Discovery

What a week of discovery this has been. It started with the fun time watching Ty learn about programs at BYU and trying to see him figure out what he would like to study, and where he would like to go to school. I found it intriguing to see when he was no hum, and when his wry smile would come out at things he found intriguing to his mind. I found a number of them very interesting also and used the time to try and discover areas where Emerson and BYU could work closer together. Like co-op placements and MBA internships. 

Then I discovered that I am pathetically inept in aerobic activity as I tried to hike the Y. Made it just fine but was sucking wind after not too far. At least I felt better when so many others had to break also. Strength was fine, just out of wind fast. But it was the first time I had been up to it so it was nice to do. And fun with Ty and Kieren. 

I then discovered that it is very discomforting to stay up until 2 AM, and then try to sleep on a plane. Which was not good for me. I got maybe 30 mins. So when I got home around 11 I was tired, hungry (mom took such good care of me as always), and sick. I did not get feeling better until Saturday. 

Today I discovered that daily, personal, meaningful prayer and gospel study is a remarkable guard in life. Add that to following given counsel and being true to covenants and you will see that lasting joy is around every corner. Even as we travel through tough times. The Lord is so pleased when we make steps towards Him. He really is intent upon our personal growth and development. Days like today are both invigorating and exhausting. Contradicting I know, but they are such lifting days but I am worn out mentally, physically, and spiritually. I yearn to help others make the changes they so desire in their lives. The atonement really is an enabling way to become better than we are now.  To be the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 

I had vivid memories today of Norway and the people there. I reflected back on being able to talk to my mission president on Monday. While Ty and Kieren took the general tour, I sat down with him. What a flood of memories that we shared about Trondheim and serving there. The branch president really wanted a youth program to help out the branch, but had no one that could do it.  He asked President Peterson for missionaries to help. "You got it, what else" was the reply. "Well, I need someone to teach Sunday School to those youth". Same reply. "We need to have Sunday firesides to give them another opportunity to learn the gospel". Again, same reply. So my companion and I started working with the youth. At first it was just a few. But each time President Peterson would come into the area ere would be many more. From 10 to 20 to 30 and more. All in a small branch. And I discovered that this small start was the beginning of a season that continues where youth have grown, joined the church, served missions, and are the leadership in that area now. I remember the activity nights when we started and having fun along with a spiritual lesson.  And the firesides in the missionaries large apartment (6 of us living there, nicest place by far my whole mission) where we had interactive discussions, taught the gospel, and followed a pattern that is much like the come follow me curriculum of today. It was a most fulfilling time as we could see real progress.  

Serving others really does an amazing thing as you leave yourself and help others, your joy fills up and you are happier than when you try to be happy by serving only yourself. This is the same concept in marriage. As you do all you can to serve your spouse, you become happier. Even if you don't "get" what you originally thought was needed, wanted, desired etc. 

You all make me so happy, please make choices hat bring you closer to Christ every day. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Discovery

What a week of discovery this has been. It started with the fun time watching Ty learn about programs at BYU and trying to see him figure out what he would like to study, and where he would like to go to school. I found it intriguing to see when he was no hum, and when his wry smile would come out at things he found intriguing to his mind. I found a number of them very interesting also and used the time to try and discover areas where Emerson and BYU could work closer together. Like co-op placements and MBA internships. 

Then I discovered that I am pathetically inept in aerobic activity as I tried to hike the Y. Made it just fine but was sucking wind after not too far. At least I felt better when so many others had to break also. Strength was fine, just out of wind fast. But it was the first time I had been up to it so it was nice to do. And fun with Ty and Kieren. 

I then discovered that it is very discomforting to stay up until 2 AM, and then try to sleep on a plane. Which was not good for me. I got maybe 30 mins. So when I got home around 11 I was tired, hungry (mom took such good care of me as always), and sick. I did not get feeling better until Saturday. 

Today I discovered that daily, personal, meaningful prayer and gospel study is a remarkable guard in life. Add that to following given counsel and being true to covenants and you will see that lasting joy is around every corner. Even as we travel through tough times. The Lord is so pleased when we make steps towards Him. He really is intent upon our personal growth and development. Days like today are both invigorating and exhausting. Contradicting I know, but they are such lifting days but I am worn out mentally, physically, and spiritually. I yearn to help others make the changes they so desire in their lives. The atonement really is an enabling way to become better than we are now.  To be the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 

I had vivid memories today of Norway and the people there. I reflected back on being able to talk to my mission president on Monday. While Ty and Kieren took the general tour, I sat down with him. What a flood of memories that we shared about Trondheim and serving there. The branch president really wanted a youth program to help out the branch, but had no one that could do it.  He asked President Peterson for missionaries to help. "You got it, what else" was the reply. "Well, I need someone to teach Sunday School to those youth". Same reply. "We need to have Sunday firesides to give them another opportunity to learn the gospel". Again, same reply. So my companion and I started working with the youth. At first it was just a few. But each time President Peterson would come into the area ere would be many more. From 10 to 20 to 30 and more. All in a small branch. And I discovered that this small start was the beginning of a season that continues where youth have grown, joined the church, served missions, and are the leadership in that area now. I remember the activity nights when we started and having fun along with a spiritual lesson.  And the firesides in the missionaries large apartment (6 of us living there, nicest place by far my whole mission) where we had interactive discussions, taught the gospel, and followed a pattern that is much like the come follow me curriculum of today. It was a most fulfilling time as we could see real progress.  

Serving others really does an amazing thing as you leave yourself and help others, your joy fills up and you are happier than when you try to be happy by serving only yourself. This is the same concept in marriage. As you do all you can to serve your spouse, you become happier. Even if you don't "get" what you originally thought was needed, wanted, desired etc. 

You all make me so happy, please make choices hat bring you closer to Christ every day. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

God's Love

Another remarkable week.  I got to visit with President Ward this week at work!  He is over the development program and so annually I visit to discuss progress and plans for the next year.  This is the first time with him so that was fun.  It was also enjoyable to catch up on his plans to retire by Bear Lake where we had such a fun summer trip.

I had a few frustrating moments at work also, when people agree to one thing in meetings then you find just a few days later they are doing just the opposite.  I guess life does not change much as that happens throughout life.  I get challenged by it and have to work hard through prayer to just realize everyone is trying their best in their own way.  At home, at church, at work.  

This is like a discussion we had at ward council.  Among all those that are not like us, (everyone is someone else's weirdo!) we have to realize that to God, we don't look so different.  We all have a long way to travel.  Then as we discussed I had a great feeling come over me that built greater love for all those we were discussing like God's love for them.

Then later as I was doing interviews with the youth, I had such a strong feeling of how he loves all, in their various states, but is especially pleased with those that love Him and put Him first in their lives.  It was a remarkably strong impression that those that sacrifice and work through challenges to draw closer to Him, really bring a strong spirit and He is so pleased with their choices.

I finished putting all the trim on the back door and it is looking really good.  Kieren helped me finish the inside and even Alysia helped to cut off the expanding foam I used to seal the cracks.  

We had a great time at Skjelse and Jeff's before they left.  We will miss them.  They made great kabobs and i even had the last few leftover today as mom brought them to me at church so I could eat during the day.  They were delicious.  Well done Jeff and Skjelse.

Ty competed this week at Science Olympiad national tournament.  He is remarkable.  He and partner took first place in WIDI for the entire nation.  WOW!  The Centerville team took 4th overall.  They did so well.  

Mom is so good to me, from making me kjotteboller for Syttende Mai today to loving me enough to just want to be with me at Seminary graduation even though Ty is away.  I love being with her.  Everywhere we go is a great time with her.

I though so much about Norway today. I loved the parades, the graduating class that makes up the main part of the parade, the Bunads on men and women, each with their distinctive designs representing where their heritage is from.   I loved seeing the way the architecture is done with the buildings right along the waterfront.  And especially in Trondheim to be close to the ward members and their families as they had graduating seniors and how we tried to help them prepare their minds to stay close to the Lord as they moved to the next stage of life.  We worked so much with the youth under the direction of the bishop there.  It was a remarkable time to build a program to help the youth find strength in each other and to build upon a foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I wore my flag lapel pin proudly today.

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4