I enjoy Sunday, as it gives time of concentrated focus on the religious part of my life, which is the most important part to me. Many months ago, a young man returned home from his service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Costa Rica. His experience was rich with the love he shared with the people of his assigned 'field' of labor. One comment that he made, has stuck with me. He said that prior to his mission, he treated his innermost spiritual feelings, and actions, as a part of his life. Upon his return, after two years of full-time missionary service, he came to realize, and understand, that it was his life.
Today, I spoke to a congregation of Hispanic members of the LDS church. It was a meaningful experience for me. I felt their love for me as I shared with them my personal feelings of knowledge I have gained. This feels like a great opportunity to share a couple of those same truths.
Our Heavenly Father lives! He loves us and in completely aware of all that we experience today, and every other day that will follow. His Son, Jesus Christ, came to this earth because of the love He has for you and I. His purpose, was a divine mission to fully understand and personally take upon Himself, all of the mistakes that the human family would and is currently making. He knew all that we would do, and still fulfilled His mission. Without Him, we are nothing. It is only through Him that we may one day return back into the presence of our Father that we care about so deeply.
We are our Father's children and He loves us more than we can comprehend here in this mortal life.
These truths will sustain us through the trials we will face. They are truth! I am grateful for light and knowledge on this day of gladness.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
One, Two, Or Three
We went this morning to watch as Danny played his final indoor soccer game. It has been a lot of fun to watch and support him. Their team is coached by a man who knows and understands the game of soccer. He has spent practice time teaching the kids the fundamentals of the game. He has taught them to know what they are doing, with each specific position, and why the player in a particular position does what they do.
I have long held out an opinion that many disagree with but I hope that you will try to understand the way I feel.
During my life, I have had the opportunity to participate is in many different things that, in the end, there are places by which the top participants are ranked. As a young kid, that was a big deal to be one of the top people.
Some years ago, during the Summer Olympics, a commercial was aired wherein was showed a Bolivian power-lifter. You know the guys with the humongous thighs that pick up the large bar with the huge weights on each side? They have to lift it over their head and hold it for a required amount of time. What stuck out to me was the fact that the 'power-lifter' wasn't necessarily the largest man, rather, he displayed 'guts of glory'. He struggled to lift the weight over his head, but once he did, he held it strong and firm. As the horn sounded to indicate that he had made the mandated time requirement, he dropped the large weight and began jumping up and down like a young excited kid on Christmas morning. The reality is that all of the excitement was not for first place. That final lift sealed up a third place finish which awarded him a bronze medal finish in the Summer Olympics. That performance qualified him for a top-tier finish at the pinnacle of his career.
My opinion is this. Why is it deeply ingrained in the minds of so many people that anything less than a first place finish is lacking? I watched that power-lifter celebrate as if he had outdone all other competitors. I believe that doing one's best has become lost in the determination to be the overall winner in everything. Too much pressure is being placed on attaining a singular spot defined as 'winner'.
I am a firm believer in doing the best that you can. Everyone has something that they can do better than somebody else. That is the beauty of being individuals. Ask yourself that in five years down the road, is anybody going to remember, or more importantly, even care that I won a Future Farmers of America jacket because I recited the FFA creed in front of the entire class? And what if you are a player on a team that wins the NBA championship?
Don't get me wrong. Winning is very fun to do, but there is only one winner and what with everyone else that has also worked tirelessly?
We want our kids to do the very best that they can do. If they win...great! If fourth place is their best...great!
I believe our focus has become a little blurred. It's just my opinion, so hold onto the tomatoes.
I have long held out an opinion that many disagree with but I hope that you will try to understand the way I feel.
During my life, I have had the opportunity to participate is in many different things that, in the end, there are places by which the top participants are ranked. As a young kid, that was a big deal to be one of the top people.
Some years ago, during the Summer Olympics, a commercial was aired wherein was showed a Bolivian power-lifter. You know the guys with the humongous thighs that pick up the large bar with the huge weights on each side? They have to lift it over their head and hold it for a required amount of time. What stuck out to me was the fact that the 'power-lifter' wasn't necessarily the largest man, rather, he displayed 'guts of glory'. He struggled to lift the weight over his head, but once he did, he held it strong and firm. As the horn sounded to indicate that he had made the mandated time requirement, he dropped the large weight and began jumping up and down like a young excited kid on Christmas morning. The reality is that all of the excitement was not for first place. That final lift sealed up a third place finish which awarded him a bronze medal finish in the Summer Olympics. That performance qualified him for a top-tier finish at the pinnacle of his career.
My opinion is this. Why is it deeply ingrained in the minds of so many people that anything less than a first place finish is lacking? I watched that power-lifter celebrate as if he had outdone all other competitors. I believe that doing one's best has become lost in the determination to be the overall winner in everything. Too much pressure is being placed on attaining a singular spot defined as 'winner'.
I am a firm believer in doing the best that you can. Everyone has something that they can do better than somebody else. That is the beauty of being individuals. Ask yourself that in five years down the road, is anybody going to remember, or more importantly, even care that I won a Future Farmers of America jacket because I recited the FFA creed in front of the entire class? And what if you are a player on a team that wins the NBA championship?
Don't get me wrong. Winning is very fun to do, but there is only one winner and what with everyone else that has also worked tirelessly?
We want our kids to do the very best that they can do. If they win...great! If fourth place is their best...great!
I believe our focus has become a little blurred. It's just my opinion, so hold onto the tomatoes.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Disappointment
I have known disappointment in my own life. As a young man, I felt discouraged when times of disappointment came my way. It is important for me to interject that there haven't been but a few times in my life, when I was really disappointed.
There isn't a person who is exempt from this feeling. Because there is so much that happens in our lives, the time will come, for sure, when each of us encounters it 'up close and personal'.
When I was in seventh grade, I tried out for the school boy's basketball team. The try-outs for very productive. I worked really hard throughout the duration. The coach's commented on my 'hustling' play. You have to understand that from a coach's stand point, I was very small. I worked hard, on the first day. It came time for 'cuts'. A few players were dismissed. It was clear why those players were no longer invited to participate--they lacked the ability to work hard. I made the first day of 'cuts'. The second day was more regimented and various plays were practiced. I knew very little about the plays they practiced but I felt like my ability to work hard made up for my lack of knowledge. The end of the try-out came and we all knew that a few last players would be dismissed, trimming the squad down to the final team. The first name was called out and then the second. I was relieved that I was still sitting. I looked around at the remaining boys and figured that the last boy to go came down to me and one other boy. Time seemed to stand still as the head coach looked at his sheet clamped to the clipboard that he held in his hand. "Derek Fish." The two most undesired words in the English language, at that very moment, penetrated deep into my ears. I hesitated, momentarily, hoping that time would rewind and another name would be called out. That didn't happen and Coach Tornell gave me the dismissed look that he had given to the other boys. I had worked my hardest and the disappointment felt more like anger. I left the gymnasium with a gut-ache.
The story of not making the Junior High basketball team is not the emphasis of this writing. I allowed my disappointment to penetrate so deeply, that I didn't ever try out for another basketball team in Junior High or High School. What a shame that was for me to have allowed one experience, that didn't go my way, to interfere with the potential of trying again and eventually making a team.
The lesson is clear. Disappoint does not discriminate. It comes to all people. It will continue to come in our lives. It's up to each of us to learn from and then "try, try again."
There isn't a person who is exempt from this feeling. Because there is so much that happens in our lives, the time will come, for sure, when each of us encounters it 'up close and personal'.
When I was in seventh grade, I tried out for the school boy's basketball team. The try-outs for very productive. I worked really hard throughout the duration. The coach's commented on my 'hustling' play. You have to understand that from a coach's stand point, I was very small. I worked hard, on the first day. It came time for 'cuts'. A few players were dismissed. It was clear why those players were no longer invited to participate--they lacked the ability to work hard. I made the first day of 'cuts'. The second day was more regimented and various plays were practiced. I knew very little about the plays they practiced but I felt like my ability to work hard made up for my lack of knowledge. The end of the try-out came and we all knew that a few last players would be dismissed, trimming the squad down to the final team. The first name was called out and then the second. I was relieved that I was still sitting. I looked around at the remaining boys and figured that the last boy to go came down to me and one other boy. Time seemed to stand still as the head coach looked at his sheet clamped to the clipboard that he held in his hand. "Derek Fish." The two most undesired words in the English language, at that very moment, penetrated deep into my ears. I hesitated, momentarily, hoping that time would rewind and another name would be called out. That didn't happen and Coach Tornell gave me the dismissed look that he had given to the other boys. I had worked my hardest and the disappointment felt more like anger. I left the gymnasium with a gut-ache.
The story of not making the Junior High basketball team is not the emphasis of this writing. I allowed my disappointment to penetrate so deeply, that I didn't ever try out for another basketball team in Junior High or High School. What a shame that was for me to have allowed one experience, that didn't go my way, to interfere with the potential of trying again and eventually making a team.
The lesson is clear. Disappoint does not discriminate. It comes to all people. It will continue to come in our lives. It's up to each of us to learn from and then "try, try again."
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Be Easy Going
A holiday was fast approaching and a particular man decided that a good gesture would be to do something special, on the holiday, for his young wife. With excitement, the man went to the store and purchased several small gifts as a token of his love for his wife with some spontaneity intertwined to make the holiday a fun occasion. His excitement built and the day finally arrived when the gifts he had purchased would be given to his lovely bride. The anticipation was great as he offered the small gifts. The look on her face was not what the young man had hoped it would be. In fact, her look was one of disgust. She uttered not a word but continued to unwrap the gifts, one by one, until all of the small gifts were opened. Her reaction of disappointment remained the entire time. She looked up at her young, and stunned, husband. "These are kind of stupid." Her punishing words were piercing. The young man stood speechless. The awkward silence continued for a few moments and then the young man walked away. That happened many years ago, and it is the last gift the man ever gave to his wife.
The first time I heard my friend tell me of his experience, my first reaction was one of disbelief. It seemed fabricated. The many years have passed but the open wound still exists. I believe that the hurt is real but at some point in time, the hurt needs to be set aside and my friend needs to move on.
The fact still remains that the tongue is an enemy. The words that exit out of the mouth need to be well thought out. I hold out hope that everything I say to Becky is kind and fun-natured. One of the damaging things people do in a relationship is speak thoughtless words to the one that they love the very most.
Being a good sport is a wonderful thing. To be easily entertained is also respectable.
The first time I heard my friend tell me of his experience, my first reaction was one of disbelief. It seemed fabricated. The many years have passed but the open wound still exists. I believe that the hurt is real but at some point in time, the hurt needs to be set aside and my friend needs to move on.
The fact still remains that the tongue is an enemy. The words that exit out of the mouth need to be well thought out. I hold out hope that everything I say to Becky is kind and fun-natured. One of the damaging things people do in a relationship is speak thoughtless words to the one that they love the very most.
Being a good sport is a wonderful thing. To be easily entertained is also respectable.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Our "A" Team
Becky and I went for a short ride in the van, last night. We have enjoyed going for "rides" since our days of dating. It allows us the chance to visit about the things that are going on in life. We have spent a fair amount of time trying to solve the world's problems. It is therapeutic for both of us to talk things through and to be in one another's company.
As we visited, last night, I felt so grateful for our family. I thought about Becky and all that she means to me in my life. She has been that joy, to me, for a long time now. The words that she speaks to me are soothing--her touch brings me great comfort. I love her more than words can adequately express. Our children bring us immense joy and there is a fulfillment that we get because of their goodness. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a father. Parenthood is enriching. There isn't a day that passes that I don't thank heaven for the rich blessing of rearing children and teaching them the ways of truth and right. I am trying to be a stalwart example of somebody that in good and that they can look up to for solid guidance and unwavering direction. It is sure that they will get that by looking at their mother. She defines goodness.
It is in our home that I receive safety from the winds and storms of life. It is where stability resides. It is a place where I can be myself, all of the time. I can't thank my family enough for the love that I feel for each one of them. They are trying so hard to be good people. I recognize that they are not perfect, but neither am I, so they are in good company. All Becky and I have ever desired is that our kids work hard to make this world a better place to live in. We hope that they will treat others will love and respect. That isn't the easiest task. It takes patience and practice.
The family is an eternal unit, ordained of God. The organization of it is vitally important. Many families don't enjoy the feelings of which I previously spoke. I is the desire of my heart that more emphasis will be placed on the strengthening of the family unit in homes across the world. All other distractions should be set aside if they intrude on the family. I try to properly balance the business of life so that the time I spend with our family is meaningful and worthwhile.
The energy and time we invest in our family should be the best efforts that we have. There will be no greater opportunities to build and strengthen relationships than the time you spend with your family.
As we visited, last night, I felt so grateful for our family. I thought about Becky and all that she means to me in my life. She has been that joy, to me, for a long time now. The words that she speaks to me are soothing--her touch brings me great comfort. I love her more than words can adequately express. Our children bring us immense joy and there is a fulfillment that we get because of their goodness. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a father. Parenthood is enriching. There isn't a day that passes that I don't thank heaven for the rich blessing of rearing children and teaching them the ways of truth and right. I am trying to be a stalwart example of somebody that in good and that they can look up to for solid guidance and unwavering direction. It is sure that they will get that by looking at their mother. She defines goodness.
It is in our home that I receive safety from the winds and storms of life. It is where stability resides. It is a place where I can be myself, all of the time. I can't thank my family enough for the love that I feel for each one of them. They are trying so hard to be good people. I recognize that they are not perfect, but neither am I, so they are in good company. All Becky and I have ever desired is that our kids work hard to make this world a better place to live in. We hope that they will treat others will love and respect. That isn't the easiest task. It takes patience and practice.
The family is an eternal unit, ordained of God. The organization of it is vitally important. Many families don't enjoy the feelings of which I previously spoke. I is the desire of my heart that more emphasis will be placed on the strengthening of the family unit in homes across the world. All other distractions should be set aside if they intrude on the family. I try to properly balance the business of life so that the time I spend with our family is meaningful and worthwhile.
The energy and time we invest in our family should be the best efforts that we have. There will be no greater opportunities to build and strengthen relationships than the time you spend with your family.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Move Forward
During a recent conversation, I shared my feelings with a man about the importance of maintaining 'forward' in his life. The opposite, backward, fosters feelings of discouragement and inadequacy.
Let's talk about this for a minute and let me share some of the feelings I shared with this man.
Life is set up in a 'forward' pattern. A day begins and it moves forward until it's end. The hands of a clock move forward-- first a second, then a minute, hour and finally a day. A baby is born as an infant child. Over time, that infant grows and ends up as a full-grown adult. That is the general nature of our lives. Throughout each of our lives, we learn and grown by facing the various 'up's and down's' of life. It is a purely, operated plan. It seems that the human mind digresses when times of discouragement or hardship hit, otherwise we all seem to long to move forward.
Our mindset needs to gravitate more heavily toward the 'forward' direction of life. Life's challenges are easier to face, and ultimately overcome, with the realization that to move forward will allow the conquering of them. Much will be learned because we face these obstacles, that show of what substance our character really is made.
There isn't a single person that doesn't have an 'uphill' battle.
As a young boy, the Boy Scouts of America allowed outdoor opportunities of fun and adventure. Our scout troop went to Yosemite National Park several times. The joy of hiking was thrilling to us boys. We got to hike to places like Half Dome and El Capitan. These hikes were not the simplest, but the reward of arriving at the destination was exhilarating! Throughout the hike, my legs burned and I longed to complete the journey. Upon arrival, the hard work paid off and I was glad to have endured the hard work that was required to enjoy the destination.
We often forget the same attitude that I had in Yosemite. We cannot see the end of life, right now, but one day we will. Our focus must remain on the journey currently at hand. We must focus and then focus again, reminding ourselves that just around the corner is the greatest 'pay-off' we can ever imagine.
Our goal is in the 'forward' direction. We don't need to ever look back. The spindle of our divine potential points forward.
The beauty of our Half Dome awaits us up ahead. With a steadfast resolve to remain focused, that beauty will touch and enrich our lives and will make all that we do eternally worthwhile.
Let's talk about this for a minute and let me share some of the feelings I shared with this man.
Life is set up in a 'forward' pattern. A day begins and it moves forward until it's end. The hands of a clock move forward-- first a second, then a minute, hour and finally a day. A baby is born as an infant child. Over time, that infant grows and ends up as a full-grown adult. That is the general nature of our lives. Throughout each of our lives, we learn and grown by facing the various 'up's and down's' of life. It is a purely, operated plan. It seems that the human mind digresses when times of discouragement or hardship hit, otherwise we all seem to long to move forward.
Our mindset needs to gravitate more heavily toward the 'forward' direction of life. Life's challenges are easier to face, and ultimately overcome, with the realization that to move forward will allow the conquering of them. Much will be learned because we face these obstacles, that show of what substance our character really is made.
There isn't a single person that doesn't have an 'uphill' battle.
As a young boy, the Boy Scouts of America allowed outdoor opportunities of fun and adventure. Our scout troop went to Yosemite National Park several times. The joy of hiking was thrilling to us boys. We got to hike to places like Half Dome and El Capitan. These hikes were not the simplest, but the reward of arriving at the destination was exhilarating! Throughout the hike, my legs burned and I longed to complete the journey. Upon arrival, the hard work paid off and I was glad to have endured the hard work that was required to enjoy the destination.
We often forget the same attitude that I had in Yosemite. We cannot see the end of life, right now, but one day we will. Our focus must remain on the journey currently at hand. We must focus and then focus again, reminding ourselves that just around the corner is the greatest 'pay-off' we can ever imagine.
Our goal is in the 'forward' direction. We don't need to ever look back. The spindle of our divine potential points forward.
The beauty of our Half Dome awaits us up ahead. With a steadfast resolve to remain focused, that beauty will touch and enrich our lives and will make all that we do eternally worthwhile.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Knowledge Is Power
I am so grateful for knowledge. There are many types of knowledge but I wish to focus on the knowledge that we will use use not just for now but forever.
I am reminded of a personal experience I had while serving my mission. I was in the Missionary Training Center at the time. I was attending an evening class where we were 'role playing' a teaching experience. My companion and I were teaching one of our instructors. I will never forget that opportunity. That was a turning point for me in my missionary service. This experience gave me the confidence that I needed, in a new situation, in different and unfamiliar territory. I was asked to teach the Joseph Smith Story. During the teaching experience, my heart was touched by the spirit and my entire body was overcome with a feeling of warmth and love. I gained a witness of the absolute truthfulness of the story of the boy, Joseph Smith. I knew that his account was exactly like he said it was. During that teaching time, I came to know that my calling as a full-time missionary of my Heavenly Father was inspired.
In each of our lives, we come to understand, first-hand, the importance of our divine nature as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
We all will face the challenges that come with mortality. Our bodies will endure various sicknesses and adversity. Our Father in Heaven is well aware of what we face. In fact, in a time long ago, we were excited to come to earth and face the challenges that would accompany us through this mortal journey. We were overjoyed by the prospect of this opportunity. No matter what we face, it will be alright.
Several years ago, Becky faced some unknown medical challenges. She would be about her daily activities and suddenly pass out, without any warning. This went on for many years. I was attending college classes, every day and working the night shift. I arrived home at 12:30 AM and everything looked very normal for this early morning hour. When I opened the back door, our dog Rascal jumped abruptly up on me. I quickly petted him and he ran swiftly to the downstairs familyroom. I could tell that there was something amiss. From the top of the stairs, I could see that Becky had passed out, sometime during the evening. Her neck was crimped to the side as she had fallen up against a wall of the room. I wondered in the moment if I was going to lose her and I thought about what I would do next with our two young daughters. The experiences we face are daunting. Our Father will never leave us alone!
I am grateful for the things that make me strong. I am thankful for the opportunity of life. Our understanding was completely clear, at a previous time. We will understand everything, with clarity, once again. For now, faith and endurance is the requirement.
Everything will be alright!
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