Crossing the threshold

I had a great week but the end of the week was even better. I was gone all week for work, and I am so glad to be back home. I love it here. I really am a homebody. 

It was really nice last night to talk to Skjelse for so long. It was so nice to hear such a positive outlook regardless of the circumstances. Sometimes we just have to be grateful IN our circumstances. 

While I was away I was able to get a bunch of Belgian chocolate from the factory close by our work there. It's the factory blems that I get but they are delicious. We have to be careful to eat it slowly!

While headed out to a dinner we stopped at the American cemetery monument at Henri-Chappell. As we walked toward the burial grounds we went through a pillar and roof section and when we crossed the threshold the most remarkable spirit washed over me. It was so unexpected and so powerful. It was a sacred experience to reflect upon the nearly 8,000 dead buried there, and the additional nearly 5,000 that are missing in action that are engraved on the pillars. 

I even found one with the spelling like Skjelse for their last name. 

I didn't expect it to be much of a stop, but it had a very sacred feel and the way they kept the grounds was remarkable. What care they give it in respect for the fallen buried there. It was impeccable.  

We had a nice time doing a garage sale for Larry Scott. Not really a sale, it was a giveaway. So I spent my time trying to get people to take more stuff. It was funny. Tons of things from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Some seriously vintage stuff. We got people who wanted about 2/3 of it and then took the rest to goodwill. We also earmarked the value of it for the refugees in the area.  

I got to have a home cooked Italian meal when I was over in Europe. I work with Enrico Fracarri and he invited me over. I had asked him in the past what they really eat on a normal day. So we made the meal for me. It was wonderful. He, his wife and Matteo their baby. We had pasta with a tomato sauce with bacon and onion that tasted very different but really good. Then this dish (with picture) which I forgot the name but was really good. Thin cut veal topped with prosciutto and basil. The they fry it from one side, then just enough on the other to crispy it up good. It was wonderful.

 I learned in Italy they always have the correct order of dishes, and they do one dish at a time. Not all on the plate like we do. But do the pasta first, then meat, then salad, then sweet. Not necessarily all required, but in that order. It was very nice. 

I had a wonderful Sunday with great councils to help with direction and decisions. Bishopric, Ward council, and bishops youth council. All were really good today with open discussion and lots of input. I really like it when many will share their insight and viewpoints before we make decisions. We also had the primary program today. It's always a pleasure and fun to witness. I had to give closing remarks which I expected to be super short because I thought they would be way over. But they ended 15 minutes early. Scramble!!!  I took up about 5 or so on the spot but then just let us end early. But a really nice day. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4 (I got to use that in an interview today:))

Underlying Doctrine

I have pondered recently and seen come up multiple times this week, how so many things in life are misunderstood, become challenging, cause frustration or disappointment, harbor hurt, cause doubt and overall create strife that could be resolved when an underlying doctrine, clearly understood, would help to resolve the question, or help to ride through the challenge. For example many discussions I listened to this week were about the primary and how some love it, and others feel isolated, some challenged and feel disconnected etc.  how some feel like they need a break from kids and don't want to be around them. If we all had a better understanding of the underlying doctrine of the family, and the realization deep in our hearts that we are here to become fathers and mothers, then the hard feelings would not appear because we would find joy in the eternal roles of father and mother and relish in the opportunity to be in that role. 

It struck me how we constantly are admonished to teach the doctrine and how it links with what I just described. If we teach the doctrine, it will be more understood. When it is understood challenges and difficulties become lessened and we ride through them with an eternal perspective since we know the doctrine. It is like at work. We can treat symptoms all day, we can try to overcome issues, but until we get to root cause, all we do is chase ghosts. They appear and reappear as fast as we think we get to them. But when root cause is identified and treats, then the issues are eliminated and we move to other things. 

Learn and teach the doctrine. It will serve yourself and others now and forever. 

I had an epic fail in trying to serve and surprise mom. Lys and I drove for a few hours down into the countryside east of Cincinnati to buy a replacement truck bed to fix the rust on the one we have. I found a great deal for a reasonable bed. Then I negotiated a body shop to fix the small issues, paint it to match and even remove the old and install the new one. I was supposed to get the bed, take it to the shop, and next week it would be done and mom would not have to see it at all. All the arrangements were lined up, perfect!  

Then we stopped at home for a few hours until I could take it to the body shop and get Ty to pick me up ( he was at the music conference ). I got anxious and went to check the AC clutch bearing that was causing more and more noise. So I decided to pull it, and if it really was bad I could get a new one and get it all fixed and have the AC working right. Well, in pulling the clutch pulley off the pulls actually came off the bearing instead of the bearing coming off the shaft. So now I have a bearing that is pressed into the shaft, with a clutch coil around it that is help in place by a snap ring that is behind the bearing that is stuck. So I have no option. It's dead. And I have to order a new compressor, orifice, and receiver/dryer. And the truck can't run because the belt is off. So I am dead in the water. And mom sees the truck in all its glory!  And it will be like that for a week while I get the parts. Such a great try though!

Love you all forever, 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Self Analysis

Wow have I had that point driven home today. As I have talked with and counseled with different people, I have sure seen that when people are honest, and when they open up, they are quite perfect at self analysis and able to determine for themselves the things they need most to do. Either they come to talk because they know they need to change, or when talking anyway, they come up with the things they need most to do to help them get where they want to go. It's amazing how they can analyze self so well when they open up and are honest with themselves. To excruciating detail.  I am able to just encourage and support but they make their own path forward. 

I was also struck today by how much others seem to fight against what the church tries to do when all we are trying to do is help others and encourage all to come unto Christ and live up to the privileges available to all as we qualify for them. But many spend significant energy and time fighting against it. When I think someone or something else is way off the mark, I give them no time or mindshare. I go on with that which is most important. It has been so for long periods of history that fighting against that which is right consumes some while those who are just trying to do their best quietly move along and try to better themselves. As I have said before, too often we focus on improving others and serving ourselves instead of serving others and improving ourselves. How wonderful would the world be if we all did the latter?

While listening to a talk this week I was struck again by the way the power in the priesthood is exercised by women and men alike, and only by being together to complete one another can we really live up to all in store for us. An eternal partnership that is wonderful now and forever. If we form it under the proper authority and live worthy of those promises. 

Remember daily the qualification to enter the temple and never let them out of your sight as you go through your day. They will keep you happy and progressing forward. There is so much to be learned there and I am just beginning to realize how much more there is for me to learn. 

Love you all forever, have a great Labor Day tomorrow. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Have I done any good in the world today?

We have been singing that this week and it makes you reflect on what you do each day. Are we helping some one in need?  Have we cheered up the sad?  

It has been an interesting weekend. Today when I got home I learned that Pete, our next door neighbor. Passed away this morning. Audrey is very sad. He was so fun to know and amazing to watch. I feel for her and the difficulty she is dealing with. I hope we always can have charity for those in hard times. 

Saturday was also interesting. We went to the baptism of a new convert. She is in a wheelchair and has little to no use of the left side of her body. She has loved the message of the doctrine of Christ and has changed her life to prepare. I was blessed to perform the baptism and it was a challenge but a great experience. And today we confirmed her in church and it started off a remarkable sacrament meeting. It really was a great day. We take much for granted about what we know about the great plan of happiness and yet it is treasured by those who learn of it now. 

After the baptism we took a sister back to the assisted living place and helped her get back in. We found that the facility was not addressing the problem in her bathroom where there are plumbing leaks above and the ceiling, light fixture etc had fallen down. Mom and I fixed the light, picked up all the ceiling tiles, and mom washed and dried all the towels she had on the floor to catch all the dripping water. But the place still had no one coming to fix the issue. It's a sad state. But we did what we could and she was so appreciative. It's amazing that she also is illiterate and yet tried to write mom and I a note today to say thanks. She gave us a picture colored by her from a Disney child's coloring book. 

Please realize how blessed you are to have what you do. Give thanks to God for the knowledge, learning, bodies, and health we have. We really do have so much. 

We have another sister missionary going home this week from our Ward. As the finish up here I keep trying to help them focus on finishing well and giving full proof of their ministry. So we will have a shared sister for a week until formal transfers. 

Work continues to be a real challenge. There is so much going on, and so little time to do it all. I did get the new manager in place so transitions will begin soon. That will help. It's amazing how the coaching and leadership at work are so intertwined in the ways that the bishop guides. I work with people to help them rise to their best, and by so doing, accomplish more that if I tried to do it on my own. And I also try not to own their problems, but to help them work through the issues so they can emerge stronger than before. In both places it's about helping people become more, not just do. It's so nice to be able to learn in both circumstances and then use that in each place as I work each day of the week. 

The more I live the more I see the patterns that last, those that really affect lives, are wrapped in the great gospel plan. I hope you see that in your life. 

Love your forever, really. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

So the lady we helped with her bathroom took the time to share a thank you with us. Please be grateful for the education gift you have all been given. This was a lot of work for her. 

Dad

Always good to be found

No matter what we do or go through, we always find good in what is around us. 

At work there has been so much that has been challenging, including some very pointed statements that were down on our work, but among that also was some good found of excitement for some of the amazing things we are doing and that we actually really did what the customer was looking for. Good among the hard. 

During today's discussions we also had some very deep and challenging questions that people are searching for answers but not finding them at this time. But among the hard there were amazing insights of learning that further the understanding we have of gospel principles that help us understand eternity. And since I have found answers to my questions of many years, my understanding of that question not only got answered, but since then it has expanded so immensely that it goes well beyond my imagination that I had when I was pondering my question. 

It brings to mind Isaiah 55. My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. When put into eternal context, His plan always exceeds what we could think of in our finite mind. It's embarrassing really (Kieren, that's for you!). 

It really has been a great week. I worked on cleaning and washing and waxing the cars with Ty, and they look great. We also had to fix a lug stud and nut on Buzz that was not in the plan, but turned out to be not too bad. It has been such a great car. We looked it up and found we have had it for almost 5 years now and it has been a great car. What a blessing. 

The best part about yesterday was just being able to sit around with mom and do next to nothing. Seemingly a waste, but it was cherished time for me. She is worth it all. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

LOVE

Through a handful of experiences I have had recently had I have come to see even more vividly the fact that love comes from God, and anything we are enticed to do that is good comes from God also. It's a clear way to tell if we have the light of Christ acting in our life if we extend love, feel love, and want the best for others around us. Holding any malice, ill will, bad feelings or anger does no good and certainly comes from satan and not from God. In our lives if we seek to cultivate Christlike attributes we will align so well that peace, joy, happiness, success, and goodness will emanate from us and lead us to be more influential to others around us and improve the society in which we live. We will enrich lives, bring peace into our own, and further the work of salvation where we are. 

At work I spent a great deal of time working on presentations this week, gathering information, talking to experts, getting alignment, and revising often the messages that were in the presentations. I had to present it to our business unit president and that wasn't so good :). The material was fine, and actually was good insight, but he felt that we should not cover that and should have other more specific coverage on programs we are working on. So I am back to the work on Monday and have to revise the material for our presentation Tuesday for the board of directors which includes the  group president who reports directly to the CEO of Emerson worldwide. This will be a first for me. What a fun ride!  

The rest of the new job is going well, we extended an offer of employment to an MBA candidate who will finish school next spring. He spent the summer in an internship with us and we liked what we saw. So that is a nice thing. And I am about to make an offer for someone who will take my old role. At the same time we are rearranging all the responsibilities of all those in my organization to cover things anew. It's a challenging time for many. But fun to keep moving forward and working through hard things. 

Saturday was fun. I had a PPI with president Valencia and that was awesome. Therapeutic in its own way. Then a did an interview for the temple and following as a family we went to the helix innovation center open house. We had fun showing everyone the neat technology there and there was some experiment things that Ty, Alysia and Laura Tyre had fun with. We spent longer there than we expected but it was fun. Then I worked in the garage on a simple vent problem that turned into a challenge that was fun also. But it was a traditional Ohio summer day and I was dripping sweat from the humidity. But I got it working was happy for it. I also replaced the cabin air filter which was so gross!  It was black and full of gunk. So even though I didn't really notice it, I can now sleep better at night:)

The Lord's standards don't change. Of that I know. We may bend or break ourselves against them, but no matter what changes or what people try to think, the right way is always the right way. (Do I get some sort of English kudos for that?)

Love you all forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Certainly not a dud

This week I really can't find anything amazing to share. But I know it was far from a dud.  It has been a wonderfully uplifting week. One with challenges and stress (yes, your dad used that word) but really a week to celebrate. 

At work I left too late every day. I have been working hard in two jobs trying to keep up and finding it is a challenge to do so. But in all my boss is still happy and just keeps reminding me to clear off what I can and focus on developing people and getting ready for major meetings. And I keep getting he,p from others to take small things that do add up to time that I can save for more important things. 

And for the record, while not needed and I'm happy wherever, I do like the window in my new office. I like seeing the outside and the light of life coming in. I have moved all the prior blind and am letting in all the light possible. 

Friday I stayed home and we had fun together. We hiked Charleston falls reserve in Tipp City where we have ever been. Not much falls this time of year but pretty area nonetheless. We also worked on things around the home (surprise!) and got a bunch off my list. Ty and Mom helped to paint the closet door trim in our bedroom so they see now brushed nickel instead of brass gold. It looks way better. 

Saturday we slept in and then I did some work to try and catch up which is a fallacy. I will never catch up. So I just need to balance what is done to do that which is most important. In the afternoon we had a great bike ride together on the little Miami trail. Ty has done it a number of times but it's really beautiful. Other than my seat hurting from not ever doing that, it was great. Ty and I went 15 miles and my legs we not too bad off. Just a sore hind end. Then we tried hot shots which was a cornbread waffle topped with bbq and Coleslaw. Unique for sure. It was good but not sure it's a keeper favorite. It was our family summer ending vacation days. 

Keep eternity in perspective as you make your decisions. It always leads to longer joy and peace of mind. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4