Playing into the Devil's Hand

(Don't worry, it's water in the picture!)
I realize the title for my post is kind of interesting. Even to me. But I think it describes what I have been thinking about the last couple days.

There are many ways we play into the devil's hand. But what I am most worried about right now is listening to faithless and worthless thoughts. Last I checked, God has made US the "master of our ships". We are not to be convinced otherwise. Our agency is what makes or breaks our lives. We have been given a ship to guide through many things and we ought to do it well.

One of the things I discuss over and over with my 3rd graders is having a plan for the future. It is not good enough to do well in 3rd grade, it is more important to develop habits that will bring success and happiness beyond 3rd grade. The same is true for us now and at any time in our lives. It is good to be happy and successful now. But what about tomorrow? Are we making plans and preparing our futures? Do we have goals to achieve that we actually care about?

I was struggling in education last year. I knew I had been directed to education for a reason, but I was not really very motivated. I wasn't happy with it.

Then a blessing was received. The blessing didn't "cure" me, but it did give me the insight I needed. I was told my hand was on the door, but I needed to open it.

I figured out quickly several ways to open it. To stop settling for mediocrity was number one. I was going to be one of the best. Not in an entirely competitive way, but nobody was going to have a right to say I wasn't trying. I also enrolled in the Master's Program for Administration at SUU. These two things gave me some direction I needed. I am now excited about my future as a teacher and educator. I love my students as always, in fact since taking some steps forward, I love them even more.

The decision to move forward optimistically has also helped my family. Since I made these decisions, the Lord has poured out blessing on our family. We were able to purchase a home. The money for education somehow became available and we are happy. We are not without trials, but I believe that there is hope, peace and optimism underlying our lives. This is what I want more than anything: to have a home of peace, happiness, and righteousness. Jenna and I are doing our best.

Now. The title is playing into the devil's hand. I put this because before all of these good things happened in my life, there was opposition and struggle. There were negative thoughts that I kept listening to that said I wasn't ready to do my Masters Degree. It would be too stressful, I needed more rest. There were voices saying that buying a home would be to hard. In fact at one point I almost decided against it, however, I thought came that said in essence, "Just keep going." Meaning with the house, so we did. We didn't quit half way. I am a firm believer in the principal of going forward. If we are prayerful and humble, the Lord won't lead us astray. If a bad situation is on the horizon, He will lead us around it. If we listen with faith.

Not going forward with something good we have begun (school, marriage, church callings, career, even vacation plans, etc.) is kind of like planting the seed, getting a good, healthy sprout, and then deciding to pull it out because "it might die", or "what if I get a lot of weeds", (Then pull the weeds..), or "what if whatever, blah, blah, blah". Excuses, we're all good at them. But listening to them plays into the devil's hand.

In marriage and career, in family at home, in civic and church, there is opposition. There are times where the negative seems to overwhelm and we wonder what the point is.

Well. The point is that God and Jesus are real. That our temple sealings are real. That our families can be eternal. Quitting anywhere along this path is quitting. God won't take our blessings away. By quitting, we are giving them back. Getting through the rough spots with spouses, children, co-workers, and others is what really makes us happy. We become something better than what we were before. We grow in love. But love can't grow if we quit.

God and all his promises are real. I want those blessings. Satan may try to convince us that they aren't worth it. But seeing as all of us have had these goals for millenia before this life...wouldn't we be pretty disappointed with ourselves when we return and realize that we sold our dreams for a "mess of pottage" or gave them up because we had a few hard weeks or even years? God will get us through.

Like I say to my students, "I'd rather be a loser, than a quitter."

Happy Mother's Day 2010

Well, it's coming up to Mother's Day again and I feel a desire to give out a couple tributes.
First of all I need to tell my own mother, Julia, how great she is. She has constantly been an example to myself and my siblings. She has always tried her hardest to teach us what is right and wrong and to show us. She listened to us through our growing up years and guided us to make good decisions. She also puts up with all our weirdness and teasing. I am grateful I can still go by and always feel welcome no matter when we come by. I am glad we are only an hour away from Cedar so we can still be close to Mom and Dad. My mother is a great mother. From taking care of aging grandparents to bringing in those in need for food and shelter, she is an example of Christlike service.
Secondly, I need to say Happy Mother's Day to Jenna. She is an amazing woman. Not only does she put up with me as my wife, but she is a great mother to Dallin and Allison. She has natural instincts to bless the lives of others that she is always acting on. She is always finding activities for our children to help their minds grow and develop. She teaches them the gospel and reads them stories. She combs and does their hair and makes sure they are clean and groomed. She puts our children first and foremost. She cooks their food and cleans their messes. She is out showing them how to serve our neighbors and friends. I believe that my wife is the pinnacle of womanhood and motherhood and will only grow, increase, and get better as we grow older together.
I am grateful for Jenna and my own mother, in a lot of ways Jenna has mothered me, and I know I need it! She soothes my mind when it is troubled. She keeps me pushing forward with my goals and dreams. She shows me a good example of how to treat my brothers and sisters.
Yeah, I am bragging a bit on my wife. But, I think she deserves it and I am very proud of her!
Happy Mother's Day honey!