Tonight, I felt like it was a good idea to write about an observance I had today.
Our oldest daughter, Natalie, attended her first formal school dance, Sweethearts. I have listened with anticipation of the plans for this date. She went with a nice young man. She has been on a date with Nathan before and we think that he is a soft spoken gentle person. I'm grateful for people like him.
I was particularly satisfied as I walked into the house this evening to find Nat and Nathan and two of their friends sitting around a fantastically decorated table eating a yummy meal together. I couldn't help but look at our daughter and marvel at her beauty. She is a wonderful daughter, full of delight. I looked and saw her and I crawling around on the floor, together, when she was a little girl. I have felt grateful for her current station in life and all of the goodness that this time offers.
We have an obligation to love and enjoy the various stages of life that our kids will experience. These times only happen once and now is the time to enjoy.
I am a grateful dad who thanks heaven for the choices that our children are currently making. It doesn't mean that they are perfect but I know that they are giving their all to being the best that they can be.
There is hope for good 'todays' and better 'tomorrows'. I have hope that the feelings I have will be duplicated over and over again.
A grateful heart is unmatched. I feel grateful tonight!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Put Into Focus
I read this story and felt like it was a great one to end the week. We need constant reminders to help keep our perspective clear.
Stories like this, always have a way of putting the right perspective on life.
Jean Thompson stood in front of her fifth-grade class on the very first day of school in the fall and told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her pupils and said that she loved them all the same, that she would treat them all alike. And that was impossible because there in front of her, slumped in his seat on the third row, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were unkept and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy was unpleasant.
It got to the point during the first few months that she would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then marking the F at the top of the paper biggest of all. Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, no one else seemed to enjoy him, either.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's records and put Teddy's off until last. When she opened his file, she was in for a surprise. His first-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child with a ready laugh." "He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
His second-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy continues to work hard but his mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class. He is tardy and could become a problem."
By now Mrs. Thompson realized the problem, but Christmas was coming fast. It was all she could do, with the school play and all, until the day before the holidays began and she was suddenly forced to focus on Teddy Stoddard.
Her children brought her presents, all in beautiful ribbon and bright paper, except for Teddy's, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper of a scissored grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents.
Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume behind the other wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed behind just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to."
After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and speaking. Instead, she began to teach children. Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called "Teddy."
As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. On days where there would be an important test, Mrs. Thompson would remember that cologne. By the end of the year he had become one of the smartest children in the class and...well, he had also become the "pet" of the teacher who had once vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.
A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that of all the teachers he'd had in elementary school, she was his favorite. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy.
He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still his favorite teacher of all time.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson she was still his favorite teacher.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still his favorite teacher, but that now his name was a little longer. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering...well, if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the mother of the groom. And guess what, she wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like...well, just like the way Teddy remembered his mother smelling on their last Christmas together.
We can make a difference!
Stories like this, always have a way of putting the right perspective on life.
Jean Thompson stood in front of her fifth-grade class on the very first day of school in the fall and told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her pupils and said that she loved them all the same, that she would treat them all alike. And that was impossible because there in front of her, slumped in his seat on the third row, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were unkept and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy was unpleasant.
It got to the point during the first few months that she would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then marking the F at the top of the paper biggest of all. Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, no one else seemed to enjoy him, either.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's records and put Teddy's off until last. When she opened his file, she was in for a surprise. His first-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child with a ready laugh." "He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
His second-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy continues to work hard but his mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class. He is tardy and could become a problem."
By now Mrs. Thompson realized the problem, but Christmas was coming fast. It was all she could do, with the school play and all, until the day before the holidays began and she was suddenly forced to focus on Teddy Stoddard.
Her children brought her presents, all in beautiful ribbon and bright paper, except for Teddy's, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper of a scissored grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents.
Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume behind the other wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed behind just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to."
After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and speaking. Instead, she began to teach children. Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called "Teddy."
As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. On days where there would be an important test, Mrs. Thompson would remember that cologne. By the end of the year he had become one of the smartest children in the class and...well, he had also become the "pet" of the teacher who had once vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.
A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that of all the teachers he'd had in elementary school, she was his favorite. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy.
He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still his favorite teacher of all time.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson she was still his favorite teacher.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still his favorite teacher, but that now his name was a little longer. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering...well, if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the mother of the groom. And guess what, she wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like...well, just like the way Teddy remembered his mother smelling on their last Christmas together.
We can make a difference!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I Am Trying To Be A Good Person
I attended a funeral of a woman who I have come to know over the past eight months. During the funeral, I began thinking about who I am and how I feel about myself.
Each one of us has our own distinct personality and a whole bunch of God-given characteristics that make us who we are. It is up to us to use those to help others and also to become better. In spite of our faults, who we are can bless the lives of those around us.
All four children of this woman took the opportunity to speak to those in attendance. They are all very different. What they had to share was good and each one is trying to do the best that they know how to do.
I took a few minutes to review, in my mind, my own life. I asked myself the question, "Am I trying to be a good person?" I believe that I am giving it a good shot. I understand, better than anyone, my own weaknesses. I also know my own strengths and the strategy I am using to utilize those strengths to lift the heads of those whose hang low. I am trying to forget about myself and focus on somebody else.
I would ask the same question to you.
Life is an opportunity to grow and get better. The happenings of life require us to stretch and see what we are made of.
When my days are through, I want those who I love to reflect on the good things that I tried to do every single day. I want to be someone who fought through all of life's challenges, without speaking negatively. I want to have said of me that I was a good person.
Each one of us has our own distinct personality and a whole bunch of God-given characteristics that make us who we are. It is up to us to use those to help others and also to become better. In spite of our faults, who we are can bless the lives of those around us.
All four children of this woman took the opportunity to speak to those in attendance. They are all very different. What they had to share was good and each one is trying to do the best that they know how to do.
I took a few minutes to review, in my mind, my own life. I asked myself the question, "Am I trying to be a good person?" I believe that I am giving it a good shot. I understand, better than anyone, my own weaknesses. I also know my own strengths and the strategy I am using to utilize those strengths to lift the heads of those whose hang low. I am trying to forget about myself and focus on somebody else.
I would ask the same question to you.
Life is an opportunity to grow and get better. The happenings of life require us to stretch and see what we are made of.
When my days are through, I want those who I love to reflect on the good things that I tried to do every single day. I want to be someone who fought through all of life's challenges, without speaking negatively. I want to have said of me that I was a good person.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I Found A Friend
This is an experience sent from my older sister. Friends touch each of us differently and in ways that help us the very most.
"When I was 15 years old, my dad took a job with a firm located in another state. I was just finishing my sophomore year, and EVERYTHING was important: my classes, my position in the school, my friends, my boyfriend, my music. We were moving from a small (and I mean SMALL!) ranching community to what I was sure was going to be worst place on earth! My dad moved to our new home before the rest of us did. He found a house to rent, he set up the furniture, he attended church meetings, he met the neighbors. By the time we arrived, I already had stacks of information from the church’s youth leaders. I kinda rolled my eyes—who needed another adult looking over my shoulder? What I needed was girls! Six days after we moved, I went to help out at a fund raiser. It was a car wash, and it was a lot of fun. Water, soap, dozens of girls—what’s not to love? But the best part of the entire day was when Jana asked if I wanted to go to a dance with them that night and a movie with her in a couple of days. After the movie, we became fast friends. It turned out the pining for my former life lasted less than a week, and my time in that (not so) HUGE city was not only formative, but happy! Jana was one of my very best friends during my adolescent and young adult years. I’m so glad she invited me along!"
Friends are miracles in our lives. They touch us and help us. I am grateful for friends that bless my life.
Thanks, Aundrea. I love you!
"When I was 15 years old, my dad took a job with a firm located in another state. I was just finishing my sophomore year, and EVERYTHING was important: my classes, my position in the school, my friends, my boyfriend, my music. We were moving from a small (and I mean SMALL!) ranching community to what I was sure was going to be worst place on earth! My dad moved to our new home before the rest of us did. He found a house to rent, he set up the furniture, he attended church meetings, he met the neighbors. By the time we arrived, I already had stacks of information from the church’s youth leaders. I kinda rolled my eyes—who needed another adult looking over my shoulder? What I needed was girls! Six days after we moved, I went to help out at a fund raiser. It was a car wash, and it was a lot of fun. Water, soap, dozens of girls—what’s not to love? But the best part of the entire day was when Jana asked if I wanted to go to a dance with them that night and a movie with her in a couple of days. After the movie, we became fast friends. It turned out the pining for my former life lasted less than a week, and my time in that (not so) HUGE city was not only formative, but happy! Jana was one of my very best friends during my adolescent and young adult years. I’m so glad she invited me along!"
Friends are miracles in our lives. They touch us and help us. I am grateful for friends that bless my life.
Thanks, Aundrea. I love you!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
A Friend Forever
Our daughter, Natalie, has enjoyed a friendship with Isabel. Here's what she has to say about this friendship of a lifetime.
"I met Isabel in my seventh grade cooking class and we hit it off instantly. We were always in the same cooking group. She didn't care for chopping, stirring, measuring, or washing dishes, but she'd throw the food in a bowl or come up behind me and give me a hug while I was mixing batter. The class only lasted a trimester and I figured that was probably the end of my association with her. Ninth grade came, and to my surprise we were in the same seminary class! It soon became my responsibility to walk her to and from the building and sit next to her in class. She loved seminary and our class and sometimes she would even lead the music for us. She added so much to my experience that year! When I became a sophomore, Isabel was not in my seminary class. Those first few weeks were kind of rough. Something was missing for me, and I later found out for her as well. A change had to be made, and soon we were in the same class again. This year she was the designated chorister. She would stand up at the beginning of class, write the page number on the board, and promptly tell everyone in class to "Sit in your chairs! Quiet down! It's time to sing because I'm the leader." It was this year that our friendship really took off. She came over to my house and watched a movie once, but for the most part, if we hang out, I go there. This school year I think she has had her greatest impact on me yet! We're not in the same seminary class, and there isn't a way to move schedules so we can be. Earlier in the year I was so sad! Something was definitely missing. I needed Isabel. So, I transferred into her Special Education class room to be a peer tutor/TA. This class is food for my soul. I get to be with Isabel, and some of my other new found friends, Heavenly Father's most perfect children. I love it! It's amazing to me what one person can do. For as long as I can remember (I can't pinpoint when it began) Isabel has sent me a text goodnight, every night. Never at one specific time, just whenever she goes to bed! Isabel is my true friend. She's a constant friend. Through fickle teenage friendships she is always there to hang out and be there for me. She loves completely, speaks truthfully, and exercises loyalty. I hope that everyone can have an Isabel in their life. Friends like her are hard to come by. I truly hope I can grow up and be like Isabel, the truest friend anyone could ask for."
Thanks, Natalie. These are the kinds of stories that each one of us have. They are inspiring! It makes me want to be a better friend.
.
"I met Isabel in my seventh grade cooking class and we hit it off instantly. We were always in the same cooking group. She didn't care for chopping, stirring, measuring, or washing dishes, but she'd throw the food in a bowl or come up behind me and give me a hug while I was mixing batter. The class only lasted a trimester and I figured that was probably the end of my association with her. Ninth grade came, and to my surprise we were in the same seminary class! It soon became my responsibility to walk her to and from the building and sit next to her in class. She loved seminary and our class and sometimes she would even lead the music for us. She added so much to my experience that year! When I became a sophomore, Isabel was not in my seminary class. Those first few weeks were kind of rough. Something was missing for me, and I later found out for her as well. A change had to be made, and soon we were in the same class again. This year she was the designated chorister. She would stand up at the beginning of class, write the page number on the board, and promptly tell everyone in class to "Sit in your chairs! Quiet down! It's time to sing because I'm the leader." It was this year that our friendship really took off. She came over to my house and watched a movie once, but for the most part, if we hang out, I go there. This school year I think she has had her greatest impact on me yet! We're not in the same seminary class, and there isn't a way to move schedules so we can be. Earlier in the year I was so sad! Something was definitely missing. I needed Isabel. So, I transferred into her Special Education class room to be a peer tutor/TA. This class is food for my soul. I get to be with Isabel, and some of my other new found friends, Heavenly Father's most perfect children. I love it! It's amazing to me what one person can do. For as long as I can remember (I can't pinpoint when it began) Isabel has sent me a text goodnight, every night. Never at one specific time, just whenever she goes to bed! Isabel is my true friend. She's a constant friend. Through fickle teenage friendships she is always there to hang out and be there for me. She loves completely, speaks truthfully, and exercises loyalty. I hope that everyone can have an Isabel in their life. Friends like her are hard to come by. I truly hope I can grow up and be like Isabel, the truest friend anyone could ask for."
Thanks, Natalie. These are the kinds of stories that each one of us have. They are inspiring! It makes me want to be a better friend.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Worth Of A Friend
Just as I promised, this week I am going to share some experiences that other people have had with good friends in their lives. If you have something to share, please email them to me dfish0223@yahoo.com.
This story comes from my mom.
"I was an extremely shy girl. I would get sick to my stomach if I went to stay overnight anywhere that my parents were not with me. When I was a Beehive (12 or 13) in Young Women at church I had the most wonderful leader. Her name was Edith Van Sloten. She pulled me in and loved me like I was the only girl in the class. I know she did the same with all of the girls. It was springtime and she started talking up what a fun summer we were going to have and that she wanted all of us to go to Young Women camp. As I remember the cost of the camp was sizeable for that time and she was willing to help us with ideas to earn the money to pay our way. Sister Van Sloten hired me and another girl to wash all of the outside windows in her home. We worked very hard all one Saturday. We did several other fund raiser projects and finally had our money. A couple days before we were to go to camp I started to get very anxious and nervous about being away from home, but we had worked so hard that I hoped that I would be okay with Sister Van Sloten. So with the encouragement of my parents I packed my suitcase and my sleeping bag and off I went with my group. I only made it one night at camp and my parents had to come and get me. I was sad that I would have disappointed the leader that I loved so much, but she assured me that it was okay and that there were lots of other fun times ahead. I have never forgotten what a wonderful friend Sister Van Sloten was to a very shy young girl." Thank you, mom. I love you.
The affects of one person are far-reaching. Friends are those we can count on to accept us for who we are, all of the time.
This story comes from my mom.
"I was an extremely shy girl. I would get sick to my stomach if I went to stay overnight anywhere that my parents were not with me. When I was a Beehive (12 or 13) in Young Women at church I had the most wonderful leader. Her name was Edith Van Sloten. She pulled me in and loved me like I was the only girl in the class. I know she did the same with all of the girls. It was springtime and she started talking up what a fun summer we were going to have and that she wanted all of us to go to Young Women camp. As I remember the cost of the camp was sizeable for that time and she was willing to help us with ideas to earn the money to pay our way. Sister Van Sloten hired me and another girl to wash all of the outside windows in her home. We worked very hard all one Saturday. We did several other fund raiser projects and finally had our money. A couple days before we were to go to camp I started to get very anxious and nervous about being away from home, but we had worked so hard that I hoped that I would be okay with Sister Van Sloten. So with the encouragement of my parents I packed my suitcase and my sleeping bag and off I went with my group. I only made it one night at camp and my parents had to come and get me. I was sad that I would have disappointed the leader that I loved so much, but she assured me that it was okay and that there were lots of other fun times ahead. I have never forgotten what a wonderful friend Sister Van Sloten was to a very shy young girl." Thank you, mom. I love you.
The affects of one person are far-reaching. Friends are those we can count on to accept us for who we are, all of the time.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
There Is Power In Knowledge
About eight months ago, I was asked to visit an older couple who live in our neighborhood. He is retired from the Boeing company. She has had average health over the past several years. Me and my good friend, Michael, were asked to visit this couple as part of a church assignment. It has been an enriching opportunity. We have been faithful in visiting them each month and sometimes several times.
On Friday afternoon, Penny passed away. I was notified of her passing later that afternoon. I spoke with her husband, Don. We chatted with each other. He cried on the phone to me. I listened intently as he spoke of his great love for his sweetheart.
My mind has thought about the short time I had to know Penny (short for Penelope). I found great joy in being around her. A couple of short weeks ago, Michael and I were called to their home to give them both a priesthood blessing. As we laid our hands upon her head, and I offered the blessing, I felt a great peace come over me as I assured her that her health would be strong enough until her time would come to leave this existence. I knew that a Heavenly Father was there and He was aware of all that she needed. I still feel that same way. I now know that His comforting presence will be with Don.
Even the thought of Becky being gone is about more than my heart can bear, I know with a surety that the kids and I would be watched over and our hearts would be comforted through such a tremendous loss.
We have all had a loss of a loved one at one time or another. We know of the sting that the loss of a loved one brings. We can be assured that God is with us. He will fill our hearts with peace. He will make His love perfectly manifested. He loves us more than we can possibly comprehend.
I spoke with Don last night and I assured him of these same truths. I told him that I loved him.
We have knowledge of the light we can have even during our darkest days. Don will feel and see of the light I am talking about. We can too. There is peace in knowing that one day, he will see her again. I am thankful for this knowledge.
On Friday afternoon, Penny passed away. I was notified of her passing later that afternoon. I spoke with her husband, Don. We chatted with each other. He cried on the phone to me. I listened intently as he spoke of his great love for his sweetheart.
My mind has thought about the short time I had to know Penny (short for Penelope). I found great joy in being around her. A couple of short weeks ago, Michael and I were called to their home to give them both a priesthood blessing. As we laid our hands upon her head, and I offered the blessing, I felt a great peace come over me as I assured her that her health would be strong enough until her time would come to leave this existence. I knew that a Heavenly Father was there and He was aware of all that she needed. I still feel that same way. I now know that His comforting presence will be with Don.
Even the thought of Becky being gone is about more than my heart can bear, I know with a surety that the kids and I would be watched over and our hearts would be comforted through such a tremendous loss.
We have all had a loss of a loved one at one time or another. We know of the sting that the loss of a loved one brings. We can be assured that God is with us. He will fill our hearts with peace. He will make His love perfectly manifested. He loves us more than we can possibly comprehend.
I spoke with Don last night and I assured him of these same truths. I told him that I loved him.
We have knowledge of the light we can have even during our darkest days. Don will feel and see of the light I am talking about. We can too. There is peace in knowing that one day, he will see her again. I am thankful for this knowledge.
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