The End Of 2012

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

It's About Being Together

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

We Can Count On Him

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

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

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

Personal Revelation

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

The Blessing Of Children

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

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

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

We Can Do It

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

He Cares For Me

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

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

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

(Words and music: Clara W. McMaster)

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

You've Obviously Worked In Labor

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

Moving Forward--Together

Becky and I went to Orem to visit our grandparents. My mom is in town to be with them for the next week. Grandpa's health continues to worsen but he keeps 'hanging on' through these last days.
I thought about how good life is when we go through it together. I watch my grandma as she shows her true love and devotion for my grandpa and reflect on the promises that Becky and I made the day we got married.
I want to emphasize how important it is to move forward in life, even after the stumbles that take place, and be united in all that you do.
Marriage is ordained of God and the marriages between a man and a woman are supposed to be enjoyable. Working through the struggles builds strong character and the love that can be enjoyed is endless.
I held Becky's hand yesterday and felt grateful for all that she does to make life wonderful for me and our children.
Difficult times will come to all of us and some of you might be right in the middle of one of the 'storms' of life but there is hope that eventually the sun will shine through the clouds of mortality and the refreshment of a new beginning is shortly on the horizon. That new beginning will be worth the endurance that you pursued.
Move forward with faith and with a sense of unity that will prove the worth of the one that you so desperately love. Be in it together, no matter what!

A Day Like Today

There are days when I think to myself, "Can life get any better?"  That is how I feel today.  I am always amazed at the blessings that are poured out into my life.  I have known for a very long time that God blesses all of His children--we just need to recognize them.
I spoke with a gentleman in Winco who told me that he had always felt like he was loved and that he never felt like God would abandon him.  I agreed with him and expressed my love for my Father who is well aware of me and the needs and wants of my heart.  He expressed similar feelings.
I have spoke about this before but I need to reiterate the importance of recognizing all of the blessings that come our way.  The 'blessing conduit' that extends from heaven and reaches to us is not closed.  That I know for sure.  It will never be closed because of the love He has for His children.  He loves us more than we can currently comprehend.  I love Him for everything!

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.

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!

 

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!

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.