Jump It

Did you know that the height of a hurdle ranges between 30 and 42 inches?  On a full sprint people jump those and make it look incredibly simple while doing it.

Let’s compare those same hurdles to the ones that confront us in our daily lives.  Some of those hurdles might look like this.  Having tolerance for all people.  Talking in a nice tone—especially to those who mean the most to us?  Rendering service to someone in need—even when it’s inconvenient?  How about the neighbor that drives you completely nuts? 

These are just a few.  There is an assortment of many others.

It just doesn’t matter the height that those hurdles are.  We have the power to control what we do and how we will react. 

Try a little harder tomorrow than you did today and soon you will see the difference by the effort that you give.

Somebody New

I love meeting new people.  There is a man that I just met who has three children and is recently divorced after twenty years of marriage.  During our conversation I learned that he currently works three jobs and his parents take care of his children, for the most part.  He has full custody of them.  He has a set of twins who are sixteen and a thirteen year old.  He spoke with a smile on his face and I wondered to myself how in the world he does it.  The answer he gave to me made perfect sense.  It is his faith that keeps him anchored to the things that are really important.

I would like to remind us all that there are misfortunes in life but there are plenty of examples of people who make the best out of those situations. 

Be thankful for what you have and strive to make the best out of every moment, even when it gets tough.

He Is Given

The Bible teaches us something of great import.  A favorite scripture is found in John 3:16.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  How thankful I am for the Savior.  I was deep in thought today and my mind turned to the love I feel for Jesus Christ.  It is by and through Him that we can overcome the weaknesses we have and the mistakes we make. 

When I was a little boy I wondered how it was possible that this Jesus could take away the wrongs that I make.  I can honestly say that at 40 years old I still wonder how He can do that.  The logistics of His precise part and how it all works in the Plan of our Heavenly Father are complex but I know it is real.  I do know that His distinct role will cleanse us because I have experienced it repeatedly in my own life.  I enjoy the peace that comes because of Him.

The future is bright!  Through continued practice, some of life's lessons get easier.  I am thankful for my life as I keep moving forward always learning from my mistakes.  I will always be indebted to the Savior for all that He has done.

One For The Ages

We attended a soccer game last night.  Our youngest son Danny loves the game and is fortunate to play on a team with a good coach and players who are willing to hustle.
I was amazed at the hustling play of each team member and I was reminded of what happens when people accomplish something as a team.
I have been taught and then reminded of my role as a team player in our family.  It takes the gifts of each person to carry out and succeed. 
I am grateful for Becky and the important role she plays as a wife and mother.  She does so much and her role blesses each member of our family. 
I hope that I am the kind of husband and father who plays as a team member and wants to succeed so that our family will be happy.

I Love People

It has been a rich blessing to have relationships and friendships that are meaningful in many different ways.  The friendships that I enjoy are with people who have the desire to do good things and be good decent people.
When I was young I wanted to have as many friends as there was possible to have.  I hoped that when I grew up that the number of those friends would be countless.
It's not countless but I have enjoyed some neat associations.
People are generally good.  Look around and notice all of the people who are doing good because it's the right thing to do.
Many of you are those people.  Thanks for being good!  I love what you teach me.  It is a blessing to have you as my friends.

It's A Hard World

I found this particularly helpful for the young people in our society but I believe that this applies to everyone.

 

"You are growing up in enemy territory. When you become mature spiritually, you will understand how the adversary has infiltrated the world around you. He is in homes, entertainment, the media, language—everything around you. In most cases, his presence is undetected.

I want to tell you that which will be of most worth and most desirable. The scriptures say, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” and I would add, “with all [your] getting get [going!]” (Proverbs 4:7). I do not have time to waste and neither do you. So listen up!

The moment I decided to be a teacher is very clear in my mind. During World War II, I was in my early 20s and a pilot in the Air Force. I was stationed on the little island of Ie Shima. This island, a small, lonely one about as big as a postage stamp, is just off the northern tip of Okinawa.

One lonely summer evening, I sat on a cliff to watch the sun go down. I was pondering what I would do with my life after the war, if I was fortunate enough to survive. What did I want to be? It was on that night that I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I reasoned that teachers are always learning. Learning is a basic purpose of life."  (Boyd K. Packer~Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

 

I am grateful for those who teach me the things that are right.  The good example that we set will be helpful to those who are watching. 

Good Taste

As a child my mom and dad taught me lessons that dealt with expressing good taste. The manner that I dressed was one of these examples. Another was the 'company' that I kept--in other words the friends that I associated with.
There are many who choose a contrary point of view but it is up to me and you to display the things in our lives that are of good taste.
An example was brought up of the importance of speaking about things that are appropriate and uplifting. Our children are constantly bombarded with the filth that so prevalently surrounds them. The hallways of their schools are laced with the language that would make a sailor blush.
I would echo the feelings of my parents. Let the words that proceed out of your mouth be the kind that would bring honor and a great deal of satisfaction to those that are the very closest to you. When I say something I often think about the appropriateness of it and reflect on whether my wife, children or parents would find it acceptable.

Your Stride

Our daughters were talking about the length of their strides when they walk. The feedback was that our youngest daughter has to take three walking steps to equal one of our oldest daughter's strides. It got me thinking about what the strides in our own lives mean to each of us. What does my stride mean to me personally?
I believe that the 'strides' that we make have a impact on life and how it all plays out for us as individuals. I observed an older gentleman serving a woman that was much younger than he. The task wasn't particularly easy for the man but the smile he wore on his face told me that he enjoyed what he was doing. In my mind this man was lengthening his stride.
I am personally blessed by the strides of so many others around me who take the time and make the effort to ease the burdens of those around them. I watch intently as these same people make the efforts without the expectation of thanks.
The strides that our daughters talk about teach us a valuable lesson. It doesn't matter the length of your stride rather the willingness to lengthen it.

Snapshot In Time

Our two nephews spent the night at our home.  I watched Kandon, Brennan, Brady, Danny, and Becky as they made homeade ice cream by placing heavy cream in the carton and sugar in a zip-lock bag and in a larger zip-lock placing ice and salt.  Then by shaking it for several minutes it turns into ice cream.  To watch them was thrilling to my heart.
I have always loved how Becky enjoys the various activities as much, if not more than the kids do.  She loves life and is always willing to get the very most out of a situation.  Thanks for who you are, my love.
My heart is used to storing yet another snapshot of this life, I call blessed.

Amazing

Becky told me of a ride she took in the van up one of the canyons here in Salt Lake City.  At one point in the conversation she spoke of seeing an eagle and she was amazed at the way it spread it's wings and soared.  She watched this beautiful bird for a while and said that there wasn't one time it had to flap it's wings.
Have you ever had that experience for yourself?  I have and it has been many years since I saw that last.  Just thinking about it makes me smile.  The creatures that have been created and placed on this beautiful earth are an inspiration. I challenge you to pay better attention to the 'details' that are all around us.  The next time you go outside take notice of the birds as they chirp.  Look at the majestic mountains that tower above all else.  The beautiful colors of the changing trees as winter fast approaches.  The flowers that line the front of the house are breath-taking.
Many years ago, the telephone rang and to my surprise it was a woman who lives three houses away from us in our cul-de-sac.  I greeted her and inquired about her day.  I then asked her what I could do for her.  She told me that the reason she was calling was to thank our family for the beautiful flowers in front of our house that allowed her a great deal of joy as she looked out her front window.
This is a beautiful world with a lot to offer us.  Stop and take a minute to see for yourself.

Thank You

It was recently brought to my attention that there are times when only one answer will suffice.
Have you ever given someone a compliment and then their answer is "I know" or "Isn't it great".
The words "thank you" go a long way.
Practice it and integrate it into your daily life.  It's amazing how grateful it makes you because you focus on what is really important.

Life Is A Blessing

Life is very good!  Take a look at this man who is very grateful to be alive. If you ever think that life is hard, just remember that your situation could always be worse.









Learn to make lemonade out of the occasional lemons of life.

Take A Little Time

I had the pleasure of visiting with a couple of our neighbors.  I must say that there are people in life who touch me because of who they are and what they mean to me.
Life is busy--it is for everybody.  The fact still remains that there are moments when you have to stop what you're doing and 'catch up' with the people that are important to you.
A few minutes can make a world of difference to someone who just needs somebody to listen to them.  I am grateful for Becky and the person she is in my life who will listen no matter what.  Take the time today for someone who really needs it.

Another Temple Dedication

The Brigham City Utah temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is complete and will be dedicated as an official place of temple worship on Sunday, September 23, 2012.  What a blessing it is to have so many temples that have been dedicated to our Father in Heaven as His holy house and a place where members of the church, who qualify themselves, can enter and participate in sacred ordinances that are needed to one day return to live with Him.
I look forward to participating in the dedication proceedings with Becky and each of our children.
We live in a wonderful time when these important parts of our life that pertain to our eternal progression are readily available.  I am a blessed person and I am very grateful for the love and mercy that is shown to me.

Love Is Spoken Here

Our family enjoyed the baptism of our niece. She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We were touched by the choice that she had made to be baptized but we were also thrilled with the influence that her choice would make for the rest of her life and beyond.
Our extended family gathered in love and support. I am grateful for the times that are shared with family.
The good times help me to better understand the importance of making good memories and keeping those memories alive with Becky and our children.
The days rush by so quickly and the love that we share today will be magnified that much more for tomorrow.

The Road

We all came to this earth prepared to experience all that we would with determination to prove ourselves to the Father we all love. 
While driving down the road my thoughts turned to the specific times and things that make up this wonderful life.
Becky and I know a couple who have had their own difficult experience with losing a brother in a tragic accident.  Their family is trying to cope with his unexpected passing and working hard to deal with all that comes with this sort of happening.
My heart hurts for this family and I often wonder how people will not only deal with but how will they move forward trying to make the most out of their life.
I am reminded of a well-known Biblical verse that brings hope and sheds some eternal light on this subject.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-29)

There isn't anything that we can't deal with or overcome.  I know that this is truth.  I continue to see the help of a loving father in my own life and the lives of those around me.  Let's be strong, let's have faith, and let's have courage.  With God...Nothing is impossible!

 

Work It!

I am amazed at the hustle and determination of people that I watch.  While at soccer practice, I watched as the kids followed the instructions that were given them.  I understand that in the evening after their day has already been full of activities they come with inner strength and they give it their best.  I help coach on Danny's team and I am always thrilled by the effort given by all of the kids on the team.  We instructed them to do a specific drill where the ball was tossed into the air and each player was then required to stop the ball, only using their feet to gain full control of it.  That isn't always the easiest task because depending on how the ball is tossed dictates the players body position to gain control of the soccer ball.  We practiced that over and over with a clear explanation of why we were running this drill.  After a while the kids were 'catchingon' to the concept and now they can implement that skill into their play.  Practice is a beautiful way to hone skills that make you better.

The Impact Of A Good Song

I was sitting in church and a choir sang a musical arrangement of a church hymn. The choir was made up of twelve people. I listened as they sang their individual parts and the harmony was beautiful. The sharing of their musical talents was the most stirring to my heart. I watched each member sing and they did so with enthusiasm. The chapel was filled with the beautiful music. I loved that there was no other background noise. Whether you are musically inclined or not doesn't matter. The influence of a song will touch the innermost parts of the human heart.

Lift Your Head High

An experience came to my remembrance. It happened when I was a young boy. I was present when a cousin of mine was wrestling in the championship match of his weight class. He too was young but a talented wrestler. The match was against a good friend of his so we all knew that there was going to be a winner and then someone would also take second place. As I think about that moment long ago I still get 'butterflies' in my stomach. They were equally matched and they understood how the other wrestled. I remember at a timeout my grandpa telling my cousin that he would give him a sizable amount of money if he won the match. My cousin was exhausted and I think grandpa was trying to give some sort of motivation to help breathe some new life into him. The matched resumed and there were back-and-forth points earned by both wrestlers. At the very end of the match my cousin had nothing left in his 'tank.' He let down his defensive guard and his opponent and good friend pinned him to the mat for a victory. I will never forget the tears of frustration that flowed from my cousin's eyes.
I have had and continue to experience my own frustrations. That is a fact of life. Because those are going to happen the secret seems to be to lift up your head and find what is good in what you consider to be an unfortunate situation.

I Believe

From the time that I was a young boy I have possessed a deep feeling of belief.  That belief is important in my life--those feelings are my life.
As a young boy my heart was stirred by the reality that there is so much more to life than what I see on the surface.  That reality has caused me to reflect each and every day.  
I want to be a good boy.  I want to do what is right.  I want to live a life that is worthy of the blessings that are in store when I choose the right.  That is the same for everybody.
I owe my parents for teaching and instilling in me the ability to recognize what is truly important.

Work Is A Good Thing

I have always felt that good hard work is a blessing.  At this point in my life I feel especially grateful for good employment and the opportunity to support my family. 
A recent conversation with a man I know solidified the fact that to work hard is imperative.  It doesn't mean that everything is always just the way you hope it will be but through dedication and hard work things seem to work out the way they need to.
I am thankful for the vision I have been blessed with to start something and then work hard to see it through.

Memories Are Great!

Last night I was in the kitchen and a song came into my mind that I haven't even thought about for a very long time.
It is a song written about the Biblical account of the Good Samaritan.  It's entitled "Do Likewise My Friend."
That parable is one of my favorites.  I love the account and the meaning it has for each one of us.

"Do likewise my friend, so simple the call, from the Greatest of all.  Do likewise my friend, and you shall live.  Do likewise my friend."

Those lyrics remind me of the obligation we have as sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. 
I love that this particular song was recounted in my mind.  In fact, I went upstairs and pulled it up on YouTube and listened to it.
I want to follow the desire of my Father.  It's great knowledge to have!

Daddy, Are You There?

Our two boys and I attended a father and sons camp outing at the church owned property called Aspencrest.  It was a remarkable time and there was a fairly good showing from members of our ward. 
I need to share an experience with you that was profound and touching to my heart.
Early Saturday morning, I awakened by the sound of a small child crying.  I thought that it was a dream and so I listened carefully until I could hear the crying.  Soon a bright light shone in our tent and the young voice asked, "Are you there, daddy?"  I told the child that I was not his daddy but I asked him who he was.  He answered back with his name and I immediately knew that his tent was nearby where we were sleeping.  His father eventually heard the call from the child and he found his way.
You might not think this is that big of a deal but the parallel became very apparent to me. 
I know that my Father is there but there have been times in my life that I have needed His comfort and I have asked the same question the young child asked.  "Are you there?"
We can ask that question as often as we want and His answer will never disappoint.  He helps us in times of need. 
I am thankful for the precious experience I had while camping with our sons.  I will never forget it.

A Glass Of Milk-Paid In Full

I decided that this story that I recently read would be appropriate to share.

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” He said, “Then I thank you from my heart.”
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Year’s later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She began to read the following words:  “Paid in full with one glass of milk”

Every Step

Their first steps are an incredible experience and all of the steps that follow are exciting. It seems like just yesterday that our children were taking those 'first' steps that were anticipated. The freedom that would come by the independence they would gain. Was the independence for them or for me?
I am forty now and I read every day that someone else has passed away and they are my age and younger. It is a gentle reminder that the steps we take today need to count for something. Life is full, literally, and there are many things to do but I want to live today with purpose and meaning.
I am grateful for guidance and direction that I feel in my life. There is a Plan and by following that Plan life is always worth living. The everyday steps mean something and contribute to constant growth.
Do something today that has purpose not only for you but for someone else.
Today is the time to do my best and tomorrow I will pick up where I left off and continue to strive to do my best. It's all that is asked. One foot in front of the other.

You Can Do It

I am fortunate enough to have be blessed with the ability to be comfortable around other people.  There are people that we all know who don't feel that same way.  They are terrified when it comes to interacting with others, in fact, they would rather do about anything else.
I met a man named Moses Oliver from Charleston, South Carolina.  He is a large African-American man who is very shy and keeps to himself.  We were asked to introduce ourselves in front of a class size of 38 people.  Moses was terrified by this.  He and I talked and he told me that he was big and strong and that there were only a few things that really scared him and speaking in front of people was one of those fears.
He did get up and fulfill the assignment given to him.  He did a great job and he expressed himself very well.
The tough things get easier the more that you do them.  I watched Moses begin to overcome his own fear.
If you have a fear take the time to practice to overcome it.

It's A Big Circle

We all take turns with the various opportunities that we are given to help and to serve.  I talked with a person who is spending their time helping out at a homeless shelter here in the Salt Lake Valley.  She is having a great time serving those who are less fortunate.  She told me that with the 'highs' of service come the sorrow at the situations these people are in, all varying of course. 
You've probably had some great experiences with helping others.  You will continue to have those with each passing day.  To be in the service of somebody else is one of life's greatest blessings crowned with a lot of happiness and joy.
I love to help others. 

Team Work

I attended a training opportunity in St. Louis, Missouri. It was a week long course and the training was done in a team-oriented environment. Each day I was teamed with five other people where we would discuss the various topics that were given to us. It was a valuable opportunity where I learned a great deal about myself and about others. I like to think of the grand possibilities that can come when we work as a team. I was a member of a intramural flag football team, back in Junior High School. We played at lunch time. I was very small but I could run pretty fast. I will never forget the team that I was assigned to. Nobody was big and we were not 'stacked' with the most football talent. A coach told us that we ought to find our strengths and then go to work on creating the right combinations so that we would be competitive. I must admit that I was apprehensive about our chances to be anywhere near being competitive. We had a girl on our team who had some vision on our possibilities. We began to work together and form some 'plays' that would bring out the best in the talent that we had. We played our first game and we handled the team quite easily. The second, third, fourth. We beat them all. Within a couple of weeks we saw our team play competitively. It was a fun time and a lesson was taught to me personally. Do your very best with what you have and everything will be okay. I believe that even today.

The Picture

Our family went and visited my grandparents while my mom and dad were in town. My grandparents are elderly people. I am amazed at the flow of genetics that runs so deep in who we are.
My dad took a picture with me next to my grandpa. I got a lot of my physical appearance from his gene pool. As I looked at his old body and his once very large and physically strong hands I realized that they are now feeble looking and the strength has minimized. It is hard to imagine that just a short season ago I wondered if my grandpa and grandma would ever get old. They were both very active. Age has caught up to them and now they are slowed by the many activities in the years that are passed.
I am grateful for the gift of time and the opportunities for learning and growth. There is in each of us a similar gene pool that will be carried from us to one of our family members. Time races by swiftly and the only thing we have control of is today. Make today the very best that it can be. Make a difference! Somebody needs you and what you have to offer them will make all the difference.

What Club Should I Use?

I went golfing with my dad and a cousin. We had a great time and, as usual, I played 'all' of the course. Golf is a humbling game but one that I enjoyed a great deal. I set up for a shot and I had just over 100 yards to the flag. I told my cousin Scott that I figured I would pull out my 10 iron. I have to do that at least one time during the round. I normally hit with that club when I'm no further than 80 yards out. I thought that I could 'muscle' the shot a little. I hit it nicely but in the air I could see that it was going to come up short of the green.
You are wondering what this game of golf has to do with my blog? There are hundreds of different possibilities in the game of golf. From shot to shot there are various angles and a lot of thought that must be considered to come up with what you hope will be the perfect shot. Life is very similiar to golf. There are many right ways to do things and there are some bad ways too. It is up to us to study things out, make a solid decision, and then carry out the decision that we made. With consistency, good decision-making, and proper execution, life seems to play out in a relatively good way. That doesn't mean that a 'bunker' isn't somewhere on the course but even then there are ways to get out of the sand of life. From one shot to the next take a good look at your club selection. The shots that you make will have bearing on how you feel your life is going. I'm grateful for my life and the shots that I face each and every day.

Prepare. Listen. Obey.

Specific promptings come to each one of us from time to time.  We need to be prepared to listen and to obey.  I think that it is appropriate to share a part of a message written by a modern-day prophet in our time.

 

"I have a friend who prays every day to meet someone who is prepared to receive the gospel. He carries with him a copy of the Book of Mormon. The night before a short trip, he decided not to take a copy with him but instead to carry a pass-along card. But as he got ready to leave, a spiritual impression came to him: “Take a Book of Mormon with you.” He put one in his bag.

When a woman he knew sat next to him on the trip, he wondered, “Is this the one?” She rode with him again on the return trip. He thought, “How should I bring up the gospel?”

Instead, she said to him, “You pay tithing to your church, don’t you?” He said he did. She said she was supposed to pay tithing to her church but didn’t. Then she asked, “What can you tell me about the Book of Mormon?”

He explained that the book is scripture, another witness of Jesus Christ, translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. She seemed interested, so he reached into his bag and said, “I was impressed to bring this book with me. I think it is for you.”

She began to read it. As they parted, she said, “You and I are going to have more conversations about this.”

What my friend could not know—but what God did know—was that she was looking for a church. God knew she had watched my friend and wondered why his church made him so happy. God knew she would ask about the Book of Mormon and that she would be willing to be taught by the missionaries. She was prepared. So was my friend. You and I can also be prepared.

The preparation we need is in our mind and our heart. The woman had heard and remembered words about the Book of Mormon, the Lord’s restored Church, and the commandment to pay tithes to God. And she had felt the beginning of the witness of truth in her heart.

The Lord has said He will reveal truth to our mind and our heart by the Holy Ghost.  Most of the people you will meet have had the beginning of that preparation. They have heard or read of God and His word. If their hearts are soft enough, they have felt, however faintly, a confirmation of truth.

The woman was prepared. So was my friend, the Latter-day Saint who had studied the Book of Mormon. He had felt a witness that it is true, and he recognized the direction from the Spirit to take a copy with him. He was prepared in his mind and his heart.

God is preparing people to receive your testimony of restored truth. He requires your faith and then your action to share fearlessly what has become so precious to you and to those you love.

Prepare to share by filling your mind every day with the truths of the gospel. As you keep the commandments and honor your covenants, you will feel the testimony of the Spirit and more of the Savior’s love for you and for those you meet.

If you do your part, you will increasingly have the sweet experience of meeting people who are prepared to hear your testimony of the truth—offered from heart to heart, yours to theirs."  (Henry B. Eyring.)

 

Our job is to be prepared and then listen to the instruction we will receive in our daily lives.  We all have some experience in this arena.  There are people who pray, every day, that somebody will come to their aid.  I hope that I will always be ready to help.