Let me tell you all a story of which most of you have heard.

This story is:

The Little Engine that Could

to fit the life of David Shamo

Some of you know that I may not be a little engine,

but for the past few months I have had many boxcars attached to me, as I have been starting my own business with Primerica. Now one of the many things that have been weighing me down has been my Life/Health insurance test. I studied and studied, and felt okay about what I knew, so I took my test hoping I knew just enough to pass my test. As the day came the feeling of the hill came upon me as I thought I could. I took my test and to no avail I received a 60%. I could not believe how hard it was to climb this one hill. I rescheduled my test and once again I studied hard, and found myself stressing to find the strength to go on, the day came once more as I huffed and puffed and blew my little horn and started up that hill, I felt like I knew more and was more focused on my goal. There it was I could see the top of my hill I tried so hard to get to, I took my test and when done I was waiting in wonder - did I make it to the top? I received my score 65%. I was hurt. I saw the top but could not huff or puff or blow my horn enough to get to the top. As I returned home with my head drooped down low, I took a few days to get up the courage to try again, I scheduled my test and started to study day and night, at work and at home. I did the best I could and as the day was near I did my last minute cramming (as if that would help), I went to take my test and up the hill I went chugging and a chooing, chugga chugga choo choo, and there it was the dreaded top of the hill. I will make it, I will. As I finished my test and clicked the button to see my score I was insistent that I pass for sure, and than it was up and it hit me like a wall that I could not get over or move, I received a 65% again.

Here I was at my favorite store buying a whole lot of crap food

to indulge in, because nothing else made any sense to me at the time. I took a lot longer to try the hill again this time, my time was running short, the year was almost up, and then I would be stuck doing this test in 2010, in my mind I told myself this would not happen, I will pass this test before the year has ended. I lucked out as I went to schedule my test again, Dec. 30th was one of the last open days left in this year. I thought for sure I could get over the hill on this day. I scheduled to take the life insurance test only this time as I knew more about that subject than I did about the health side of the test. So I studied and studied and took a day off so I could spend what little time I had on Christmas Day with my beautiful wife Shelena, and then back to the online test I went. I found more confidence each practice quiz I took as I saw the scores of 80% more and more, and then without any time at all, it was the night before my test, and of course I had to work, I did more quiz's and then took a practice exam at around 0300 and passed with a 71%, and my heart dropped, I could not believe that I only passed with 1% to spare, so I looked at two of the areas that were my weakest and took one more practice quiz hoping that this last minute cramming would work just long enough. I once again took a practice (bonus questions) exam, and I passed with a 73%, and again I felt like it was not enough as time had run out and it was time to head up the hill. I focused and started the chant, I think I can, I think I can, (come on help me out here, say it with me, and maybe together I can get up the hill), I think I can, I think I can, as I started to take my test, chugga chugga choo choo, I saw the top of the hill (are you still helping me?) I think I can I think I can as the words came faster and faster to my head, I found that I could see the top getting closer and closer, come on help me now, I think I can I think I can I think I can, and there it is I see it. As I finished my test I was just about to see my scores, and I just did not want to see it, at the same time I knew that I needed to see it all the way through, as the score came up and I saw it 77%, YES I loudly exclaimed, as other test takers were taking their test, once again I exclaimed YES under my breath this time. I knew I could as I (with your help) started going down the other side of the hill I once could not get to the top of. I Passed My TEST, YES!!!

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation "Other Pictures I Like"

Here are some of the Pictures I did not get to show you in the light I wanted to show them in.

The Pumpkin Patch near the Apple Orchard

Here is Jordan on a ladder in the Apple Orchard.

Now just think a little more about how he is looking back.

Here is what I see: Jordan going towards the light and suddenly,

He Looks back to see who is calling for him to come back, come back to his love ones.

Wow, what a man to look up to, a man who knows where he needs to be and how to get there. May God be with you and those you touch, on your way. Thank you.

Once again, as I saw the picture I took all I could say is "Yes" it turned out right.

Red flower found in the Domes, It was cool colors.

Carter, what a cute kid, just waiting for me to count to three.

"he didn't know I take the picture on Two"

The Sniper painting this one had me looking back at my dream of going into the Army

Shelena in the Apple Orchard

One of the only ones I could get of My Love of my Life.

Cynthia in the Apple Orchard "When I saw this I thought 1st place at the fair for Photography"

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation "Hedgecock Family"

Hedgecock family November 2009

Family; We all have some and no matter what we love them. We started our vacation kind of scared due to the time that has passed since we have seen their family. It did not take long to warm-up and be ourselves around them. This family is unique in that when you go into their home you notice a difference.

You will find peace, and love that fills the souls, as if you where to go into a hidden valley with a moon lit waterfall into the mystic pool of water. While you are enjoying the peaceful home you will enjoy the competitive nature of game play as they will teach you many games that will most likely get you addicted as soon as you play them. To top it all off both Cynthia & Peter know how to cook, which means you will be spoiled, with amazing food that is hard to top. I want to give a special thanks to Cynthia & Peter and their family for welcoming Shelena and I into their home, and letting us share their life for one short week. Thank you. hope all is well. God be with you.

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 8th Night

8^th Day Tues. Nov 10^th

Well today was a little change of pace. I was doing a lot of calling this morning to get my test rescheduled and Shelena got up early (with my help) to check us in for our flight home. Once all of this was done I came out from the bedroom and everyone was quiet so much that I had to ask what was going on. Peter answered telling me that he just lost his job. My heart dropped and I was unable to find any words to say. Soon after the news we went to “Holy Hill”. Holy Hill is one of the highest spots near Milwaukee and on top of it stands a Catholic church. I must say it was amazing to go in and look around. There was a lot of beautiful craftsmanship and yet I could not help to think if this place is so sacred, why was it possible for a handful of non-Catholics to come in and start taking pictures of everything we wanted.

I know that if there is someone truly seeking for help, God will be there to help. As for Holy Hill I am glad that we got to go and see the site. We returned home and started to pack so that we could focus on playing games and enjoying our last night here. Shelena went to take a nap and I played a game with Peter and Cynthia.

Later on Peter left to go to a meeting and when he got back there was a noticeable change in his countenance. It was a moment that only those there could see. Wow! We finished out the night playing games. I did get to stay up a while and talk with Cynthia like the old days, it was life changing.

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 7th Night

7^th Day Mon. Nov 9^th

Today we decided to just hang out and play games so we went to a park where we fed the ducks and then played a few games while the kids played on the jungle gym. Afterward we stopped by Walmart and Shelena and I stayed in the car and talked which was nice. Later that night Cynthia, Peter, and Shelena surprised me with a small but nice birthday song and my favorite cake (pumpkin cake roll). It was nice to be around family for my birthday celebration. What a good night. Thank you Cynthia & Peter, Jordan & Carter.

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 6th Night

6^th Day Sun. Nov 8^th

This was a relaxing day. I slept most of the day and the rest of the family went to stake conference and watched a church movie. Later that night we played games and talked. Shelena has been reading all week and today has been reading a lot.

She is reading the Twilight series for the second time before the new movie (New Moon) comes out. I shall remain silent on this matter in fear for my life. Today, we also had an early Turkey-day and Wow, what a dinner. one of the things that stood out was the turkey. "Hint: The cooking tool is bought at Home-Depot."

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 5th Night

5^th Day Sat. Nov 7^th

Today was very interesting. We headed out for the day a little before noon and we went to “the Safe House”. This is a bar and restaurant for spies. Yes, that is right you must have a password to get into the place as well as knowledge of where the door to get in is. Unfortunately when we went they weren’t doing the password, however, there as a lot of cool things in there to discover. Some of those are the fake restrooms, a huge puzzle and other things. While most of the places you would go for the entertainment, the food is normally not as good. Not this place. The food was as good as the entertainment. One last cool thing, how we got out. There is a normal way to get out, but why go that way when you can put a quarter in a pay phone, get a code to enter in (as you do this, upon the last number you enter) the wall opens to a hidden passageway out. Wow!! What a place it is, a must go to. This Car was on the way to the safe house, and we just had to take some pictures of it. if nothing else I was able to make those in the car laugh as we were driving by slowly to take pictures I opened the side door while driving to take better pictures of this once in a life time car. After ward we went to pick up the kids and went home to experience yet another new game we have never played.

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 4th Night

4^th Day Fri. Nov 6^th

Today started out good and just got better. We went to The Domes and Shelena took more than 500 pictures, most of them of flowers and I took mostly pictures of people (family). We

were able to see three domes, one that was set up for Halloween, another for the desert, and the last one for the tropical. My favorite was the desert, it was most like my life.

We then went down by the lake and flew kites and for the first time I was able to fly a kite. It was a lot of fun and really windy. As it was getting late we headed home stopping at a cheese store first. When we got home we were treated to a great meal with some of Cynthia and Peter’s friends Faith and Tyce to enjoy Shelena’s first ever fondue. All three pots w

ere good, however, I liked the chocolate (3^rd) the best, then the brown sugar bacon (1^st) the next, and the last and still good Israeli (2^nd).

We all played games and talked until 11:30pm or so. (every night this week we have worn Carter out in so much that tonight he fell asleep on the way home from the cheese store and slept all night missing out on dinner and his friends.

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 3rd Night

3^rd Night Thurs. Nov 5^th

On with the excitement. Today we went out to a apple orchard where we picked apples and at first they told us how much each size of bag was and it seemed such a small bag for a lot of money. It turned out that ½ a bushel is bigger than any of us thought and heavier. This was a lot of fun and was definitely a change from what was normal Utah thing. Later that night we had a nice dinner and then went to “the Organ Piper”. This was a restaurant where they had a big organ playing different songs. This was not my favorite place, but was still unique to this area.

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 2nd Night

2nd Day Wed. Nov 4^th

Today we went to the Milwaukee Arts Museum. There is a lot of cool things to see and some that I wish I did not see at all. Then there was some that any two year old could do. It is amazing what can be passed off as art these days. Of course, I did have my favorites in which I have included pictures. This picture was one of the ones I found most like me, or my style.

This trip was one that we started together and end together but with art we each found our favorites. We then went to Potbelly sandwiches where we had some really good sandwiches in this antique store. We ended this night as we did the first and every night until we left, playing games. (which I or Shelena, have not played or even heard of till now)

Milwaukee ~ My Vacation 1st Night

I started my vacation with a night of work, yes I worked the night before getting on the plane. (11pm – 5am), just to go home to finish packing. When we got into the van to go to the airport until we arrived in Milwaukee airport I only woke up to change modes of transportation. (van --> plane --> plane --> car).

1^st Night Tues. Nov 3^rd

It was nice to see my sister (Cynthia) and her family. It has been too long. Jordan has grown so much and not just height wise. He still has a ton of energy. However, he has become a boy that someday will become a very good man. Those that get to know Jordan in his life, count yourselves lucky. I was able to met Carter and find the boy in the pictures. He is just as cute in person as his pictures are. He has a lot of growing to do, however, he is and I think will always look up to his older brother and in this I am glad he has a good role model. Carter I am glad to know you; the good man you are and will be. When we got to the house we had pancakes for dinner. This was just the start of good dinners. Peter and I hung out for a while and it was nice to see Peter in another light (holy). We ended the night with my first game of Crokinole. What a blast this is. A must play game.

One of the Best days of the Year.

Today, was one of those days that you just do not forget. I got off work at 0700 (that is 7am to those non-military types) and went home only to get dressed into some more relaxed clothing. I was ready to go around 0800 and then got on my most addicting game I play "Farm Town". We were out the door by 0915 and headed up to Salt Lake City.
Shelena, Les and I went up to visit Scott's Family, the girls were going to be hanging out while Scott and I with Hyrum, Rachel, and Kaitlyn went up to Lagoon for a day of fun. I must say as the kids get older it is getting to be more and more fun going on rides with them, as well as watching them find thier own enjoyment in each new ride that they want to try out. Now as you all know the girls are twins, however Rachel was just barely tall enough to go on some rides as Kaitlyn was tall enough by a few inches. As I am still only a outsider to the Scott Shamo Family, I do feel as part of the family, being able to be there, and them wanting me to go on rides with them. This ofcourse makes me feel wanted, and happy to be so close to them. 1400 came around and I was hitting my exhaustion stage, wanting only to take a break and rest, I have found I am not as lively as I once was. We got some lunch and headed up to get some dessert, there I found myself falling asleep on the benches, as Rachel was Meowing at me. the more I fell asleep the louder Rachel got, I felt like I had an alarm clock that knew that you were going back to sleep and had to get louder and more annoying to keep you from going back to sleep. (some one should come out with one of those alarmclocks, they would get a lot of business).
Around 1645 to 1700 we arrived back at Scott's house where some of us passed out for alittle bit, and others like myself found that he had no feeling in his leg (this is my right leg I am talking about, the one that has been injured for the passed two weeks now and the doctors do not know what it is or how to treat it). My leg was swollen up and Brenda put some ice on it to help with the swelling and I did not even feel the ice. I kept the ice on/off for the 20 - 30 mins on and off that is recommended. while icing my leg, some of us played Clue (a new version) and then Settlers to finish up the night.
Like I said, a lot of fun and I would not miss it for the world. I just wish that I did not have to go back to work tonight for yet another all nighter.

Spreading the Word, Feeling the Light.

During this past week we have had a busy time, starting it off with the blessing of a new member of the family, while there, I started something of a realization, how much does God know. as the spirit touched my soul as I felt, a soft hand brushing over my head giving me a warmth with-in that could not be ignored. As the week went on Wednesday, was Melissa's Wedding and thus started a new set of feelings, some good, and some bad but most was as if I was looking into the future. As I entered into the temple, I felt a peace, a welcoming arm around me not understanding the feelings I was feeling. I understand that we are all not perfect however some like myself has a lot to work on. we went to a waiting room before, we went to the ceiling room. as family gathered I found myself looking in as if I was in another world. I could see them all talking and smiling, as if it has been a long time since everyone has seen each other, an eternity. as we took the walk up the stairs I felt like I was amongst angels walking to the holy chamber to be judged, to walk along memory lane, watching from a far. Time was on my side, for now, as I got a glimpse of some thing that can be great, or it can be as a death march knowing all, this a world of steps.
The wedding was great I know that I was accepted there, finding family all around. we are as a spider's web, woven together so tight and strong, with our brother as our keeper like the spider finding and fixing the web to create a stronger bond. After the wedding we (Scott and I) went through some breath taking experiences as I learned first hand why my dear wife does not like roundabouts.
Now as the night grew old I picked up my wife at a UTA stop and proceeded up to the reception. while there we had some amazing food, and was able to connect with a lot of family that we do not get to see that often. One of the things that was special was that my Uncle Lyle and Aunt Tracy were able to be there. This was special because they went to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah earlier that day. as I was able to talk with Lyle, I found myself listening as if I was one of his missionaries, with a fully trust that what he was saying was something that I needed to remember. this week was good, and will be a start to a new life for many.

The WildFire of Truth
~By Elder David Shamo
~Apirl 16, 2000

One man who loves the word to give a seed and lift ones heart. words of insperation and of hope giving to all a piece of his life. ones love helping another and so in turn like one match lit passes on the flame to another match. a soul to a soul, a heart to a heart in the jungle of differances. He tells his story of the mighty change of heart as the spirit grows as a wild fire burning every bosom and lighting every soul with the truth of Christ and his love for the world. Love one to another, share with the people the way, while lighting their torch. One rock thrown into the pond of truth that will make waves through out the generations to come and lifes of all those who remember that one testimony of truth that lit our way. God bless you for helping others.

The Road Trip Home, Vision of the Past.

Well I am back to start a running log of many of my finished poetry pieces. Today, I actually went to church Twice, but that is besides the point, the subject which was spoken of in my ward (Pleasant Grove 1st) was on Temples and how important they are. as this was being told, I let my mind wonder, to the places of old, I realized how much I love just sitting in this place, a quiet place while spiritual. one of the things my mind went back to was one of my poems that I had read again only a few days earlier.

The Road Trip Home
~by Elder David Shamo

Here we sit watching the day rush on like a lightning bolt with its eye-blinding flash, with its cracking sound of the words "Plase come back and visit soon, my sons and daughters", on our way home from the House of the Lord. Such overwhelming peaceful love ; His spirit soaking us to the very fiber of our humble souls. It is as though a sponge of life is catching all the cleansing teardrops of our hearts. As we watch the peaceful sight of freedom and understanding fade away like the sun setting beneath the unseen mountains, we look round about us. Friends, we see, in this, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, here to stay in our hearts for eternity.


This poem was a story of when I was on my mission, we where living in Malvern AR, and we went to the New temple in town, okay so we had to take a little drive (3 hrs) to Memphis to the temple there. on the way back we where all sitting in the back of a small pick-up singing hymns and telling stories, there was two sets of elders and one set of sisters. That night was raining and filled with light as each strike of lightning traveled a crossed the dark sky. it was amazing and we where there to witness this show. I found great love from the sky that night, as we missionaries where filled with the joy that only comes after visiting our Fathers Holy Temple.