First Day Of School

The first day of school is in the record books.  Each of our four children had a successful and happy day.  There was nervousness but the excitement prevailed.  I love to hear their take on the things that are the most important to them.  Learning stimulates their minds and expands their normal way of thinking.  I love the anticipation of what a new school year will bring.  Nat and Lol are in high school and I hope that they take advantage of the experience as a whole.  Hooray for school!

Lead Out

I heard something recently that caused me to think.  “Out of every team emerges a leader.”  That statement forced me to contemplate my own life and am I doing all that I can to be an effective leader.  The greatest success I will ever achieve is within the walls of my own home.  So I ask a question to you, are you doing all that you can to lead in righteousness within the walls of your home?  How we act and what we do will have great impact on the lives of our children and grandchildren.  That success hangs directly off of what we contribute and how we execute the decisions that we make.

The Amazing Things Of Life

When was the last time you flew on an airplane?  Was it fearful or did you find it enjoyable?  I find it incredibly amazing that a large machine can fly through the air with such grace and mobility.  Every working part must be orchestrated so that the functions that each performs is precise.  I love to watch airplanes fly and it makes me grateful that I get the chance to be a part of the success.  So it is with our lives.  The precise implementation of all that we learn must be practiced and then properly executed to produce good sound results.  The next time you fly pay close attention to the operation of the aircraft and you’ll know what I mean.

Scouts

I accompanied Brady on his inaugural scout camp-out.  The excitement has been building for a couple of weeks now.  With packing list in hand Brady gathered the required materials that he would need for a successful night.  We camped out in Tooele, Utah in a place called Settlement Canyon.  There were five boys and three adults present.  We had an incredible time and I marveled at the way the boys treated one another and the effort they displayed in carrying out such a successful event.  Happy Scouting Brady!  We’ll have plenty more opportunities just like this.

Get Past Your Fears

Some people struggle while speaking in front of big crowds.  Others think that holding a small snake can’t get any worse.  Yet others aren’t quite comfortable doing anything that is out of the ordinary.  Can I suggest that you “walk out on a limb” and stretch yourself beyond what you normally otherwise would?  Life is an opportunity to stretch, learn, and grow.  The growth that we receive will help us and bless our lives forever.  Learning is a continuous improvement.  It’s exciting, it’s difficult, and yet the dividends are huge.  Stretch a little, you’ll be glad you did.

I'm Getting Tall

Our boys and I went to the Magna Library.  Just inside the door is a large fee-standing wall with a arrow slide on the side and a measuring tape runs from top to bottom.  You stand up next to the wall and you slide the arrow to match the top of your head to find out how tall you are.  Brady, our oldest boy, stood up to the wall and asked, "How tall do you think I am?"
I reallly didn't know what the outcome would be.  I slid the arrow until it reached the top of his head.  The tape read five foot three and a heavy quarter. 
It took me forever to get to be five three.  I can't believe how big our kids are getting.  It amazes me that the time is racing by.
One of the highlights for a kid is getting taller.  It's how you measure growing up.  I am thrilled for these kinds of times.

It's Likely You'll Win

When I was in third grade, a girl in my school class used to run around the playground and I was never able to catch her.  We would play tag at recess and I never could catch her.  She would run me down and it caused me frustration.  I decided that it was just going to be that way but I knew that as we got older I would get faster than her.  That day did come and it was in fourth grade when it happened.  I remember thinking to myself that I knew it would come.  If you have ever experienced a similar experience you know what I'm talking about.  If you haven't then keep on trying and eventually things will work out.