Decisions determine destiny

So I determined my destiny at work for the next few years this week.  I struggled and prayed daily to determine what to do. There were two good options for my career and I had a hard time deciding what to do.  In the end I pulled out of the new position and am staying where I am for another few years. I am still getting new challenges and I worked with my boss to line up others that will help my career. I should still get a promotion soon and another in about 1-2 years from that. It would have been the same with the new job as well.  

In the end I listed to what the spirit had been telling me all along.  Talk to many people, consider what they say, educate yourself more on both options, use this opportunity to get an increase due to your diligence to help you get out of debt faster, but in the end, both are good and both will serve you well if you put God first in your life.  So that is what I did. I pulled out on Friday and late Friday night they set up interviews.  Just in time to not waste people's time. 

It also has been a busy week doing regular work. Lots of meetings at a high level I am getting ready for globally, major program reviews that we have to clear approval for before we can move to the next major step, and big agendas for upcoming trips to Europe and China.  

Saturday was a special day.....  Last week we discovered a major oil leak in the Mazda. I was very concerned.  That could be more than the car was worth. Not what we wanted.  I took it to the shop and they wanted to do nearly $2500 worth of repairs. Even when I whittled it down they still wanted over $600 for  just the most major items. I am grateful for the gifts God gives me in knowing how to, or being willing to try other things.  As you might guess I bought the parts myself, had the Elders over who one of. Them has done a lot of engine repair, and we did the work for $130 flat. We changed the valve cover gasket (oil leak that was the worst) and replace the brakes and rotors on the front.   I actually had to use the sledge hammer on the old rotors they were so rusted on. I banged and banged so hard but eventually they broke loose. If they are not that bad they will just come off after 

you remove the caliper with just a few hits with a regular hammer to free it up.  What a blessing. 

I also fixed a zip line brake to be more smooth and less jerky, pulled out a bunch more honeysuckle, replaced some zip line blocks that they neighbor did not like how they "stuck out" whenever they looked out their window to some logs that matched the color of the truck (they are happy now, it does look much more natural), fixed our light and Lys light that did not work with the remote, washed and waxed the Mazda and Truck (the others were gone) and cleaned out the furnace filter. It was a productive day. 

Ty won first place in WIDI at the regional science Olympiad tournament and he was very happy. He got 3rd and 5th in the two others he did. He is awesome. State is next but he will have to see if they put him on the team that goes. Probably not since he is still a sophomore and mostly seniors and juniors go.  But he is amazing. He loves it. He also took another higher level math exam (voluntary and only 2 people from Centerville HS qualified to take it at this level, one of them being Ty). He said he answer 6 of 11 questions and the exam was 3 hours. I would not find that fun but he was very excited. It is designed to be very hard so he actually did well to answer 6 of them. 

Gavin tried out for a smaller version of forte and hopes to make that for the rest of the year.  And Friday nit he went to a lock in at the school for symphonic choir. They stayed all night with activities etc.  then of course he came home and slept. I think most exciting is he met with Bishop to start his papers for his mission.  Very cool. He is also doing so good. 

I love you tons, and always want the best for you.  

Dad

3 John 1:4

As you could guess I send this same letter to Skjelse also to share my spiritual feelings  and such to keep her knowing I love her and want her to be with us forever, but she has to decide.  So usually I just send the same to both of you, I will do the same for Gavin, and I use this as my journal also.  But today, you get a bit more.  Thanks for telling us of the struggles as well as the awesomeness of the mission.  Keep the positive attitude and telling the good, but when you are a bit down, tell mom and dad.  We love you and pray for you daily, multiple times daily really. I am soooooo proud of you. You will eternally be grateful for what you are doing. And you have already had so much more success than I ever had. Way to go!  

On the challenging motivation of companions. I had one just like you described. Not rebellious, but difficult to motivate.  He listed to the same tape from his girlfriend daily if not multiple times daily, whined about home etc.  when I look back the thing I remember the most, and wish to change the most is, I wish I had worked harder.  When she is challenging, plan more work,  try to get more appointments, even with members, strengthen them and you will also be happy.  See if you can get appointments when she tries to be on the phone. Mom gave you great advice, use the distraction of conversation to turn it to more positive topics.  And above all love her and let her seeing you try to go above  and beyond what is required. You will NEVER be sad for doing more. Even if have more sometimes is only in your apartment. Study more, plan more, pray more. Do your daily and weekly planning with more depth and ask her things like how she thinks you can reach xxx better when you talk about such and such a principle. You probably do, but do your own plan, then ask her open questions about very specific topics so she turns her mind to those you serve.

You will do awesome, keep it up.  And know if you are doing your best, you are successful  as a missionary!

I love you so much, you epitomize 3 John 1:4!  Thanks. 

When you are on the Lord's errand...

Saturday is a special day...(keep singing!) but this Saturday was pretty great.  I got up fairly early because I slept pretty good.  I went over early to Lowes to get some parts etc to fix a few small things.  I fixed the water heater door, mounted the electrical meter box back tight against the concrete (after they put a new main to our house, they never fixed it so I finally did), Pulled honeysuckle and mom and Gavin helped me get all the branches to the truck and the roots to the garbage, replaced a bulb in the bathroom, helped mom clean the house, re-aligned Gavin and Ty's door to shut properly, bumped out a dent in the Mazda that happened a long while back, now you can hardly tell, fixed some fluids on the Mazda with Ty's help, repaired the zip line bungee brake and added another line to make it better.  

 Among a good day of just misc things, Ole called.  It turns out Trent is being called into the Bishopric in his ward in Midland, MI.  He wanted Ole to ordain him a high priest but they were having a hard time finding flights, especially for any reasonable fare.  They called to check if they could not find a way, would I be willing to drive up so Trent could still keep Grandpa Smith's line of Authority.  I was of course willing, but knew the best would be if Ole could.  So I decided to check what my Diamond Medallion status could do.  I didn't think anything would be available because I usually have a hard time finding just what we want (as you know when you have flown home or such in the past) and in this case, Ole had to leave that day, get to MI that day, and return back the next.

Well, when you are on the Lord's errand you are entitled to the Lord's help.  And amazingly there was low mile required flights, direct to Detroit Saturday evening and return Sunday evening.  And they were available for me to get for him.  And when he got on the first flight it was jam packed.  Every seat full.  That just doesn't happen.  They don't make seats available for frequent flyer redemption on flights that are full.  But to serve His will, and the desire of a parent, he made it possible.  Truly a miracle.

I am very glad that we had "excess' to share to help enable this great event.  It was a small payback for all the things Ole has done for us as a family over the years with his influence at BYU.

Earlier in the week we went to Ty's OMEA preview concert (and then the real thing) and they did great.  It sounded wonderful and they were fun songs.  Then later we went to Gavin's preview.  Each of the choirs had a song, an "odd song" like Gavin's group did a latin word song, then they did an old testament spiritual.  This one was Daniel, Daniel servant of the Lord.  So we are listening along and suddenly a solo bursts out.  Loud, clear as pure tones, just amazing.  And blow in the face to Dad, it's Gavin!  He never told me.  He was amazing.  Just totally amazing.  It was a nice low bass part that fit him so well.  And he can get lower than just about anyone.  It was so neat to hear.  And the crowd loved it.  Extra standing ovation for the song and for Gavin's solo.  

I still have not decided if I want the new position at work.  This is really hard.  I can get promotion in salary and title either way.  There are good and bad to each.  I have talked to many people (included the new "boss" if I did it) and my current boss.  In the end either one is OK for the career, growth etc.  I just need to decide.  It is hard because both have such good things.  But prayer has also told me that either one is OK, they both will help our family so both are OK.  I just need to choose. 

I really hope you turn to the Lord often in prayer.  It is amazing how he constantly answers small and large needs.  Even when we are so blessed already.

Love you tons forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4 

Firly and Logess

Alysia was begging me to tell her a story this week as I tucked he in bed.  I didn't do the fun story, my brain is not as sharp as it was when you were younger. Maybe I will refind it for my future grandchildren.  But it was fun to think of those times telling the stories that you helped to tell.

I have to tell you that the temple is just a phenom to me. It just gets better and better. We went on Friday and it has never been better. I was quite amazed this time as I both heightened and deepened my understanding because of an article I read in the New Era. There is so much truth all around us. 

We also got to see the new new movie. Each time this is updated, it does not change, but adds new insight to me that continues to expand my wonder of Gods plan for us. 

I might have a new opportunity at work.  A guy in planning is leaving and it might be a good fit for me. It would be a promotion if I decide to go for it and if I was selected. Same role as today but expanded and enlarged.   I have been pondering this pretty hard the past few days. After the temple I know that either way will be good for our family. 

Friday and Saturday we volunteered at forte events so we heard them both nights. I ushered doors and sold tickets. It was very low key work. Forte did 7 songs and 4 of them we're lead singers from the ward. They do great. And Gavin is miked so well that he is easy to hear and provides such a foundation for the songs. It is really fun to listen to him. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Temple and New Era

I was reading the New Era this afternoon and pondering on our family.  The first article was on preparing to enter the temple.  It was fantastic.  I learned things that I never understood before.  It also connected some dots for me in my own personal study.  It is wonderful to me to see how such a simple thing (a youth magazine) can help me to learn deeper and gain a better understanding of something I love so much already.  I forever have in my heart and mind the promises in the covenants and how much I rely upon those.  

It also was very interesting because both mam and I have been working with Gavin to prepare for the temple, and to ensure he is spiritually ready.  He is doing so great and working hard for the decade of decision.  This article is great for him also.  If you get a chance, read it.  But you have to take enough time to really ponder the details of what it is teaching.

I really am grateful that mom and I qualify ourselves to enter the temple every day.  It is a blessing not to be missed.  And I continue to learn and understand even after going for so many years.  I will continue to learn and understand deeper for many years to come.  Maybe someday there will be a temple in Norway and that will be the final genesis to actually get me back.  I loved watching Norway in the Olympics.  Yesterday I think was the last day and I watched the women take gold, silver, bronze in the 30km mass start.  By a huge margin.  Norway ended up getting the 2nd most golds and third most medals overall.  Even though they are such a small country.  Russia finished first in both which is not a surprise as the home country always does well.

We had our ward conference today, great talks on angels being all around us, and then Bishop talked about conversion, he did a great job.  It made me think of a quote about Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. (Bednar)   I whispered that to Ty and then bishop used it 5 minutes later.  Good man! :)  President Valencia then finished up with further thoughts about conversion and testimony.  It was a really good meeting to help me renew my commitment to do what is right.

This week after we fed the missionaries I went with them to go on visits.  We went to a ladies home (Lisa) who has a daughter at CHS.  The daughter knows many of the LDS kids and Gavin has her in his English class.  It was a really good discussion, she is a good person trying to do what is right.  They read regularly, pray as a family daily, and she has so many core values that are based in truth.  I tried hard to invite her to church but she is committed this week.  Maybe a future week.  She would be so happy with the gospel full truth to add to what she has.

We also had a great conversation during gospel principles and then in high priests group.  Both of them had investigators in the class and they made multiple comments that really added to the discussion and also gave me a chance to clarify truth and use scripture, modern prophets, and personal experiences to teach and testify.  It was just a great day.

Last night we went and volunteered at ICCA at CHS.  There are amazing voices out there in the world.  I think the forte high school group is as good as they were last night though.  I was the timer, so I had to track total time (they had 12 min limit) and then give them 3 minute and 1 minute warnings.  So I and mom sat on the front row, center seats.  But then I had to leave to help score tally during forte's performance so I missed that.  Mom said they did amazing.  Brandon Critchfield did one of the solos (he is a phenom) and Hailey did another.  It was a late night but fun to be with mom.

I also finished the shelves in the laundry area so it is almost totally done.  I custom made some solid surface (like Corian) shelves to go in between the cabinets up high.  Just some tough up and I am done.

I spent some time in the afternoon (it was mid 60's yesterday, now it will be around single digits at night, new cold spell,brrrrr) pulling up more honeysuckle.  We don't have too much left but enough to give me my spring workouts.  Strength training, flexibility like yoga, endurance (since I just keep going) and all.  It works good but I won't be sad to be done.  It does look a lot better.

WHSHPH.

Love you, Dad

3 John 1:4

Example of Integrity

Yesterday I spent the morning and afternoon helping at the family history jamboree. It turned out well as it usually does.  All the missionaries were a great help and we did it very quickly.  

After that I helped mom at the dance and it really was a great one.  Good kids all around.  And many came from all around, including Kentucky and Indiana.  Not the bi-stake spread they expected.

As I was spending the afternoon, (remarkably not on a project) I was trying to catch up on some Olympics.  I saw a spot on the American skeleton athlete who had finally won a medal.  I knew we didn't get medals in that.  So I watched and was impressed on how she conducted herself at the interviews after the race.  I watched one more and just thought how she "had" to be a member.  I looked it up and sure enough.  She is.  I then watched some more clips and interviews.  I was impressed that she has worked 12 years to get an Olympic medal and at the pinnacle of her career, did two things that I think show remarkable integrity.  First, she wore around her neck during interviews as well as actual competition her YW medallion complete with honor bee.  It was very clear to see and worn without apology.  In front of millions..  Second as she was so excited, and thanking those that supported her, her parting comment was "to all you youth out there, remember who you are and what you stand for."  I was pretty impressed that someone at that high point would even think of that.  

She is a mother of two, and trains in between diapers and pre-school.  She missed a medal in 2010 by one tenth of a second.

It is nice to see someone who can succeed so highly, yet remain so true to the gospel and testimony.  I would hope many of us can do so in our lives, work hard in this world, but always remain true to what we know of God's great plan of happiness.

Your mom is such an example.  She does so much good and works so hard to do what is right.  We are all blessed to have her. (especially me!).  

You are doing so well and I am proud to have you as my daughter.  You have and are making great choices, and I hope they continue to bless your life.

Love you,

Dad

3 John 1:4

I'm a mormon

The fireside went awesome.  There were tons of people there, Lots of non-members wanting to understand more of who we are and what we believe.  The people in the church that did their own profile sketch did a wonderful job.  I learned much about them in just a short time because they were willing to share.  And after many had questions and spent almost another hour discussing and asking questions.

I spent part of Sunday in a meeting with the zone leaders, the mission president, and President Valencia.  It really is a wonderful time to learn together, share ideas, and share the progress in the work of salvation.  It is amazing to me how much the work is moving forward at an accelerated pace.  There are so many people who are looking for the truth and are recognizing it in the teaching of the church.  It truly is the Church of Jesus Christ.  Many even recognize it but are not ready to make the commitment, but are working towards that goal.

I took Gavin to the airport after sacrament meeting so he could fly to Utah.  He is checking our BYU and BYUI.  He is having a hard time deciding where to go.  But regardless of where, he is still working on preparation to serve a full time mission.  It is interesting to watch him and his decisions change as he grows.  He has good examples ahead of him to show him the way!

I made great progress on the washroom this week.  The countertop edge and grout are all done, the sink is in.  When i hooked up the plumbing in all its convoluted way since it is a custom installation, I even got it to work first time with no leaks to follow up on.  It is great.

It is looking really good, we just have the shelves left to put in and then that project is done.  My body is getting tired of all the work.  Getting old has it's drawbacks as well as its benefits.

Gavin and I, and at a different time Ty and I were talking about the subtle but significant blessings that come from paying a full tithe.  From financial, to spiritual, to physical.  All around we can see blessing that directly relate.  It is always a privilege to remain a full tithe payer.  So many things we have been blessed with come as a result of that.  Gavin and Ty continue to have people both in and out of the church come to them to get work done on their homes.  It is a blessing that they can have such good work where they earn for their mission funds.  They both are so close to having enough.  It is a great sacrifice that they will be blessed from forever.

They are going to do a backsplash in tile and replace a kitchen floor next, we just have to find time to get it done.

Work hard in all things, and experience the peace that comes from doing your honest best.

Love you,

Dad

3 John 1:4

One Page Plan Of Happiness

In our leadership session of stake conference, Elder Christofferson challenged us to write our own one page plan of salvation.  To ponder and study and write our plan description, limited to one page.

In High Priests group today we ended up discussing this and sharing thoughts and ideas.  One of my favorite is that I always love to title it "The great plan of happiness".  Because there is a plan, and he gave it to us to make us happy.  Eternally.

Realize that all day everyday I make PowerPoint slides to communicate information on projects, issues etc at work.  So when they talk of a one page "report" I think in slides.  So mine is more of a bullet point slide that summarizes what I think is most important to me.  This likely changes over time but currently this is my summary:

• The Great Plan Of Happiness
• God is MY father
• Christ is MY Savior
• The Holy Ghost is MY friend
• My family is mine forever because of covenants I made with God
• I am a child of God
• Everyone that has been or will be on earth can be with God if they choose the Saviors way
• Adam and Eve made a remarkable choice that blesses me through their sacrifice

It was a great discussion and interesting to have so many comments about what people see as critical.  It is nice to be part of a quorum of fantastic men.

I got an off hand compliment at work this week.  I was in training the end of the week for "situational leadership" which is really changing your style and method of leading to fit the task or situation of a person (not the person itself, for example you may not need much direction if you were to cook a pizza, but if you were to do a chemical compatibility analysis for RoHS compliance you might need more specific direction).  Anyway, since I was at this class, I missed a major review with the president and all the VPs that we do every other month.  So I had the new planner who reports to me cover the meeting and all the preparation for it.  He did a great job, and is actually very skilled, smart and a great asset.  When I cam back late the afternoon of the class end, I went to my boss to get her feedback on how the meeting was, and how Craig (the planner) did.  

As she was describing the prep work and time spent with Craig going over the message, she said, I had to really dig in and understand all these topics I normally don't have to.  It was really good to get caught up but usually I know you are working them so there is only maybe one thing you want me to be aware of.  So she really feels like I have a handle on the programs and keep her informed at the right level.  That she trusts what I do and doesn't check up on it.  That is nice to have the trust.  I work hard to never violate or misuse that trust.  And to keep building it.  It makes for a much nicer work day, and for a much better peace of conscience.

I have attached in process pics of the laundry area of the boys room.  The edging for the countertop still needs to be mounted, and we have to grout.  The other pic is the sink.  We undermounted it to tile, not a usual thing, so we had to be creative.  We used glass tile as a surround, and made that the inside edge.  You can see that Ty and I had quite the time cutting those tile shapes around the sink (we still have it lined with plastic as a protection while we work on it).  Ty really has quite the gift.  He and Gavin are such helps.  They know so much and can work so hard.

Ty and Gavin have almost saved enough to pay for their missions.  Quite the awesome job they have done.  And people keep calling them to do work, like tile backsplashes and such.  Their work is beautiful.

Work hard, study hard, pray hard.  Love you.

Dad

3 John 1:4