The five blessings I've received from _____________.
Increasing my scripture study:
- A much better understanding of HOW the spirit speaks to me, and exactly what revelation from God looks, sounds, and feels like.
- Calmness regarding "controversial" topics of the gospel. To the honest and earnest seeker, there is will be an answer.
- An understanding of why a good cross-reference system is so important.
- The food pyramid analogy that has served me so well and kept me from easy (and often incorrect) interpretation.
- A greater understanding of what it means to be happy and content in a place of struggle and strife.
Increased physical conditioning:- No more shoulder pains. Which means no more sissy graphite shafts in my irons for golf. :)
- No more lower back pain.
- No more nagging muscle tears and associated injuries. I played softball without pain and it was GREAT.
- Looking better in my clothes. I bought new jeans because my legs and butt got bigger. They fit nicer, as do most of the clothes I already owned. I look better out of my clothes too, which Maple appreciates. :)
- More stamina for work and fun. I like being able to run around with my kids in the yard and make them all huff and puff while trying to catch me. Not bad for a guy closing in on 40.
Being married:
- Having Maple in my life. She has been a great blessing to me in many ways, but of special mention is the calming influence that she has on me.
- My children. I can't even get started on this, because I'd never stop. All of them, each one, deserves many paragraphs. From Apple's impish ways through Ash's stoic example, all of them bring me a smile.
- Working toward a common goal, building lives together and improving surroundings. Something as simple as new windows brings excitement for the future.
- Opportunities to serve that come to me. They allow me to show my love for Maple.
- Being married to maple brings me contentment, and contributes to the happiness I feel in spite of the sometimes unhappy surroundings of life. Much like #5 from scripture study.
Dad turned 70 years old this past weekend. Happy birthday!
My dad has helped shape who I am. Few things or people have had as great an influence on me, and so I am very grateful for a loving father who has continually taught me well and lived as he taught.
I have not had the good fortune to see my parents sealed in the temple as yet - I still hope that day will come. However, I have had no lack for righteous example, either growing up in their home or at the present day. Mom has long described dad as a "gentle man", and that title could not be more fitting. My dad defines what it means to be a gentleman to me. He has been my hero for many years. He might say that his life just unfolded that way, but I know that he is not who he is by a series of lucky mistakes and pleasant happenings. He has lived a great life, has overcome much, and been a blessing to his posterity.
A related quote, on the topic of fatherhood:
"I remind you brethren who bear the Melchizedek Priesthood that the seed of the present is the harvest of the future. I urge you, as fathers and as priesthood leaders, to focus more attention on teaching, guiding, and shepherding these young men, especially by example. The Lord has given you that obligation. Remember, the lambs have little chance of following the right path if the shepherd goes astray." (emphasis mine) --Joseph B. Wirthlin, 1988 Fall Conference, "The Priesthood of God"
I was glad for a day off work today. I am in need of several more, but instead I will put my head down and work.
I was thinking quite a bit today. It's been almost a year since we finished our debt free plan, due much to the inspiration of my family and the messages of Marvin Ashton and Dave Ramsey, and the support of my bride. This has been the most peaceful year of my life. I believe I have done more good and made a better self this year than in many others combined, and I believe that to be due to the lack of conflict I feel in my life.
Previously, I felt as all of us do, that there is an either/or mode to life. Either you can be with your family, or you can make enough money. Either you can do what you want and expect the consequence of lack of work (and compensation), or you can work hard but get less enjoyment. And as with all things, there is a balance to be struck, even now. But I have to choose a lot less frequently now. I can leave consulting behind and enjoy my family and teach seminary for teenagers and still have more than enough to meet my needs. It's because I control my money now, rather than letting my choices with money enslave my future labor. Debt is a claim on future human labor. Being debt free means I am not forced to labor.
I wish more families at church (and elsewhere! This is something I desire for everyone) would catch the vision of being debt free and the peace that it brings. During the last six months, we have depleted much of our savings because of the happenings of life - helping family, repairing sewer lines, and that kind of thing. Thousands upon thousands have passed through to another destination, but I felt the peace of having prepared. So often we forget that the bad stuff is part of the plan, too - it still hurts, but after scratching the check, it is forgotten.
Lora shared a scripture with me yesterday. It applies to many things in life, but also readily to this topic. A piece of it says the following:
2 Nephi 9:41
...Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him...
So often we find The Straight and Narrow to be The Scary and Hard and Demanding and Not Fun and Why Bother. But it is not. It is plain. It is laid before us. All that is left is the choosing. Being debt free is plain. It requires sacrifice and effort and choice(s) to follow, but it lieth in a straight course before us.
Dave Ramsey - www.daveramsey.com
Chris Martenson - www.chrismartenson.com
My wife posted a great little poem at her blog (flowersinmypot.blogspot.com) detailing her Christmas experience this year. The bit of extra thought that our oldest and I put into her gifts this year was well worth it, I think. She has always loved poetry; while many have a gift for words, she has the gift of words grown together.
---
The presents were opened, the tree put away,
And what do I remember of Christmas day...
It was really quite lovely this year I admit
I didn't expect much but was surprised quite a bit
Some books that I treasured were under my tree
I didn't expect they'd be waiting for me
I opened the wrapping and with tears in my eye
The love of my dear ones I could not deny.
A secret, however, in my stocking did lay
Something else precious for me on that day
A small little note, in my son's own hand
A reminder he's growing from boy to man
A dear little poem he wrote just for me
Of Christmas, of Jesus, of cheer for me
My cheeks they were glistening, my heart did fly
The love of my dear ones I could not deny.
A few of the places I visit regularly on the web:
My wife's blog; the golf forums; Wishon Golf
It's days like today that I'm grateful for my family. I dislike being away from home - I just don't travel all that well. Looking forward to being back where I belong tomorrow.
