I always tell myself, when I finally get married, I hope that it has been raining because then I wouldn't have to worry about the terrible squinting I do on any good sunny day. This is me on my 28th birthday at the Griffith Observatory. I went with my brother and Mom.
Since this is my first introduction (but not my last) I'll try to be thorough.
I am 28, but I don't feel 28, and people say I look younger. However, I'm starting to feel my age in the Single's Ward, since I'm not the youngest anymore. In a previous year, a member called us the dinosaurs of the ward, partly because of age and partly because we were the longest in that ward.
I am a Mormon, or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would consider myself a devout member of that church. We believe in the Bible, but we also believe in a book that is called The Book of Mormon. Last year I read it 3 times alone, but I've read it many times before and I will continue and am continuing to read it many more times. I'm actually pretty far along in reading it this year. The Book of Mormon is a record of the people in the Americas 600 years before and 400 years after Jesus Christ was born. Like those ancient record keepers, I myself am a record keeper. Always have been and always will be (hopefully). I know that the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. That those that kept the records were also prophets and were men that knew Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
I, too, believe in Jesus Christ. I know that He performed the greatest act of service for all of mankind, for you, and specifically for me. As I mentioned in my previous post, I am not perfect. I am a sinner. But because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be better through repentance and through covenants I made with him at baptism and in the temple.
Now let's talk about the other things that make me me.
First and Foremost, I am a journal keeper. I decided to start an electronic version because I am practically done with my last one and because, soon I'm going to start e-mailing Jacob, my brother, who is serving a mission.
Second, I am the oldest child in the family. Briana's 23 and married to Tony Brooks, Sarah is 20, and Jacob is 18. I love being the oldest. It's not always easy, but it is rewarding when I can see what influence and example I am to them and the love that they all have for me, and the love I have back for them. I do love each of my siblings. We are all really close.
Third, I love music. I can play the piano and I can also play the guitar pretty well. I enjoy how relaxing and rewarding playing can be. I constantly volunteer to play for different functions, mostly in church. And girls dig the guitar. I know about four chords on the Ukulele and I plan to learn more after Jacob leaves, because girls dig the Uke, too.
Fourth, over the years I have had 3 serious girlfriends. And believe me, I'm trying to find the right one. Each successive relationship last longer than the previous, last one ending after a year and a couple of months. I'm looking forward to seeing who I do end up with.
Fifth, I love TV. I love Netflix, ABC, the CW, etc. My favorite shows would have to be The Middle, The Goldbergs, The Flash, Arrow, DC Legends of Tomorrow, Parks and Rec, the Office, and many many more. You can say I get fully invested in my TV shows.
Sixth, I love movies. Marvel has come out with many greats. DC, recently, too.
Seventh, I graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) Provo in April of 2014 with a degree in Psychology. Since then I have been working as a substitute teacher in the Colton Joint Unified School District here in California since November of 2014. The 2016-2017 school year just ended and I worked a good 110 or so days.
Eighth, I love sports, watching and playing. I love BYU football with a passion, mostly since I graduated. I love playing volleyball (it being one of my favorite past times in the MTC). I can get pretty competitive (even if it is toilet paper dodge ball that we played in FHE).
Ninth, I served a 15-month mission in Iowa Des Moines. It was truly a great time. I came home early for mental health reasons. Now I take a lot of medicines to keep me stable. I have been stable now for several years, which I am grateful for.
Tenth, I have served as Elders Quorum President for the Deer Creek YSA ward in Rancho Cucamonga. Now, I am the Executive Secretary to Bishop Ellsworth. I love my ward and wouldn't trade my time there for anything. The above callings have made me a better, more outgoing person. I wouldn't have so much confidence and love for a group of people if it wasn't for those callings.
Well, this gives you a 10-point picture of what it is like to be John Gonzales in June 2017.
