T-12 : Giving Taker

“Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.” – Elizabeth Bibesco

Are you a giving taker?  I want to be.  I'll help you if you help me.  Seems like a good balance to seek for, doesn't it?

T-13 : Lava Hands

I've been getting cold at work lately.  It used to be just certain meeting rooms that weren't as warm as others.  I bought a sweater that I'd leave hanging in my office then carry it with me when I needed to attend a meeting, just in case.  More recently I've taken to wearing it all day long.  Maybe I'm cold blooded...but I'm no killer!  One trick I've found - especially for my mouse-wielding hand - is to use my lava lamp for a quick heater.  It does get pretty hot.  But a few seconds of my frigid hand wrapped around it do wonders.  How's your office?  Do you have any tricks for warming up or cooling off as the case may dictate?

T-14 : Bishopric Beginnings

Bishopric, Broncos, Seahawks, Downton, Sherlock...it's been a full day!

Friday night we got a phone call from the Stake Executive Secretary asking us to meet with the Stake President at 9:00 AM on Sunday morning. Of course we gladly agreed. The next day and a half was a mental fight not to speculate on what he might want to visit with us about; a calling for me, a calling for Tara, missions for the boys? We tried to fill our time as much as possible with regular activities and let Sunday morning roll around in its due time.

Sunday morning we arrived at the stake offices around 8:45.  If you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late...right? We sat there and waited while we listened to the nice orchestral hymns playing softly through the overhead speakers. 9:00 came and went. But what better place to sit and ponder and practice patience than in a church building listening to inspirational music. Not long after 9:00 the entire stake presidency walked in the door to the offices from outside. Only later would we learn where they'd been. We stood up to greet them and shake their hands. We were then promptly invited into the stake president's office. Both counselors surprisingly followed. That was our first clue that it was something of import. When the stake president asked his counselor to tell us why were there - then the counselor immediately turned and began addressing Tara - I began to suspect that she was going to get a stake calling. When he went on to explain that there were going to be changes in our ward my mind shifted. When he said that our bishopric was being reorganized and that the new bishop had requested me as a counselor I got emotional.

The rest of the day was filled with gradual goodness. I felt warm and welcomed. I'm excited for the new opportunity to serve, learn and grow. In matters of less-eternal import, my Broncos and my Seahawks both won their conference championship games. This means that the Super Bowl I've dreamed of since the Seahawks moved from the AFC West to the NFC West is finally going to happen. Then, after the championship games, I was able to watch two of my favorite shows with my family: Downton Abbey and Sherlock.

All in all it was a good and memorable day. I pray that I can continue faithful and true in my quest to bring myself, my family, and now - even more than before - the members of my ward closer to Christ. I hope that you'll do your part in your sphere, too.

T-15 : Seating Silliness

Last night Tara and I went to the temple.  I pondered on the seating arrangements.  For those who don't know, the closer you sit to the front during an endowment session the quicker you get done.  It probably doesn't have any deeper meaning.  But, I thought this was an interesting juxtaposition to how we usually sit in the chapel, in Sunday School, or in a regular school setting.  In those settings it seems that most folks feel more comfortable sitting in the back.  A few will migrate to the front if they're extra-motivated or if they come in late and can't find a seat elsewhere.  I suppose the front row is preferable at ball games, though not always at movies.  I just notice things like that sometimes and wonder if they have any larger part of the great whole of knowledge.  It probably also doesn't mean anything that there actually is a locker number 666 in the temple, right?

T-16 : Golf 71

Today I finally used my golf course gift card that I got 2 Father's Days ago.  The planets finally aligned to where I knew the exact price for green fees was $7 -- based on the advertisement on the outside fence -- and I had a reasonable idea that I could go alone without having to be paired up with anyone.  What's more, I shot a 71!  Golfers will know that's a good score; usually 1 under par!  As a matter of full disclosure, though, I must admit that it was only a 9-hole course.  That's pretty good for a beginner, though.  Now I'm committed to going each Monday throughout the Summer as I try to improve my game and get a bit of exercise in a way funner than running.  So, now I'll have this schedule:

Monday	Golf
Tuesday	Soccer
Wednesday	Jog
Thursday	Bowling
Friday	Soccer
Saturday	Jog
Sunday	Rest

Wanna play?

T-17 : Wagon Trailers

As I was mowing the lawn tonight I saw a number of cars go by.  Our house is on the corner of our cul-de-sac and a major crossroad.  It was the last lot to sell in the neighborhood.  I suppose the general notion is that folks don't like living near the traffic.  I admit it seemed loud when we first moved here.  But, I've acclimated.  Anyway, what struck me tonight is the moment when I saw two cars slowing down from the major road to turn onto our road.  I recognized both cars as belonging to two different folks who live down the street.  The point is that I wondered how long they'd followed each other and if either the leader or the trailer noticed the other.  I often do notice when the car just in front (if it's a slow guy) or just behind (if it's a fast guy) are familiar.  When I recognize them I think I drive differently.  I suppose that's a form of positive peer pressure.  Maybe I should practice it more often, then.  What do you think?  Have you ever driven just behind or just in front of me and been nervous or frustrated?

T-18 : Roy Braver

Today I found out that my friend, Roy, passed away overnight.  When I found out, I was shocked and saddened.  I cried.  He'd contracted cancer a few months back.  He's about the same age as me.  I never imagined that the cancer would be something he couldn't nor wouldn't conquer.  Anyway, as part of my method of coping, here are a few of my remembrances of my Brave Buddy.

• His southern twang
• His goatee
• His Atlanta Braves fanaticism
• His zeal for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• His love for his wife, adopted son (who didn't seem adopted), and blood daughter (who wasn't supposed to be possible)

Roy was braver than me.  I'll miss you, buddy.