The End Of 2012

The end of the year has come and it's already the final post of this great year.  When I typed my first post an entire year seemed quite long but I wanted so badly to write about and focus on the positive things that happen in our lives.  My intention was to talk about the good things that people are doing and the touching acts of kindness that would impact my life and the lives of those around me.  I hope that I have sufficiently displayed that there is a lot of good going on and that just because our society highlights many of the negative things doesn't mean that those are the only things that are really happening.
Take every opportunity to seek out the joyous things of life and go out of your way to do something for somebody else that will bring the love and true happiness into their life.  It not only blesses the person that you serve but your life is also blessed for your kindness.
I end this year with an experience of my own.
Not too long ago a man approached me.  This was a man who by the world's standards was poor and without anything of worth.  His clothes were tattered and the filth of his way of living was obvious.  That didn't matter at all to me.  He needed something and I listened to him as he uttered the desires of his heart.  He was hungry and he asked for some money to purchase a meal that would satisfy him for a time.  I gladly gave.  His response was sincere and he walked away.  My mind thought about many things with regards to this lonely man.  I thought about his way of life.  He understood poverty but not just because he had no food to eat, it ran much deeper.  Did he have a family who was living this sad way of life or was he literally all alone?  These were the thoughts that raced through my mind.
In 2013, I ask that each of us please try to do everything in our power to help in every way we can.  Let it not be a question of whether you can help rather the opportunity to help where you can.  Even a tiny bit of help goes a long way.
Welcome to the end of 2012 and welcome to a new year of refreshment and newness.  It's going to be a fantastic year and the blessings that we see will be life-changing. 
I love my life!  Thanks for spending a small part of my life with me through this daily work.  It's truly blessed my life.

Wrap Your Arms Around

My heart is tender toward our family, Becky and our four children specifically, because of an unfortunate situation here in our neighborhood.  I feel strongly about stating the fact that the time we spend together as families is a real thing.  It should be something that we do because we want to strengthen family relationships and we want those relationships to be the greatest ones we have.  You never know what tomorrow will bring.  I'm not saying that we ever live in fear that something expected may happen rather be prepared so that when something does happen our relationships are strong and intact.
I have receieved a clear reminder of this while making a couple of good visits this evening.  Becky and I sat and visited with our children and put our arms around them and expressed our love for them. 
Take the time to let your family know that you care about them.  Make sure that they know of your sincere feelings for them. 
I am grateful for this life.  It is well worth living for and the various things that I learn are molding me into the person I am supposed to become. 
We are all important in the sight of a loving Father.  He understands what we think and how we feel.  He is very close by and will help us with anything.  We just need to ask and He will give us answers to those pleas.
Thank Him for all that you have and find contentment in the joys of this mortal journey.  In the end we will be grateful for the endurance that is required of us and the patience we will have learned will be beneficial to us throughout eternity.
Life is worth living.  Life yields grand rewards even through the trials that we are required to overcome.  The eternal award awaits us so lets give our all and do our very best!

It's About Being Together

Last night, our family spent the evning enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights at Temple Square, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It was a nice night.  I am always amazed at the love I feel for Becky and our children.  They bring me so much joy and I often wonder what life would be like without them and I offer a prayer of thanks that I have them in my life.
One of the highlights for me was to watch the way that they interact with one another and the outward love and affection that our children show for each other.
I realize that there are many who don't enjoy this blessing that I am talking about but I hope that love with become more prevalent within the homes of everyone and that we will all come to understand that when all is said and done, the family is all that really matters!

The Value Of A Laugh

We went for a short drive tonight and our boys, Danny and Brady, were settling in the very back seats of our van to begin a new DVD movie we had just purchased.  Danny says to Brady, "we need to laugh at least a couple of times every day, but today we have already laughed ten times."  It made Becky and I chuckle.  That started a conversation where we expressed our gratitude for happy children.
That brings me to my thought for today.  Different situations in our lives allow us opportunities to make a choice to be happy or to be sad. 
I like the approach that Danny took this evening, "we need to laugh at least a couple of times every day!"
I hope that each of us will choose to be happy even when given the opportunity where we could be justified in being sad.  Happiness is a great thing!  Choose today to wear a smile on your face and be the happy person you are destined to be.

The Year Is Winding Down

I awakened this morning to the gentle snowfall here in Magna, Utah.  I peered out the kitchen window and felt extremely grateful for the freedom that exists where we live.  I watched the snow as it fell to the ground and I felt gratitude to live in a place where I can enjoy each season of the year.  My mind remembered the days long ago when I worked out in the cold and the snow as a very young boy.  Even though it was cold and less desirable I learned the value of dedicated hard work in my life.  I love to think of those memories because those were shared alongside my older brother Brant.  We made some really good memories together.
It boggles my mind that this year has come and gone so swiftly.  It has been filled with joy and happiness.  The happenings of each day has brought a smile to my face and I have come to recognize the goodness that exists in my life and the great things others are doing to make this world a better place.
Our family has grown a lot and the things that they have taught me are beyond measure. 
There are still a few great days left this year and I plan on getting the very most out of every single one.  The new year will bring with it some different opportunities that will uplift and strengthen us all.
Look to the new year with optimism and the good is exactly what you'll find.  I love all of you whether I know you or not.  I hope that you find as much in life as I do.  Life is a journey of happiness and great joy!

A Prayer From The Heart

An experience happened today that  both brightened and enlightened my heart.  Our young niece volunteered to pray a blessing on the food.  She is a cute girl and her heart is like other children her age, pure as gold.  In her blessing there was one part that touched my heart to the very core and was a blatant reminder for me in my own life.  "Please bless us that we will remember how much we love each other."  I have thought about those words the remainder of the evening.
Look inside your own families and although the dynamic is very interesting from family to family there exists the ability and the desire to have active love.  I hope that it will be the desire of us all to "remember how much we love each other," because we do.  If there are things that are amiss within your own circle of 'family' then do what is necessary to repair and make right.
Life is too short!
I will always remember that clear piece of wisdom that was spoken from the lips of a young and innocent child.

The True Meaning

 

What an incredible time of the year it is.  With the celebration of the birth of the Savior, even Jesus Christ, comes the hope of goodness and light. 

"As I have loved you, Love one another. This new commandment: Love one another. By this shall men know Ye are my disciples, If ye have love One to another."

He is the greatest gift we have ever been given by our loving Heavenly Father.  I hope that this Christmas day will be exactly what you hoped it would be.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2012

It has been such a great night!  I really enjoy Christmas Eve and the family festivities that go on.  We spent the evening with Becky's parents and her brother's family.  We shared a nice meal together and then enjoyed opening gifts from each other.  We sang together and we felt of the love we have as a family.

 

 

There is great joy that comes from the valuable times we spend strengthening our family bonds.  I am a richly blessed man and I give thanks for all that I have.  It just doesn't get any better than this.



May your Christmas be filled with joy and may this time of hope and happiness bless your life.

We Can Count On Him

I sat in church today and was able to enjoy some really nice feelings.  One of those feelings came during a lesson where the discussion was about a talk given in General Conference of the LDS Church this past October.  One part of his talk touched me and I felt it appropriate to share.

"We have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord.  My beloved brothers and sisters, I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: “Did you love me?” I think He will want to know if in our very mortal, very inadequate, and sometimes childish grasp of things, did we at least understand one commandment, the first and greatest commandment of them all—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” And if at such a moment we can stammer out, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,” then He may remind us that the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty."  (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland~ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

The Savior, Jesus Christ is the One that we should look to at every moment of our lives.  It is He who brought about the opportunity for us to live again with our loving Father.  He did all that He did because He loves us.  I love Him!

The Temple Is Peace

We attended a performance where Laurel and Natalie were both participants.  It's their annual performance at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It was a nice evening with very nice music.  We listened and were reminded of this season of the year.  Following the performance, we were reminded of the temple and what it represents to us as a family.  We took a couple of pictures to remind us continually that the temples of God can always be with us.

 

 



I am very grateful for the meaning of the temple in my life.  If we will keep the promises we made with God in the temple, our family is promised that we will live together, forever, after this life.  The joy that we felt just the other night at the performance, and every other day, will be ours for eternity. 

What a blessing that is!

Sing Out Loud

I went to the grocery store and as soon as I got out of my car I could hear a man singing a Christmas song.  It sounded quite good and I wondered where it came from.  The closer I got to the entrance of the store I soon realized that the singing came from the voice of the older gentleman ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.  He rang the small bell and sang along with a smile on his face.  I wanted to sing along with him.  His voice brought a smile to my face.
His simple approach to the Christmas season was contagious.
Music has an immediate impact on any situation.  During this Christmas season make music an integral part.  You too will find yourself smiling.

Personal Revelation

Nope, this is not Sunday school class but I did want to share an experience that touched me and helped me realize that my own life is filled with the 'tender mercies' of someone who really cares about me and is well aware of my existence.
Each person is of worth and there are qualities that we all have that are divine and eternal.
I was at the store and I stopped to think about one of the reasons I was there when I spotted a woman who was a little 'down on her luck'.  I watched her for a few minutes and then the thought came to my mind that she somehow needed to know she was important and that somebody really cared about her on that particular time, and in that specific place.  I contemplated how I would communicate that to her when I didn't know her at all.  I mustered the cvourage to approach her and as I did so her head lifted and her face looked at mine.  I said hello to her and began some small talk with her.  She wasn't quick to talk to me but she did a little.  I finally found a good spot in the conversation to tell her that she had someone who loved her very much and that her Heavenly Father knew what she was experiencing.  She nodded her agreement and verbalized her knowledge of what I said.  It was a good thing for me to think about and to better understand that God is aware of all of our lives.  He loves us and wants us to be happy.  It is because of His love that I feel important and needed in all that I do.  Things are revealed each and every day.

A Picture

A picture gives a visual and allows the mind to clearly understand a concept or idea.  I have loved this picture of Jesus and it gives me a clear understanding of my simple recognition of Him.

When I was a boy we would go to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah and I loved to see 'The Christus' statue.  I found it to be beautiful and you can get a small idea of it's importance just by the picture.  Many of you have seen this and understand what I'm talking about.
I am thankful with every passing day that we have someone who understands clearly the struggles that we face and also knows of the joys that life gives to us.

Life is wonderful and it's richness brings a smile to my face!

It Means Alot

A recent conversation revealed the reality that a person I know doesn't feel like his life is worth all that much. 
I don't know about the rest of you but I believe that my life is everything!
It is worth the few minutes to me to express some of the things that make life truly valuable and worth living for. 
David Letterman has made famous his Top Ten List and I felt it appropriate to verbalize my own Top Ten Reasons Why My Life Rocks.

10.  I awaken every morning and get to enjoy the beauty of the world around me.
  9.  My health is good and I can see, hear, smell and taste.
  8.  I can feel the love of my family and those others who are close to me.
  7.  I have a home that is filled with love and harmony and where peace and safety dwell.
  6.  The act of gratitude brings peace and perspective to everything life has to offer.
  5.  Our parents.  They have taught and continue to teach me every single day that being a good boy is the best way to be!
  4.  Our four children: Natalie, Laurel, Brady, and Danny.  They are a joy to me personally.
  3.  I have Becky who loves me and cares for me more than any other person I know.  She brings me comfort and a lot of happiness.
  2.  Jesus Christ is my Savior and it is only through Him that I can return to the presence of my Father.  What He did for me allows me to fix the mistakes that I make and become stronger through the trials of life.
  1.  There is a clear and divine plan laid out by a loving Heavenly Father that allows    
perspective and direction.

I love my life and it is because of the experiences of my life that I am the person today who is trying to do what is right and trying to make continuous progress. 

The Blessing Of Children

We can read in the scriptures about the importance of children.  I look around and I am grateful for our own children and the gifts and talents they have.  I read a small piece  about children in the Bible, written by a woman who is a member of the Methodist Church.  It was nicely worded and I liked it a lot.

"Children were often inserted into Bible stories as objects to make a point to adults. Even our favorite stories about children who became great leaders, such as Moses and Jesus, were written long after the fact to make a strong case for their leadership."  (J. Ann Craig)

I love to watch what children do and to interact with them is a treat!
When I was serving as a full-time missionary for the LDS church I was assigned to a city where there were a lot of children at church.  I quickly learned that the children were my greatest allie when it came to learning the Dutch language because they are honest and would tell me if I was saying something wrong.  I did learn that their indication of my errors was through laughter.  That was okay and I appreciated their honesty.
I am grateful for the children in our lives.  I love our four children more than words can describe.  My life is trully blessed because of their love and the talents they share with me.

'Go Fish"

There is a card game that I have played literally thousands of times.  I played when I was young and I play it currently as an adult.
This card game can be played with multiple people and the pace of the game is dictated by the players themselves not by some sort of timer.  It is a relaxing game that doesn't require much 'brain power' and the best thing about it is that you can learn it when you are very young.
I have played 'Go Fish' with each of our children since they were little kids and have loved every minute of it.
Our youngest son Danny asked me if I wanted to play a game of cards with him.  I told him that I would love to play with him.  "Dad, what do you want to play?"  My reply was simple.  "Go Fish!"
We shuffled the cards really good and dealt out five cards to each of us and the enjoyment began there.  We played several games of this and visited along the way.  It was a fun time and I stored some additional good times in my memory bank of life.  What a life I have.

Memories In The Making

The time we spend with our families is valuable and at times seems extremely hard to come by with the hectic schedules and the various activities of life.  I am the most happy when we can be together and not really do anything at all.
I recall a specific time I had as a boy.  It seemed like a normal day around our house.  My older brother and I were riding our bikes and trying hard to learn to 'pop-a-wheely'.  We would ride up one side of the street and begin to pull up hard on the handle bars of our bikes to lift the front wheel off the ground.  To pop-a-wheely requires some coordination but then to 'ride-a-wheely' is in a complete other realm of imaginary possibilities.  We tried over and over and got to where we could pop a darned good wheely but never being able to master the riding a wheely part.
That time spent with my brother was very simple but enjoyable nonetheless.  It is the quality of time not necessarily quantity.  I have many memories just like that one.  We have tried to keep things simple but it doesn't always work out the way we planned it to be.
The time we spend together will ultimately make some of life's greatest memories.  Keep making them!

We Can Do It

It's a busy time of the year but it also is one of my favorite times. I love Christmas and the holiday cheer that accompanies it. I am grateful for the hustle and bustle that becomes a part of the celebration but I try to keep in perspective the 'Reason for the Season'.
Let me share an experience that illustrates my love for the season. Many years ago I was privileged to be a small part of an act of generosity that my friends and I knew would uplift a needy family. The act was not to pat ourselves on the back rather to bring some joy to a family that would have otherwise not come. Like each one of you it feels good to do something for somebody else. There isn't another feeling quite like it. I was overjoyed on that particular day but every time I think about it a feeling of happiness overcomes me.
We help because we want to bring joy to someone else. We serve because it's the right thing to do. We feel better when we lift the spirits of somebody else.
I am thankful for this time of year and I hope that you will too.

There Are Always 'Firsts'

Tonight was a night of a 'first' that doesn't even seem possible to me.  Danny and I went and watched Brady play in his first church basketball game.  He has been waiting for this time to come for sometime and it finally got here.
There are a lot of boys on the team and everybody got a chance to play and enjoy the game.  I watched Brady and thought about how quickly time has sped by since I was his age and was experiencing the same fun time that he is currently having.
This is just one of many other 'firsts' in life.  I am thankful for these times and I hope that I will always enjoy 'the moment' that these experiences offer.
Life is full of wonderful moments and I challenge everybody who reads this to take the time to enjoy the journey of the many moments that bless your life.
It was a joy to watch the happiness and contentment that Brady wore on his face.  He was in the moment and the memories he made tonight with be life-long ones.

Uplifting Moments

In the LDS church, we have opportunity to visit assigned families every month. It is the responsibility of two men to check on and take care of specific needs that may arise with a particular family. I am assigned a companion who is devout and has the sincere desire to do his duty as a 'home teacher'. I have always had a good example of what a home teacher should do because my dad was faithful in his responsibility as a home teacher.
I visited a home where a single woman lives. My companion was unable to go on this particular visit so I went and made the visit alone. It was a meaningful visit for me. It is amazing to me that there are many things there are to learn and with a little bit of effort, these things are learned and my life is enriched.
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is important to me. I value all that there is to learn and the potential growth opportunities that await as I strive to do my duty.
I am thankful for the opportunity to visit those individuals and families that have been assigned to me and my companion.
My life is fuller when I serve those around me. It is through service for my family that my life is as good as it can be. I am so thankful for them.

He Cares For Me

There are the words from a favorite song that explain a few truths that have blessed my life.  As I walked out the door today I couldn't help but think of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me and each of His children.

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heav'nly Father created for me.
 
He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him rev'rently
For all his creations, of which I'm a part.
Yes, I know Heav'nly Father loves me.

(Words and music: Clara W. McMaster)

Knowledge blesses my life and the specific knowledge that there is a Father who loves me more than I can even conceive.  He gives me a glimpse of that every day that I'm alive.

Light

Light is refreshing and it brings hope into life. I have always enjoyed being in 'the light' rather than in the dark. The brightness fills my soul with happiness and joy. When I was a young kid I recall a time when I was with a group of kids around my same age. I recall that we were in a dark place (The basement to a home that was under construction. It was still in the framing stage.) and I had a dreary feeling about being there. I distinctly remember how I felt and I even mentioned that I felt a little uncomfortable. One of the kids told me to quit being a 'sissy' and don't worry about that stupid feeling I was having. When we finally abandoned the home and headed toward our own homes I felt grateful to be out in the light and to feel better about where I was.
On a number of occasions, I have felt the darkness that is experienced when I was not in a place where I shold have been. I have spent most of my life in the light that is joyful. When we're in the light our lives are blessed immensely. The direction we can gain is more than we can comprehend. Life is everything we hope it will be when we grasp onto the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This life is our opportunity of love given from the hands of a loving God. Stay in the light and everything else will take care of itself.

A Great Day For A Few Reasons

                                       









                                            

Hooray! It snowed. Some of you are thinking to yourself, "Why is he excited?"
I have to say that it is a known fact that during this time of the year, it is supposed to snow in Utah and I'm grateful for it.


Okay, on to the thought of the day. Our family attended church today but we went to a different building to watch the program that the 'Madrigals' (the high school choir that Natalie is a part) put on in sacrament meeting. It was very well done and I was grateful to be there to listen to the vocal talents of these young people.

I love music and the universal language that it is. The spirit of Christmas is felt from the songs that are shared. I looked around the chapel on a few different occasions and observed the looks on the people's faces as they listened and enjoyed the songs that were performed.

This is a wonderful time of the year! It is a time of reflection and gratitude. It allows each of us to take a personal inventory of who we are and what we are trying to accomplish.

I banter back and forth with a co-worker. He is a 'glass half empty' type of personality and I try to be a 'glass half full'. Anyway I have stated many times to him that the future is bright. He gives me a look of doubt every time I say it but I firmly believe that the future looks bright in many ways. I feel extremely blessed and I know that we will continue to blessed for our good efforts. Optimism is a powerful tool. It's that outlook that brings hope for the things that are yet to come. Optimism is contagious. The fresh snow blanketed the Salt Lake valley today. Optimism can be just like the snow. There is brightness, hope, and a feeling of 'I can do it!' This is the season of hope. It is because of the reason for the season that we gain our greatest hope of all.

Life is great!

 

Hard Work And Determination

A good night's rest is a wonderful thing!  Yesterday we worked hard to get some necessary things done in our yard before the snow falls.

During a conversation this week I spoke with a man who expressed his opinion about work with regards to his children.  Our viewpoints differ on the importance that our children learn what hard work is and that they participate in it often.  I listened as he spoke of the fact that they would have to work their whole lives and that they shouldn't be burdened with it while in their youth.  After he said that he began to share with me his frustration with the way his children currently live their lives.  I couldn't help but think about the absence of learning to work in their lives when they were young.  As grown people they were  now lazy and unwilling to do any more than was actually required--the bare minimum.

I am personally grateful for hard work and the satisfaction I receive by accomplishing the various tasks that are a part of every day life.

"In all labour there is profit..." (Proverbs 14:23)

I love the parable that the Savior teaches in the New Testament.  This account teaches us the pure value of hard work.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:1-16)

 

Going back to the discussion I had with this man, we will be better suited and prepared to take on the many influences of the world and accomplish all that is required in our lives if we will learn how to work and then teach our children the importance of it also.  It has always been a desire for Becky and I to know that our children know how to work hard and are confident to do anything that is required to live a good and productive life.

 

It's a great life!  I'm thankful for every single day.  I hope that this finds everybody well.

December 7, 1941

In the United States, we remember that it was 71 years ago that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.  Many lives were lost that day so we remember those who perished and those who lived and were deemed heroes.




Pearl Harbor survivor Stu Hedley, 91, left, salutes, as Doyle McKee is thanked for his service by Rebecca Shaffner during the annual Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum's flight deck in San Diego.

I am so grateful for all of the veterans, both men and women, who served and continue to serve our country so faithfully so that we are able to enjoy the many freedoms that we have.

Around The World

Anyone that knows me very well understands that I love the game of basketball.  These days my love is primarily for basketball on the driveway at our home with our kids. 
Our oldest son Brady really enjoys the game and we love to 'shoot around' together.  Yesterday we purchased a brand new basketball and Brady asked if I wanted to play a game of 'around the world'.  For those who are unfamiliar with this specific game I will briefly explain that it is a game where players must make a shot in the basket from designated spots on the basketball court determined by the players.  The first player to successfully make all of the shots is the winner.  I struggled in the beginning and Brady was doing very well.  It got to be my turn again and I began shooting and making all of the shots that we had pre-determined needed to be made. 
This game reminded me a little bit like life itself.  There are times when we seem to struggle to make things work out the way we hope they will.  However, there are also those times when everything we do seems to go 'just right'.
I was in the grocery store last evening and I noticed a group of young people.  I watched them for a little while because I was in the same places they were to get the few items I needed to purchase.  A woman in a handicap cart dropped an item from the basket on her cart.  Without hesitation one of the young people reached down and picked up the dropped item.  That wasn't the part that impressed me the most it was the smile that accompanied the simple act of service.  I think the woman was a little shocked by the act of kindness from the young man but she smiled in return.  I think that there are many days when the woman in the cart feels like life will never give her a break but the simple and kind act of somebody else helped her immensely.
A life lesson was taught to me while playing a game on the driveway with our son.  No matter what we face in life we need to be strong and continue to face the challenges that will come.  Sometimes there will be people who lend their help to us and other times we will be able to do it on our own.  Just keep plugging along and life will be rich!  

I Heard The Bells

Music has long played an enriching part of my life.  From the time I was a young boy I remember that we sang and enjoyed great music together.  At this Christmas season I enjoy hearing and singing the Christmas praises.  One such hymn is entitled "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  It has been a favorite of mine for a long time.  I want to share a verse from this song.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

 

Somewhere down the hallways of history there is the desire to have 'peace on earth and good will to men'.  In many ways we do enjoy such a blessing.  I hope that the goal is to foster a feeling of 'peace on earth' inside the walls of our own homes.  The world creates chaos in our lives and in the lives of our children.  If we will strive harder than ever before to create a haven of peace and safety then there has been before then an increase of confidence and self-worth will prevail.

The bells of Christmas are sounding all around.  Those same bells will penetrate into our hearts an unwavering feeling of peace.  Merry Christmas to you and may the spirit of the Savior radiate in your hearts all the day through. 

Being A Gracious Receiver

I was reminded of the importance of being gracious in my life.  That one principle is extremely vital in order to more fully understand the very essence of who each of us are and what we are ultimately destined to become. 
The story is told of a young girl who was overjoyed by the reality that the precious hand-made gift she had made for her aunt would surely thrill her on the receipt of it.  She anticipated the giving of such a gift and hoped that her excitement would be proof enough of the intense effort she had given.  The long awaited time came for her to give.  She handed the gift and set it into her aunt’s hands.  Her aunt scowled at the simple gift, grabbed it with her one finger and thumb as if it was something disgusting.  She wrinkled her brow and a strange expression enveloped her face.  She dropped it to the ground and walked away to talk to somebody else who was in the room.  The girl was devastated by the lack of interest shown on behalf of her auntie.  Many years passed by and the remembrance of such ingratitude remained freshly engrained in the mind of the grown up girl.
At this time of year may each of us have the desire to be more grateful for the simplicities of our life.  It matters not the size of the gift or the cost of the item but rather the thought and effort put into the giving of it.  Christmas will be more meaningful and our lives will be completely enriched. 

He Is Our Light

 

You guessed it, because this is a month of celebration and remembrance of the birth of the Christ child I would like to speak of this topic for a few moments.
There is hustling and bustling all around and the season of 'gifts of plenty' and beautiful lights and delicious food is upon us.  The family Christmas parties bring to life the very Spirit of the season.  We are surrounded by the commercialization and the excitement of kids receiving the gifts they so badly anticipate.  It is a lot of fun to be around and we feel the 'buzz' of all that is happening about us.
The part that I love the very most is the spirit of one person helping another.  An extended hand to the less-fortunate.  The kind word or gesture to the down-trodden.  The freshly baked goodies that are given to the very simple in heart.  The end result of our holiday experience will directly coordinate with our own personal effort to help lift another.
Our Example came to this earth and clearly showed us the way that we should go.  It is He who walked among the simple of heart.  It was they who benefited most by His outward display of pure love and affection.  It was He who served them and it was that same Jesus who brought about miracles to the 'children of men'.
During this Christmas season may each of us remember who He truly is and His purpose to come and save all mankind.  He is our Brother.  He is the Master.  It is by Him, and of Him that each one of us can one day enjoy the blessings of eternity which includes the return to our Father's presence, if we will do our part and keep His commandments.
Enjoy what today has to offer.  He is the way, the truth, and the life!  Our lives are blessed because of His coming.  It is during this time of year that we are reminded of His important role in the Plan of Redemption that has been given to us.
The hustling and bustling that occurs will take on better meaning if we will remember the 'reason for the season'.

You've Obviously Worked In Labor

I met a man at the University of Utah who was busy completing his custodial duties.  I asked him how he was doing and he responded in a friendly manner.  I thanked him for his efforts in keeping the restrooms clean and the other surroundings very tidy.  His response, "you've obviously worked as a laborer."  I told him that I still was.

That led into a very sweet conversation with this man named Jim.  He was intelligent and very bright.  He spoke nicely--borderline beautiful.  His language was refined and he spoke as one who legitimately knew what he was talking about.  I guess that he was in his late fifties or early sixties.

We talked about life and the experiences that helped to shape us into the men we are today.  He asked me if I felt that a janitor meant he was unsuccessful?  I told him that I felt just the opposite.  "it takes everybody in this world," I told him.  

There are some remarkable people.  I love the vast knowledge that is had by many who are 'overlooked'.

It was a pleasure to talk to Jim and to hear of his feelings.  There are many among us who just need someone to listen.  I hope to always be that person.

Orientation For School

It's official, I am attending orientation at the University of Utah.  I am really excited to be going to school and to help better life and learning.  
I am one of about three hundred 'transfer students who will begin school for the spring semester.
There have been some really good things spoken about.  I have been sitting between a man and a woman--the woman majoring in Biomedical Engineering and the man in journalism.  Our conversations have been motivating and I appreciate the comfort that I feel when talking with other people.
I have a 'hill' to climb but this is well worth the effort that is required and I know we can do it. I want our children to know how important this is and I hope that they will possess a sincere desire to go to college and to create more opportunities for themselves and their families.
Learning is a beautiful thing!  To stimulate our minds is part of the Plan.  I am thankful for this opportunity to go and I appreciate the support of my lovely wife, Becky.  Thanks for your support and your confidence in me--it is apparent that many don't have what you and I enjoy.  I love you very much!
Have I ever expressed how much I love my life?  Well, I do!

Soar On The Wings Of Life

There are times in my life when I am awestruck by something that I see.  I watched a bird fly from the top of a large light pole and the way that it flew was graceful and effortless.  It has always been a great desire to be able to do something like flight with little effort and with a little bit of a 'rush' attached to the experience.  Now having said that I am not a lover of heights or great speed and daredevil antics.
There are however things in our lives that we can do that would compare to the flight of a bird.  
Think in your mind about one thing that you are particularly good at.  Everybody has something that they can do strongly.  Our talents are individual in nature but it takes everyone to make the world go 'round.
With that one strength think about what you can personally do to use that to help another.  It is especially true that this time of year is a time when many will go without.  The use of your strength will help to bring a much needed smile on the face of someone who feels burdened with the every day happenings of their life.
Ours is the opportunity, a privilege really, to lighten the load of the helpless.  We can make somebody smile who hasn't had a reason to for a very long time.   You can make an unbelievable difference in another person's life.  Now is that time!

High Fives For Life

I don't know about you but I love this picture.  You know the saying that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'.  Well this one is worth all thousand.

These three guys are pretty stoked about their time spent together.  I believe that is how I could describe my life.
I spoke with a man who I work with who is a devout Christian.  He is very active and involved in his faith and he spends much of his time, during this time of year, serving and helping the less fortunate people in his community.  He serves at the homeless shelter and hands out food to the hungry.  He told me that he finds abundant joy in helping those who are 'down and out'.
A visual is a powerful reminder--so remember that life is meant to be filled with joy and this picture gives a positive remembrance of the joy we can feel in our own lives.

Dads And Donuts

Today I had the opportunity to spend some time with both of our sons, Danny and Brady, at their school Pleasant Green Elementary for 'Dads and Donuts'.  This occasion is where dads take their kids over to the school thirty minutes before the beginning of school and the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) serves donuts and hands out water bottles.  The objective is to give some time where parents and children can enjoy a donut while they are reading.  
We got there a little later than we had hoped and the gymnasium was packed with people.  We got a donut and a water bottle and found some standing room and visited with each other.  It was a great way to spend time with our sons and to be in their regular environment at a time when I would normally be at work.
I do love our children and the enjoyment that I experience when I am with them.
It's a rich blessing to be a parent and to enjoy the relationships that I have with our children.  I love them so much!  They are important to me.

Add Some Spirit

 

For more than ten years it has been an obvious trend that when the Christmas season comes around that there is very little outward 'Christmas spirit' displayed in our cul-de-sac.  Let me explain that we are very simple in our approach to the Christmas season so you won't see a yard completely full of lights and decorations but it is enjoyable to hang some Christmas lights along the rain gutter on the front of our house.  You can't help but smile and be happy when you see the 'outward' expression of celebration in some body's yard.
For the first few years that we lived in our house there were more than just our house that put up some lights and it made it fun to drive into the circle and see the Christmas lights.  I hope that more people will join in during this great time of year when the world celebrates the much anticipated coming of the Son of God that happened so many years ago.  His coming completely changed the world.  His coming to earth was necessary for our own eternal progression to even be possible.
Pull out a few lights and celebrate this exciting time of year.  You will find greater enjoyment during this wonderful time!

It's Good To Be Home

Some months ago I arrived home from a week long business trip.  I flew into the Salt Lake valley on a large commercial aircraft.  The pattern that the aircraft flew to align itself with the airport took the airplane directly over our house.  My heart became excited at the reality that I was returning home.  As the plane approached the runway and we were about to land I looked over toward the east to see if I could spot the Salt Lake temple.  I could see it and I knew that I was home.
There are different subjects that signify home to each of us.  I really like to be home because it gives peace and comfort to my heart.
For the two and a half hour flight I visited with a man seated next to me who just needed someone to listen to him and insure him that life was going to be okay.  He was a friendly person but there were many questions that he had that were still unanswered when it came to life.  He was in his sixties and I wondered if he felt that they would ever be answered to his satisfaction.  We talked about life and its purpose.  We talked about love and our children and his grandchildren.  We talked about our faith and I expressed to him that my faith was an anchor and a compass.  I encouraged him to find peace and comfort through an increase of faith and a love for the simple things in life.  I told him how excited I was to be home.
Even during a regular work day I think about Becky and our children all day long.  They are my life and my greatest joys come from them.
Just like our home and the sight of the temple put in place some subjects that help you to always realize what is really important to you.

People

I stopped to grab a soda pop at one of the local gas stations in Magna.  As I stood at the fountain area filling my cup with soda a woman approached the fountain area.  I said good morning and she replied a good morning back to me.  The couple of short minutes that I was in the store I watched several people carefully.  I watched their mannerisms and the way that they walked and talked.  I watched what they purchased.  I found out a lot about a few people at a very early hour of the day without uttering a word to them.
What do people think of me when they are doing the same exercise I just did?  Am I somebody that they find to be happy?
I thought about this as I drove to work.  I understand that there are a lot of assumptions made when you do what I did in the store but there were some obvious things that I picked up on too.  I want to be a person that when somebody sees me they immediately feel like I am friendly.  I want to be seen as a good person who is trying to do my best.  I want people to feel comfortable when they are around me.  We are all children of the same Creator.  We are all trying to get to the same place.  It is my desire to be good in all that I do and to help others be the best that they can be.
Life is filled with joy and that joy comes from treating others with love and respect.

HEAVEN

Today was a small piece of heaven as we attended the Salt Lake temple together.  Our youngest son, Danny had a 'sleep-over' at grandma and grandpa's house and Becky and our three oldest went to the temple together. 
Brady just turned twelve and so we had promised him that we would go to the temple and enjoy the blessings that come so readily from being there and serving those who have gone before us.
This afternoon, Brady was ordained a deacon in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was a great occasion to be able to enjoy as a family.
This is one of those 'payday' days in the life of parents.  I am so thankful for the way Brady lives his life and the opportunity that now awaits him to serve and help out as part of his priesthood responsibility.
I love my family more than words can sufficiently express. 

Remembering The Ones You Love

There was a picture that I saw of a friend who is currently in Afghanistan serving our country as a member of the United States military.  The picture was of he and several other men sitting at a table inside a hanger eating Thanksgiving dinner.  He wore a different kind of smile on his face and you knew that he would rather be sitting with his young wife and daughter.  It made me extremely grateful for his service.  
I remember the times when I was away from my family as a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I was safe and I knew that my family was thinking about me.  Those times were definitely memorable and my heart reflects on them once in awhile.
Loved ones mean so much to me.  I am thankful for those who love me and I hope that I will always remain grateful for all that I have been given.  

Happy Thanksgiving

It's such a nice day.  We went to breakfast for our yearly tradition--Grandpa Dick took the entire family.  We are now at the movie theater watching "Wreck It Ralph."  It's nice to be together as a family.  I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.  I love family and the time we have together.  Dinner is at Mom and dad's house at 5 PM.  I'm excited for not only the food but the time to spend together.  Have a great day and may the blessings of your life be made completely clear to you today and every other day to follow.
I would feel completely ungrateful if I didn't report on our day.  We went to Becky's parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was lovely and very classy.  We took opportunity to express the gratitude we felt for many things in our lives.  We went around the table three consecutive times so that everyone could share their feelings about the specific things for which they are grateful.  What a lovely time we had.  Mom fixed a delicious meal and our time together was rich.  
I hope your day was everything you hoped it would be.  

Warmth

It's a good feeling to feel happy and warm and to have the security of knowing that life is good and that the things going on are uplifting.
Here in Utah the weather is getting colder and the coats being worn are becoming more noticeable. 
I have recently noticed that even more important than the warmth of the coats is the love that is shown from one person to another.
We are reminded that kind acts for others go a long way.
I want to be more aware of the needs of other people.  There are many people with many needs and I want to lend the help that will be the most meaningful to them.
It's a wonderful time of the year!

A Day Like Today

This is a day of significant meaning in our family.  Brady turned twelve and that is a milestone that we will remember for the rest of his life.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a boy can receive the Priesthood.  The Priesthood is something very special--it is the authority to act in the name of our Father in Heaven.
I am so grateful for the kind of young man Brady is and the way he chooses to live his life.
On Saturday he will receive the Priesthood and be ordained a deacon.  With that responsibility comes opportunity to serve others and to thereby serve his God.
I want him to know that I love him and I am grateful for who he is.  He has looked forward to this day with great anticipation.
Happy Birthday and may our Heavenly Father continue to bless you abundantly.  I love you!

I'm Feel Thankful For Modern Blessings

I need to reflect for just a few minutes on the things that we so commonly overlook and focus on the importance they are in our lives.
It is beginning to get quite chilly in the evenings here in Utah.  I am thankful for our home that blesses us with shelter and warmth from the cold.  We have comfortable beds with thick blankets and soft pillows.  Whenever we need to go somewhere we are able to climb in one of our cars and drive to our destination.  How convenient!  There is delicious food placed before us and we consider ourselves richly blessed.
Our love spreads from one person to another in our family.  We feel the security in our family that love provides.  We are devout in our love and we do the things that uplift and edify each other.
Our faith is our life.  We have promised to serve our Father in Heaven and to take care of His children through our selfless acts of love.  We will do all that is required to do His will.
We live in a beautiful time in the existence of this earth.  Times are exciting and there is a lot to learn.
We are continually blessed with goodness.  It is a wonderful life!

Hands That Help Lift The Heart of Another

We live in a time when natural disasters seem to be a common occurrence.  A large hurricane swept through many parts of the east coast of the U.S.--Hurricane Sandy was her name.  As you can imagine it it wrecked many homes, businesses, and many lives.  The thing that I love about these types of happenings is the rendering of service that follows. 





These two young missionaries get to experience first-hand what it's like to offer Christ-like service.

For decades missionary work in the area has been slow, but at the end of their first day of service, when the missionaries gathered for a group picture, they were greeted with cheers from those they helped.
“It is softening hearts, and regardless of what you read in the press, these New Yorkers are resilient and are keeping their humor,” President Calderwood said. “The Lord has a way of turning calamities into His favor.”  (lds.org)

Although our opportunities to serve may not be to this extreme we have daily opportunities in our own communities to help lift the hands that hang low and the hearts that know devastation in one form or another.

In the Church of Jesus Christ there is a well-known scripture that defines the role of a missionary.  I believe that this scripture applies perfectly to our service.

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 4)

 

There To Love And To Nurture

I went to 7-Eleven to purchase a couple of loaves of bread that our family really likes.  When I went to pay for the bread the cashier was on her telephone and I could hear that her call was a difficult one.  As I sat the two loaves of bread onto the counter she said, "I love you" and then hung up the phone.  She had tears in her eyes and I asked her how her day was going.  She wiped the tears from one eye and then the other.  She told me that her grandson was terribly ill but that nobody was at home to really take care of him.  She said that she had to work and that she hoped he would be okay.  I hurt for her and hoped that her situation would be okay.
One of the many things I am grateful for is that Becky is a nurturing mother who loves on our kids, openly, and they love it.  She has always cared about showing me affection no matter where we are.  I have always appreciated her nurturing and kind nature.
It brings me great joy to have a mother who nurtured me and my siblings and took care of the needs that we had.  My father has always fulfilled his important role in our home and allowed our mom to be the nurturing type of mom that we needed.  Becky will always be considered blessed by our children. 
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't give thanks for my cherished life.

Safety In The Truth

From as far back as I can remember I have heard and been taught that to tell the truth is always the better way.  That truth was first taught to me within the walls of our own home.
Please allow me to speak about some feelings I have received lately in my heart with regards to honesty.
I stood in a grocery store line where the customer in front of me had unloaded all of their groceries up on the conveyor belt to be checked by the cashier.  The cashier asked if there was anything on the bottom of the cart (as a friendly reminder if a customer had put something under the cart).  I could see that there was a case of water bottles on the shelf on the bottom of the cart.  The customer quickly answered with a "no".  The bottles were not visible to the cashier so she just proceeded to check out the other grocery items.  I stood there wondering why the customer had not told the truth.  I finally reached over and tapped the customer on the shoulder.  I pointed to the water bottles and this person gave me a glare.  Then  they reached down and grabbed the case of water bottles. 
This may not sound like a big deal to some but I believe that our responsibility is to be honest--all of the time!
This is one of those principles that teaches a long-term lesson.  I am thankful for parents who taught me to tell the truth.  It continues to bless my life for good.

Polished And Clean

In the aircraft building business I drill a lot of holes through aluminum parts and then use various fasteners to assemble those parts to mating parts that feed into different sub-assemblies of the aircraft.  It is important that the holes that I drill are straight but even more important than that is after the hole is drilled it must then be cleaned up so that no sharp burrs are left on the edge of the hole.  The two main reasons for that are to give the fastener that is installed the maximum life of it's designed strength and also to eliminate the possibility of corrosion.
Life is much the same.
When I was a teenager my parents spoke repeatedly about the importance of keeping ourselves well-kept.  I have always liked to be clean but I didn't fully understand the impact their teaching would have on me.
We are much like the holes that I drill in the parts of an aircraft.  Every day there are natural 'burrs' that have the potential of corroding our lives.  We need to take the time to break the edges of our personalities so that the 'fasteners' that keep us all together will have longevity and endure their designed life.
Look around and observe those people who do this very well.  Mimic what they do and put into practice those things that will be of greatest benefit.
Who would've ever thought that the act of drilling holes into aluminum aircraft parts would have the impact they have had today.  It is proof that no matter how old and experienced you are, there are always plenty of worthwhile lessons to learn.

There Are Times

When I awakened this morning I was grateful that the night was over and a new day was about to begin.  My night was filled with strange dreams and my body really didn't seem to be able to rest.  Just like my dreams of the night, life seems to parallel that.  Have you ever felt like the happenings of life are going to smother you?
A elderly man and woman were strolling along the parking lot of a local grocery store.  They caught my attention immediately and I watched them for several minutes.  Theirs was a life restricted by a wheelchair--for both of them.  They rolled along side by side in their motorized wheelchairs, one hand on the joystick control the other hand holding each other.  I couldn't help but smile at their outlook on life.
I visited with a man at work that is on another team than I.  I hardly know him but we were in a meeting together.  He spoke of the difficulties of life that he is currently faced with and the struggle that it is to muddle through.  I agreed with him but my first thought was that before our conversation concluded, I would offer him a thread of hope that would help him get over the undulation of his own life.  He talked about our spouses and then naturally that led to our children.  We spoke of the things there are to learn and what the best ways are to go about different situations.  None of us have all the answers but we have lived through many experiences and through those we have gained some valuable insight.
I am constantly amazed at all of the various struggles that weigh people down.  Many of those are just life.  I can't stress enough the importance of holding our heads up high and striving daily to see the good in every situation--because it is there!  It may be hard to see but we need to make a special effort to look closely and find the very best.
It's all worth it.  The whole journey is extremely important.

The Key

I often wonder what it would be like to not have a family.  I watch people who struggle but hang on to the hope that even without their family they believe that things will work themselves out and someone will emerge as their support.
Life is so busy and there are so many distractions.  Some of the distractions are good and others feel like meaningless distractions.
There is an analogy that illustrates life's various activities.  Visualize in your mind a large delicate spider web.  The ornate nature of such a creation is mind-boggling yet extremely fascinating.  Most times our lives become filled with so many different activities that we become 'stuck' in the web of life and it's hard to maintain balance.  What began as just one or two things multiplies into too many to possibly handle.  We become overwhelmed and life begins to 'cave-in' on itself--or that's what it feels like.  Once stuck in the web it requires a lot of energy to break free from it's bond.
The feeling of hopelessness sets into people's lives because there is no balance to sustain them when the times get rough.
Maybe you feel like this and there doesn't seem to be a solution to the problem.  There is always a solution!
I watched a fly get stuck in a web but his overpowering will to survive was too much for the prison device of the hungry spider.  His desperate flailing motions worked just enough to loosen the death grip that bound him down.  The fly flew away and the disappointment was apparent on the spider's countenance.
Life's death grip seems to smother as the pressure is intensified but the will to survive is completely in our court.  With every passing day muster up the energy to stand up and fight.  Just like the flailing fly we too will break free from the bondage that we often experience.  Simplifying our lives will also contribute to the freedom that feels so much better.
Life is great and we can all win the battles that we face.  Stand up and fight until the very end.  Endurance is the key and the fight is always worth it.

My Thoughts

There are weeks in my life that are more memorable than others and this past week has been one of those. My grandpa passed away and our family has helped to make preparations for his funeral in many different ways. I can honestly say that this has been a time of personal reflection and an inventory of my own day-to-day actions.
Let me say it this way: I need to live today to it's fullest and don't worry about tomorrow--just yet.
I firmly believe that each one of us has the God-given ability to do good work each and every day. We were all given that ability and my challenge is that every one of us need to give our 'all' so that at the end of each day we will feel satisfied with our contribution to society and a clean conscience for ourselves.
I am thankful for reflection and the opportunity it gives me time to tweak where I need to and adjust for a better tomorrow. Every day brings about goodness and our lives are richly blessed.
Make today the best that it can be and tomorrow will patiently wait for you. I love life! It's a time to practice getting better at the things that I struggle with and it allows me experience to progress and move forward with hope.

Proud To Be An American

I love music, especially when the lyrics actually tell a meaningful message.  Lee Greenword did just that for me when he wrote the song "Proud to be an American".  Remember the lyrics.

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.  (Lee Greenwood)


I am so grateful on this Veteran's Day to express my love and appreciation for all who are currently serving our country and all who have done so in the past.  Our freedom comes with a great price and I thank all who have served.