For more than ten years it has been an obvious trend that when the Christmas season comes around that there is very little outward 'Christmas spirit' displayed in our cul-de-sac. Let me explain that we are very simple in our approach to the Christmas season so you won't see a yard completely full of lights and decorations but it is enjoyable to hang some Christmas lights along the rain gutter on the front of our house. You can't help but smile and be happy when you see the 'outward' expression of celebration in some body's yard.
For the first few years that we lived in our house there were more than just our house that put up some lights and it made it fun to drive into the circle and see the Christmas lights. I hope that more people will join in during this great time of year when the world celebrates the much anticipated coming of the Son of God that happened so many years ago. His coming completely changed the world. His coming to earth was necessary for our own eternal progression to even be possible.
Pull out a few lights and celebrate this exciting time of year. You will find greater enjoyment during this wonderful time!
Some months ago I arrived home from a week long business trip. I flew into the Salt Lake valley on a large commercial aircraft. The pattern that the aircraft flew to align itself with the airport took the airplane directly over our house. My heart became excited at the reality that I was returning home. As the plane approached the runway and we were about to land I looked over toward the east to see if I could spot the Salt Lake temple. I could see it and I knew that I was home.
There are different subjects that signify home to each of us. I really like to be home because it gives peace and comfort to my heart.
For the two and a half hour flight I visited with a man seated next to me who just needed someone to listen to him and insure him that life was going to be okay. He was a friendly person but there were many questions that he had that were still unanswered when it came to life. He was in his sixties and I wondered if he felt that they would ever be answered to his satisfaction. We talked about life and its purpose. We talked about love and our children and his grandchildren. We talked about our faith and I expressed to him that my faith was an anchor and a compass. I encouraged him to find peace and comfort through an increase of faith and a love for the simple things in life. I told him how excited I was to be home.
Even during a regular work day I think about Becky and our children all day long. They are my life and my greatest joys come from them.
Just like our home and the sight of the temple put in place some subjects that help you to always realize what is really important to you.
I stopped to grab a soda pop at one of the local gas stations in Magna. As I stood at the fountain area filling my cup with soda a woman approached the fountain area. I said good morning and she replied a good morning back to me. The couple of short minutes that I was in the store I watched several people carefully. I watched their mannerisms and the way that they walked and talked. I watched what they purchased. I found out a lot about a few people at a very early hour of the day without uttering a word to them.
What do people think of me when they are doing the same exercise I just did? Am I somebody that they find to be happy?
I thought about this as I drove to work. I understand that there are a lot of assumptions made when you do what I did in the store but there were some obvious things that I picked up on too. I want to be a person that when somebody sees me they immediately feel like I am friendly. I want to be seen as a good person who is trying to do my best. I want people to feel comfortable when they are around me. We are all children of the same Creator. We are all trying to get to the same place. It is my desire to be good in all that I do and to help others be the best that they can be.
Life is filled with joy and that joy comes from treating others with love and respect.
Today was a small piece of heaven as we attended the Salt Lake temple together. Our youngest son, Danny had a 'sleep-over' at grandma and grandpa's house and Becky and our three oldest went to the temple together.
Brady just turned twelve and so we had promised him that we would go to the temple and enjoy the blessings that come so readily from being there and serving those who have gone before us.
This afternoon, Brady was ordained a deacon in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a great occasion to be able to enjoy as a family.
This is one of those 'payday' days in the life of parents. I am so thankful for the way Brady lives his life and the opportunity that now awaits him to serve and help out as part of his priesthood responsibility.
I love my family more than words can sufficiently express.
There was a picture that I saw of a friend who is currently in Afghanistan serving our country as a member of the United States military. The picture was of he and several other men sitting at a table inside a hanger eating Thanksgiving dinner. He wore a different kind of smile on his face and you knew that he would rather be sitting with his young wife and daughter. It made me extremely grateful for his service.
I remember the times when I was away from my family as a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was safe and I knew that my family was thinking about me. Those times were definitely memorable and my heart reflects on them once in awhile.
Loved ones mean so much to me. I am thankful for those who love me and I hope that I will always remain grateful for all that I have been given.
It's such a nice day. We went to breakfast for our yearly tradition--Grandpa Dick took the entire family. We are now at the movie theater watching "Wreck It Ralph." It's nice to be together as a family. I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. I love family and the time we have together. Dinner is at Mom and dad's house at 5 PM. I'm excited for not only the food but the time to spend together. Have a great day and may the blessings of your life be made completely clear to you today and every other day to follow.
I would feel completely ungrateful if I didn't report on our day. We went to Becky's parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was lovely and very classy. We took opportunity to express the gratitude we felt for many things in our lives. We went around the table three consecutive times so that everyone could share their feelings about the specific things for which they are grateful. What a lovely time we had. Mom fixed a delicious meal and our time together was rich.
I hope your day was everything you hoped it would be.
It's a good feeling to feel happy and warm and to have the security of knowing that life is good and that the things going on are uplifting.
Here in Utah the weather is getting colder and the coats being worn are becoming more noticeable.
I have recently noticed that even more important than the warmth of the coats is the love that is shown from one person to another.
We are reminded that kind acts for others go a long way.
I want to be more aware of the needs of other people. There are many people with many needs and I want to lend the help that will be the most meaningful to them.
It's a wonderful time of the year!
