Tonight, Danny and I spent some time walking the sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. We visited along the way and enjoyed one another's company. I haven't been alone with Dan for quite some time but tonight seemed like a little piece of heaven.
A young girl hollered out his name and came running toward him. He was kind to go up to her and talk with her about the summer and how things were going for her. She asked him if he could come over and play on another occasion.
I joked with him and really loved to ask him questions about the way he sees life.
What an evening. I am thankful for fatherhood and the great blessing that it is in my life.
Now I need to make the time to spend one on one with our other three kids.
Life is so generous to me and how thankful I am.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
One For The Books
You surely have seen this sprinter. I am grateful for the inspiration of a person like this who doesn't hold back on an experience of a lifetime and one that could inspire and help somebody else in need.
This is Oscar Pistorius, the sprinter from South Africa.
This picture speaks for itself.
This is Oscar Pistorius, the sprinter from South Africa.
This picture speaks for itself.
Monday, August 6, 2012
It Can Always Be More Difficult
I sat in church and listened to an individual talk about the challenges that they face. This person has endured some terrible things but I had to remind myself that my life is very good and I have challenges too. We all have them and some are more intense than others but we all have the God-given capability to overcome them.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps with all of the obstacles that we face. That is why His act is so important and needed for all of mankind.
Stop for a moment and think about what the Atonement means for you, just today. I want you to review what that really means. It is complex and hard to perfectly imagine what He did for you and me, but He did.
I am grateful for all that I learn from the trials that come my way. I hope that is the same feeling you have.
We are loved and our Father understands what we face completely and fully. We are never alone.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps with all of the obstacles that we face. That is why His act is so important and needed for all of mankind.
Stop for a moment and think about what the Atonement means for you, just today. I want you to review what that really means. It is complex and hard to perfectly imagine what He did for you and me, but He did.
I am grateful for all that I learn from the trials that come my way. I hope that is the same feeling you have.
We are loved and our Father understands what we face completely and fully. We are never alone.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
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!
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!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, August 3, 2012
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 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.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
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.
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.
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