Compression

So I work all day everyday on developing new compressors. We take a gas and compress it changing the composition so it can perform different functions to help heat and cool. I hear all day about the parts and features that help make compression efficient. 

Yesterday I had to use those skills in a way I have not for decades. I was assigned to speak at stake conference and so I got ready as usual. Now you know I usually don't have a problem filling the time given and usually have extra stories, scriptures, thoughts etc to fill the time. Well, welcome to the surprise!  There was a stake presidency member, and three others assigned. Stake for 20 mins, the rest of us 10. That left 45 mins for the visiting authority. 1st speaker' 30 mins. 2nd speaker, 15 mins. 3rd speaker 25 mins. That meat we were already about 15 mins past my end time before I even got up!  So I took my talk and compressed it into just 6 mins. A new personal best!  I had some great stories and examples that I just shortened and raced through. But I know it was the best to do, and after such long talks it actually was very memorable. So many, more than usual by a long shot, talked to me about it. And even today more people shared comments on it. I guess we can learn to just get to the point. 

I spoke on family councils and started off with the story of Skjelse and Koeren in the back seat with Barbie. Not having a "Ken" they started playing mom and dad, and when wondering about the father figure simply said "let's pretend he works at Taco Bell and is never home!"  That first "back seat" family council was the start of a major change for me. Thanks Skjelse and Kieren!

On Saturday Ty and I went and finished painting a barn for a guy I work with. 1800 ft2 of wall space, 2 coats, and it looks great. It was fun to work with Ty and has good memories for me of other times we have all worked together to "create" things together. Like you have been doing Skjelse!

Thanks for all the calls on Father's Day. It is a great thing to be dad. It was fun to hear from everyone. 

Gavin, you almost made me cry with your comments in your letter. Thank you for the tender comments and words that make me want to be better. 

I used some of Gavin's earlier letters in my talk as he has given us family council input even while serving full time. 

Love you all forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4