Outside The Box

I have learned something about myself over the past several weeks.  My job is one that puts me behind a computer a great amount of each day, which I find I enjoy less and less.  I've always had such jobs, and found the challenge of new thoughts, new insights and the ability to share them with others a great motivation.  However, over the past months, with temperatures below freezing, my travel schedule at an all-time low, and my efforts to expand learning waning, I found myself going stir crazy!  Thank goodness we have a busy household with Kassie, Thesha, Tyler and Reagan all here at the same time from time to time.  If it were just Sheree and me, we would probably be trying to ride the Harley out on the icy streets to maintain our sanity!

I've not realized, completely, until now, how important "outside" is to me.  I love seeing the changes each day brings in the weather, temperature, growth, colors, smells, etc.  I thrive on change much more than I realized.  I love diversity of taste, color, activity, climate, and so many other things.  I love new ideas.  I enjoy differing opinions.  I appreciate each opportunity to expand my understanding.

I've been studying the Lectures on Faith, and I've begun to see our Heavenly Parents "outside my former box".  It's amazing how study, prayer and some sincere pondering can lead to understanding and the associated enhanced enjoyment.  I believe our lives are not about getting into a routine and learning to be comfortable with it, but rather exploring at the edges of our understanding to better comprehend and keep our faith alive.  I think we are here on this earth to progress, and that means never being completely comfortable with our here and now.  It means mistakes, but it also means growth.  Wow, what a plan!!

We also had a new addition to challenge our family size and put one more in the "Sister's Camp".  Welcome to Gennasys Grace.

  

Gennasys Grace

Pleased Grandma

Happy Aunt

Hope your day is "outside YOUR box".

Perspective

This has been quite the year.  I've watched businesses that are my major source of income slip into recession yet again, signs of a sinking dollar, financial insecurity growing with politicians proudly displaying their brinkmanship skills, a continual string of assaults on our freedoms and an increase in third-world mentality growing all around us.  I received, from a good friend, this Tony Robbins video that helps put our current financial situation in clear perspective.  It's a very good use of 20 minutes of your time.  

After watchng it, I had every reason in the world to be depressed and hopeless, and I've never felt more joy in my life.  I know that we are in for some very rough times, but I have family that seems to be drawing in more closely around me, unrivaled opportunities for service and a sense of spiritual peace that is growing in direct contrast to the instability and frustrations around me.

I'm working on a project to help youth recognize consequences of major choices they make early in life.  I'm finding countless opportunities to focus inward and learn more about myself every day.  I'm excited at the potential good this program can be for a generation that is truly "under fire".  The assault on values and freedoms is unprecidented and I feel a growing need to become part of a solution. 

I guess what I am learning is probably something most of you learned years ago, but the perspective that change and age brings can be of great value if we take the time to reflect, ponder and pray.  During this Thanksgiving time, I express my gratitude for the perspective each of you brings to my life.  Your struggles, trials and joys CAN add perspective to all of our lives if we just take the time to recognize each for what it truly is - a tender mercy.

A Season of Reflection

Well, I guess sufficient time as lapsed that no one of you will consider me a "blog junkie".  Consistency is not part of my "long suit".

 

Sheree and I bought "heated gear" for the Harley so that we can stay warm and extend our riding season by a couple of months each year. 

 

We suited up a couple of weeks ago and rode to Telluride Colorado, then south through some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen.  You just don't get any better than the high Rockies.  We went through Ouray and Silverton (two old mining towns) and then down to Durango.  Then back up to see Black Canyon.  If you've never been, I highly recommend it.  The scenery is breathtaking and the air is still moderately clean.  Coming home, we lost our headlights, but were able to make it to a little town of Rangely.  We're sure glad they had a couple of hotels, because it would have been dark long before we got into Vernal.  Tender mercies!

 

Last week, knowing that the season is quickly coming to a close, we just decided to take a quick trip to Southern Utah.  We went to our favorite restaurant in Torrey Utah, Cafe Diablo.  The food is excellent and after a long day on the bike, we always have a hearty appetite.  We like Torrey because it is quaint and located with rugged red cliffs to the North, Boulder Mountain to the South, and Capital Reef to the East.

 

We rode over to Goblin Valley, and up to Green River.  The melons there this time of year are incredible!  Then we drove over to Arches and then back to Dead Horse Point.  We really enjoyed the time together, and there is something very calming about spending an entire day out in nature.

 

All of this sensory overload got me thinking.  It's amazing to me how much time we spend on things that are relatively silly and create no lasting memories.  My time away from the silliness helps me to focus on what it truly worthwhile.  I saw roads that men carved through the mountains that seemed impenetrable.  I saw landscapes that put any creation of man to shame and rival the masterpieces in grandeur and beauty.  Watching a sky full of stars puts you in your place and reestablishes an appropriate perspective of things.

 

We love all of you and hope that you get some time for reflection in your lives as well.    

Laus Deo

 

I thought that you may like to see this. It was first posted by Dr Bob Scott in 2002, but well worth seeing here. 

One detail that is not mentioned, in Washington DC, is that there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.1 25 inches high, perched top the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ."One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo! 

 When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
It's time to remember what we stand for. Many would have you believe that in the name of tolerance we should forego our foundation and embrace all beliefs. That's not what our Founding Fathers had in mind. It's time to " . . . always remember Him".

Inagural Harley Ride

Well, it's been a very long Winter, and Spring hasn't given us an opportunity to do any riding until yesterday.  So Sheree and I dusted off the bike, mounted up, and took a short yet very needed ride north to breathtaking Clifton Idaho.  We stopped along the way and chewed on some jerky, admired the cows in the fields, were nearly overcome by the pungency of silage, and spotted several road-kill skunks along the way.  It was great to feel the wind in my face, the road under my wheels and the gentle nudge from time to time of my riding partner.  All in all, it was great - a day to remember.  NOTE TO CHILDREN - This is the kind of excitement you have to look forward to when the kids are grown and gone - so enjoy them while you have them! 

Since our ride, I've thought much about the simplicity of the day.  When you boil it all down, much of life has to do with gratitude.  Yesterday could either go in the books as one of the most boring days of my life, or on the other hand, I could choose to see the chance it gave me to spend some time with my wife and enjoy the simple pleasures associate with living.  We have the health, freedom and means to do silly things like this.  The only purpose of the day was to be together doing something we both enjoy. 

I know a person who has very little gratitude and chooses to focus on the negative.  That inevitably leads to distrust, depression and a consistent sense of being a victim.  Life, in the absence of gratitude, seems to become something that is to be endured rather than enjoyed and appreciated. 

So, I've committed to make time at the end of every day to appreciate the experiences of that day, and say out loud to my best friend and eternal companion the things for which I am most grateful.

My Riding Companion

Happiness and Success

I was recently asked by an associate to define happiness and success.  It was an opportunity for me to hover up out of the day-to-day and look to the horizon for perspective.  I've decided to share with you some of my Musings on the topic.  So, for what it's worth . . .

What is Happiness? 

I believe we spend far too much time focused on Happiness and far too little concerned with attaining Joy.  They are quite different.  Happiness is excitement or thrill that can be very intense and usually short-lived.  Joy, on the other hand, is more subtle, deep and lasting.  To me, Joy is the peace that comes when we know that our lives / desires are in alignment with the Lord’s plan for us.  It is the warmth associated with exhaustion of self in service.  It is true, heart-felt appreciation for the myriad of small beauties that we are daily given; leaves falling from trees, the opening of a rose, the sound of snow, or the squeeze of a newborn’s hand on your finger.  It’s a peace that calls for quiet introspection and pondering, and its warmth grows over the years as a result of tearful memories you work to indelibly fix in your mind.  You’ll know it when you feel it.  Like most things of value, joy is a gift that requires years of obedience and sacrifice. 

How do I define Success? 

I feel that Success is when your life is primarily characterized by Joy.  When each day you can truly and honestly feel that you have understood and accomplished the will of the Lord for you that day, that’s Success.  I don’t believe it is a destination, but comfort / satisfaction with the refinement process each of us will undergo.  Success, to me, then is the ability to share with someone you completely love and trust, the heartfelt / overwhelming Joy you feel.  Likewise, it is the result of obedience and sacrifice.  But, interestingly enough, sacrifice is merely giving up or doing without something right now, in exchange for something that is of greater value later on.  So learning to sacrifice really is Success.

One of Those Nights

We had one of those "never to be forgotten" nights last night.  Duchess died.  She was 31 years old, and in horse years that's got to be pretty close to 100 year old for us.  She had a heart as large as she was and fought right up to the end.  Caress and Abner spent the night mourning for her.  I think Abner will miss her the most - he doesn't remember a day of his life that they haven't been together.  Whenever Sheree would go our riding, either Duchess or Abner, the other would race around the coral calling out until the one being ridden returned.  When I fed this morning, Abner was still looking for Duchess . . . she was his best friend and constant companion.  I hope he'll be OK.

Needless to say, it was a sad night, one filled with tears and introspection.  It was one of those times that adds perspective and depth to a life.

Ten things I learned from Duchess:

  1 - When you do things, put your entire heart into it - she loved to run
  2 - Spend time with those you love - eventually it's no longer an option
  3 - Never complain - she loved the company of a rider, even when it hurt
  4 - Be constant - even in her old age, she was the fastest of the three and always the leader
  5 - Be kind - when Abner got macho with her, she remained a true friend
  6 - Show gratitude in small, consistent ways - when I fed her, she always gave me a kind "touch"
  7 - Never give up - even in her last hours, she tried with all her heart
  8 - Remember who you are - she always carried herself like an Arabian
  9 - Take pain in stride - she never feared and hardly flinched when I gave her shots
10 - Even the "best" get crochety when they get old

Duchess, we'll miss your kind and steady influence in our lives.  Good-bye old girl . . .

Sheree on Abner and Cindy on Duchess