BIRTHDAYS ARE IMPORTANT

Each year many of us celebrate the date we were born. It is a time to reflect on where we have come from, who we are now and what we will become. Our history is not only valuable to us, but certainly to our family and to those with whom we work and play.

Birthdays are often the beginning of a new phase in our lives such as driving and dating (age 16), baptism (age 8) and many others. Unfortunately it’s also a time for some to do things or to feel they can do many things that aren’t so beneficial. This is when we can be grateful for good homes where strong values are taught and practiced.

I am grateful for the birthdays of my grandchildren. It’s a time to think of them and reflect on their unique personality. It’s a time to ponder their lives and pray for their success and happiness.

Sunday our oldest grandchild, Madison, will turn 10. She is a beautiful girl inside and out. I made this video in her honor. It was a joy to pull out some of the pictures I have taken of her over the years I have known her. We love her.

Optimism is a Godly attribute!

Optimism is a principle of the gospel. Optimism provides us with the tools to communicate with the Divine. Any pessimism is a barrier to the influence to the Holy Ghost.

Here is a video that brings this home:

PONDER THIS!

THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATING STORIES OF OUR HERITAGE!

The Things of God

I suppose my intent is NOT to make this blog a journal. That’s way too personal. I just feel that there are so many thoughts running thru my head each day and so many things I would like to express. I’m not much good at expressing myself in writing as Connie can attest to, but I do like to make my opinions, feelings and beliefs known. I admire those who are creative enough to give us pause no matter the medium. Writing, photography, painting, building etc. are all ways to give something of ourselves. Something that will benefit both ourself and the person partaking of our version of creativity. I do, however, believe that we sometimes take things too far and offend or insult others by what we create. In those cases it may be better to keep those things in a journal or private, away from the consumption of others. Sharing and expressing your feelings in a public forum such as a blog (un-password protected) that may cause others to be offended, discouraged or angered may be counter productive.

Controversial topics can be productive if presented maturely and from an informed point of view. However, if we in anyway demean or diminish another person or even offend his/her moral compass we should refrain. I’m sure most of would like to think that our opinions, interpretations and expressions are correct, but it may require much more than we are willing to sacrifice in order to know.

The Prophet Joseph Smith stated: “The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity-thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain imaginations of the human heart! None but fools will trifle with the souls of men. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 3:295)

Let's Honor the Veterans

My Mother with 4 Kids and Dad is off to war!

While I was growing up I knew that my father served in the Army during WWII, however to this day I know very little about his service. How wonderful it would be to know many of the things he saw, what he experienced and how he felt about it all. I know he was in the Philippines and then in Japan after the U.S. took over there.

On this Veteran’s Day I would like to honor him in a small way. He left a family of 4 children, me being the youngest of less than a year. What a hardship that must have been for my mother and my older siblings. I probably didn’t even miss him. In fact I know when he returned I didn’t want to have anything to do with him for a while. I got over it and loved my father very much. He was a great man and we can be thankful to him and all veterans for their selfless service to each one of us.

Time

CONNIE'S MISSING -SHE'S AT THE HOTEL BEING SICK!

As we get older the time seems to speed up. Actually time is time, but as a percentage of our life the one minute becomes smaller and smaller as we grow old.

Good Grief - where did the time go? I read the blogs, but don't take the time to contribute to this great network of information. I suppose making a living must take too much TIME!

LAST WEEK IT WAS DISNEYLAND WITH THE EASTONS. CONNIE GOT SICK, BUT WE HAD A BLAST!

A DAY TO CELEBRATE A GREAT LIFE