Our Home

My mind has been focused, thinking about the place that I would most rather go--home. It is the place where those who love me the very most reside. It is where I can be 'me' without any exceptions. It is where I feel safe and secure. It is where our family is. There is peace and contentment therein.
I want you to take a moment and reflect on your home and what are the things that bring you the most joy while you're there. I hope that it is a place that you long to be. If it's not, maybe there are changes that can occur to help it become the place you want to be.
I have told many people before, that my life could be penned right out of the world's greatest fairytale. I'm not saying that everything has always gone as perfectly planned. I am suggesting that I have never had any reason to feel threatened or unsafe within the walls of my home.
Our homes ought to be the haven wherein our families can dwell with stability and peace.
Becky and I try hard, every day, to make our home the first place our children want to come the minute the bell dismisses them to come home from school. Because even if the day has been rough, there is the anticipation that comes from knowing that home is near and when you walk through the door, all is well in the arms of those that love you the very most.
I hope that this is a more normal occurrence with families across the globe. The reality is that many are not so fortunate. The only control I have is in my own home. We are striving to be the best we can be. What a child feels in the home of their parents will directly impact what they will one day do in their own homes.
My prayers are filled with thanksgiving for the home that I grew up in and the outstanding job my parents did in creating a place where love existed abundantly. I love you, mom and dad!
I give thanks for the home I currently have where that same love exists. I owe that remarkable feat to Becky. She creates that warmth that we all enjoy. I love you, sweetheart! My heart is overjoyed with my life!
Mine is the hope that homes will exist where love is overflowing. Let not your places of residence be houses alone, rather places of safe haven and peace abounding. Let them be places called home.

Truth

I read a recent article that was very powerful to me. It spoke truth to my heart. I want to speak about it for just a moment.
We are spirit children of a Heavenly Father. We are here on earth, for just a few brief moments, in the eternal realm. One of the chief reasons we are here is to gain experience through learning. Because we once lived in the literal presence of God, we know truth. We know what it means to know what is right. During this short journey on earth, that knowledge of truth will be tested by an evil force. This force wishes to thwart our direction which is aimed for that which is right. Every human being, on this earth, knows how to choose what is right. We brought that God-given ability with us when we came to earth.
I have always enjoyed truth. Through my own experience, I have learned that by following truth, the pathway seems clear and a lot more enjoyable to travel. It doesn't, however, mean that the pathway is always smooth.
When Becky and I were first married, a young family lived in the same apartment complex as we did. Their young life, together, had some real challenges. They quarrelled a little too often and the unrest in their home finally 'boiled' to overflowing. One particularly busy day, I got an impression that I needed to go and make a visit to their apartment. The truth was spoken clearly to my heart but I chose to ignore it. I received the impression again and for a second time, I ignored it. The day went on and I continued with the projects at hand. I didn't give another thought to the impressions I had received, earlier in the day. The days passed by and I decided, on my time, to visit the home of this young family. I knocked on the door but there was no answer. I knocked again but nobody answered the door. I walked away, a little disheartened. As I passed by the front window, I noticed that the place was completely empty. My heart sunk as I reflected back, on the days gone by, when I had received the silent promptings. I went home and prayed that I would be forgiven for my foolishness. I listened carefully as I received the feeling in my heart. I could feel the words very clearly, "When I speak, listen and obey."
Truth had been spoken and I chose not to obey. I have since learned that when truth is spoken, I need to listen, now, and then I must choose to obey.

I'm Devoted To You

I know a man, who I consider my friend. I have known him for a short time but I have come to love this man. It wasn't that long ago that I watched closely as my friend showed complete devotion to his wife who was ill. She struggled with various problems with her health. They had been married many years and had spent more time married than they ever did single. My friend cared both day and night for his sick wife. He not only cared for her but he made sure all of the things around their home were taken care of. I watched with admiration.
She eventually passed away and my friend has come to know 'loneliness' very well. I spoke with him a few days ago and listened as he rehearsed, to me, all of the facets of a man with a broken heart. I couldn't help but hurt for him as I listened to what he had to say.
Every day is a new day to do better than the day prior. I want to do some of the things that this friend did. My personality is very different from his but I have seen a few attributes of his that I would like to emulate. He cared for the love of his life in the very best way he knew how.
I remember back on the day that Becky and I were sealed in the Salt Lake temple. I was grateful for that day and what we were doing. All of these years later, I am even more grateful for our decision to be married to one another. I am still wondering what it was that I did that would convince Becky to be with me. I am sure grateful that she saw in me, somebody who would take care of her. It is a great opportunity for me!
Words like commitment, devotion, unconditional love, forgiveness, tolerance, patience. These are real words with important meanings. It's these attributes that are the ingredients to success in your marriages and different relationships.
I am trying harder today to implement these characteristics into my life. I want to do better today!

Affection

My thought today, has a split audience, with differing opinions, but I feel strongly about my own personal belief on this issue, and wish to share.
The display of affection is both healing and needed in order for one to feel loved in completeness.  I don't believe that there is a time or a place, per se, for the display of affection between family members to be inappropriate.  I will give a kiss and a hug to my wife, children, parents, and siblings in the presence of anyone in any place.  That is appropriate at any time!
I sat downstairs and sang songs to our sons, this evening.  As our youngest child, Danny was falling quickly into sleep, I held his hand as I sang three of his favorite songs.  The touch of his hand on mine was powerful.  I felt grateful that he wanted to hold my hand.
I have enjoyed many times holding Becky's hand throughout our marriage.  I have enjoyed that she has never shunned my display of affection.  We have been blessed with her touch without ever worrying where we were at or who was in our presence.
Many years ago, while at a church meeting, Becky and I kissed.  An individual approached us about whether we thought that appropriate that we would kiss in public.  Becky and I both gave a look of disbelief that anyone would ever question that.  I wish more people would publicly display their affection for one another.  I'm not talking about 'making out' in public.  It is okay to hold hands, give a loved one a hug and kiss, or even kiss your spouse.
I have spoken with people that wish someone would show them, openly, that they love them.  They're talking about the need for someone to show some affection.
My dad serves the community of Sacramento through the Interfaith Council.  The representation from many different faiths makes his opportunity very rewarding.  He tells about some of the elderly people he visits with and how much they enjoy when he comes to talk to them about Jesus.  He isn't afraid to give hugs to these people.  I am so grateful for his efforts!
I hold the belief that if there is anyone on this planet who needs a hug from someone, I will do that for anyone.  I am grateful that I was raised to display affection.  The world needs more of the Christ-like display of touch. 

Zion's Park Is Beautiful

Yesterday, we took a hike that was absolutely breathtaking. It was fun to have our children with us. One of the really fun parts for me was the ages of our children. They all were able to do the hike under their own power. I watched with amazement at how big everyone has gotten. I can't believe how the time has flown by. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful woman, like Becky, who stands by my side as we thoroughly enjoy this life, together. We also are grateful to be here with Becky's parents and here brother's family. I am overwhelmed at the beauty of this part of the world, Zion's National Park. We drove through Toquerville, Utah. That is where my dad was born and spent the first years of his life. I am richly blessed and I recognize that each day. There are dreams that I have in my life. One of those is the opportunity to spend time with my family. It never gets old. I love to watch their own distinct personalities and gifts that they have. I marvel at their independence and the desire they have to explore. Several years ago, during a conversation with my mom, I expressed the fact that we didn't have a shy kid. She shared with me that her and my dad had long shared the opinion that it was easier to 'reign in' a child's personality rather than have to pry them out of a corner because they were too shy. I feel a great deal of gratitude that our children are confident and eager to explore life and all that it has to offer. Today, we are excited to spend the day, further exploring the majesty of this beautiful place.

Freedom Is Great

I am thankful that we have the freedom to come and go as we please.  We live in an incredible time when we can jump in the car and see the beauties of this world. 
Utah is a beautiful state, with many of its own things to see. 
Today, we are going to enjoy the day, as a family, seeing the a beauty of our immediate surroundings.
I am thankful to live in a place where we can enjoy all of these great things.
I feel of God's love for me and I thank Him today that I get to spend time doing enjoyable things with my family.
The words of a song remind me of His love.
"I know my Father lives, and loves me too.  The spirit whispers this to me.  And tells me it is true.  He tells me it is true."
Let today be a day where memories are made that you will remember for a long time.

Honest Day's Work

I remembered some advice that I got a long time ago.  Give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
I have tried to remember that each and every day.  It is good sound advice.  I believe that giving an honest effort to my employer is extremely important.
This simple principle goes a long way!