Thinking About Someone Else, First

I love a good story.  This is an old story but I came across it and found it more than appropriate to share.

"Natalie Gilbert, a 13 year-old, began singing the National Anthem before a basketball game between the Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks on April 25, 2003. When Gilbert struggled to find the correct words for the song and became flustered, Trail Blazers’ Coach Maurice Cheeks came to her side. He initially suggested the lyrics to Gilbert and then joined in on the singing. Soon, the Rose Garden Arena crowd sang with them. What at first looked to be a small disaster, turned into a touching moment — a feel-good story. Cheeks’ inspirational leadership touched many who watched. Cheeks and Gilbert received a standing ovation upon the song’s completion.
As is later revealed, the young Natalie Gilbert, had been fighting the flu and was still sick the day of the performance. When Cheeks was asked what motivated him to go over and start helping Natalie, CNN quoted Cheeks as saying, “You know, I don’t know. I think as I saw her stumble on the words, she looked helpless, and I just started walking. I had no idea what I was going to do, what I was going to say. But as I approached her, I just wanted to help her, and I didn’t know if I even knew the words…You know, I just wanted to help her out. I didn’t want her to stand there helpless, nothing to do. So I just wanted to help her out.”
Prior to coaching, Cheeks played 15 years in the NBA, most notably with the Philadelphia 76ers, and earned a trip to the All-Star game 4 times. Helping a young singer in her time of need was another All-Star moment for Maurice Cheeks."

The true undiluted joy that we find in life, comes from thinking of others, very first.  I continue to see that when somebody puts the needs and wants of others before those interests of their own, life is filled with true happiness.  It will always be that way!

I Want To Go

From the time that I was a young boy, until the present, I have enjoyed going to church on Sunday.  I have always felt good when I go to church.  I love to learn the things that my Heavenly Father has in store for me within His great Plan of Happiness.
Today, was another good day.  I can't say that there was anything special, or out of the ordinary, it was just an all-around good day.
When I was a young teenager, my mom had explained to me that on Sunday mornings she would come into the room and awaken me one time to get up and get ready to go to church.  Because I had two siblings that were younger than me, I now understand that she didn't have the time to mico-manage getting me up to get ready for church on top of getting me motivated to go.
I didn't hear the initial 'wake up call'.  When I finally awakened I did so with a scare.  The house was completely still and as I scurried through the house, I quickly realized that I had been left.  I hurried as fast as I could to get a white dress shirt pressed and get showered and headed off to church.  I don't think that the church was a mile away, but it was still a ways to run.  I was stressed that I wouldn't get to the meeting on time.  I burst out of the house and took off running.  With each step, I wondered how much time was passing.  You can imagine the relief I felt when I arrived at the church.  I entered the door to the church and walked into the chapel.  I was surprised when I realized that the sacrament had not yet been administered to the congregation.  I sat down at the one end of the pew.  I looked down toward where my mom was seated hoping that she would see me.  I gave her a look of 'you left me' and she just waved at me and smiled.  That was the whole exchange.  We didn't speak about it further but I got her message loud and clear.  Be ready to go and be responsible for my own actions.  That was a powerful lesson that was meant just for me.
I believe that the things I learn things at church that I can't get anywhere else.  I also understand that there are many people who don't think that church is for them.  I am grateful that I feel that attendance at church is important and necessary for me and our family. 
I feel blessed, beyond measure, and I really feel that way because I was present at church and I learned a little bit more about the true love of my Heavenly Father.

What Can You Say About Hard Work?

I am so thankful to be blessed with a body that is healthy and strong.  It is one of the greatest blessings of my life, but I take it for granted, every day.
Tonight, every part of my body aches, but it's a good, hard working soreness.  It's my body telling me that I have had a very productive day.  I love to complete something and then go back and see all that was accomplished.
The lesson to learn is this.  Every day that I am blessed to have good health is a perfect day to work hard and accomplish the things that need to be done.  The real blessing that I enjoy is to work hard with my best friend, my sweetheart, Becky. 
It's time for bed and a good night's rest.

Up For The Battle

There are curves in the road of life.  The road is good and filled with a lot of joy and happiness.  Along the road, there are opportunities to grow stronger.  Although we look at the 'curves' as challenges, they are actually opportunities for growth. 
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, some time ago.  Surgery was required to remove the cancer.  Fortunately, she did not have to go through radiation or chemotherapy treatments.  It was an interesting time. 
I have an aunt who was also diagnosed with breast cancer.  More extensive treatment was required for her but she has done very well and seems to be getting on with life as best as she can. 
In the Salt Lake area, there is a well-known female news broadcaster who is fighting a cancer battle of her own.  I watched a clip about her and was touched by her positive outlook.  She is one of many people that are taking the opportunity to bless the lives of those around them, even through their personal trials.
I started this blog because I don't think there is enough positive that people talk about.  This gives me a chance to talk about the things that people are doing that enrich my life and the lives of those all around.  I am more observant about all of the good that people are doing.  It makes me want to optimistic all of the time. 
When I awaken, my desire is to look at the parts of my life that I can control and allow those to multiply me into the potential that I can ultimately  achieve.
Each one of us are incredibly important.  It is up to you and me to reach our potential. We are not alone. We can do it!  I have no reservations about that truth.
First thing in the morning, I will be up for the battle.  I hope you will, too.

Our Own Comfort

When I was a very young boy, my mom made a frog-shaped stuffed animal with a paisley print fabric. It was very simple but I loved it a lot. My recollection isn't very good but I'm sure, like all other children, that it brought me a great deal of comfort. I'm sure it was somewhere close when I was ill, in my bed.
The items of comfort change with the passing years. In fact, there isn't a single 'thing' that I own that brings me comfort in time of need. The comforts of my life are my sweet wife, Becky, and our four children.
I read an article that stated that every person has something or someone that can give the comfort that one needs to deal with life's challenges. That statement is of course true.
When our kids were little each had a favorite stuffed animal or doll that could heal their hearts in time of discomfort.
There are millions of different circumstances throughout the world on any given day. There are those who have a healing mechanism and others that don't. There are those who have many problems to deal with and no way to cope with all that is happening in their lives.
I hope that my heart is open to the 'small whisperings' that come telling me that someone needs some help. I hope that I will act quickly on those whisperings. There is much that each one of us can do to help lighten the burden that others carry so courageously. We can be a resource of strength to these people.
Exactly like my paisley frog, I can be a pillar that others can anchor onto during the tumultuous times of  their lives. At the present time, I might be that pillar, but tomorrow, roles might be reversed and I will be searching for someone to be a source of courage and strength. To help someone else is one of the most rewarding contributions we can give. Look and then act!

It's All Good

I watched an elderly man as he walked, ever so slowly, down the sidewalk. His pace caught my eye. I watched him for a few minutes and then my mind went to thinking about this man's past. He was an average sized man but he was thin and looked 'well kept.' He had a cardigan-style wool sweater on. His ball cap looked to be old but also in good shape. He didn't walk with a cane or anything else to help with his balance. He walked under his own power, just very slow. I wondered about his life and what he had accomplished. I thought about how his family would look. Was he a widower? These were a few of the things I thought about.
Our lives are filled with varying things. Some make through with good health and others struggle constantly.
I think about the various happenings in my own life and can't help but feel grateful for all that I am blessed to have.
I have studied this out in my mind and thought for hours, throughout my relatively short lifetime. I noticed that when I hold my hand a certain way that it wrinkles. Like I used to think as a kid, that should only be happening to my grandparents. That phase is beginning in my own life and it's quite interesting to watch it unfold. I'm not old, by any means, but these things are the reality.
Modern day scripture brings me a great deal of comfort and peace when I read and study it. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma, teaches about the restoration of our bodies, after this life is over . He even teaches right down to the follicles of hair on your head. That part brings me a great deal of comfort, because my hair is falling out, even as we speak. On a serious note, no matter the circumstances, in this mortal life, one day, we will all find comfort in knowing that everything that is undone, in this life, will be done up, in the next life.
The slow stroll of the elderly man, will be once again be a brisk walk. That is sweet knowledge that brings me incredible peace and joy.
We just need to keep on going and live life to it's fullest.
Becky's dad drove me into work this morning and we visited about several different things. It was a choice moment for me. As I drive down the freeway, I am cautious as I drive and alert to the drivers all around me. Some mornings, I wonder if my drive to work might be my last. I try very hard to not take life fore granted. Live every day in such a way that even if it is your last, there is nothing that you've done that you will ever regret.
I can still see the elderly man in my mind. His slow stroll forced me to stop and reflect. His example of strength was enlightening. Let today be the best day ever!

The Game Of Hearts

Life is full of opportunities to grow and become better. It is enjoyable to watch the personal growth take place. One of the ways that personal growth happens is through the acts of kindness that we do for someone else. Let me share a couple of examples of this that will demonstrate what I'm talking about. I have a good friend and co-worker who recently had a nephew pass away. The outpouring of generosity for their entire extended family has been amazing. The death was completely unexpected, yet the neighbors and friends have rallied around. I think that is a wonderful blessing. This same friend of mine had another unfortunate event occur, this past Saturday. His older brother's grandson drowned while participating in a simple family photograph shoot. The young family went by the Weber River to take a family portrait when the four year old slipped on a rock and fell into the fast-racing river. His body has still not been recovered. My friend spoke with one of the search and rescue people and thanked him for all that was being done. There are people who have given their all, even risking their own lives to find this young boy's body and help bring closure to this devastated family. Every day offers perfect opportunities to put your heart in the right place and help somebody who finds themselves in a much worse situation than your own. If I listen to what my heart says, I will always be on the right path. When my mind becomes involved, what I will do is not quite as definitive. There are people who need what I have to offer. There are other people who are looking for the 'rescue' of somebody else. I want to be prepared and ready for those who need my help. The goal is the same for everyone who has or ever will live on this earth. With our heart in the right place, no act of kindness is impossible.