This has been an interesting week so far and it is only Tuesday. Yesterday, our new car (6 months) got backed into in a parking lot. The commercial mower was out on a job site and had the tension spring broke. My son got in some trouble at school. My daughter's soccer team lost 3 to 0 and did not really look very good doing it. There was a situation that I had to deal with regarding church and I was unable to help resolve it last night. This morning on the way to work the Miata started acting up again. Just last week I had to have it towed to the shop because the clutch went out again, it just went out 30 days earlier. This morning the Miata just kept quiting on me as I was driving in to work. Fortunately, I was able to get it to an Auto Zone where I had the battery and alternator checked out. They seemed fine and so I drove it across the street to have it looked at by a mechanic. Hopefully, they will figure out what is wrong with it and be able to get it fixed today.
Last night I was feeling a little of the stress of the day and tried to keep it inside as best I could. I guess I did not do that so well because my wife felt like I was upset. I was not really upset but just felt like I had a lot on my shoulders at the time. When I get a little frustrated I usually find myself picking things up and putting them away around the house. I got a few things picked up and then was able to settle down and relax.
Even though this week has not started off to well, I am finding it hard to be upset or discouraged. I have to many blessings in my life. I have my family and my friends that I can rely on and get strength from and for that I am blessed. There are so many people that are much worse situations than what I have found myself in the last couple of days that I say to myself, how can I complain.
Things may be rough for me the last couple of days but I am Happy!
That is all....
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Spring time
I learned yesterday just how much I love Spring Time.
The weather yesterday was beautiful. I am not sure how it is today because the job I have puts me on the bottom floor of the Georgia Dome in a small office that has no windows and so I do not see the outside world until about 5:00 pm each night.
Yesterday, it was said that this is a Wonderful Time of Year because life is springing forth everywhere. I would have to agree. It is good to see the green grass begin to grow. I actually mowed my lawn for the first time this year on Saturday.
We took a drive yesterday to LaGrange, GA and drove by a lake on the way there. I am getting boating fever and look forward to next week when we hope to be able to put our boat in the lake and enjoy some time together as a family and hope to have some friends come join us.
The weather yesterday was beautiful. I am not sure how it is today because the job I have puts me on the bottom floor of the Georgia Dome in a small office that has no windows and so I do not see the outside world until about 5:00 pm each night.
Yesterday, it was said that this is a Wonderful Time of Year because life is springing forth everywhere. I would have to agree. It is good to see the green grass begin to grow. I actually mowed my lawn for the first time this year on Saturday.
We took a drive yesterday to LaGrange, GA and drove by a lake on the way there. I am getting boating fever and look forward to next week when we hope to be able to put our boat in the lake and enjoy some time together as a family and hope to have some friends come join us.
Children Spell "Love" T-I-M-E
I was cleaning out one of my three briefcases yesterday when I came across a note that I had written on February 15th. I learned this lesson on that day and then relearned it again yesterday.
The note said, "Children Spell Love T-I-M-E."
When I heard this it made an instant impression on me and so I wrote it down to remember. I am glad that I found the note and now am able to put it on this blog. As long as the World Wide Web does not crash, I will be able to reference this from time to time as it is a great reminder as to how children gauge the love you have for them.
This goes along with a line in a television show that I like to watch. Last night as I was watching the show Friday Night Lights with my wife I heard the line and thought it was good. I will paraphrase because I do not remember it word for word but it was something like this "Friday nights will be here forever but We only have these kids for a short amount of time". The coach said this to the booster president who was having a fight with his daughter. Anyway..., I thought it was a good reminder also of just how short of a time we have with our children before they grow up and move out.
I hope that I am a good father and that I am able to cherish the "short" time I have with my two children, soon to be three. I hope that I spend enough time with them and that the time that I do spend with them is quality time so that they know that I do love them.
Yesterday, I actually had a conversation with a friend of mine about starting a web site that would be specifically for Fathers (Men) that would help them become more dedicated fathers and husbands. There are sites out there for women and seem to be viewed quite a bit. I have seen some things on these sites regarding meals, schooling, questions about raising children, etc. I think it would be a big hit to start a site similar to that for Fathers. I would hope that sponsors would catch on and help promote the site. I hope I have not said to much and someone actually reads this blog and steals the idea.
The note said, "Children Spell Love T-I-M-E."
When I heard this it made an instant impression on me and so I wrote it down to remember. I am glad that I found the note and now am able to put it on this blog. As long as the World Wide Web does not crash, I will be able to reference this from time to time as it is a great reminder as to how children gauge the love you have for them.
This goes along with a line in a television show that I like to watch. Last night as I was watching the show Friday Night Lights with my wife I heard the line and thought it was good. I will paraphrase because I do not remember it word for word but it was something like this "Friday nights will be here forever but We only have these kids for a short amount of time". The coach said this to the booster president who was having a fight with his daughter. Anyway..., I thought it was a good reminder also of just how short of a time we have with our children before they grow up and move out.
I hope that I am a good father and that I am able to cherish the "short" time I have with my two children, soon to be three. I hope that I spend enough time with them and that the time that I do spend with them is quality time so that they know that I do love them.
Yesterday, I actually had a conversation with a friend of mine about starting a web site that would be specifically for Fathers (Men) that would help them become more dedicated fathers and husbands. There are sites out there for women and seem to be viewed quite a bit. I have seen some things on these sites regarding meals, schooling, questions about raising children, etc. I think it would be a big hit to start a site similar to that for Fathers. I would hope that sponsors would catch on and help promote the site. I hope I have not said to much and someone actually reads this blog and steals the idea.
Friday, March 20, 2009
You Raise Me Up
As I get older I find that things change in my life. My taste of music has changed over the years. I think back to the type of music I listened to in high school and I really don't listen to most of that any more. Don't get me wrong I still love some of the music from the 70's and 80's but I do not listen to some of the "other" stuff that I used to listen to.
One song that I can not seem to get out of my mind lately is "You Raise Me Up". The music was written by Secret Garden's Rolf Lovland and the lyrics by Brendan Graham. I did not realize that this song was not an original of Josh Grobin's until this week. This song has actually been covered about 125 times by different artists.
I am most familiar with the version by Josh Grobin and that is the one that continues to play in my head. I first heard him perform it during the opening of Super Bowl XXXVIII. I was not there for it but watched it on TV. I have since heard it many times.
The reason I have been thinking about it lately is because I am going to be teaching a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting on March 29th and feel impressed to use some of the lyrics from this song. I don't know the why Mr. Graham wrote the words he did for the song but I have taken the liberty to apply them to my life and will try to portray that a little here as I prepare for teaching my lesson.
The first part of the song makes reference to being down and weary, having a troubled hear and waiting in the silence. I have come to learn that most people feel like this at different times in their lives. Some feel it more than others, some actually feel this way daily. I am saddened by this and wish I could help and make people feel better. When I hear or read the last line in this verse, it sense hope and anticipation. The line references to sitting a while and waiting for someone to come and help. This brings me hope that even though people are down and discouraged for the most part they still have hope. I am kind of going through the thought process of this as I type but the scriptures make a lot of reference to "hope". I think if D&C 4:5 where hope is mentioned in the qualifications for the work. In the scriptures we learn to hope for things that are not seen. I am glad that the lyrics reference to having up and waiting for someone to help.
The next verse, I think they call it the chorus, makes reference to someone coming to the rescue and raising the person up. The help raise someone up to stand on mountains, they are raised up to walk on stormy seas (whatever those stormy seas may be), helping someone be strong because they have strong shoulders (which can be related to a lot of things in my mind) and then raising that person up to more than he can be. I really like what I think the connotation is this chorus.
I guess I never really paid much attention to the next verse of the song. The second verse mentions about that special person coming to help and when they come the person who was feeling down is filled with wonder (awe maybe) and is gets a glimpse of eternity.
I believe that we, as a people, can be the type of person that raises others up. I have been thinking about this a lot lately,obviously, since I am blogging about it and have come to learn that we all need at least one person in our life that raises us up. There can be more than one person in our lives and that is probably a good thing.
It feels even better when you are that person for someone else. Some that can be counted on in troubled times. Someone that will go sit with a friend who is struggling. Being someone that has the strong shoulders for someone else to stand on or sometimes cry on is very rewarding. Maybe being there when troubled times hit to help others get that glimpse of eternity.
I don't think I have done as good of a job of explaining what the lyrics of this song have done for me over the last few weeks.
I have come to learn that I rely on others to help raise me up and I am so thankful for those that play that part in my life. I have done a lot of thinking about my family and friendships and thank God each day for the good people I have in my life. They truly think much more of me than I do and Raise Me Up to More than I can be (on my own). I am so blessed and what I don't understand is why.
Finally, what I have come to learn is that through Jesus Christ our Heavenly Father is there to Raise Me (everyone) Up. When I feel down, my soul gets weary, my heart is burdened, I know that if I will call upon him, he will lift me up to more than I can be.
One song that I can not seem to get out of my mind lately is "You Raise Me Up". The music was written by Secret Garden's Rolf Lovland and the lyrics by Brendan Graham. I did not realize that this song was not an original of Josh Grobin's until this week. This song has actually been covered about 125 times by different artists.
I am most familiar with the version by Josh Grobin and that is the one that continues to play in my head. I first heard him perform it during the opening of Super Bowl XXXVIII. I was not there for it but watched it on TV. I have since heard it many times.
The reason I have been thinking about it lately is because I am going to be teaching a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting on March 29th and feel impressed to use some of the lyrics from this song. I don't know the why Mr. Graham wrote the words he did for the song but I have taken the liberty to apply them to my life and will try to portray that a little here as I prepare for teaching my lesson.
The first part of the song makes reference to being down and weary, having a troubled hear and waiting in the silence. I have come to learn that most people feel like this at different times in their lives. Some feel it more than others, some actually feel this way daily. I am saddened by this and wish I could help and make people feel better. When I hear or read the last line in this verse, it sense hope and anticipation. The line references to sitting a while and waiting for someone to come and help. This brings me hope that even though people are down and discouraged for the most part they still have hope. I am kind of going through the thought process of this as I type but the scriptures make a lot of reference to "hope". I think if D&C 4:5 where hope is mentioned in the qualifications for the work. In the scriptures we learn to hope for things that are not seen. I am glad that the lyrics reference to having up and waiting for someone to help.
The next verse, I think they call it the chorus, makes reference to someone coming to the rescue and raising the person up. The help raise someone up to stand on mountains, they are raised up to walk on stormy seas (whatever those stormy seas may be), helping someone be strong because they have strong shoulders (which can be related to a lot of things in my mind) and then raising that person up to more than he can be. I really like what I think the connotation is this chorus.
I guess I never really paid much attention to the next verse of the song. The second verse mentions about that special person coming to help and when they come the person who was feeling down is filled with wonder (awe maybe) and is gets a glimpse of eternity.
I believe that we, as a people, can be the type of person that raises others up. I have been thinking about this a lot lately,obviously, since I am blogging about it and have come to learn that we all need at least one person in our life that raises us up. There can be more than one person in our lives and that is probably a good thing.
It feels even better when you are that person for someone else. Some that can be counted on in troubled times. Someone that will go sit with a friend who is struggling. Being someone that has the strong shoulders for someone else to stand on or sometimes cry on is very rewarding. Maybe being there when troubled times hit to help others get that glimpse of eternity.
I don't think I have done as good of a job of explaining what the lyrics of this song have done for me over the last few weeks.
I have come to learn that I rely on others to help raise me up and I am so thankful for those that play that part in my life. I have done a lot of thinking about my family and friendships and thank God each day for the good people I have in my life. They truly think much more of me than I do and Raise Me Up to More than I can be (on my own). I am so blessed and what I don't understand is why.
Finally, what I have come to learn is that through Jesus Christ our Heavenly Father is there to Raise Me (everyone) Up. When I feel down, my soul gets weary, my heart is burdened, I know that if I will call upon him, he will lift me up to more than I can be.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
True Believers of Chirst
A couple of weeks ago I attended New Beginnings for our young women at our church. The theme for 2009 is found in 1 Timothy 4:12.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
I was asked to say a few words at the event. I was told maybe 10 to 15 minutes would be sufficient.
The program started off good and the girls did a skit that was like the 60 minutes shows. When they were all done, I believe I looked at my watch and saw that I had more like 30 to 35 minutes. I am not that interesting and wondered if I would be able to keep the attention of those that were in attendance.
I did not stand at the table but rather took a seat and decided right then and there what I thought would be the best approach was to have a discussion rather than a lecture. I am not sure if that is what was expected by those that asked me to say a few words or by those that were in the meeting but that is what they got. I thought it was a better way to get people involved rather than listening to me ramble.
I had found an talk that was given by Neal A. Maxwell given in 1994 called True Believers. I used this talk as the basis for the discussion. As we discussed the different points, I learned a lot of things. One of the things I learned is just how smart some of our young women are when it comes to their gospel knowledge and understanding. They were able to give not only the correct answers but also very insightful answers to some of the doctrine we discussed. I also learned what it takes to be a true believer of Christ.
1. True believers are settled in their views of Christ.
2. True believers gladly perform their duties in the kingdom.
3. True believers are humble.
4. True believers are willing to do what Christ wants.
5. True believers have a balanced contentment.
6. True believers truly pray.
7. True believers have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct.
8. True believers rejoice in the success of others.
9. True believers remember that forgetting is part of forgiving.
10. True believers are innocent as to sin, but not naive.
11. True believers are happy.
I can only hope that I can do these things and I will be looked upon as a true believer of Christ.
I was thankful for the opportunity to be part of this event and believe it or not, I was able to use the time we had left before the refreshments.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
I was asked to say a few words at the event. I was told maybe 10 to 15 minutes would be sufficient.
The program started off good and the girls did a skit that was like the 60 minutes shows. When they were all done, I believe I looked at my watch and saw that I had more like 30 to 35 minutes. I am not that interesting and wondered if I would be able to keep the attention of those that were in attendance.
I did not stand at the table but rather took a seat and decided right then and there what I thought would be the best approach was to have a discussion rather than a lecture. I am not sure if that is what was expected by those that asked me to say a few words or by those that were in the meeting but that is what they got. I thought it was a better way to get people involved rather than listening to me ramble.
I had found an talk that was given by Neal A. Maxwell given in 1994 called True Believers. I used this talk as the basis for the discussion. As we discussed the different points, I learned a lot of things. One of the things I learned is just how smart some of our young women are when it comes to their gospel knowledge and understanding. They were able to give not only the correct answers but also very insightful answers to some of the doctrine we discussed. I also learned what it takes to be a true believer of Christ.
1. True believers are settled in their views of Christ.
2. True believers gladly perform their duties in the kingdom.
3. True believers are humble.
4. True believers are willing to do what Christ wants.
5. True believers have a balanced contentment.
6. True believers truly pray.
7. True believers have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct.
8. True believers rejoice in the success of others.
9. True believers remember that forgetting is part of forgiving.
10. True believers are innocent as to sin, but not naive.
11. True believers are happy.
I can only hope that I can do these things and I will be looked upon as a true believer of Christ.
I was thankful for the opportunity to be part of this event and believe it or not, I was able to use the time we had left before the refreshments.
How Quickly Things Change
One early Sunday morning, I woke up at about 3:00 am because I did not feel well at all. I was not physically sick but emotionally sick, which actually caused me to feel physically sick. That may not make sense but needless to say my stomach hurt in a way that it had not hurt for a long time.
I tried to keep myself busy for an hour or so before I finally decided to get ready for my early morning church meetings. It is sad to say but I really did not have much of a desire to attend church that Sunday. I was not happy and did not really want to even pretend to be. I was not in a good mindset.
I got to the church very early and began setting up the chairs in the overflow of the chapel because they had not been set up the day before. After that I cleaned the office and tried to put away all the papers that were on the desk and floor. It looks pretty good now, so maybe it was all for the better.
During the first meeting of the day we are reading as a group from start to finish the "Preach My Gospel" manual that the missionaries study and teach from. We were ready about the Atonement and how we can go to the Lord with all of our pains, sins, struggles, etc. both spiritual, physical and emotional. The thought that immediately came to mind was "How Quickly Things Change". I highlighted a couple of sentences in the manual because I did not want to forget them and wanted to be able to find them quickly the next time I needed them.
I thought about that statement all during the next meeting and how things do change so quickly, sometimes because of things we do, sometimes because of things others do and sometimes we have no idea why or how things change so quickly. The days leading up to that Sunday were not the greatest for me as I had found out on Thursday or Friday that I was no longer going to be paid a commission on the sales that I made. I also felt like a really good family relationship was sort of falling apart. My pain was coming more from the family friendship that I felt was changing. I was not to worried about the decrease in my overall pay because I think that will all work out in the end, or at least I hope so.
That day I thought about a lot about how quickly things changed and ran some scenarios in my mind about how quickly things changed for Tracie and the kids as they were driving to church on a Sunday morning and then all of the sudden they were sliding off the road crashing into tension wires and barely escaping serious damage. I thought of how quickly relationships change because that is what I felt was happening. (I have friendship listed as a topic to blog on in the near future) And last of all I thought about how quickly things can change if we will really apply the Atonement to our lives. I need to learn to do this better.
I tried to keep myself busy for an hour or so before I finally decided to get ready for my early morning church meetings. It is sad to say but I really did not have much of a desire to attend church that Sunday. I was not happy and did not really want to even pretend to be. I was not in a good mindset.
I got to the church very early and began setting up the chairs in the overflow of the chapel because they had not been set up the day before. After that I cleaned the office and tried to put away all the papers that were on the desk and floor. It looks pretty good now, so maybe it was all for the better.
During the first meeting of the day we are reading as a group from start to finish the "Preach My Gospel" manual that the missionaries study and teach from. We were ready about the Atonement and how we can go to the Lord with all of our pains, sins, struggles, etc. both spiritual, physical and emotional. The thought that immediately came to mind was "How Quickly Things Change". I highlighted a couple of sentences in the manual because I did not want to forget them and wanted to be able to find them quickly the next time I needed them.
I thought about that statement all during the next meeting and how things do change so quickly, sometimes because of things we do, sometimes because of things others do and sometimes we have no idea why or how things change so quickly. The days leading up to that Sunday were not the greatest for me as I had found out on Thursday or Friday that I was no longer going to be paid a commission on the sales that I made. I also felt like a really good family relationship was sort of falling apart. My pain was coming more from the family friendship that I felt was changing. I was not to worried about the decrease in my overall pay because I think that will all work out in the end, or at least I hope so.
That day I thought about a lot about how quickly things changed and ran some scenarios in my mind about how quickly things changed for Tracie and the kids as they were driving to church on a Sunday morning and then all of the sudden they were sliding off the road crashing into tension wires and barely escaping serious damage. I thought of how quickly relationships change because that is what I felt was happening. (I have friendship listed as a topic to blog on in the near future) And last of all I thought about how quickly things can change if we will really apply the Atonement to our lives. I need to learn to do this better.
Relating everyday objects to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The last Sunday in February I had the opportunity to have the majority of the youth in our ward over to our house. We had good Bishop's Youth Committee meeting for about 30 minutes and then at 7:00 pm it turned into a Bishop's Youth Discussion.
Let me start out by saying I was very anxious for this discussion. I love the youth so much and I am so thankful that I get the chance to work with them so closely. I have had the chance to work with great youth leaders (both current and past) in the ward and I am thankful for their good and dedicated service.
I was given the challenge by the Youth Leaders to relate every day objects to the gospel in some way. The youth were to bring an object from home and once they got to my house they placed the object in a pillow cover. I did not see any of the items prior to them being pulled out of the pillow case.
As each item was pulled out, I took a few seconds to a minute or so to consider the item and try to think of a way to relate the object to the gospel. My firm belief is that much of what we do and come in contact in life can be related to the gospel in some way. The first item that was pulled from the bag was a Jedi Fighter Plane from the Star Wars movies. For me that was a good one to start with and was actually pretty easy. I was able to talk to the youth about the Star Wars movie and how Master Luke Skywalker was in training to become a Jedi Knight. Luke was told something very specifically by his trainer. He was told to "Use the force". I was able to relate using the force to the Holy Ghost and how we should use the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost to help us make decisions.
There were many great items, some of which I think I had to stretch pretty far to relate. Some of the items were:
Rubix Cube - We are all different and imperfect just like the cube is when it is messed up, but with the help of our Heavenly Father, our earthly parents, our family, friends, and leaders we can become perfect just like the cube does when someone finally figures it out.
Po the teletubby - This one was a bit of a stretch but what I know of the show, the teletubbies come running down a grassy hill and the bright sun comes up behind the hills. I thought of a young Joseph Smith as he went to a grove of trees, I imagine filled with grass, and prayed to Heavenly Father to know which church to join. As he prayed he was a light that was brighter than the noon day sun.
There was a purple monkey, yoda, a button, a coin, a lay from Hawaii, among other things.
We spent an hour plus talking about the gospel in a relaxed informal way. I enjoyed myself and hoped we could go on but we got to the bottom of the pillow case, had desert and the youth went home.
I thought it was a very successful evening and look forward to the next discussion we will have on March 29th.
Let me start out by saying I was very anxious for this discussion. I love the youth so much and I am so thankful that I get the chance to work with them so closely. I have had the chance to work with great youth leaders (both current and past) in the ward and I am thankful for their good and dedicated service.
I was given the challenge by the Youth Leaders to relate every day objects to the gospel in some way. The youth were to bring an object from home and once they got to my house they placed the object in a pillow cover. I did not see any of the items prior to them being pulled out of the pillow case.
As each item was pulled out, I took a few seconds to a minute or so to consider the item and try to think of a way to relate the object to the gospel. My firm belief is that much of what we do and come in contact in life can be related to the gospel in some way. The first item that was pulled from the bag was a Jedi Fighter Plane from the Star Wars movies. For me that was a good one to start with and was actually pretty easy. I was able to talk to the youth about the Star Wars movie and how Master Luke Skywalker was in training to become a Jedi Knight. Luke was told something very specifically by his trainer. He was told to "Use the force". I was able to relate using the force to the Holy Ghost and how we should use the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost to help us make decisions.
There were many great items, some of which I think I had to stretch pretty far to relate. Some of the items were:
Rubix Cube - We are all different and imperfect just like the cube is when it is messed up, but with the help of our Heavenly Father, our earthly parents, our family, friends, and leaders we can become perfect just like the cube does when someone finally figures it out.
Po the teletubby - This one was a bit of a stretch but what I know of the show, the teletubbies come running down a grassy hill and the bright sun comes up behind the hills. I thought of a young Joseph Smith as he went to a grove of trees, I imagine filled with grass, and prayed to Heavenly Father to know which church to join. As he prayed he was a light that was brighter than the noon day sun.
There was a purple monkey, yoda, a button, a coin, a lay from Hawaii, among other things.
We spent an hour plus talking about the gospel in a relaxed informal way. I enjoyed myself and hoped we could go on but we got to the bottom of the pillow case, had desert and the youth went home.
I thought it was a very successful evening and look forward to the next discussion we will have on March 29th.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Just Breath
Generally some good advice!
I had a friend tell a story of how he and a friend had decided to begin a swimming program as a way to work out. His friend was a pretty good swimmer and was able to swim quite a bit furhter than my friend. The two had a conversation about swimming and why my friend was struggling a little. The advice he was given was "Just Breath". Come to find out my friend was not breathing as he was swimming or at least not taking enough breaths in order to give his body what it needed to swim strong, hard and long.
As I listened to that story I wrote the words down on a sheet of paper, Just Breath!
I liked that advice and have used it and will use it in my own personal life and as I try to help others who might be in the middle of the pool trying to swim to the other side without drowning. As I think about it, the pool for one person might be financial, the pool for another might be emotional, and yet another might be spiritual. No matter what the pool is, I believe and have learned that if we will Just Breath, we can be in a better frame of mind to try and get out of the situation alive and well. I am not necessarily referring to life threatening situations but just about any situation.
The physiological benefits of breathing are quite obvious. If we do not breath, we will die, plan and simple. I am not a psychologist and don't really claim to know much about it but I do have my opinions as to the psychological benefits to breathing, especially calm, even breaths. In times of difficulty or stress, being able to control your breathing will help your body relax, your mind relax and give you the ability to make better mental decisions and use your physical body in a much smoother and quicker motion.
I coach little league baseball and have a young man that is so tense when he stands in the batters box that I can see the white in his knuckles as he squeezes the bat. Each time he stand in the batters box I have him take a big breath and then let it out. This seems to help him relax a little and take a much better swing at the ball than when he is so tight his muscles can't react to the ball.
I see the same principle of just breathing helping in all kinds of situations that we might find ourselves in during our daily lives.
Anyway, this may not make sense to anyone else but for me, I learned a valuable lesson to Just Breath!
I had a friend tell a story of how he and a friend had decided to begin a swimming program as a way to work out. His friend was a pretty good swimmer and was able to swim quite a bit furhter than my friend. The two had a conversation about swimming and why my friend was struggling a little. The advice he was given was "Just Breath". Come to find out my friend was not breathing as he was swimming or at least not taking enough breaths in order to give his body what it needed to swim strong, hard and long.
As I listened to that story I wrote the words down on a sheet of paper, Just Breath!
I liked that advice and have used it and will use it in my own personal life and as I try to help others who might be in the middle of the pool trying to swim to the other side without drowning. As I think about it, the pool for one person might be financial, the pool for another might be emotional, and yet another might be spiritual. No matter what the pool is, I believe and have learned that if we will Just Breath, we can be in a better frame of mind to try and get out of the situation alive and well. I am not necessarily referring to life threatening situations but just about any situation.
The physiological benefits of breathing are quite obvious. If we do not breath, we will die, plan and simple. I am not a psychologist and don't really claim to know much about it but I do have my opinions as to the psychological benefits to breathing, especially calm, even breaths. In times of difficulty or stress, being able to control your breathing will help your body relax, your mind relax and give you the ability to make better mental decisions and use your physical body in a much smoother and quicker motion.
I coach little league baseball and have a young man that is so tense when he stands in the batters box that I can see the white in his knuckles as he squeezes the bat. Each time he stand in the batters box I have him take a big breath and then let it out. This seems to help him relax a little and take a much better swing at the ball than when he is so tight his muscles can't react to the ball.
I see the same principle of just breathing helping in all kinds of situations that we might find ourselves in during our daily lives.
Anyway, this may not make sense to anyone else but for me, I learned a valuable lesson to Just Breath!
Long Time Coming
I know it has been a long time since I have written (blogged). I am not sure why I have not been writing as much because I have definitely been learning a lot of things. Part of why I may have stopped is because I was not sure if anyone read the blog. I then thought back to why I first started this blog and it was to capture things I learn for myself and if by chance it happens to be read by someone else, so be it. It was to be more of a journal experience for me. I have been thinking about my mission journals some today and it made me have the itch to blog for a few minutes.
Over the last several months I have learned a lot of things some of wich I know that I do not even remember.
One of the things I have learned is just how long 33 weeks is. My wife and I are expecting our 3rd child, yes we are a little crazy, since our youngest is currently 8 1/2. I am so ready for this child to be born so that we can enjoy "him" (at least that is what we are told). The last 4 weeks have really dragged for me and a portion of that has to do with my current employment situation. I was recently told that I no longer will make commission on my sales. What motivation do I have then you ask? I ask myself that same question every day. I hope the next 3 to 7 weeks (until the baby is born) goes by fast. I guess I will learn about that soon enough!
If I am feeling like 33 weeks has taken a long time, I can only imagine what my wife must be feeling. I have learned a new respect for her and what she has gone and going through. I have relearned that same respect for women in general.
There are a few other things I have learned over the last several months and I will do my best to remember them and document that soon.
Over the last several months I have learned a lot of things some of wich I know that I do not even remember.
One of the things I have learned is just how long 33 weeks is. My wife and I are expecting our 3rd child, yes we are a little crazy, since our youngest is currently 8 1/2. I am so ready for this child to be born so that we can enjoy "him" (at least that is what we are told). The last 4 weeks have really dragged for me and a portion of that has to do with my current employment situation. I was recently told that I no longer will make commission on my sales. What motivation do I have then you ask? I ask myself that same question every day. I hope the next 3 to 7 weeks (until the baby is born) goes by fast. I guess I will learn about that soon enough!
If I am feeling like 33 weeks has taken a long time, I can only imagine what my wife must be feeling. I have learned a new respect for her and what she has gone and going through. I have relearned that same respect for women in general.
There are a few other things I have learned over the last several months and I will do my best to remember them and document that soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)