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. 

I'm Glad To Hear Your Voice

The tone of a person's voice becomes familar very quickly. The personalized working of that tone is comforting in various ways.
I watched a young child listen intently to their mother and their eyes peered up and down toward the mother's mouth and eyes. I wondered silently what the tone from the mother's mouth really meant to the child. Inside my mind I rehearsed the many times that I have heard my parents speak, my wife speak, and even the sounds of our children's voices. I imagine that I would easily recognize these voices even if I couldn't see them. Because they are important people in my life I know how important the tone of their voices is to me.
That comfort translates to the comfort we can feel even when these people are no longer around us. It is that comfort that helps us deal with their absence.
Every day I think about Becky and our kids. I wonder how their day is going and what they are learning. I think about the latest conversation I have had with them. I think about my intense love for each individual. I even anticipate when I will see them in the afternoon. I love my family!
All of us have people that are dear to our hearts and we long to talk to them or be in the same room. I find great comfort and satisfaction in the kind tone of the voices of the people I love the very most.

I Will See

Here in Utah we experienced a complete 'white-out' with the mass amounts of snow that fell on the weekend. It is winter time here in this state and I am extremely grateful.
I questioned my like while driving in it. The snow fell so densely but it beautified everything around. The trees were snow-capped and picturesque.
While driving our car the large over-sized flakes fell gently on the car windshield. The wipers moved quickly from one side of the windshield to the next clearing off the moist flakes. I drove cautiously but wondered about our safety the whole drive. At one point I wondered if I would be able to see. The snow fall fluctuated at first falling heavily and then lightening up a bit.
'Snow' falls in our lives and we wonder just as I did if we are really going to be capable of seeing all of the necessary things we need to. It is a challenge but we some how seem to find the end of the road and the success that we feel brightens our day and enriches our life. Such was the case with the snow fall. We eventually got to our destination with safety and were able to accomplish all that we needed to do.

Significance

I understand a little bit better today how fragile life is and the reality that the partition (the veil) between this life and the next is very thin.  The older I get the clearer that knowledge becomes.  These thoughts seem to occupy more of my thoughts than they did when I was younger.  It's not all about this life but it is about doing today for what will come tomorrow and the effects that has on the future.  Don't misunderstand this as me saying that today isn't important because it is but, in fact, it is much deeper than that.
When I was a young boy my thoughts were occupied with what I was going to do for fun and at what time of the day that was going to happen.  Rarely did I think about the consequences of decisions made today on tomorrow.
I don't worry about a lot in my life I feel like the focus of life gets more finely tuned with each passing day.
I look at Becky and our children with a different set of 'glasses' than I ever have before.  I want so bad for their lives to be the best that they can be.  I want to be a good person--someone who wants to make good choices that profoundly bless the lives of others.  My desire is to leave this world a better place than what I found it.  Be someone who makes a positive contribution to the best of my own abilities.
I watched a man who seemed to struggle in his life at every bend in the road of life.  As he and I spoke with each other the verbalization of his current decisions of life didn't make much sense to me.  I listened carefully as he spoke and wanted so badly to correct him in his decision-making process but I didn't want to hamper his learning experience in any way.  That's a very hard thing to do but it's part of the learning process that each of us has to go through.  We visited for quite some time and I offered a quiet prayer in my heart for this man.  He will have some additional struggles before his mortal journey ends but so will I.
I am grateful for the experiences of life that add value and allow a clearer perspective.
Life is what we make of it, laced within it some struggles that strengthen us and make us who we are--and ultimately who we are to become.  Keep smiling and keep working hard.

It Is You

 

Our family was talking about the many beauties of the earth and the opportunity we have to enjoy the various creations that surround us.  I fear that you will think that I'm some kind of wierdo but I hang in there and bear with me as I relate my feelings to you.
I watched an interesting looking bug crawl swiftly across the ground.  It's legs moved quickly and it made me tired just watching.  I watched it for several minutes as it covered a large area of ground heading toward it's destination.  I finally gave up on the bug and focused my attention elsewhere.  I have thought about that single creation and have tried to apply that small life with my own.
We are all created by a loving God.  He gave us life and the blessings that we see are a credit to Him.  I am grateful for the knowledge that He loves me.
There are many people who, for one reason or another, don't feel of that same love of which I speak.  Theirs is a life overwhelmed with discontent and despair.  I wish to share with everyone the import of seeing and recognizing all of the blessings that are given to us all.  There is great hope in this world because we are children of a God who loves us more than we can comprehend.  If life is currently weighing you down I strongly encourage you to inventory your life and find and recognize all of the blessings that you have receieved and then watch and number all of the other continuous blessings that will come.  You will see that they are there.
Like the little bug that often seems insignificant you are anything but that.  You are a child of God and your existence is extremely important in His eternal Plan.
Look in the mirror and recognize your significant role in the eternal scheme of things.  Show the beautiful smile that He has given you.  It will make all the difference!

One of My Favorite Days

Every year I love this day.  This year is no different.  Today we celebrate the birthday of my wife Becky.  It is because of this day many years ago that I find great joy and immense happiness.

I wanted to use today’s post to name several reasons why Becky blesses my life and then I hope that each of you will implement these things into your own marriages and relationships to bless and make better.

One:

Becky is the definition of unselfish.  She thinks of herself and what she wants or needs behind that of someone else.  Some might think this a personal fault.  Wrong!  Her life is blessed because she has ‘figured’ this principle out in her own life.  Our family is blessed for her kindness.  Some time ago, Becky went grocery shopping and bought the fixings for a delicious meal—one of our family’s favorites.  She got home and found out that there was a family who needed a meal brought into their home.  Becky fixed the meal she had planned for us and promptly took it to this family and opted to fix us something else.  I watched her make that decision and I felt grateful for her love and generosity for another.  We had other food and it was no problem for us. 

Two:

Becky loves to be at home.  She loves the comfort that she feels when she is at home with her family.  I am so grateful for this.  We live in a society where everyone is dashing about in all directions with chaos trailing closely behind at every turn.  The things at home are the victim of this chaos.  I am so thankful to Becky for making the things at home a top priority.

Three:

Becky loves God and His Son.  They are at the top of her list as the most important people in her life.  Because that is her priority, everyone else around her is richly blessed.  She follows their example and acts as they would want her to.  I have always loved that.

Four:

Becky is an outstanding wife!  She loves me and treats me with great respect as her husband and as a human being.  She is the easiest person to get along with and I feel honored to have her in my life.

Five:

All Becky wants to be is the best mom she can be.  She loves our children and she is concerned with their well-being.  She works tirelessly to help them reach their divine potential.  She teaches by word and example. 

Becky, I want to wish you the happiest birthday and I pray every day that I will be able to spend many years of happiness to come with you.  But no matter what, if we do our best we will have the blessing of living through the eternities with one another.  I love you! Have a great day!

I Love Life

This is a day that I will remember for a very long time.  My grandpa passed away earlier this morning after a long life well lived.  I have learned some valuable lessons from this man I call grandpa.
It is always a difficult thing when death arrives but more than that a very spiritual time of reflection for me.  Let me share a little personal insight with you today with the hope that you can understand my feelings.
Death is just another step in eternal progression.  It happens exactly how it was designed.  In this Plan we all agreed with it and gladly followed our Father and His Son.  This part of the Plan becomes clearer to me with every passing day.  I am grateful that my grandpa can more forward in this very important part of his eternal destiny.  A great reunion awaited him for which I am most grateful.
One of the greatest lessons (and a nice reminder) is that I try to live my life to the best of my ability.  This does not mean that a fanatical approach should ensue, rather a consistent and positive approach to how and why I do the things I do.
I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, my Savior.  I am thankful for all that they do for me.  I give thanks to them for the knowledge that I receive.  I am thankful for the people around me who are examples of goodness.  My grandpa was an example to me of hard work and dedication in all that he did.
I have watched my grandma do exactly what she committed to do the day that her and grandpa wed.  She has stood by his side through the hard and the easy of life.  She has weathered the storms of life with him side by side.  She has taken care of him right until the end and I applaud her for her sweet efforts.  I love my grandpa and grandma!
I am thankful to have been born of goodly parents who love each other.  I thank my mom for her kindness with both of her parents this past week--actually for an entire lifetime.  She has been the rock that they have always been able to count on.  It is through her wonderful acts of love that I have learned some of life's greatest lessons.  I love you mom and I know that heaven continues to shine on our family every single day.

Our Special Day

Our anniversary has been celebrated differently this year than any other year.  I have loved being with Becky and to enjoy our 18th anniversary caring for somebody else...together!  I love you sweetheart and I have learned a greater lesson from you through your incredible ability to show compassion for your fellowmen.
Becky has loved my grandparents and has treated them as her very own.  I watched Becky as she gently rubbed the tiny feeble legs of our dying grandpa.  I watched the outpouring of her love through her word and deed.
This anniversary will go down as a very special one for me because I learned some greater lessons when I watched my sweet wife be who she always is.  I love you and I appreciate your love for me.  Happy Anniversary and hoping for many more to come.

Things Spiritual

Yesterday, our family decided to go to Orem with the feeling that it would be the last time that we would see grandpa alive here in this mortal life.
I'm so glad that our family took the opportunity to go and to show our love and support for grandma in this difficult time.
Before we left I went into the bedroom where grandpa lay and stood next to his bed and listened to his breathing.  It was a spiritual experience for me personally to be with him before he leaves this wonderful existence and moves on to his eternal reward.
I love any opportunity to enjoy the feelings during the experiences that are beyond what this mortal life normally has to offer.  It is through these experiences that our hearts are filled with wonder of the things that are eternal.
Although the days are numbered for my sweet grandpa I am grateful for the knowledge of forever and the peace that this knowledge offers.  I know that an eternal existence is ahead for every one of us as children of our loving Father.  It is through Jesus Christ that the opportunity to live in the presence of our Father again can come to pass.  It is the desire to be better that motivates me for the future possibilities that can be mine. 
Families can be together forever as long as we do our part and live up to the expectations that our Father has.  Our Father has promised to us all that He has.  It is my greatest desire to be more like Him. 

Don't Let It Be Traveled Alone

I watched a man walk down old Magna main street.  He was alone and each step that he took jotted a chapter of what his life was all about.  I knew this man and my heart ached for him.  He is a good man but has been sidetracked from the principles that he knows will bless his life.  His clothing was different and it showed to me that his once financial stability was no longer.  He carried a brown paper sack in his hand that illustrated his slavery to a bottle of sadness.  I couldn't help but think of the goodness that he had displayed in his life while helping another in a time of struggle. 
It was a reminder that life is at times a 'school of hard knocks'.  How important it is to be prepared to withstand the trials that come our way. 
When I was a young boy I never had to worry about the lack of stability in our home.  I never wondered if my parents were nice to one another.  I didn't even think about that kind of thing because I just knew that they loved each other.  I heard them tell each other that they loved each other but more important I watched them love each other.
I want our children to know that Becky and I love each other--through word and deed.  I want them to build in their hearts a desire to one day find someone who wants to share this same kind of life with them that we so richly enjoy.
I'm hopeful that this man that wanders Magna main street will one day awaken to the things that are important and foster a desire to return to the good life that he once possessed.
It's a great life that is filled with endless possibilities to find and experience goodness to enrich our souls.  Go after it and find all of the joy that you so richly deserve.  It is the designed destiny of all mankind!

Tone

The word 'tone' has a few different meanings. I wish to talk about it in the context of how we speak to others.
A person in the grocery store stands behind me in the checkstand line.  Words roll out of her mouth rapidly and I realize that nothing that has streamed from her mouth is kind.  I looke over at her and I realize that she is speaking to her aged mother who is seated in a motorized cart.  Her speech comtinued for a few moments and again I look in her direction.  This time her eyes met mine and I wanted so badly to remind her of her responsibility to respect her mother.  She got the hint and I didn't hear another cross word spoken.
As I exited the store I couldn't help but think of the many unkind  words that had and would probably continue to harm and damage the poor aged woman.  I'm sure that volumes of other things would tell the entire story but I vowed at that moment to always try to keep a kind tone in my voice.
Even in frustration, the tone we keep will dictate the outcome of the situation in so many ways.