A Talk For Our Time

Last week, while listening to this talk, I wasn't sure of the year in which Elder Maxwell delivered it. Then, because of curiosity, I checked. I couldn't believe it was given just 2 years after I was born - 1978!

I could not believe how prophetic this talk is. Everyone should listen to it and study it. It will enlighten you, motivate you, and inspire to you to be better. It will strengthen your feelings of the importance of the Lord's chosen servants. It will remind you of the relevance of the times in which we live.

Here is the link to the audio. Just click on the link, then click on the banner.

Meeting the Challenges of Today, by Neal A. Maxwell

Click here for the text of this talk.

After you listen to this talk, let me know what you think.

6 Rules Every Blogger Should Live By

Heidi "tagged" me, which means I am supposed to give 6 random facts about myself - UH, I don't think so. Instead, I will give 6 tips that every blogger should know (smile on my face):

1. Do not try to impress everyone with stories of a sugar-coated, make-belief life

Everyone knows who you really are and they know your life is just as dysfunctional as the rest of us. You aren't fooling anyone.

2. Don't force everyone to listen to music everytime they visit your blog

I learned this one from experience. I had songs on my own blog and even I was annoyed everytime I pulled it up.

3. No, No to Po, Po

Do not post poetry. The only exception is - UNLESS YOU ARE A GOOD POET. You may be asking, "How do I know if I am a good poet?" Just because your husband, mother, [insert any family member], tells you they like your poetry does not mean you are a good poet. In fact, the only good indication of your poetic talent comes with publication. If you have published poetry in the past, you are safe to post poetry on your blog.

4. Watch your comments

Take advantage of your administrative powers when it comes to comments. DELETE, DELETE, DELETE. If your significant other thinks it is funny to make a comment with embarrassing commentary to your posting, you have every right to eliminate it - you just do. However, you must be careful. With so much power it is easy to get carried away. You could end up using your power of deletion on innocent bystanders. This will alienate your folks. Just like any other power in life, you should be judicious.

5. Don't force it

You're not going to have something interesting EVERY SINGLE DAY. So, don't spend half your day trying to figure out how you can create some artificial event in your life just so you can blog about it. Put your camera away and do something important - like PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR KIDS. Artificial events are boring.

6. Don't send lame "tag" games

Most people, when participating, end up violating tips 1 and/or 5. This makes you an accomplice in a blogging felony.

Thanksgiving

Now that you have had time to think about it, I am curious what you are thankful for - cellphones, trees, warm weather, cold weather - whatever you are thankful for.

A Gospel for the World

This was in today's Washington Post, although with its typical annoying spin (in the article). The article is definitely aimed at raising questions about Romney's religion in terms of race. But, overall not too bad. They can write what they would like, but the stone is going to roll and they can't stop it!





Here is the link to the article:

The New Face of Global Mormonism

Gender Excitement

Last Saturday something interesting happened. A brand new Wal Mart opened in Highland Village, the town next to ours. And no.....that's not the interesting part. The interesting thing was how excited Wendy got when she saw it. I couldn't believe someone could get so excited about a Wal Mart! She squealed like a little girl on Christmas morning - LITERALLY! Then, after squealing, she screamed, "I can't believe this! This is sooooo AWESOME!"


After gaining my senses and putting my thoughts through my constantly evolving "sensitivity filter," I looked at her to see if she was serious --- she was. Then, while I was sensitively asking her, "ARE YOU KIDDING! HOW CAN YOU GET SO EXCITED ABOUT..."


That's when I saw it - I saw it go by through the passenger side window. It stopped me mid-sentence. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. Suddenly, without my control, I began squealing like a little girl on Christmas morning - LITERALLY! Then, after squealing, I screamed, "I can't believe this! That is sooooo AWESOME! Do you realize what that is? {blah blah blah, bablah bablah blah blah}." Here is what I saw, and yes, I even took a picture of it:

I assure you, Wendy thought I was nuts for getting so excited over a car. Some of you probably don't even know what it is (it's a Lamborghini Murcielago). She can't understand why anyone would pay $325,ooo for a car that only seats 2 and doesn't even have room for a stroller.


So, what's the difference? It's DNA. That's the difference. If you don't believe me, read this:

Human Genome Discovery

Circles' Top 10 List

Here is a top 10 list of "Circles" postings. Read them (or reread) and rank them in the comments section - 1 being your most favorite and 10 being your least favorite.

Just click on the title of the posting and it will take you there:

Horses and Reindeer

Smokin' Times

Four Foot Hole

Human Genome Discovery

I Have Never Heard a Scream Like That!

It's Not the Baby Crying

Funny Things Kids Say

National Geographic

Bourne Ultimatum

Phone Hiding

Also, if you have a favorite not on this list, you can replace one of the above with the one you like better.

Referee Training

Who can relate???

Dream Job

I am curious. What is your dream job? It can be anything other than what you are now doing, including you stay-at-home moms.

Tell us in the comments section!

Grandpas

Who's that man in the black hat wearing shades? Most people in this world have no idea. But, to me, he is a hero. I have ALWAYS looked up to him as an example of character, hardwork, loyalty, and love. Even when he is cussing at me - I know he loves me! Even when we are arguing about who's the best golfer in history - Tiger or Nicklaus - I know he loves me. And, even though we have lived miles away for most of my life, I feel the influence of his prayers and unconditional love for me. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can pay him is to let him know this - While growing up, there were many times, when facing decisions, I would ask myself, "What would Grandpa do in this situation?" or, "How would Grandpa feel about this?" or, "What would Grandpa tell me to do right now?" To this day, I still find myself asking the same questions. I love you Grandpa!


Passing on the tradition...

Attend Your Own Funeral

This is an exercise that is found in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and I think it is very revealing.

Imagine that you are attending a funeral. You see all the familiar faces and upon seeing yourself lying in the casket, realize it is your funeral. You then look at the program for your own funeral and see that there are to be 4 groups of speakers:

1. Your family, immediate and extended.

2. Your friends

3. Your co-workers

4. Your church or community organization

Now, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What would each of these speakers say about your life?

2. What do you want to resonate about you?
3. How would you like them to describe your character?
4. What difference would you like to have made in their lives?

Make comments on your thoughts. What do you think about this exercise? What did you find out about yourselves?