How I Combat The Summer Rush, Or Any Rush

It is such a busy and rushed world these days. Summer is now upon us, the kids are out of school and we have plans, plans, plans.

I raised my sons in a very rural part of Virginia. We were transplants and hadn't been there long. We didn't have a lot of connections or social engagements. A lot of our summers were spent doing very simple things. We took walks, we played with various toys, we listened to the insects singing in the evening and we had fun with the sprinklers and our dog. Many times, I let my oldest son go out into the rather thick woods next to our home, it was called 'Black Forest Estates' for good reason. He had many an adventure, but thankfully never got hurt.

All in all it was very relaxing. Don't get me wrong, we also had camp, play dates, baseball practice and other fun things. I'm just saying that every single section of our months weren't planned with big engagements and vacations.

When asked what his favorite part of the summers were, my oldest talks about the things above. He talks about when I spent time with him, his time having adventures in the woods and times spent together as a family.

Now he's in the National Guard at Officers Training School. And when he's done with his day, he likes to go and commune with nature. He loves hiking, hunting and fishing. All of these activities are done alone and in the quiet of nature.

I am an undiagnosed, but most likely ADD adult, who is very distracted by noises, comings, goings, hustle, and bustle. I must get away for a period of time each day to get a breather from it all. I have done this for a long time now, have made my own ritual. My dog, Evee, is an essential part of my present routine. I go for hikes with her, away from the well-traveled trails of the local park. We go out where fewer people venture. Less traveled, probably, because there is wild life and one can never predict what one will come upon when you're out so far. But my dog is a companion and she is a protector. We help each other. I walk her daily and she protects me as I take a few minutes in our travels to stop, sit, meditate and pray. It gives me strength and fuels my creativity and my plans. I know there is an inner voice that I am able to hear, listen to, and then to follow. A very wise man and Apostle of  Lord said:

If you don't have a time during your day to just stop and be at one with silence, with the intent to listen to your calm, still, inner voice, I highly suggest you try it. Try going out on a walk, in the early morning or late evening. Find a nice, quiet place to sit for a few minutes. If you aren't too distracted by things around your home, find a quiet place specifically for quiet reflection and meditation. Set it up with whatever you need to sustain calm, focused, thought. Spend at least 10-15 minutes thinking about calm things. Let the thoughts be healing and positive in nature. Focus on your relationship with God. Pray, if that is in your practice. You will be enriched after you make it a part of your routine. You will begin to crave it, because of the strength and focus it brings into your life.

Water, A Desert's Most Valuable Resource!

The rains have come and with it, the true beginning of Fall.  Even though Fall officially started this past week, today is the beginning.  Last week temperatures were in the high 80's and summer was still with us.  

Last night I went to my son's football game and right as I got there, the clouds started rolling in!  People brought their umbrellas, having paid attention to the weather report that there is a huge system rolling in.  Sure enough, as the game got underway, so did the rain.  But it didn't last long and the rest of the game was played in relative dryness.

I got home at around 11:00 p.m.  Exhausted by my week, I collapsed into bed, ready to sleep for a good long time.  But in the middle of the night I was awakened by huge claps of thunder.  The lightning and thunder were spectacular! 

Today it has rained all day long and it seems like the state will be drenched!  But not so fast, this is the 2nd driest state in the Union.  And water usage is going up at an alarming rate.  Not only is the population increasing, but certain demographics are squandering the water we have, by not utilizing the natural desert landscape, and instead creating an artificial rainforest effect on their properties by watering like crazy.  

 Just how much do I mean by that?  Well, I called the city public utilities over a question about our water usage.  The lady and I got to talking and she revealed some very interesting tidbits about the various areas around the city.  I found out that my household's water usage is on the low scale of average, 30K gallons of water per week.  The average monthly water usage for my area is 30K - 80K gallons of water per week.  But there is another area just south and west of me that is totally different.  This happens to be the wealthiest real estate area in the whole state.  It comprises about 15 - 20 miles of prime real estate with property prices ranging from $850,00 to $5,000,000.  The woman at the Public Utilities Office revealed that the average water usage for this area is 200K - 300K gallons per week.  This is crazy to me!  What are these people thinking?  This is a desert, people!

 And of course, the local government has to make some changes, because the population will be increasing by another 2.5 million people in the next 35 years--and because of the current usage rate the population is projected to surpass the developed water supply by the late 2030's.

My initial concern that my household is using too much water was cut short by the astronomical usages by my neighbors to the southwest.  The decadent manner in which water is being squandered just to alter the natural vegetative state into something that isn't realistic is, to my mind, morally wrong!  

One might argue, "I pay my water bill, so I can use whatever water I want, even if it runs in the gutters, it's mine because I pay for it."  Well guess what, it's not your water, dude.  It's going to run out and then your private oasis will dry up like the rest of the state only you live with the fact that you and your fellow Neighborhood Watch friends sucked it up, only thinking about how much more lush your yard could be in comparison to your wealthy neighbor up the road.  Oh the foolishness of pride!

The state lawmakers are looking into changing how Utah deals with property taxes and water.  Apparently only Utah uses property taxes to lower the prices of water.  A study has recommended that property taxes should be reduced and instead make it a users' rate-based water fee.  

I personally think that property taxes should remain intact and that water taxes should be added on top of that.  I believe it would get people in those high-end neighborhoods to take a second look on how much water they use.  It could save everyone in the state a lot of grief in the long run.

Visit From Our Oregon Family

Well hello!  I'm sure I'm talking to an empty room because this blog has gone the way of the once a year post, and if by chance someone is here, it's your lucky day!  We had our annual visit from our (far-removed in distance but not in thoughts) family in Oregon.  That moisture-drenched, running capital of the U.S. gave up one of its finest families for about 10 days so they could come here and share their wonderful selves with the rest of us!  It really was good to see them.  

Actually one of them is here, after serving a mission in Peru, at BYU.  We see him a little more often!  Berg had just recently purchased a bike and was getting around quite nicely on it, when it was stolen from his apartment complex. He had just come from the store and went inside to put the groceries away and briefly left it unlocked.  When he came outside, the bike was gone.  So his parents came to help with what they could and he decided to purchase another bike.  He did so, the same model with some upgrades!  Yes, even in BYU territory you can't leave things unattended.  I love that kid.  He's so smart, sweet and shy.  Some special girl will be lucky to have him!

  On the 21st we celebrated at my sister Laura's home with a family barbeque.  I love doing those every so often!  It's good to catch up and have some laughs with the family, not to mention the food is delicious every time.  It was there that the boy cousins decided to participate in a race down the street.  It was really fun to see!  
 

   

A Sad Day

This last weekend I went to the viewing of my school principal's 23 year old son.  He had everything going for him, or so it seemed.

He was well liked.  When it became apparent that he was missing that Sunday, the 16th, many people pitched in to help.  Many people knew him and liked him.  One of his friends was very concerned and alarmed at how long he had been gone.  His father hadn't seen him since sometime Wednesday, assuming he had gone camping with friends.  When his friends showed up looking for him on Sunday, his Dad became alarmed.   His mother was notified that he was missing on Sunday night.  (The parents have been divorced for the past year) 

I feel sad that 3 days went by before things really started rolling.  Before that, he wasn't missed.  Friends thought he was with family. Father thought he was with friends.  Mom thought he was OK.  But when he was missed, there were many people who were alarmed and needed to know where he was.  There were over 1200 people who participated in the search. 

He was talented.  The viewing had examples of his life and how talented he was.  He was a master potter and could throw a paper-thin pot.  There was one there.  It was beautifully worked.  He was a tutor in physical science.  He wrote meticulous notes in his notebook.  Also there.  He was an avid biker.  His bike and riding shoes were on display, as well as beautiful pictures of him in motion on his bike.  

He had many friends.  Even those who weren't in his close circles, spoke of him as a kind and gentle soul.  The world was a better place with him in it.  His mother spoke of him as kind, intelligent and well-loved.  She was so heart-broken.  It was so tragic.  

When I went to the viewing, he looked so peaceful.  He looked so young, vulnerable.  His long eyelashes were brushing his cheeks.  What kind of torment did he deal with that made him do this to himself?  I shudder to think.  I am heartbroken for his mother, who I am able to work with on a limited basis.  We became rather unlikely friends, me being her subordinate quite far down the ladder, as I am part of the staff of the school she principals.  She had compassion for my own son, who attends the school with me.  He missed a year and a half of high-school, because he wouldn't go.  While choosing to live with his dad, he lacks the structure and help that he got with us.  But having lived with his dad for so long, he feels best in that environment.  It was such a blessing to me that he ended up with me at this school.  And my principal was very understanding of the situation and what he needed to quickly do in order to become successful.  She called us in several times to counsel, she helped me in several situations that I needed some assistance.  All this, while her own son was struggling with the question whether to live or die. 

A cruel irony was that the Monday he was found, our school was beginning our H.O.P.E. week, which is Suicide Prevention Week.  Needless to say, it was brought home in a brutal way.  We have a fragile population at the school.  It is an alternative high school, with many troubled kids from compromised backgrounds.  So here we have someone's child, from what many of them would consider a privileged background, do exactly what we are trying to prevent at our school.  It shows what truly a universal problem suicide is and how it cruelly strikes with no warning and no mercy.  

As we continue on with our week, my thoughts and prayers go with all of the family and all of the friends of this family and my hope is that I will hold my own sons closer and be viligent in my prayers for them and be responsive to promptings to be concerned and involved in someone else's life.  It just might save it.

Obedience Brings Blessings

It’s been quite a weekend for us, it being Greg’s birthday.  I decided to go out on a limb and surprise him with a concert to Josh Groban!  He didn’t know what was going on until on the way to the Arena, I blurted out the word concert.  I wasn’t sure we were actually going to make it to the concert by the look on his face, but he was a good sport.  I think he really enjoyed it after all and I KNOW I did!
  Yesterday we spent the afternoon playing his favorite sport, disc golf and then going to dinner with our two sons, Edward and Joseph who actually live in Utah Valley, where we lived for 13 years before moving to Sandy.

   I remember listening to President Monson’s talk on obedience this last April and I remember the impression I had.  I heard his story of the time that he, at 8 years old, had the whole hillside on fire and all the surrounding neighbors involved in putting out the fire because of his admitted disobedience to his parents’ rule of not touching the matches.  I wondered if it was at that early age that the principle of obedience sank deep into his heart.  He now, of course, is our great prophet who has shown in word and very deed what obedience to principles of the Gospel can do for us spiritually and temporally. 

       L. Whitney Clayton compared obedience to the commandments to an anchor on a boat.  The boat represents our souls adrift in the sea of life and the anchor of obedience serves to prevent our ship from floundering and being destroyed.  Sometimes we need to rely on others’ testimonies and examples as anchors until we learn how to steer our ships in the course we want them to go.

  For me personally, I’ve relied on many people to help anchor me as I have charted my course through life.  My husband serves as an incredible anchor in my life right now.  I am so grateful for his example and support.  

  Before that, I saw the examples of my dear parents, who, though not perfect, showed what it means to be steadfast and obedient in the Gospel.  My father, Hal Bresock, came from a background that wasn’t strong in the Gospel.  His father was the orphaned son of a German immigrant and who later in life embraced the Gospel enough so that he was able to take my dear grandmother to the temple and be sealed.  But until then, my father grew up as wild as an American boy can in the midst of the Depression.  He knew deprivation and heartache.  But he knew that somewhere in his mother’s past the Gospel was a big part of her life.  So when he met my mom on a boat headed back from Australia where she had just completed her mission, he jumped at the opportunity to court her.  They were married and despite vastly different backgrounds, they anchored one another.  He was an anchor of steadiness and she was an anchor of obedience to Gospel principles.  Together they navigated some very rough seas and built their eternal marriage that will bless their lives forever and the lives of all who follow in their family.  I have looked back at their resolve and obedience amidst hardship as an example in my own life.

  Another powerful example of obedience in my own life comes from the stories spoken to me by my mother of my great, great grandfather, Edward Stevenson.  He was born in Gibraltor, Spain and emigrated to the U.S. with his family.  It was in the United States, in the state of Michigan, at age 13, that he heard about the Gospel from two missionaries and from the prophet Joseph himself, on the way back from a mission to Canada, and he even delivered a juicy apple for the prophet to eat.  I can imagine how enthralled he must have been to hear of the prophet's experiences at age 14, close to his own age, of seeing the Father and the Son and the message they had for him. His diaries of that time are now in the archives of the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University because they are the earliest known works showing that the prophet did indeed testify of the First Vision prior to 1836.   

He became an ardent follower of Joseph Smith, following him to Far West and helping in the defense of the town.  He was with him at the meeting at Adam Ohndi Ahman.  Later, Edward was very obedient and served numerous missions for the church and is recorded as having traveled the most miles under his own expense of any missionary in the history of the LDS Church, having crossed the plains 18 times, helping Saints cross to come to Utah.  He crossed the Atlantic 9 times, as a missionary for the church and in his capacity as one of the first Presidents of the Seventy.  He was called on a special mission to bring the errant Martin Harris back to the headquarters of the Church. He responded obediently to that call and returned to SLC, accompanied by Martin Harris in August of 1870.  Martin Harris subsequently was pardoned for his indescretions and became a member in good standing once again…  Edward Stevenson worked tirelessly teaching the Saints in Utah of his experiences with the early brethren of the church, including Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, and David Whitmore.  

  Edward Stevenson’s example of complete obedience has helped me in my own life during a lengthy period in my life, or so it seemed when I was going through it, when I felt abandoned, alone and hopeless.  (Have any of us ever felt that way?)  When I thought of how obedient this ancestor of mine was and how he didn’t  join some of the leaders of the day who, starting out as friends and advocates for the prophet Joseph Smith, ended up abandoning him and some even contributing to his death.  He was always true to his knowledge that the prophet  Joseph was called of God.  I knew he didn’t and wouldn’t  do this in vain.  I know that what he stood for was true.  I even received my own witness early as a child of the truthfulness of the Gospel.  But life is real and so are Satan’s attempts to destroy us.   And in those difficult times of sadness and hardship it was tempting to say,  “I’m in so much turmoil right now...  I think I’ll take a sabbatical from church, you know, just to get my head together. “ But I did continue to press on because of the anchors of those I had chosen to look to.  Because in all reality,  no amount of living the commandments in the past can be passed down to the next generation and I knew this much:  It is up to me to get my own rock solid resolve and spiritual strength gained through what?  Obedience.  

  So who are your anchors to help you through your own life’s journey? Maybe it is a parent, a sibling, a friend or a mentor.  We need to look at those who are in our lives and we need to hold on fast to their examples of obedience and sacrifice when we struggle, so that we in turn may become anchors for those who are searching and trying to develop their own faith.  

  Referring back to Elder Clayton’s talk, he spoke about a time he was a newly called regional rep in Paraguay and was trying to impart  some wisdom that he didn’t feel he had to 7 Stake Presidents --all discouraged with the many problems in their stakes.  He was guided to ask them this question:  Are the problems you speak of also prevalent with the ones who are faithful and obedient?  Each Stake President admitted that as a matter of fact, the members who were faithful and obedient were the ones who were able to manage, who didn’t have these trying and terrible ordeals.  In other words, the Lord was blessing those who kept his commandments, just as he promises us in the scriptures.  “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.  But when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”  

  So could it be that the standard answers we seem to always give to questions in Sunday School and Relief Society are actually the most important?  Scriptures, Family Prayer, temple attendance, missionary work?  I submit that they are and they are the way we will gain so many blessings.  As we learn to obey simple commandment, we will hunger to know about more commandments because obedience to them brings so much joy.  Obedience to each commandment brings blessings and refines our souls, preparing them for entrance into Heavenly Father’s presence. 

  I’m thankful for the chance I had to ponder on the importance of obedience and thank Brother Nielson for this chance.  I know that these things are true and like President Monson who quoted another great prophet ,Gordon B. Hinckley believe this to be true, ““The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of … God.”

Tips On How To Recruit For Your Favorite Presidential Nominee

I've been volunteering at the campaign office of my favorite Presidential Nominee for awhile now.  It's just that I feel that this election is such a crucial election for our country and so many things are on the line.  No matter who gets the Presidency, it won't be easy for us.  It's gone too far downhill for that.  But maybe, just maybe, our country will be able to have a chance at gaining back some ground after all that we have lost.  I really don't want to live in a European Socialist State.  I really like Capitalism and I love Freedom.  Here are a few things I have learned since volunteering at Mitt Romney For President.  If you'd like to join me, please feel free.  It's fun and it's a great feeling to know that you're helping your country. 

1.  Maintain a calm tone and demeanor, even though people are yelling that you are the millionth caller for the elections, and that they are NOT going to vote for your candidate simply because you are calling.  Statistics show that those calls do make a difference and in all probability, those same people yelling at you will end up voting for your candidate just because of name recognition alone.

2.  If they are polite, thank them profusely!  

3.  If they say that they will be voting, thank them profusely, regardless of who they are voting for.

4.  Scripts are there for those who are unsure.  If you know that something you are doing works well, do it.   

5.  If they say they are undecided, ask them to give your candidate a 2nd look and give them ONE specific reason why.

6.  Give them some validation as an individual for doing the right thing (especially if they switch their vote to your candidate). I tell them that the campaign loves and appreciates them for their support. People seem to appreciate that so much!  I've had people tell me that they were changing their minds just because I said that.  People love to matter.

7.  Don't say anything if it isn't sincere.  People can tell if you're for real.

8.  Have a light-hearted approach to your calls.  Let folks know that you enjoy talking to them.  If you are calling into different states, let them know how it is in your state!

9.  Be aware that time is important.  Sometimes you get people who want to get in a spirited debate about politics and how the country is going to hell in a hand basket.  Try to keep moving because it's your job to reach as many voters as possible in the time you have. 

10.  Always try to get in a mention of who you are campaigning for, even if it's only a "this call was paid for by Mitt Romney For President!"

Reflection - Things Look Brighter After Today

     We passed Winter Solstice today and thank goodness! The days will get a little longer from here on out! The Winter Solstice occurred early this morning, marking the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. There is only one place I want to be during the shortest day of the year and that is in front of my fireplace in the den, watching T.V. I know, I should be out doing last minute Christmas shopping and getting those last minute deals, but it's just too cold and dark after about 5:30 p.m. But at least I don't live in Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. For people who live there, it's dark 24-7. I'm also glad that I am off for the Christmas Break. I work about 38 hours a week at a high school as a special education para educator. So this was my first day off for a 2-week vacation!

     I actually look at Winter Solstice maybe a little differently than some. I know that it is an ancient Celtic celebration and even some traditional Christmas symbols can also be traced to the ancient celebrations of Solstice. For instance, lights and candles were put out to ward off the darkness and encourage the coming of Spring during Solstice. I love the Celtic influence in Christmas celebrations. I have Scottish ancestry and very much appreciate watching the 'Celtic Women' Christmas PBS Special each year. For me, it is one of the things I look forward to every year.

     Since we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ very soon, I look at today, this most dark of days and ask myself what it was like for the world before the Savior was born. The world's inhabitants had no way to save themselves from their own sins. We are taught that nothing can dwell in the presence of God that isn't perfect. And since all of us sin, man was doomed to live outside of Heaven and dwell in their sins forever, spiritually dead. How dark was that? I'd say it couldn't get much more. How much it meant to the world when finally the Savior was born, the only one who would be able to save the world from its sins. Because of His birth, the world came out of darkness and was given hope.

"Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life." -Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

     And so, Winter Solstice is a very fitting preliminary event to Christmas, reminding me of how dark the world was before Christ's birth and how much brighter the world was, after His birth. May you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy it in the ways that are special to you! Thanks for letting me share!

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in GRASS VALLEY, CA. It was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.


One nurse took her copy to Missouri.

The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.


Crabby Old Man...
What do you see nurses? . . ... . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . .. . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .... . . . . With faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . .. . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .. .. . .... . The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . .. . .. . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . .... . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .. . You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. . . . .... . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . .. . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .. . . .. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . .. ... .. Who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . ... A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . .. My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . That I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . .... . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .. . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . ... . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children .. . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . .... . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . . .. . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . ..... And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . Where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . ... . Life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . ... Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . .. . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . ... . Open and see.
Not a crabby old man . ... . . Look closer . .. . See ME!!


Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.

We will all, one day, be there, too!
By: Jim Satnan