I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with so many fantastic life lessons that I learn from those around me. Lately I have had the opportunity to get to know more about a fantastic sister-in-law I have as we have emailed each other back and forth. Through our conversations my eyes have been opened to the huge need we each have of support. Far too often we find ourselves questioning others and criticising their choices. In reality what we should be doing is questioning ourselves and looking at where we can be better. It is interesting to me how much farther someone can go on a kind word. It's energizing when someone tells you how well you do something and yet so damaging when they remind you of how poorly you may perform in other areas. I find this in the people I talk with at work as well as in myself. If I am told that how poorly I am doing a job and that I need to do better it is very hard for me to focus on actually doing better. Now if I am told how well I am doing and it's made clear what is expected of me and where we have room to do even better I am thrilled to perform. If such is the case why do we feel that pointing out every flaw of others will help them be better where they are struggling.
In Matthew 7:3-5 it says, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye." Do we find ourselves being so critical of others and paying so much attention to their wrong doings that we are missing a beam in our own eye?
It is amazing to me where love and support will take a person. If only instead of criticising and questioning others we could look at their struggles and think what do I have to offer them? If only we could truly understand that we are ALL children of our Heavenly Father and the goal is to help each other make it back to Him. If only we could judge the action and yet love the person doing the action. It is evident to me that we could all do much better at showing our love and support to those around us. As the song says, "Have I done any good in the world today? ...if not I have failed indeed." We must be sure that we are making great strides to help and assist and give our love and support not only in what we do and say, but also in how we act. It is my hope that as I strive to be a more supportive person that the Lord will inspire me to do His will.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Power of Suggestion
Last Sunday the "kids" van pulled in as Braxton calls it. The ice cream man has a much different meaning to a kid whose mom won't let him buy ice cream. Don't worry the ice cream in the freezer will help him get over his deprivation. As I was watching the kids crowd the van it dawned on me how strong the power of suggestion really is. Most of those kids would have gone the entire day without any ice cream and been fine, but since they heard the music and it suggested that they might want ice cream they suddenly needed it.
As I thought more on the power of suggestion I realized that it is a huge tool that retailers use. First of all they use advertisements to make you desire something. They use gimmicks to get you into the store. Then once you've made it in the store it is the sales associates job to "suggest" other things you can buy to make your purchase more complete. Think about it. How often are you at the register and told about a promotional item you can add? How often do you spend your money because something is suggested? Would you have needed all the things you bought if no one said a word to you, quite possibly not. If I can sell you pants I might be able to add a shirt to go with it. Then of course you might need socks to compliment it and a belt to top it off. Then of course there are nice pieces of jewelry to finish the outfit. The list can go on and on. So there you have it I have let you in on a little retail secret.
The most interesting thing about this power of suggestion is that it is a powerful tool of Satan. He feeds us little by little. This idea is depicted in a poem by Alexander Pope “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace.” If we were to see how wicked Satan would have us be when we are good we would immediately shun evil, but you see Satan is smarter than that. First he allows us to think of it as evil. Then he suggests that perhaps it's only a little evil. He wears that on us a while until we believe it. Then little by little he gives more and more wickedness until suddenly he has taken us down to hell thought by thought, idea by idea, and then finally choice by choice. Then he offers us the biggest lie of all. That of absolute despair stating that we have no hope of ever being good again.
In contrast the gospel of Jesus Christ brings us absolute hope and interestingly it too often does it by the power of suggestion. Of course this works best if His disciples will offer the suggestions. Have we not all heard of the suggestion, "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). What if we were as quick to listen to the quiet simple suggestions of the Savior instead of the loud and overpowering suggestions of the adversary? Would we all not find peace and rest? Even better what if we were to not only listen to the suggestions, but also offer the suggestion to come unto Him to our friends and neighbors. I for one am not the best missionary in the world, but I do try and look for ways I can be better at making those suggestions to others. I hope and pray that through the power of suggestion we can build up the kingdom of God one person at a time.
As I thought more on the power of suggestion I realized that it is a huge tool that retailers use. First of all they use advertisements to make you desire something. They use gimmicks to get you into the store. Then once you've made it in the store it is the sales associates job to "suggest" other things you can buy to make your purchase more complete. Think about it. How often are you at the register and told about a promotional item you can add? How often do you spend your money because something is suggested? Would you have needed all the things you bought if no one said a word to you, quite possibly not. If I can sell you pants I might be able to add a shirt to go with it. Then of course you might need socks to compliment it and a belt to top it off. Then of course there are nice pieces of jewelry to finish the outfit. The list can go on and on. So there you have it I have let you in on a little retail secret.
The most interesting thing about this power of suggestion is that it is a powerful tool of Satan. He feeds us little by little. This idea is depicted in a poem by Alexander Pope “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace.” If we were to see how wicked Satan would have us be when we are good we would immediately shun evil, but you see Satan is smarter than that. First he allows us to think of it as evil. Then he suggests that perhaps it's only a little evil. He wears that on us a while until we believe it. Then little by little he gives more and more wickedness until suddenly he has taken us down to hell thought by thought, idea by idea, and then finally choice by choice. Then he offers us the biggest lie of all. That of absolute despair stating that we have no hope of ever being good again.
In contrast the gospel of Jesus Christ brings us absolute hope and interestingly it too often does it by the power of suggestion. Of course this works best if His disciples will offer the suggestions. Have we not all heard of the suggestion, "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). What if we were as quick to listen to the quiet simple suggestions of the Savior instead of the loud and overpowering suggestions of the adversary? Would we all not find peace and rest? Even better what if we were to not only listen to the suggestions, but also offer the suggestion to come unto Him to our friends and neighbors. I for one am not the best missionary in the world, but I do try and look for ways I can be better at making those suggestions to others. I hope and pray that through the power of suggestion we can build up the kingdom of God one person at a time.
Following the Crowd
So I have been pretty ok with sharing my family with the world thus far. I think mostly because when I find an old acquaintance's blog I want to see but I have no way of contacting them I am sad. Well I was invited through facebook to view my high school friends blog and saw a compelling reason to go private.
This is what her reason was for going private, "After reading another friends blog talking about a recent Oprah show I knew it was definitely time. In short, a police officer was a guest on the show & said he had 4 simple tips to protect your children...here's #3: 3. Don't share pictures of your child over the Internet."Number one, you won't find my children on the Internet," Rob says. "A lot of parents will put their kids as infants. Well, I've done so many search warrants where we seize pictures people have downloaded off the Internet of infants and 2- and 3-year-olds for sexual gratification. I would never put my children on the Internet."If you want to share pictures with your family and friends on social networking sites such as Facebook, Rob says to make sure your security settings are set so that only your friends can view the images. " A lot of people leave it wide open for the whole world to see, and that's probably one of the biggest mistakes. Most social networking sites out there will have security features in place under the privacy setting."
I don't know about you, but that reason sickens me. After working with kids (four years ago) who had prior sexual misconducts in their past I realize that it is far more prevalent than I would like to admit. So I am going private. I would hope that there are many of you who secretly read this often and will ask to be given permission to view. If not it's ok because truly my overall goal in writing this blog is to leave behind my thoughts and ideas for my posterity so they will be able to know me when I am gone.
So anyway leave me a note here or send me an email if you want to be added on my permission list. I hope to hear from all of you.
Marlies
This is what her reason was for going private, "After reading another friends blog talking about a recent Oprah show I knew it was definitely time. In short, a police officer was a guest on the show & said he had 4 simple tips to protect your children...here's #3: 3. Don't share pictures of your child over the Internet."Number one, you won't find my children on the Internet," Rob says. "A lot of parents will put their kids as infants. Well, I've done so many search warrants where we seize pictures people have downloaded off the Internet of infants and 2- and 3-year-olds for sexual gratification. I would never put my children on the Internet."If you want to share pictures with your family and friends on social networking sites such as Facebook, Rob says to make sure your security settings are set so that only your friends can view the images. " A lot of people leave it wide open for the whole world to see, and that's probably one of the biggest mistakes. Most social networking sites out there will have security features in place under the privacy setting."
I don't know about you, but that reason sickens me. After working with kids (four years ago) who had prior sexual misconducts in their past I realize that it is far more prevalent than I would like to admit. So I am going private. I would hope that there are many of you who secretly read this often and will ask to be given permission to view. If not it's ok because truly my overall goal in writing this blog is to leave behind my thoughts and ideas for my posterity so they will be able to know me when I am gone.
So anyway leave me a note here or send me an email if you want to be added on my permission list. I hope to hear from all of you.
Marlies
Friday, September 18, 2009
Goals and Dreams
Goals Important to the Robison Family
Respect, love, and enjoy one another, in and outside family
- Serve one another
- Everyone has their own space and respects each others space
- Participate in activities together (camp, sports, boating, horses, skiing, snowmen building, etc.)
- Take time individually for each person (pair’s time)
- Look for the positives in others
Appreciate each others likeness and differences
Enjoy Sports together
- Play sports games together
- Attend sporting events
- Be involved in sporting events
- Support each other in sporting events
Enjoy Music together
- Sing in Family Home Evening
- Sing in church
- Play an instrument
- Enjoy musical events
Work hard together
Play together
Earn rank of Eagle Scout , Duty to God Award, and Young Womanhood Award
Learn to love education and reading
- Enjoy educational activities together (zoo, museums, walks, etc.)
- Read together and individually
Build up one another and support one another’s dreams
Graduate from College
Serve Honorable Missions
Each PERSON works to gain a strong testimony
- Pray as a family and individually
- Read scriptures as a family and individually
- Exercise faith in areas where you struggle (test it out)
- Follow the spirit
Build a relationship with the Lord
- All the above and serve your fellow man
One day on the way to Meadow since Kent had no where to run and ignore me I made him talk with me about the things that were important to him. As you can see sports are part of that goal. Not because I want my kids to be the best in athletics, but because I want my kids to find fun ways to be active and healthy. My family wasn't huge into sports. A lot of my siblings liked basketball because they were tall, but other than that it wasn't a focal point (never making it to that "high" status I don't care all that much about the sport). Because my parents thought it was wrong to make your kids play sports they didn't make us do any sports. I agree with them that you shouldn't force it, but I do want my kids to try out many sports because I really think it could have benefited me to have known that I could run in high school. Maybe I would have just whined, but I wish in ways that it had been expected that I do physically challenging things as a teenager. I do think sports are important and they teach great lessons but kids should not grow up thinking that sports are life. Not every kid is going to play professional ball, but maybe if that is their dream it will take them to a new dream that will make them happy. I think that kids need to be supported and directed in following their dreams. If that dream is for Braxton to be a dancer then so be it. If it is for a daughter to be a wrestler than great. Whatever they determine their goals to be is what I want them to pursue.
I remember coming home after a youth conference thinking I wanted to be a great speaker and speak to the youth when I grew up. I expressed that desire to my mom and she told me that usually to be asked to speak you have to do something great first. It kills me that instead of seeing that interest and helping me take a path that would have had plenty of fuel for ambition she just dismissed it as unattainable. Kent once told me that his dream was to go to school and get an education. He went one semester despite his mom telling him that Utah State was too big a school for him. He worked full time to pay for it and took on a ton of credit hours. No wonder he failed no one set him up with the keys for success. They told him he would fail from the start.
I think that too many parents are afraid that if their kids pursue a dream and they don't succeed the failure will be too heartbreaking. Luckily for my parents they seemed to finally figure it out with my younger brother. He went to college and played basketball. After a few years on the team he has realized that his dream is actually not what he wanted. Of course what has he gained from pursuing his dream? A wonderful wife, a knowledge that his dream didn't fit him, and a new dream to pursue. He is not devastated that he won't be making millions. He is happy that he got to figure it out on his own.
Whatever my kids dreams are I want to fuel their passions and support their efforts. I want to be their biggest cheerleader. I want to be just as ridiculous about taking risks for them as they are for themselves. Why? Because I know that the Lord gives us dreams to get us where he wants us to go. It's following your dream path that will take you to a life that you will be happy to have lived. I never want to take that away from any of my kids. I want them to shoot for the stars because even if they don't hit them they have a better chance to make their dreams out of this world.
This is what I will say in conclusion. Not only do I intend to cheer for my kids in their dreams, but I believe that is what family is for. If nephew decided to be the valedictorian at his high school I would be happy to ask him how his studies are coming every time I see him. My sister's daughter wants to be an author when she grows up. I LOVE to read her stories. She's already getting awards on a school district level. I am so happy to support her in her dream of becoming an author. My personal opinion is that if you show children you care and give them a GREAT support system of love and acceptance then they will achieve great things. It's not a matter of if they do it is a matter of when and what will they do.
Respect, love, and enjoy one another, in and outside family
- Serve one another
- Everyone has their own space and respects each others space
- Participate in activities together (camp, sports, boating, horses, skiing, snowmen building, etc.)
- Take time individually for each person (pair’s time)
- Look for the positives in others
Appreciate each others likeness and differences
Enjoy Sports together
- Play sports games together
- Attend sporting events
- Be involved in sporting events
- Support each other in sporting events
Enjoy Music together
- Sing in Family Home Evening
- Sing in church
- Play an instrument
- Enjoy musical events
Work hard together
Play together
Earn rank of Eagle Scout , Duty to God Award, and Young Womanhood Award
Learn to love education and reading
- Enjoy educational activities together (zoo, museums, walks, etc.)
- Read together and individually
Build up one another and support one another’s dreams
Graduate from College
Serve Honorable Missions
Each PERSON works to gain a strong testimony
- Pray as a family and individually
- Read scriptures as a family and individually
- Exercise faith in areas where you struggle (test it out)
- Follow the spirit
Build a relationship with the Lord
- All the above and serve your fellow man
One day on the way to Meadow since Kent had no where to run and ignore me I made him talk with me about the things that were important to him. As you can see sports are part of that goal. Not because I want my kids to be the best in athletics, but because I want my kids to find fun ways to be active and healthy. My family wasn't huge into sports. A lot of my siblings liked basketball because they were tall, but other than that it wasn't a focal point (never making it to that "high" status I don't care all that much about the sport). Because my parents thought it was wrong to make your kids play sports they didn't make us do any sports. I agree with them that you shouldn't force it, but I do want my kids to try out many sports because I really think it could have benefited me to have known that I could run in high school. Maybe I would have just whined, but I wish in ways that it had been expected that I do physically challenging things as a teenager. I do think sports are important and they teach great lessons but kids should not grow up thinking that sports are life. Not every kid is going to play professional ball, but maybe if that is their dream it will take them to a new dream that will make them happy. I think that kids need to be supported and directed in following their dreams. If that dream is for Braxton to be a dancer then so be it. If it is for a daughter to be a wrestler than great. Whatever they determine their goals to be is what I want them to pursue.
I remember coming home after a youth conference thinking I wanted to be a great speaker and speak to the youth when I grew up. I expressed that desire to my mom and she told me that usually to be asked to speak you have to do something great first. It kills me that instead of seeing that interest and helping me take a path that would have had plenty of fuel for ambition she just dismissed it as unattainable. Kent once told me that his dream was to go to school and get an education. He went one semester despite his mom telling him that Utah State was too big a school for him. He worked full time to pay for it and took on a ton of credit hours. No wonder he failed no one set him up with the keys for success. They told him he would fail from the start.
I think that too many parents are afraid that if their kids pursue a dream and they don't succeed the failure will be too heartbreaking. Luckily for my parents they seemed to finally figure it out with my younger brother. He went to college and played basketball. After a few years on the team he has realized that his dream is actually not what he wanted. Of course what has he gained from pursuing his dream? A wonderful wife, a knowledge that his dream didn't fit him, and a new dream to pursue. He is not devastated that he won't be making millions. He is happy that he got to figure it out on his own.
Whatever my kids dreams are I want to fuel their passions and support their efforts. I want to be their biggest cheerleader. I want to be just as ridiculous about taking risks for them as they are for themselves. Why? Because I know that the Lord gives us dreams to get us where he wants us to go. It's following your dream path that will take you to a life that you will be happy to have lived. I never want to take that away from any of my kids. I want them to shoot for the stars because even if they don't hit them they have a better chance to make their dreams out of this world.
This is what I will say in conclusion. Not only do I intend to cheer for my kids in their dreams, but I believe that is what family is for. If nephew decided to be the valedictorian at his high school I would be happy to ask him how his studies are coming every time I see him. My sister's daughter wants to be an author when she grows up. I LOVE to read her stories. She's already getting awards on a school district level. I am so happy to support her in her dream of becoming an author. My personal opinion is that if you show children you care and give them a GREAT support system of love and acceptance then they will achieve great things. It's not a matter of if they do it is a matter of when and what will they do.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
August and September fun
The last few months have flown by. We have just enjoyed a lot of family fun. We are sad to see summer go, but excited to have another fall to enjoy.
We went to the splash pad with my sister and cousins. It was a lot of fun. Braxton has been into walking on the lines lately so he loved following this "gray brick road."
Wet boys are great.
Especially when they come in the form of hugs.
You can see the splash pad behind us.
He crossed his arms all by himself.
I have been watching a couple of babies in the afternoon.
The other day Braxton put the older on on his bike with him.
One day he's gonna make a great brother...for now we'll just practice.
One day he's gonna make a great brother...for now we'll just practice.
Our labor day weekend camping was cancelled due to bad weather forecasts. I decided that we needed to have fun anyway and remembered that I had wanted to take Braxton to see the temple Kent and I go to. He was wired, but seemed to enjoy it.
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD . HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD . HOLINESS TO THE LORD
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
JORDAN RIVER TEMPLE 
Braxton really liked these flowers. He kept saying, "mom look."
Braxton really liked these flowers. He kept saying, "mom look."
He crossed his arms all by himself.
I think he wanted to show how much he loved it. :)
It's always amazing to me what the church will spend money on.
Their gardens are so heavenly at any time of year.
This is by far one of my favorite temples!
I couldn't help myself. The grounds have so much beauty!
Last night we took Braxton to the state fair.
We couldn't keep up with him he was so excited about the animals.
Just checking out some sheep.
Just checking out some sheep.
The Parent Lottery
"I WON the parent lottery. I was born with the winning ticket, a major reason I was able to live out my childhood dreams." I have been reading, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch recently and I have learned a lot. As I read about "the parent lottery" I learned something very important and valuable. Life really is about our perspective. I find myself all too often wanting to have what others have and wishing that perhaps I had parents who lived closer or in-laws who took us on great vacations. The list can go on and on. As I read about Randy's life I realize that he truly is not that different from me, but then again because of his perspective he is.
I'll illustrate for you. In his book he states that all of his life his mom kept his "cockiness in check." She would describe him as "alert, but not terribly precocious." He contiued to point out times in his life where she would make sure to keep him humble. He gave many examples of his experiences, but the point is that from what I read he could have easily been a complainer. His relationship could have led him to think, 'wow my mom doesn't think much of me. I must not be too important to her.' He could have had feelings of never being enough for her, but he choose different. Instead he looked at the relationship as her keeping him grounded. He speaks of his mother as being a woman who taught him valuable lessons about himself and keeping him from having an overinflated ego.
I decided to take that perspective and learn. I have a choice. I can either see what my parents, in-laws, or family doesn't offer me or I can see how blessed I am by having them in my life. Here's a bit of reality for you all. You can't expect to change them by being irritated with their faults. However, if you focus on their strengths maybe you can learn to enjoy them just a little more. Wouldn't this whole world be much better if we all just enjoyed each other a little bit more?
So let me tell you about my parents using the parent lottery perspective. A lottery I have indeed won because I was raised by great parents. I would say as I look back at my life the most consistent lesson I have learned from them both is that of service for the Lord. They have both served in many church callings and if they complained about it I honestly don't recall. They have always done their best. Because of that example I am equally willing to do what my church leaders ask of me and have a deep rooted desire to serve the Lord.
My mom has taught me a great lesson of unselfish service. She has spent 35 years totally devoted to the tasks of being a mother. She has sacrificed so much to raise 6 children. She rarely has indulged in the luxuries that many mothers see as necessities. She could have gone to work and had the financial freedom to do as she pleased, but instead she opted to stay home and give her time to the monotonous life of a stay-at-home mother. That selfless sacrifice has shaped the goals and dreams that I have now. I often times speak of how she ruined me as a housekeeper because of her need to teach me to be thorough. When I think of tasks it isn't just get it done it's get it done right. Kent appreciates this lesson she taught me. He knows that if he wants it to be sparkling clean he asks me to do it because I will always do it more thoroughly than he can. My mom taught me great lessons on how to be a mother. Since I am one I use those lessons everyday.
Another lesson that I greatly value from my mother is that of friendship. She taught me through her ability to be friends with me as well as helping me learn to be a better friend to others. As a teenager I was very lucky to have her as a mom. There was not one topic that was inappropriate to discuss. If I was struggling to know what was acceptable dating practices or how I should behave in a certain situation I had full confidence that I could ask my mom and she would answer me without embarrassment or judgement. It meant a lot to me then and it still means a lot to me to know that I can freely speak with her. She has knowlegde of years of experience with making good choices. At 10 years old I had a fight with a good friend who brought a note I had written to my mom. She reminded me what a good friend this girl was and invited me to take a candy bar over to her house and appologize for the way I had behaved. I will never forget that she took the time to teach me how to be a friend and take responsibilities for my actions when I was wrong.
My dad had a way about him. When dad spoke you listened. It was more than once that I was threatened with a, "Do you want me to get my belt." These threatenings were never followed through because we knew if dad was threatening he meant business. Time has softened him. I doubt he even remembers that belts can be used that way. While parent these days wouldn't dream of such tactics for fear of the calls of child abuse I am thankful that my dad taught us to stay in line. I feel I am a better behaved adult because of his direction.
There were a few rules that were specific to my dad's teaching. The first rule was always wear good shoes when you ride a bike. It seems the first time I got away with breaking that rule I sliced a gash in the bottom of my foot. I don't think he knew about it because I was too embarrassed that I had broken the rule. While other kids rode bikes without shoes or while wearing flip flops we were kept safe. If helmets had been around we probably would have worn those too. He was a great protector.
The next two rules kept me safe in other ways. The second rule was that you never point a gun (or finger pretending it is a gun) at people. The idea is that if we never learn that guns are used to shoot people then the danger of a gun is greatly diminished. We become less dangerous to others and we realize that guns are powerful tools not to be played with. The last rule I remember is that I was not allow to pretend I was cool by smoking. As a young girl influenced by what I saw in movies I would take a cheeto and pretend to smoke it. My dad was quick to correct with even the idea of smoking being wrong. A smoker in his early life he was not going to have his kids struggle to give up such an unecessary and unhealthy habit.
The most valuable lesson my dad taught me is one that I hope to pass on to my children as well. My dad had seen so many women disrespect themselves and have poor self-esteem that he made a conscious effort to teach his daughters differently. He taught me that a woman is beautiful because she is a woman. It doesn't take fancy clothes, a great deal of make-up, and sex appeal to make a woman beautiful. It takes a woman who has confidence in herself. I have never felt that I couldn't walk out of my house and hold my head high because my hair and make-up weren't just right or on for that matter. Those things may add to your attractiveness, but they don't define you. I am a more confident woman because of that lesson.
I'll illustrate for you. In his book he states that all of his life his mom kept his "cockiness in check." She would describe him as "alert, but not terribly precocious." He contiued to point out times in his life where she would make sure to keep him humble. He gave many examples of his experiences, but the point is that from what I read he could have easily been a complainer. His relationship could have led him to think, 'wow my mom doesn't think much of me. I must not be too important to her.' He could have had feelings of never being enough for her, but he choose different. Instead he looked at the relationship as her keeping him grounded. He speaks of his mother as being a woman who taught him valuable lessons about himself and keeping him from having an overinflated ego.
I decided to take that perspective and learn. I have a choice. I can either see what my parents, in-laws, or family doesn't offer me or I can see how blessed I am by having them in my life. Here's a bit of reality for you all. You can't expect to change them by being irritated with their faults. However, if you focus on their strengths maybe you can learn to enjoy them just a little more. Wouldn't this whole world be much better if we all just enjoyed each other a little bit more?
So let me tell you about my parents using the parent lottery perspective. A lottery I have indeed won because I was raised by great parents. I would say as I look back at my life the most consistent lesson I have learned from them both is that of service for the Lord. They have both served in many church callings and if they complained about it I honestly don't recall. They have always done their best. Because of that example I am equally willing to do what my church leaders ask of me and have a deep rooted desire to serve the Lord.
My mom has taught me a great lesson of unselfish service. She has spent 35 years totally devoted to the tasks of being a mother. She has sacrificed so much to raise 6 children. She rarely has indulged in the luxuries that many mothers see as necessities. She could have gone to work and had the financial freedom to do as she pleased, but instead she opted to stay home and give her time to the monotonous life of a stay-at-home mother. That selfless sacrifice has shaped the goals and dreams that I have now. I often times speak of how she ruined me as a housekeeper because of her need to teach me to be thorough. When I think of tasks it isn't just get it done it's get it done right. Kent appreciates this lesson she taught me. He knows that if he wants it to be sparkling clean he asks me to do it because I will always do it more thoroughly than he can. My mom taught me great lessons on how to be a mother. Since I am one I use those lessons everyday.
Another lesson that I greatly value from my mother is that of friendship. She taught me through her ability to be friends with me as well as helping me learn to be a better friend to others. As a teenager I was very lucky to have her as a mom. There was not one topic that was inappropriate to discuss. If I was struggling to know what was acceptable dating practices or how I should behave in a certain situation I had full confidence that I could ask my mom and she would answer me without embarrassment or judgement. It meant a lot to me then and it still means a lot to me to know that I can freely speak with her. She has knowlegde of years of experience with making good choices. At 10 years old I had a fight with a good friend who brought a note I had written to my mom. She reminded me what a good friend this girl was and invited me to take a candy bar over to her house and appologize for the way I had behaved. I will never forget that she took the time to teach me how to be a friend and take responsibilities for my actions when I was wrong.
My dad had a way about him. When dad spoke you listened. It was more than once that I was threatened with a, "Do you want me to get my belt." These threatenings were never followed through because we knew if dad was threatening he meant business. Time has softened him. I doubt he even remembers that belts can be used that way. While parent these days wouldn't dream of such tactics for fear of the calls of child abuse I am thankful that my dad taught us to stay in line. I feel I am a better behaved adult because of his direction.
There were a few rules that were specific to my dad's teaching. The first rule was always wear good shoes when you ride a bike. It seems the first time I got away with breaking that rule I sliced a gash in the bottom of my foot. I don't think he knew about it because I was too embarrassed that I had broken the rule. While other kids rode bikes without shoes or while wearing flip flops we were kept safe. If helmets had been around we probably would have worn those too. He was a great protector.
The next two rules kept me safe in other ways. The second rule was that you never point a gun (or finger pretending it is a gun) at people. The idea is that if we never learn that guns are used to shoot people then the danger of a gun is greatly diminished. We become less dangerous to others and we realize that guns are powerful tools not to be played with. The last rule I remember is that I was not allow to pretend I was cool by smoking. As a young girl influenced by what I saw in movies I would take a cheeto and pretend to smoke it. My dad was quick to correct with even the idea of smoking being wrong. A smoker in his early life he was not going to have his kids struggle to give up such an unecessary and unhealthy habit.
The most valuable lesson my dad taught me is one that I hope to pass on to my children as well. My dad had seen so many women disrespect themselves and have poor self-esteem that he made a conscious effort to teach his daughters differently. He taught me that a woman is beautiful because she is a woman. It doesn't take fancy clothes, a great deal of make-up, and sex appeal to make a woman beautiful. It takes a woman who has confidence in herself. I have never felt that I couldn't walk out of my house and hold my head high because my hair and make-up weren't just right or on for that matter. Those things may add to your attractiveness, but they don't define you. I am a more confident woman because of that lesson.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The House of the Lord
This post was written August 23, 2009
Kevin Nash
Friday Kent and I had the opportunity to go to the temple with the ward members. It was so nice to be in the temple and feel the peace that it brings. During the session there were a few interruptions as patrons had to use the restroom. During one of those pauses a man got up and walked to the back of the room and talked with one of the workers. Then after a moment he returned to his seat. Later as we entered the celestial room I was informed by a friend it had been Richard G. Scott one of the twelve apostles of the Lord. It impressed me greatly how wonderful the temple is that the attire makes everyone equal. Equal to the extent that I was on a temple session with an apostle and never even noticed him or recognized him. Where in the entire world do you truly find a place where everyone is equal and happy? I myself cannot think of a place other than the temple.
This morning as I attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication we were reminded again of how contrasting the temple is to the world. The equality was brought up and I delighted in the reminder. At the beginning of the services I was reminded of thoughts I had received at the Draper Temple dedication. I have had the privilege of getting to know the grand daughter of President Monson. In the opportunity I have learned a lot about the men God calls as prophets. Mainly that they are just that, men. They have families who are not unlike my own family. Just because you're related to a prophet it doesn't make you perfect. It doesn't necessarily make you a scriptorian and in some cases it doesn't automatically make you believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As I sat there looking at the men of the first presidency conduct the service of the Draper Temple it hit me. That man is just my friends grandpa. Yes he is the prophet and yes he is a great man, but I too have descended from great people who served the Lord with all their hearts. Their callings were just more simple and much less demanding. In the temple (and in the sight of the Lord) my grandparents are no less than my friends grandfather. As I thought about it I felt as if the spirit confirmed to me that all my grandparents did live worthy of a celestial life and if I follow their example and do all I can to keep my temple covenants and follow the prophets I too can live worthy of a celestial life.
Another thought that was stated in the dedication this morning was that our families and the Saviors gospel are the only things that matter on this earth. This morning President Monson said he was enjoying watching President Uchdof's grandson. As I listened to the interaction and thought of my friend I realized that in the eternities those who will be most important to us will be our families and the prophets will be an extension of God's eternal family. While they enjoy the blessings of their service they still love their earthly families more than anything else they have been blessed with.
During the dedication as President Bednar compared the temple with the world I enjoyed his thought that in the temple where everyone is equally dressed in white that our individual spirits shine through. One time I was thinking about the clothing we wear and wondered if there was a reason that the only skin that you see is the hands and faces of the patrons. This is not doctrine but I thought that perhaps it was because of the importance of the work and service we can do with our hands. I thought perhaps the face was seen because it is the part of our bodies where our spirits shine through. Scientific knowledge would even point to that. An article I read the other day said that scientists measured the invisible light our bodies emit and they found that, "faces glowed more than the rest of the body." They attributed this to the fact that our faces are more tan, but as I read it I disagreed. I believe it is because our spirits are seen through our faces. I would be interested to see them conduct that same test with a question of how much more light our bodies give off when we have just come from the temple. I think they may find some interesting answers.
Kevin NashFriday Kent and I had the opportunity to go to the temple with the ward members. It was so nice to be in the temple and feel the peace that it brings. During the session there were a few interruptions as patrons had to use the restroom. During one of those pauses a man got up and walked to the back of the room and talked with one of the workers. Then after a moment he returned to his seat. Later as we entered the celestial room I was informed by a friend it had been Richard G. Scott one of the twelve apostles of the Lord. It impressed me greatly how wonderful the temple is that the attire makes everyone equal. Equal to the extent that I was on a temple session with an apostle and never even noticed him or recognized him. Where in the entire world do you truly find a place where everyone is equal and happy? I myself cannot think of a place other than the temple.
This morning as I attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication we were reminded again of how contrasting the temple is to the world. The equality was brought up and I delighted in the reminder. At the beginning of the services I was reminded of thoughts I had received at the Draper Temple dedication. I have had the privilege of getting to know the grand daughter of President Monson. In the opportunity I have learned a lot about the men God calls as prophets. Mainly that they are just that, men. They have families who are not unlike my own family. Just because you're related to a prophet it doesn't make you perfect. It doesn't necessarily make you a scriptorian and in some cases it doesn't automatically make you believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As I sat there looking at the men of the first presidency conduct the service of the Draper Temple it hit me. That man is just my friends grandpa. Yes he is the prophet and yes he is a great man, but I too have descended from great people who served the Lord with all their hearts. Their callings were just more simple and much less demanding. In the temple (and in the sight of the Lord) my grandparents are no less than my friends grandfather. As I thought about it I felt as if the spirit confirmed to me that all my grandparents did live worthy of a celestial life and if I follow their example and do all I can to keep my temple covenants and follow the prophets I too can live worthy of a celestial life.
Another thought that was stated in the dedication this morning was that our families and the Saviors gospel are the only things that matter on this earth. This morning President Monson said he was enjoying watching President Uchdof's grandson. As I listened to the interaction and thought of my friend I realized that in the eternities those who will be most important to us will be our families and the prophets will be an extension of God's eternal family. While they enjoy the blessings of their service they still love their earthly families more than anything else they have been blessed with.
During the dedication as President Bednar compared the temple with the world I enjoyed his thought that in the temple where everyone is equally dressed in white that our individual spirits shine through. One time I was thinking about the clothing we wear and wondered if there was a reason that the only skin that you see is the hands and faces of the patrons. This is not doctrine but I thought that perhaps it was because of the importance of the work and service we can do with our hands. I thought perhaps the face was seen because it is the part of our bodies where our spirits shine through. Scientific knowledge would even point to that. An article I read the other day said that scientists measured the invisible light our bodies emit and they found that, "faces glowed more than the rest of the body." They attributed this to the fact that our faces are more tan, but as I read it I disagreed. I believe it is because our spirits are seen through our faces. I would be interested to see them conduct that same test with a question of how much more light our bodies give off when we have just come from the temple. I think they may find some interesting answers.
Richard Ivan Kunz
One idea that has been going through my mind from Elder Bednar's talk is that the temple is a light that cannot be hid in darkness. I am so thankful to know that if I will continue to focus myself upon the temple I can always have that light touching my soul. It's an amazing sight to see the temples always lit at night. In Persident Uchdorf's talk he taught us that every temple dedicated lessens Satan's power and strengthens God's power. The temple helps us better recognize Satan.
I feel that I have been blessed this month to focus on many lessons the temple can bring into my life. It is my desire that I can raise Braxton (and any other children I am blessed with) to grow to love the temple and desire to be worthy to enter there. I hope and pray that as I work hard to focus on my relationship with my Father in Heaven that my posterity will also grow to love God and see His hand in their lives as I do.
Kevin Nash
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Gratitude and Blessings in August
Mon 31 *I am so thankful I was finally able to make a good amount at work tonight. I am also thankful for a fun lunch with my sister and her neighbor.
Sun 30 *I am thankful our friend encouraged us to attend the fireside tonight. I had forgotten how much I could learn from Daniel Rona.
Sat 29 *I am thankful I was able to attend a great Stake Relief Society enrichment where I learned about the temple. I am going to work even harder to make the temple a more central focus in my life.
Fri 28 *Today I have been blessed with finding out that I picked the right shoes for my body. Apparently I overpronate when I run so I need shoes that correct that and ironically I found shoes that did that without the help of a sales person. I have also been blessed to have a great night at work where I was able to get some good sales so my numbers will go up.
Thur 27 *I am thankful we were able to find shoes for Braxton and I.
Wed 26 *I am thankful I was able to get the house cleaned before I went to the park with friends. I am also thankful I was able to get it done so I could spend time with Braxton and tend to the babies I am watching in the afternoon.
Tue 25 *I am thankful I was able to have a pretty good night at work tonight. I felt like I worked really hard and my performance was good.
Mon 24 *I am so thankful for the direction from the spirit to find a wonderful park to run in.
Sun 23 *I have been blessed to learn from the prophets at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication today.
Sat 22 *I am thankful that so many people were willing to take the time to make it to the Corvallis reunion I organized. It was good to see so many friends.
Fri 21 *I am thankful I was able to be in the temple tonight with Kent, members of the ward, Elder Scott, and Mariel's aunt and uncle. It was so nice to spend time there.
Thur 20 *I am thankful I was able to get a cute shirt at a good price for work.
Wed 19 *I am thankful for my wonderful son and his laughter. There is nothing like making your child laugh to help you remember what is important in your life.
Tue 18 *I am thankful for a good talk with my neighbor tonight. It had been far too long since we sat down and just talked.
Mon 17 *I am thankful that I have had such a productive day. I am thankful to have discovered how wonderful it is to run at Murray Park. I am also thankful to have a clean house and determination to work harder to keep it that way.
Sun 16 *I am thankful for Sundays. I love the peace and joy that comes from attending sacrament meeting when the spirit is so strong. I am also thankful Kent was able to get Braxton to wear new church pants without a fight because they were the same color as his old ones.
Sat 15 *I am thankful to have woke up to a beautiful thunder storm this morning. I am also thankful for the opportunity to attend a reunion for my grandpa's brothers and sisters families. It is such a blessing to learn more of the stories of my family and their lives. I especially like to learn more about my grandpa.
Fri 14 *I am thankful for a wonderful husband who was happy to come home from trek and spend time with Braxton and I. I am thankful that we were able to go shopping for church pants for Braxton and found some that will work.
Thur 13 *I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my cousin while she is in need. I am also thankful for the Lord's quick answers to prayer through inspiration.
Wed 12 *I am thankful for a fun day swimming with Braxton and friends at the pool.
Tue 11 *I am thankful for a nice evening with the ladies from Relief Society!
Mon 10 *I am thankful for a husband who knows what to say to help me feel validated and also what to say to help bring me back to reality.
Sun 9 *I am thankful for the couple who spoke in church yesterday. It was apparent they prayed about what the Lord wanted them to say and it was definitely what I needed to hear.
Sat 8 *I am thankful to have jars full of jam and apricot juice.
Fri 7 *I am thankful for two beautiful days with amazing weather. I was blessed to stand in a warm breeze while it picked up water from the sprinkler yesterday and cooled me down well. I am thankful today that it was just the nicest fall like warm weather and it was enjoyed and appreciated.
Thur 6 *I am so very thankful to have been blessed with three boxes of apricots. I am also thankful Kent & Braxton were able to help me turn the largest box into apricot juice.
Wed 5 *I am thankful that I was able to come up with a clever way to get Braxton in and out of a grocery cart since I am not supposed to lift him.
Tue 4 *I am thankful for a wonderful husband who came home and gave me the most sincere 'Do you know I love you.' He then went for a walk with us and it was so nice to spend time with him!
Mon 3 *I am so thankful to have a clean kitchen back!!!
Sun 2 *I am thankful for dinner with my family.
Sat 1 *I am thankful we were able to enjoy Erik and Mariel's reception and that Braxton was able to get the nap he really needed today.
Sun 30 *I am thankful our friend encouraged us to attend the fireside tonight. I had forgotten how much I could learn from Daniel Rona.
Sat 29 *I am thankful I was able to attend a great Stake Relief Society enrichment where I learned about the temple. I am going to work even harder to make the temple a more central focus in my life.
Fri 28 *Today I have been blessed with finding out that I picked the right shoes for my body. Apparently I overpronate when I run so I need shoes that correct that and ironically I found shoes that did that without the help of a sales person. I have also been blessed to have a great night at work where I was able to get some good sales so my numbers will go up.
Thur 27 *I am thankful we were able to find shoes for Braxton and I.
Wed 26 *I am thankful I was able to get the house cleaned before I went to the park with friends. I am also thankful I was able to get it done so I could spend time with Braxton and tend to the babies I am watching in the afternoon.
Tue 25 *I am thankful I was able to have a pretty good night at work tonight. I felt like I worked really hard and my performance was good.
Mon 24 *I am so thankful for the direction from the spirit to find a wonderful park to run in.
Sun 23 *I have been blessed to learn from the prophets at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication today.
Sat 22 *I am thankful that so many people were willing to take the time to make it to the Corvallis reunion I organized. It was good to see so many friends.
Fri 21 *I am thankful I was able to be in the temple tonight with Kent, members of the ward, Elder Scott, and Mariel's aunt and uncle. It was so nice to spend time there.
Thur 20 *I am thankful I was able to get a cute shirt at a good price for work.
Wed 19 *I am thankful for my wonderful son and his laughter. There is nothing like making your child laugh to help you remember what is important in your life.
Tue 18 *I am thankful for a good talk with my neighbor tonight. It had been far too long since we sat down and just talked.
Mon 17 *I am thankful that I have had such a productive day. I am thankful to have discovered how wonderful it is to run at Murray Park. I am also thankful to have a clean house and determination to work harder to keep it that way.
Sun 16 *I am thankful for Sundays. I love the peace and joy that comes from attending sacrament meeting when the spirit is so strong. I am also thankful Kent was able to get Braxton to wear new church pants without a fight because they were the same color as his old ones.
Sat 15 *I am thankful to have woke up to a beautiful thunder storm this morning. I am also thankful for the opportunity to attend a reunion for my grandpa's brothers and sisters families. It is such a blessing to learn more of the stories of my family and their lives. I especially like to learn more about my grandpa.
Fri 14 *I am thankful for a wonderful husband who was happy to come home from trek and spend time with Braxton and I. I am thankful that we were able to go shopping for church pants for Braxton and found some that will work.
Thur 13 *I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my cousin while she is in need. I am also thankful for the Lord's quick answers to prayer through inspiration.
Wed 12 *I am thankful for a fun day swimming with Braxton and friends at the pool.
Tue 11 *I am thankful for a nice evening with the ladies from Relief Society!
Mon 10 *I am thankful for a husband who knows what to say to help me feel validated and also what to say to help bring me back to reality.
Sun 9 *I am thankful for the couple who spoke in church yesterday. It was apparent they prayed about what the Lord wanted them to say and it was definitely what I needed to hear.
Sat 8 *I am thankful to have jars full of jam and apricot juice.
Fri 7 *I am thankful for two beautiful days with amazing weather. I was blessed to stand in a warm breeze while it picked up water from the sprinkler yesterday and cooled me down well. I am thankful today that it was just the nicest fall like warm weather and it was enjoyed and appreciated.
Thur 6 *I am so very thankful to have been blessed with three boxes of apricots. I am also thankful Kent & Braxton were able to help me turn the largest box into apricot juice.
Wed 5 *I am thankful that I was able to come up with a clever way to get Braxton in and out of a grocery cart since I am not supposed to lift him.
Tue 4 *I am thankful for a wonderful husband who came home and gave me the most sincere 'Do you know I love you.' He then went for a walk with us and it was so nice to spend time with him!
Mon 3 *I am so thankful to have a clean kitchen back!!!
Sun 2 *I am thankful for dinner with my family.
Sat 1 *I am thankful we were able to enjoy Erik and Mariel's reception and that Braxton was able to get the nap he really needed today.
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