills.  When I don't pay attention to them, I don't hurt others, I hurt myself.  If I want to build up other talents, I practice them, I try them out.  I go to God in prayer and ask him to help me.  Eventually, I become more than I was.  

When I use my talents, my gifts, I am being just as creative as those people of whom I was jealous.

This short clip helped inspire me to use my talents.  Yes, it's aimed at women but it applies to everybody!

This was made from excerpts of a speech given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Happiness, Your Heritage

How have you been able to realize and develop your talents?

Feel free to comment!  In fact, it's encouraged! :)

~Blog will be updated Tuesdays and Fridays~