Service Counts

What a great week it was.  To talk to all of you live (or piped in via Skype and Face Time), 3 birthdays, Christmas, and I got to actually do something productive for my home teaching family.  It was great.

I really enjoyed talking with each of you.  Skjelse, I hope you get feeling better, and Gavin, I hope you are fading into normality again.  At least you got it over with early on your mission.  

Kieren looked so good and happy in her current assignment.  Like Mom's favorite video of new years, "sometimes you never consider that the future can be better than the past".  And this area has been that for you.

Gavin looked waaaaaay better than we feared after hearing how sick you were.  And I am so pleased at how positive you are through the good and the difficult.  And you Spanish is so much better.  You are speaking so quickly now I can't even dissect words or phrases.  Not that I knew what they were before, but I could tell the drift of many things.  Not now, just a blur of sounds.

Skjelse was too sick to have a lot of fun.  I hope that changes so you can enjoy the rest of your trip.

I went up to Craig's and am working on patching some holes in the walls caused by girl's flipping each other over in Kung Fu practice.  

Then I saw that Spencer's were looking for a plumber referral.  I had to check so I called him.  Turns out the water heater went bad the day after Christmas.  Not such an exciting thing to spend money on.  I finally talked them into letting me help replace it.  But they don't operate this way usually.  So they didn't even know what to buy.  So I helped them shop, then I removed the old and put in the new.  It had a power vent system so that caused a bit more issues since the new and old were not exactly the same.  Like always!  But after a few hours we got it back in, gas, venting, and plumbing lines back up and going.  We only had to move the plumbing and vent lines.  But the next morning there was a drip.  It was not there when we checked it all that night.  At least they had hot water again.  So I ran over, we emptied the pressure, and I was able to add solder to the one joint and get it to seal up again.  Now it is all great.  I saved them about $4-600 based on quotes they had gotten.  I was happy to finally be able to help them in a meaningful way.

Mom's birthday was great.  I had worked with Aunt Carol (s) and in the end Carol Baker helped me get a new sewing machine from her shop she works at for less than half price.  Cost plus 10% as a special Christmas to employees only deal.  This was an investment in "tools" for mom.  She has needed it for so many years and I finally took some savings I had for tools (jobs from the past that I saved the tool money for) and for her a high end Brother that does tons of things.  She LOVES it and has just begun to learn how to use all the features.  It automatically threads the needle!  Tons of stitches including decorative ones, and it will do lettering also.  I hope this is the last one she will need.  I think it will be.  More reliable, better quality, just a good machine to last a lifetime.

I spoke at the Dayton branch today, thanks Kieren for your input on the "for unto us a child is born" topic.  I used your thoughts as well as some study mom had done on referencing each word/phrase of Isaiah 9:6.  And for nearly each one I had mom's scripture reference, a conf quote/story, and for many a personal story to share and illustrate the point.

I like how on the "mighty God" I had learned that when Handel wrote the Messiah oratorio, the first performance was a charity concert and all the money was used to free people from debtor's prison in Dublin Ireland.  142 men were freed from that event.  I found it interesting that the very thing that freed the men was the story of Christ freeing us from sin and eternal despair.  

I have now removed the grill from the house much to my dismay and to mom's delight.  I have build a custom cabinet front over that area and it will be the audio visual cabinet.  I have figured out how to run electric to behind the TV on the fireplace and to have the HDMI etc. cables to go through the brick and via the attic to the AV cabinet.  So all will be hidden.  It looks good so far but still a lot of work to do.  That is with the new mantle and fireplace surround plan that mom has.  I am trying to do that this week.  I had planned to last week but ended up spending my time helping others. Above that area I am putting the old window from mom's house growing up.  I took the flowers out of it (that we had not used for 4-5 years) and did a custom frosted glass pattern.  Then we can use that for a dry erase board to note down scripture study goals etc for each week and what we want to remember.  I painted it black so it matches the cabinet front I made.

 Around the black metal wood stove surround we are putting tile.  Do you think we should complement the brick colors with additional "glass" type tans and browns, or go with a "pop" of color of some type?  I worry about the color because it won't change for 20 yrs, but the browns already dominate the area.

Love you forever, it was great to talk to you.  Keep working hard.

Dad

3 John 1:4

The Positive Power Of Social Media

Happy birthday to Kieren.

Happy birthday to Gavin.

Happy birthday to mom.

What a fun week.

This past week I spent most of my time facilitating special events for our company.  An adjacent group was starting some major projects and we have a process to gather the correct foundation starting points that help everything be better along the way.  Normally our development takes around 2 years so the right starting point and direction is important.  So I spent nearly 3 days helping guide them through that.  It was draining for me because I have to be front and center so much, but I think it helped them.  I got good feedback from my "customers" so it worked well for them.  Too bad I can't charge them consultant rates for my time (since I replaced the consultant they regularly use.)  I actually did the same for 2 days over in China for our groups there.  For some reason I am becoming a source for many groups.  Not sure why but at least it is another skill set to put in the bank for educations, skills and learning.

I got the motorcycle back over to the repair guy and he rebuilt the carbs again.  It is running again and I have trouble shot the warning lights etc.  So I think I know all the issues.  It runs OK, just have the plug fouling issue still to deal with then it will be great.  I think it is the choke plungers.  Now I just have to figure out where those are, what they do, and how to fix that.  So much for knowing what's wrong when I have no clue how to fix it.  But hey, it's the first step.  I rode it back home in the dark, on a freezing night.  Augh, COLD!.  It was biting being in that wind.  But I thought that would make you happy Gavin!  I do want it running well if we are going to have it around.

Friday was a wonderful anniversary.  Skjelse called from England where she is visiting and that was a highlight that was unexpected.  Mom poted a wedding photo on instagram celebrating our 25th and she got more likes and comments than ever before.  She is now a social media titan.  And by titan I mean tiny little mouse since we have like no reach on social media since we don;t build up any networks etc.  I think Skjelse is queen on that side of life!  We went to the temple and did sealings during a session that was at the exact time as our marriage 25 years ago.  The sealer was really fun, and made sure we got back to the alter one more time so we could celebrate our 25th.  He commented that he really enjoyed watching us at the alter as we looked at each other and loved each other.  Even he can see how much I love your mom!  We were overcome during the last couple we were proxy for.  I am just so blessed to have mom.  I am so excited that we have 25 down, and like 25 bajillion gajillion more to go together.

We then shopped for mom's recital snacks, some Christmas wrap up things, and cooked dinner at home which is what we wanted. During the recital I was the kitchen help.  Quite a turn for me but I did OK to keep things cooked and stocked, and everyone eating and happy.  

Ty was home sick and had to miss his laser quest lock in with science olympiad.  He still is not really back to health.  I feel bad for him.  But I have tried to be extra kind and helpful to him.

Mom had her recital open house and it went fantastic. It was fun to hear all the songs especially from Ty and Alysia.  It made me want to have all 5 of you here and playing songs you know on piano, brass, strings, or recorder.  It's always fun to have music ringing through the house.  You have brought much joy to me through the years.  Thank you.  The greatest joy is when you make choices that take us on the path back to Heavenly Father as a family.  I cling to the covenants we have in the temple that allow that to be a real event, based on our faithfulness.

Speaking of temples, last Sunday I had a temple revelation in Sunday School.  We were talking about Israel and how he got his name.  I have never dissected his name but it ends in ...el.  If you consider that he called the name of the place he had his temple experience Bethel, or Beth...el.  Meaning house of God.  And Israel meaning one who is with God.  The common thread here is ..el.  Elohim, or God.  And when you are with me in the Temple someday remind me and I can tell you more about that ..el.  It just came with great power and clarity that the "mysteries of the kingdom" and the eternal truths I have learned all my life are based on truth and that I again got a witness of the plan of happiness' reality.

So, to the point of the subject line.  This week at work I heard of a neat story that they were awarding to an employee.  Here is the true story.  A few years ago a group of friends were out in the Netherlands searching for metal scrap with metal detectors.  One of them came across what turned out to be the top of a mess kit from WWII.  They were in an area where the allied forces had been.  On this piece was the stamped name of the soldier that this belonged to.  They could have just tossed it as junk but instead took it home and tried to research who this was.  They got back to the Sidney area and spent two years trying to work with the city and county governments to find the owner or family of the soldier.  After two exhaustive years they still had no answer.  Then they decided to post this situation on Facebook.  In two DAYS they had come in contact with the family of the recently deceased soldier.  The son works at Emerson in the plant.  They arranged to send it to him.  And when Emerson heard about it they asked if they could help and they framed this piece in a shadow box and awarded it to the employee in a ceremony honoring the soldier (who had worked at Emerson also).  I just found that amazing how the social media can be used for such good in the world if we harness it for that good.  I like how Gavin included that in his last letter, Sending friends to the #sharethegift site.

So there you have it, more than enough to read this week.  I look forward to talking to all of you on Mom's birthday.

Love you forever, really, that came so true in the temple this week.  FOREVER!

Dad

3 John 1:4

Everything's Better With The Spirit

So I had a very loooooong week in China. The best part was getting home Saturday eve and being with everyone again. It was a productive trip but very long days. I spent Monday and Tuesday in Shanghai, Wednesday and Thursday in Suzhou, then back to Shanghai until I left Saturday mid day. 

When in Suzhou I was to conduct a training event with a large group there. But the person who asked me to lead that did not do so well in giving me the details I had been asking for. So until the very day before I had little to no information on what they were trying to accomplish, the goals, what the people had been training on before etc. so I tried to prepare but could only be generic in what I had. 

Then the night before I got a better email and had only a short drive to look through material and be ready for the next day. This is along with all the major things I was primarily over there for that weighed heavily on my mind. I was very nervous and was not sure what to do. That morning I prayed for extra help to just do my best in a way that would help the people. And during the training I got constant help. Not only did it go better that I could have hoped, afterwards one of the groups even said "I'm going to go back and do this with our group". And the biggest reason for the subject line is that they had tons of questions which is generally good. But sometimes they were really trying to apply it to their work, and I got momentarily worried I would have nothing to help them with. Just at that moment I had such clear and distinct impressions come I almost felt guilty. They were clear thoughts that related exactly to what they needed and I know they were an answer to my prayer. I even had to give a silent prayer of thanks they were so clear and direct. I truly got help this entire week. 

In Suzhou we went to a "hot pot" restaurant where the cooking is in a broth right at your table. As part of this place they had a "noodle dancer" come and be amazing with a noodle dough before it was put in the broth for cooking. It started out about a foot long. Then by the time he was done it was about 8 feet long. You can see part of it in the picture. It was really neat. 

At a layover in Tokyo we took off at near dusk. It was amazing and unexpected. It does not show well in the picture but I could see Mt. Fuji so clear out by the red sun. Totally amazing!

Thanks for sharing all your great stories and experiences. I really enjoy reading about the people you are teaching. And Skjelse, I don't get enough in writing!  Send more. 

Enjoy also the Santa Claus in China. They have no clue about it but are starting to post it everywhere just because they have heard about it. I thought it was pretty funny. 

Kieren and Gavin, let us know soon when you are going to be able to call on Christmas so we can plan our day around when you can call. It will be wonderful to speak to you. 

Gavin, Elder Barfuss is a zone leader now and I saw him at stake mission correlation today. He was excited to hear how you are doing. 

Skjelse, we want to hear all about the new job. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Learning Around The World

I never cease to be amazed at how I can learn things no matter where I am. I left Wednesday and travelled to Germany, I had two very good days of productive meetings with the team there and met my adopted nephew Matteo. He is Italian.

While I was there it happened to be the day that St. Nicolas came to visit the children. It was like a family work party of some sort. I only got to stay for his visit and then the taxi took us to the airport, but it was fun to see.

I was then off to a connecting flight in Paris (too bad did not have enough time to see anything, like usual) and then to Shanghai. I got here Sunday morning and then after stopping at the hotel for a short while I was off to church. I am beginning to recognize some fo the families and then during testimony meeting it seemed like half of them are leaving this month to move home. It must be hard for the branch.

But...to the point. Here is a shout out to Kieren. We read and discussed from Daniel today. Where it lists the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery and dulcimer. I had fun thinking of you trying to play all of them in your life. But i learned from the comments shared when they discussed Daniel and the lion's den, and king Darius. His words lead you to understand that he was himself in a pit of frustration and sorrow due to his actions. A pit like the one Daniel was in but emotionally and spiritually. It is much like the Savior and our lives. Due to our actions, or at times the actions of others, we are in a pit. And in the morning we come running to the Den to see if God has delivered us. And due to the atonement we know He always will if we just come to Him. It is enlightening to read Darius' words as he laments, worries and cannot sleep the whole night.

Then we discussed the talk "Stay in the boat" from last conference. Another hour of really good insights led fby the elders quorum president. We likened keeping on a life jacket to holding fast to your covenants. When you do, no matter the rapids, no matter the situation, you can be safe eternally and be able to cling to the covenants like you would cling to the raft or the paddle when going down a white water river.

A sisiter gave testimony that she recently received her call to the Quebec Canada mission. I thought if you Skjelse (you are 'almost" Canadian) and then she said she would be spanish speaking! So then I thought of you Gavin. She has studied French for 6 years and will be teaching in Spanish. But I'm sure she will get to use her French along the way.

I got surprised when brother Clark (SS teacher) invited me over for dinner with the young single adults for fast Sunday dinner. That was so nice. I went and it was very kind of them. It was neat to meet their family, another couple who is teaching at the university through the BYU Kennedy Center program (another nod to Skjelse) and they even have met the Bjorkman's. They also had all the YSA over included a YM who is just taking the semester off school and has just been travelling the US and other countries. I'm not sure where his pocket book is financed but he seems to be just popping around where he feels like it. He came to Shanghai on a whim. Didn;t think about it until Friday and then was here. But he was at church and was contributing great comments along the way.

They played some games and talked, and I got to know the family some. It was very nice to have a home feeling while away from home.

From here on out it beomces crazy schedule, long days of meetings and reviews, travelling to Suzhou and back, and then after meetings getting on the plane back home. I fly back Saturday so I can be home for the ward Christmas party.

I love you all, make good comments in your meetings, listen, ponder, and share your insights, they can help others to learn more of the gospel.

I hope Skjelse tells you her good news, I will not so she can.

Dad

3 John 1:4

Poconos Winter Wonderland

We have been having a great time in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania.  We got our timeshare here like many others, just kinda find something available and within striking distance.  But it's quite nice like the others and we had a very pretty hike yesterday.  We had quite the misadventure getting to the hike, for about an hour and a half, then on the way back got smarter and it was only about 10 minutes.  We had directions from the office but I am sure they did not check them and what they said.  It took us right past where we needed to be, down far past even where we went to church, then on to a toll road that we could not get off for some time, past where we wanted to be again, then ended right then and there on the toll freeway!  So we continued on, got off when we could, and backtracked around another way and found it.  It was quite the discussion about life as well.  Linking in all the analogies with God's plan for us, knowing our destination, listening to others voices, getting stuck with the consequences of our choices and having to work through them, knowing God's plan is the shortest distance back "home" etc.  It was fun while being frustrated.

When we were on the hike we saw the large bridge of the toll freeway as we hiked along.  It was really pretty to see the magnolia foliage all over the place.  We hiked to the falls, again getting lost on the way because this area has no clue how to make signs that tell you where you are going.  It took a .3 mile hike and made it into a 1.5 mile hike.  But it was way worth it.  As we found the falls we explored and found the main trail and where we "should have" veered off.  But without the extra we would not have seen the frozen river areas, and all that was beautiful with them.  

On the way back mom decided we should go on another trail.  Ty wanted to get to some other falls other hikers had said they went to, but when we passed a hunter and he smiled and said "bear season" mom was done right then and there.  Back we went!  It was a neat fall hike in the winter temperatures.

Church was fun at a small branch.  The lessons were all about being thankful for the circumstances we have.  To not find the negative but find the good in all we do.  We could have really been upset at the mis-adventure.  We could have whined about the cold.  But it was awesome.  We could have doubted our purpose instead of doubting the things that were distracting us form it, but we didn't, and it was all worth it. (Pres. Uchtdorf "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith" came to my mind).

We will be in NYC Monday and Tuesday.  We hope to just have fun together.  And anything else is icing on the cake.  We will see Lissa and Trent and families and that will be really fun.  It's about 2 hour drive from here.

I loved Kieren and Gavin's letters this last week.  Totally fun to read and they got me laughing hard.  Your experiences are wonderful.  Keep sharing them.

Skjelse is taking care of the house and cat while we are gone and being so nice to do that.

Mom and I got invited by my boss to use company tickets to go to the UD season opener. It was a fun night and mom even used a sport analogy for her standards night talk!  Shocked us all. 

I got the best LOVE note in my lunch this week. I had to post it. It's me smile all day. 

Work your hardest in all you do.  And keep the right priorities which will bring you happiness.  Amidst the chaos of life, joy will be found when you center your life on the Savior.

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Mom is AWESOME

She did so well tonight for the standards night/community family values night.  They organized a wonderful night, with recognition of people in the community not of our faith that help youth uphold values.  It was neat to see.  And mom started it off with a short talk, using.....a sports analogy!  Pres. Valencia later said he was shocked and was not expecting that at all from mom.  It was really fun to see and listen to her.

Saturday I got up, go figure, before anyone else.  I thought I did well because it was after 7 before I got out of bed.  Mom and I loaded wood form the back pile to the house for a while.  I did about 1 1/2 hours, my app tracked I went almost 4 miles, and we have a huge pile at the house.  So we have had a fire since then.  Did we tell you Ty was making a fire a while back and when he closed the door a limb was in just the wrong place and the glass cracked from the tippy top corner.  It was sad we could not have a fire.  I found a place online to get glass for 1/2 what they wanted locally but it still was over $50 for the little piece of glass.  It is because it is a ceramic glass that can withstand the heat.  But its nice to have the fire again.

I went to a special training on Thursday night with a general authority who was visiting the mission.  They had a night meeting for bishops, ward mission leaders, stake presidents, and high councilors over missionary work.  It was really great.  I love hearing from them.    I like how he described that on your mission your time is not yours. You have consecrated it to Him. You don't have the right to use it as you want. You make that covenant of consecration. So you work your hardest and do all He wants of you, and then of course you see the blessings after you show your faith.

He then shared the story of Gideon.  How we got 52,000 to fight an innumerable host of Middionites.  Then that was too may so God had Gideon have them go home if they were afraid.  32,000 went home.  But he still had too many, so they drank when thirsty as a test.  Those that scooped it up were worthy to be in Jehovah's army.  There were only 300.  Then he used them to defeat the Middionites.  He then related that to God does not need many, He just need faithful, obedient, committed followers.  He has all power in heaven and earth, he doesn't "need" our power, He has that and will support us.  "I will be in your midst" He has told us.  He just needs us to be faithful and his work will be accomplished through us, with His power.

And interesting news.  The missionaries can now go with new converts to the temple to do baptisms at any time.  As long as they new convert has family file names.  That is a blessing for the new convert to have that continued support, and for the missionaries to go to the temple more often.  Is this the same in your missions? (Skjelse, no need to answer that one:))

Our gospel principles class today was wonderful.  It was on temple and family history work.  One new convert had all sorts of honest, good questions, another investigator getting baptized this week was so pumped about all this because she sees how great it can be, and another recent convert testified of his first visit to the temple and how moving it was for him.  He talked about one ancestor name where he just felt something he could not describe.  All in all it was amazing to listen to the call discussion.  The teacher did very little and just guided the discussion.  It was just perfect.

It was a really fantastic weekend.  I love being with family.  I just wish any and all of you could have been here for part of it, that would have made it better.  But in reality Skjelse is the only one that could have even possibly stopped by.  But I do love all of you and am so pleased with the good things you do.

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Christmas Week

Ty put up Christmas lights this week!  We did the string lights streaming down like a star again.  He did it from the tree out front and it looks great.  I thought he wanted to do lots of Christmas lights so I asked him what else I needed to buy.  He did the Ty thing and about as succinct as can be done said "I'm done!"  That's all folks.  But we have some lights.  He did put up the triangle of colored lights we have had.  So we are festive, and early!

Skjelse came by Saturday and it was fun to have her and Jeff over.  She was a huge help in looking at NYC and where things are for us.  We plan on going for one night when we are at the time share in Pennsylvania.  It will be a weird Thanksgiving but we will do the traditional on Sunday after we are back.

I had a stake missionary fireside tonight and did the I'm a Mormon theme again in Middletown/Springboro.  The people did great.  Kaitlin Nall played the piano and she just got back a couple weeks ago from.... drum roll, ......Brazil!.  And Brailee did one of the talks and she leaves in a little over a week to Mexico MTC then Ecuador.   Caleb got his call this week, to Finland!  Your uncle Bryce would be proud.

I learned a great comment form President Porter of the Ohio Cincinnati mission.  The day you leave your comfort zone and start to do things that make you uncomfortable is the day you really start your mission.  Because that is when you begin to develop real faith and learn to rely upon the Savior.

I really enjoyed Priesthood meeting this week.  Bro. Spencer led the discussion and we had tons of comments.  It was a great spirit as we discussed the need to lead the way in coming back to Heavenly Father but ensuring we love everyone and accept them as children of God.  Steve, the new convert asked a good question about how we can judge so much when the scriptures say to judge not that ye be not judged.

How would you answer that?  The JST translation came out and that is really helpful.  Look it up!

Work is nutso for the next few weeks.  Lots of major meetings and annual reviews and yet there are accelerating things going on with the regular work.  I am not sure how to keep up.  But whenever things go wrong, I step up my prayers and the calm returns, the things fall into place better, and it turns out better than I could have done it myself.

Kieren, does this make you smile?!

I sent this to Gavin, but it makes me smile so much I thought I should send it to all of you.

​

Enjoy the smile.  Look it up in the scriptures!  SMILE.  in 2 Nep I believe.  

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Just Another Week

Its been fairly normal around the homestead this week. I took off Friday which ended up being about a half day since I had some calls for work. But I was able to do some car repairs, get the lawn raked and mowed for hopefully the last time, and other miscellaneous small jobs. Then Saturday we went over to Carter's and split wood for them. They had lent us the splitter so we tried to be nice back. It took longer than we thought because they make WAY smaller pieces than we do, but we got it done and made a huge new stack for them. Likely 2 1/2 cords. It was so cold but when working it was not too bad. Mom and Lys went back home and brought over a great lunch and hot chocolate to warm us up. It was good to help them. They have always been so kind to us. Read your patriarchal blessing you received through him. I know you all had amazing things prepared for you if you will live up to them. 

I did go to a seminar on Wednesday at Ohio State. It was on product development and making the process more efficient. That's what I do all day so it was relevant. And then I went to Akron to the Goodyear tire and rubber corporate headquarters. We had a tour of their product development process and things they have done to make it more efficient. I have lots of notes to try and help our company make good changes. You certainly can learn from anyone around you if you will look and consider how you can transfer what you see. 

We had the annual high priests quorum meeting last night. The high priests in each ward are a "group" and the quorum is actually at the stake level. So it is not often but we did get to meet as a quorum. Pres.  Valencia is amazing. He did share how we really need to work to build our family history. I know many of our ancestors have been identified, but we certainly can add pictures, stories, recordings etc to make them come to life. And now it is kept in the cloud so it will always be there and be available to all. 

I thought you would enjoy the pumpkin the elders carved when they came by as we were doing our carving for the year. 

Love you forever. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Did I Mention...?

Work is awesome but painful?  We spent all day, read my kind of all day, splitting and stacking wood. I went from 8-8:30PM working and my body is screaming at me. But hey, a 11+ hour workout in aerobic, weight lifting, bending and flexibility. I now have wood warrior pose down flat. Everyone really helped amazing even though I was the only one all day long. But it was a huge family event. Alysia even learned how to split the wood and use the hydraulic splitter. She did that as a personal progress goal. See the pictures and we now have 12 cords of wood. We won't need more until well after Lys graduates. Even the Elders came over after dinner and helped for an hour and a half. They helped split the very last parts as well as clean up the two stump grinding areas in Audrey's yard. So Gavin, we finally finished the job all the way. 

Church was amazing today. We had 5 investigators that were with us today, and some others that had last minute conflicts. The talks were great and Bro. Stevens had a great analogy to the Alamo and drawing a line in the sand. Leading to where do you draw your line that you won't cross. Things you will never do. Or crossing the line with full knowledge of what choice you are making regardless of the circumstances and that you do so willingly. Like wearing the name of the Savior on your chest. 

We went to Harper's for dinner and as always they made great food but tons and tons of it. This time they had baby back ribs that were amazing. Their own home made rub and topped with their own recipe barbecue sauce. Plus tons of other great things. And mom had an amazing cherry chocolate cake for dessert. 

My boss told me again this week that she is planning on working my promotion this coming year, so that will be nice in the way it will provide a bit more income so we can pay off the house faster. We were supposed to have my annual performance discussion but conflict took the time so we have to reschedule a few weeks away since she is traveling until then. I do look forward to it so I can get feedback on where I can improve, what I need to work on, and how I can become better in the future. 

Always keep learning and improving who you are. It will bring you greater success if you constantly strive plus it is the eternal pattern of things. In the end it will always bring you joy if you will humbly accept inputs that can help you be better than you are today. And who is the master teacher?  Christ of course and if we will listen to what He has to teach us we will be better every day. 

I love you forever. You are amazing and I am pleased to be your dad. 

3 John 1:4

#sharegoodness #personalprogress

Hyper-productive and the value of work

I have noticed more and more the influence of the principles of work and self reliance in being fulfilled and feeling aligned with our Father in Heaven. When we work to sustain ourselves and to care for that which we have been entrusted we begin to see the self worth that develops and we see the eternal light that can be in our lives. 

I think more and more the pattern the Gospel sets in welfare matters is a law that if employed in the world would alleviate a significant amount of suffering and sadness. The goal to help each make their own plan to become self reliant, and then supporting them in their plan and helping with temporary support while they work their plan. 

I guess this has come more into focus as we have had our experience over the last handful of years. As the business went further and further south, it became more and more difficult to support our family. We had dropped our income by 75% just to start, and then that became more and more squeezed. In the end we lost all we had worked decades to achieve and had to begin again. But this is all mitigated by the knowledge that I could work, I had skills, and could find more ways to support my family. And while our plans were shot down, we regrouped and have new plans. And through it all we have that eternal principle of work in front of us and the knowledge of a loving God active in our lives. We have seen more now than ever before His hand in our lives. I really have. 

So with this in mind I woke up yesterday and had a hyper productive day. We started in the yard and raked up all the leaves over the entire yard. We then mowed the lawn, trimmed, edged, and blew off the walks. I cleaned off the lower patio and bridge and then cleaned out the clogged gutters around the whole house. I took the blower up on the roof and that helped make it easier by blowing out the gutters. While up there I trimmed back the tree over the roof so it will be better. I cleaned the garage and arranged so we can get a car back in it. We then split wood for quite a while and in the end split about 2 cords of wood. I winterized 4 of the engines so the gas will not gum up the engines. I then edged more on the patios as I discovered the ground cover had encroached over 8 inches. Mom cleaned out the Mountaineer, then we cleaned the bathrooms (I got the main one with the tub since mom likes me to do that), and then I swept all the floors, cracks, under things, and edges. Then back out for more wood splitting until the rain stopped us. I cut the rebar that was stuck out of the tree in front that has bothered me for years (safety) by grinding it off, then used it to repair the anchor on the rose of Sharon by the mailbox. It was a great day. 

Ty was funny as he wanted someone to go to the dance with him. He tried texting a few people but they either were already with people or not going. Then he called Sam and when done exclaimed "I am glad you taught us verbal persuasive skills". He had convinced Sam to go who he found later had just finally convinced his brother he was NOT going and would not ride with him. 

I had a major hard week at work. So many major things going on with not enough time to really go after it the way I am comfortable with. I had to really work carefully on the most important things because I kept leaving early before Gavin left. 

Highlight of the week was being able to have our last days with Gavin and then taking him to the airport. He looks so good and happy. We heard such great comments from Michelle and Grandma Ward as they dropped him at the MTC. Gavin, I hope you will take in the remarkable spirit the MTC has and let it be an experience you will never forget. You will learn things you never have known. 

I love you all eternally. I am grateful for the binding covenants that allow us to be together forever, through our faithfulness. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Wasted Effort

Have you ever gone to great extents and massive preparation only to have things fall flat or the thing you were preparing for get cancelled last minute?  

I really saw, felt and know this week about the scripture that the hearts of the children will be turned to their fathers ...or the earth would be utterly wasted. How disappointing it would be for our Father if the whole pulse of this earth was wasted?  That of binding families together for eternity. 

We had a marvelous session with Gavin at the temple doing sealings. We witnessed and participated an a remarkable opportunity to seal 6 children to their parents. In the same ordinance. It was for an ancestor of one of the Amish families that was there with us. I really am blessed to have been there and to reflect upon the sealing power of the temple and how it is "based upon our faithfulness". I hope each of you is doing your part. Mom and I try to do our best daily. 

I continue to lean heavily on the covenants and promises that come through the ordinances of the temple. I have been awestruck since the day I first heard them so many years ago. 

Gavin heard it today but I shared my testimony relating how I repeated basketball refereeing class at BYU 4-5 times and enjoyed it and learned more each time. I have been now repeating the temple class for 28 years and I keep learning new things as I go, ponder, and pray. 

One day I really hope to be in the temple with mom and all of you. It will bring great joy that lasts eternally. 

The camping trip was really fun with everyone. Kieren, you were carried in our hearts with us. It was a great final event with Gavin. The views were wonderful and the waterfalls amazing. I loved it. I am not a fan of rain while camping but everyone made it very reasonable and pitched whenever needed. 

It was cute to see Jeff and Skjelse walking down the mountain. Just see the picture. 

Work is very nuts right now. Too many significant deadlines and not enough time. And I have been trying to be home a lot to be with or help Gavin. 

I am so excited for Gavin to be at the MTC this week. It is such an amazing place and experience. I will always remember the things I learned and felt while there. Life changing for the better. 

Do the right things for the right eternal reason and think of the comment from Pres. Monson. "Shall I falter or shall I finish?"

Love you forever. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

#sharegoodness #temples #family

Best Weekend of the Year

I just don't know how to describe it, but I am flabbergasted by how much my love for conference increases each time. I love the leaders and how their messages reach out to me personally and help me to see how I can better myself in personal ways to be more the man I want to be. So that eternally I can pass by the sentinels that would guard the way back to eternal life in the celestial kingdom. 

I really liked Elder Robbins on Saturday, and Elder Kligeberg (spelling wrong) on Sunday. Pres.  Uchtdorf in the priesthood session spoke right to me. Each one teaches me things. 

I also loved that some of the talks were in the persons native language. First time ever. 

No matter the swirling winds around us, I can always anchor myself to the personal testimony of truth I paid the price to obtain and will never release. That is why I continue to feed it daily. I hope you will always do the same. Make a habit to have an inner personal desire to study the gospel and have meaningful prayer daily. When we push through the hard challenges and break past the point, we learn the truth that our Father is there to help us have eternal joy. That lasts forever. 

I helped mom get some new pictures in digital form so we can load them into family search and add to that family history work. 

We all helped Gavin who is helping Audrey next door clean up two huge ash trees that had died. A company took them down and we have cleaned up all but the main trunks now. We have to finish a few large pieces and then take all the branches stacked up in the driveway down to the city public works for shredding. I hope to take the day off and help Gavin do that. 

I am going to write to y'all in the same letter most weeks moving forward now. 

The motorcycle continues to be close to working well but just short. We are waiting for one final small part that shits the bike down when the bad one is in. So we have high hopes. It should come this week. 

I put this picture on Instagram this week, but I thought it was cool to "fly under cover" and be between two layers of clouds. It was really neat. 

That you for the decisions you make that support us being able to be together forever. We all need to do our part to make that possible. 

Love you forever. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

#sharegoodness #ldsconf

The Outward Appearance

Today was fantastic as a father. I got to see Skjelse and Jeff as well as the rest of the kids besides you. Gavin gave his farewell talk and did a wonderful job of great doctrine, excitement for his mission, and captivating stories that kept us all interested. 

I was especially touched as a dad in the morning when he was all dressed and ready, and had his messenger bag on his shoulder. He looks the part. Hence the outward appearance. And we know from his talk the Lord can see in his heart he is ready spiritually. He is going to be great. It is so pleasing to know we will have two of you serving 

I spent so much of Saturday cleaning the garage and trying to organize things. I consolidated lots of things and got rid of bulk items to make more room. We hope to fit the motorcycle in there and hope it is fixed soon. I found a slick way to hold the drills by using pvc pipe and so it is free. Ty helped me get it up. 

It has been unique at work to see people so frustrated at so many things and I feel like I was again a psychiatrist this last week. I seem to be one they come and vent at and unload their thoughts. I just try to listen and always keep an even temperament no matter what may go wrong at work. I am not perfect but I do try hard to avoid the Sam frustrations that so many let derail their day. 

We talked about talents in Sunday school today. It made me think about how we use the gifts we have been given and how w share those with others. I have not met anyone who is sad when they honestly help others with the gifts and talents they have. It's that way with service, you always have happiness enter into you when you serve others. Even Gavin has begun to see that as he stated that he loves the people of Mexico and he hasn't even met them
yet. It's just knowing where you are going and who you will be serving and the love begins to develop. 

Love the people you serve, serve those you love. It's magic!

Love you forever. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

The Motorcycle Redeemer

So, this topic is all about Gavin having the idea and us all laughing about how Gavin said he was sure I could find a lesson analogy in the motorcycle, and I immediately did. So he was right. 

We have spent month trying to fix it, diagnose, new parts etc and still no luck getting spark. So I finally broke down and found a guy who works out of his garage that repairs bikes and small engines.   We took it over to him, and he said he could start the next day. Before early afternoon he called and had found the problem, it was a relay that was bad, and recommended to replace that ( and other parts) to have it running great again. And he guaranteed it. He redeemed it from the junk yard fate it might have had. 

So it is with our lives. We try and try, work and work, search and search, but we will always fall short of being in great shape until we turn to the redeemer. He can take something that seems so complex and show us how simple a fix can change our lives and redeem us from the junk yard. And put us back on the joyous journey of life. Happy and running great. 

That was one of the great things this week. Saturday I spent time between mom's list for me, my list, and laying down to try and get energy. I got sick Wednesday and ended up staying home Thursday and Friday from work. I did so nothing the whole time. I was just so worn and miserable. Saturday I was not miserable but still tired. So I had tons of small jobs that I did. Like sealing a leaking gutter corner, fixing the computer cable, cleaning the AC filter, making room in the garage, cleaning the office, mowing and fertilizing the lawn, fix the riding mower so it doesn't drip gas from the carburetor, repairing the seat in Buzz, sending a email and pics to get a quote on fixing the rust on Buzz, etc. Lots of productive small things and rest in between nearly each and every one. 

It has been fun to have Gavin home. He has done so many good things. He is getting ready to leave and gives his talk next week in church. Then conference, fast Sunday, and off he goes. 

We are refinancing the house so we can get Darrin off the loan. I had to wait four years but it seems to be going very smooth. The appraiser came by this week and it will be interesting to see how the value comes out after all the work we have done. 

Love you forever, 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Members & Missionary Work

I spent a chunk of time this week pondering or working with the missionaries. I had some follow up from stake assignments, social media splits and feed ohio day, stake mission correlation, and had the zone leaders over for an unplanned dinner. All of it was great and serves to remind me of the important things here on earth. While I still have to live in the world, the level of stress, care, and concern just remains low when I remember what is most important. 

Saturday was a special day, it was the day I got ready for Sunday (did you sing the tune?) but really I spent the morning with the elders and at the Feed Ohio food pantry collection. I did study hour with the elders and worked on my talk for later this month. Then we had companion study and shared great thoughts on lesson preparation and the love that develops when you serve others. We headed out to the food pantry and helped for a while gather and sort the incoming food from everyone's individual efforts. To date we have over $2000 and over 2000 lbs of food. That is our ward only and this is a state wide effort with all types of faith based groups and businesses. 

I then did a bunch of yard work (it looks good) and we then headed off to pick up Gavin. It is nice to have him home. He looks great and is a joy to talk to. The afternoon I spent fixing the edger (I love the internet and it's tutorials) and still not being able to fix the motorcycle. 

We had three investigators at church today and two stayed for classes. They had really good comments and questions that added to the class. Right after church I had stake mission correlation. Pres. Valencia had to travel so it was the mission and I then Bro. Adams from the high council joined later. It was a wonderful discussion as we shared successes, struggles, and ideas we can all work on this month. They are so agreeable and willing to help in any way. I just hope we can do as well on the member side. We have so much room to grow. 

During the meeting the zone leaders had said they had not eaten today because of meeting and visits etc. so I texted mom to see if it was ok and then we invited them over. We had waffle bar and eggs. Basic but yummy. They are amazing. They have a unique spirit about them and the dedication they have to the work. 

I am talking about cultivating divine attributes later so if you have any insights, please share. 

Be awesome this week. Mom is amazing, be like her!

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

The Art of Food

I had a great week. I finished up in China and had a safe trip back. It was a good day at church and productive work days after. Then I dreaded home excited to spend time with mom. She is my bestie. Always will be. I am so glad I have the assurance of an eternal sealing. 

For the last lunch I had in China they took me to a place where they had some plate decorations I thought you should see. So I attached those so you could see the creativity and variety. The white blobs are bunnies if you look close. 

When I got back I spent the rest of the week at home. I worked Saturday and the Labor Day holiday working in China so I "traded" those days for staying home. 

I bustled through the lawn and then edged for the first time in way too long. It looks so much better. And mom was much happier when it was done. I also weeded poison ivy since no one else dared. I double gloved up and was careful. Then tossed the gloves and washed everything I was wearing by itself. Hopefully I will be safe. 

I also got new rope and Ty helped me rehang the rope swing. We now have chain around the actual tree then rope from there. And we cut out a circle seat instead of a left over log. It's easier to use now. 

I didn't want to let the cars feel lonely so I washed, vacuumed, and waxed all three cars. I feel I need to do them every year or two whether the need them or not :). It is nice to get them cleaned up and protected. And they look much better. 

I also did a brake fluid flush on all three. Instead of paying $99 each I paid $8 each for new fluid. Alysia helped with 2 and Ty did one to learn. The old fluid was really bad so it was good to do. I had only one casualty of a wheel cylinder on the Uncle Larry and it was only $25 to replace. So still a big win. Alysia changed the tires and learned lots more as she helped me and did a bunch to learn. We got our hands dirty but it was good. 

I caulked up the porch and patio so now I can call those done. 

I also helped mom by doing the outside of all the windows including the gross bottom tracks and side channels that had tons of bugs growing. Yuck!  

Love you forever. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Oasis

The longer I live, the more I realize what an oasis the Gospel and Church are in my life. I don't like being away from home, and don't like traveling so far, and even though the Chinese people are very kind and I am well cared for here I just would rather not be here. But among the desire to be home I really had the gift to look forward to going to church while here. 

When we pattern our lives after the Savior, and internally decide to follow the eternal plan of happiness, then going to church brings a peace and happiness that propels you through the rest of the week. I went to the Shanghai branch again today. It was amazing. I witnessed so many examples of the hand of God in our lives. As I participated in the sacrament I witnessed a tall YM exhibit pure charity. As it was being passed there was a fussy baby that the parents were trying to calm. The mom waited so she could partake of the bread and then calmly bolted out the side door. This YM did not see that she had just taken it but in an act of a gentleman and a pure priesthood holder he immediately took his tray and follows her out to ensure she had the opportunity to take the sacrament. 

I also witnessed little children helping each other as we sat through sacrament meeting. Unprompted they just helped one another. 

I listened as they again read a statement that reinforces that no Chinese passport holder is allowed to worship with us. And stressed that no one is allowed to share the truths that we hold so dear and bring peace to our lives. No talking, no social media on Chinese sites, no documents etc. 

during the 3rd hour we had a young member of the branch presidency lead a discussion on doubts in our faith. Using Pres. Uchtdorf's talk as one of the main tools, we had a discussion about how we need to be sensitive to doubts, and to use them as a tool to build greater faith. It is a difficult thing to have real doubts of faith and we need to acknowledge them as we work to resolve them. It made me think of one of the greatest tools we have-prayer. Elder Baxter some years ago said something that I believe fits perfectly with this. He said that in moments of crisis prayer is abandoned at the very hour it needs to be intensified. And I will always remember Pres. Uchtdorf counsel to doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. 

It was a remarkable spirit today as I witnessed a handful of Rms bearing strong spiritual confirmation just in the way they shared experiences, and testified of things they had learned. It was just neat to see the external impact of the lives they led and how I could see the witness of the Gospel come through even though they did not overtly intend to do that. 

I don't know if it was just a great day, or if I was more prepared since it was my oasis for the week, but I'll take it. I consider it a blessing to have been taught the Gospel in my home growing up and to have had the chance to seek for myself the knowledge of its truth. 

I had a good week at work and learned a lot from corporate board meetings I got to attend. Then on Saturday as we began work on a critical project that was behind, I was inspired to use a certain method to get to more detailed and reliable results from the group. I followed that prompting and it worked out amazing. Many of the people there talked to me one to one during the day and said how effective the work was or how well the thought this was going to get better plans. Revelation is NOT just for church. 

The best part if each day is being able to use the inspired technologies to be able to talk to mom and home each day. It is fun to see them and hear the updates. 

It has been interesting as well as I have stayed here to have a couple small things happen that have not before. At breakfast I had the waitress say "you are Mr. Smith, right?"  I was a little surprised but confirmed and asked how she knew. She said she had seen it written on my receipt when I ate the first day and had remembered. I was shocked. Then as I left the restaurant the hostesses both said "goodbye Mr. Smith" as I left. Weird. It was very nice but very unexpected. 

Then as I checked in at the hotel in Suzhou where our engineering center is (the team I work with internal to Emerson) they got all fired up and brought me a special gift of a Renaissance backpack and told me they were glad I was now staying here for the 10th time. I told them that I had been here too often with a smile. But it's true if I have stayed here 10 times. Too many. 

Love you forever.

Dad 

3 John 1:4