.

I grow tired of the same. There must be sincerity and variety.

Oppressed? Really?

Sometimes I feel very oppressed to say what I truly feel. On the other hand, that is probably a good thing. Much of what I feel or think is fleeting, anyway, and if said would only hurt and cause regret.

Oppression

There are times when I feel oppressed by negative, deprecatory voices that would have me shut up, lower my head, and let them bash my beliefs.

I will fight that feeling.

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There is nothing more to say at this time.

Faith

Have faith.

Twitter

Twitter can be dangerous because one's words are limited and impulsiveness is increased. People often say things they don't mean, and readers often misunderstand the intended meaning.

Poetry

People should write more poetry, and contemplate it more. It is art with words. It is liberating, profound, and insightful.

Open criticism

I tire when people constantly harangue my culture, my religion, my ethnicity, my beliefs, my practices. There needs to be more acceptance, more tolerance, more zipped mouths. To think it is one thing; to say it is another, and those words, once spoken, are very difficult to take back. Makes me think I need to keep my mouth shut more often too.

Five Smooth Stones

A wonderful blessing today:

I had the occasion to teach the young men today, and our topic was "Faith in Jesus Christ." Part of our lesson was to read and discuss the fight between David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:40, we read that David picked up five smooth stones to use with his sling.

We discussed the rest of the story. I wanted to apply it to our lives, equating Goliath to any challenge or obstacle we face. Spontaneously I asked our bishop about his work with members who face "Goliaths," or in other words, challenges or obstacles. I asked him: What is the difference between those members who successfully overcome their challenges versus those who don't? His answer: the successful ones do five things:

1) study the scriptures daily
2) pray daily
3) attend church regularly
4) attend the temple regularly
5) hold Family Home Evening regularly

On the spot, it came together in my mind. The five smooth stones David picked up have symbolic significance. They can represent the five things the bishop mentioned that help members overcome challenges or obstacles. If we are to conquer our Goliaths, we need those five stones in our pouch.

This was a spiritual experience for me. Unplanned for. Unanticipated. Wonderful.

Great Service from Shoe Carnival

Letter I wrote to Shoe Carnival:

Dear Shoe Carnival,

I just wanted to send a shout-out for your West Jordan, UT store.

Last month I bought a pair of Doc Martens from there, and didn't realize how tight the right foot was in the ankle until a week or two later, when I noticed that the skin on my heel was rubbing off because of it. I tried to fix the problem on my own by stretching out the heel, but that didn't work.

Although I had thrown the box away a long time ago, fortunately I still had my receipt. Yesterday I returned the shoes, and your employees were nothing but professional, cheerful, and helpful. They immediately took back the pair and had me get a new pair.

When I got the new pair home, I realized that in my rush I had inadvertently gotten a size too large. Ugh! So I returned back to the store a couple of hours later. The employee who greeted me was not the one who had helped me earlier in the day, yet he still recognized me and immediately helped me switch to the right size, saying in essence, "We just want you to find the right shoes for you and for your feet to feel comfortable."

I have bought my last four pairs of shoes from Shoe Carnival, and have experienced nothing but excellent service there. I intend on buying there over and over again. Your West Jordan store definitely deserves recognition for outstanding service.

Just thought you'd like to know.

The Terks have a new album out

Give this awesome band a listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3522219

Mormon Scholars Testify

This evening I came across a fascinating website where scholars share their belief in the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Check it out: http://mormonscholarstestify.org/

.

Hey! I'm a Mormon!

http://mormon.org/me/6X4F/#

Are you looking for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

If you are, try here: http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng

Here you can read the words of modern-day prophets, speaking under the inspiration of the Almighty God.

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon)

Every time I sit down and listen with an open heart to the speeches of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon), I am touched. Their words speak inspiration to my soul. They emanate truth. I believe their words. They make me want to do all I can to please God, to keep His commandments, to repent, to forgive others, and simply to be a better person.

http://lds.org/?lang=eng


Do you know about the Book of Mormon? I have read it many times. It speaks to my soul, and rings of truth. It teaches so many of God's truths with clarity, simplicity, and power. Here's the book: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

Hear a Living Apostle

Elder Holland's words move me. He is an Apostle of Jesus Christ: 

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/an-ensign-to-the-nations?lang=eng&media=video

Havoc. Insanity.

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Havoc.




Insanity.



.

Don't look at me.

Napoleon Dynamite's House and the city of Preston, Idaho

Last week our family toured the sights and sites of the great film Napoleon Dynamite:

Napoleon's house

Pedro's house (vote for him, by the way), where Pedro got about three feet of air on his bike jump.

Napoleon's high school. These steps probably gave him inspiration to draw a liger.

The bike rack, where Napoleon's bike was nearly stolen until Pedro's cousins offered their protection.

Where Napoleon bought his sweet suit for the dance.

King's Store, where Uncle Rico dissuaded Napoleon from buying the 24-pack of markers because they could only afford the 12-pack.

Why didn't Napoleon want Deb's hair styling services? Because he already had his hair done at the Cuttin' Curral!

There is so much garbage to sift through...

possessions, emails, voice messages, junk letters, invitations, sales pitches...




priorities.