Are You Alone?

I listened to a young woman as she spoke of a difficult 'window of time' in her own life.  The time of which she spoke, was just yesterday.
Let me share a small part of her trial.  During an assembly, her name was called to come forward and receive an award.  As her name was called, an isolated group of her peers began to 'boo'.  Although her heart was breaking she went to the front of the auditorium and accepted her generous honor with dignity and class.
I can't say that I've ever been 'booed' but I know that all of us, at one time or another, will have an experience that is trying in it's own right and, for a moment, you may feel completely and utterly, alone.
I remember an experience shared with me by my dad.  He was stationed in boot camp as a member of the United States Air Force.  One very early Sunday morning, the entire group of soldiers was abruptly awakened by their superior.  Sometime during the conversation, the commanding officer asked all of the men who would be attending church, that day.  Because my dad had always gone to church, he promptly raised his hand. The commander bid my dad an enjoyable day of worship and immediately ordered all others to ready themselves and report out to the 'field'. The entire group spent the remainder of the day marching, while my dad enjoyed a full day of meaningful worship. Although on that day, my dad was doing the same thing he had done on every other Sunday of his life, the lesson was very clear that you should always do what you know to be right even if it means that you're all on your own. There will be times, for all of us, when it feels like many are working against us. It's during these times that we need to find our inner strength and do what we know to be right and good. Never forget that none of us are ever completely alone. It's in these times that we call upon our Father for His help. He will send His love!

Follow-Up

While I was at work, today, my thoughts turned to the importance of following up on the personal goals I set for myself.  Let me clarify that I am not this goal-oriented guy who sits down and makes long lists of all facets of my life where I might be falling short.  I am a person who has particular expectations of myself and I am always trying to do a little bit better day by day.  Without any sort of 'follow-up' you're not able to measure personal growth.
Two weeks ago, the Mormon missionaries stopped by our home and challenged us to do a couple of things with our neighbors.  Well, tonight, they 'followed up' with us on the commitments we had made with them.  We were able to give a brief report and they challenged us with a couple more things we can do. 
I was grateful that they followed through with their challenges to us and wanted to know how things had gone.
There is some truth to 'follow-up'.  I am going to do a better job of evaluating how I'm doing and what I can improve upon to help strengthen me.
Goals help us progress. 

It Never Gets Old

Last night, our family went to see the movie, The Avengers. It was as good as we had anticipated it would be. Becky and I looked down the row of movie theater seats and saw each of our four children and wondered how the time has gone so fast and how quickly they have grown up. Brady has been excited about seeing this movie since it first was released and by watching him throughout the movie, I believe he was pleased.
I don't believe that there is too much time that we can spend together as a family. The lyrics of a song I heard on the radio ring so true to my ears. "Don't work your life away, spend the time wisely because that time might not come to you tomorrow." That song hit me. I don't even know who the artist is and what the title of the song is, but it touched me to the very core of my heart.
It is in our control to dictate how we spend our time. I hold out a personal belief that the quality time we spend with our family will pay dividends that will last throughout this life and throughout the eternities.
I'm not talking about our family members being in the same house and calling that family time. I'm talking about personal investment with our spouse and children. These valuable times will get us through the tough times, that surely lie ahead. It is these times that solidify relationships that are concrete and immovable.
I love my family and I want them to always know that without reservation.
Our quality time should never get old. If it does, then make the necessary changes to make it great!

P*A*T*R*I*O*T*I*C

Because today is Memorial Day, I felt that it would be appropriate to share my feelings about what today means to me.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about and then feel extrememly grateful for the blessing it is to live in a land of freedom.  What a rich blessing!
I think about all of the men and women who sacrifice so much so that I can have the freedoms of every day life.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all who have served and who are currently serving in the military for their willingness to be courageous and 'fight' so that me and my family can be free.  It's because of all of these people that I am able to come and go as I please without fear of consequence.
I appreciate my grandfathers for their valiant service both in Europe and the South Pacific.  I am thankful for my dad's efforts as an honorable member of the United States Air Force.  I am thankful for family members and close friends who have answered their 'call of duty' to go in places of danger and fight off the enemies of this world.  It is with deep respect that I thank these people.  We remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, with their own lives. 
As you go throughout your day, please remember that it is because of so many people that our lives are what they are. 

Several years ago, a friend received his orders of 'deployment'.  He was extremely nervous about the assignment, knowing that his batallion was going into a 'hot spot' where lives had already been lost.  I felt impressed to go by and visit this young man before he left.  While I visited with him, I got another impression that I should offer him a priesthood blessing.  He gladly accepted.  As I gave him the blessing, the words came into my mind that I should tell him that as long as he would do his part and stay out of unecessary places of danger, and also stay away from alcohol and other substances that would inhibit making good and wise decisions, that he would come home and his life would be spared.  There was no promise that he would not experience injury, rather, that he would come home alive.  When the blessing concluded, I reiterated that part of the blessing.  He agreed that he would do his part, and I promised that God would definitely do His.  The months passed by and the day arrived when this young soldier came home.  He had lived up to his end of the deal and God had done His part, too. 

In God We Trust.  This is a choice land and I am grateful to be a part of it.  I thank God for His love for me.  Let today be a reminder of what we have.

I'm A Grateful Son

The way I feel today, is a daily occurrence, but I feel an urge to share with you some of my personal feelings. I was born to and raised by a wonderful and loving mother and father. They have loved me, unconditionally, my entire life. That doesn't mean that I haven't given them reason to be disappointed at some of my decisions, but all in all, I have tried to make them pleased at the way I lead my life and the decisions that I try to make. I love them so much! I married into a family who loved and accepted me from day one. They trusted me with their daughter and have loved me like their very own. Tonight, Becky's parents were here for dinner and I was reminded, again, at how blessed I am to have two sets of parents who love and adore me. What a terrific blessing that is! It is a choice blessing to be loved and accepted. My desire is to say and do those things that would make Becky, our children, and both sets of parents proud of me. I feel like the luckiest guy alive!

Happiness Even In Our Loss

It wouldn't be life if we didn't ever experience loss, in it's various forms. Yesterday, our family experienced a loss, that to most people seems very insignificant. One of our chickens died, unexpectedly. I know that most of you are thinking that it's just a chicken and that it isn't that big of a deal. Except, we love these animals as our pets and we have raised them from the time that they were a couple of days old. It was sad but it's just a real part of life. Each one of us will go through loss in some degree. Whether it's a family member, a pet, or a close friend, the knowledge is the same--it will be okay. We started with six chicks, just over two years ago. We are down to just two. They will continue to bring us joy and for that I am grateful. In our loss, opens a window of untold happiness. It has always been that way and it will continue to be so. Life is filled with many different feelings and emotions. I am grateful for how it all plays out. We learn how to deal with our various emotions and we learn to focus on the great times of our lives. This life is full of 'gems'.

'Firsts'

I was thinking about the 'firsts' in my life.  That was fun to think about but the one that really stuck out in my mind was the first date I went on with Becky.
You guessed it!  She asked me out on our first date.  I must say that I was such a 'chicken' that even throughout our dating, I wondered when we got more serious if she might have to propose to me.  I didn't let that happen.
Okay, back to the first date.  We went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and watched the LDS church' production entitled "Legacy".  It was a great show but all I could think about is how fortunate I was to be sitting next to this beautiful girl, who was still in high school.  We went to get something to eat after the movie and then went back to her parent's house.  We 'double dated' with a guy and girl who were friends of Becky's and ended up marrying and are good friends of ours even today.
That is a quick run-down of the date but the important part to me was that before that one night, Becky and I were strangers to one another.  We had visited at church for a few minutes but no more than that.  Now all of these years later, we have shared some of life's 'firsts' that are done within the bonds of marriage.  We have four children who fill our lives with extreme joy.  I can't imagine loving anybody any more than I love Becky.  My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would be the only two that I would love any more because of obvious reasons.  She completes me with everything that I would ever need or want.  I am so thankful for that 'first' in March of 1994.  I love you, sweetheart!  No man has ever lived that is more blessed than I.  Thanks for being who you are and helping me to be who I am.  We make an incredible team, and it's fun!!
Think about your 'firsts' and the positive impact they have had on your life.  They are some of the times and things that make us who we are.

I Love Our Home And Family

Everybody has the place in their life that brings them safety and comfort.  That place for me is home.
I have spoken many times about the importance of home in my life.  There is always acceptance at home.  You can be and act exactly how you are (and even off-the-wall silly) and you know that the love that your family has for you is unchanging.  That's how it is for me anyway, for which I am eternally grateful!
As our family knelt down to pray, tonight, I looked around at Becky, Natalie, Laurel, Brady and Danny and thought about the blessing it is to have each other.  As I offered the prayer, I couldn't help but think of the many gifts and talents that each individual has in our family.  They use those to bless not only our lives but the lives of their friends and other people with whom they come in contact.  I love that so much!
In 1995, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints made a declaration to the world.  A portion of that declaration seems appropriate to share. 

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."

I believe that the success we experience in our lives will have a lot to do with the happenings inside our homes and the things that we learned and then implemented in our own lives.
I had the words to a country song enter into my mind that reminds me of times spent at home visiting with Becky and enjoying the laughter of our children.  "And there ain't no place that I'd rather be, next to you sitting next to me."
Home is a piece of heaven and each one of us is entitled to that blessing.

The Difference, One Day Makes

I am always amazed at the blessings in my life. I have always been blessed to be happy and to feel like those around me contribute to that happiness that I enjoy. I can honestly say that yesterday was not one of my brightest days. I can't pinpoint why but I just didn't feel good and my head was extremely tired. Once I arrived at home, from work, everything seemed to be instantly better. When my night was done and I went to bed, I prayed that I would enjoy a good night's rest and awaken, today, feeling completely better. That's exactly what happened. I feel refreshed. Once again, I give sincere thanks for a Father who watches over me and knows and understands precisely how I feel. He blesses me over and over again for which I am grateful.

Do You Ever Wonder?

Maybe it's just me but does anybody else wonder what your life will be like, tomorrow, in six months, or even ten years from now? I don't dwell on it but there are times when I ask myself these questions. It intrigues me. I believe that those types of questions begin from the time that we are young. There are things that we feel are important to achieve. Over time, some of the things that we thought were so important, don't seem to be as important as we originally thought. That's okay. Becky and I consider ourselves to be some of the world's greatest 'dreamers'. We like to dream about everything. It gives us exciting things to talk about and we are thoroughly entertained. I love it! To dream keeps the mind going and it also gives some motivation to reach for things in our lives that seem unattainable. Dream big, even if those dreams don't ever materialize. It's healthy for your mind. I love my life! It is a joy to be alive in this day and time.

Fun In The Sun

I am a big fan of the sunshine. It makes people happier and it is beautiful. Today has been no exception. T won There isn't a kid on this earth that doesn't enjoy being out in the warmth of the sun, playing with their friends. Our oldest son, Brady, asked me how long Grandma Fish (my mom) would have us play outside. I replied that she wanted us to go out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. She felt that it was important that we were active. The older I have become, the more important that is to me. It is important to be as active as we can be. I have given some serious thought to the importance of getting sufficient exercise so that I have enough energy to accomplish all that there is do in life. A little 'self-exertion' hasn't ever hurt anyone...and it won't hurt any of us either.

Talents

Every person has been blessed with various gifts and talents.  The key word in the last sentence is various.  I have spent my few years of life watching people and the things that they are gifted and able to do.  There are a lot of people that thoroughly amaze me!
I want you to take a minute and think of the things that you are good at.  Maybe it is hard for you to do because many of you have been blessed with humility, but I want you to do this simple exercise.
Take your number one gift or talent and break down in your mind why it is the top ranked.  Now that you have decided that part, think of the ways that your gift blesses and enriches the lives of other people.  If it currently does not bless the life of someone else then you ought to go to the 'drawing board' and figure out a way that you can use it to bless another.
When I was a young boy, I longed to have the best handwriting in the class.  I had a teacher, Mrs. Prince who encouraged me to stretch for that goal.  I worked very hard on this and ultimately, got to the point where I felt like my handwriting skill should be.  That was very simple but important nonetheless.
Our gifts and talents are heaven sent and I try hard to remember that every day of my life.

Look Closely And Be Grateful

In Utah news, there has been coverage of the drowning of a four year old boy.  Not only has the news covered the accident, I have had an 'inside' view from a co-worker and friend.  The young boy is a grandson of my co-worker's brother.  It has been a sad ordeal.  Today, Becky and I attended the funeral.  I have thought a lot about this unfortunate event.
Take a moment a think about a time in your life when you 'lost' a person that you care about deeply.  The time during the loss is painful.  Our mortal perspective that involves missing the loved one makes it very difficult to deal with and during the mourning period we wonder how we will ever get over the intense loss that we feel.
I can't begin to believe that a loving and caring Creator would ever allow His children to experience pain without any kind of hope to be extended.  I know that even through the losses in our lives that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.  I have seen it in my own life.
There were some thoughts shared today that expressed gratitude for the role of Jesus Christ in the Plan of our Heavenly Father, that allows everyone the opportunity, if we live righteously, to live with Him again some day.
This young four year old, Corbin, is in a place of peace, love, and contentment.  It is his family who feels sad because he is no longer with them.  They will see him again one day.
I'm thankful for the knowledge that I have.  It brings great comfort.

Stretch

I get into my own routine and every day seems like I go through the same few activities. Today, I awakened with a thought on my mind. In order to progress and get better, I need to stretch myself in the activities that occupy the day. It seemed like today should be that day. I came to work and decided that I would be more productive today than I was yesterday. That doesn't necessarily mean to work faster, it means to be smarter in my approach to my specific job. It means to be and stay on task in order to complete the assigned job function.
I read an article that talked about innovation and the 'brains' behind the technological advances we see every day. That made me think about those people who dream up an idea and then with the combined brain power of other people are able to produce it into something of benefit for the rest of us.
It's as easy as taking something that is a very normal part of your daily routine and placing an added element of difficulty to it to help you stretch.
For example, I know a man who is an avid cyclist.  He has invested a fair amount of money into a nice bicycle.  He rides many miles, every week.  He recently rode his bike and most of the ride was with a heavy head-wind fighting against him.  At first, he mumbled and grumbled to himself about the inconvenience of the strong head-wind.  He then changed his attitude and made a goal to try even harder to maintain his same pace, as if it was his normal, every day ride.  With his change came an added motivation to work harder and pedal so that he could maintain, or get as close to normal as he could.  The ride was a success and he felt accomplished.
To stretch oneself is to make one better.  That is a personal goal to do something that I consider difficult, or out of my comfort zone, each and every day.  I know that I will be better for it!

Reply to:

Reply to Fish, Derek A

Do What You Say

I had an experience this week that taught me a great lesson that may seem quite obvious to us all but it's implementation has still not been mastered. I went to visit a person and during the visit, I asked this person if there was anything that I could do for them. With a little bit of frustration this person rehearsed to me the fact that when other people had come to visit they asked the same question. They made a list of the things that she needed help with and then left the home and never returned to complete the tasks that she had asked them to help complete. Then six months later, they came to visit her and repeated the process. She said that she was done giving lists. I have a person who talked to me, several weeks ago, about helping with something in their home. I assured them that I would come over to their house and look at what they needed done. Days passed and I forgot to go by. That was not my intent but I didn't follow through with what I said I would do. The lesson I was reminded of this week reiterated to my mind the importance of always doing what I say I'm going to do. It is a very important truth and each of us will benefit by adhering to it. Life is great! If you don't believe it, look at somebody else's life. Count all of your blessings, and name them one by one.

When You Were Born

Today is our youngest daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday, Laurel! I still remember the day that she was born. Her eyes remained wide open after she was born. There wasn't a single peep, out of her mouth, until one of the medical staff made her cry. She is a joy in our lives. She has been blessed with many gifts and talents that bless the lives of many people, of which I am one. I have thought about the significance of this day in my own life. I was so excited to have another child in our home. Birthdays are important and the celebration of Laurel's life puts a smile on my face. I am thankful to be a father and to have the opportunity to learn and grow. I love you so much, Laurel. Don't ever forget how important you are to mom and I.

Rose-colored Glasses

I haven't ever met anyone that can truthfully say that every single thing in their life works out exactly like they planned.
I'm also not saying that it is a bad thing.
A person I know, recently told me that the job that they currently have isn't necessarily their dream job.  This person followed up the original comment with a drawn-out list of all of the negative attributes of their job.  After listening to the list, I remained silent for about ten seconds.  Once I could see that this person was finished talking, I kindly reminded him how blessed he was to have a job.  I found it interesting that this individual has been an employee with this company for about twenty-five years.  I don't believe that someone would stay at the same job for that amount of time if there weren't some 'positives' about the job.
If you've ever seen the Walt Disney movie, 'Pollyanna', there is a valuable lesson to learn from that show, no matter how unfair things seem to be in life, there is always a 'bright side' to any situation.  I believe that!
There isn't a situation that somebody else hasn't already endured.  Look on the bright side.
If life isn't how you hoped it would be, work hard to make it better.  It can only improve when you put your best foot forward.

Home Safe And Sound

We arrived at our home this evening and were excited to see Becky and Natalie. Our visit to California was enjoyable. We got to spend time with our family and enjoy some memories together. I was particularly grateful for our safe arrival home. I am so grateful for the blessings we received to have safety during our travels. There is one thing I know for sure. It's that God loves me and He proves that to me, every day. He showers blessings, too many to count. I feel of His love. When we pulled into the driveway, Becky came to the driver's side of the van and began to kiss me, repeatedly. She was so excited to see us and I knew of her great love for me and our kids. It was such a treat to come home! This is a really good life. My prayers are filled with gratitude for the many blessings that are given to me. It's great to be home. I love to be wherever Becky is.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is one of those days that I really love during the year. I love to celebrate the day with focus placed on my own mother and also Becky's mom. On October 2, 1995, everything changed, forever. Since that wonderful day, we have celebrated for Becky, too. Because she is the mother of our four children, that makes me a happy father. I owe my life to her for allowing me to be a father. She is in Utah and I am here in California. I have missed Becky but I am also grateful that I got to spend the day with my mom. She has been a source of strength in my life. I love you so much and I'm grateful that I got you as my mom! I love Becky and as I spoke to her on the phone, it seemed like her day had been a good one too. I love you, sweetheart. I am extremely blessed to have such wonderfully strong women who influence my life. Thank you for all that you do.

There Are Those Times

Today was a day that I will remember for some time. We are in Sacramento participating in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. It was a 5K walk that we were in. We had a team put together and it was amazing. The energy was high and there were a lot of people. That was really cool to be there with so many other people that have been affected by cancer. This evening, our niece, Josephine, was baptized. It was great to be there and enjoy her special day. We are so richly blessed! I am thankful to be with family and to get to know them better. It's bedtime and I am grateful for that. Nat went to PROM tonight and I'm looking forward to her report. These times are so neat and I'm grateful for them!

I Love This Land

When you stop and think about the abundant blessings that we are afforded as citizens of America, it forces you to better realize what freedoms we really have. At this writing it feels good to see my parents and to enjoy a couple of days with those who are part of our family. I am sincerely thankful for Becky and her support in my life. I am thankful for her willingness to sacrifice because she loves our family. I am thankful for the freedom to come and go as we please. There are no border patrols from state to state. We drive until we cross the border and then we enter into a neighboring state without a word even spoken. I am so grateful to live in a country where I can go to sleep and not have to worry about war and various other disrruptions. These are a few of the blessings that enrich my life. I am so grateful to live in this land.

Love

Because of you my world is now whole,

Because of you love lives in my soul.
Because of you I have laughter in my eyes,
Because of you I am no longer afraid of good-byes.
You are my pillar my stone of strength,
With me through all seasons and great times of length.
My love for you is pure boundless through space and time,

At the altar I will joyously say 'I do', for I have it all now and it's all because of you.
(Vishal Narsian)

Love is a remarkable thing in our lives.  I am grateful for the impact it has on my own life.

We Work Together, We Play Together, We Accomplish Together

In the past two days, it has been enjoyable to watch as each member of our family has 'pitched in' to help get things done around the house. 
Because we were busy helping my grandparents, our yards were in need of a manicure.  We got that accomplished.  Laurel weeded the flower beds.  Natalie had gotten the garden weeded so that I could get it tilled and ready for planting.  Becky worked very hard by painting the woodwork areas on the front of our home.  Brady and Danny help wherever they are needed.  It is a wonderful team effort.  We do love to work hard as a family.  What you can accomplish is amazing.
I have mentioned this many times, I love my family with all of my heart!  They are such nice people just trying to do their best.
I believe that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish with the help of every member of your family.  When everybody knows their part, everything goes smoothly.

One of my favorite church songs reminds me of what is really important.

"Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan.  I always want to be with my own family.  And the Lord has shown me how I can.  The Lord has shown me how I can."

There is nothing better in our entire lives than family. 

Life In General

The days are passing by so rapidly and with every day, I feel grateful that I have something like this blog to relieve my mind from all of the thoughts that fill it.
My life is very good!  One of things that I pray about, every day, is that other people can enjoy the same types of blessings that I do.
I want others to focus and then realize all of the positive that takes place in their every day lives.  Good will always happen and the focus on that good will be the prime reason that each of us make it through the trying times that come our way.
Be cheerful, be happy, be hopeful, be optimistic, and Believe.  Life is good!

Thinking About Someone Else, First

I love a good story.  This is an old story but I came across it and found it more than appropriate to share.

"Natalie Gilbert, a 13 year-old, began singing the National Anthem before a basketball game between the Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks on April 25, 2003. When Gilbert struggled to find the correct words for the song and became flustered, Trail Blazers’ Coach Maurice Cheeks came to her side. He initially suggested the lyrics to Gilbert and then joined in on the singing. Soon, the Rose Garden Arena crowd sang with them. What at first looked to be a small disaster, turned into a touching moment — a feel-good story. Cheeks’ inspirational leadership touched many who watched. Cheeks and Gilbert received a standing ovation upon the song’s completion.
As is later revealed, the young Natalie Gilbert, had been fighting the flu and was still sick the day of the performance. When Cheeks was asked what motivated him to go over and start helping Natalie, CNN quoted Cheeks as saying, “You know, I don’t know. I think as I saw her stumble on the words, she looked helpless, and I just started walking. I had no idea what I was going to do, what I was going to say. But as I approached her, I just wanted to help her, and I didn’t know if I even knew the words…You know, I just wanted to help her out. I didn’t want her to stand there helpless, nothing to do. So I just wanted to help her out.”
Prior to coaching, Cheeks played 15 years in the NBA, most notably with the Philadelphia 76ers, and earned a trip to the All-Star game 4 times. Helping a young singer in her time of need was another All-Star moment for Maurice Cheeks."

The true undiluted joy that we find in life, comes from thinking of others, very first.  I continue to see that when somebody puts the needs and wants of others before those interests of their own, life is filled with true happiness.  It will always be that way!

I Want To Go

From the time that I was a young boy, until the present, I have enjoyed going to church on Sunday.  I have always felt good when I go to church.  I love to learn the things that my Heavenly Father has in store for me within His great Plan of Happiness.
Today, was another good day.  I can't say that there was anything special, or out of the ordinary, it was just an all-around good day.
When I was a young teenager, my mom had explained to me that on Sunday mornings she would come into the room and awaken me one time to get up and get ready to go to church.  Because I had two siblings that were younger than me, I now understand that she didn't have the time to mico-manage getting me up to get ready for church on top of getting me motivated to go.
I didn't hear the initial 'wake up call'.  When I finally awakened I did so with a scare.  The house was completely still and as I scurried through the house, I quickly realized that I had been left.  I hurried as fast as I could to get a white dress shirt pressed and get showered and headed off to church.  I don't think that the church was a mile away, but it was still a ways to run.  I was stressed that I wouldn't get to the meeting on time.  I burst out of the house and took off running.  With each step, I wondered how much time was passing.  You can imagine the relief I felt when I arrived at the church.  I entered the door to the church and walked into the chapel.  I was surprised when I realized that the sacrament had not yet been administered to the congregation.  I sat down at the one end of the pew.  I looked down toward where my mom was seated hoping that she would see me.  I gave her a look of 'you left me' and she just waved at me and smiled.  That was the whole exchange.  We didn't speak about it further but I got her message loud and clear.  Be ready to go and be responsible for my own actions.  That was a powerful lesson that was meant just for me.
I believe that the things I learn things at church that I can't get anywhere else.  I also understand that there are many people who don't think that church is for them.  I am grateful that I feel that attendance at church is important and necessary for me and our family. 
I feel blessed, beyond measure, and I really feel that way because I was present at church and I learned a little bit more about the true love of my Heavenly Father.

What Can You Say About Hard Work?

I am so thankful to be blessed with a body that is healthy and strong.  It is one of the greatest blessings of my life, but I take it for granted, every day.
Tonight, every part of my body aches, but it's a good, hard working soreness.  It's my body telling me that I have had a very productive day.  I love to complete something and then go back and see all that was accomplished.
The lesson to learn is this.  Every day that I am blessed to have good health is a perfect day to work hard and accomplish the things that need to be done.  The real blessing that I enjoy is to work hard with my best friend, my sweetheart, Becky. 
It's time for bed and a good night's rest.

Up For The Battle

There are curves in the road of life.  The road is good and filled with a lot of joy and happiness.  Along the road, there are opportunities to grow stronger.  Although we look at the 'curves' as challenges, they are actually opportunities for growth. 
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, some time ago.  Surgery was required to remove the cancer.  Fortunately, she did not have to go through radiation or chemotherapy treatments.  It was an interesting time. 
I have an aunt who was also diagnosed with breast cancer.  More extensive treatment was required for her but she has done very well and seems to be getting on with life as best as she can. 
In the Salt Lake area, there is a well-known female news broadcaster who is fighting a cancer battle of her own.  I watched a clip about her and was touched by her positive outlook.  She is one of many people that are taking the opportunity to bless the lives of those around them, even through their personal trials.
I started this blog because I don't think there is enough positive that people talk about.  This gives me a chance to talk about the things that people are doing that enrich my life and the lives of those all around.  I am more observant about all of the good that people are doing.  It makes me want to optimistic all of the time. 
When I awaken, my desire is to look at the parts of my life that I can control and allow those to multiply me into the potential that I can ultimately  achieve.
Each one of us are incredibly important.  It is up to you and me to reach our potential. We are not alone. We can do it!  I have no reservations about that truth.
First thing in the morning, I will be up for the battle.  I hope you will, too.

Our Own Comfort

When I was a very young boy, my mom made a frog-shaped stuffed animal with a paisley print fabric. It was very simple but I loved it a lot. My recollection isn't very good but I'm sure, like all other children, that it brought me a great deal of comfort. I'm sure it was somewhere close when I was ill, in my bed.
The items of comfort change with the passing years. In fact, there isn't a single 'thing' that I own that brings me comfort in time of need. The comforts of my life are my sweet wife, Becky, and our four children.
I read an article that stated that every person has something or someone that can give the comfort that one needs to deal with life's challenges. That statement is of course true.
When our kids were little each had a favorite stuffed animal or doll that could heal their hearts in time of discomfort.
There are millions of different circumstances throughout the world on any given day. There are those who have a healing mechanism and others that don't. There are those who have many problems to deal with and no way to cope with all that is happening in their lives.
I hope that my heart is open to the 'small whisperings' that come telling me that someone needs some help. I hope that I will act quickly on those whisperings. There is much that each one of us can do to help lighten the burden that others carry so courageously. We can be a resource of strength to these people.
Exactly like my paisley frog, I can be a pillar that others can anchor onto during the tumultuous times of  their lives. At the present time, I might be that pillar, but tomorrow, roles might be reversed and I will be searching for someone to be a source of courage and strength. To help someone else is one of the most rewarding contributions we can give. Look and then act!

It's All Good

I watched an elderly man as he walked, ever so slowly, down the sidewalk. His pace caught my eye. I watched him for a few minutes and then my mind went to thinking about this man's past. He was an average sized man but he was thin and looked 'well kept.' He had a cardigan-style wool sweater on. His ball cap looked to be old but also in good shape. He didn't walk with a cane or anything else to help with his balance. He walked under his own power, just very slow. I wondered about his life and what he had accomplished. I thought about how his family would look. Was he a widower? These were a few of the things I thought about.
Our lives are filled with varying things. Some make through with good health and others struggle constantly.
I think about the various happenings in my own life and can't help but feel grateful for all that I am blessed to have.
I have studied this out in my mind and thought for hours, throughout my relatively short lifetime. I noticed that when I hold my hand a certain way that it wrinkles. Like I used to think as a kid, that should only be happening to my grandparents. That phase is beginning in my own life and it's quite interesting to watch it unfold. I'm not old, by any means, but these things are the reality.
Modern day scripture brings me a great deal of comfort and peace when I read and study it. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma, teaches about the restoration of our bodies, after this life is over . He even teaches right down to the follicles of hair on your head. That part brings me a great deal of comfort, because my hair is falling out, even as we speak. On a serious note, no matter the circumstances, in this mortal life, one day, we will all find comfort in knowing that everything that is undone, in this life, will be done up, in the next life.
The slow stroll of the elderly man, will be once again be a brisk walk. That is sweet knowledge that brings me incredible peace and joy.
We just need to keep on going and live life to it's fullest.
Becky's dad drove me into work this morning and we visited about several different things. It was a choice moment for me. As I drive down the freeway, I am cautious as I drive and alert to the drivers all around me. Some mornings, I wonder if my drive to work might be my last. I try very hard to not take life fore granted. Live every day in such a way that even if it is your last, there is nothing that you've done that you will ever regret.
I can still see the elderly man in my mind. His slow stroll forced me to stop and reflect. His example of strength was enlightening. Let today be the best day ever!

The Game Of Hearts

Life is full of opportunities to grow and become better. It is enjoyable to watch the personal growth take place. One of the ways that personal growth happens is through the acts of kindness that we do for someone else. Let me share a couple of examples of this that will demonstrate what I'm talking about. I have a good friend and co-worker who recently had a nephew pass away. The outpouring of generosity for their entire extended family has been amazing. The death was completely unexpected, yet the neighbors and friends have rallied around. I think that is a wonderful blessing. This same friend of mine had another unfortunate event occur, this past Saturday. His older brother's grandson drowned while participating in a simple family photograph shoot. The young family went by the Weber River to take a family portrait when the four year old slipped on a rock and fell into the fast-racing river. His body has still not been recovered. My friend spoke with one of the search and rescue people and thanked him for all that was being done. There are people who have given their all, even risking their own lives to find this young boy's body and help bring closure to this devastated family. Every day offers perfect opportunities to put your heart in the right place and help somebody who finds themselves in a much worse situation than your own. If I listen to what my heart says, I will always be on the right path. When my mind becomes involved, what I will do is not quite as definitive. There are people who need what I have to offer. There are other people who are looking for the 'rescue' of somebody else. I want to be prepared and ready for those who need my help. The goal is the same for everyone who has or ever will live on this earth. With our heart in the right place, no act of kindness is impossible.