Press Forward With A Renewed Energy

Today was one of those days that you 'bookmark' in the book of life.  Our family had tickets to attend the morning session of General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  It couldn't have been better if we would have planned the entire experience ourselves.  From the talks that were given, to the music that was sung, and the conversations we coincidentally had with people we didn't even know.  It was a day for the record books.
I am so grateful for the life that I have.  I am thankful for Becky and the light she brings into my life.  I am thankful for our children and the perspective that they give to me of life and the important aspects of it.  I am thankful for the knowledge that I receive through the whisperings of the 'still small voice', even the Holy Ghost.  I know that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us dearly.  He wants the very best for us and stands ready to hear and answer the desires of our hearts.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the pathway that we must go, and then He did what only He could do.   It is only through His Atonement that we can overcome the heartache and sorrow that come from the mistakes that we make, make the necessary corrections on our part, and gain complete forgiveness for those errors and then draw closer to our Heavenly Father.  It is only by Him and through Him that we really come to understand the divine Plan of our Heavenly Father.  I am grateful for these truths that carry me forward, day by day.
There is a drive to do a little better each day that passes by.  Just a little at a time makes a huge difference.
How thankful I am for the eternal blessings that are showered upon me in my life. 

Renewal

I awakened this morning with a refreshing feeling.  I thought for a moment of how nice it is to go to bed exhausted and then to wake up feeling really good.  Now I know that the way I feel in the morning is not how everybody feels but sleep, and the healing of the body from a day’s hard work, is a beautiful thing.

Today will be another fun-filled day and so I’m even more thankful that I feel the way I do.

Renewal comes in many different forms.  I go to church on Sundays for the way it rejuvenates me and ‘fills’ my spiritual cup.  Exercise is a way for people to renew themselves and obtain energy for their body.

Of all of these things I give thanks.  Have a great day!

The Grass Is Green

In Primary, the song “Give Said The Little Stream” means a lot.  I have long been intrigued by it’s simple message.

“Give said the little stream.  Give oh give.  Give oh give.  Give said the little stream as it hurried down the hill.  I’m small I know but wherever I go, the grass grows greener still.”

We make a conscious decision to be happy and optimistic about life and all that it entails. The grass will be greener as we live with the glass half full and strive to put a smile on our face.  There is so much that we can be grateful for. 

Sometimes even the words from a simple song will brighten our day and remind us of how good life really is.  

Look for the sunshine and don't focus on the grey clouds of life.  

The Thing I Look Forward To

Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy being home with Becky and our kids?  I am grateful for good employment but at the end of the day, I like to go home.

I spoke with a man who found that a little boring and somewhat strange that I could be so ‘tied’ to home and family.  I expressed to him the feeling of complete satisfaction that I gain from the peace that is there.

I believe that you can feel that same way if you don’t already have that feeling in your life.

I recall as a young boy the feeling of safety that filled my heart because of the stability and the love that was shown by my parents. 

The happiness I feel comes from that same kind of stability and a love that is unmatched.  I’m grateful to have a sweet wife and a family I adore!

A Kind Reminder

Everyone has something in your life that means so much to you and because it’s something special, you want to share it with everybody. 

A talk was given at church, some months ago, about the responsibility to share the knowledge we have with our friends and neighbors.  I thought about what that means exactly.

There are people that I know who are really good at being good people no matter where they’re at or what they are doing. 

I like to believe that I give a good effort most every day as a person who is trying to do what is right.

I believe that the message I heard was just for me.  I love the knowledge that I have and I want to share it with those who are looking for the truth.

Fatherhood--And All Other Blessings

I am grateful for the priviledge of being a dad.  Today marks the 17th birthday of our oldest child (Natalie).  Happy Birthday!

I want to share a few feelings of my heart.  The first one is how quickly time has passed and the reality that it will be over before we can believe it.  I am so grateful for Nat and the kind of individual she is and the things that she 'stands for'.  I thank you for all that you do.

The second feeling is the gratitude I feel for Becky.  It is she who sacrificed and made the feelings I'm talking about possible.  She has always been a kind woman and she will do anything for anyone.  I am grateful for who she is and all that she does to enrich the lives of us all.

I love birthdays and want they represent.  This one has been a great one and I pray that life will be as rich as we want it to be.  Heaven shines it's love on us daily!

Music Teaches

A song came to my mind that caused me to reflect on my childhood days gone long ago.  They were such happy times for me and I feel exceptionally grateful for the way I was raised.  “When we’re helpful, we’re happy and we sing as we go.  For we like to help mother cuz we all love her so.  When we’re helpful, we’re happy and we sing as we go.  For we like to help father cuz we all love him so.”

I am grateful for my life and I appreciate the things I was taught and can now implement in my own child rearing opportunity.