it's like adding snow tires and 4-wheel drive. Sometimes, even with the gospel in our lives, we slide out of control on the snow; but with 4-wheel drive and snow tires we are able to get back on the road again when we are stuck. There are times when we can't get "unstuck" so we have to call a friend. How is this any different from life when it gets rough? As the snow falls and gets deeper (or as life gets harder and it seems more and more trials and tribulations are being heaped upon you), it gets harder to keep control of the car. Just when it starts getting ridiculous, the snowplows come. If we are sincerely trying to live the gospel, Christ will be there to help. Just as the children of Israel had to get their feet before the river would part the second time, we also need to "get our feet wet" and not expect Christ to step in before we have taken the first steps. If we don't call a friend to help us out when we get stuck in a snowbank or we drive through the backroads we know won't be plowed when it snows, how do we get the help we need?
Monday, December 29, 2008
A sure foundation
While driving home from work a few days ago I turned a corner and worked, once again, on straightening the tires and not sliding all over the road. My car doesn't have very good traction and no snow tires or chains. As I was going through this routine, I realized that driving on snow is a lot like the gospel. If we don't have the gospel in our life, we are like a car sliding all over the road, sometimes going off the road when things get bad. On the other hand, if we read the scriptures and pray often, 
it's like adding snow tires and 4-wheel drive. Sometimes, even with the gospel in our lives, we slide out of control on the snow; but with 4-wheel drive and snow tires we are able to get back on the road again when we are stuck. There are times when we can't get "unstuck" so we have to call a friend. How is this any different from life when it gets rough? As the snow falls and gets deeper (or as life gets harder and it seems more and more trials and tribulations are being heaped upon you), it gets harder to keep control of the car. Just when it starts getting ridiculous, the snowplows come. If we are sincerely trying to live the gospel, Christ will be there to help. Just as the children of Israel had to get their feet before the river would part the second time, we also need to "get our feet wet" and not expect Christ to step in before we have taken the first steps. If we don't call a friend to help us out when we get stuck in a snowbank or we drive through the backroads we know won't be plowed when it snows, how do we get the help we need?
it's like adding snow tires and 4-wheel drive. Sometimes, even with the gospel in our lives, we slide out of control on the snow; but with 4-wheel drive and snow tires we are able to get back on the road again when we are stuck. There are times when we can't get "unstuck" so we have to call a friend. How is this any different from life when it gets rough? As the snow falls and gets deeper (or as life gets harder and it seems more and more trials and tribulations are being heaped upon you), it gets harder to keep control of the car. Just when it starts getting ridiculous, the snowplows come. If we are sincerely trying to live the gospel, Christ will be there to help. Just as the children of Israel had to get their feet before the river would part the second time, we also need to "get our feet wet" and not expect Christ to step in before we have taken the first steps. If we don't call a friend to help us out when we get stuck in a snowbank or we drive through the backroads we know won't be plowed when it snows, how do we get the help we need?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Become as a little child
Riding home with my brother Gary and his family late Christmas eve, I was once again reminded how much little children truly are treasures, and even (dare I say) good examples to follow. In Matthew 18:3, Christ himself says, "... Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." To some, this could be a little confusing... which is one of the many reasons I am grateful for the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 3:19 lists some of the characteristics of little children: 
"... submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Reading through these characteristics, it makes total sense. Gary's son is 1 year old. Sitting there in the seat next to him, I was amazed and in awe of this little child. As I looked at his face a thought occured to me - he is so innocent and Christlike! For a moment, I saw a little piece of heaven and realized that just one year ago Ethan was with our Father in Heaven. I could tell Ethan was getting tired, but instead of being cranky he was being funny. Everytime I would look over at him, he'd grin at me. Watching him out of the corner of my eye, I could see him staring at me, waiting for me to turn my head so he could give me that cute grin complete with dimples... and people say adults are supposed to entertain children! Ethan had, in essence, reversed the game of peek-a-boo; but instead of him hiding his face, I would look away. Every time he smiled at me, I wondered what it was he saw in me and hoped I could live up to that. It seemed almost as if I were looking into the face of Christ, and He was smiling at me.
"... submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Reading through these characteristics, it makes total sense. Gary's son is 1 year old. Sitting there in the seat next to him, I was amazed and in awe of this little child. As I looked at his face a thought occured to me - he is so innocent and Christlike! For a moment, I saw a little piece of heaven and realized that just one year ago Ethan was with our Father in Heaven. I could tell Ethan was getting tired, but instead of being cranky he was being funny. Everytime I would look over at him, he'd grin at me. Watching him out of the corner of my eye, I could see him staring at me, waiting for me to turn my head so he could give me that cute grin complete with dimples... and people say adults are supposed to entertain children! Ethan had, in essence, reversed the game of peek-a-boo; but instead of him hiding his face, I would look away. Every time he smiled at me, I wondered what it was he saw in me and hoped I could live up to that. It seemed almost as if I were looking into the face of Christ, and He was smiling at me.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Music of the Heart
Scientists speculate that Einstein used more of his brain than the average human, resulting in his superior intelligence. I believe that extremely talented musicians have a similar phenomenon. I know this isn't scientifically accurate, but humor me and perhaps you will agree. I truly believe that musicians use more of their heart. 
I was watching Andrea Bocelli on KBYU tonight when I first realized this. I hadn't really thought about it until I saw him singing with his eyes closed. This amazing musician was born with Glaucoma, and as a result is now blind. Although I do not personally know him I like to imagine that when he is on stage, he sings for himself and perhaps his family. When you can't see the people you are singing to, you are able to forget you are really singing for someone and pour your heart and soul into it. Whenever I listen to music and really want to enjoy it, I close my eyes. The moment you stop trying to see is the moment you are free to feel. Music has a much more profound impact on your life when you actually feel it. One song in particular comes to mind: Meditation from Thais. When I close my eyes and drift off to that little place where I no longer have a care in the world, I can feel the music in my heart. When you watch a singer perform live, how often and when do they close their eyes? It's generally at a climax or a part that is supposed to be FELT, not just heard. It is then that they are drawing added measure from within the heart. I would like to invite you to close your eyes and listen... listen with your heart.
I was watching Andrea Bocelli on KBYU tonight when I first realized this. I hadn't really thought about it until I saw him singing with his eyes closed. This amazing musician was born with Glaucoma, and as a result is now blind. Although I do not personally know him I like to imagine that when he is on stage, he sings for himself and perhaps his family. When you can't see the people you are singing to, you are able to forget you are really singing for someone and pour your heart and soul into it. Whenever I listen to music and really want to enjoy it, I close my eyes. The moment you stop trying to see is the moment you are free to feel. Music has a much more profound impact on your life when you actually feel it. One song in particular comes to mind: Meditation from Thais. When I close my eyes and drift off to that little place where I no longer have a care in the world, I can feel the music in my heart. When you watch a singer perform live, how often and when do they close their eyes? It's generally at a climax or a part that is supposed to be FELT, not just heard. It is then that they are drawing added measure from within the heart. I would like to invite you to close your eyes and listen... listen with your heart.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas miracles
This year for Christmas my ward decided to do our own little "Sub for Santa" for some families. We went out and bought lots of groceries and had a blast wrapping presents for the children in these families. Last night those of us who were still here in Logan "delivered Christmas" for family home evening. At each stop we all went to the door and sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas", after which we paraded into the house with groceries and presents in hand. To me, the first stop w
as just a lot of fun because I finally got to go caroling. At the second stop, though, it finally hit me. I was leading the parade to the kitchen with the groceries. Walking through the front room I noticed a tiny, almost "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree. It was slightly fuller than one.. you know the type: maybe two feet tall, the kind a lot of college students would have in their own bedroom. Underneath the tree was probably the only Christmas they were expecting this year, couldn't have been more than 5 tiny gifts. Being the first one back into the front room, I played with the cute baby whose play pen was a laundry basket lined with a blanket and a pillow. As I watched the 1st counselor in the bishopric speak to the father, I could see this father on the verge of tears. We took them by total surprise and delivered a Christmas to remember. The look on his face as we all squeezed into the small front room was priceless. As we all left the house, I truly felt the spirit of what we were doing. Holding back my own tears I said a silent prayer to thank Heavenly Father for directing us to this family - a family of my spirit brothers and sisters who clearly needed help this Christmas. May we all find the joy of serving others, especially this time of year.
as just a lot of fun because I finally got to go caroling. At the second stop, though, it finally hit me. I was leading the parade to the kitchen with the groceries. Walking through the front room I noticed a tiny, almost "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree. It was slightly fuller than one.. you know the type: maybe two feet tall, the kind a lot of college students would have in their own bedroom. Underneath the tree was probably the only Christmas they were expecting this year, couldn't have been more than 5 tiny gifts. Being the first one back into the front room, I played with the cute baby whose play pen was a laundry basket lined with a blanket and a pillow. As I watched the 1st counselor in the bishopric speak to the father, I could see this father on the verge of tears. We took them by total surprise and delivered a Christmas to remember. The look on his face as we all squeezed into the small front room was priceless. As we all left the house, I truly felt the spirit of what we were doing. Holding back my own tears I said a silent prayer to thank Heavenly Father for directing us to this family - a family of my spirit brothers and sisters who clearly needed help this Christmas. May we all find the joy of serving others, especially this time of year.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry Christmas to the troops
As I was standing in the checkout line at Smith’s Marketplace a few days ago, I overheard a little girl (maybe 9 years old) tell her father, "They should let the troops come home for Christmas." I fought back the tears as I heard her father quietly explain to her that war doesn’t work that way. In a way that perhaps only someone with experience could do, he told her about how the war in Vietnam lasted for ten years. He continued his explanation by telling her that both sides thought they were right and that’s why the wars continue. She interrupted every few sentences with comments, "But it’s not fair! They should be able to come home to their families for Christmas!" and "Why can’t they just leave Iraq?" Maybe it was just my imagination, but the girl sounded like she was fighting back tears. I left the store even more grateful to the men and women who are out there fighting for my freedom. I would like to echo this young girl’s sentiment in wishing them home for Christmas. While I understand that this won’t happen, I pray for our troops daily. Join me in telling them thanks. Xerox has a program where you can go to their website letssaythanks.com and make a Christmas card for the troops. They print out the postcards and send them to soldiers all around the world. It’s free, takes three simple steps, and can bring a bit of joy to those who are away from their families. May God bless all of you, especially those with friends and family in the service.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
First Post!
I ask for your patience while I experiment with my first ever attempt at blogging. It is my hope that you will be at least momentarily happier with each new posting! After all, isn't that what life is about? Especially this time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do me a favor. Stop whatever else you are doing right now and think of a few of the simple joys in life. Maybe you have a big, goofy family with lots of quirks. Are you able to get yourself out of bed and dressed in the morning? Why not celebrate?! One of my favorite joys in 
life is snow. Yes, that dreadful white stuff that gets all over everything and can cause you to be soaking wet when you show up late for work because you had to FIND your car first. Have you ever noticed the snow on a sunny day? It sparkles. It can be mind-numbingly cold with a breeze that chills you to the bone as you run from place to place, but once you stop and see the snow sparkling and swirling around you it has an amazing effect. For a moment, maybe even just a fraction of a second I forget the cold. It feels almost like even my insides are smiling at this beautiful display of nature. Next time you are shuffling through the snow, perhaps even grumbling to yourself, try to find the sparkle and maybe others will see a similar sparkle in you.
life is snow. Yes, that dreadful white stuff that gets all over everything and can cause you to be soaking wet when you show up late for work because you had to FIND your car first. Have you ever noticed the snow on a sunny day? It sparkles. It can be mind-numbingly cold with a breeze that chills you to the bone as you run from place to place, but once you stop and see the snow sparkling and swirling around you it has an amazing effect. For a moment, maybe even just a fraction of a second I forget the cold. It feels almost like even my insides are smiling at this beautiful display of nature. Next time you are shuffling through the snow, perhaps even grumbling to yourself, try to find the sparkle and maybe others will see a similar sparkle in you.
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