Almost here...

I have not done much here for a while! I don't really have any good reasons actually. We have been pretty busy getting things ready for our baby to get here, but I have somewhat neglected the "blogosphere". I don't think this is entirely bad, but I do notice that putting my thoughts out here is a great way for me to really settle into my own thinking and analyze things happening around me. I do write in a journal and that helps with the same process, however it is more a list of things I do and people I interact with.
Anyway. Today we are going to St. George for our last doctor's appointment. That is pretty exciting, and tomorrow is even more exciting as Jenna is being induced. Now, we did not request that she be induced, but with the almost two hour drive from Orderville, and wanting to avoid a drive filled with misery and "contraction action", Dr. Lunt decided it best that we come early. I am glad for this honestly, it saves Jenna and I a lot of worry. I see it as a blessing.
We are facing, I think, some of the usual nervousness and excitement at the prospect of a new child. Jenna and I worry about Dallin and how he'll adjust. We know he will have some moments of "what about me". We have discussed this and have planned on having him as involved as possible. Thankfully we have many relatives and friends in St. George that can help him. I am worried about Jenna getting that baby out. She is such a small woman and it was hard enough getting Dallin out, and Dallin was four weeks early. I worry about Jenna's health and hoping she can feel okay. It has been hard for me to watch these last several weeks of pregnancy. It is really difficult for most woman to get babies into this world and Jenna is not an exception. I definitely admire her pluck, because she keeps on going and stays busy and happy even though it is quite obvious her "pregnant state" is causing quite a bit of misery.
Of course I worry about some sleepless nights and teaching, but I think our main worry with this baby and with Dallin is that we'll take good care of them, that we will help them be healthy and be able to provide their needs. Along with those worries comes the concern that as parents we will teach them gospel principles appropriate to their understanding and conduct that will allow them to be a blessing to society. We take very seriously, as do most of you who read our blogs, the responsibility to raise responsible, enlightened, and worthy children in the Lord's eye's. I think the description of the Savior increasing in favor with God and man is the ideal objective for all of us and I am sure it is what we all strive for.
Please indulge me for a minute, but the Boy Scout Law come to mind for both our children and us and I thought I would post it here along with explanations from the Scouting website (You can substitute the word "scout" for "child" if it makes you feel better!

Scout Law

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

(www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-503a.aspx)

Scouting is an inspiration for me because of being so involved in it when I was a young man. If our kids can take these principles seriously and realize this is the way to live, then not only will their lives be blessed but our lives also as parents, and I believe the Lord will also be pleased with our accomplishments. I hope Jenna and I can measure up!
This is where my thoughts go with expecting a baby. I am really excited for the next few days, but I realize with these next days comes the responsibility of raising this little lady and her brother with correct principles so when the time comes for them to make their own decisions, they can do it with knowledge and wisdom. I don't think it is something we can take TOO seriously, but along with that teaching we are going to have lots and lots of fun on the way, because that is part of the plan too!
Oh, and did I say I am SO excited to have a little girl to go a long with my little boy? Jenna and I are a little bit spoiled!
We'll keep everyone posted.

Missionary Letter and Other Ramblings...

So, I wrote this letter to my brother this evening and thought I would post it. I hope you don't mind that I post it, but I was pleased with how things turned out and hoped that it would be motivating for all of us who are trying to be good missionaries.
Elder Corry,
TGD,
I remember going through weeks where we didn't have many lessons going on. It was pretty tough. I am glad you can do a lot of street contacting. We would talk to people outside when we were riding on bikes or walking down their streets, but I didn't do too much tracting. I really tried to work with members/media referrals/less actives and new converts. Street contacting is better I am sure because people can't just hide back in their homes, plus there is something about being outside that makes people more open and willing to talk. Oklahoma was a little more spread out and less populated than...Germany!
You asked what some of the biggest things I learned on my mission were. Well. The main thing that I took home with me was that my mission was to prepare me for the rest of my life. I really do think about it everyday since. I used an experience in a ward missionary meeting last year to motivate our ward to set higher goals for baptisms. So instead of 2 we set a goal of 10. That was unheard of for our area. Did we reach it before December. No. But we had 7 people join and that was a miracle. We all worked harder in our ward to come together. If I was you, I would make sure that you develop a good relationship with the bishop without putting too much stress on him. They have tons to do and thinking about missionary work can be overwhelming. I would stress that the best way for members to be missionaries is to set goals and then do their best to serve their neighbors and friends all around them. The Lord puts us where we need to be, there is no need to traipse around the world looking for missionary and service opportunities when there are thousands of people around us that can use our help. (Of course it may be a bit different for a full-time missionary...) For a normal member of the church our missionary work is in our neighborhood with our friends and family. Just being prepared to share the gospel through scripture study and praying for experiences will bring many opportunities and probably more converts than we can imagine. It really is as simple as "Ask and ye shall receive..." Of course there is work to do, but it is never more than we can handle. The Lord goes line upon line and will not overwork us, or overscare us, He works to our level and slowly helps us climb as we are able. Anyway that's some advice and things that I have learned since my mission, even better than when I was on it. Of course without it I wouldn't have had any of these experiences.
Well. I hope things find you well. We are all really excited for you to get home, but do it safe and with honor. Work hard and include the Lord. Listen to His voice and you will be given direction and miracles in every aspect of your life.
Take care,
Jeff
Anyway. That's my letter. Things are going well. It is amazing to me how much a Sunday, especially a Fast Sunday can restore my soul. Much more than sitting around at home on Saturday. I suppose a lot of this is because we are social by nature and it "grows" our spirit to be able to interact positively with our neighbors and friends.
Anywho, these are the things I have been thinking about...
Our last week has been pretty good. Thankfully not as exciting as Jerry and Shannon Moser's and JD and Valerie Crockett's. I am glad to hear that their babies are doing well. What a scary thing. I don't know how I would handle these things, I suppose when they arise you "just do it".
Again, I am glad to hear things are well for these two families and their babies. Babies bring so much joy and yet can make life so SCARY sometimes! I sure love our boy and soon to be born girl! Jenna is doing well. (Quite sore to tell the truth...) We are expecting our baby in 6-ish weeks. Dallin was 4 weeks early so really we are trying to be prepared for anything. As long as everything goes well, that's all we can ask from the Lord. I think having a perspective our eternity can soften any blow this life can deliver, because all the trials we receive will only be temporary if we'll stay close to God.

Checking in...

I know you all thought I died. But I didn't. (Sorry...for the haters...) Things have been kind of crazy. School is back in force, the New Year is already racing, and callings are....calling me. I am enjoying all these things, if not a little stressed out at times with the "juggle." Plus I have video games to beat...so please understand.
Anyway...
We had a good General Priesthood Meeting tonight in Kanab. I really appreciate our Stake Presidency here in this area. One thing that really stuck out was President Johnson's talk, I could tell he was really feeling what he was sharing. He talked about us making changes in our lives and how we often like to do big things and then fizzle out. (Not his exact words...) Instead of doing this he said if we will make little changes to the things that we are already doing, then those big changes we want will come. The example he gave was of prayer, how if we aren't praying then we can start small by getting on our knees once a day and showing the Lord we want to talk. If we are praying we can try to be more sincere or give thanks more in our prayers. It's doing the little things we already do better and not putting so much on our plate that we scream and give up.
This was very good for me. I go to a meeting, get extremely motivated, want to change and then a little while (sometimes minutes...) later I am DONE. This is not a good way to be! Thankfully I have begun to understand the line up on line principle better and realize the Lord loves us and cares and is happy that most of us really are trying and succeeding at most things. I don't think He gets mad as often as we imagine, rather he may be somewhat disappointed in some of the decisions we make, but mostly I think He must be grateful when we even WANT to be good. I am not saying that simply wanting is enough, there must be action, but when want is combined with sincere effort and pressing forward we are blessed beyond measure. Step by step.
I have really been trying to stay focused on missionary work in my daily life. I can't say I have done the perfect job, but I notice that I am happier and behave better. Really all we can do is set an example, talk about the gospel, and invite. Besides that, we have to do a lot of waiting, the thing is through our prayers for missionary experiences and scripture study, we will be prepared to recognize opportunities that arrive.
Anywho...
Some thoughts from today. It has been a while since I posted and things are going really, really well with our family. Dallin has continued growing and is so fun. Jenna is also continuing to grow! She's not very happy about it, but it's for the greater good! We will be glad to welcome our little girl to our home. Then Jenna can shrink if she sees fit! (I am sure she will!) I have to say that we have really been blessed lately and we are very happy. Not everything is perfect and things go wrong, but we always end up alright and we truly feel we are being blessed by God. He is a good Father. Especially when He sees we want to be close.

December 15, 2008- Thinking, Thinking, Thinking...

Well. I am still alive. I haven't had too much to say lately as far as blogging goes, so...nothing has been posted.
School is going pretty well for me, but that time right before Christmas and after Thanksgiving is pretty crazy...and quite stressful as there is a lot to get done right before the break. Thankfully the break lasts from Dec. 19-Jan 5. It will be quite nice I think. Thanks giving, by the way, was a really fun time for us.
We have had a lot happening, and Jenna has posted some of it. We are going to St. George tomorrow night for an ultrasound Wednesday morning to make sure everything is going well with our baby, the doctor wasn't too worried, but it is a follow-up to make sure.
We had some young men come to our house selling life insurance plans from Primerica last weekend. The sad thing to me was that I am actually at a point in my life where I can see the wisdom in life insurance. It's a yucky thought. The last thing I want is to actually have to "cash in" the insurance, because we know what that means. But, it would also be wise to have a plan "just in case." Ugh.
In other news, my Uncle Bob has been dealing with cancer, and while this doesn't fall as close to home for me as it does for his kids, it is still quite sobering. I think he is doing pretty well, and I hope all continues to improve. He has been a good influence in my life. I have always admired the way that he has raised his family and think he was privy to great wisdom that way. He is also a great coach.
I guess life isn't meant to be all good times. But, even difficult times, open paths for future opportunity.
I know God is aware of what is going on for us all. I don't think He will always intervene (though He does often...) and give us what we want. I don't think we really understand what we really want sometimes, and I am guilty of that quite often. I think He will direct us to what would be best for us to want. Ultimately as long as we make our life here a success and fill it with service to others I think in the end we will be quite happy. Thinking about dying someday scares me. (Please don't think anything is wrong with me, I am actually quite healthy as are my family members...) Mostly because I want to be the one to takes care of my family and I would like to live a good long life. I don't think I am alone in that. Trials scare me. But there is peace,and I know I have always been supported and will continue to be. In some ways I feel quite spoiled. I don't feel like I am the "ultimate" at anything, but I feel that I have been more than blessed for my efforts.
At Christmastime this comes at me full force. I feel like a brat really. I have this list of things that I want, and can probably achieve, and yet there are many people living around me struggling to make ends meet, especially with the current recession. I am grateful for a stable job and a great community. Our ward has really been a blessing to us. I am glad I paid the price to attend SUU and find out what I needed to be doing. It was just the right thing for me. I am not as "educated" as others out there, and I don't think I am done, but I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, and feel really blessed and happy to be starting on this road.I suppose mostly this time of year, I am very, very grateful I have a little family to take care of. Jenna and Dallin shower me with much more love than I deserve. I am so happy to be able to have them in my life (and a new girl soon!) I interact with lots of people everyday...and I am never as happy as I am when I am at home with my family. I am glad it lasts forever, I am grateful for a personal witness stronger than someone else's testimony. It brings a lot of peace in trying times.
So...at Christmas, I hope anyone who reads this post feels grateful for what they have and tries to give time, talents, or gifts to those in need. I think President Monson's devotional/Ensign message were very timely for many of us who are doing so well, when many others are struggling. The Lord say, "Whoever shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it." It is true. It gives hope to us so we can deal with all the other things happening out there. It helps me work through some of my own personal struggles and discouragements. Service to others and trust in God are really the way to a happy heart and a peaceful life regardless of our circumstances, worries, or fears.

Stress and Trust

Well. It's been a little while since I have posted anything. I guess I kind of go in "phases". I have been thinking a lot about stress lately. I don't really like how it makes my body feel. It seems to tighten everything up. I also realize, to a point, stress is a conscious decision. Either we take too much upon ourselves, or we hold our selves to an unreasonably high standard.
We hear quite often in the Church that the direction we are traveling is more important than the speed. I think there is a lot of wisdom in this. The Lord's way of growth is "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little". (2 Ne. 28:30) This mean that over time we are making changes and improving.
So. I have a talent for stress. I know I am not alone. Most of my stress comes from either high expectations for myself, or high expectations for others. My job can be a major source of this stress. I really, really love teaching, but it is a never ending improvement process. I am glad for this. I look back at my few years and realize I am a much better teacher than I was. This is good. I also look forward and realize how very much there is too do! I believe the same goes for parenting, church service, and really any activity where we are engaged with other souls.
The best advice I have been able to feel for myself is to "Trust in the the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding." (Prov. 3:5-6) All thine heart is a tall order. This would leave no room for doubt in trusting that the Lord knows us and our hearts and will "order all things for for our good as fast as we are able to receive them." (D&C 111:11) Trusting in something fully brings a lot of peace to our hearts. Trusting in the Lord fully and giving him our doubts and fears brings lasting peace and infinite progress. Maybe not totally stress-free, but it clears clouds and points our path clearly. Knowing we are on the right path in life is the most peaceful feeling of all.

Crazy Week

Well. This has been a crazy week for everyone hasn't it? Presidential Elections would probably be at the top of the craziness for a lot of us. It seems there are so many issues swimming around in my head and a frustration with understanding other's viewpoints. I realize we are entitled to our use of agency. But I firmly believe that understanding of truth and life lead to a progression of better choices.
I was really glad Proposition 8 passed. Many agree with me and others disagree. I was somewhat apathetic to the Presidential part of the race. I voted for McCain, but had a feeling Obama would win. Obviously this happened. I am not completely disappointed this happened as I didn't really fully agree with either candidate. However I feel McCain more fully represented my priority views regarding abortion and marriage. Obama seems to be fairly level headed and I do think he will make good decisions for our country. I hesitate to give him to much credit too soon, I also think it is wrong for any of us to condemn him too soon. I think it best to ride out the wave and see what happens. I do believe it is a civic and spiritual responsibility to support our leaders in righteousness. What I mean is, if Obama proves to make good decisions and has the welfare of our country (morally, ethically, economically, etc.) in the forefront of his agenda, than I can support him. However, there are several gray areas for me with him. I don't think I agree with stem cell research. I need to ponder it more, but something about it doesn't sit right with me. When it comes to abortion and marriage I am 100% on the side of my faith, which of course is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I think their positions are balanced and unbiased. Some would scream otherwise, but those people do not have a deep understanding of life's purpose nor have they applied themselves to understanding.
I think people forget how slick Satan is. (Sorry about the Tom Selleck as Satan picture...Jenna had it on file and I couldn't resist...) I don't think we should freak out, but we would do well to look at the fruits of certain behaviors and discover their end results. Satan is real and very enticing. People forget that he can creep into our minds and souls. He can feed us our fears and discourage our hearts. Confusion, darkness, emnity, perversion, rationalization, and justification. A few of his tools. He especially likes us to think that we are a "certain way" and cannot change. This is the ultimate tool. If we cannot change then we are stuck. Hope is lost and we must settle with our present selves. I want to scream at people and tell them there is more and that to settle and stay is the same as damning ourselves.
God is the opposite. He is faith, light, kindness, gentleness, encouragement, agency. With God and Jesus we are never lost. We are never stuck. We can change, improve, and progress. This is one reason gay marriage can't be a good option. It is a dead end road. No children. No sealing. No Priesthood. God gives us agency to use, He will not stop us from exercising it. Even to our detriment.In order to fully appreciate marriage between a man and woman though, one must remember and understand the principles and reasons for it. Marriage is not just for tax breaks and insurance purposes. Marriage is ordained of God. Marriage is for us. Marriage is for increasing our posterity. Marriage is a training ground. I think many people are mistaken when they believe marriage is perpetual bliss. It may not be perpetual bliss (it is actually most of the time, when it is being worked at...), but it is eternal happiness. But I guess this all depends on whether you want to accept the fact that life is eternal and God has a plan. If you can accept this, than life has meaning and significance, and there is incredible motivation to keep pushing forward, dealing with weakness, and changing our situation. It also brings incredible motivation to trust God and do our best to follow his path. This means changing.This all connects, I promise. I think a lot of our country lacks understanding. They haven't been taught. They are learned but they are not wise. Real wisdom comes from God. Real wisdom is making choices that push humanity towards faith in God. Real wisdom does not always grant more license, but encourages self restraint as we progress.
I think people forget that God really is our friend. He knows what will bring happiness. It is our job to discover His mind and will.
I'll end with this quote from President Monson:
"I know that God loves us. He allows us to exercise our moral agency even when we misuse it. He permits us to make our own decisions. Christ cannot help us if we do not trust Him; He cannot teach us if we do not serve Him. He will not force us to do what's right, but He will show us the way only when we decide to serve Him. Certainly, for us to serve in His kingdom, Christ requires that we experience a change of thought and attitude." -Ensign, May 2008
To go along with that is a scripture from Alma:
"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"
I realize that I started this post with elections and politics and ended with some thoughts on our use of moral agency and the goodness of God. If we can get this "song of redeeming love" to fill our hearts and minds, if we can get our moral compasses pointed toward God, then I know our "choices" that we have to make come election time wouldn't be so confusing. We would know where we stand and where God stands...and hopefully we would be found on the same ground as Him.

Agency

Agency. The ability to choose one's course in life regardless of surrounding influences. The ability and freedom to make the best of one's circumstances. The courage to do what is right regardless of forces pushing you one way or another. Too many people are being persuaded that they are stuck where they are, or it's just not possible for them to live God's way. They have given up. They have sold themselves for naught and put themselves in the power of other people or more accurately Lucifer, the enemy of our souls.
People are trying to influence each other from all sorts of angles. Politics, business, belief, and acceptance of any behavior. They do this to garner support. Financial support, popular support, and the desire to participate in a "movement". They mistakenly believe that having the support of people and finances will bring lasting peace and happiness. The only movement with any real lasting value would be the movement of God's kingdom.All of us have the ability to choose to move whatever cause we desire forward. Some of our causes will bring us happiness. Other causes are perceived as bringing more happiness and acceptance, but in the end cannot satisfy.
We all make mistakes, but we still can choose do the right thing. We can all find out what that is deep inside ourselves and through communication with God. We need to identify ourselves, not by which group we belong to, or what our job is, or even how we and others can mistakenly perceive us, but as Sons and Daughters of God. God does not make mistakes. He gives us weakness, but that weakness should NOT define who we are. That weakness is to teach us humility and to allow us to exercise agency to prove that we will do all things we are commanded. Not simply blind obedience, but with a knowledge that our obedience and submission of our agency to God is the ultimate sacrifice we can give Him.
In one way or another we are choosing to use, or rather, give our agency to different sources in our lives. When it is given to serve, lift, and help others AND ourselves and bring us closer to God, then he fills in our cracks, strengthens our defenses, and gives us a promise of Eternal Life. We will always struggle, when one challenge is overcome, there is always another. We may get tired, but we must never give up. Challenge after challenge, discouragement after discouragement, joy after joy, line upon line until the perfected day. We are the masters of our ships...even if we are convinced otherwise...we are still the masters. If we lose our hope of this...we have nothing. If we have lost hope, regain it, receive a priesthood blessing, serve another. Move forward with faith.
We have all been a little lost at times most likely due to our misuse of agency, myself included. Course corrections can be made, life can be regained. There is always, always an anchor of hope and faith for all of us to have a better world and a place at the right hand of God. God and Jesus will never let us down. That's their use of their agency extended to us. I hope I can better recognize it when it comes. I hope we all can...we all deserve some happiness and hope.

Recreation to Ease My Weariness...

I don't think I am the only one out there, but sometimes it seems I can never get caught up! It also seems that when I think I am going to get a little break...it magically goes away into some other activity. I don't think this is always a bad thing, but I have a real belief in some down time and unobstructed soul refreshment. I am not talking 3 hours of straight scripture study!
I am talking about good recreation, time spent doing what you want and love to do. I have a firm belief that part of living the perfect life involves being able to pursue our own interests and having time for things that make us smile and that help us imagine. This includes family activities, social get-togethers, sports, or some of our personal favorite things we do on our own.
Music is a big part of this for me. Nothing takes me places like music. I have recently started listening to some songs by David Tolk. I am not going to post them here, but if you have a chance you need to look up "Through the Trees", written by Mr. Tolk. It is a journey to me. This song is on iTunes if you care. My friend Sam has a blog about music and it has helped me to realize that music plays a huge part of our lives (You should all read it!). It rejuvenates us when tired and allows us to refocus on things that really matter. Sure, it can do the opposite if we let it...and sometimes it's nice to thrash out to something crazy...but I can never do that for very long. It's tiring. So try some David Tolk. Here are a couple of suggestions: Through the Trees, The Garden, Simple Gifts, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.
A couple other activities seem to rejuvenate my mind. One is a good movie with a good message. An example of this would be a movie like "Radio". The other activity I love is a good video game. Unfortunately the word "game" doesn't serve this form of media justice. I am the first to admit that there are many programs in this category that are not refreshing to the soul at all. But when developers have put serious thought into their work and put images, music and story together in a way that shows a love of life, and teaches moral lessons and consequences, then I believe that games can be a rejuvenating and a valuable learning experience. Some of my favorite games include The Legend of Zelda series, many Final Fantasy games (I don't have to like EVERYTHING about the games, just most of it!), some Mario games (Mario Galaxy is a wonderful example...), and other adventure type games. A game that caught my attention recently was on XBOX 360, it is called Eternal Sonata and it deals with the life of composer Frederic Chopin. It was put together beautifully in my opinion. The characters were interesting, the imagery was wonderful and the story was one that invites a person to think about their lives and choices. This was a good experience for me and shows that these "games" have evolved into much more than blips and beeps. Stories involving characters with moral and ethical choices to make along their journeys have become common fare, almost as in depth as any novel. Music, movies, and video games have many negative things said about them, but there is much good to discover in them also.
These activities don't take the place of daily scripture study, or prayer and communication with Heavenly Father, or our family activities and relationships. There must be a place for all of these things, but I have been finding that experiencing the beauty in the creations of others around us can inspire us to look harder for our own talents and inspire us to reach and dream higher and maybe create something that another person will really enjoy.
P.S. Here's a little quote from Shigeru Miyamoto (He created Mario...) about creation of games:

"I don't want to curb freedom of expression, but I am concerned that many developers focus just on excessive violence in order to stimulate people's mind. I believe that there are more ways of grabbing players' attention than violence alone."

"We need to eat in order to live, that's our first priority. But entertainment and the enrichment of our souls must come in second place. Nintendo's mission is to improve and to take advantage of cheap technology to create reasonable and affordable entertainment."

Is entertainment essential? I think yes...to an extent, but I also think most of us (myself included) go overboard at times.
Anyway, I just thought it was an interesting quote about one aspect of recreation especially from one so involved.
Anyone have any favorite songs, games, books, activities, or movies they want to share? Please comment!

Teachers

I am always thinking of ways to improve as a teacher. I realize I may think of this more than some other people because of my job, but I feel very strongly that each of us teaches and needs to be a teacher. Parents. Community workers. Anytime we interact with others we are teaching.
We were having a discussion last night with a good friend of our family's here in Orderville. She said that she couldn't have been a classroom teacher like myself or her mom. Initially she had said something about not being able to handle a "classroom situation" very well. This can definitely be true for many people, and trust me, I don't blame them some days! Then she talked about how she loved teaching horse-riding in our community, and of course we knew she was a teacher. Our friends are great teachers. This is Bruce teaching his daughter to beat a pinata!A lot of us teach by what we post in our blogs and in our conversation with others. Jenna was making fruit leather last night and she had been taught by Valerie Crockett and other websites how to achieve success. I am pretty sure she was successful...
Everytime we say something, something is taught, intentional or unintentional. Our experiences come out, lessons learned and our attitudes regarding life are expressed. Our convictions to ideal principles and their reliability in successfully guiding our lives are also exposed.
Parents are excellent examples of teaching correct principles. I can't think of my father without feeling his desire to live faithfully to the Lord, his service in the church, faithful hometeaching and his example of hard work to keep on the straight and narrow road. I can't think of my mother without remembering her love of family history and the lessons there as well as the patience and love she has for her kids. They are not perfect individuals, but I believe that their sincerity is perfect in trying.
Some may express disbelief in some areas, they are still teaching. Truth would uncover their words and teach us that what they really mean is that in some way they have felt betrayed or let down. Some express unbelief in God. I don't think this teaches that He doesn't exist but a truth that they have lost trust in Him, and have jumped to an unsatisfactory conclusion. In some ways it may be that persons way of trying to "be somebody", of garnering attention, sadly this illusion can lead others into error. It seems that our ego can be very influential in determining what we want to believe regardless of it's foundation. A desire to be special can cause some to teach and do things to draw attention to themselves. Behind almost every radical principle being taught is a person who has vain ambition, or is struggling with their true identity and is seeking to belong.
I believe, however, that most of us are teaching things that are good and uplifting. I look around myself at school and realize I am surrounded by excellent teachers, not just those with the title teacher either. Though I must say, I don't know of a bad teacher in my school.
When it comes to the Art of Teaching, I believe this is something that must be cultivated. I feel very blessed to be in situation where I can practice this daily. At times I wonder if anything is happening to influence others to learn and make correct decisions, then someone will say something or respond to something that increases my faith in my own ability and encourages me forward. I am glad that teaching is a skill that can always be improved upon. Their are so many facets to be aware of that it is a never ending task, I am glad for this, because although it is challenging, it is also very, very rewarding.
I think it goes without saying that Christ is the Master Teacher. I don't know exactly how he was able to manage it all. I know for one thing that it wasn't just about skill. He had and has the ability to make us look inward and examine ourselves without feeling damned. He had plenty of "skill", but he wasn't setting himself up as a "look at me" kind of teacher. I think the defining trait of his teaching was his charity for those around him. He loved them. It wasn't a fake, "Oh I love you guys", kind of love, but a sincere love that could look into each person's soul and see all of the good, and all of the hurt, all of the misconception, and anger. Sometimes whether they liked it or not! He took that understanding of each person and was able to direct to them the lessons they needed. Another thing was that he was patient and gave people the time they needed even when some of his followers tried to tell people he needed a break!
As usual I have written all this and now I have to come up with a point. My point is...obvious isn't it?
Before I finish up here, I have to say that Jenna, has been a great teacher for me. I came to her very judgmental in many ways, of other people and of myself. She has taught me through example to let go of a lot of things. I have many "counseling sessions" with her that allow me to maintain my sanity. I think that is one reason the Lord said, "It is not good that man should be alone." She is very patient with my insecurities and gives me very sound advice. She is very good with her kids at school. Most importantly, she is teaching Dallin what he needs to know to be successful in his life. He is becoming a very wonderful person and this is because of the time and energy Jenna puts into his growth, spiritually, socially, and physically. I try to do some work with him when I am home, but thank goodnes for Jenna.
Even Dallin is already teaching. Me: Patience, love and how to have fun. Jenna: Patience, love, dealing with frustration (!), and how to have fun. And James our nephew: How to clean.
So men, not only are our wives ridiculously cute, they are amazing teachers, and busting their hineys to help our families grow toward the ideal!
And we will keep going won't we!

It's a Girl! (and random Conference thoughts...)

Well. I am excited that we are having a girl! You can read all about it on Jenna's blog, but I just wanted to make a quick post here and tell everyone who reads (all two of you) that I am quite excited. I am hoping Dallin makes the adjustment well. He is such sweet boy and I think he will do well. I am also hoping that I do well with the change from one to two children. Again I think things will go well. I have had a couple experiences before today where I have felt strongly that we were having a girl and it was nice to have those experiences confirmed. I really believe the Lord will help prepare us for things if we are listening and trying to stay in tune (As imperfect as that trying is...) 

While I am at it, I wanted to say that I really enjoyed General Conference last weekend. We were in Cedar with my family, which was really nice. Steve and Lindsey were down, as well as Laura, and we also were able to see Jared, Judy, and James. I really appreciate my family much more these days, perhaps it is because I don't see them as much, but whatever the reason, I enjoy their company and I am grateful for my parent's sealing. I must also add that I was able to visit a while with my good friend Sam, he has always been one of my best friends and it was good to see him and his wife. They are a great couple. I hope they realize that!

Back to conference, sometimes I get a bit depressed and maybe a little stressed from conference, not because the messages are bad by any means, but because I realize I don't measure up to what I want to be. This year I was able to look through "new eyes" and feel a little more of the love that our leaders have for us. They need to motivate us to be better and see the error of many of our ways, but they also know that the Lord doesn't want us to run faster than we have strength, but to be diligent to the end. Diligence, repentance, and a good heart will get us there.

Anyway. Things seem to be going well in our lives here in Southern Utah. We really are excited about our new baby and the new challenges with that. We also feel that our family is growing more in the gospel, which is really rewarding when it is trying to be achieved for the right reasons...peace, service, and unity. I don't think my motives are always pure for living the gospel (sometimes I worry too much about what people think), but I know my motivations are becoming better and are becoming more sincere day by day through scripture study and continued missionary goals.

I also realize the importance of my own agency in bringing the gospel into my life. I can hear the word, but it's my choice of what to do with it. I do not believe in blindly following, but I do trust and know good uplifting advice when I hear it...and I heard it this last weekend!

Oh...back to the topic of this  post. I am really excited to have a daddy's little girl, to go with daddy's little boy. As our family continues to grow I really hope I can set the right example for them. I see all the time in school and in extended family how the choices parents make influence the strength of gospel commitment in our descendants. We cannot say or think that what we do does not effect those we love, especially those in our family. If I don't teach my children the gospel...who is? That is something that weighs constantly on my mind, especially when the reality of more children sets in. I know the Lord helps us along the way, I am grateful for that, but I know my effort is also required. I have a faith filled vision for my families future, but the way to achieving that vision requires some diligence and hard work on my part. Thankfully I have a wife who helps with much of these things and who helps make my job as a father, husband, and priesthood leader, much lighter and much, much more fulfilling!