Our Children

I want to devote this entire post to our four children. they bring Becky and I untold joy. They are trying to be the best that they can be and I believe that they are succeeding in their quest to be more like their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Natalie is a huge help to us as parents. She is old enough to be responsible and to be very capable to do many things around the house. She is a terrific example of righteousness and giving her very best effort in life. Her work ethic is amazing. She sticks to the task at hand and doesn't stop until the job is done. Thanks Nat for being a great daughter. I love you.
Laurel is full of life with plenty of energy. I love the way that she tackles life. She is outgoing and doesn't seem afraid of very much. She is hard-working and dedicated to doing the things that are right. She is helpful and will do what she is asked to do. Becky and I are grateful for her presence in our family. I love you.
Brady is a gentle boy. He is a loving boy who wants to do the right. From the time that he was a little boy Becky and I have been grateful for his smile and his open affection with us. I marvel at the love he has for his mom. There aren't very many eleven year old boys that will give their mom a hug and a kiss, even out in the open when the world says that its not cool to do so. Thanks for loving us openly, Brady. I love you so much!
Danny is a happy boy. He has an enthusiasm that is infectious. His smile brightens the day. I am grateful for his accepting nature--arms wide open for the underdog. I love the energy that he brings to our family as the youngest child. I thank heaven every day for this nice boy.
There isn't a dad on this planet that is more thankful than I to have the children that Becky and I have to look after and to teach. We learn so much and I hope that Becky and I will take the opportunity to give daily thanks for these four kids. It is a true joy!

Animals

Natalie received a bird for her main birthday gift several years ago.  It is a parakeet whose name is Sky because of the beautiful blue and white coloring.  This bird has been an easy animal to care for and the sounds he makes are beautiful.

This morning, Brady began to play on the piano and Sky immediately started dancing to the music he was playing.  It made me chuckle at this small creation that has brought Natalie and our entire family a lot of joy.

I am grateful for the animals that bless our lives.  The thought that went into creating the earth in which we live is remarkable to me.  I am thankful to be a small part of it.

The dancing of this small bird has brightened my day and once again reminded me of His love for me.

Are You Willing To Help?

It’s that time of year when our minds are turned to an increased desire to help the less-fortunate.  As the holiday season approaches there are many who will go without.  It doesn’t take much to help lift the spirits of someone who is down.

I bring this up because there is time to plan a little before the time is actually here.  There are many of you who help people constantly and I find that incredibly admirable.  Thanks for your good example.  I would like to challenge everyone to find somebody or a family that will benefit from our acts of kindness.

Our service will help them through their struggles.  Put on your thinking caps and begin thinking of what you can do. 

 

The Power of Kind Words

I know people who are heroes in my life.  They are heroes in a different way than is typical. 

No matter the situation that they find themselves in their words are the same.  They reflect a person who is willing to bridle their frustrations and speak in a respectful way—all the time!

I hope that by the time my life is through that I will be a person like this.

One of these heroes is somebody I don’t even know that well.  He works at the same place I do.  Granted, I have never been in his home and I don’t interact with him in any other venue than work but for a lot of years I have watched him treat others how he would like to be treated and always kept himself in control.  He speaks in a tone of gentleness.  I admire that a great deal.

The power that comes from gentle words is incredible.  I hope to be like one of my heroes.

 

Capital "Q" In Quality Family Time

Last night we sat around the kitchen table to frost and decorate Halloween sugar cookies that Becky had baked.  I looked around the table and thought about the time we spend together and what great memories it solidifies in our lives.  There are some that wouldn't find this kind of activity enjoyable but it felt like a small piece of heaven to me.
There are conversations that don't happen anywhere else in our lives than those than occur around the kitchen table.  I love to hear what is going on in the minds of our kids, their interests, and their desires.  I love that there is a comfortable atmosphere where they can be open without fear of anything negative happening to them.  I love that we have a safe home where we can enjoy one another.  I love that we can be frank with one another and live in peace and harmony.
Our daughter, Laurel expressed her love for her family.  It made me happy that our kids want to succeed together.  I am grateful for the joy and happiness that they all bring to mine and Becky's life.  It is a rich blessing to be a husband and father and to thoroughly enjoy myself.  My life is a dream come true and I have my family to thank for that.  I love you all!

The Joy of Song

I am richly blessed to live in a household where every member of the family enjoys music. Becky and each of the kids is blessed with the talent to play multiple instruments and to want to share their abilities. The accoustic guitar is one of my favorite sounding instruments. I love the sounds that the various strings make and when a melody is played it's sound is hard to beat.
The other night Laurel played a piece that she had newly learned and Becky and I listened as she played and sang along. It was a quiet moment that fed my heart a remarkable peace that left me overjoyed. How thankful I am for those 'snapshots' of life that remain memorable for a very long time after they happen. I am grateful for the sharing of talents that uplifts and edifies my heart and soul. There's nothing quite like music.

Need Your Help

May I tell you about a recent experience that happened and brought my heart a lot of joy? Becky sees the needs of others very well and then she is quick to act. I have watched over the nearly eighteen years of marriage as she jumps in and helps out. We have talked about this before but service to another rarely comes at a convenient time. It has never mattered to Becky. I am grateful for her wisdom and the love she has for other people.
A person called to get some help and Becky was not home. This person tried to contact some other people but was dismissed because of other distractions in their lives. Finally the person was able to contact Becky and help was on it's way. I admire her willingness to share of the gifts and talents she possesses. It is her compassion that blesses these people.
I am thankful to have her as my best friend and my sweetheart. Thanks love, for all that you do! I am the beneficiary of daily acts of service from you.
I want to be the type of person that will act when someone is in need.