On the Train!!!!

So, a new adventure begins.  I've been waiting for this for over 3 years.  I work over 50 miles away from where I live.  They opened the Frontrunner train to Provo.  I am now on the train heading into work.

The Parenting Pyramid

Have you ever been in this situation where you are trying to bring the Spirit in your home by doing the right things like reading the scriptures as a family, and during the actions of what you are suppose to do you find contention that takes away the very thing that you are trying to accomplish?  Sometimes, I think, why am I even trying?  As a parent I endure, and quickly remind myself of the rewards of preserving and enduring to the end.  I had the privilege of being trained to be a facilitator for a group called "The Arbinger Institute" a couple of years ago.  This institute teaches concepts taught in books they wrote called, "Leadership and Deception" and "Anatomy of Peace".  I strongly recommend these books.   I find myself using concepts learned in this training and books.  One that came to my  mind last night came from what is called the "Parenting Pyramid".  Do you as parent find yourself correcting over and over to a child and nothing seems to work?  Check out this 8 pg document and tell me what you think?
Parenting Pyramid
 I have to constantly remind myself to go deeper.  I think it takes a lot of effort to spend the time to help things go right, rather than trying to fix things that are wrong.  In the paper it talks about going down a layer in the pyramid to solve a problem that doesn't seem to be working in a layer higher.  One thing to note, you can always skip layers to the base of changing the way of being.

The gift of "Honey"

I was reading Elder Ballard's talk in general conference this morning where he uses the analogy of honey bees. He talked about the wonderful substance of honey, "golden honey—one of nature’s most beneficial foods. In fact, nutritionists tell us it is one of the foods that includes all the substances—enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water—necessary to sustain life."  Elder Ballard' talk

This scripture came into my mind found in 2 Nephi 26:25:

24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life thathe may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth nonethat they shall not partake of his salvation.
25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold,I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends ofthe earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price. scripture ref.

After reading the talk, I wanted to raise some honeybees :) But spiritually speaking, there is a hive that exists for all of us where we can partake of the honey without price.  

Rise Up, O Men of God!

In Lehi's final words to his son he admonishes his sons to rise up. In 2 Nephi 1 verses 21,22 :

"arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;" ....... "Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust."

I really like the hymn, "Rise Up, O Men of God":

"Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and soul and mind and strength
To serve the King of Kings.
Rise up, O men of God,
In one united throng.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
Rise up! Rise up! Rise up!

Another bit of council that helped me start my day today was a message from President Monson. He talked about learning the ABC's of life. "A" stands for a positive "Attitude". "B" stands for "Believe in yourself". "C" stands for "Courage". This is not hard to remember and so important has we approach each day in our lives.

As a priesthood holder I hope I can follow the same admonition. Lately, it is so easy to get depressed when listening to what is going on in the world, in politics, etc.. It is too easy to lose focus, I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and a living prophet to help us stay focused on what matters most.