Ponder This

Rise Up, O Men of God!

2012-01-30T05:36:00.001-08:00

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.

"Things that matter most..."

2011-09-19T04:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go up in the mountains with my wife and kids. The scenery was "awe inspiring". We were up at Smith and Morehouse reservoir. It is one of the most beautiful places I've been. While we were there we did some fishing. I was sitting on a rock with my 3 year old Brynlie helping her cast the pole and reel in the fly on the end of her line. We hooked a fish. Brynlie reeled it in. As we went to the water's edge and pulled the fish out of the water there was a squeal of excitement and laughter. I pulled the fish out of the water and Brynlie put her hands around the fish, with the same excitement in her voice she said, "I got one." You could not pay me any amount of money to trade for that experience. I have four beautiful daughters and a gorgeous wife whose beauty surpass the beauty of the scenery I was experiencing up in the mountains. I treasure moments like these. In such a busy world, do you take time to notice the precious moments around you?

Click on this link in this post and watch this video. It is remarkable and powerful. There are a lot of hidden messages in here that touched me significantly. Stop, pause and notice before you run.

http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages-gallery?lang=eng#moments-that-matter-most

Did God create the universe?

2011-09-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

I was out of town for work a couple of weeks ago. During the evenings I had a chance to go catch a movie. An advertisement for a tv show came on during the previews. It was advertising a tv show called "Curiosity". The episode it was advertising was called "Did God create the universe?" A famous physicist, Stephen Hawking challenges the existence of God through one of his theorems. He tries prove this scientifically. I learned at a young age that God speaks to our hearts and minds. Remove and close the heart and God will not be able to communicate with you. It really is not a big mystery as some make it out to be. The key to solving this question requires humility.

"We need not be ashamed of spiritural truths. Beacause of the temptation to intellectual pride, always remember that the sun rises and shines on gentle and simple alike, so the light of truth beams as directly upon the simplest and humblest of God's children as upon you. Do not, therefore, be ashamed of spiritual truths. Do not reject them or think you must amend them because they are common to you and to those who have not had the advantage of higher education. Be not ashamed of Jesus Christ because the poor believe in him and some of the mighty of the world do not. Do not let your scientific intellect discard truths merely because they are not subject to demonstrable proof. Open your hearts and souls so that you may have understanding of spiritual truth." Howard W. Hunter

God did create the universe. He is the great Creator. Do you want to know for yourself? First, humble yourself, then sincerely ask. Do as it says in Matthew:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Wisdom vs. Knowledge

2011-08-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein said,

"The example of great and pure characters is the only thing that can produce fine ideas and noble deeds."

Howard W. Hunter stated,

"The world needs more knowledge, and we're sweeping rapidly forward in this achievement, But increase in knowledge is not the greatest need of mankind today. Man's greatest need is the ability to properly use or put to use the knowledge which he has already acquired. To the knowledge you have learned must be added wisdom. Knowledge without wisdom may be the pathway to that which is evil unless one is willing to apply the principles of right-doing and follow the commandments of God."

How do you plan to use your knowledge today?

Jacob 6:12, one of my favorite scriptures states:

"O be wise; what can I say more?"

"Government dependency is dangerous"

2011-07-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

"From my own experience in business and as a lawyer and church worker, and from my firsthand observations in this country and other countries of the world, there appears to be a trend to shift responsibility for life and its processes from the individual to the state. In this shift there is a basic violation of the law of the harvest, or the law of justice. The attitude of "something for nothing" is encouraged. The government is often looked to as the source of wealth. There is the felling that the government should step in and take care of one's needs, one's emergencies, and one's future. Just as my friend actually became a slave to his own ignorance and bad habits by refusing to accept the responsibility for his own education and moral growth, so,also, can an entire people be imperceptibly transferred from individuals, families, and communities to the federal government."

President Howard W. Hunter

"Reconcile yourselves to the will of God"

2011-07-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

2 Nephi 10:23-25

23Therefore, acheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are bfree to cact for yourselves—to dchoose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

24Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.

25Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

The word "reconcile" has the following definitions:

1. To reestablish a close relationship between.

2. To settle or resolve.

3. To bring (oneself) to accept: He finally reconciled himself to the change in management.

4. To make compatible or consistent: reconcile my way of thinking with yours.

I particularly like number 1 and 3 used in combination with this scripture. Life can get so busy, and many times I find that I need to reestablish a close relationship with God. I also find that as I bring myself to accept His will, He always has a way of taking care of me and knowing what is best for me.

The First Vision....

2011-06-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

I just sat in a meeting with the LDS church historian Marlin K. Jensen. He spoke on the first vision. I was deeply moved by the Spirit. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Joseph Smith did see what he said he saw, two personages who were God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ.

Gordon B. Hinckley said once, "Well, it's either true or false. If it's false, we're engaged in a great fraud. If it's true, it's the most important thing in the world."

I know that it is true, and the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not founded on a lie. How do I know this? I've asked God myself, and He has answered me multiple times on this matter. For me to deny this, I would have to deny God Himself.

Elder Jensen said something that really touched me, he said, "If the Lord can work through me, He can work through anybody." Do you believe it?

Is this a sign of old age?

2011-05-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I'm posting about this experience... but it is quite funny. A few weeks ago, I was home with my kids. It was late. I needed to drop off a box of shirts to a friend of mine to take to work the next day. Stacie was gone at Ashley's softball game and I was home with the rest of the kids. I decided to quickly run the box over to my friend's house. I took the suburban and headed over to his house. I drove into my friend's driveway, and quickly hopped out of the suburban, leaving it running, and ran up to the door. I knocked on the door. I glanced at the suburban, and it was moving towards the garage!!!! I apparently left the car in drive. I quickly ran to try and jump in the suburban before it hit the garage door. I ran around the front of the suburban. I quickly realized I was not going to make it. While in front of the suburban, I began pushing it back. Yes... this is true.. I was pushing on the front of my chevy suburban while it was in drive. Well, you can guess what happened.... The suburban pinned my into my friends garage. So here, I am pinned between the garage door and the suburban. Luckily, I had my cell phone on me. I called my friend, "Dan, quick come out front!!!" Dan was wondering why the stress in my voice. He came outside to find me pinned by my suburban. He jumped in the suburban and put it in reverse. My body indent remains in his garage door. I came away with a bruised knee. When Stacie returned home I told her, "Stacie, I got in an accident." I told here what happen.... she said, "You cost me so much money." As I get older, I just might cost her a ton of money.

One year older....

2011-03-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

So, it is my birthday. I guess I should post something. Time is flying by so fast. My kids are growing up, I'm getting older, greyer, more absent-minded, and my body hurts more after I try and do things my mind says I can do.

I really have to say that I'm completely happy. My life has been so richly blessed. Thank you to all my family and close friends. I consider many of you close friends.

I read a phrase about marriage this morning stating that it is more important to be the right person rather than marrying the right person. Although, I believe in this statement, I really did marry the right person, and that was Stacie McFarland. She has made this life complete and whole, and the joy she brings each day can not be measured. Those who know her, know what I'm talking about.

Integrity is the golden key to the door of success.

2011-01-11T08:33:00.001-08:00

"One of the greatest accomplishments of our lives is to promote an honest, earnest integrity within ourselves. This means that we become spiritually sound, intellectually sincere, morally honest, and always personally responsible to God. Integrity is that golden key which will unlock the door to almost any success." Teachings of Howard W. Hunter

Can you imagine what the world we be like if everyone was honest? It starts with ourselves.

SMTD

2011-01-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

Last night before family prayers, my daughter had fallen to sleep. I was trying to wake her up to come say prayers. It was one of those moments, where it did not matter what tactics I used, she was not coming. So, we ended up doing them without her. This morning she came into my office and I asked her what happened last night. She started commenting on me missing our PPI (personal priesthood interview) last Sunday. She said there should be a book that tells you what to do when kids act the way she did last night. Then she said that I needed to spend a whole day with her alone. She said instead of calling it PPI, they should call it SMTD. I asked her what that stood for. She said, "Spend More Time with Dad." This meant a lot to me, and I thought it was important to write down and share. Always be ready to catch golden nuggets that your kids drop here and there. This was one I was given this morning.

We should be willing to server and grow quietly....

2010-12-31T07:52:00.000-08:00

"We should be willing to server and grow quietly. If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren't very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly. Be on guard regarding the praise of men."

Teachings of Howard W. Hunter

Wo is me....maybe not so much.

2010-12-31T07:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever woke up in the morning flooded with thoughts of "Wo is me." Things that irritate you come to your mind, stuff like,

"Why did I ever keep that dog, it is scratching up the wood floor, it is chewing up the chairs."
"When am I ever going to finish that shed."
"I seem to start a lot of things and never finish them."
"I'm never going to learn to play the violin, I don't have the time to practice."
"My house is not good enough, or big enough."
"This person has more than me."

The list goes on and on. I woke up with one of those mornings. It is amazing how these negative thoughts can drag you down into the dumps. I needed an attitude change, and it started with a simple thought of gratitude. I thought back in time when I was complaining about an inconvenience I had previously that I don't have now. In our old house there was a toilet that would always get clogged. I hated that thing! Don't have that problem in my current home. Then I thought, there are people in this world that don't have running toilets. Now I began to feel pretty shallow in even having these thoughts. Then the most precious thought that was and will always be a game changer. I have something that everybody else can have and cannot take away. I'm a son of God, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. He sent His Only Begotten Son, who died and lives again for me. It doesn't matter who you are, or what you have, or where you live in this world. All can have this knowledge, and have this same privilege. They can enjoy this same happiness that this thought brought to me this morning. Jesus died for all of us here, not just for me. The Spirit touched me and my heart was filled with love. My thoughts now turned to hope, faith, and joy. I saw opportunities to improve and help others.

It is the last day of 2010. A new year is before us. I pray and hope all can look forward to what life can and will bring. May we look forward with hope, faith, and gratitude. With this attitude, then, take one step at a time, in making ourselves and those around us better.

"To dig a straight furrow, the plowman needs to keep his eyes on a fixed point ahead of him. That keeps him on a true course. If, however, he happens to look back to see where he has been, his chances of straying are increased. The results are crooked and irregular furrows....Fix your attention on your.... goal[s] and never look back on your earlier problems....If our energies are focused not behind us but ahead of us--on eternal life and the joy of salvation--we assuredly will obtain it." Teachings of Howard W. Hunter.

Determination to serve Him to the end

2010-12-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

In Moroni 6:3 it reads:

"And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."

Am I determined to serve Him to the end? Are you? How are we serving Him today?

I want to see thee again.....

2010-12-14T04:57:00.001-08:00

The words of a song I wrote years ago flooded my mind this morning. The title of the song was called, I want to see thee again. I expressed this desire to my Father in Heaven this morning in my prayers. I wrote this song while serving a LDS mission in Portugal. I later had it recorded on a CD called "Gentle" by Becky Garrett.

(daughter)
Here I am, am I all alone
Is someone really listening
Father, art thou, really there?
Wilt thou answer this child's prayer?

(Heavenly Father)
My little one don't you shed a tear
I have been here every step of the way
I hear each sincere word that you pray
I want to see you again

(together)
Something within I feel
A love so real
Father art thou near
Daughter I am here

(Daughter)
I have not fear
And Father, I feel thee here
Help me find the way
I want to see thee again

(together)
(Heavenly Father)
My little one don't you shed a tear
I have been here every step of the way
I hear each sincere word that you pray
(Daughter)
I have not fear
And Father, I feel thee here
Help me find the way
(Heavenly Father)
I want to see you again
(Daughter)
I want to see thee again

The phrase "I want to see thee again" was very powerful to me this morning. It truly is a desire of my heart.

Seek this Jesus

2010-12-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

Ether chapter 12:39,41

39And then shall ye know that I have ^aseen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me ^bface to face, and that he told me in ^cplain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things;
41And now, I would commend you to ^aseek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth ^brecord of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.

Especially during this time of year, may we seek the Almighty with all our hearts, minds, and strength, that He may abide in us forever.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

2010-12-07T06:24:00.001-08:00

My boss shared a Christmas tree story with me yesterday that went like this, I'm paraphrasing...

"We have 7 children and every year we go get a Christmas tree. Not always the best experience. This year my eight year old, was sad and teary eyed. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that every year I always let the older kids pick the Christmas tree, and that she never got to choose the Christmas tree. I told her that this year she could pick the Christmas tree. At the Christmas tree lot, we started our Christmas tree shopping. One of the kids would say this is the one! I'd look at my eight year old, and she shook her head, no. I then would say, no that is not the one. The kids then when go on to the next tree, this is the one! I again then would look at my sweet eight year old, and she would shake her head, no. This pattern kept happening for the who knows, maybe 20 or so trees. The other kids were finally catching on. We finally came to a tree that was very tall. I thought definitely no. I looked at my eight year old, and she smiled and shook her head yes. So I gave in and we bought this very tall tree. I have two big double wide doors, and we could barely fit it in the house. I have a very tall ceiling where we were able to put it. It was so tall that it would not stand up on its own, the first try it fell over to the ground on top of my son! We hoisted it back up, and one of my sons had the idea of tying it to the banner. We got out fishing string and tied it to the banner. If finally was standing, but it was not straight and looked awful. I thought to my self that this just won't do. My kids told me that it was good enough. Sometimes we worry about things that are not that important during Christmas. There are things that are just good enough, and things that are really important. During Christmas, what is important is not a straight beautiful Christmas tree, but a knowing that a boy was born, a Savior, that came into this life and died and suffered that we may all live."

My boss then bore his testimony of the Savior. I was deeply touched by his story and his testimony. Last night during our family night, we went out for burgers and fries. On the way home I was telling my wife and kids this story. When I got to the part of not worrying about little things and remembering the Savior, the Spirit touched me again, and I started to get choked up. My wife, said, "Are you crying?" I was, she thought it was funny, not that she didn't take me serious, but she knows I am an emotional person. "Daddy's crying, girls." She pokes fun of me sometimes because I'm emotional. My girls got a good laugh at it, but it was not in a bad way. I bore my testimony of the Savior, and the true meaning of Christmas.

I hope we all remember, especially this time of year, that there is a reason why we celebrate this Christmas. It is not the tree, decorations, presents, etc...., but, it is to remember that there was a baby that came to the earth, a Savior, that lived and died and now lives again, so that we may become like Him, and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

When you start your prayer

2010-11-19T05:57:00.000-08:00

"If our first thought is ourselves and not of God, we are not praying as Jesus taught." Teachings of Howard W. Hunter.

Sometimes in a need I have, I start my prayers thinking about myself and the needs I have. How do you start your prayers?

Today is part of eternity

2010-11-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

"Too often we think about eternity as something that is a long way off. Eternity is today and for a long time. Eternity was this morning, eternity is this afternoon. Eternity will be tonight and tomorrow and the days that follow and the years that make their course. We are on that road today, and shouldn't those moments be filled with sweetness in planning, in loving, and all the things that make life beautiful?"

I read this today in "The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter." I really liked this thought. Eternity starts now, not tomorrow. What are you doing now, to make your eternity beautiful? What is your attitude like? How are you loving your neighbor? How are you serving your God?

Seeing the Savior

2010-07-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

There are many instances in the scriptures where prophets have seen God, or our Savior Jesus Christ; Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Nephi, Alma, Joseph Smith. In Matthew 5:8 it says:

8Blessed are the ^apure in ^bheart: for they shall ^csee God.

In D&C 35:21 we read:

21For they will hear my ^avoice, and shall ^bsee me, and shall not be ^casleep, and shall ^dabide the day of my ^ecoming; for they shall be ^fpurified, even as I am pure.

Have you ever wondered when and how you will see the face of the Lord? I saw it yesterday, when looking at my wife. She did as the Savior would do in serving another. I believe there are these instances that happen all the time around us. I know I need to be more aware of when it happens. I believe we are here to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ, and as we do and love and serve as He would do, we put on the face of the Lord.

Ever feel like this?

2010-07-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

I read a scripture this morning that I feel fits me lately. It is in Hebrew 9:14:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

It seems like the sins of omission seem to grab me all too often. Life gets busy, and before you know it you realize that your prayers may have been rushed, and you haven't spent as much time studying the word of God. It is evident in the way you feel. You do not feel the Spirit as strong in your life. Then once again, the Savior, Jesus Christ and his infinite atonement come to the rescue. I am so grateful for a Savior who gave his life, bled for me, so that I may become one with God. It will take a lifetime for me to get there, but, as I heard in a testimony last month, "I'm an imperfect person with a perfect opportunity."

I love my girls.

2010-06-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

So no, this is not a black eye. Brynlie will be 2 in a few days and loves getting into her mom's make-up.

Linsey, apparently likes to sleep in plastic boxes. She is crate trained. :)

I am a child of God

2010-06-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most valuable pieces of knowledge we have is the knowledge that we are literally sons and daughters of God, our Heavenly Father. Here is Alissa and her cousin singing "I am a child of God".

"burp!" "MeMe"

2010-06-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Let me translate. "MeMe" means excuse me after I burp. Brynlie has learned and mastered the "burp." Makes a dad proud. :)

Sticking your hand in your back pocket, the thing to do.

2010-06-10T07:18:00.001-07:00

I was watching Alissa's T-ball game. It appears that sticking your hand in your back pocket is the "in" thing to do. :)

Alissa hitting the ball. I really like baseball. It is great as a parent to see the confidence boost when your kid hits the ball and gets on base.

really? 10 secs

2010-06-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

I was staying in a hotel in San Francisco and I noticed a tray of goodies on the table. They were on a scale. If you took a goody, it would bill you within 10 seconds. I decided it was not worth trying to see if it really worked. It would have been fun though trying to trick the system. What if I put a heavy book on the scale, then ate the candy I wanted, then go and buy the candy down at Walgreens for cheaper, replace it, then take the heavy book off the scale? Would I have out smarted the system? I didn't try it, but should have.

North Carolina, cool place

2010-06-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, I had a business trip to Raleigh, North Carolina. All I can say, is trees, trees, and more trees. It was so green there. Not like dry Utah. I also had a chance have some great carolina ribs. I was introduced to a cool band called the "Carolina Chocolate Drops." They were very good. Since I've started taking violin lessons, I have a love for fiddle music.

"The Carolina Chocolate Drops"

"Clouds outside the plane"

Mother's Day

2010-06-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in Bed is tradition in our family. It is cool to see the girls get old enough to make breakfast for mom. Hey, maybe I can pull off staying in bed and getting breakfast with Stacie.

A Father that I want to be like.....

2010-05-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this today, and was deeply touched. If we all could be like this Father, imagine how the world would change. Inspiring!!

test blog on android

2010-05-24T04:36:00.001-07:00

testing blog on android.

2010-02-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

Moroni 7:45-47

45 And ^acharity suffereth long, and is ^bkind, and ^cenvieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily ^dprovoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But ^acharity is the pure ^blove of Christ, and it endureth ^cforever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

I served a lds mission to Portugal. On my mission I had a goal of achieving this charity stated in this scripture. It has become a lifetime goal. Here is a great story on charity.

How do you value your time with Him?

2010-01-21T05:29:00.000-08:00

In Ether 12:39, the prophet Ether tells of his experience talking with Jesus face to face:

39 And then shall ye know that I have aseen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me bface to face, and that he told me in cplain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things;

I had a thought yesterday. When I'm speaking to my Father in Heaven in prayer, each second do I value and understand the power and impact of what is happening? I hope, and have faith that one day I'll experience what the prophet Ether experienced with seeing and speaking with the Savior in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language. I also realize that for me to reach that point I need to work on having great faith when praying to my Father in Heaven.

how do you fit all your thoughts in a blog post?

2009-12-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I've posted. I have a lot on my mind and in my heart. I have a very close friend in a hospital flirting with death, I have another friend who just got remarried, I still have a wonderful job, a beautiful wife, beautiful children, and we are all healthy. I have a neighbor who has been out of work and in a wheelchair due to a work accident. Life has been very fair to me, and I've been blessed greatly. I see close friends and others around me that may cause me to think, "life isn't fair." Why them and not me? I don't think this is a very valuable question. One of more value would be "What am I doing to bless their lives and ease their burdens?" Especially this time of year when we celebrate the birth and life of Christ, I think this question and answer is very meaningful:

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt ^alove the Lord thy God with all thy ^bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy ^cmind.

38 This is the first and great ^acommandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt ^alove thy neighbour as thyself.

So, during this Christmas season what gift are you giving to Christ?

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T04:23:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for my wife and kids, for a my parents, siblings, in-laws, for my friends. I'm thankful for a loving God who knows who I am and is aware of me, and loves me.

I'm thankful for a Savior who enabled all of us as children of God to return and live again. I'm thankful for temples and the opportunity that is provides for us to be connected as families. I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon, I'm thankful for prayer, and the opportunity that I have to talk with God.

I'm thankful for a warm home and and good job. I'm thankful for my life!

"Look at my picture, isn't it ugly?"

2009-11-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

Do you remember as a kid, drawing or coloring a picture that you were so proud of, then you would turn to a brother or sister, cousin or friend and say, "Look at my picture, isn't it ugly?" just to get some praise. I liked this message by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on creativity.

How are you waiting for the Lord?

2009-11-03T04:22:00.000-08:00

Last night our family home evening lesson was on the second coming of the the Lord. In 2 Nephi 6:13 it reads:

13 Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the Lord shall not be ^aashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who ^bwait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah.

What does it mean to wait for him? My favorite scripture is found in Isaiah 40:31. It says:

31 But they that ^await upon the Lord shall ^brenew their ^cstrength; they shall mount up with wings as ^deagles; they shall ^erun, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Notice all the action words. To wait for the Lord is not to sit and wait for Him to come. But it is to "wait upon." As we serve Him, our strength will be renewed and we shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Our family has been burdened down with the swine flu over the past few weeks, and when you're sick, you really long for that re-newness of strength. Spiritually speaking, in my life when I've not longed for that strength, I needed to get on my knees and pray for it. The Lord has never let me down.

Diligence brings joy

2009-10-27T04:19:00.000-07:00

I was at BYU-Idaho last week, and while I was waiting for a co-worker to finish up an interview I noticed a quote in the Kimball building that pertained to diligence that I liked. It was a quote from the prophet Spencer W. Kimball. It said: "Diligence brings joy. We are not here for the fun of it. We are here for the joy of it, and we want to go forward and do our work as we should do it."

Since I've had this goal of learning how to apply more diligence in my life, I've been blessed to come across quotes, talks, and scriptures that talk about diligence. Just this morning in my my study I came across this scripture in Helaman. Samuel is talking about the Lamanites that were converted to the Lord, as he was preaching repentance to the Nephites. This is Helaman 15:6:

6 Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with aunwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth; therefore there are many who do add to their numbers daily.

We truly are here on earth for the "joy of it". So let's get to work, for this is what truly brings joy into our life; serving others.

I know my Redeemer lives.

2009-10-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

Great message. I stayed up and watched a good flick called "Fireproof" last night. I'd recommend this to anyone. It takes you through a marriage that was almost lost, but saved. It talks of the Saviors role, and how by understanding what he did, enables us to understand truly what love is. I know that my Savior and Redeemer died and lives for me.

Who discovered that the earth moves around the sun?

2009-10-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Nicolaus Copernicus is credited with heliocentric cosmology. Which places the sun at the center of the our solar system, with the planets rotating around it. He published a book on this in 1543.

Nephi in the Book of Mormon in Heleman chapter 12:15 states:

15 And thus, according to his word the ^aearth goeth back, and it appeareth unto man that the ^bsun standeth still; yea, and behold, this is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun.

This was about 7 B.C.

Are you hungry and thirsty?

2009-10-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

I remember in my talk I gave just before I left on a 2 year LDS mission. I wished that I could feel the Spirit the way I felt at that moment always. In my scripture study this morning I read in 3 Nephi 12:6 which reads:

6 And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

I've had a great past few days. I've been up in Idaho on a business trip. While on my trip, I've focused on righteousness, and I've felt the Holy Ghost very strongly. I took some family names through the Idaho Falls temple while up here. It was a very choice experience. I've been coming up to Idaho for work for the past 3 years, and this is the first time that I've been to the temple up here. I testify that this scripture is true. As I've hungered and thirsted after righteousness, I've felt the Holy Ghost.

Choose This Day

2009-10-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Great motivating message!

My wife's new Hot Wheels!

2009-10-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

We had a softball game on Stacie's birthday. She's had a pulled quad muscle. She reinjured it at our game. After the game we went to Winegers to do some shopping. I got her the keys to this fancy cart.

Boston

2009-10-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of visiting Boston for a technical conference. My favorite thing was going to a Red Sox game. The Red Sox beat the Angels in the bottom of the 9th. It was awesome! The atmosphere was way cool. I was converted a Boston Red Sox fan. Here are some pictures from that trip.

Diligence to do His will

2009-10-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

In Helaman 10:4-7 it reads:

4 aBlessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with bunwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine cown life, but hast sought my dwill, and to keep my commandments.
5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that aall things shall be bdone unto thee according to thy cword, for thou shalt dnot ask that which is contrary to my will.
6 Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, I declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with afamine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people.
7 Behold, I give unto you apower, that whatsoever ye shall bseal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people.

I've been studying diligence and trying to have more of it in my life. In my study today, I came across this scripture. Life seems to get so busy, and it is easy to get caught up in everything. I think it is awesome how Nephi was so focused on the will of the Lord. He worked with "such unwearyingness." Look at the blessings Nephi receives because of his diligence in serving the Lord and doing His will. These are blessings that are in store for us as we do the same. I think a great question to ask ourselves frequently is: Is this the Lord's will?

Diligence

2009-09-22T04:13:00.001-07:00

What is diligence? It is one of Christ's attributes. "Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord's work." Preach my Gospel I've wondered at times how diligent I've been with the simple things that strengthen my knowledge and my testimony in the Savior and my Heavenly Father. How diligent am I in saying sincere prayers, studying my scriptures, having family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening? It seems like I do well for a while, then there are times that I slip. I think some key things in the definition of diligence are the words, steady, consistent, earnest and energetic. If you apply those words to your personal prayers, family prayers and personal and family scripture study, how diligent are you? I know I can be more steady and consistent. I can be more earnest and energetic. I believe by praying for the desire to have this attribute and doing these things my life and others around me will grow closer to God.

Be Positive.

2009-09-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

So, I just need to comment on my Friday night, in a tent with my girls. I gave Linsey the warmest sleeping bag. She chose to sleep by Ashley on the ground and not on the air mattress. First thing in the night, Alissa keeps rolling out of her sleeping bag. So I end up by her, keeping her sleeping bag and blanket on her to keep her warm. Now I'm getting all comfortable and ready to go to sleep. I then hear Linsey say, "Dad, this isn't the warmest sleeping bag, it is the coldest sleeping bag in the world!" I told here to come lay by me. She gets into my sleeping bag. Now we are squished. Linsey says, "I'm squished, I'm hot.... Dad, I've got to go the bathroom, my stomach hurts, I think I'm going to throw up." At this point, I'm not sure what time it is in the middle of the night, and it is cold. We had all the girls use the bathroom before bed so this would not happen. Ashley then wakes up and says, "Dad, I've gotta go to the bathroom." So, I get up with Linsey and Ashley and we leave the tent in the middle of the night and head to use the bathroom. As we walk to the bathroom, Ashley comments on the stars. They were magnificent. It was a memory with my girls I'll never forget. Look for the positive - there is always one in everything.

Change :)

2009-08-31T04:10:00.000-07:00

Well, today I start my new commute down to Riverton. It will double my commute time. I getting up a lot earlier to start my day off, so I can avoid traffic. Change is always refreshing to me. We'll see how this goes. We went camping up to Mirror Lake this past weekend, and Ashley turned 9. I'll have to post some pictures when I get time this week.

A simple prayer

2009-08-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

Here is how Alissa's prayer went last night...

Heavenly Father
please bless mommy's foot to get better
please bless Ashley and Linsey not to fight
Help me get married in the temple.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Alissa just turned 4. It is amazing how powerful, simple things like this prayer can be learned and applied at such a young age. We can learn so much from children. This prayer was sincere, I felt it as I knelt with her.

What one Righteous man can do.

2009-08-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Alma 46:12-24

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—aIn 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.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his abreastplate, 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 btitle of liberty) and he cbowed 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 dChristians remain to possess the land—
14 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.
15 And those who did belong to the church were afaithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ btook upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or cChristians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.
16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the afreedom of the land might be favored.
17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land which was asouth of the land bDesolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on the cnorth and on the south—A chosen land, and the land of dliberty.
18 And he said: Surely God shall not asuffer that we, who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own btransgressions.
19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the arent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:
20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and aenter into a covenant that they will bmaintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.
21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running atogether with their armor girded about their loins, brending their garments in token, or as a ccovenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be dashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.
22 Now this was the covenant which they made, and they acast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We bcovenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.
23 Moroni said unto them: Behold, we are a aremnant of the seed of Jacob; yea, we are a remnant of the seed of bJoseph, whose ccoat was rent by his brethren into many pieces; yea, and now behold, let us remember to keep the commandments of God, or our garments shall be rent by our brethren, and we be cast into prison, or be sold, or be slain.
24 Yea, let us preserve our liberty as a aremnant of Joseph; yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for behold, he saw that a bpart of the cremnant of the coat of Joseph was dpreserved and had not decayed. And he said—Even as this remnant of garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a eremnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God, and be taken unto himself, while the remainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as the remnant of his garment.

Let us stand for truth and righteousness. Why let the wickedness of the world get you down? Within each of us there is a captain Moroni. Remember, by small things great things come to pass.

The woman of my life

2009-08-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

I love my wife! She lifts me and strengthens me! She inspires me to be someone great. I will always be in debt to her. Stacie, you've always given me wings to fly.

Are you committed?

2009-08-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended a ward conference. I heard the same talk that our Stake President gave at the last ward conference I attended. I'm in the Stake Young Men's, and part of my calling is visiting different wards in the stake. This is the second time I've heard this talk, and the Spirit has pierced my heart and soul both times. In his talk, he told a story of when he played high school basketball. He had been in the game, scored a few points, grabbed a few rebounds. He was feeling good about himself. The coach pulled him out of the game, and asked him, "Are you committed?" The coach instructed him to sit on the bench and watch the game, and see if he was committed. As he watched players dive for the ball, and jump back up into the game, he realized that he was contributing, but not fully committed. He told the coach after some time, that he was ready to go back in the game, and he was ready to be committed. Although, he had scored a few points, and grabbed a few rebounds, he was capable of doing a lot more. Unfortunately for him, the coach told him to sit on the bench for the rest of the game. It was a painful lesson. He then compared the story to life and the gospel. Are we just contributing, or are we committed? I've found in the past few months, I've been contributing, but have I really been committed? The atonement that was made by our Savior allows us to be like Him, to better ourselves, but it requires us to be committed. The nice thing is that we don't have to sit the bench. We can jump into the game now! The only thing that is stopping us is ourselves. I've experienced many times in my life when I've stretched and committed, the Savior stands right by my side and pushes and pulls and lifts and carries me to be the son of God that I've been called to be. I testify this is true for all of Heavenly Father's children. Now let's play the game!

What a great July!

2009-08-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is me and my brother Mike on the Bear Lake golf course. We love going up to Bear Lake. We did it twice in July. The kids love playing on the beach, and especially going swimming in the pool. I had no stake calling meetings in July. It was really nice. Now it is August, and due to the lack of meetings in July, Aug is always really busy. I read a scripture this morning that is a good reminder on making sure we are not "slothful" and we keep the course. It is in Alma 37:46, where it reads:

46 O my son, do not let us be ^aslothful because of the ^beasiness of the ^cway; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would ^dlook they might ^elive; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

Even though we are facing tough economic times, it is still easy compared to other times and other places. It was a wake up call for me when I served in Portugal on a 2 year LDS mission. We really don't realize the easiness and all that we are blessed with in the United States. It is important to remember the often quoted scripture that states:

"If ye will keep my commandments ye shall ^cprosper in the land—but if ye keep not his commandments ye shall be cut off from his presence."

great family site! great message!

2009-07-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

the family

Constant nourishment to the soul

2009-07-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Just like the body needs constant nourishment, so does the soul. Daily prayer, scripture study, and attendance to church meetings and the temple are all important to keep the soul fit. It always seems like it is easier said than done. Just like my body can feel better or worse depending on if I'm exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep, my soul feels better or worse depending on my sincerity in daily prayer, my honest scripture study, and my attendance to my church meetings and the temple. Satan is aware of this, and if he can get you to ignore the everyday things needed for the soul, he can slowly pull you out of shape and take away the happiness that all of us deserve. In Alma 32:38, 41 it reads:

38 But if ye ^aneglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with ^apatience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree ^bspringing up unto everlasting life.

It is easy to get out of the routine of nourishing your soul during summer break with all the vacations and play. Wholesome recreational activities are so important for the family, but you can still do it without neglecting the tree. I know this to be true, because I've seen it in my own life.

ouch!

2009-07-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Had great weekend up at Bear Lake with Stacie and her family. Did some golfing, swimming, beach volleyball, snorkeling, and of course shakes! This year, Stacie's brother brought up a new game. He had rigged up a golf flag on a plank of wood, and tied it down with a weight. It would float on the water. The idea was to hit golf balls into the water. The water is so clear, it is easy to snorkel and retrieve them. Sounds like a fun activity right? Well, it was until, something happened while I was snorkeling for golf balls. Stacie's brother, Clint was going to chip a few balls into the water while me and Justin (Stacie's other brother) would snorkel for them. It is just a simple chip shot, no worries right? The floating flag was about 75 yards out. Clint tees up a ball on the sand. Well, he hit a line drive, and it was heading straight for me. I was standing up with water being about waist high. The ball did one skip on the water, then hit me right in the stomach. You could say, "why didn't you dodge it?" I had flippers on, which made it difficult to move, and it was coming really fast. I didn't want to risk ducking and getting knocked in the head, I didn't want to turn and get hit in the ribs. So I tightened up my stomach and took it. I bent over in extreme pain when it struck me.... yeah that's going to leave a mark. I've got a battle wound to show off now.

Life is good! I'm fishing.

2009-07-07T06:18:00.001-07:00

My brother came up from Arizona this past week. We headed up to one of my favorite spots in Uintas to fly fish. Yes, the fish are HUGE! ;) We fished for about 5 hours and got back to the family reunion on time. We pulled in about 60 fish between the three of us.

When your kids take your phone

2009-07-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Ashley has figured out how to use the camera on my phone....

Balboa park, San Diego

2009-06-19T06:08:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from our visit to Balboa park: I'll post more of our vacation later.

Tribute to my best friend

2009-06-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

12 years ago I married this amazing woman. She is beautiful, strong willed, intelligent, witty, passionate, kind, spiritual, loving, fun, athletic, a wonderful cook, inspiring and down right gorgeous. We have had 12 wonderful married years together. I've fallen in love with her so deeply, and I cannot even imagine my life without her. I've learned and will continue to learn so much from her. Stacie, I love you.

Lost in La Jolla

2009-06-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

San Diego Temple

In Doctrine and Covenants 109:22-23 it reads:

22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy ^aname may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine ^bangels have charge over them;

23 And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ^aends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.

Last week I had the opportunity to take my family to San Diego on vacation. We were there for a week. Thursday night we were at the beach in La Jolla. It was beautiful. We watched the sun set into the ocean. We were staying in a rental house over by Balboa Park. I decided to try to take some back roads that I was not familiar with to find my way back to Interstate 5. Well needless to say... we got lost in the hills of La Jolla. And of course, me being the man, did not need to stop and ask for directions. How hard could it be to find the Interstate? right? We drove around for quite some time, me, my wife, my 4 girls, and my mother-in-law. I think that they were getting inpatient with me. We ended up on top of a hill. It was dark. As I looked over the hill, there was the San Diego Temple all lit up. It was as if it was floating in air. What a beautiful sight. What I desire most in life right now is to see all of my daughters get married in the temple, and I did not even plan this. I didn't plan on taking them to the temple grounds. I missed out on this opportunity. God in a gracious way, allowed us to have this experience.

How many of us our lost in one way or another? Making turns on roads unfamiliar. If we have faith in God, and we are doing our best, I testify it will lead to the house of God.

If you are in Utah right now, and are interested in knowing more about the temples of God, there is an open house for the public, at the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple in Salt Lake. click here for a reservation.

For more information on LDS temples go here.

Linsey and Alissa looking out into the sunset at La Jolla.

A man named Amulek

2009-06-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

There is a man that I can't wait to meet when I move from this life to the next. His name is Amulek. Read in the Book of Mormon, Alma chapter 10-15. Concentrate on the traits and the things that Amulek did. He emulated the traits of our Savior. He displayed obedience, a sense of urgency to help others come to our Savior, patience, love and understanding, courage, forgiveness, and giving up family and friends for what was right. I respect and look up to him, and can only hope I can display the same traits in my life. He was a man forordained and lived up to his potential. I wonder if he knows the effects of what he did so long ago, have on God's children today. I'd like to express gratitude for his example and courage.

The food man

2009-05-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

24 And see that ye have ^afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

I read a great article in the paper the other day on a man who exemplifies this traits. What have you done with your time lately?

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12407428

Are you a stumbling block?

2009-05-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

In Alma 4:8-10 it reads:

8 For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their ^ahearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did ^bnot believe according to their own will and pleasure.

9 And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began to be great ^acontentions among the people of the church; yea, there were ^benvyings, and ^cstrife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God.

10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great ^astumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.

This was a short time after there was peace with the people of God. In Alma 1:30 it reads:

30 And thus, in their ^aprosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were ^bnaked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon ^criches; therefore they were ^dliberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no ^erespect to persons as to those who stood in need.

How quick do we forget? The Lord blesses us in so many ways both spiritual and temporal when we are righteous. How can we sustain what it talks about in Alma 1:30? I believe as soon as we stop serving others and giving to others, the sooner we forget and get caught up in our own blessings both temporal and spiritual. We get stuck in our comfort zones, and we don't share temporally or spiritually with those around us. Then pride does its thing, and we end up like the same people in Alma 4. So, I ask this question. Am I a stumbling block for those around me? Have I got caught up in my own spiritual and temporal blessings? What am I giving back?

Where do you receive your wages?

2009-05-15T05:31:00.001-07:00

I read in Alma chapter 3 verses 26-27 this morning stating:

26 And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their ^arewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.

27 For every man receiveth ^awages of him whom he listeth to ^bobey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign of the judges.

So ponder this.... Where do you receive your wages?

Service

2009-05-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

In Mosiah chapter 2 in reads:

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

I had the opportunity to serve at the LDS humanitarian center yesterday assembling kits to send down to Mexico to help out with the Swine flu. Here are some pictures and video.

This is a really cool machine that shrink wraps the pallet of boxed items.

Skunked again!

2009-05-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Man, I should just give up fishing. After a week of leadership training, I decided to process all the information by going fishing with my father in law and brother in law up to Strawberry Reservoir. How Stacie let me go? Read my previous post on Miracles j/k. Stacie, has always been great this way! She basicly rocks and is the best wife in the world. I didn't get one byte! Below is a picture of Clint. He caught his only fish on his first cast. It was a nice 22 inch cutthroat. My father in law caught 3.

Miracles

2009-05-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

In the Book of Mormon, chapter 9 it reads:

10 And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.

11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of amiracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same bGod who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.

17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his aword the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was bcreated of the cdust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?

18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty amiracles? And there were many bmighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.

19 And if there were amiracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he bchangeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

I had an experience while I was in Redondo Beach, CA with a friend of mine, (Van) that was reminder of the Lord's mercies applied to his children. Van tells the story in his words in a letter he wrote to a lady he baptized on his mission years ago.

"The next day (Wednesday) the conference was scheduled for 8am to 9pm with a two-hour break at 3pm. A friend (Bryan) and I left at 3:30pm on the beach cruisers to go get wet. We were pretty anxious and excited and our time was limited. We hustled down and jumped in. Beautiful swells coming in and we had a great time making attempts at body surfing and not getting pummeled. I love the water, but at 4:20 I got slammed into the sand hard, square on the head, exactly what I was trying to avoid, but it happened anyway. I felt the shooting pain in my neck and knew it wasn’t good. Fortunately, all my faculties still worked and I hurried out of the water knowing that it could be bad and I needed to assess the situation quickly. My throat hurt and realizing that the week before I had been terribly sick I thought it was just my glands again. A quick assessment and I realized I was okay, but should be careful. We biked back to the hotel in time to clean up and return to the conference at 5pm. At 7:45pm I stepped out in pain and was having a hard time breathing. A small calm thought, “reduce swelling” settled in. I made my way to the nearest convenience store and located the Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) and returned at 8:15pm till close of the workshop at 9:40pm. I settled in at the hotel room saying a prayer and determined that the Lord was watching over me.
The next morning I returned to the conference after breakfast with Bryan. At 11:30 I had very strong impressions to call Emily and have her begin her research on the necessary steps for what it would take to properly treat something like this immediately on my return. My statement on the phone to her was, “my neck is very likely broken and I need to see a doctor tonight.” As concerning a statement this is, she was as calm as could be and so was I. We both felt things would be well, but I was strongly impressed to see a doctor tonight and to not wait. At 3pm the conference ended. At 6pm I was in the air back to Salt Lake City. I walked into my house at 9:20pm in time to hugs the kids, tuck them in, and make my way to the ER with Emily. My neighbor, a doctor, had indicated that he would set things up for in the morning if I wanted to wait, but didn’t recommend it. My impressions to go immediately were very strong, so we did.
The first doctor into the room was from Southern California. Miracle #1 in the ER.
The CT-Scan tech was from Southern California. Miracle #2 in the ER.
The Nurse was from LA – “Good thing you didn’t go to the ER in LA – you would have waited 15 hours and probably had to take a number.” Miracle #3 in the ER.
The Neuro-Spine Surgeon just happened to be in that night (1 of 2 in the entire area) and walked by when the first set of X-rays were being viewed in the hallway. Miracle #4 in the ER.
The fracture was on the front of the vertebra instead of the rear where the spinal column resides. Miracle #5 in the ER.
Fracture is in such a way that surgery is not probable and it will heal. Miracle #6 in the ER.
The MRI technician had decided to work and extra shift this week and was staying late. Miracle #7 in the ER.
Swelling, bleeding etc. was all very minimal. Miracle #8 in the ER.
All of the resources and all of the correct individuals were all present at 1am on a Friday morning to make a diagnosis with the ‘best’ possible outcome. I was overcome again. The Lord truly blesses us all in different ways.
Whether the accident was my fault or the ‘smite’ of the devil himself slamming me down I have been preserved and blessed beyond measure in everything I do. I contribute so much of it to my faithful ‘mission’ days and I can’t help but think about when those blessings will “run out.” I know for a fact the devil himself did not want me in LA this week. He did not want me to experience Joy. He did not want me to experience Happiness. And yet these are the two things that he will never be able to take away from me."

God is a God of miracles. I know this to be true. I've posted the video of Van getting smashed by the wave.

Redondo Beach

2009-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm currently on a business trip in Redondo Beach, CA. The weather is amazing. I'm in a hotel right off of the beach. I love the ocean. I could live here. I'm in training classes that take up most of the time. I have been able to break loose for a little bit. The blueberry pancakes I had yesterday morning at Jitters were amazing. After breakfast, I headed over to the beach. I was so tempted to just jump in the water fully clothed.

Redondo Beach pictures

2009-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from my trip.

more pictures of Redondo Beach

2009-05-06T08:02:00.001-07:00

"It mattereth what we give....."

2009-04-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

George Albert Smith said...

“Do we realize that every man is in the image of God and is a son of God, and every woman his daughter? No matter where they may be, they are his children, and he loves them and desires their salvation. Surely as members of this Church we cannot sit idly by. We cannot receive the beneficent favor of our Heavenly Father that is bestowed upon us, the knowledge of eternal life, and selfishly retain it, thinking that we may be blessed thereby. It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give”

What have I given lately and to whom? Hopefully, I've given my time and shared my thoughts and feeling with those who are most close to me first. My wife, my children, family and friends. Then to the brothers and sisters all around me. In D&C 18:10 we read:

"10 Remember the ^aworth of ^bsouls is great in the sight of God;"

I have a previous post on the word "Remember." Here it is again. Remember the worth of you, and those around you. Although we may be as dust compared to our Great God, the value is most high, and most precious. I hope that remembering will stir up action to share what I know to be true - and as I give of my time to others, my life will be enriched with happiness and joy.

Remember what the Lord, Jesus Christ did for all. Here is a great clip from Elder Holland. Easter Message

Time

2009-04-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

I was driving home last week and the thought crossed my mind... "Double my age and I am 70." I'm over a 3rd of my live, best case scenario. Life truly is short. We have so much to do in so little of time. I hope I take advantage and use my time doing the best things.

Remember, remember, and.... remember

2009-03-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

In Mosiah 4:11 it reads:

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have ^atasted of his love, and have received a ^bremission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own ^cnothingness, and his ^dgoodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of ^ehumility, ^fcalling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing ^gsteadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

I think the one of the most important words is this verse is remember. If I spent a little more time remembering who I am, who God is, who my wife is, who are those who have sacrificed in my behalf, who have gone on before me, I think it would help me put things in perspective. I am so absent-minded, and frankly, I think a lot of us are.

Up in Rock Creek, Wyoming there is a grave site for early pioneers who died on their journey to Zion from the Willie handcart company. There is a big rock monument that has the word "Remember" on it. This very word can cause reflection and pondering that can bring a variety of mixed emotions. I made the mistake of forgetting and not remembering how special and wonderful my wife is this past weekend.

"It speaketh of things as they really are.."

2009-03-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

In Jacob chapter 4 it reads:

13 Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the ^aSpirit speaketh the ^btruth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really ^care, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us ^dplainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also ^espake them unto prophets of old.

The thought I want to ponder on is: "Wherefore, it (The Spirit) speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be, these things are manifested unto us plainly"

This is true! This what I love about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. We have the knowledge of revelation, and it comes through the Holy Ghost which is a gift that is given after being baptized with proper authority. As we keep our covenant with our Heavenly Father, we are able to tap into this revelation about our families, the Gospel, about others whom we serve, and the Spirit will tell us of "things as they really are, and as they really will be." And it will be "manifested unto us plainly."

Sometimes, it is hard to see the picture so plain, and how things really are when our pride hides it from us. I sometimes get this way, and I can't see how things are and how plain it is, until I let go of the pride in my heart. Once I let the pride go, it is so plain and real. The more practice I have at allowing the Spirit tell me how things are, the better I will become at allowing the Spirit tell me how things will be.

If there were a time to speak the tongue of angels...

2009-03-05T05:33:00.000-08:00

I work with the Young Men. I have some that struggle in these times. They doubt their testimonies, and sometimes it is painful to see them struggle. I wish I could just open their hearts and pour the feelings I feel inside of them. I wish I could open their minds and dump the knowledge and wisdom I've gained throughout my life. In Alma 29 is says:

1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the ^atrump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and ^acome unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.

So yes, I should be content with what the Lord has allotted me. But, he has allotted me the gift to speak the tongue of angels. How do I do this? In 2 Nephi 32 is says:

1 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?

2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had ^areceived the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the ^btongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

3 ^aAngels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, ^bfeast upon the ^cwords of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will ^dtell you all things what ye should do.

4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ^aask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.

5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will ^ashow unto you all things what ye should do.

Yes, it is through the Holy Ghost. And it requires a lot of pondering and communicating with the Lord. He has promised to show me "all things what I should do."

Speak the tongue of angels

2009-03-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

"Speak the tongue of angels" what does this mean? When we are baptized and confirmed a member to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. This does not mean that we will always feel the Holy Ghost. It is under certain conditions that we will feel the Holy Ghost. In 2 Nephi 31:13 it says:

13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall afollow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no bhypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real cintent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are dwilling to take upon you the ename of Christ, by fbaptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the gbaptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the htongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

These conditions are 1. following the Son with full purpose of heart without hypocrisy and deception, and with real intent. 2. repenting of your sins. Then we may feel the Holy Ghost and speak with the tongue of angels. It is very clear to me when I speak the tongue of angels. The Holy Ghost occupanies me while the words flow from the mouth. What is even more amazing is the people listening to you, if they are also following the Son with full purpose of heart without hipocrisy and deception and with real intent, having repented of their sins, hear things, see things by this same Spirit that you may not even realize you've said. And they don't always necessarily come from the spoken word. I've been on the speaking end and the listening end when this has happened. I testify that this is true. I've had friends who have wondered why they don't feel the Spirit, and it comes down to the conditions stated in this scripture. Follow the Savior, do as He would do, and do it with real intent. Repent of your sins, we all have them, the Savior has paved the way to clean our vessels so we can be instruments in serving and helping others.

CRUNCH! Wake Up!

2009-03-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in a trans, life seems to be moving day by day, same ol' same ol'? I have been in this state for some time. Life has been great, work is going good, health is good, personal life is great. It seemed as if I've been in this bubble. Outside of the bubble, the economy is slammed, friends going through rough times financially and with their personal lives. But as for myself, the complete opposite. I really have been in a comfortable state; probably too comfortable. I think God has a way to take us out of these states of comfort to wake us up and help us progress. Sometimes this way can be tragic. However, the tradegy is completely based on attitude.
I had a wake up call. This may sound silly, but it was this simple. I was at my parents house, and when leaving, I backed my van into my younger brother's car. As I was backing out, I heard a CRUNCH sound, that made my stomach feel woozy. Wait a second! My life has been going so well, I'm comfortable, this is not suppose to happen to me. It was like a slap in the face. Through the night and into the next morning, I began to think about a lot more stuff than just a fender bender. Funny how that works. I started to realize all the blessings in my life, and realize the high expectations God has for me, and that I was not hitting the mark.
In my personal study this morning I read this scripture, D&C 58:26-29

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is ^acompelled in all things, the same is a ^bslothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be ^aanxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are ^aagents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their ^breward.

29 But he that ^adoeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with ^bdoubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is ^cdamned.

It is hard to be anxiously engaged while you're living day by day in a bubble, in a comfort zone. Hopefully, I can recognize when this is happening to me, and find the internal strength to WAKE UP! and bring to pass much righteousness for me, my family and those around me.

Touch these stones

2009-01-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

In Ether chapter 3, the brother of Jared had the Lord touch stones to make them light. This was so they would not travel in the dark.

Today, we are in trouble times of war, economic stress, and darkness. What kind of faith can we apply NOW? We can have the Lord touch our lives and give us light. We can be that light.

"When thou risest let thy heart be full of thanks to God"

2008-09-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

How is your Monday mornings? I usually struggle as I get out of bed and turn off the alarm. Many times I say to myself, "I'm ready to throw in the towel." That can have a lot of different meanings. I read a popular scripture in the Book of Mormon this morning that made me reflect on this attitude. In Alma 37:37 it says: "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night, lie down unto the Lord; that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if you do these things, ye shall be lifted up in the last days."

Hmmmmm....... "and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God" Yeah.... I think I need to work on this one.

Come buy and eat..... without money

2008-07-16T06:03:00.001-07:00

I read a favorite scripture in my studying this morning and the Spirit gave me a sweet reminder to re prioritize and "not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy."

The scripture is found in 2 Nephi 9:50-51.

50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

I bought a new home almost 2 years ago. Since, then I've been heavily consumed in putting a yard in, finishing a basement, and other miscellaneous things that demand time in owning a home. I've been obsessed with getting everything finished and done, and I have to admit that my focus on more important things in life have been put lower on my priority list. I believe in having a balanced life. Although I believe that having a balanced life is not difficult to achieve, it is really easy to lose focus and become unbalanced. God has great things he wants to reveal to us, and if we don't make it a priority, we lose on this great opportunity to gain wisdom and knowledge. In Ether 4:13-15 in reads:

13 Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.

14 Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.

15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.

In this scriptures, we are the Gentiles, and the house of Israel. What does it take to "rend that veil of unbelief?"

Not doing so well with my goals, I think I'll add one more.

2008-07-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

At the first of the year I made some goals for myself that centered around the scripture Luke 2:52.

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man”

I had made goals that helped with my intellect, my physical stature, my spirituality, and my social life. I just reviewed them today, and I haven't been doing so hot. If fact, I'm failing miserably. Well, I thought I'd add another one after hearing a quote from a co-worker's talk he gave yesterday in church. The author to this is unknown and it is called "Pause that Refreshes."

"I am the father of a large family. I go home tired from the routing of busy days. Before I cross the threshold, I pause. I reflect for just a moment to remember what may be inside. Someone probably broke a dish. The carpet sweeper may be out of order. There may be a broken arm. The neighbor may be phoning us about a paper our boy did not deliver. There may be children to jump on me for attention and love (maybe with jam on their hands) to tell me the important happenings of the day. So, I pause and repeat a prayer something like this: Oh, Father, may my presence in this home bring faith and a cheerful good evening to those I love. May my homecoming strengthen this home and bring us together, not tear us apart. Keep my voice even, that I may build confidence and respect in me as their father and their friend."

I thought this would be a great goal to add. To pause and say a prayer to my Father before I enter my home from where ever I may have been. To pray to my Father a similar prayer, and ask for strength to be as He would be and act as He would act.

As far as the rest of my goals..... I better repent.

Are you who you think you are?

2008-07-10T04:51:00.001-07:00

I was sitting in the office with my boss this past week.

He was talking about an exciting position that involved a very technical person, one who is an excellent coder, one who could work with the outside community, a leader, etc...

He said, "You know who I'm talking about, right?" In my mind, I was of course thinking, he is talking about me. Later in the conversation it was clear that it was not me, but one of my lead principle software engineers.

I realized that I was still living in history for a moment. I now lead and manage a large number of software engineers. My role is to allow smart people to be smart. Allowing people to do what they do best, and not stepping up trying to be that person, or solving that problem has been a transition from me.

I'm not saying that I don't have to be smart anymore, or step up to the plate. I'm just saying that I play a certain leadership role, and part of that role is to realize the talent that works with me and allowing them to expand their wings and fly.

How many times in life do we have a different perception of ourselves than others? I believe it is wise to solicit feedback from others around us, and accept the feedback graciously.

I believe our Maker, our God, knows us better than anyone. How often do we solicit feedback from him? What have you prayed about lately?

wisdom from a worn out page

2008-07-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out my garage this past weekend. I came across a trunk of past memorabilia. Inside was a set of scriptures I used on a LDS mission that I served in Portugal. I decided to move this set of scriptures to our family room bookcase.

I decided to read from this set of scriptures and came across a ripped out page, ripped out due to wear and tear. It was Moroni chapter 10. In verse 3 it reads:

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts."

Life has got so busy and I've failed to set aside time to ponder. I believe this is such a powerful tool to strengthen and stay in touch with who we really are spiritually. I also believe it will bring us closer to our maker.

I read a great book called "The power of full engagement." It talks about creating routines in our life to help us be fully engaged. I believe setting some time aside and creating a routine to ponder would be very valuable to anyone.

Another stab at this social network craze!

2008-06-27T14:58:00.001-07:00

So, this is another attempt at blogging. I've lately been inundated with invites to social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc...

Here we go!