Good Taste

As a child my mom and dad taught me lessons that dealt with expressing good taste. The manner that I dressed was one of these examples. Another was the 'company' that I kept--in other words the friends that I associated with.
There are many who choose a contrary point of view but it is up to me and you to display the things in our lives that are of good taste.
An example was brought up of the importance of speaking about things that are appropriate and uplifting. Our children are constantly bombarded with the filth that so prevalently surrounds them. The hallways of their schools are laced with the language that would make a sailor blush.
I would echo the feelings of my parents. Let the words that proceed out of your mouth be the kind that would bring honor and a great deal of satisfaction to those that are the very closest to you. When I say something I often think about the appropriateness of it and reflect on whether my wife, children or parents would find it acceptable.

Your Stride

Our daughters were talking about the length of their strides when they walk. The feedback was that our youngest daughter has to take three walking steps to equal one of our oldest daughter's strides. It got me thinking about what the strides in our own lives mean to each of us. What does my stride mean to me personally?
I believe that the 'strides' that we make have a impact on life and how it all plays out for us as individuals. I observed an older gentleman serving a woman that was much younger than he. The task wasn't particularly easy for the man but the smile he wore on his face told me that he enjoyed what he was doing. In my mind this man was lengthening his stride.
I am personally blessed by the strides of so many others around me who take the time and make the effort to ease the burdens of those around them. I watch intently as these same people make the efforts without the expectation of thanks.
The strides that our daughters talk about teach us a valuable lesson. It doesn't matter the length of your stride rather the willingness to lengthen it.

Snapshot In Time

Our two nephews spent the night at our home.  I watched Kandon, Brennan, Brady, Danny, and Becky as they made homeade ice cream by placing heavy cream in the carton and sugar in a zip-lock bag and in a larger zip-lock placing ice and salt.  Then by shaking it for several minutes it turns into ice cream.  To watch them was thrilling to my heart.
I have always loved how Becky enjoys the various activities as much, if not more than the kids do.  She loves life and is always willing to get the very most out of a situation.  Thanks for who you are, my love.
My heart is used to storing yet another snapshot of this life, I call blessed.

Amazing

Becky told me of a ride she took in the van up one of the canyons here in Salt Lake City.  At one point in the conversation she spoke of seeing an eagle and she was amazed at the way it spread it's wings and soared.  She watched this beautiful bird for a while and said that there wasn't one time it had to flap it's wings.
Have you ever had that experience for yourself?  I have and it has been many years since I saw that last.  Just thinking about it makes me smile.  The creatures that have been created and placed on this beautiful earth are an inspiration. I challenge you to pay better attention to the 'details' that are all around us.  The next time you go outside take notice of the birds as they chirp.  Look at the majestic mountains that tower above all else.  The beautiful colors of the changing trees as winter fast approaches.  The flowers that line the front of the house are breath-taking.
Many years ago, the telephone rang and to my surprise it was a woman who lives three houses away from us in our cul-de-sac.  I greeted her and inquired about her day.  I then asked her what I could do for her.  She told me that the reason she was calling was to thank our family for the beautiful flowers in front of our house that allowed her a great deal of joy as she looked out her front window.
This is a beautiful world with a lot to offer us.  Stop and take a minute to see for yourself.

Thank You

It was recently brought to my attention that there are times when only one answer will suffice.
Have you ever given someone a compliment and then their answer is "I know" or "Isn't it great".
The words "thank you" go a long way.
Practice it and integrate it into your daily life.  It's amazing how grateful it makes you because you focus on what is really important.

Life Is A Blessing

Life is very good!  Take a look at this man who is very grateful to be alive. If you ever think that life is hard, just remember that your situation could always be worse.









Learn to make lemonade out of the occasional lemons of life.

Take A Little Time

I had the pleasure of visiting with a couple of our neighbors.  I must say that there are people in life who touch me because of who they are and what they mean to me.
Life is busy--it is for everybody.  The fact still remains that there are moments when you have to stop what you're doing and 'catch up' with the people that are important to you.
A few minutes can make a world of difference to someone who just needs somebody to listen to them.  I am grateful for Becky and the person she is in my life who will listen no matter what.  Take the time today for someone who really needs it.