Words From The Heart

Tonight, we shared moments together that we will remember into the eternities.  We decided to 'go for a ride' in the van and enjoy one another's company.  We enjoy being together as a family and listening to the thoughts and feelings that come from the heart.  Natalie wanted to share a few words from the scriptures that were particularly touching to her.  Each of our four children subsequently shared their feelings and words of scripture that they had studied in church, that meant something to them. 
Becky and I sat in the front seats and glanced over to each other on several occasions, touched by the rehearsal of words and feelings of the heart.  I felt a sense of peace and a glimpse of eternity, if we will do what is right.  I am so thankful for the divine organization of family.  I give thanks for all that I learn and the pure desire I have to do what is good and right.
Tonight was a 'parent payday.'  I am a better person for this experience.  I love my family!

Reunion

Today we attended a reunion on my Grandpa's side of the family. (my mom's
 dad)  It was an enjoyable time and it was really nice to see some of the people that we don't ever see.  We weren't expecting to see our grandparents.  To our surprise, they showed up.  I learned a couple of valuable lessons.  First, there are people who are very gritty and tough.  I hope to be that kind of person. (I don't think I'll be tough when it comes to reunions, though)  The second thing is sometimes you do things that aren't very fun.  In fact, many things in life are not about you.  I am striving to do things for others because its important to them.
How thankful I was to be in the presence of my grandparents.  It is a joy to be in their midst.  I don't know how long they will be around but today was a great opportunity to be with them and to love them.

I Miss You

Two nights ago, our boys spent the night at Becky's parents house for a 'sleep-over'.  Their cousins are in town from St. Louis and so grandpa and grandma had an opportunity to enjoy their grand kids.  Our girls have 'teenage' things that they do and so Becky and I spent the evening alone.  I love spending time with Becky and we really get a kick out of each other.  As I climbed into bed, I felt a slight loneliness for our boys but knew and understood that they were safe and happy. 
I am so grateful for the privilege I have to be a husband and father.  It brings me joy that cannot be measured.  It is easy to feel ungrateful and lose track of the things that are important.  Make a special effort to see all that is good and then be grateful.
Life is how you perceive it to be.  Even during the tumultuous storms that come, there is much for which we can be grateful. 
My family means everything to me.  I love to be with them and enjoy what they have to offer me.

I Love You, Dad

I am a man who is blessed with so many things.  Being born to good parents is an important thing to me and something that I express gratitude for every single day.
Last night, my dad was presented with a very nice recognition from members of the Muslim community in the Sacramento, California area.  My mom accompanied him for this highlighted evening.  As you might remember, my dad currently serves as the president of the Interfaith Council of Sacramento.  I must admit that I'm not a person who is impressed by titles so I'm not boasting about his title...neither is my dad.  I state that only to impress upon your minds the goodness that can be done by a person who is called to lead.  He does that very effectively.  What is his secret?  He LOVES people.  He is accepting of ALL people.  He learns what others believe and then RESPECTS them for how they choose to live. 
When I was a teenager, I attended a early morning seminary class at the church. (Seminary for me was studying and learning about the scriptures and then learning how to apply what I learned to be a better person and a true follower of Jesus Christ.)
My dad substituted for our teacher on a few different occasions.  It excited me and it excited my friends too.  He is the type of man who makes others feel comfortable and he's very easy to be around. 
I am so proud of my dad for his recognition but more importantly I thankful for who he is and who he represents.  I love you, dad!  Thanks for all that you do to bless and enrich my life.

Give It Your All

Michael Phelps - 19

2004-12 (15 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze)

Arguably the biggest story line coming into this Olympics was Michael Phelps' pursuit of becoming the most medaled Olympian in history. After his gold medal-winning performance with the U.S. in the 4x200 relay teamy, his mission was accomplished in his third Olympics. Not only does Phelps have the most medals, but also 15 of them are gold -- six more than the next best gold haul.

There are great stories from the Olympics.  I watched the opening ceremonies but haven't watched anything else.  I read inspiring stories that are unfolding and it is a tremendous world in which we live!

Headed On An Experience Of A Lifetime

My nephew is leaving to go on a LDS mission, to the Canada Calgary Mission.  Tonight, Becky and I went to support him as he was set apart as a full-time missionary.  It is a joy to listen to the blessing that is pronounced on the individual (Taylor in this case).  I am so grateful that he is willing and able to go serve the people in the area of Calgary.  It brings back very fond memories to me.  How thankful I am that I was able to go and serve the people of the Netherlands. 
I hope and pray that our boys will understand the importance of serving a mission and learning all that there is to learn.  It literally changed my life and taught me some valuable lessons.

Love At Home

It is such a joy to spend time at home, surrounded by Becky and our children.  It doesn't even matter what we are doing--I just like to be home.
I spoke to a man who told me a little about his 'home life'.  Through his words I could see and feel a lot of pain.  He spoke negatively about the various things that happen there.  I just listened and silently thanked heaven for the blessings that are so abundant in my life.
I watch and try to be as good of a person as Becky is.  She brings me great joy.  
I want my life to be as good as it can be.  I also realize that a lot of what life is depends on me.
I love you, Beck!  Natalie, Laurel, Brady, and Danny--I love you very much!  You five, make it all worthwhile.