Miracles

Tonight we watched 17 Miracles.  It is a movie we all enjoy and certainly appropriate for the Sabbath day.  Jack was pretty emotional afterwards, for quite some time actually.  He really enjoyed it and felt the spirit.  He is pretty sensitive to things of the spirit.  Natty and Andy enjoyed the movie as well but they were not quite as emotional about it as Jack.  Certainly the movie helps us to gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the pioneers and what they suffered whilst crossing the plains.  It was good to watch together with the kids. 

I can't help but look back on my own life and recognize moments when miracles have taken place.  Some are quite simple while others can be a little bigger.  Sister Bobbi Lake showing up at my door and helping my family, doing a 180 on the I75 at 75 mph and coming out unscathed, a simple warning to slow down and having a car run a stop sign right in front of me, Natalie, Jackson, Andy.  I could go on and I could expand on each of these a little more but I will wait on that.  Suffice to say there are countless miracles in our lives, countless ways that the Lord tells us or shows us that he loves us. 

Well, I am ready to pass out.  It has been a fairly full day.  I have certainly enjoyed it and the people I got to spend it with. 

Vacation's Over!

Vacation is Over!  Today it became quite official that the old vacation was over.  Two days off was not bad and I enjoyed it though both days had me in the same work environment that I am in everyday, less the stress of customers.  Anyhow, I did go in this morning for a bit to help out while Dave went to a baptism of one of his nieces.  I don't think he ended up going in but did take a salad for the after party.  Anyways, it was a fine morning with some breakfasts to do and then some lunches.  There was bacon to make and a few other things but Dave got back and I had to hit the road and get home for the service project with the scouts.  We went and rang the bell for the salvation army in front of the local wal-mart.  Following that I got home for just a moment, changed clothes and went to help out the Scholes family move.  That was a project.  It was very well organized, every box was labelled and had a place to go.  The only challenge was the amount of stuff they had to move.  It was a lot of stuff but we got it done. Ended up being there just shy of 4 hours but it was good to give them a hand.  They are a good family and I am excited for them and quite happy that they are still in the ward.  That was a chore but it was a good chore.  I was fixin to walk home from that when I saw KB in his front yard.  I went over to say hello and to comment on his new truck.  He has only had it a couple days.  It is a very fancy Ford F-350 that is loaded to the max.  KB took me for a ride and we chatted about the goings on.  Good man that KB.  I came home and had to fulfill a promise to the boys of putting their bunk beds back up.  It must be okay because the boys are asleep.
We'll see if Andy actually does stay in his bed now that he is on the top bunk.  I certainly won't mind.  Busy day.  Vacation is definitely over.  Feels good to work and to serve.  

The Day After

I woke up at 4 with some of the meanest heartburn I have had for a long, long time.  I don't get heartburn much at all anymore but I should have counted on it since I enjoyed a piece of pumpkin pie.  That is a trigger for the burning of the heart since as long as I can remember.  It isn't much fun especially since pumpkin pie is one of my favorites.  Anyhow, I found that I was quite thankful this morning after Thanksgiving for Jack choosing to build a volcano for school that did not use mentos and diet coke.  Because we had to be different I had some alka-seltzer in the house.  There is not doubt that original alka-seltzer is perhaps the nastiest stuff I have ever taken but dang, I will take it again if it means relief of the burn. 

The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally a day of eating left overs for us.  Today we did just that as we gathered together again at the Brick House, set out all the left overs and had another Thanksgiving meal.  Before eating we took a picture outside at the folks van.  It was a picture to say thank you to our family friend who helped the folks get the van to get pops mobile again.  We certainly are thankful for the kindness shown and what it has meant and will continue to mean for mom and dad. 

The meal, well, I saw some pumpkin pie sitting there and although I really wasn't hungry I had to have a slice of the pie.  So good.  I've felt the acid battle all day but it was delicious.  I did end up having a small plate of food just to enjoy some of those dishes we only really eat at Thanksgiving and to have a turkey sandwich.  Tomorrow I'm back off the bread so I had to take advantage of today.  That is one of my favorite day after Thanksgiving traditions.  The classic turkey sandwich on white with mayo, salt and pepper and some cranberry sauce.  So good. 

We also played a round of bunco.  I think this was my third time playing bunco.  That was all I could remember but I just remembered another occasion whilst typing this.  So my fourth time playing bunco.  I won.  Hard to believe it.  I think it was one particular round where I managed 110 points.  That was pretty fantastic.  Anyhow, I reached a total of 509 points.  Mom was the next closest with 504.  Really I was quite shocked as last year I think I was dead last.  Worst to first, I'll chalk that up as a lucky win.  What else is it in bunco?  It's not like you can train for that... or can you? 

The day after Thanksgiving.  I am quite happy we took the day off of work and closed up the shop.  It was nice not to have to worry about any of that.  We've got a busy two weeks coming up and just being able to relax a bit for the last two days was good.  Thankful to have family in town and to enjoy time together. 

Thanks Given Today

Happy Thanksgiving 2014!  What a wonderful day.  Started out with a little flag football per the usual routine.  Have to have a little Turkey Bowl.  It was not well attended yet again but we had a good time with those who came.  Also, no injuries to report so it was an extra special outing.

We gathered at the Brick House at 2 and enjoyed some snacks and we did some cooking and some other fun stuff.  I worked on the Creole Cabbage and mashed potatoes.  Patrick from across the street came with us.  He had no one to spend the holiday with so I invited him along.  He did pretty well.  Kept conversations alive.  It was an enjoyable evening for him and something different then what his family does.  Glad we could have him along and that he was not forgotten or alone this year.

The food was delicious.  The challenge is that there is so much and it is hard to not exit the meal feeling like garbage.  We do our best but it can be tough .  Anyhow, was very grateful for the day and for being able to spend it with family.

Most of all today I am grateful for our loving Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful that through Christ we can return to live with our Heavenly Father again.  What a wonderful blessing that is.   

Just Sat Down

It has been a full day filled with non stop fun.  Got up this morning and started on the cleaning of the house.  We had some quality cleaning time ahead of us, some linens to wash, some beds to remake, some floors to vacuum, all the fun stuff.  I had to go to work and left with a bit to do still.  Natty did a good job with a few assignments and the house was in good order when I got home with just a few things left to take care of.  Well done. 

I was on my feet all morning and then went into work and had a busy day there so managed to be on my feet the entire time.  As previously mentioned when I got back home this evening I continued with cleaning the house and then headed up to the folks to get some mattresses for the boys.  They gave up their room for the girls.  Nice of them.  The folks were not home so we hit the walmart and it was not near as busy as I thought it would be but there were some crazy folks walking around.  We lived.  Swung by the folks after only to find out they had taken the mattresses over to our house already.  We headed home and I unloaded groceries. 

My legs are hurting.  Actually, now that I have sat down they feel pretty dang good.  Better go get some real rest now so I can get up for the Turkey Bowl in the morning.  Lets these tired legs be fresh and rested, ready to go.  

Admitted!

Checking the email before I went to bed last night I found a message from the administrators office at SUU.  It was a little note to let me know that I have been admitted into Southern Utah University and that a welcome packet will be arriving in the next few days.  This is pretty exciting stuff.  I mean, the idea of the work load seems a bit overwhelming as a single father of three who is trying to run a business but it will be good.  I am looking forward to this new adventure and to finishing school.  It has been a long time goal that has been a long time on hold.  It is time.  It was just under 15 years ago that I finished up a semester at UNLV and took the next one off for the birth of Natalie.  That has ended up being a very long semester.  A lot of wonderful things have happened over those 15 years and certainly some challenges have come my way as well.  I am grateful for the experiences and I look forward to the new experiences that will come over the next few years.  Crazy stuff.  Exciting stuff.  My major, Elementary Education with a focus in Special Education.  Lots to do in the next little while to get things going.

Uncle, um, again!

Pretty sure I just posted something not too long ago entitled Uncle Again.  Maybe I didn't but I'm fairly certain I titled it that.  Well, today I got the news via Dave who got it via the Facebook which confirmed his statement to me as soon as he said it that Laura had her baby today.  Violet Mae Bloomfield.  I would love to tell you the time of delivery and how long she was but I cannot, I am not a woman and these details just don't stick in my brain.  I am happy to say however that the baby weight is stuck in my mind.  This is a first.  i don't even remember the weight of my own children.  I know, I am a terrible father.  Anyhow, 7 pounds 11 ounces.  Now, the reason I know this is quite simple.  It is my favorite score in Ping Pong.  That comes from a fierce competitor on the Ping Pong table, Bruce Hansen of the Las Vegas LDS Institute of Religion who would always make the call "7-11, watch the corners" and then he would deliver an amazing serve that would graze the corner of the table.  I use that same saying myself and do my best to deliver a killer serve to the corner. Beautiful stuff.  I can only assume that Violet Mae is equally as beautiful.  I'm sure she is much more beautiful and apparently perfect, like her mother - at least that is what the post said.  Anyway, very excited for Laura and Nigel and this new addition to their family.  Always proud to perform my duties as an uncle and will serve to the best of my ability in this capacity.  Wonderful day!   

Manners

This afternoon I did a bit of work with the boys in their Faith In God books.  We discussed manners and being courteous.  In part of that discussion we talked about being offered a meal as a guest somewhere.  I shared some thoughts on being offered something that you may not like and how it is good manners and polite to eat it.  Shared a mission story because most of us have some sort of growing up to do on our missions especially when it comes to food that we may not be fond of.  The very first meal I was given on the mission came from an elderly couple, the Dickinsons I believe, in the Bellville Ward.  They were very nice and were happy to feed us.  It all looked so good and then I bit into it.  The delicious, thick cut white bread was completely ruined by fish paste and a ton of butter.  It is hard for me to say which was worse, the fish paste or the butter?  I would automatically call it the pasted fish but that butter was so thick, I couldn't handle it... I did handle it but it wasn't easy.  The point was, I ate it, with a smile on my face and was very grateful for the kindness shown.  Anyway, we had a fine discussion and the boys seemed to be on board with the idea. 

Test time.  I made a delicious breakfast casserole for dinner.  I know what your probably thinking.  There is no such thing as a delicious casserole.  Well, it's true, it is delicious and it is a casserole and it was a favorite treat when visiting Grandma Vi.  It is the very casserole we designed and named the Violet Pearl Omelet at the Brick House after.  Layers of green chiles and cheese with an egg mixture poured on top.  Oh my goodness it is delicious.  I served some up to the boys despite their protests.  These were short lived protests as I reminded them of our earlier discussion.  They both took bites, I think Jack managed a couple.  Their faces turned sour almost immediately.  Somehow they managed to straighten their faces and swallow their food.  Andy said something like mmm, no thank you.  It was very polite, I didn't put up any sort of fight.  Jack also utilized the no thank you escape clause with a special request along the line of 'now can I have something good'.  Perhaps the chiles were too much.  Well, success was had in the sense that they both tried it without much argument and both politely said no thank you. 

Manners.  I think it was a good start.  I mean, it could have been scripted much better than it actually turned out but all things as they were, these guys stepped up, took a healthy bite and kindly said no thank you.  That is better than some of the things they've shared in the past.  I'll take it.  Next on the menu for these boys, Fish Paste Sandwiches!

My Tri

I woke up today and decided that I was going to complete a sprint triathlon.  My tri would be a bit unorthodox but I would complete the three different challenges of the triathlon.  It was unorthodox in the sense that I would not be completing the challenges one immediately after the other.  I could not pull that off with the pool as the boys and I went and when I finished my swim I went and hung out with them.  Went down the water slide with Andy and then kicked back and watched the boys play around in the pool.  It was a good visit.  I did find out that the length of my swim was actually more than double the distance of the actual swim.  No wonder I thought there was something seriously wrong with me.  I was comparing my time to others not realizing I was going twice the distance.  I thought I must be extremely slow.  Turns out I am still slow but not nearly as bad as what I thought I was. 

The bike went well.  I rode the exercise bike in a stationary ride.  I think it took a little longer then being out on an actual bike.  It was good though.  Had the heart pumping there.  It was a good ride courtesy of the crew of the Star Ship Enterprise. 

Finished it off with a 5k on the eliptical.  It was a good run.  The total actual time was a bit lengthy but the time of actually performing the challenges was better than what I thought I would do.  It was good.  I feel good about it.

Anyway, My Tri; It allowed me flexibility to be a dad and to take care of the kids and other responsibilities between challenges. It was cool to do something like that.  I never thought it would be something I would actually participate in but after Dave and I started talking about doing them I decided I would TRI.  Sure I didn't walk home with a shirt or have any cool pictures to post on Facebook but it was fun to challenge myself some.  Finished in 1 hour 31 minutes.  Next time I'll need to be a bit faster...

Tired Kids Equal Frustration

Growing up I had no idea why my parents couldn't stand to be around me when I was tired.  I was such a pleasant child, always in good spirits, never a complaint, there clearly was no whining coming out of this mouth.  Yeah, sure.  I know that I was a grump, a royal pain in the backside.  There was just no getting around it.  Well, maybe there was, more sleep.  Anyhow, I am getting sufficient payback for whatever level of frustration I caused the folks.  Children can be down right mean and ornery.  All I can say to Natalie, Jack and Andy is enjoy this moment.  Your day will come when kids are tired and have stayed up way to late and therefore treat other people as garbage.  Oh my gosh, so dang tired.   

Lots of Sandwiches

I headed into the Brick House after walking the boys to school and ended up on my feet the entire time with the exception of drive to and from the store, well multiple trips to various stores today.  It was an early start for me.  Dave and I got to knocking out some 48 sandwiches.  That is a lot of sandwiches first thing in the morning.  We also had 6 gallons of soup going.  We were catering an event for our friends at Cherry Creek Radio.  I think it went well, good response and feedback on the food.  While we were there we got to record a little Christmas greeting from the Brick House.  It will begin playing on the radio here at some point.  That is pretty exciting. 

After this event I chased down a few things and then went about making pies for another big event this evening.  This one only had three 4 foot sandwiches.  That's a good size sandwich.  I don't really feel like sandwiches right at the moment.  Pretty much just sleep, lots of sleep.

School Project

The poster board on this school project was a project.  There is a reason I don't like these projects, they become dad projects.  Well, at least in this household they do.  It is nearly 1:30 AM and I am up because this little project needs to be done.  My goodness.  I mean, I would love to stay and chat but my body is shutting down.  Gotta go to bed.  Passing out has commenced. 

I May Be an Addict

I am going for shock value with the title of this post but I do believe that I may in fact be an addict.  It is a tough thing to admit and perhaps that is the first step in over coming any addiction is admitting that I am an addict.  Now, I do not do drugs, I do not drink alcohol (I can't even spell alcohol, it took me three tries and then I just right clicked and let the computer fix it for me), I don't smoke, I don't view pornography, I don't get on pinterest or watch Dr. Who, I don't drink coffee or coke or have a need to get my caffeine fix, I am not addicted to running, not addicted to ESPN or sports in general, not really a fan of fast food either.  Now I'm sure I have failed to mention several addictions and suffice to say I am most likely not addicted to them either.  I do however type this post with my spoon sitting next to my keyboard.  This is not any spoon, well, actually it is just a standard spoon out of the silverware drawer, it isn't special as far as that actual spoon.  As I was saying, this is not just any spoon, it is my Nutella spoon.  Therein is my addiction.  I love the Nutella.  Sometimes I make my own and sometimes it just sucks.  Regardless, I like to have a jar of Nutella on hand and I like to take my not so special special spoon and scoop some of the chocolate hazelnut goodness right out of the Nutella jar and eat it.  I do hate the shape of the Nutella jar but that is another story, my addiction gets me past that damn jar.  When I sit down to write this blog and the hour is late and I am feeling a bit drowsy, I reach for my spoon and it gets me through.  It is so good.  So yes, I am an addict.  The Nutella calls to me and I come.  Really I shouldn't but it is just so hard, so very, very hard.  Is there a 12 step program for Nutella addicts?  Are there others out there?  We must come together and rid ourselves of this addiction... wait, forget that.  We must come together, spoons in hand and awkwardly shaped jars of Nutella at the ready.  Embrace the addiction, spoon it, eat it, double dip it and do it again, love it, Nutella. 

Applying for School

So I've kind of made a decision to go back to school.  I am in the process of applying at SUU and hoping to get accepted.  Most of the application process is complete and we are now just waiting for official transcripts to arrive from Dixie State.  I have no idea if I will even be accepted.  While I think I have the credits needed to get in I am not certain how many will actually count anymore.  I took that semester of school off when Natalie was born... almost 15 years ago.  Dang.  I am going to go into elementary education with a focus in special education.  I don't have the foggiest idea as to what that will look like in terms of years.  My goal is to be done by the time I am 45, teach for 20 years and retire at 65.  I think that could work.  I could be teaching by the time Jack is in High School and Andy is in 7th grade.  Natalie would be going on mission.  This entire process may send me to an early grave, especially the math portion.  Oh well, I'll do my best. 

I always wanted to teach but I got a bit sidetracked when I looked at what teachers made and then began making three to four times that selling air conditioning.  After having lived the 6 figure life for awhile and having lost about everything, I know that I can live off of less then what a teacher makes.  Getting a teaching degree and a teachers salary and the benefits that come with it, I'll be living like a king.  Perspective.  It took me a while to get to this point and I'm still not sure how to pull it off and make it happen as a single dad of three.  How to work and go to school and take care of three kids all at the same time, that just sounds exhausting.  I'm already exhausted, what's a few more things to do everyday? 

Testimony

I received a call this morning from Sister Simmerman asking if I would substitute in Primary for Jack's class.  His teachers got stuck out of town due to the snow storm that came through last night.  I took on the assignment without a problem.  The lesson was based on the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego as found in Daniel 3 in the Old Testament.  This is a great story of bravery and of being valiant in testimony.  The lesson went somewhat okay though the class can be tough.  There are a few challenging boys in the class that make it interesting.  A lot of discussion about having a dude license.  I don't know.  Anyhow, I may have had to exercise a my being valiant in my testimony of the Savior in sticking it out in this class.  They are all good boys in there, just a little challenging at times.  Also hard for me to see two of the boys doing things to egg Jack on and to irritate him.  I could see why sometimes Jack finds the class a bit overwhelming.  Anyhow, I enjoyed the lesson and appreciate the examples set by Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego who were unafraid of what man can do and were faithful to Heavenly Father in a very difficult situation.  I can only hope that I can be as valiant in my testimony. 

Plans Changed

I thought today would be an easy trip in to handle the catering for a wedding and wedding luncheon that was happening upstairs.  That turned in to something different.  Oh, I did the wedding upstairs.  It was crazy trying to pull that together but I got help from mom and also from Ashley.  Roped in a few others as well in an effort to get the food up on time.  It all worked out and I believe they enjoyed it quite a bit.  After getting all the food up and things going well upstairs I came downstairs and found that things were suddenly in a mess.  We were missing sandwich orders that had been up for awhile and we were missing one of our cooks.  He had left and so I had to jump on the line.  It is fun and it is stressful and sometimes when I have other plans and have to set them aside because the restaurant I get a little frustrated.  So I ended up working for 7 hours today.  Wonderful.  I ended up leaving two kids at home alone all day and the third stuck in the office watching videos.  That isn't a very adventurous Saturday.  And so tomorrow the restaurant is closed.  I love that.  I love that we get that one day of rest in a week.  I am grateful for the Sabbath and look forward to that tomorrow.  I might even squeeze in a nap, maybe.  It's hard to say, plans change.     

Aching Legs

I am sitting here at the computer and my legs are just aching.  It has been a long day and I have been on my feet for most of it.  Well, I was sitting down for my unexpected trip to St. George and I sat down on the return trip as well.  I sat down for scripture time and also sat down whilst reading Book of Virtues to the boys.  I guess I have been off my feet quite a bit but my legs are still aching.  Ready to call it a day. 

We did have a busier day for this time of year.  The busiest day of the month thus far.  That is good.  We need it.  Hopefully we will see things begin to pick up.  Naturally it gets crazy on a day that Dave is out.  Always freaking happens.  I have to go in tomorrow for a wedding and wedding luncheon.  Sweet.  I was really hoping to have a day to spend with the kids but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.  Maybe on Thanksgiving I guess.  Hopefully by then the aching pains in my legs will be gone. 

A Little Prayer

Today was another day of dog duty.  This dog has not been a fan of mine and so going over isn't exactly the most exciting thing.  I don't feel like taking the risk.  Today I was determined to go in and get the job done.  I also decided that a little prayer for help would be appropriate.  I offered that little prayer that Sonny would be calm and that I would be able to get everything done.  I dropped the boys off at school and walked over.  I called out to Sonny and said I'm coming back.  Sonny had a completely different demeanor.  She was excited to see me.  Jumped up a few times and was very friendly.  It was a completely different dog.  The hair on her back was not standing straight up.  She was not barking angrily or trying to attack me through the fence.  I got her fed and put fresh water in her bowls.  I got the chickens fed and I adjusted the cats feeder.  All the while Sonny was an angel of a dog.  It was a great visit.  I was very happy about it and was quite grateful for a big answer to a little prayer. 

Direction

I believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal and I believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to His kingdom.  I believe that we have a living Prophet in our day and that Prophet is Thomas S. Monson.  I am grateful for his life of service, his love of the Lord, his dedication to duty and the strength of his character.  This morning I was listening to his talk from the Priesthood session of conference.  He shared some thoughts about the might Bizmark.  This was an unsinkable war ship that ruled the waters.  Germany constructed the vessel many years ago and it was laying waste to warships that crossed it's path until one day a lucky torpedo strike took out the ships rudder and it lost it's ability to steer.  That lead to it's eventual destruction as it was abandoned and scuttled by it's crew.  I appreciate this story and the thoughts shared by President Monson.  I reflected on my own life and how important it is to have the ability to steer.  I rely on the promptings of the Holy Ghost to help me navigate my way through life especially as a father.  I have to be diligent and protect against things that would take away my ability to choose or steer my family.  That direction, that freedom to choose is a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father. 

Runnin on Empty

I've been sitting here a few minutes trying to think about what to write.  I got nothin.  I'm just feeling a bit tired tonight.  Running on empty.

Speaking of empty, I did not refill the dogs food bowl today.  No, the dog was mad a hell that I had returned.  Tried to attack me through the fence and had his hair up on his back.  Call me a wuss, I don't care.  I'm not going into the backyard with that.  I did bring it a bone from a pork roast we cooked over night.  He took that but only after I dropped it over the fence.  What a pistol.  I think I might just lower some water over the fence or the back wall tomorrow to ensure he has plenty to drink.  I don't know about the cat or the chickens.  The chickens are living in a bush right now eating bugs so they should be fine.  The cat - i've never seen it.

I would love to say life is a piece of cake and that all is easy.  Oh my goodness.  Some days are harder than others.  Some situations are just tough and knowing how to deal with them can be even tougher - parenting wise.   All I can do is try my best and continue to press forward. 

Feeding Animals

Let me begin by saying this post has nothing to do with the Brick House Cafe, any of our customers or feeding my children.  I would not refer to them as animals.  My friend Kaden asked me to feed his dog, cat and chickens for the week while he and his family are down in California.  No problem.  I went over yesterday and did a walk through.  I met the dog who was energetic and friendly.  I was told the chickens were hanging out in a bush eating bugs.  I didn't see a single one.  And the cat - no sign of it.  I saw where the food was kept.  It all looked relatively easy. 

This morning before work I went over to feed the animals.  All was well until I stepped into the backyard and the dog decided he didn't like me without Kaden at home.  Here is the reality of life and dogs for me.  I had a big black lab chase me out of someones front entry and out into the street one day when I was a wee lad.  It scared the freakin crap out of me.  Luckily there were neighbors about who knew the dog and called him off.  The damage was done however and I have a hard time with dogs who bark at me in an aggressive manner.  I don't like that. 

The dog got really mad.  I was determined to get the animals fed so I got back to the shed area.  The dog remained mad.  I don't like angry barks.  Anyhow, he got in his house and just hung out there while I tried to do what I needed to do.  I successfully fed the chickens.  I was hesitant to find the food for the cat because it would mean entering further into the shed with my back to the door and the dog.  The cat hangs out in our play house a lot so maybe I will just leave out some food for it at our house.  The dog, well, his house was between me and his food and water bowls. Both had stuff in them and I wasn't about to get further into the dogs territory.  I just left it as was and hit the road. 

Those damn chihuahua's are viscous mongrels.  Only kidding.  This was a full size dog.  My guess is a lab mixed with something pissed off.  Such a pleasure.  Only 4 more days to do this.  I'm thinking of bringing the dog a nice big steak... it works in the movies right?

 

Thoughts on Prayer

I had the opportunity to teach the lesson in Elders Quorum today.  The lesson was Prayer-A Commandment and a Blessing out of the Joseph Fielding Smith manual.  I have reviewed this material for the last few weeks in preparation for the lesson.  In doing so I have pondered much on the subject of prayer.  I often feel like I do not do a very good job praying and really communicating with my Heavenly Father.  Perhaps I am not as sincere in prayer as I should be at times and simply utter a prayer in a sense of duty rather than truly speaking with my Heavenly Father.  It is not always that way.  I can look back on life and recall prayers that had great meaning and significance in my life.  There have been powerful experiences where I fell to my knees in great discouragement and found peace that comes only through communing with Heavenly Father.  Experience has helped me come to know that Heavenly Father is real, that He hears our prayers, He knows who we are individually, and He does not leave us comfortless.  I am grateful for those times when prayer has lifted me and carried me forward when I would have otherwise given up. 

One of the sections of the lesson that stood out to me was section 3.  It is short so I will share it here.

3 All we do should be in harmony with the expressions of our prayers.

We should not pray merely with our lips; but in every act, in our conversation, in all that we undertake to do, we should try to carry out the expressions of our prayers, and be in harmony with the thoughts that we declare to the Lord in our daily supplications.
Are we in possession of the spirit of prayer?  Have we made it a part of our very being?  Are we in touch with our Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit, or are we not?

I could do better in this regard.  I often pray that I can be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.  Am I living my life in a way that I am carrying out that prayer?  Am I putting myself in a position to be and instrument in His hands?  Am I fulfilling by responsibilities as a priesthood holder in the home, as a home teacher, in my church callings and in my daily walk and conversation?  Honestly, some days are better than others. 

I know that my prayers are not perfect.  My communion with my Heavenly Father can be better.  In the lesson Joseph Fielding Smith points out that Heavenly Father can get along just fine without our prayers.  His work will move forward whether we pray or whether we do not.  He says prayer is something that we need, not that the Lord needs.  Our prayers are uttered more for our sakes, to build us up and give us strength and courage, and to increase our faith in him. 

I remember a time after returning home from the mission field.  I was living in an apartment with Jim down in Las Vegas.  I came home one afternoon feeling alone and a little discouraged.  I was having a hard time adjusting to life.  I remember well falling to my knees and crying out to Heavenly Father.  It certainly isn't a manly thing to disclose here that I wept greatly but I did.  Humbled and submissive I approached the Lord in that apartment.  Sweet was the peace that came and the assurance that all would be well.  Those kind of prayers have happened often in my life as I have found myself feeling alone and afraid.  A reassuring feeling that Heavenly Father was near, that He was aware of me and that things would work out came as I humbled myself in sincere prayer.  Truly our prayers are uttered more for our sakes and Joseph Fielding Smith said.  They do build us up, give us strength and courage and they increase our faith in Heavenly Father. 

And so the desire of my heart is to better commune with my Heavenly Father in prayer.  I want to more fully enjoy my relationship with my Heavenly Father and truly learn how to approach Him in sweet and humble prayer.  I also want to live my life in harmony with the expressions of my prayers and be found by the Lord going about and doing good. 

Marching Natty

Today was a busy day, full of stuff, no time to relax.  Started with helping the boys practice their parts for the primary program tomorrow.  We had some resistance but managed to get through it.  Then I made waffles for breakfast prior to taking the boys to the primary practice for the program tomorrow.  After they were at the practice I got the oil changed in the Escape then went home and picked up Natty and Mike so they could help me out a bit at the Brick House with a big birthday party upstairs.  Somehow we managed.  It was a big group and it was a lot of work.  Here we are at almost midnight and I am still working because of this job.  Washing linens.  The room was pretty beat when I saw it.  Lots of cleaning.  The staff helped quite a bit.  Grateful for that and them.  It was a long party, it included a lot of stuff.

I am fixin to pass out here.  Very tired. 

Marching Natty - today was one of Cedar City's parades.  I can't tell you what parade it was only that it was a parade.  The Cedar High School Redman Marching Band came and participated.  They were great and it was exciting to see Natty out there on her flute, fluting it up.  Fabulous.  She did a great job.  And now I am completely beat and cannot suffer through much more of this.  Must sleep. 

Elder Kole

A couple years ago there was a young man who used to come in to eat at the little brick house multiple times a week.  He referred to it as the little b.  He and his girlfriend would come in together and they would get the Thunderbird.  It was his favorite sandwich.  He was called to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Uganda.  His girlfriend was also called to serve a mission, I think she went to France.  Anyway, we became friends during that time.  I was excited for him to go to Africa as I served mission in South Africa and love it there.  Kole Halladay is his name.  He has missed the Thunderbird and the updates I get from his mom usually include some discussion of him wanting a T-bird as soon as he gets off the plane.  A year ago I gave them one of our shirts to send to him for Christmas.  He got it.  He loves it.  He has worn it many times and is spreading the news about the little brick house in Uganda.  Today his mom came in and brought us a picture frame, one of those made up of several pictures.  Anyway, it has pictures of Kole in his Fueled by Brick House Chili shirt in Africa.  It is pretty awesome.  We're excited to hang it up for all to see.  In 5 weeks Kole returns home to Cedar City.  I can't believe how fast his mission has passed.  I am excited to see him and to hear about his experiences.  I'm also excited to make him a Thunderbird sandwich.  Well done Elder Kole. 

The Blacklist

I don't often spend a lot of time writing reviews but tonight I decided to say a little something about a show called The Blacklist.  Because I do not have television/cable in the home I don't know what is currently on TV.  I have Netflix and saw that The Blacklist had been added a few months ago.  I thought it might be worth checking out so I added it to my list but didn't do anything with it.  I figured I would watch it eventually and didn't want to forget about it so stuck it there.  I was driving over to the folks house one evening listening to Glen Beck and he was talking about The Blacklist.  Said it was probably his favorite show on TV.  I thought I might have to take a closer look.  Just so happens that Dave was listening to the same radio show and had decided to do the same thing.  He started earlier than I did and said it was fantastic.  I began watching and have not been disappointed.  I really quite enjoy it.  James Spader is the lead actor and he is really good.  Anyway, not a lot to this review other than if you are looking for a great crime fighting show with a twist, I highly recommend The Blacklist. 

I do feel to mention that I was a bit hesitant on taking Glen Becks advice on this because he reviewed Doctor Who at the same time and talked of how great that was.  I watched one episode of Doctor Who and found it rather bizarre and tough to watch.  It is not my thing but Natty is sure a fan.  Oh well, enough of the review.  The Blacklist, give it a looksy. 

Pure Energy

I wanna know what your thinking...  Pure Energy!  I used to love to listen to this song by Information Society - Pure Energy.  It would have been back in the 9th grade.  It was a good tune.  It would also serve as a fine theme song for the 11 year old scouts.  Oh my goodness.  There is some serious energy in the scout meeting.  It is hard to get through anything because the boys lack the ability to stay focused.   We try, we laugh, we try some more, it is crazy.  We press forward however, hoping something is going to stick.  Well, we survived... somehow. 

Poor Boy

Jack had a rough day in Orchestra class.  He has been a little frustrated with the cello and playing along with the CD.  Apparently it moves to quickly for him and he makes mistakes and that is hard for him to handle.  Today it got to a point where he was emotional about it in class, left the class, left his cello at school and told me that he quits.  I think it is a lot for him.  The noise in that kind of an environment by itself would be a lot for him but he has managed, until now.  I have tried to talk to him about sticking with it, of practicing more but no matter what I say he lets me know that he's already decided and he's done with it.  So, I asked him to pray about it and he has.  Twice tonight in fact.  I don't know what will become of it.  The poor wee lad is just very upset.  I would love to see him stick with it but am leaving it in his hands to decide. 

Piece of Gum

This is one of those stories that I want to remember so I am jotting it down.  It really is just so I can enjoy a laugh now and again and serves no other purpose.

This story is about two of our employees, Jake and Adam.  Jake is a cook and Adam washes dishes.  Adam has some mental handicaps and we brought him in through a group that helps handicap people develop skill so that they can be gainfully employed.  He is a good kid.  I say kid but he is in his 30's.  He has a few issues including a sensitive gag reflex which makes the dish washing duties a bit interesting.  We certainly enjoy having Adam in the kitchen with us. 

Anyhow, this afternoon after lunch had wound down a bit Jake and I were talking about counting calories, dietary supplements and other things.  Jack pulled out some gum and got himself a piece.  I'm sure he was feeling obligated when he offered me a piece but I declined.  Jake then asked Adam if he would like a piece of gum.  After some thought Adam said yes.  He thought a little further and then asked Jake if he would unwrap it and put it in between his teeth.  Jake looked a bit surprised and said no.  He put the gum on the counter.  Adam simply replied with an 'Okay' and a 'just leave it on the counter.'

I'm sure, after typing out the story, that nobody will find it even remotely funny.  Probably one that you needed to be at to appreciate.  I guess I don't care because it gave me some laughs.   

Part of Something

I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I find great joy in the gospel and love being a part of something that is much bigger then just myself.  The Lord said 'It is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39).  I am grateful to participate in His great work.  I don't know that I do too much but I try to do what I can.  When there is an assignment to do something I try to be there, doing my part, doing my duty.  I heard a couple of times recently about aged members who still attend church regularly despite failing health or the effects of age.  I thought someone shared the message in General Conference and I know that Elder Ence who was at our Stake Conference last week shared the story about the 90+ year old man who was asked why he attended all of his meetings and his reply was that he wanted to show the Lord which side he was on.  I feel some of those same feelings.  I want the Lord to know which side I am on and so I want to be found doing good.  To be found doing good you have to put yourself in places where you can do good and so when the call comes I try my best to answer it.  Sometimes I cannot.  Sometimes life is in the way but I hope to say in my heart that if I had I would give. 

Timber

We had a bit of a storm blow in last night.  Temps have dropped today and it has been raining a majority of the day.  That is a good thing.  Anyhow things are getting colder and it looks like winter is on the way.   I have a lot of wood that is in need of splitting so I set out to do that.  Got quite a bit done on it but had other things to do also so it was more of an off and on adventure.  There is still a lot to split but we made a dent in it.  And, now, I am hurting, my hands are hurting after taking the repeated pounding of driving an axe.  My shoulders and back are a bit on the soar side.  My ego is...

So I was heading down stairs tonight after all my wood cutting and stacking and I somehow managed to miss the bottom two steps.  My foot tweaked a bit and I slammed my knee into the ground.  It was fun.  So fun I do not recommend it.

Well, I am spent physically.  I need to crash out.