Waxing Platitudinous

Ban Mormon Weddings, stop bigotry

2011-06-27T22:26:00.003-06:00

I saw this recently on a bumper sticker. As a Mormon, I was at first shocked, then I wanted to be offended, got over it and ended up really offended but not for the reason you might think. I have no problem being called all the names in the book. The fact that someone doesn't like you is not a reason to get offended. However, that bumper sticker showed outright hypocrisy. So whether or not I should be, I was offended.

First, you assume that all Mormon's are bigots. While being a Mormon is really a personal choice and not a genetic characteristic, it is still a minority lifestyle that people choose to lead. Like all groups, you have stereotypes. I don't know that as a people you can call Mormon's bigots in the stereotypical sense. I'm sure there are varying degrees of bigotry within the Mormon church and certainly some leaders in the past have said things that were not very nice. My view of the church is that they have worked hard to rid official church doctrine of bigoted idea and adopt more christlike attitudes of acceptance. Is there work to be done? Yes. Do people in the church still hold bigoted ideas? Yes. But not everyone. I think there is a large population in the church that are not bigoted. And even those that are, often do not have bigoted position that are related to church doctrine.

So what made me so mad at this bumper sticker? It implied that we needed to rid ourselves of a certain population to stop some idea or social characteristic. That in itself is the definition of bigotry. It is as though you said we need to get rid of all the gays. This person espouses the idea that in order to end bigotry, you need to get rid of Mormons through attrition. He or she wants to end bigotry by being a bigot themselves. It would not matter what social group you were talking about, Mormons, Catholics, Gays, Blacks, Asian, etc., if you hold hatred toward any social group you could be called a bigot.

That's why I was mad. Where does a bigot get off stating we should get rid of a certain group of bigots as though one bigot was better or more socially acceptable than another? You can disagree with a person or group all you want, but let's not be a hypocrite when it comes to defending you position with ad hominem attacks.

True Repentance

2010-12-21T09:30:00.001-07:00

I read a post at By Common Consent about a married man with a non-member wife. They have 3 kids, 8, 10 & 12. They started attending church and the wife is interested in joining the church. He meets with the Bishop and confesses an affair 7 years ago that was short lived and he has not repeated those actions again. He has been faithful for the last 7 years. If his wife found out, it is likely that she would divorce him. Those are the salient points, more details can be read here. The post then asks what you tell him as Bishop?

My opinions have been on both sides of the issue, to tell his wife or not. The "repentance" process outlined by the church says that he needs to tell his wife. However, is this really the best thing for the family? I remember the first time I heard a similar situation. I was listening to Dr. Laura about 10 years ago or so. She had a caller who was LDS. She did not let him tell him the name of his religion but he provided enough details such as wearing garments and calling his pastor a Bishop that anyone who was LDS would have known and understood his dilemma. In this case, he had a wife who's father had been unfaithful to his mother. She had brow beaten him and showed a severe lack of trust in their relationship. Somewhat in retaliation he had an affair. He did not say how long it lasted, but intimated it was short. They had young children, but I can't remember ages or number except they were very young. He regretted it. He asked if he should confess to his leader and said that his wife would have to know because he would likely be excommunicated or other parts of the LDS repentance process that he couldn't hide from her. She had been quite clear that if he ever had an affair, she would divorce him. At the time Dr. Laura's response bothered me. She said that he was never to tell his wife or anyone else. He has young children and his first responsibility was to hold the family together for the sake of the children.

It bothered me. How could he possibly repent if he didn't follow the "process" and how could he just flat out not tell his wife. Times have changed and so have I. My understanding of repentance had deepened and so has my understanding of family life. I did not agree then, but I do now.

Preserving a family for the sake of the children is ultimately more important. As long as the couple can maintain a household where the children feel safe, then the children are better off living in a two parent home. There I go, I have just angered the liberals, but its true. I look at my own son, he benefits from having both of our influences and guidance. Ultimately, it comes down to the antithesis of what caused the affair. You have to be unselfish. Put your own need for absolving guilt away because you need to do something for your kids. It is a no brainer.

Will this work in every situation. No. There are some situations where children are better off not having one or the other parent around. Where they are dangerous and need to be supervised. However, here are two men that regret their actions, one who has proven his faithfulness for 7 years. Look at his situation. At the time, his wife would have just had their third child so they had 3 children under the age of 4. They were probably overworked, underpaid and he needed something. Through his affair, he learned that he really loved his wife and he turned his horrid mistake into positive action. I can't excuse the mistake. It was horribly wrong and quite clearly what the church considers the sin next to murder. For good reason. Look at the mess it caused or could cause. There was no excuse, period! Yet he brought some good out of the situation.

Chances are neither wife was perfect and their actions contributed to their husband's bad decision. I do not blame them as it was the husbands actions and the wives are not ultimately responsible. However, they could also change to provide an more loving environment where a husband doesn't feel a need to seek elsewhere. Men are really simple creatures. We just want to be loved. With all the bravado and bread winning, men need the comfort and security a good woman can provide. They need to feel safe and like they are doing a good job. Some counselling in both situations would be warranted. They should work on improving their relationship.

Like I said in one of my comments to the original blog post. Often we get too caught up in the how to's of repentance. We look at the actions we need to accomplish to be considered absolved of sin by the church. However, we often, very often, very very, often (made my point yet) miss the true point of repentance. That is to change. The word means change. The first man had demonstrated change and had shown his commitment for 7 years. The second had the chance to show change over time. The church process is meant to facilitate change. We must not forget that. If that change has taken place or comes by other means, what is the purpose in putting someone through that process. The process does not save them, their commitment to the Saviour and willingness to change does. As Jesus said to the adulteress, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." - John 8:11

Failing to Fail

2010-12-17T15:23:00.002-07:00

Failure is part of life. Failure is good. I have failed plenty of times at plenty of different things, and my life has been the better because of it. Failure is an opportunity to learn and should be viewed as a positive rather than a negative. That doesn't mean it hurts any less, but rather than dwelling on those feelings of uselessness and defeat, we should channel them into something more productive.

I remember the first time I even heard the concept that failure was not a bad thing. I was 27 or 28 years old!! I was reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. He talked about failure and how it was an opportunity to learn. It was at that point, I looked back on all my failures and realized all of the things I had learned not to do. My life was better because I had learned that some things didn't lead to a better life. From then on, I couldn't look at my failures as negatives because I allowed them to teach me.

I recently had a conversation with a friend that was down because his life was not what he envisioned. He had failed to reach some of his goals through a series of life choices both in and out of his control. I felt bad for him, but I also realized that sometimes our failures cause a permanent change in the course of our lives. There are some failures that we cannot recover from. They cannot be fixed or undone. To deal with these instances, we must refocus our lives on what is important. SLou has been so instrumental in helping me find what was important in life. Once I focused on building personal relationships and having a happy family, the other problems of life did not seem as important. My failure to become rich and famous so far in my life, helped me to realize that I already had that which made me most happy.

Most things we try in life are not going to result in success. This morning, I attempted to win some Christmas money on the radio. This radio station is rather large and I have never had more than a busy signal. I was about to stop dialing when the thought hit, "I won't win if I don't try." Well.....I kept dialing and I finally got a ring and another and another, about 30 in total. Then the line busied out. I could have been distraught because I didn't win. However, I was way to stoked on the lesson I finally realized. If I don't try I won't win. That made my day. I could have been upset I wasn't caller #10, but I had actually gotten past the busy signal stage so I was excited. (Not head over heals excited because $200 would have been nice, but excited none the less.) This insignificant little example really isn't important in the grand scheme of things, but it does teach the principles we can apply to more weighty matters.

Failing to fail is just giving up. You can't accomplish anything if you don't try. Does failure hurt? Yes! Is it any less disappointing? No! If it wasn't disappointing then we wouldn't be motivated to succeed. The test is in how we deal with it. Our culture has set the precedent that failure is bad and that you are less of a person for not accomplishing your goals. That is a sad state of being. To always be depressed because life threw at you a chance to learn and grow. The plant that grows strongest is the one that has had to dig its roots deep to reach the water. The one that has had to grow thick and strong to stay standing in the storm. The one that has grown to reach toward the light. Do not be discouraged over failure, simply learn from it and grow. No go out and fail!!

Huked on foniks wurkt fer me!

2010-12-14T13:39:00.002-07:00

So as a break from the more heavy topics of the last few days, I thought I would share a little story about Bubs from last night. Either in a fit of holiday cheer or a last minute dash to get Christmas all put together, SLou and Bubs were wrapping the last of my holidays gifts. That is gifts for me and not from me, I think. She had just labelled one for me and handed Bubs the pen and he added "POPA". Now he has been practicing his letters and some of the sounds, but at 3.5 years we haven't really pushed him to learn to read quite yet. However, he spends time watching all of those educational kids shows such as Super Why?. It came as no surprise that he could write a few letters, he does that all of the time (though he has this fascination with writing right to left, not sure about that.). But when SLou yelled down the stairs to tell me the he had just written "pope-ah," Bubs quickly corrects her and says he wrote "papa." Say them out loud and it will make sense.

So either Bubs has finally made the mental step to equate letters with words or it was a fluke. If it was true then he had learned the word "POP" and decided that an "A" at the end would make "POPA." Which also means he is beginning to understand phonics. Though the possibility exists that it was just a random group of letters as he had been writing random combinations of letters a few days before and telling me they were words. Personally, I would like to think my son is brilliant, so I'm going to assume he actually meant it. I might try to get him to write it again, but there is usually not a repeat performance. Thankfully, we are getting him Hooked on Phonics for Christmas. He might actually learn something, or he could keep watching TV. And they say watching TV is a waste of time........

Changeable God?

2010-12-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

I had a big post written and it kind of went off topic, so I will save it as a draft and see if I want to use it later. I was reading something today about God not changing yet he does things differently from time to time. That elicited a thought, that it is not God that changes, but man that changes. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, but fallible man forces him to adjust his plan to suite our needs.

Many people will cite the fact that God does not change to criticize changes within the church. The post I read earlier specifically mentioned polygamy. Other topics could be Blacks and the priesthood, changes in the temple ceremony, reorganization of church leadership structures and most of all perceived changes in doctrine. All of these can be explained another way, man has changed so God must adapt.

The first hurdle is determining exactly what God want to say to us. Strangely, that really isn't always easy. Even in the scriptures their are things that sometimes seem to contradict each other. As men, we sometimes don't listen or understand. God calls holy men as prophets, but even they are subject to the weaknesses of mortality. They do their best and seek to better understand God. God has promised that he will not let them lead us astray, but he does not promise that they will tell us everything or even that they will be told everything all at once.

While we should listen to the prophets and heed their counsel, we should not abdicate our responsibility to seek communication with God. The prophet is not there to be our go-between, that is Christ's role and we should seek truth from God through Christ under the direction of his prophets.

Sometimes, people will attribute things to the unchanging laws of God that really aren't a part of them. They will say that something cannot be changed because it is God's law, but in reality it is not. It is simply our finite, mortal, flawed human understanding of the eternities. A good example is the changes in the temple ceremonies. They teach eternal principles and have eternal consequences, but the exact practice of them is being tweaked on a fairly regular basis. In many ways the mechanics are changed to make it more accessible to more people while the principles taught remain unchanged.

The biggest problem is that man is not constant. We change our minds and wills throughout our entire life. We are learning and growing. We do not have the wisdom and eternities of experience, in our mortal state, that God does. Though we lived before we were here and we will live again after death, we started this mortal experience with almost nothing. We are learning from scratch here. We cannot hope to obtain the Godlike wisdom and perfection in the mere 80 or so years we live here. Thus, we are in need of constant direction.

That direction changes to our needs. It guides us to help us live the eternal principles and even to help us learn what those principles are. Our limited ability to perceive the will of God makes life a circuitous path rather than a straight one. God has allowed us to live the eternal principle of agency, that means he has to deal with that choice. So we won't be perfect. God knows this and has planned for it already. We should not despair, rather celebrate that we have the chance to learn by our experience, even if God has to change his instructions to meet our needs once in a while.

Did they really fall away?

2010-12-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Who has fallen away? What does it really mean to fall away? Are those that are struggling really falling away?

I have had struggles in my day with the gospel. I have had my doubts from time to time. However, those times of struggle became a strength to me. It is where I learned to hold to my testimony. It is where I learned to become a better person and treat others with more respect.

Perhaps we should stop looking at people that "fall away" from the church with such pity. They are just hear learning the lessons of life. I think that God knows exactly where he placed them and what they are experiencing. He has not given up, he is teaching them.

Through all of the dark times of my life, I have never felt truly alone. I have always felt guided as though I had something to learn. It was hard at times. Now when situations come up, instead of despairing at my lack of faith, I look for the lesson and I find the light again.

Civility

2010-12-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

While going through several of my draft blog posts, I found this one that I wrote shortly after the last General Conference. I thought it was time to share it.

I wasn't going to do it! I was going to stay out of the fray and let other battle out their very deeply held convictions and feelings about a certain talk at General Conference. I have resisted. I have ignored Facebook group requests and postings by friends on both sides of the issue. But, I can't any longer. I am tired of the lack of civility in discussing anything.

Elder Boyd K. Packer's latest General Conference Address (text link coming soon) has caused quite the stir. I'm not going to comment upon my opinions about it other than saying I was not offended by it and found it a well prepared, well thought out civil discourse. There was nothing hateful, mean, spiteful or said as a personal attack. While all may not share his opinion (Even I don't subscribe to everything he said), he did not present them in a way that degraded people.

Why then do we have to debase ourselves in uncivilized discussions? Why do we resort to ad hominem attacks at each other. I'm not complaining about just those that oppose what he said, but those that are in support as well. Why can we not accept that when someone thinks differently than us, they are not necessarily stating that we are bad and evil?

Civil discussion is the only way that we will begin to bridge the gaps, heal the wounds and move forward.

Good Rebellion

2010-12-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Can those that rebel against the church be doing it a favor? Yes! Let me clarify that I speak of the body of the church, the men and women that make up its general membership and not the core doctrines and ordinances or even the organization as a whole. Many people find some way of expressing that the LDS Church's core doctrines are true but sometimes the people aren't. Meaning that we should accept what the church teaches and not necessarily the way the lay membership behaves and acts. However, the beliefs and actions of the lay membership are as much a part of the fabric of the church as the core doctrines. It is a cop out and excuse to think that ones actions as a member of the church do not directly reflect upon the good name of that church for better or for worse.

My mother had a friend who brought a visiting family member to our home. The family member saw inside the refrigerator when my mother opened it to get something out. As my mother was closing it, this lady ran over opened the door and looked inside. She exclaimed, "You are the first Mormon I've seen that did have beer in your fridge." As looking in people's refrigerators is not a common practice and she did live in Utah, she probably had met many that didn't have beer in their refrigerators. Though the ones close to her that she spent time with did. Even though it was a small group compared to the whole church, it significantly shaped her view of Mormons as a whole because she knew that we aren't supposed to drink.

The Lord found it important enough that the church share the same beliefs that he spent a great deal of time speaking to the people in 3 Nephi about their doctrine.

3 Nephi 18:34 And I give you these commandments because of the disputations which have been among you. And blessed are ye if ye have no disputations among you.

3 Nephi 11:35 - 36 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

Christ wishes us to be one of heart, mind and soul. That we may embrace and share his doctrine. People sharing common beliefs is a major tenant of the gospel and is one of the many reasons for correlation. While in the bloggernacle and DAMU, correlation is often used as a dirty word, it is an attempt by weak, mortal men to unify the doctrine of the church. To seek to obey the commandment of God to have no disputations among us.

The other point that must be established is that we learn "line upon line and precept upon precept." Things that are clear to some, may not yet be clear to others. We learn piece by piece growing in faith and doctrine. This causes some discordance between members as some have different understandings than others. We must accept that no one person has all the answers, including the church leadership. Even the prophets and apostles have to inquire from the Lord from time to time his will concerning matters and points of doctrine. It will take an eternity for us to gain the knowledge and understanding we must have to become like God.

So where does rebellion fit in? I'm not talking about out and out apostasy, where someone rejects God and actively works against the church. I'm talking about those, especially in the younger generation, that stand up for what they believe. They state that some of the old, antiquated ideas that are often bandied about in the church are false or incorrect and we should seek a more correct way of living or acting. There are many leaders, especially on the local level, that rule their dominion and try to force obedience through silly rules or practices that are not part of the core doctrines of the church. Thank goodness for those that stand up and rebel against those practices. That is why we fought the War in Heaven, we stood up for our freedom to worship and learn.

I have noticed a definite shift in the thinking of the church and its membership in recent years. There are more of those that are not willing to just sit there and take it, but want to stand up for the truth and right. I see the transparency opening up in the leadership with the publishing of the new Church Handbook of Instructions. They listened to the cry for more openness and a better understanding of the workings of the church.

You may not think that one voice can change a decades old incorrect practice, but when that one voice joins with the other voices in courage and strength it can create a big change. Remember the Lord works through small and simple things. Your small and simple voice can help the Lord work His purposes. We must constantly be seeking for Zion and the truth. We have not made it yet and so changes must be made. Even the church as a whole must grow and develop as an organization as much as its individual members. Though some of our beliefs differ, we are a group of Saints seeking the Lord and we should continue to seek to be one in him. If not for the voices that stand up and "rebel" against wrong ideas that seem to creep into the hearts of some, we would not continue to move forward.

Happiness

2010-12-08T09:19:00.002-07:00

Much has transpired over the last few years of my life and even the last day or two that has caused me to realize that I am happy. I once wasn't happy, but now I am. It's not that life's challenges have gone away and life has become more simple. In fact, just the opposite. Between Bubs and Slou (who are wonderful), bills, a career, a business, a church calling, a church assignment and so forth, life has become more hectic and busied. One would think that my level of happiness would have diminished because I didn't have as much time for myself. What I realized is just the opposite, I'm boring and would rather spend time with others.

One major misconception with happiness is that people think external sources will make them happy. It could be toys, money or even other people. They think they will be happy when such and such happens or when this problem goes away. The awful truth is that happiness starts with you. You must want to be happy. Let me say that again, you must truly want to be happy. If you have some reason for remaining unhappy, then you will never be happy. Second, you must change the attitudes that cause your unhappiness.

Another major misconception is that being happy somehow shields you from the atrocities of life or that those that are happy don't have any problems. Again, not true. A happy person still has sadness, hurt, anger and heartache. They just have learned to deal with them in healthy ways so they don't become what life is about. Happiness is not a moment to moment emotion, but rather a general state of being.

Though bordering on trite, the old glass half empty/half full euphemism is quite accurate. Those that are happy tend to find the positive purposes in every situation. From a Gospel perspective, they see the light in the darkness and find the lessons in trials. Everything in life is a lesson to help them learn and grow. They enjoy the knowledge and lessons they receive.

It is not an exhaustive list, but here are a few key points that will help you find happiness:

1. You grow into happiness, not just find it somewhere. It is a process of changing your thoughts and ideas so that they breed contentment instead of contention.

2. You must accept yourself as you are not what you want to be. That doesn't mean you won't work on becoming better or that there are things about yourself that you don't like. It means that rather than agonizing over your weaknesses you accept that you have them and accept that as you work on them you will become more like the person you want to be.

3. You must be selfless. The key to ultimate happiness is looking beyond yourself. Having a purpose beyond your own happiness. That is why you grow into happiness. If you are too focused on fixing 'you' or making 'you' happy, then you miss the point. It is more that you focus outside of yourself and then down the road you realize that you have become happy.

4. Have a plan and a purpose. Set goals for your life and in all areas of your life. Know what you are going to do each day.

5. Lastly, have fun! Really, find time to have fun and spend time having fun with others.

Where the Wild Things Are

2010-03-13T08:53:00.002-07:00

I just finish watching Where the Wild Things Are. Wow, what an amazing movie. It's not a kids movie, rather a movie about a kid. Reminding us parents what it was like. We get so caught up in what we think is important. We may even do those things for the right reasons, but we should always stop and think. Sometimes they just need us as we needed our own parents.

I think kids will enjoy it and see a bit of themselves, but the power in this movie is what it had to say to their parents. I saw some backlash when this movie came out. Parents complained it wasn't a kids movie. They threw fits all over the blogosphere and movie reviews. Really, they were just like kids that didn't get their way. They wanted someone to entertain their kids for them and were disappointed when it wasn't the way they wanted. They threw a fit.

Aren't we all just kids sometimes, though. We really just want to be loved, and there really isn't anymore that we need….

Notecards Anyone?

2010-02-09T11:11:00.006-07:00

I've always wanted to have an excuse to put Sarah Palin on my blog. I finally found a story to rant about. If you look closely at the picture above, you'll see she has notes on her hand.

She's been taking a little bit of heat for this. I mean, note cards may have been the better way to go, but at least she doesn't have to be fed every word. I mean, who needs more than a few note cards every time they speak. Oh wait.........

And this was for Elementary School children. Now where's failblog when I need them.

The Book of Macaronai

2010-02-09T10:38:00.002-07:00

So Bubs is starting to learn the major characters from the Book of Mormon through the use of action figures. Nephi sits on his bed, but he also has Samuel the Lamanite, Captain Moroni and Abinadi. Now I am not the one who bought these for him, and I really haven't been in favor of them, but I find that it is a great way to teach your 3 year old about the scriptures. So I repented.

Last night we were getting ready for bed and Asher was telling me about his two (2) Jesus pictures. He gets scared at night, so we gave him a Jesus picture and told him that Jesus would keep him safe. It has been working, except that he wanted another one.

He was telling me about Nephi and how he didn't have a "pokey" like Captain Moroni. (Yes, he can actually say the names) Captain Moroni carries a flag, the Title of Liberty. Then he says, "There's Jesus, Jesus (pointing to both pictures) and Macaronai (Mac-a-rown-eye - say it out loud). I couldn't stop laughing. Neither could he as he sat there proud of his little joke. So the next time you read, make sure you find the new prophet. He's there somewhere.

Great Marketing

2010-02-08T08:26:00.001-07:00

So I was sucked in. A few days ago I commented on a rather "divisive" Super Bowl Ad. As I was sitting there watching the Super Bowl, I saw it and thought, "That was it!?!?" Wow, what great marketing. You create a stir about nothing. Then you go to the website and get the rest of this amazing story. What a role model.

I have to be happy that there are people out there like this that preach the gospel of Christ.

Random Monday Stuff

2010-02-01T09:05:00.002-07:00

I think I may have figured out how to get everything formatted correctly for the blog when posting by email. At least well enough that I don't have to go back in and fix it later. So we'll see how this posts.

SLou and I had a very late night discussion about the Bible and the convoluted way its put together. I actually think those that compiled it did a pretty good job considering that the nation of Israel was conquered and their cities destroyed so many times. It is a wonder that any of the writings survived. I also have had a much better time sifting through all the information included in the bible. Not to say that some of what's there is not important, but some is not as relevant to us as the other. The genealogy in Genesis really is not that important to the story and what's being taught. The long repetitive laws concerning Mosaic Temple worship and how to sacrifice stuff is also not as important, though can be interesting if you're in the right mood. If you can manage to sift through that, then the story and history of the nation of Israel is really quite compelling.

I think we get a bit spoiled as Mormons with the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants. The BOM is really concise and well put together in comparison. It was compiled by Mormon and then translated. The D&C on the other hand really isn't a history, but instructions for setting up the restored church. It's actually more like the five books of Moses from the Old Testament. However, the Bible was put together much by committee with translated and re-translated texts, as well as texts that were passed down orally before they were written. In spite of all this, we have managed to have a book that still teaches truth.

The Old Testament should be particularly important to LDS people. We are peculiar in the fact that we are a Christian denomination that practices regular temple worship. The basis for temple worship is found in the Old Testament. While our actually practices differ greatly, the purpose of temple worship and ideas being taught are actually similar. That is probably the most significant thing I have learned this month as I listen to the Old Testament. I know, I'll get to reading it soon.

As an aside to the religious discussion, while today I can technically have a Coke as I am free from my self-imposed resolutions. I find it strange that I don't really want one. Rather I find myself enjoying grapefruit juice, water with lemon and apple slices with light spreadable Swiss cheese. This is definitely surreal.

I'm in trouble now.

2010-01-29T08:45:00.002-07:00

You'll have to forgive the formatting issues I've been having lately. I've been posting by email, and it hasn't really been working very well. All my email accounts impose their own formatting. Only Hotmail will follow the blog formatting, but it adds the stupid add banners to the bottom of each post. So I can't win, but I keep posting by email because it's easier and I keep hoping that I will eventually figure out how to make it work. We'll see what happens.

So as I said in the title, I'm in trouble now. SLou has been telling me about my pizza cooking 3 year old, but I hadn't seen it in action. He told me last night that he was really hungry and wanted pizza. (Which is his new obsession, and not even the good kind. He like the Totino's Party Pizzas.) I told him to wait and I would make one for him as soon as I was done teaching one student. (30 min.) Well, evidently it was an excruciatingly long time for a almost 3 year old to wait. About 15 minutes later, I heard the oven door close.

Bolting up the stairs, I ran into the kitchen to find a frozen pizza placed directly on the rack in the center of the oven just like it was supposed to be. Thankfully, he hadn't climbed up to turn the oven on yet. He at least knows not to climb on the oven door. However, he was supposed to be watching "Over the Hedge". Instead he grabs a chair, pulls a frozen pizza out of the freezer. Removes it from its box and plastic wrap and places it in the oven. I was nice and started the oven for him and told him to stay out of the kitchen while I finished up with my student.

When did my little boy become so independent? Not just independent, but he doesn't worry about whether he is capable of doing things. He just goes for it and most of the time accomplishes what he sets out to do as well as any child could. Yet, he still asks for help when he needs it. While this scares the &#$@! out of me sometimes, I don't want to squash this independent spirit out of him because he will need it. It took me almost 3 decades to find mine again and I want him to never lose it.

Tim Tebow - Right to Life

2010-01-28T12:56:00.003-07:00

In the spirit of the Super Bowl, were going to talk about this person, Tim Tebow:

He and his mother will be the stars of a very controversial TV add during the Super Bowl. Now I know that I am a little late getting on the bandwagon here, as this will come as no surprise to most people out there. It's been in the works for months. However, it was just approved by CBS to run so it hit the news again. He will star in an add advocating anti-abortion and pro-life stances. Though the actual add has not been revealed, it is thought that his mother will share the story of his birth and her decision not to abort. It has been described as not being overtly political and simply a heart-warming story of over-coming the odd. However, anything that attacks the pro-choice agenda tends to be the 600 lbs. gorilla in the room even if it only touches on the subject. I have read quite a bit of the criticism, that a budding public figure shouldn't take such controversial stances on thing. However, this stand is becoming more and more accepted.

Personally, I wish him good luck. It is good to see someone standing for something in this world. There is so much pressure to live and let live. Declaring that you have standards and a belief that standards are good and necessary only infuriates those that don't. I personally think the hatred generated is more from guilt that many feel about their stand to not have such high standards. They feel threatened that they will not have the "freedom" to make bad choices. I'm not sure this is their conscious thought, but rather that voice inside of them telling them they are transgressing the laws of God. People are spiritually the offspring of God, it makes sense that part of them would want to speak out about bad choices. However, I think it is more sad that they choose not to listen to that voice.

Just for good measure, here is one more picture. Tim has become known for his eye black scripture verses. This one is particularly appropriate not just to this post but to the theme of my blog posts lately.
For those that can't read it or don't want to go look it up - Ephesians 2: 8-10 -For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

In All Things

2010-01-28T11:16:00.002-07:00

I was reading a post over at By Common Consent titled A Confession. I was both moved and disturbed by this post. Moved because it expressed a genuine question and interest in why some experiences that are intensly spiritual for some and not for others. Specifically it was about temple worship that we are told by many that we should be deeply moved by. I was disturbed because of what it meant. In the church there is often peer pressure to act and feel a certain way. If you don't see the temple, testimony meeting, relief society centerpieces or any other number of things the same way the mormon cultural norm does, you are somehow not as holy. So we all conjour the tears or say the right things, but inside we know its all for show.

I have to applaud the post at BCC, because someone finally spoke out and said essentially, "I don't necessarily find this importan thing all that spiritual." Quite frankly there is nothing wrong with this. Alma said, all things denote there is a God. In reality, we are all different. God has so many ways of speaking to each of us. We should not ignore something that helps us spiritually just because it doesn't fit the cultural norm.

I personally have found great spiritual lessons in things that have nothing to do with the church itself. In the end, it is all about our relationship directly with God. It matters not where we find Him, simply that we find him. So the next time the Relief Society center piece doesn't move you to tears, either because of its great spirituality or absurdity, don't worry there are plenty of other things that can bring you closer to God.

Purpose of Existence

2010-01-26T10:22:00.006-07:00

I was reading through my blog list yesterday and saw an interesting entry from Dr. Laura about continuously challenging ourselves. The basic idea is that we should always be working toward something because it gives us purpose to life. She was going to take up Bocce Ball because someone had given her a set and it was a new challenge. This brought me back to my thoughts yesterday. Our purpose in life is simply to work on improving ourselves. Having weaknesses to overcome gives us a purpose and something to work for. God knew this. He gave us our weaknesses as gifts not only to help us have faith in him and his power to help us overcome, but to give us something to work for. We must never lose hope in life when facing trials or our own weaknesses, they are simply our chances to learn more.

However, how does this philosophy extend to the eternities? Brigham Young once said, " We are in the school and keep learning, and we do not expect to cease learning while we live on earth; and when we pass through the veil, we expect still to continue to learn and increase our fund of information. That may appear a strange idea to some; but it is for the plain and simple reason
that we are not capacitated to receive all knowledge at once. We must therefore receive a little here and a little there (DBY, 91)." In other words, we will never cease learning.

In the Christian world, we tend to have very different ideas about the nature of God than other religions and even other cultures throughout history. The idea of a perfect, unchangeable, omnipotent God that is the same yesterday, today and forever is something that is rather unique to Christendom. Not to say that God is somehow unreliable or fickle in anyway. For he orders the chaos and provides the stability to hold is creations in order. But if constant self-challenge and growth is a principle of eternal happiness, which I believe it is, how does a perfect unchangeable God achieve this? Why even ask the question? Some would consider it blasphemous.

It is not blasphemous, but rather a question to understand ourselves. For we were created in God's image. Growing to understand God is also growing to understand ourselves and our true potential. While not the usual Christian way of understanding God, challenging and questioning the Almighty is something that is found in several cultures. One of my favorite examples is the test from Leonard Bernstein's Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish". Strangely it questions this same subject. Here are some excerpts from the narration of Kaddish:

O, my Father: ancient, hallowed

Lonely, disappointed Father:

Betrayed and rejected Ruler of the Universe:

Angry, wrinkled Old Majesty:

I want to pray.

I want to say Kaddish.

My own Kaddish. There may be

No one to say it after me.

Are you listening, Father? You know who I am:

Your image; that stubborn reflection of You

That Man has shattered, extinguished, banished.

And now he runs free-free to play

With his new-found fire, avid for death,

Voluptuous, complete and final death.

Lord God of Hosts, I call You to account!

You let this happen, Lord of Hosts! .

Tin God! Your bargain is tin!

It crumples in my hand!

And where is faith now-Yours or mine?

O my Father; Lord of Light;

Beloved Majesty: my Image, my Self!

We are one, after all, you and I;

Together we suffer, together exist,

And forever will recreate each other.

Some find it outrageously offensive that someone could question God and blame him for the fall of man and man's nature to run amok. Those that do miss the point of these beautiful passages. Faith is an eternal principle, God must have faith. God created us, but also created us to continue to challenge ourselves and improve ourselves. The answer lies in the final lines, "We are one, after all, you and I; Together we suffer, together exist and forever will recreate each other." As much as God is responsible for our progression and existence, we are what give purpose to His existence. Helping us to grow and realize our true potential is His work and His Glory (Moses 1:39) and that which he wakes up every day to do. Should our purpose be likewise, to lift another and help each other grow? I think so.

Perfection

2010-01-25T16:13:00.002-07:00

More and more I realize that we place way too much emphasis on being perfect. We look at our sins and weaknesses as terrible plagues that we have to overcome before we can even commune with God or partake of His goodness. This idea directly contradicts the scriptures. In Ether 12:27 we learn that God gave man his weakness. Why did he give them to us? So he could show his power in making them strengths. Our weaknesses and tendencies toward sin are not Satanic inventions, but rather "Gifts" from God. We are supposed to have them and supposed to deal with them because he gave them to us.

Our weaknesses can be one of the greatest assets we have in drawing near to God. They teach us to be humble and to depend upon the Lord for strength. We still learn the consequences of doing that which is against God's will. This is where, just like Adam and Eve, we learn the difference between good and evil by our own experience. God does not shield us from the consequence of our sins because we would not learn from them. However, he is there to help us overcome them and to learn from them.

One of the most damaging ideas is that we cannot come to God in our weaknesses. When the scriptures state that man cannot be saved in our sins, they are correct. However, many people miss the point of how we are to overcome those sins. It is through the atonement that those sins are expunged through the grace of Jesus Christ. Though we still have weaknesses and problems, we can still be saved through Christ. His perfection can compensate for our own. All he asks is a "broken heart and contrite spirit." Or simply that we recognize our weaknesses and sins and seek his guidance in overcoming them. Once you realize that he does not expect you to overcome your sins on your own and then come to him but rather come as you are, then you find the true Joy in the Gospel.

I think the absolute most damaging part of the selfish quest for perfection first is that it detracts from our real purpose here. We are here to become more Christ like and to learn and acquire the attributes that Christ displays. We are here to do his work. When we become overly obsessed with our own perfection, we start to focus on ourselves instead of others. The greatest commandment is to love God, but the second is not to be perfect. It is to love our neighbor. If we would focus more on serving those around us and learn to accept that Christ will have you as you are, we would find ourselves being more Christ like and our desire to do evil would diminish. Before we know it, our weaknesses would be strengths.

Resolution Update / Goals

2010-01-21T11:39:00.002-07:00

Well, I have actually been pretty good on some of my resolutions and not others. I'm not sure if they really are resolutions, or just goals of things I want to accomplish. I usually see a resolution as a lifestyle change. In that way, it could also be a goal. But a goal, in my mind, has a broader definition. It is something I want to accomplish. Such as not drinking pop for a month. That is not really a long term lifestyle change. Which I have been doing very well at. However, I think at 12:01 am on February 1, 2010, I will be sipping (probably guzzling) an ice cold partially frozen coke.

Let's not even talk about the gym. I've been once this year. This is probably more of a resolution. I am trying to set up a life style of frequent exercise. Don't worry. I'm not one of those that gives up after a week or two or three of failure. It just might take a little longer to get into the swing of getting up that early and just going. I love it when I go because I feel so much better.

I was very proud that I finally put together a household budget. Now, I just have to learn how to stick to it. I didn't budget quite enough money for food. We like to eat well. I'll have to make an adjustment for that next month. However, we will definitely be cutting down on the eating out.

My scripture reading has been going very poorly, however, my scripture listening has gone very well. I have only missed one work day and am already to the book of Judges. I am learning why many people avoid the Old Testament. There's a lot of stuff that really is not very important in there, but that is a subject for another post.

I may not be off to a 100% start, but it's better than most years and I am working on the other things. It's just a lot of things to start doing in one month. I think the soda pop thing is going to be an every other month thing with limited use during the other months. I'll cut back, but there is nothing quite as refreshing as a coke.

This is a test!

2010-01-21T06:54:00.002-07:00

This is a test of my new email posting system. I just wanted to see if it really worked to post to this blog by email.

Genesis through Exodus

2010-01-06T19:27:00.002-07:00

At the moment I am being very good about listening to the Old Testament. I made it through Genesis, Exodus and part of Leviticus. Genesis is an amazing book of scripture. Once you get past all of the begats, the stories told there are really a staple of religious teaching. I particularly love the story of Joseph. It is really inspiring.

Now Exodus is another matter. It's pretty good with the plagues and such as the Israelites are trying to leave Egypt. However, once you get to Chapter 21 and beyond, it's a bit boring. The movie (The Ten Commandments) made it look a whole lot more interesting and quick. You think Moses just went to get the tablets with the 10 Commandments. No, he got a whole lot more information. It wasn't just the Lord cutting out the tablets and then Moses walking down the mountain with them. The commandments are given in Chapter 20 and Moses doesn't get them until Chapter 31. You ask what is in chapters 21 to 31? An explanation of the commandments and a detailed description of the tabernacle and the offering made there.

The offering and descriptions of how to diagnose Leprosy start out Leviticus. Not real good listening. It makes me wonder how I am going to make it through Numbers.

Resolutions

2010-01-06T19:25:00.001-07:00

I guess I could have easily included this with the last post titled Genesis. Genesis is the beginning and as we start the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions to improve themselves. They really are related. However, this is the first year that I am making formal resolutions that I feel like actually writing down.

1. Finish the Old Testament (see the previous post)

2. Create a budget

3. Actually stick to said budget

4. Workout at least 4 days during the week for at least 30 minutes (hey I bought that gym pass, I might as well use it.)

5. Don't drink pop for a month. (Why not a year? Because I'm addicted. I figure sometime during the year I can manage to go at least one month without pop. I have already been informed by SLou that she will not be joining me in this effort.)

6. Stop using so many parenthetical phrases (I'll start that in a later blog post as I am a terrible procrastinator.)

I know at least on of those is going to fail(don't you think?) before the end of the year.

Genesis

2010-01-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I started reading the Old Testament. Something I have never done before. Sure, I've read parts of it, but never cover to cover. It's rather long, archaic and did I mention long, yes and long. I also have it on my iPod, but have never ventured into listening to it. So today, I started listening to it as well.

I finally had an epiphany about the old testament. So much of it is symbolic. Especially the books of Moses. We get stuck in the literal too easily. While it is tempting to discuss the meaning of some of the minutia like "What does it mean that Peleg existed in the day the Earth was divided?" or "There were giants in the Earth" (I could go on, but will resist.) All of these little point that we seem to debate as though they are an actual history, really don't have much to do with the lessons being taught. They may very well be actual history, however, the point of the bible is to teach people to come unto Christ and not necessarily to record the history of the Earth. While the events of Genesis may or may not be how history actually happened, they are allegories meant to teach us. Once I started to listen/read from this perspective, I found it much less confusing. I also find myself asking "What?!?!?!?!" (see the post on interrobangs) a whole lot less often.

Part of my desire is to blog about my experience of reading the old testament. Though, as we know from past experience, I am not that great at consistently blogging. But, I will try to put into words something I learned each day. I think it will help keep me focused. If anyone is reading out there, you should try it with me. It could be fun.

Book Review - Longshot, by Lance Allred

2009-11-11T09:31:00.003-07:00

I'm not usually one to sit around reading books all day long. Not that I don't like to read, but I'm usually very busy. Unless a book is interesting, reading will put me to sleep. I must admit that I fell asleep once while reading this book, but not because it was boring. I was so engrossed with Lance's story that I stayed up way too late and couldn't put it down.

It is a story of triumph, tragedy, happiness, pain. Never before have I really understood what it takes to be a professional sportsman, but even more what it takes to overcome the obstacles life has put in front of you. I have truly been inspired.

I was most impressed with his honesty. He holds nothing back. He doesn't whitewash the truth or attempt to paint his own weaknesses as something else. He writes as though he isn't ashamed to tell any part of his story. Because it is all aspects of our lives that make up who we are.

I Sit and Look Out

2009-11-08T10:34:00.001-07:00

I watch the news of the last several weeks and can only find anothers words to express my thoughts.

I Sit And Look Out

I sit and look out upon all the sorrows of the world, and upon all oppression and shame;

I hear secret convulsive sobs from young men, at anguish with themselves, remorseful after deeds done;

I see, in low life, the mother misused by her children, dying, neglected, gaunt, desperate;

I see the wife misused by her husband—I see the treacherous seducer of young women;

I mark the ranklings of jealousy and unrequited love, attempted to be hid—I see these sights on the earth;

I see the workings of battle, pestilence, tyranny—I see martyrs and prisoners;

I observe a famine at sea—I observe the sailors casting lots who shall be kill’d, to preserve the lives of the rest;

I observe the slights and degradations cast by arrogant persons upon laborers, the poor, and upon negroes, and the like;

All these—All the meanness and agony without end, I sitting, look out upon,
See, hear, and am silent.

Walt Whitman (1819–1892). Leaves of Grass. 1900.

Lucid

2009-11-07T09:36:00.003-07:00

I've retitled and started over this blog post for a week and a half. I start writing about something and it just doesn't pan out. I guess that's because I have been so busy with things that I haven't had enough time to ponder. I take that back, I have been pondering things. A lot of things, just none of them very in depth. I have opinions about the new healthcare legislation and want to rant about it, but I'm actually growing tired of the debate. It has grown into a political debachle that both side should be ashamed of. The only ones suffering are the American People. I am however, proud of my Congressman for realizing this and deciding to vote against it. But that is about as far as my thoughts go on the matter, I'm wearied by it.

I then think about church and religion. I am grateful that both are taking a more meaningful place in my life. Not that they have every really been very far away or that I have been uninvolved with either, simply that I find more peace and solace there in new and deeper ways than I did before. It seems lately that's all I want to write about, but I don't want people to view me as preachy and obsessed with reiligion. It is part of who I am, but not in the wear it on my sleave kind of way. I want my religion to affect my actions and make me a better person. It shouldn't be a front we put up for others.

I then think of family. I have been truly, truly blessed with a wonderful wife and little boy. They bring more joy to me than anything else in this world. I have so many stories I want to share about Bubs and the things he does. Like this morning when Bubs spilled the popcorn on Slou's nicely cleaned up floor. He helped to pick it up and then wanted to vacuum it up as well. I got it on video. If he had been dressed, I would have posted it online. (I don't want half-naked pictures of my son online. There are too many creeps out there.)

Writing is laborious for me. I have to form the words before I can write them. I have to follow the ideas through from word to word, sentence to sentence. If I don't, I tend to go on tangents and start writing train of thought. This can be fun sometimes, but it isn't always very good writing. However, it sometimes provides enough lucidity to spawn the ideas I need.

Halloween

2009-10-30T21:59:00.003-06:00

This has been the first Halloween that I have really gotten into in a very long time. I used to love Halloween and most of the time went as a mad scientist. Dad would borrow test tubes and lab coats from work. We would fill them up with food colored water and laugh madly. It was great!!

Since I was never a party person, I stopped dressing up after I couldn't trick or treat. Last year I made half an effort with my lab coat and some scrubs. (Yes, I own my very own lab coat that has my name, Dr. Dave, emblazoned in red above the pocket. But that's a whole other story.) Last year Bubs was almost 2 and he discovered candy. He had 3 suckers in his mouth at one time. That ignited my inner demon. So this year I went all out and made my own costume. Well, I made the cloak anyway. Put that together with the awesome black retro tux shirt, fangs, make-up, blood (lots of blood pouring down my mouth) and the red medallion, I became a vampire. Don't worry, I will post pictures of the award-winning costume. Yes, 25 hours of sewing and $100 later, I won the costume contest at work. It was the very first time I won a costume contest. I got a whole $10 gift card to Subway, that along with the admiration of my co-workers.

So you ask, why do I have to wait for pictures? Because every camera I own is currently broken and couldn't be repaired in time for Halloween. But, don't worry, I'm too proud of this costume to not post pictures. So here's a taste of what's to come:

I Need Daddy

2009-10-19T09:02:00.003-06:00

"Please mom, Please! I need daddy to cuddle me" This is what Bubs woke up in the middle of the night saying. He was scared and was having bad dreams. When you were young, there was just something about being held in Daddy's arms. Not that Mommies aren't special, but their hugs are different. They are warmth, love, security and cuddles. But Daddy's hugs are strength, safety and comfort. When we're scared, Daddy's arms keep us safe from the monsters in the closet and help us deal with the monsters in life.

Then we grow up. We become the Mommies and Daddies. Life gets harder and more challenging. The problems more significant and deep. Suddenly, you aren't the one asking to be held and protected. You are the one being asked. Someone actually needs you for strength and security. Where do you find it to give to them? Life is demanding all the strength you have, just to hold together and now someone needs it from you. Not just once, but everyday. They need to see you being strong so they know they can face the challenges of life too.

Yet, the strength is there. It is within us. We underestimate the strength we have. The resiliency. The testing and trying we experience is to bring out that strength. I spent Sunday watching the great movie classic The Ten Commandments. Though not necessarily historically accurate, it is uplifting the way it shows Moses being prepared to lead the people. As he is banished to die in the desert by Ramses, voice over says the following:

"Into the blistering wilderness of Shur, the man who walked with kings now walks alone. Torn from the pinnacle of royal power, stripped of all rank and earthly wealth, a forsaken man without a country, without a hope, his soul in turmoil like the hot winds and raging sands that lash him with the fury of a taskmaster's whip. He is driven forward, always forward, by a god unknown, toward a land unseen... into the molten wilderness of sin, where granite sentinels stand as towers of living death to bar his way. Each night brings the black embrace of loneliness. In the mocking whisper of the wind, he hears the echoing voices of the dark... Moses! Moses! Moses! Moses! Moses! Moses!

His tortured mind wondering if they call the memory of past triumphs or wail foreboding of disasters yet to come or whether the desert's hot breath has melted his reason into madness. He cannot cool the burning kiss of thirst upon his lips nor shade the scorching fury of the sun. All about is desolation. He can neither bless nor curse the power that moves him, for he does not know from where it comes. Learning that it can be more terrible to live than to die, he is driven onward through the burning crucible of desert, where holy men and prophets are cleansed and purged for god's great purpose, until at last, at the end of human strength, beaten into the dust from which he came, the metal is ready for the maker's hand."

When we need strength we must remember that, "It is in giving that we receive." Our strength will come by giving strength to others. One day we will look back across the desert of affliction, we will realize just how far we have come by the hand of God, our eternal Father who gives us the strength we need.

Religious - Symbology - Part 3

2009-10-14T20:42:00.001-06:00

Temple worship has often been called and is certainly thought of in the church today as the highest form of worship. Everything about the temple is there to point the way back to God. Every act, the building itself, the process of preparing to go to the temple and most importantly the work that goes on there is meant to teach us.

Judeo-christian Religious rites over the years have focused on basically one thing. The need for a Saviour and his mission on earth. From the sacrifices made in ancient times that represented the sacrifice which the savior would make, to the last supper which represented the sacrifice made. The temple is no different.

We must prepare ourselves to enter by living certain standards. Many have found this unfair, but in a very real way it is part of the symbolism meant to teach us. We must prepare to meet God, so before we symbolically go to seek Him in the temple we to must prepare ourselves. We obtain a recommend to go. This again gives us a chance to give an accounting of our deeds and in a way is symbolic of the final judgement before entering the kingdom of God.

Then we enter the temple. Every aspect of the building itself is to lift us higher and make us feel as though we have entered a place apart from the world. They are lit as a light to the world. The ceremonies are symbolic re-enactments of our journey through this world and back into God's presence. We are symbolically clothed in power and taught, symbolizing how in life we seek wisdom and knowledge from God.

What makes temple work the most sublime of all work is that the work is service. We help those that cannot help themselves as the Saviour helps us. Not that we do the work of the Saviour, but just as those beyond the veil cannot do this work for themselves, neither can we bridge the gap between sin and death and make it back to God without a Saviour. By doing this work, we are not only doing the Lord's work, but we are reminded that we must have a Saviour.

Thus, the work we do in the temple today, is symbolic of our need for a Saviour and our journey back to God. Though the acts may have changed from ancient times, the message is still the same. The symbolism of the temple should help us draw closer to God. We must learn to see beyond the mechanics and into the principles they represent.

Daily Grind - Exercise

2009-10-13T15:21:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we bought a gym membership for our entire family at the County Rec Center. Today I had my first 5:30am workout. It was somewhat Slou's idea for me to workout before work. I have been reluctant to get a membership because I am usually so busy that I can't ever figure out when to work out. I tried doing it at home and even have a bit of equipment. I didn't do too bad last summer. I worked out for 3 weeks. We will see how long I can make this last.

I actually see pretty fast and consistent results when I start to exercise, so motivation is not a factor. It really is about time. I can't exercise between work and students because I don't have time to shower before I teach. By the time I'm done teaching, I am either too tired or it is too late. If I workout too late, I can't sleep. So I have decided to try and go before work.

I hear people say how much more energy they have when they get to work. This morning, it was the strangest feeling. I had energy but at the same time I was tired. I still can't figure that out. Now I just have to work on getting more sleep.

I want to blog

2009-10-12T11:51:00.007-06:00

To that any normal person would say, "Well, you already are!?" Yes, I know, but I have absolutely nothing to talk about today yet I feel like writing a blog post. I went on a religious blog posting kick and scheduled them to be posted over the next couple of days. I didn't want my readers (all one of you) to be too overloaded with religious stuff. So on to some very "train of thought" blogging. It could be scary.

I have decided that my most favorite punctuation mark is the "?!" or "!?", respectively called the interrobang or the banginterro, at least according to my dad. I have no idea if it is actually right. While I am guilty of over-using both (along with parenthesis), I have just taken my father's word on them for a significant number of years. Then again, he was also the one that once convinced me that Chopin was pronounced "Chop-In" instead of "Show-pan". It was only years later that I realized I had looked utterly stupid to my grade school teacher when I argued that fact in class. He never did apologize for that mis-truth. He though he was funny and really never did any harm.

However, I always wonder about that day when my youngest brother was adamantly defending the fact that his ears did not have lobes. We would gang up on him and telling that "Oh my goodness, your ears have lobes!" To which he would reply very upset that, "My ears don't have lobes! Quit teasing me!" Did I mention he was blond. Still is most of the time. We were able to run that on for days until my mother finally had pity on her youngest child and told him what ear lobes were.

So I decided to look up exactly what an interrobang was and found a rather thorough definition here. It turns out my dad was mostly correct, except about the banginterro part, no such thing. (Again with the excruciating delayed embarrassment.) Here's a picture of an official interrobang, however most people just type it "?!" or "?!?!?!?!?!":

Now you know what to really put after "WTF!?" Which is exactly what I say every time I encounter these heretofore unknown half-truths I was fed as a child.

P.S. - For the record, my dad did teach me many correct things. Most of the time I just couldn't tell when he was really joking.

Religious - Symbology - Part 2

2009-10-12T10:16:00.000-06:00

The LDS temple is often one of the most misunderstood complex symbols of the LDS faith, by both believer and non-believer. Often non-believers will balk at the complex symbolism contained therein and find what goes on there strange. Believers will often take things more literally then they probably should be taken.

Temple service and ritual is nothing new. It is a representation of returning to the presence of God connecting with the unseen spiritual world to which we want to return. In truth the modern temple is no different. It is built palatial, representing the kingdom of God. Every aspect of temple worship and preparation to enter the temple and even the temple itself, symbolize our journey back to God. it is meant to teach and uplift, to be a place apart from the world and close to God.

This post nor future posts will deal with the specifics of what goes on there. It is meant only to demystify some of the symbolism. When you realize that everything connected with the temple is symbolic then it really doesn't feel so strange. The mechanics of the temple are most likely a more modern construct, designed to teach a people through ceremony and repetition. While based upon ancient principles, the ceremonies themselves were designed to teach the people in the early church in ways they could understand. It is much like the parables of Jesus. He taught the people through stories containing symbols in their everyday life.

Many connections have been drawn between the Masonic rights and the temple ceremony. While I am no expert on the subject, I have read enough to postulate a couple of ideas related to this. First, Masonry was widely practiced at the time. It is symbols that the early members of the church could understand and relate to. Second, it was widely believed, though later proven wrong, that the masonic rights were started at Solomons temple. Their origins cannot be traced back that far and they are thought to only be a few hundred years old rather than thousands. It makes perfect sense to me that they might form part of the framework for the modern temple ceremonies.

Some people, however, are rather uncomfortable with this idea that the modern temple ceremony has not always been around. Well, in truth, it probably has taken many forms over the millenia. The principles are eternal, and this is simply one very beautiful way to teach them. The third and final part of this series will deal with some of the principles and symbolism surrounding temple worship.

Daily Grind - fun words from Bubs

2009-10-10T10:50:00.002-06:00

As Bubs has learned to talk, he has come up with some great words that he didn't mean to say. He loves to ride his tricycle, but had a hard time saying "trike" It always seemed to come out like a swear word that started with "f" and rhymed with "truck". Please don't make me spell it out. Sadly, he is a chatterbox. So he liked to talk about is trike again and again, over and over. We even had to warn the babysitter that he was not swearing, but rather hadn't figured out how to form the word correctly yet.

This weekends newest one is "heleflocter". Well it just started out as "flocter" but then changed. He used to call anything that flied, a plane. We were getting gas at the Costco by the hospital and Lifeflight came in for a landing. So, we went over and saw the helicopter. I had to drive by it several times because he didn't want to stop looking at it. He was convinced that the heliflocter was broken and someone needed to fick it. I think SLou finally convinced him that it wasn't broken, just turned off. The up side is that now he knows the difference between a heleflocter and a plane.

Religious - Symbology - Part 1

2009-10-10T09:42:00.004-06:00

Religion is full of symbols. Most people realize this, but some don't realize to what extent. Even actual events or people and their acts can be symbolic. The stories of creation found throughout the world are a great example. First they symbolize our creation by a supreme being and second they usually contain elements about how we should live our life. Creation stories are found in almost every culture throughout the world.

The Christian world believes in the symbolism of Jesus Christ. As I said, symbols do not have to be made up and can be based on real events. Christ's role as an example, teacher, neighbor and most importantly a Savior are import teaching tools to bring us happiness. While Christians consider the events to be real, the real power is in their ability to teach us how to be better and to give us hope.

We come to Christ through Baptism, which is symbolic of burying our old sinful life and rising anew in Christ. This event is then celebrated through the Sacrament or Eucharist. In the LDS tradition, we partake of the Sacrament almost every week. It sometimes goes un-noticed the symbolism of the event because we see it every week. The body and blood (water) of Christ are prepared as though for burial. We are passed the emblems of his body and blood symbolic of the gift of salvation he has given to us. But even more symbolic is that it is given to us, we do not take it of ourselves. We renew our promises made at baptism and lay or "sacrifice" our sins symbolically upon the altar of the sacrament. They are covered and buried with Christ, symbolizing Christ taking upon himself our sins.

Religious symbols are a part of everyday life, but maybe none so consuming as the symbolism of the LDS temple. Part 2 will discuss this often misunderstood symbol of the LDS faith.

Religious - Conference Thoughts - Part 2

2009-10-09T21:09:00.002-06:00

From the talks that I listened to, I noticed a very distinct but subtle difference from past conferences. I also noticed a difference in the tone from the older Apostles to the newer ones. For many years, the church has been criticized for emphasizing works more than grace. There have certainly been enough talks in conference to support this idea. However, I think that it was really a difference in nomenclature. While LDS believe that Christ is the Savior, saving us from sin and death, we also know that we should work on becoming more like our Savior and that our heavenly reward will be based on what we work for. While Christ opened the door or built the bridge, it is up to us to cross it and learn. Many other denominations stop at salvation from Hell, and sometimes LDS folk forget that part. Though we should never forget that as hard as we work, our reward will be given because of the grace and mercy of our Saviour.

I heard several talks this time that seemed to alude to this fact. While some of the old guard talks (not referring to specific people, but to attitudes expressed) seem to leave no room for personal mistakes and growth. Many of the talks one hears now help people to realize that they can accomplish anything with the Lord and that when mistakes are made, there is a way back.

I particularly liked Pres. Uctdorf's and Pres. Eyrings talks from the general sessions. (I haven't listened or read the priesthood session yet. I was getting ready to have family over for dinner.) While they talked about obedience, they also acknowledged the love of God and how it helps us to overcome things.

While we are on the topic of the First Presidency, Pres. Monson's talk was exceptionally brilliant. I think it is the most underrated talk of the conference. It is strikingly significant because it focused on the second greatest commandment, to love our neighbor. As prophet he could have counselled us to improve aspects of our lives and continue to better ourselves. In a way he did, but specifically he taught us to stop thinking of ourselves and to think more about those around us. We must remember that the two commandments on which all of the other "hang" is to love God and love our neighbor. With such wonderful talks this conference, I hope that this one is the one that is most remembered. I think it could have the most profound effect on everyone.

Religious - Conference Thoughts - Part 1

2009-10-09T21:05:00.002-06:00

Perhaps because of my latent ADHD, I have never really been able to distinguish different talks at conference. They all seem to run together. I have always been jealous at people who talk about what So and So said and this General Authority said. My mind has never compartmentalized Conference like that. However, the talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has stood out to me as one of the greatest talks I have ever heard at conference.

What made it great was its fearlessness and power. It is not very often you run into things that change you. This talk changed people, it caused you to take an opinion whether it be negative or positive. You could not sit there and just say, "Meh, it was a nice talk" when he was done. You were stirred by the power of his words either to your enlightenment and the strengthening of your testimony, or you fell farther away. O that one day I could speak with that power to the convictions of my soul. I was profoundly moved and my testimony of the Book of Mormon was strengthened. Perhaps what made this more poignant for me, was that I had become familiar over that last several months with some of the detracting voices. To quote:

"If anyone is foolish enough or misled enough to reject 531 pages of a heretofore unknown text teeming with literary and Semitic complexity without honestly attempting to account for the origin of those pages—especially without accounting for their powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the profound spiritual impact that witness has had on what is now tens of millions of readers—if that is the case, then such a person, elect or otherwise, has been deceived"

That is really the case. No detractor has ever been able to prove their point by showing conclusively where else the book came from. While they produced some plausible stories, playing on holes in the known history, none have ever been able to show that the book came from anywhere else but God. It's power has touched the lived of millions.

I will remember this talk always because of the testimony which it bore by a prophet of God. Surely none else could speak with such divine power declaring the word of God.

Post Labels in titles - Announcements

2009-10-09T11:41:00.004-06:00

I have never been a fan of post labels, but I may start using them. That way if you are in the mood for Political Rants, Religious stories, etc., you can quickly find them.

Where I used to put different types of content on different blogs, I am now going to add title descriptions:

Political Rants - needs no explanation
Religious - again, no explanation needed
Missives - letters to people (previously Missives from Life blog)
Daily Grind - stories from mine and my families daily life.
Announcements - do I really need to explain

That should be enough.

For What?!?!?! - Politcal Rant

2009-10-09T11:39:00.001-06:00

I love the Headline on Drudge Report this morning! "For What?", in reference to President Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize. What exactly did he do to win it? They say it is "to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism." Funny enough, he hasn't actually "done" anything yet. He has talked about it a whole lot. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not over and even he has declined to set a concrete table for withdrawal. He talked about reducing nuclear weapons, but has yet to reduce the US arsenal (not that I am for it) of nuclear weapons as an example. Rather he has tried to "strongly discourage" other nations from developing them, like Iran. (Who we all know is trying to develop a nuke so they can blow Israel of the face of the Earth because Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad thinks it is his religious duty.) He has talked about reforming energy use and helping the environment, but no effective legislation has been issued even with a strong Democrat majority in Congress. Like I said, he's getting it for talking really pretty, just as he did to be elected President.

Now that the euphoria of having the nations first black president have worn off, people are truly getting an idea of how liberal this guy is. I'm mean, its really cool and we all can consider ourselves socially progressive and feel a reprieve for the years of bigotry now, but this guy doesn't represent the bulk of mainstream America anymore than the ultra right wing conspiracy...OOPS!... conservatives. (Freudian Slip). His approval numbers have slipped to 50% because all he does is talk. Where is Hillary when we need her. (On a side note, I actually voted for her husband when I was a registered Republican which I am no longer.)

I have decided what he actually got the prize for. His actions have continued to weaken the dollar so the US can play more "fairly" (economically speaking) on the world market. You know we're in trouble when the dollar has weakened to the point that other country's now want to have a world currency to trade it. Obama eschews being called a Marxist, but if the shoe fits.

I mean, what is so wrong with Capitalism. You have the millionaire, Michael Moore, saying that capitalism has done nothing for him. Bull$#@&!!!! He played right into the the current social trends to create movies that people wanted to see. He is not a millionaire because he inherited it from his capitalist pig relatives, but because he made money in the capitalist system. Furthermore, the capitalist system has made our poor people some of the richest poor people in the world. Our country does truly have some devastatingly poor people, however, many of those who are below the poverty line have a whole lot more than their counterparts in other countries. Also, capitalism has fueled the growth in technology. Is it the only way? No, but is has worked for us and made us one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think our system is perfect. I also respect Obama quite a bit. I mean only 44 men have ever been elected to the office of the President of the United States. It is a very impressive achievement. The Office also deserves respect. In a way, it is wonderful that a sitting head of state is awarded such an honor, but it still begs the question, what has he done to promote world peace?

Why a psuedonym?

2009-10-06T20:05:00.001-06:00

My reason, because its cool to have a pseudonym. The other reasons, because of Internet security. I'm also giving one to my wife and son. I am tired of referring them as my wife and son. They need names, cool names. So from now one, I dub them.......Punch and Judy......(deafening silence because no one gets the joke).......just kidding then........ I haven't decided yet, I may ask my wife (see there I go again).

I have always been a fan of dreadfully obvious, non-creative names. Sort of like the Irony of Kahn "Connie" Souphanousinphone, Jr. from King of the Hill. With such and interesting last name like Souphanousinphone, her dog was named "Doggy". In that vein, I could call them "Wifey" and "Sonny", but "Sonny" would make me feel old. So y'all will have to wait for the big unveiling in a future post. Yes, I know that you can probably find their names in previous posts, but for the future they will have new ones.

As far as my new pseudonym I've also considered Damian "David" Bacho. Hey, I was 10 or 11 when I thought that up. I used to have a penchant for the name "Damian" but that has gone away. Though I have been really proud of my middle name. I was named for my late Grandpa Crane, Ralph. In 3rd grade, we had 4, count them 4, David's in my class. I wanted to go by Ralph because I have always liked that name. (My favorite book at the time was Ralph S. Mouse.) You would have though the Earth had ended when I told my parents, and soon everyone was back to calling me David. I even had a best friend named David.

Years later, I went to England and discovered that the name Ralph is actually pronounced like the American name "Rafe" in England and is a common name of the Aristocracy. Since most of my ancestry hales from England, I always thought that was cool. However, I'm not going by my middle name. I though about the pet names my wife calls me, but I don't want to sicken my readers. Although, my son has taken to calling me by them at times. Its a little disconcerting to hear a 2 year old yell "Snugglebum" down the stairs.

I guess I could go by my real name. After all, I have always liked it. Three names, all five letters each. It kind of rolls off the tongue and has a certain symmetry that I really like as it plays into my OCD. Though, I have never figured out why no one can figure out how to spell my last name. For some reason they don't ever go for the obvious. I mean, really, how many ways can you spell "Crane". Let's see: Krain, Krane, Kraene, Crain, Craine, Crainer, Craner, Krayn. Yes, I have actually seen them all over the last 31 years. I love the "Oh now don't I feel stupid" look I get from them when I actually have to spell it for them, almost daily. It's not like I have a last name like Souphanousinphone.

Tune back in, the PseudoKraine family will be introduced soon!!!!!

Update: I have decided on our pseudo names......drum roll please.........and the winners are:

Me - DRC

Wife - SLou (Believe it or not, she actually will sign her name like this sometimes.)

Son - Bubs (In trying to find a suitable pseudonym for my dear son, I realized that we haven't come up with a very good nickname but that's actually what we call him.)

One Blog to Rule Them All

2009-10-06T19:48:00.001-06:00

This was my first Blog. It was supposed to be for just about everything. Then I got the idea that readers (not that I have any) may not like the widely varying content, from highly religious to political and philisophical musings to the daily grind of life. So I started several other blogs, each directed at a specific content. One blog to record religious thoughts, another to highlight the everyday musings of my son.

Then there was the "Missive Blog" where I decided I would write everything in the form of a letter and I had to write one everyday for 30 days. Someone said that if you do something 30 times in a row, it will become a habit. They were wrong (at least when it comes to blogging). I wrote a letter for everyday just to accomplish my goal, and then.........I stopped. I really should have known this. My first piano teacher used to tell me the same thing about practicing, but it doesn't work either. And lets just not even get into scripture reading and prayer. Truth is, scheduling is not really about habit, but rather about priorities. When it was my goal, I made it a priority to write everyday, then it didn't matter because I no longer had a goal. Priorities change.

Strangely enough I put a lot of time into making that [Missive] blog look different. I was still never really happy with it. Whereas this one still has the same basic blogger template it started with. But it works, because it feels right. So we stay with the "dark dots" despite some need to have something completely original. The fact of the matter is, you can make a blog look pretty and original, but its the content that really matters. If someone isn't drawn in by what you write, then what's the point?

I'm not sure my writing will draw people in; and I'm quite sure some of my opinions may even drive people away. However, that's just who I am. I have great ideas to "wax platitudinous" (bad esoteric pun completely intended) about and sometimes I just need to vent or share an experience. Because of this, I think I am going to combine all my blogs into one. I will probably keep the others active, but make all the posts available here. So just get ready to have a spiritual thought one day and a political rant the next with a bit of my son's potty training adventures thrown in to keep it interesting. Because (to bastardize a famous quote):

One blog to rule them all, One blog to find them, One to bring them all and in the "dark dots" bind them.

Flux

2009-10-06T19:46:00.000-06:00

My life seems to be continually in a state of Flux. Everything in flux all the time. Money, job, family, church, mind, heart soul. But I'm okay with it. I am finally learning that happiness in life does not come from outer stability, but rather inner peace. Accepting that life will always change and celebrating that change instead of fighting resolves so many inner conflicts.

So I didn't stop talking about it, at least for a minute

2009-08-10T14:09:00.000-06:00

I knew there was one thing I forgot to put in my last rant about "relations." So what if your two year old yells the anatomically correct names for the parts in public. If you react, they'll keep doing it. Haven't you learned that yet? You should be proud you have such a smart child that knows how to appropriately use those words. Besides, we all know what they are saying, even if they use the stupid made up names. It all depends on how you react. No I am done.... really.

Sex

2009-08-10T13:28:00.000-06:00

There's a blog title that will get some attention. Sorry, to all those that were looking for adult content, but I have none. I have recently read a blog post that asked the question on how to teach your children about theirs and other's parts. Out of respect for my readers and a desire not to seem too coarse or provocative, that combined with a desire to show how really silly it is to skirt the issue (pun blatantly intended), I will not refer to those specific parts by name. That and I'm not sure I want this post coming up on any google searches for any pornographic material. Besides, You all know what they are.

So the here's the basic story. Two year old girl walks in and sees daddy and has questions about the differences in equipment. Now Mom blogs that she has no idea how to handle this. Why all the fuss? It's just body parts. As fully functioning, hormonally driven, sexually mature adults, our minds go completely to sex, (Ooops, I meant "relations"). We independently think that any comment about said "parts" by small children are an immediate references to said "relations" or "relations" related issues.

I hate to burst the parents' bubble and inform them that, your child has no idea what "relations" are and really no hormonal desire to participate in said "relations." It is simply a question to gain information, and not even one to ask about relations. It is not even in their realm of understanding. At two, they aren't even going to have a surge of hormones that make them want to "have relations" for at least a decade. What's the big deal?

Now repeat with me, "This is the part boys have and this is the part girls have." Trust me, 90% of two year old children will not ask any further questions. Most of them don't have brains that have entered the "why" stage yet. If they are three and ask you "Why?" like any good three year old would. Then you answer, "Because that is the way God (Insert Allah, Mother Nature, the Universe or whatever higher power you happen to believe in) made them." Then, when the three year old asks "Why did they make them that way?" (because many three year olds have entered the "why?" stage and will ask endlessly), you say, "Not sure, why don't you ask them?" You kill two birds with one stone. You answer their question and help put them in touch with their higher power. You don't need to launch into a discussion about "relations."

My 2 year old has recently started to draw "happy men." Now get your minds out of the gutter. That is what he calls smiley faces. He came up with it not us, not sure where he got it. He likes his to be a little more intricate than most and will tell you to draw the eyes, eye brows, lashes, ears, hair, toes, hands, body and just recently their pee-pee. Now he is getting ready to potty train, this is an important body part for him. We made the decision that we really don't want him to be drawing them all over the place so we say, "We don't draw those." and not, "It's bad to draw those." We don't want to give him a complex nor do we want him going on to produce provocative anime (sorry, this blog program doesn't let me put the little accent above the "e" very easily.) Then we go on and draw the other parts that we do draw, without bringing much attention to the whole thing.

To sum up, it is totally normal for a child to ask about his/her body and notice things on others. Especially when you want them to use the potty. Questions about said bodies are not a request for you to explain "relations" (I think that is what Hank Hill calls them). You don't have to freak out. Second, why would you freak out about that? After all, you did have to do it to get them (well most of you, though certainly all of you at least practiced). We don't want to give them hang-ups about their bodies or "relations", so make sure all appropriate boundaries are set in neutral terms. And the most important thing of all, you really don't have to talk about it much. The more you freak out, the more they freak out. Calm down, it's all natural. Answer the questions and move on.......I said move on...........you're still reading, I said move on.

Soul

2009-05-29T07:20:00.002-06:00

To write. How I would love to write. To craft the words and let them fall from my mind with ever increasing speed and ease. Writing has always been a laborious process for me. The ideas swirl around with intensity and fervor. The passion fills my heart and I want to shout it from the roof top, or at least write it down so it will be preserved forever. But alas, my words are too cumbersome, they flow too slowly to catch the ever-changing swings of moods. The color, the light, the darkness, the pain, the streak of genius. In a fleeting moment it is gone never to be there again.

My words are a glimpse of what is truly there. They never seem adequate or full of enough emotion. They stumble and pause watching the ideas pass them by. But not my music. For with music, you don't simply describe the feeling, you play it, move it and feel it bend and grow. It jumps for joy and wallows in despair. You are in control. They feel what you feel, hear what you hear. You tap into their very souls without a word. There are things for which there are no words. Experiences that two must share to be understood. You look in their eye and see that you have touched something so deep.

A look, that look in their eye. Though often overused to the point of being trite, the eyes really are the window to the soul. They are windows that can never be shut. Even through a laugh you can see their pain or contentedness through their tears. Once in a while, you look and connect. For deep inside is something you have both shared. Maybe not together, but they understand you. In their eyes you feel at peace. A stranger no more, for they have been where you have been.

A soul can speak to a soul like no other. To stand by someone and feel what their soul has to say. You need no words, no music, no look. You stand by them or hold them and your heart knows. For that is the purest way to speak, but often the most misunderstood. The clutter of the tongue, the thickness of the words, the din of the music often drowns out the voice of the soul. But once in a while the soul finds its way out and someone hears.

Missives - He is Risen!

2009-04-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

Dear Lord-

Today I write a very different letter. For this Easter Sunday we celebrate the triumphal resurrection when all life was freed from the grave and when all willing hearts are saved from Hell. I wish I could remember that day in Heaven when you rose to meet the Father. I want to remember the shout of joy from all of creation the echoed through the ends of the universe. To hear the hymns that were sung and feel the power of all the faithful gathered. A power that our mortal frames could not begin to comprehend or endure. To see the hosts of heaven bow in humble adoration.

One day I will return to that place where I stood and ponder with even more reverence the meaning of that moment. I will reflect back on my life and see what thou hast done for me. Instead of shouting for joy, I will kneel an offer up my gratitude. For by your power alone am I strong.

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth; pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts; Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

Hosanna in excelsis

Hosanna in the highest.

And in a coming day, I will declare with all of creation, that Jesus is the Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Your trying to be faithful servant,

David

Missives - Arvo Part

2009-04-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

Dear Arvo Part-

While reading through new blog posts today, I saw where someone posted your Stabat Mater on their blog. I came across your music about 10 years ago and have been blown away ever since. However, my favorite has to be Fur Alina. I have always been amazed at how such a simple piece can say so much. The idea that a piece doesn't necessarily have to be big and bold to make a big statement.

Best Regards,

Dave

P.S. Please enjoy the video below!

Missives - 30

2009-04-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Dear Blog-

I'm posting my 30th letter. This has been an experience. I can't believe I have actually made it a whole month and posted something everyday. I know quite a few of my letter have been rather short, and some incomprehensible, but I did it.

The best part is how this has gotten me thinking more about things. I go through the day and think about what I can write and of different ways to approach those events. It would be really boring if I just got up and wrote a letter to my son everyday. I could do that, but sometimes other things happen and I want to write about them.

You have been viewed around 70 times in the last month and I think most of them have been from me. Well, I still haven't found a background and look that I want, so I'm planning a complete makeover. I think the background will look something like this:

I know its a little spastic, but trust me when it's all done you'll love it.

See ya tomorrow,

Dave

Missives - Nighttime

2009-04-08T23:09:00.000-06:00

Dear Nighttime-

You come way too early. I have way too many things to do and now you're here and I have to sleep or I will never get up for work in the morning. By the time I work all day long, then come home and teach. I don't have time to do all of the other things I need to do:

spend time with son
spend time with honey
exercise daily
read scriptures
watch Stargate
clean the house
plant a garden - except I don't have a yard
clean the house
read a good book
clean the house
write longer blog posts
clean the house

Did I mention clean the house. I never want my dear wife to feel like she has to clean the whole thing herself. Afterall, I make half the mess. Well actually, the son make about 70% of the mess and us the rest. I never knew that kids went through so many clothes. But I love him. Well, I can only do what I have time to do. So I better get to sleep so I can get as much done as possible tomorrow.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - Computer, Hello Computer

2009-04-07T21:32:00.000-06:00

Dear Computer-

You have been a pain lately, but that is my fault. Since we got the sexy new laptop, I've neglected you greatly. So today, I have undertaken getting you running a bit better. I updated to your Antivirus software to something that is easier for you to handle. I also updated all of your spyware software. So you should be good to go. After a disk clean up session and a quick defrag, you should be good to go.

Your Owner,

Dave

Missives - Da Munks, Dat We, Ootmawe

2009-04-06T22:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Son-

I love your new words that have come along with even newer levels of independence. "Da Munks" means "Alvin and the Chipmunks" as in your new favorite movie. Which you ask for by name.

"Dat We" or "That Way" is what you say while you push us away when partaking in one of several activities like bubble blowing or almost anything that you can do yourself. The funny part is that you won't begin the activity until we have moved away to a safe distance. The first time I heard this was your birthday at the bowling alley.

"Ootmawe" is "Out of My Way" which you decided to use at the play ground yesterday. We had to actually stand at an unsafe distance while you insisted on climb, jumping, sliding and almost fall. It was fun.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Conference

2009-04-05T11:46:00.000-06:00

Dear Bloggers-

So I must confess, I didn't watch the Saturday sessions of the LDS General Conference this weekend. Instead I was out buying Mariokart for my Wii, among other things. Mariokart is extremely fun, and I'm getting fairly good at it. But I digress.

So after the spiritual, but entertaining drought of Saturday, I am rather enjoying conference today. The talks have been wonderfully uplifting and Christ centered. Sometimes I think we forget to speak of Christ enough and what he has done for us. I am grateful to hear several talks this morning on that particular subject. Well back to conference, the rest hymn is almost over.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - Oh Woe Is Me, I may have missed a day

2009-04-05T01:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Wii-

You and your MarioKart game have caused me to miss a day of blogging, just barely. Well, I haven't gone to sleep yet, but it is technically tomorrow. I couldn't help it. I got this new game and have been addicted to it for several hours. But now it's time for sleep.

My son climbed up on the couch pillow behind mom and then just fell asleep. It was so cute to see him curled up in the pillows and just sleeping. Which is what I'm going to do now.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - Car Problems

2009-04-03T20:56:00.000-06:00

Dear Car-

I hate you today. Why can't you just get fixed and stop showing my that darned check engine light. I just want to get you registered so I can drive you. You've been a great car, except today. You're moodier than my mother. Oops, I shouldn't say those kind of things about my mother. Well hopefully we will get you fixed, passed and registered soon.

Dave

Missives - Self Introspection

2009-04-02T21:33:00.000-06:00

Dear Self-

You've been writing letters for almost a month to everyone else, now it's your turn. It has been a time of self-introspection. You have spent much of the last year looking inward. At times it has been hard, and at other times it has been eye opening. The most rewarding part was to look inside and see how much you've changed for the better. Your more bold, but more caring. You think more of others and less of yourself. Your faith is more centered.

What can you look for in the future? Just learn to live life one day at a time and enjoy all the moments. Life is really short and the little ones grow up so fast. Always remember how your son adores you. He always wants your hugs and to call you at work. He trusts you to take care of him. Even when he expresses his desire for independence, he always looks to your for approval. He copies what you say, so make sure you want your words coming out of his lips and your actions out of his hands.

Then there is your wonderful wife. She sees in you great potential, even more than you can see in yourself. She loves you more than anyone ever has. She gives everything to you, make sure you give everything to her. With her, you are never alone even when your are separate. Life is good and you have learned a great deal from both the hard times and the not so hard times.

Your Self,

Dave

Missives - April Fools

2009-04-01T20:43:00.000-06:00

Dear April Fools day-

Why do you exist? I can understand a great joke now an again, but most of them are just stupid. The worst joke I experience today was a Provo company telling me that Obama had added me as a relative on facebook. The best would be here at the Meanest Mom Blog where she expertly laid her children's close out and convinced them it was Sunday and time for church. Now that was brilliant.

A good April fool's joke takes thought and creativity. Even a joke that has been done a million times can be hilariously funny if done with some creativity. If you're going to start a good rumor about yourself, just make it believable. Wear a funny hat around all day, but act like nothing is different. These are great.

Thank goodness you're almost over

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - I haven't posted today yet.

2009-03-31T22:10:00.000-06:00

Dear Bloggers-

This is just in time. I almost forgot because I was so busy with work today. I have decided that government health care will never work, just look at one of my favorite states on the Eastern Seaboard. They announce a new program, then don't bother telling all of us how it works. So we ask a whole bunch of questions and find out that all the information we need is locked up in government red tape. On top of the fact that the program was effective one month before they told us about it. Grrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

Then I get put in charge of a small project to help tackle this problem, simply because it was my idea. Why did I have to open my mouth? Well it does save us a lot of time and energy and basically makes the bigger problem go away. So overall it is not really a bad thing and everyone thinks I'm smart. Though, they kept telling me to just have my assistant do it. I don't have an assistant. Well not technically.

Best Regards,

David

Missives - Glenn Beck & Mushrooms

2009-03-30T17:09:00.000-06:00

Dear Blog Reader-

Yes you, I'm actually writing to you. I was listening to the radio during lunch. The boring talk radio, #1 listened to show in the country. No I don't usually listen to the radio much anymore, occasionally when I'm driving. Most of the time, I just like the peace and quiet so I just sit and think on my daily commute. With a child you need all the peace and quiet you can get.

I was going to go off about my opinions on my favorite news/talk radio hosts, but I'm sitting here watching the TV show about growing mushrooms at home is playing. It's fascinating and I'm getting distracted. My family and I love mushrooms. That would be really cool to start growing some. You can order away for a kit and grown them right in your home. We actually have a mushroom colony in the dirt right outside our door, however, I don't think you can eat that kind.

We decided to grow some strawberries this year, evidently our plants were doing very well this weekend, but that was before the latest snow storm. The plants that we have are supposed to grow the large juicy strawberries. Hopefully they haven't completely frozen, though I don't think it has gotten cold enough to kill them.

Well this has turned out to be a train of thought driven entry with no apparent purpose, except to say that even without a yard, you can grow things for your family to eat. Which strangely enough ties into what I was going to say about my current favorite news/talk, end of the universe radio host Glenn Beck. Who touts the virtues of self-reliance. I was thinking how the pulse of the conservative movement has started to shift from Rush Limbaugh to the more moderate, not exactly one political party host, Glenn Beck. If you haven't heard what he has to say, you should.

Have a great day,

Dave

Missives - Sick!

2009-03-29T18:55:00.000-06:00

Dear Local Weekend Clinic-

I've decided that if something really serious ever happened on the weekend when the real doctors were resting, we'd all die. The nurse tech can't spell lettuce or is that lettus, or letuse or who really cares because it's probably not an allergy anyway. One wonders how he even passed Medical Terminology when it came to words like adenomatous, polyposis, gastroparesis or any other number of words that you only here in a real hospital emergency room.

That reminds me of the time we were in labor and delivery, the nurse had no idea what gastroparesis was but she knew how to spell it because she had taken her medical terminology. However, like all of the other nurses and doctors we visited while experiencing preterm labor, they could not tell my sons head from his rear. Even her OB mistakenly thought he could feel and ear when he checked her right before he told her to push. Poor kid came out through an emergency C-section with bruised bits.

Anyway, back to the current illness. The PA decided Dear Wifey didn't need to have IV fluids to rehydrate her, but rather prescribed some antinausea medication. She is doing better for now. Thank goodness it wasn't any worse.

Not very truly yours,

Dave

Missives - Bowling

2009-03-28T22:20:00.000-06:00

Dear Bowling Alley-

We had so much fun today celebrating my son's birthday today. I was a little worried about how well he'd do, but he was great. After the bumper pads and ball launcher was in place, I think he scored better than me. He had a little hard time learning to take turns, but the pizza and ball return was enough to hold his attention.

We had a fun time with both Grandma and Grandpa. We also invited the aunt's, uncles and cousins. They joined us for pizza, bread sticks, drinks and of course bowling. We all took turns helping our little boy, but by the end he insisted that you stand at least six feet back so he could do it himself.

After we were done, we went back home for presents and cake. He got a T-ball set, a couple of car tracks, books and of course several new Elmo videos. Overall, it was a great day. We'll definitely return again to knock down those pins.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - EZ Catch Glove

2009-03-27T12:34:00.000-06:00

Dear EZ Catch baseball glove retailer-

We recently purchased your child's toy, the EZ Glove velcro baseball mit. We thought it was a wonderful idea for a young child. You throw the soft ball and it sticks to the velcro in the mit.

Well we tried it with our now proudly 2 year old son, and nothin' doing. He would have nothing to do with it, he wanted the real thing. He grabbed daddy's mit and the big softball and went to town. Luckily we already bought him a real child sized mit. He's happy now.

It was a great idea, but didn't work for us this time.

Best Regards

Dave

Missives - Happy Birthday Son!!

2009-03-26T11:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Son-

Happy Birthday!!! I can't believe you already 2 years old. I went to work late so I could be with you this morning. I found out that you are not really a morning person. It goes something like this, "I pee, I pee, diapy." I changed your diaper. Then a string of words, "Apple, Apple, pillow pillow." Once situated firmly on your parents bed, "Groupie, Elmu, Groupie, Elmu (translation:Grover & Elmo)." Once the DVD starts, "Ahhhh." This is your routine. Once you've had a bit of Elmo and finished your drink, you're good to go. Let's hope you never have to graduate to coffee to get going in the morning.

Mama sat on the bed going through your clothes this morning. I can't believe how many of them you had out grown. It seems like we bought them for you yesterday. But really, a lot of them you've had since your last birthday. I hope you have a great birthday and be good for your mommy while I'm at work.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Selfless

2009-03-25T08:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Son-

Some days I wonder how you ended up with such a giving personality. You give love, hugs, kisses, share your food and many other things. You're really one of the most selfless 2 year olds I know. You want to make everyone happy. It's such a joy to me that you are learning this young how to think of others and that this quality is such an integral part of who you are.

We spend way too much time thinking of ourselves in life. We worry about how we will pay the bills and get enough sleep. Even at church we worry if we are good enough. It always seems to be about what we need rather than what someone else needs.

You have taught me more than anyone, that joy comes from helping others. Having to take care of your every need since you were born has helped me develop a deep love for you and brings fulfillment to my life. That is why I get sad sometimes when I see you getting so big and doing things for yourself. I will miss taking care of you (even the dirty diapers). Though, watching you grow brings me joy as well, because I see so much potential in you.

Rember that giving of oneself is the the key to joy in this life. We can search back and forth for the next great thrill, but nothing will bring us lasting joy except giving our whole selves to helping other people.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Ramblings

2009-03-24T21:04:00.000-06:00

Dear Whoever is listening-

For the life of me, I can't think right now of someone that I would like to write a letter to. So I'm just writing an open letter with some thoughts of today. I started this blog, because I had a goal to post something everyday. I didn't really know if anyone would read it. In fact, I'm not sure anyone actually has read it, but I had a goal.

Honestly, my mind is so tired with all of the things I have had to do, I really don't feel like writing today, but I have goal. It is about accomplishing something. I could have just as easily said that I should leave it until tomorrow. Then I wouldn't have accomplished my goal.

What point is there really? I mean it really isn't an important goal, or is it? While the action is relatively simple, the principle can be life changing. I made a decision to do something. Should I shirk on this goal, it will be easier to shirk on others that might be more important. So that is what I have to say today.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - Pictures!!

2009-03-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Nice Lady that took our pictures-

You did a wonderful job taking our family pictures. Well, actually you only had to take one picture of the whole family. The rest were of my dear, tired, ornery and rather uncooperative son. Thank you for putting up with the screaming and outfit changes. I'm not sure how you got any good pictures, but they turned out great.

We finally got him home in bed. He wasn't feeling well today, and if you read the rest of my blog, you would know he hasn't been sleeping well for the last couple of days.

However, next time we come in for pictures, we are not going to be doing all of the outfit changes. We are going to make sure he's had a nap, something to eat and plenty of caffeine to keep him chipper. Ya I know they shouldn't have caffeinee at his age, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Well, see you next year.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - Way too Early Morning

2009-03-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear "Way too Early Morning"-

Why did you have to come so early today in the form of my son waking up at 2:30 am, wide awake with no chance of going back to bed. I know it was partly my fault for letting him go to sleep early. He fell asleep about 6:30 for a late nap. I usually wake him up, and tried to. Well, when mom got home he fell back asleep in her arms and she said to let him sleep.

Then came the cheerful but pleading call at 2:30 this morning, "Apple, Apple"(See previous letter for explanation of this). I knew we were doomed. From 2:30 until 5:09 when I got up for work, it was, "Apple, Apple..puppy not work, need bat (batteries).. pee pee, poo poo, apple, puppy, bat, work, pee, diapy." At least mom took him down to frost a cake. I honestly don't know how she is functioning today.

Well, "Way too Early Morning", I consider my lesson learned. An early morning is much worse than a late night.

Yours not so truly,

Dave

Missives - Elmo Love's You

2009-03-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Elmo-

I have to thank you Elmo and your friends, Grover, Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie and Cookie Monster. You have given me so many moments of peace. I would say peace and quiet, but unfortunately, while you entertain my son, you do so rather noisily. We now own at least 5 of your videos, any less and I would go crazy having to listen to the same one over and over again. Grandma even has you recorded on the DVR for when we visit. It at least keeps him occupied.

Thanks to your creative merchandising, we now own 3 Elmo dolls, 1 set of Elmo slippers, many Elmo books (both silent and musical), a selection of DVD's and last but not least the talking Elmo chair. I almost forgot the outfit or two that have shown up in the closet. So I can certainly say, "Elmo, my family loves you!!!!"

Love,

Dave (and family)

Missives - It's not really naptime :(

2009-03-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Sleeping Son-

I shouldn't let you take a nap this late in the evening, but you were so tired. I know that you will wake up and be up till all hours of the night. You will also get up early in the morning so you mom can't rest. You might even be cranky again tomorrow, but you just need the rest. Well, at least you're getting the rest you need.

Just please don't dream about the musical toy puppy that needs batteries and sing that disturbing song. You have already been talking about him for days now. I've had 2 calls at work and last night you were sad when we said he was still at Grandma's. We'll have to visit him this weekend. Now it's time to wake you up before Mom gets home.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Confusing Universe

2009-03-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Universe-

You know it's got to be a big thinking day when I start writing a letter to the universe, but you've got me rather frustrated at the moment. I really can't complain, life has been too kind to me after everything I've been through. I have received much more than I deserve. A wife who puts up with me and shows me love, and a son who is the joy of my life. I may not be rich, but I have a place to live and food on the table.

So what is there to complain about? The confusion get's to me. I try to make sense out of things, but sometimes there isn't a black and white answer. Sometimes things aren't just right or wrong. Sometimes their neither.

Like, how do you help someone that doesn't really want the help? You know they aren't happy, you know how to help them be happy, except for one small thing. You don't know how to help them want to be happy. So do you just keep trying, or is wanting to help enough?

The hardest and probably the most difficult thing about living in this universe, is that you cannot take away another's right to choose.

Best Regards,

David

Missives - Singng Puppy?!

2009-03-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Singing Toy Puppy-

What did you do to my son? I haven't stopped hearing about you for 4 days. My
son goes around saying, "Puppy.. not work.. battery." It all started on Saturday
when he was playing with you. You needed new batteries because you would
only get about halfway through you're annoying song before cutting out. Well,
after a great deal of angst about you needing new batteries, we changed them at
my sons request. He then decided he didn't like your song, and was getting
upset so we put you in the other room. But, I haven't stopped hearing about
you!!!!

We're going to have to drive to Grandma's and visit you so that he will know that
you are okay and that you work properly. Just so you know, he may not like your
song, but he is vitally concerned about your wellfare.

Your's Truly,

David

Missives - Lonely Soul

2009-03-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Lonely Soul-

I see you often. I worry about you more. I can see your troublesome thoughts, worries and pain in your eyes. There is also a yearning for friendship, but more than that a want for someone who understands. Funny thing is, you have people around you everyday that you laugh with and work with, but they don't seem to feel the void. You won't let them in.

Is it a sense of pride that you need to make it on your own, or are you have you experienced so much hurt that you can't risk letting anyone else in? That I can't see in written on your face. Then I ask myself, why do I even care? Why should I put myself out there and risk being hurt myself?

It's because, I've been there. In some ways, I still am. Things happen in life that hurt us and we want to close off, but we can't. We need each other to survive. It gives us a purpose. In all the hurt and pain, we need to know that someone else understands. That's why I search. That's why I listen, so I can find a purpose for my own suffering. That by my pain, I can lift another and make their world a little brighter.

Your Friend,

Dave

Missives - Little Man

2009-03-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Son-

You wore your new suit to church on Sunday. You were so cute. We have never put you in a full suit. You were so proud. When we tried it on you the other night, you just stood in front of the mirror and kept saying "Dad." Then you cried when we took it off.

I got you dressed this morning, and you kept telling me that you were going to church and that you looked like dad. I even wore a tie the same color as yours.

Everyone thought you were cute and looked like a little man. That you did. I was even impressed how much you acted like a little man (at least for a few minutes). You sat so quietly, folded your arms during prayer, followed along in the hymn book and didn't run around. I was so proud of my little man today.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Apple, Apple

2009-03-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Son-

If I hear you yell "apple, apple" one more time. I think I spend my life savings buying you apple juice. We're at least good enough to water it down. Funny thing is, you'll drink water sometimes, if it's not in a sippy cup. I can get you to drink milk, but only out of your cereal bowl when it's filled with all the sugary goodness. But if you had a choice, you would drink only apple juice.

When you get up, the first words out of your mouth are "apple." When I get home the first word out of your mouth is "apple." When I put you in bed, the last thing you say is "apple." The dentist will have a fit at your next visit. At least your mother is good about brushing your teeth and letting you floss. She really is the better example.

She even got you to like helping with the laundry, vacuuming, cleaning, cooking......do you even play with toys? I watched you load and unload the washer last night with glee. Then you transfer the clothes from the washer to the dryer and start it. You even hauled some clothes upstairs for me to fold. If you were big enough, you'd vacuum all the carpet in the house. You already use the Dustbuster and shop vac in the kitchen. Your favorite word next to apple is "Vacky" for Vacuum.

I am amazed everyday at how you grow and learn. I'm grateful that you still let me hold you, even though you are growing up so fast.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Patience

2009-03-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Son-

I have never thought of myself as a patient person. After all, my parents weren't exactly the best example of being patient. So how did you get so patient? You must have learned it from your mother. This morning you come toddling into our room with pillow in tow and stand there. You simply say "up" waiting for one of use to help you on the bed. Which is actually pretty weird because you can climb on the bed yourself and usually do. Your mother and I are pretty much dead to the world and five minutes go by before I realize you are still standing by the bed.

I sit up and you start telling me about your pillow and how you peed. The sudden realization that I had given you half a bottle of Gatorade right before bed came to mind. I hadn't even watered it down. Now I know better than to do that because that stuff make you pee like a race horse. It all became clear why you didn't climb into the bed, because your diaper leaked and you were wet. I get up and walk over to you and thankfully you were only a little damp. I change you and put you up in bed with us.

Then you need your pillow. Now, I completely understand having a security pillow because I did growing up. Actually, its not the pillow itself, but the pillowcase. So I go back in your room to see how wet you pillow is, but it was gone. Instead it was back in our room waiting even more patiently than you by the side of our bed. I pick it up and your mom starts to mumble something about how she gets a laugh every time I have to go find your pillow because its my fault for introducing those special pillowcases to you because you won't sleep on anything else.

I don't blame you, I haven't slept on anything else for 30 years. I even have to take my own pillow on vacation. It all has to do with having a cold pillow. (Did you know there is a Facebook group for people that flip their pillow to the cold side?) I have to have those silky pillow cases, because they get cold faster. Remember, I have no patience. I don't want to wait for a cotton pillowcase to get cold. It's also why I always sleep with 2 pillows, so I can switch them out if one isn't getting cold fast enough.

So from your mother you have learned patience (except when you want apple juice, then we better move heaven and earth, but that's for another letter.) and from me you have learn the joys of sleeping on a cold pillow, and we both know which is more important.

Love,

Dad

Missives - Inner Voice

2009-03-13T11:19:00.000-06:00

Dear Inner Voice-

I'm tired today. You can usually tell I'm tired by the spontaneous pauses in my speech that usually occur mid-sentence and I end up staring at people waiting for a response, forgetting that I was even saying .......(sorry, I'm back now) something at all. That's stage 1 tired. Inother words I do that most all of the time now that I have a child.

Stage 2 is even more entertaining because I become verbally lexdysic, sorry, dyslexic. (That is how you spell that isn't it?) Sometimes the terbal vranslates into written lexdysia and I spell things wrong without even noticing. The best is when I start transposing words and letters. I don't even realize it until someone questions me about what I just said.

Well today, I have reached Stage 3 tired. My inner voice has now become verbally, well at least silently verbally dyslexic. I mean no one else can hear the voice in my head. But it does tell a good joke once in a while. I even laugh out loud at it sometimes. As I sat a work trying to concentrate on this Friday the 13th (supposedly we have 3 of them this year, not a good thing.) I was going over my work list and started thinking about Mexas Tedicaid. Just think about it a little bit and you'll figure out what I was trying to say. It was at that moment that I realized that I am dead tired and there is a reason that I was 2 hours late today.

So my dear inner voice, at least tomorrow is Saturday and you can rest a bit. Just don't getornery at me today or I'll quit talking to you.

Best Regards,

Dave

Missives - Independence

2009-03-12T10:24:00.000-06:00

Dear Son

When did you get so big. Some days I wonder if it was a good idea to let you be adventurous and independent. You may be only two, but you haven't figured that out yet. The world would tell you that you couldn't do anything at your age, but you insist that you want to do things yourself. Last night, you decided to treat your own diaper rash. It was pretty bad so you took your diaper off and started rubbing in the Desetin. You mostly got it in the right places, except for that big white spot on the floor that won't come up. I have to admit that I was mad at first, but then I realized you weren't just playing around, you were trying to help yourself and learn. I have to apologize.

Then there are the times when you take the lid off your sippy cup and fill it with water. You don't even ask for help anymore. Then you take the lid off to get the last bit of juice almost like you didn't need the lid anyway. You really can do things for yourself. I just miss being able to help you and take care of everything for you.

So many people in this world don't want you to succeed. They want to stop you from progressing, but you need to stand up and keep going. Their jealous that you have such a drive to succeed. Some look at you and think you're too small. Others just worry that you'll hurt too much if you fail. That strong will and independant attitude will take you far in life.

Remeber failure is not a bad thing, its a chance to grow. When you first wanted to crawl, you couldn't figure it out, You would flop down and cry because you couldn't get where you wanted. We helped you and made you keep going because we knew you wanted to. Since then, you just keep trying and succeeding. Even at 9 months old, you learned to never give up. I'm so proud of you and hope that I will never be the one to tell you that you can't do it.

Love,

Dad

Sorrow

2009-02-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

.....people who steel themselves from sorrow are also stealing themselves of joy — for you simply cannot block out one and enjoy the fullness of the other.-Matthew D. LaPlante

Why do we try to hide our emotions? We spend so much time trying to feel something else. We spend so much time fighting within ourselves, telling ourselves how we should feel about something.

An emotion is! We feel them, we are not in control of them. We need to acknowledge the feelings as they come. When you dwell on one emotion too long, you deprive yourself of experience. Everyone get's down, but there are those that spend time depressed and dwelling on the bad. Then there are those that refuse to acknowledge anything that makes them feel bad. They go around with the smiles on their face, refusing to believe that they should ever feel something bad. Or even worse, they worry what others might think about their feelings. Then those feelings buried deep within fester and grow and slowly deprive a person of life.

Actions are different than feelings. One should try to control their actions, but not their emotions. Nor should you try to control the emotions of others. Nothing is more damaging to our relationships when you lie to someone to control their emotions. It shows great disrespect for them as a person.

Emotions add richness to the world and to life. We can learn as much from the hard time as we can the happy times.

It is Well With My Soul

2009-01-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

It is Well With My Soul
Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

How oft we get lost in the surf of everyday life. Tossed about by the waves of oppression. Left in the cold dark deep. Yet the Lord says to have faith. It is well, it is well. For in the end, if we accept the offering of the Lord, we will be exalted on high, and the first shall be last, the last shall be first. We must not be focused on being lost in the sea, but on the whole of our existence. For when we look around, we see that everyone has their challenges, and that we are not alone in the waves. Join hands and gain strength from each other. Keep each other afloat. Share the great message that "The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,Even so, it is well with my soul!" For sometimes, the greatest angels are the ones we can see, our friends and neighbors. For together, we can proclaim that Christ has shed his blood for our souls and together we can rest from our labors in his kingdom.

Daily Grind - I pooped a lot!

2008-11-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

Asher has quite figured out how to speak so that everyone can understand what he says, but he does usually talk in full sentences. So today when we inquired about the status of his diaper he remarked, "I pooped a lot." There you have it, he pooped a lot for the second time today.

The car has also become a place for singing. Whenever we get into the car, he starts singing and is getting pretty good for his age.

We saw a shirt today in Walgreen's that said, I don't have an off button. I almost got it for him. It describes our son perfectly. We love him so much.

Vox Populi - Part Six

2008-11-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

Vox Populi – a multi-part series of web essays exploring the malfeasance of liberal ideology

The Destiny of Man – Mosiah 29:26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
Mosiah 29:27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.

Man’s destiny is under the control of God. We must not fear. For this is God’s land and God’s people. No one can frustrate the plans of God. However, we must not become apathetic. That this God is in control is not an excuse for us to sit back and let things happen that are contrary to his will.

We must never tire in spreading God’s word; fighting for the freedom he gives us and most of all, praising his name, for it is the voice of the people that governs us. And the voice of the people needs to be in unison with the word of God. This requires that we tirelessly proclaim the truths that God has given us. So that the people may know to whom they should look for guidance. For a people that always trust in God and seek after him, will never choose that which is contrary to God’s will?

Man’s destiny will not be found in eschewing God’s words or removing the mention of his name from every public forum. Freedom does not come from removing the name of the being that has bestowed upon us that freedom. Our destiny will not be realized by moving farther from God.

Man has a choice. They can choose to serve God or serve themselves. One will bring them freedom and the other bondage. We must be united as a people so that we may cry together with one unified voice declaring that God is our head and that he will bring us together. For then the voice of the people, Vox populi, will be one with God.

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Vox Populi - Part Five

2008-11-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Vox Populi – a multi-part series of web essays exploring the malfeasance of liberal ideology

The Sanctity of Life – We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

One of the most disturbing tenets of liberal ideology is that one life can be held above another. The impetus for writing this series of essays was the final presidential debate of 2008. When I heard the democratic candidate speak about not over-turning the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade, I was infuriated. How can we ever support someone that does not respect the sanctity of life? God has give us life, even the unborn, who are we to take it away. How arrogant can we be to think that we can end a life because we don’t want it? To think that somehow we are on the same level as God determining who lives and who dies.

Anyone that cannot respect the right to live of an unborn child does not respect the lives of those whom he or she serves. All men, women and children are created equal and have the right to Life. There is almost no circumstance in which a baby should be aborted. Children have the right to live and grow.

We can justify our reasons and claim that it is better that way, but it is never the right thing to do. But this issue is bigger than just the unborn children that die. It is about the principles that govern the lives of those that would support a person’s right to choose. They do not value life. They do not appreciate the sacred gift that God has given us to live. How can we support those people to govern us and to regard our lives as sacred?

Go to Vox Populi - Part Six

Vox Populi - Part Four

2008-11-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Vox Populi – a multi-part series of web essays exploring the malfeasance of liberal ideology

The People – Nec audiendi qui solent dicere, Vox populi, vox Dei, quum tumultuositas vulgi semper insaniae proxima sit. (And those people should not be listened to who keep saying the voice of the people is the voice of God, since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness.)

Vox Populi – the voice of the people. People have many different ideas and beliefs. We the voice of a people governs the land, society benefits because the voice of the people as a whole generally does not lead us in the wrong direction. Most people believe in freedom and want the best for the people. When those voices unite, freedom prospers.

The problem comes when those voices that are contrary to the voice of the people tries to make itself more important or when someone treats the people like they need guidance and should be watched over. Someone that rises up and tries to overthrow the voice of the people should be silenced. Because we do not often have people in this country overtly trying to become a king or dictator, we do not often notice the voices that try to usurp the power of the people.

We need to recognize those that are the wolves in sheep’s clothing, those that would destroy our freedoms. They are the ones that tell us that we cannot express an opinion because it would hurt someone else's feeling. They tell us it is wrong to believe in God and that we should not let his dictates govern our lives. They are the ones that tell us that we could not possible understand the complexities of governing and to just trust them to govern us.

The voice of the people is the voice of God until they give into the flattering voices that would destroy their freedoms. Our voices should constantly exercise our right to speak freely and to defend our ideas. We should not fear those that would silence us through personal threats or character assassinations. For God is on our side as we proclaim his word and preserve the freedom that he has given us.

Go to Vox Populi - Part Five

Vox Populi - Part Three

2008-11-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

Vox Populi – a multi-part series of web essays exploring the malfeasance of liberal ideology

The Creator – We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. – Declaration of Independence.

“Supreme Judge of the world … divine Providence ... sacred Honor.” The very act of declaring our nation independent from Britain, involved calling upon the name of God. This is God’s nation and God’s land. He has preserved it as a land of freedom for all people.

The most destructive tool of liberal ideology is secular humanism. The idea that there is no God and humans determine what their morals should be. They believe that since God does not exist, then we do not have to have laws that follow his commandments. It opens the doors to wickedness and abominations. It will do more damage to society that any other force out there.

We know that in the beginning God’s plan was to give us our freedom to choose right and wrong. Satan’s plan was to force us all and take away our personal freedoms. However, removing our personal freedoms was not for our own good, but to build up power and glory for him. God created the earth and all that dwells here. We should silence the voices that would remove Him from it.

The liberal agenda so often tries to remove God from our lives. By removing God, you remove the very foundation of liberty. God gives us freedom and does not take it away. When freedoms are lost it is because we have appealed to him that would destroy our souls. Anyone that tries to remove God from your life is trying to remove your freedom. Declare your right to worship God and respect those that choose not to. It is your right to worship and to declare your voice in supporting laws that echo the commandments of God. That will always bring you freedom.

Go to Vox Populi - Part Four

Vox Populi - Part Two

2008-11-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Vox Populi – a multi-part series of web essays exploring the malfeasance of liberal ideology

The Legacy – The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. – Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln.

How ironic that arguably one of the most famous presidential speeches in history contains the line that “the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here.” We do remember. We quote, memorize, analyze and read this speech on a regular basis. It talks about the price of freedom. Those that have died to preserve its cause and provide the freedoms we enjoy.

We have not had to fight for freedom. We have not suffered under the hand of those that would take those freedoms away. We forget that freedom has always come at a price. It costs the lives of those that know they must defend their God given right to worship and live according to their own beliefs.

Like Captain Moroni, we must waive the title of liberty. “Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake. And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah. And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land— For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church. And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come. And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored. (Alma 46:10-16, The Book of Mormon)

Like Amalickiah, we have those that use the cunning devises and flattering words to tell us what we want to hear. They talk of a Utopian society. They want to “guide” us yet at the same time they take away our freedoms. They raise our taxes; tell us we cannot bear arms to defend ourselves and our freedoms. They do not want us to bear arms because they no that a people that desire freedom will raise up in rebellion. Yet they flatter us away by saying that society would be better if we had no guns.

Again they preach the ideals of a perfect society, but want to bring it by force and not by changing the hearts of the people. A perfect society will only come when we are all God fearing people that are united in the common cause of caring for each other.

We have not currently been called to fight with weapons and give our lives for the cause of freedom, but we should give our time and raise our voices in defense of liberty. The fight has not ended, and it is no less bloody. They weapons have become words and the cadavers have become lives ruined to silence the voice of the people. Do not let your voice be silenced.

Go to Vox Populi - Part Three

Do not fear

2008-11-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 31:6&8

6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

So often we fear things in life. We let fear stand in our way of accomplishing things. More importantly, we let fear stand in our way of our relationship to God. We fear he will not accept us as we are, that somehow we must be perfect first. We fear Satan and the havoc that he can cause in our lives. We fear the world and the turmoil that surrounds us daily. This world is spinning out of control more and more everyday. But, we cannot fear.

We must remember that God is in control. He provided a savior for us, so that we could be saved in spite of our imperfections. He cast Satan out of heaven, so he surely can cast him out of our lives. He created this world, so surely he knows and understands our sorrows and has placed them here for a purpose. We must never forget that the trials we face are there because God wants us to learn and grow from them. He is in complete control and will never let them become so great that we cannot shoulder their weight. We cannot fear what life will throw at us, for God will raise us up wipe the tears from our eyes.

Daily Grind - Dad, Dad, Dad!!!

2008-11-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

I woke up, well actually was briefly roused from a deep sleep, by these words from Asher at 6:00 this morning. On the weekends, when he wakes up in his bed, he comes into our room and gets to sleep in with mom and dad. Sandy picked him up and put him in our bed and he imediately came over and curled up next to me. I then got kisses and hugs and cuddles for the next hour until he fell back asleep. What was so cute, was he wasn't trying to wake me up, he just wanted to be next to dad. There is something so wonderful to know and experience a child that loves you so much. As frustrated as I get sometimes, I really couldn't ask for a better son.

Daily Grind - A Post....Finally

2008-10-21T10:43:00.000-06:00

A Whole month since my last post. This is supposed to be a daily thing. We have been sick over the last couple of weeks. I had pneumonia. All of us have had the Stomach Flu, Sandy's was really bad. It was so cute, Asher would sit there and hold and comfort her. He is such a loving little boy. Other than that, things have been pretty busy and not much interesting going on.

Vox Populi - Part One

2008-10-18T11:08:00.000-06:00

Vox Populi – a multi-part series of web essays exploring the malfeasance of liberal ideology

The Foundation – We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” – Preamble to the Constitution of the United States.

It is not “We the government”, it is “We the people!” Our country was founded on the idea that the people are to govern themselves by their freedoms and rights as individuals, ruled by the conscience of a God-fearing soul. The right to triumphs and tragedies is central to our existence as humans. Everyone has the right to an opinion and to speak their opinion and to pursue the desires of their hearts. However, we must never forget that we are a people, “one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

We rule by the voice of the people, Vox Populi. It is the collective voice that makes our laws. For as much as we are individuals, we must also co-exist with one another. This requires mutual respect and tolerance. We must realize that our voice may often be contrary to that of our fellow men even in regard to matters that we personally find important. This is not a reason to cause contention, but an opportunity to understand one another.

In any system, there are always outliers that hold opinions that are often damaging to society, but most people realize that the common good is a far better way. The problem become when the outliers vie for prominence as though their ideas are mainstream. Even more damaging is when they undertake such an endeavor by speaking the words of a free society.

You have heard many from both sides preach similar platitudes time and again. They are always for the people and for the good of the country. There is one major difference in regards to the different agendas, the freedom of the people. Liberal ideology often spout the sayings of a free people, but usually offers solutions that lead us further down the road to socialism and fascism. They usurp the rights of the people as a whole for the rights of the individual at the same time proclaiming it for the good of the people. Saying the individual has lost his rights when really his voice is simply contrary to the voice of the people.

They treat people as though they do not have the sense to govern themselves and must be watched over and guided. This is contrary to the very foundations of the great country in which we live. Government is there for the service of the people with a responsibility to follow the people’s voice. For “We the people” have a God given right to live according to our own consciences.

Go to Vox Populi - Part Two

Props for Proposition 8

2008-10-17T22:45:00.000-06:00

I have really kept my opinion to myself on Proposition 8 for a while, but I finally saw a news story that got me going. Members of the church protesting the churches involvement in fighting Prop 8. Seriously, do they not understand the doctrine of the church? First, I must say, that people who are gay or lesbian whether they are happy living that lifestyle or struggling within themselves to reconcile themselves to their church's doctrine are not those that I get frustrated with in this case. I will not judge them. It is very wrong to judge someone simply on their sexual orientation. People can be good decent human beings regardless of who's company they enjoy.

I am frustrated by those that try to tell a church, their current or former church, that it must change. The whole point of a church is that it is a grounding force in lives. A church that changes its stand point because of popular opinion is not a stable organization that can provide constant guidance to its members. Secondly, it is very clear what church doctrine teaches on the subject.

1. Mosiah 29:27 And if time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land. Marriage is ordained of God as one of the highest ordinance a man and woman can enter into. The scriptures are clear that marriage between man an woman is ordained of God and is a religious issue. As soon as the voice of the people debase this holy order by turning it into nothing more than a civil process and not an ordinance of God, they stand to reap the judgments of God. You cannot take something that is sacred and treat it like it is not.

2. Homosexuality is a condition of this mortal life only. God created our spirits, male and female, in his own image. Our gender is an essential charactaristic of our eternal existence. The challenges that face us are part of the testing process we know as our mortal probation. We all have challenges that seem to keep us from God, but that is our test, to choose God in spite of our weaknesses. And as he said, we are given weaknesses so that God may make us strong.

For members of the church to speak out against such fundamental doctrines is an unwise use of their agency. So I must add my voice to the crowd that stands up for what this church teaches as it is the only true way to eternal joy.

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

2008-10-07T06:54:00.000-06:00

3 Nephi 13:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

I keep coming back to this scripture over and over again. We do not spend enough time in life seeking God. He created the Heavens and the Earth, surely he can provide for his children.

We get caught up in the daily pursuits of life. We have work and bills and school and sports and this and that and everything. So many of those pursuits are worthwhile and help us grow, but how many are of an eternal nature? How many help us grow closer to God? We need to spend more time in the scriptures and on our knees. If we do, God will provide for our needs and open the pathways before us. If it were not so, He would have told us. (John 14:2) Let us be more faithful and trust that the Lord will provide for our needs as we seek to do his work first.

Not room Enough to Receive It

2008-09-21T20:34:00.000-06:00

Malachi 3:8-12

8. Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

12. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

Tithing is not just a temporal law. It is about acknowledging that God is the source of all we have. By giving back to the Lord, we recognize that it is by his grace that we enjoy his blessings. So often now, because tithing is usually paid in money, we equate it with money or paying a bill. However, tithing historically was paid in kind. As people were blessed, they would give part of it back for the building up of the Lord's church and work.

The blessings of paying tithing are many. The main blessing is that God will rebuke the devourer. What a wonderful blessing that is for us. He will not just rebuke the devourer of our temporal goods, but our spiritual lives. Often this is the greater blessing. For man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Our temporal goods are not taken with us when we leave this life, but our spirituality is. God will rebuke the devourer of our spiritual growth and allow to grow closer to him.

We will see an increase of the spirit such that there is no room to receive it. Our mortal souls will not be able to proclaim the joy that shall fill our hearts. Such that our joy will be evident to all. They will see the full, happy and meaningful lives that we lead and we shall stand as a testament of the Lord's grace and power.

Daily Grind - I know better than to.........

2008-09-21T20:19:00.000-06:00

So I made the cardinal mistake of moving into a new ward. (We actually moved in a while ago, but I managed to hold them off until now.) I played my cello with the choir. At least they haven't figured out that I play the piano. (They did figure out Sandy does.) It actually is moderately fun to play with the choir. Asher was pretty good. Sandy just took him up with her when she sang. We figured that he would cry if he wasn't with one of us. Besides, he likes the attention. He was pretty good and only tried to get down once and didn't cry at all.

He then decided that he wanted to be with us rather than in nursery. Thank goodness he fell asleep in priesthood. I was able to just hold him rather than chase him. That was our adventures today.

Daily Grind - "I got sad"

2008-09-20T22:10:00.000-06:00

It was the cutest thing tonight. We got home and had a lot of stuff to bring in from the car. I walked down to the mailbox while Asher and Sandy went to the house. Asher was standing at the door waiting for me to come in. I stopped as the car to grab the last of the stuff and Asher couldn't see me because I was behind the neighbors Suburban. He started yelling, "Dad! Dad! Dad!" It took me a minute to get everything and he was starting to cry a bit. I yelled back that I was coming, but that didn't calm him any. Once I got the car locked up and walked back out where he could see me, he calmed down. I told him I was coming and he smiled and said, "I got sad." It was so cute. He was sad that he couldn't see dad and he told me about it. He has been starting to talk more and more. I'm afraid that he's going to be a little chatterbox when he actually learns to talk. That will be fun.

Daily Grind - I got no sleep, but I did it to myself

2008-09-19T07:17:00.000-06:00

Last night, I stayed up until just after 1:00 am. I was posting on my other blog and lost track of time. It doesn't help that my alarm goes off at 4:45 am. I am so tired. But not as tired as Sandy. She is worried about this next Spanish test, so she studies at night. She got done studying about 10 minutes before my alarm went off. Bubs went to sleep much earlier than that. The sad thing is, we both know better than to do that. Oh well, at least it's the weekend.

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

2008-09-18T23:32:00.000-06:00

Matthew 6:28-34

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

How often do we worry about where our next meal is coming from or how the bills will get paid? Everyday we have worries about everything but 'How will we grow closer to God?' Living the commandments taught in this scripture takes a great deal of faith.

If we will put first the idea of seeking God, he will provide for us. We may not live in a mansion and have a wealth of worldly possessions, but we will have a roof over our head and food on our table. The most important thing is that we won't care. When you seek the kingdom of God first, you learn to find what matters most in life.....the things you can take with you.

Bind my wandering heart to Thee

2008-09-18T23:28:00.000-06:00

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Robert Robinson (1726 - 1790)

1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

2. Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I'll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

3. Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;

How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

4. O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

5. O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

So often we underestimate the importance of grace in our lives. We forget that it is by the grace of God that we live and breath. It is by His grace that we have an earth to live upon. It is by his grace that we have challenges to grow from. It is by his grace and mercy that we are forgiven of our sins. That is what true faith is. Believing that God can do what he says he can do.

We are often disheartened by challenges in our lives and can't see the way out. We must remember that Christ stands at the door and knocks(Revelations 3:20). He simple say to ask and we shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you(D&C 4:7). How simple this is, but we are often distracted by the easiness of the way (Alma 37:46). It really is that easy, look to God for direction, and he will guide that paths.

Be still and know that I am God.

2008-09-18T23:16:00.000-06:00

Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God (D&C 101:16).

We are busy people. We run to and fro doing this and saying that. Always an errand or job. We never seem to have enough time to do anything of importance. When things go wrong, we panic or worse get depressed. All flesh is in God's hand. And why shouldn't it be. He created it! He loves us more than we could imagine and He has the power to help us, whatever the problem may be.

Always take a minute to be still. Before reacting, take a moment to meditate and ask for his help. Then move forward in faith trusting that he will see you through. It is hard to do, but we will be better off for having done so.

Daily Grind - Great Big Hugs

2008-09-18T07:37:00.000-06:00

I am sure every parent experiences it often. I left for work today and bubs was already awake in his bed. I went in and picked him up so he could go in and lay in bed with mom. It was so cute, he turned, pointed and said "pillow". Except it came out more like "prirrowr". So we grabed his pillow and laid him in bed. When he saw I was leaving, he started to cry. I asked if he wanted another hug. He said "Da," his version of yes. He gave me the biggest hug and wouldn't let go. It was so sweet. I didn't want to leave this morning. He does a similar thing when mommy goes to work.

He wants both of us there all the time. Who ever said that a child didn't need both a mom and a dad. Mine sure does. I love him!!!.....and his mommy!!!

Read my lips.... NO NEW TAXES!!!

2008-09-18T07:22:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the increasingly political mood of this blog, but that is what I feel like ranting about lately. Have you seen the latest:

WASHINGTON - Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday that paying more in taxes is the patriotic thing to do for wealthier Americans. In a new TV ad that repeats widely debunked claims about the Democratic tax plan, the Republican campaign calls Obama's tax increases "painful."

Since when was it patriotic to have a Robin Hood mentality. Steal from the rich to feed the poor. No matter how you spin it, Robin Hood was still a criminal. It doesn't matter how much good it does, it is still wrong. Anyone that is capable of criminal acts, is not to be trusted.

Now for the really diabolical part. At least Obama, Biden both would have to pay more taxes under their plan. Do you really think that will happen. The rich know there are tax loop holes that will keep them from paying the increase. I cannot believe for a moment that Obama is so magnanomous that he will take a tax hit for America. This is a man that will say anything to get elected. He hasn't every really done anything, except for speak out for infant cruelty (See here). That is how he has risen to power, he knows what to say, how to say it and whom to say it to.

No the real situation will be that it will look like the rich pay more taxes, and they will complain about it and find a way around it just like Obama and Biden. And quite frankly, higher taxes on businesses and the rich never helped the poor. If you employer has to pay more taxes, there goes your raise and your Christmas bonus just got cut in half. And that executive may decide not to get that new Lexus this year. There is a large comission a struggling salesman doesn't get. Tax hikes for the rich only hurt the poor.

I am a Libertarian!!!

2008-09-17T22:46:00.001-06:00

I am neither a Republican or Democrat. I have to start out saying that. Early on in this election, I was not sure who I would vote for because I wasn't sure I liked either of them. I was voting for Romney, but it turns out a lot of people didn't like him. I really wanted a candidate that I could trust and believe in. I had seen what Romney had done with the Olympics and other things that he had touched and thought that he could really do some good.

However, we got stuck with McCain. I was only going to vote for him because Obama scares me. I like some Democrats, like Jim Matheson. I look at Matheson's voting record and he really tries to represent his constituency well. He doesn't just vote Democrat because he is one, he acts as a voice for the people he represents. But, Obama is scary.

Then comes Palin. I don't know what it is about her. She is so likeable and a firecracker. And yes, there is the whole naughty librarian thing. Most of all, you listen to her and know she has had to worry about the same things you have to. It is an absolutely amazing story. She's who I'm voting for.