The sound of good music is hard to beat. I heard a song that brought back great memories when I was a kid.
"I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray someone will come to show the way
I believe, I believe
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe." (The Lettermen)
My dad had many albums by the Lettermen. They were a familiar sound in our home.
Each of us have memories that are directly connected with songs. I love to think of an especially meaningful experience that has a song associated with it.
I love music! Good music brings my heart a great deal of comfort.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Celebrate Their Successes
I love to watch our children. It is really fun to see all that they do. Their potential amazes me. Everything that they know and all of the things that they can do just blows my mind.
I don't ever want to come across as one of those obnoxious parents who has to talk about how great they think their kids are compared to all of the other kids around. I do, however, want to be a parent who will see the good that our kids do and rightfully recognize them for their goodness.
I am incredibly grateful for kids who are giving life their best shot. I understand that they are as imperfect as are other kids but I love what they are trying to accomplish.
Their sense of humor is refreshing and openly welcomed, in our home.
Becky and I were laughing at the genetics that run deeply when looking at mine and Danny's legs. Becky asked Danny to turn around so that we could see the back of his calves. Becky said that he had my legs. She said to him that he was going to grow up to be like me. She asked him if that's what he wanted. He told her that that would be okay except that dad's hands are all broken up like this. He lifted his hands into the air to show Becky what his hands would then look like. Translation: I'm not flexible at all. The older I get, the worse it becomes. When I straighten my fingers and position my hand like I am about to give somebody a 'high five', my fingers are somewhat bent, and no matter how hard I try, my fingers do not straighten out. We about fell over laughing at his honest response to all that we were talking about.
Our other three children are equally as wonderful. I love their personalities and their goals. Every day is a celebration of something else that good that has happened. I'm all about success! As should we all be. HOORAH!
I don't ever want to come across as one of those obnoxious parents who has to talk about how great they think their kids are compared to all of the other kids around. I do, however, want to be a parent who will see the good that our kids do and rightfully recognize them for their goodness.
I am incredibly grateful for kids who are giving life their best shot. I understand that they are as imperfect as are other kids but I love what they are trying to accomplish.
Their sense of humor is refreshing and openly welcomed, in our home.
Becky and I were laughing at the genetics that run deeply when looking at mine and Danny's legs. Becky asked Danny to turn around so that we could see the back of his calves. Becky said that he had my legs. She said to him that he was going to grow up to be like me. She asked him if that's what he wanted. He told her that that would be okay except that dad's hands are all broken up like this. He lifted his hands into the air to show Becky what his hands would then look like. Translation: I'm not flexible at all. The older I get, the worse it becomes. When I straighten my fingers and position my hand like I am about to give somebody a 'high five', my fingers are somewhat bent, and no matter how hard I try, my fingers do not straighten out. We about fell over laughing at his honest response to all that we were talking about.
Our other three children are equally as wonderful. I love their personalities and their goals. Every day is a celebration of something else that good that has happened. I'm all about success! As should we all be. HOORAH!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Love and Like, Both Are Important
Since I was a young boy, I dreamed of one day experiencing the romance that my parents enjoy.
The important part of their relationship is that they like and love each other. You may wonder what the difference really is.
I see the difference this way. There are couples that I know that love each other with all of their hearts. There is no doubt. I don't believe that every couple really like each other. The proof is that many men and women enjoy their own interests and appear to be self-absorbed with the things that they personally enjoy. The people who like each other enjoy being together, as much time as possible.
I have been blessed to marry a woman who likes to be with me. I, in turn, enjoy spending time with her. I can't imagine life any differently. I'm not saying that the way others do it is wrong, but it makes me grateful that I enjoy what I do. There is security and comfort that comes with that.
I have a firm belief that happiness will prevail, between a man and a woman, when they like as much as they love.
Thanks, Becky for a wonderful life! You make every day as good as it can possibly be.
The important part of their relationship is that they like and love each other. You may wonder what the difference really is.
I see the difference this way. There are couples that I know that love each other with all of their hearts. There is no doubt. I don't believe that every couple really like each other. The proof is that many men and women enjoy their own interests and appear to be self-absorbed with the things that they personally enjoy. The people who like each other enjoy being together, as much time as possible.
I have been blessed to marry a woman who likes to be with me. I, in turn, enjoy spending time with her. I can't imagine life any differently. I'm not saying that the way others do it is wrong, but it makes me grateful that I enjoy what I do. There is security and comfort that comes with that.
I have a firm belief that happiness will prevail, between a man and a woman, when they like as much as they love.
Thanks, Becky for a wonderful life! You make every day as good as it can possibly be.
Monday, March 5, 2012
We're All In It Together
Life is a wonderful thing. There are times when we may wonder what the reason is for a certain obstacle. The reality is that challenges are woven into all of our lives. They are what molds us into what and who we are ultimately to become. It is fun to watch life's challenges and the wonderful effects, for good, that they have on an individual.
The common thread of life is that we are all in it together.
We are never forgotten!
"As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and very insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.
Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now—I was never forgotten.
And I know something else: . . . as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart—neither are you!
You are not forgotten.
Wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
We are all very important! It doesn't matter how successful we are in the eyes of the world. It doesn't matter how popular we are amongst the people around us.
When I was a teenager, there was a girl who was a year older than me. She was new in the neighborhood and many of us kids thought she was a little odd. (That was my immature way of thinking) I was involved in a practical joke that involved this new girl many months after she moved into the neighborhood. The joke that we found hilarious, backfired on us. What was intended to be funny turned into a horrible offense. I still remember the hurt in her eyes.
I don't live my life with huge regrets, but I would love the opportunity to right that wrong that I participated in.
I am trying to be accepting of everyone. It is very clear to me that we're all in it together.
The common thread of life is that we are all in it together.
We are never forgotten!
"As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and very insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.
Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now—I was never forgotten.
And I know something else: . . . as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart—neither are you!
You are not forgotten.
Wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
We are all very important! It doesn't matter how successful we are in the eyes of the world. It doesn't matter how popular we are amongst the people around us.
When I was a teenager, there was a girl who was a year older than me. She was new in the neighborhood and many of us kids thought she was a little odd. (That was my immature way of thinking) I was involved in a practical joke that involved this new girl many months after she moved into the neighborhood. The joke that we found hilarious, backfired on us. What was intended to be funny turned into a horrible offense. I still remember the hurt in her eyes.
I don't live my life with huge regrets, but I would love the opportunity to right that wrong that I participated in.
I am trying to be accepting of everyone. It is very clear to me that we're all in it together.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Service Being Our Greatest Joy
I continue to watch this very carefully in my own life. There is power in serving somebody else. Our greatest example is our Savior, Jesus Christ. From the New Testament we read:
"He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
"He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."
I am humbled by His great love, for not only His disciples, but for each one of us.
There is power in service that we render for our spouse and our children. There isn't a better opportunity, in this world, than to give Christ-like service to those who are closest to us.
I watch with hope that a man will, with gentleness, treat his sweetheart with love. In turn, I anticipate that the gentleness will be reciprocated from her to him. There is nothing better for a strong relationship than these acts of kindness.
I love to hear parents talk kindly to their children. Our family was at Danny's indoor soccer game, last weekend, and a father was giving his young daughter some helpful tips to better her game. He spoke with gentleness and softly, yet his point was heard and well taken by the young girl. I could tell by his example how he talked to his other children and his wife.
My parents taught me as a young boy that the secret to a successful marriage is to serve, serve, and serve some more. A person can't serve too much. I have witnessed it, first hand, in my own marriage.
I am thankful for Jesus in my life. I am trying to be like Him.
The words of a favorite song give great clarity to this subject and act as a great reminder of what I should be doing.
"As I have loved you, love one another. This new commandment, love one another. By this shall men know, ye, are my disciples. If ye have love, one to another."
I am trying to love my family and everybody else around me through acts of kindly service.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Life Is Bright
Today, I wanted to share a story, that we have all heard about, but continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of positive thinking, even in the face of adversity.
When Alex, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday, was four, she told her parents she wanted to set up a front-yard lemonade stand. Her plan: to give the money to doctors to help them find a cure. Her first “Alex’s Lemonade Stand”, held with the help of her older brother Patrick, raised an astonishing $2,000 in one day. While bravely fighting her own cancer, Alex continued to set up lemonade stands every year. As news spread of the remarkable girl so dedicated to helping other sick children, people everywhere were inspired to start their own lemonade stands—donating the proceeds to her cause.
In 2004 when Alex passed away at the age of eight—her stand and inspiration had raised more than $1 million towards finding a cure for the disease that took her life.
I read another great piece today that helps to form in our mind the importance of 'looking on the bright side.'
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren’t old enough and we’ll be more content when they are. After that, we’re frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there’s no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with…and remember that time waits for no one.
So, stop waiting… Until your car or home is paid off.
Until you get a new car or home.
Until your kids leave the house.
Until you go back to school.
Until you finish school.
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married.
Until you have kids.
Until you retire.
Until summer.
Until spring.
Until winter.
Until fall.
Until you die.
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. (Author Unknown)
Becky and I prayed together last evening and I couldn't help but think about our niece, Briana. She is just a few days from leaving the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah to go to her assignment in Indiana, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I hope that her time spent in the MTC has been worthwhile to her and effective for her personally. I thought about my nine weeks spent in the exact center where she is. I loved every minute there. It was a highlight of my missionary experience. I hope that even during discouraging times, she has made the most of her time, knowing that the time, there, would end and then it would be 'game time' with all that she has learned. I love you Briana!
We are all part of this great journey, called life. It is up to me and you to make the most out of the situation we are in. Work hard and the rewards, in the end, will all be worth it!
When Alex, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday, was four, she told her parents she wanted to set up a front-yard lemonade stand. Her plan: to give the money to doctors to help them find a cure. Her first “Alex’s Lemonade Stand”, held with the help of her older brother Patrick, raised an astonishing $2,000 in one day. While bravely fighting her own cancer, Alex continued to set up lemonade stands every year. As news spread of the remarkable girl so dedicated to helping other sick children, people everywhere were inspired to start their own lemonade stands—donating the proceeds to her cause.
In 2004 when Alex passed away at the age of eight—her stand and inspiration had raised more than $1 million towards finding a cure for the disease that took her life.
I read another great piece today that helps to form in our mind the importance of 'looking on the bright side.'
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren’t old enough and we’ll be more content when they are. After that, we’re frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there’s no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with…and remember that time waits for no one.
So, stop waiting… Until your car or home is paid off.
Until you get a new car or home.
Until your kids leave the house.
Until you go back to school.
Until you finish school.
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married.
Until you have kids.
Until you retire.
Until summer.
Until spring.
Until winter.
Until fall.
Until you die.
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. (Author Unknown)
Becky and I prayed together last evening and I couldn't help but think about our niece, Briana. She is just a few days from leaving the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah to go to her assignment in Indiana, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I hope that her time spent in the MTC has been worthwhile to her and effective for her personally. I thought about my nine weeks spent in the exact center where she is. I loved every minute there. It was a highlight of my missionary experience. I hope that even during discouraging times, she has made the most of her time, knowing that the time, there, would end and then it would be 'game time' with all that she has learned. I love you Briana!
We are all part of this great journey, called life. It is up to me and you to make the most out of the situation we are in. Work hard and the rewards, in the end, will all be worth it!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Contentment
Today, I had a conversation with a coworker that caused me some frustration. He made the comment about the town that I live in as being one that he and his wife had no desire to live because of the mass amounts of sexual predators. I asked him if either he or his wife ever lived in Magna. He of course, said no. I asked him how he knew that it is such a horrible place to live. He said that a site on the internet ranked it high in this category.
I will be the first to say that Magna is not the top choice for everyone to want to live. I must say that I thoroughly enjoy the community we are a part of and the joy it is to make a positive impact on it. We enjoy the many associations we have with the people of this community.
I learned a valuable lesson today. I should never be guilty of talking negatively about the place that someone lives.
I was not offended by his ignorance but I was frustrated by his lack of maturity to look into and find out about a place before making an affirmative statement.
Every town or city has its positive and negative. I believe that the experience somebody has, in a particular place, is dependant upon what they invest.
I believe that looking at something with a positive pair of glasses is the better way.
I want to be a positive thinker and I want people around me to know that is the way I feel.
I will be the first to say that Magna is not the top choice for everyone to want to live. I must say that I thoroughly enjoy the community we are a part of and the joy it is to make a positive impact on it. We enjoy the many associations we have with the people of this community.
I learned a valuable lesson today. I should never be guilty of talking negatively about the place that someone lives.
I was not offended by his ignorance but I was frustrated by his lack of maturity to look into and find out about a place before making an affirmative statement.
Every town or city has its positive and negative. I believe that the experience somebody has, in a particular place, is dependant upon what they invest.
I believe that looking at something with a positive pair of glasses is the better way.
I want to be a positive thinker and I want people around me to know that is the way I feel.
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