Mom and I spent most of Saturday painting the front and back doors. We had to use a Kilz primer to get over the old, then painted the trim white and doors a color. Check it out!
It doesn't seem like it would take long but it took us quite a while. But nice to get both painted. Especially the back door so we can get the storm door back up. I like the new look since it makes it stand out much more and it gives the house just a small splash of color.
While we were waiting for some to dry, mom is looking out the window and behold! Rudolph as his friends out for a spring stroll. It has been a while since I have seen them so close in our yard.
I tried to spend some time Saturday getting my church stuff organized. I had tons of separate agendas and such with various notes. So I took them all and build a few electronic methods to stay organized. Notes, commitments, action items, and callings plans. It feels good to know I have them all with me with any device I have. I just have to get better at ensuring I follow up on it all. It's amazing to me how much crosses my mind as to what should be done. I am working hard to utilize the full ward resources to get it all accomplished. Including the full time Elders who are wonderful to work on any assignment we give them. I hope you are soliciting assignments from your Bishop Gavin. Bless the ward by seeking assignments and then be sure to return and report.
It was a pleasure today to see in the Ward some people who have been inactive for some time but they are trying to change their life for the better and they were there today. It's so nice when they come seeking for better and best and work to make changes to enact that in their life.
I had a fantastic training class at work this week. Two days learning to better manage myself during "crucial conversations". These are ones where the stakes are high, or there are differing opinions, or there are strong emotions present. It was interesting that a huge premise of theirs is that you cannot change others but you can change the way YOU respond. Sounds just like the Gospel and agency. It was good to see how I can better recognize when the conversation is escalating and some mental tools to use to "check" myself and get more to a position where there can be constructive discussion instead of words that will bring regret. As well they talk about "start from the heart" meaning be sure you have your motives clear and pure so they guide what you really want from the conversation. And to find mutual purpose so it can be a win win situation instead of one getting their way and one just giving in. It was interesting to reflect on myself when they discussed "silence or violence" as the two spectrums most go to when there is a problem. We either give in and say, like "what ever then", or "sure, what ever you want." That is "silence." Violence does not mean physical but can be aggressive tones, elevated voice, lack of willingness to discuss etc. If you think about challenging conversations and how you respond I bet you will see those traits. The goal is to recognize that and take action to bring neither into play but to manage yourself so that you can keep you and the others in a constructive discussion. You may not agree on all points but you can still have discussion that can lead to better outcomes. It was a good class that will help at work, home, and church.
I hope all enjoy Memorial Day. Remember those who have given their last full measure of devotion.
Love you forever,
Dad
3 John 1:4
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