My Mother's Day talk 2011

I am so very grateful to have grown up when I did. I lived in a time where we kids could take off for hours and our moms and dads wouldn’t worry. Of course we checked in every now and then, and we were mostly in earshot of mom.

         We never hesitated to bring our friends into our home and mom would fix us all something to snack on, we had fresh baked cookies waiting for us when we came home from school, and a good sack lunch when we went in the morning.

         The neighborhood moms didn’t hesitate to discipline any of the neighborhood kids if they got out of hand, it was a given. 

         Now was it all Shangri-La? No…. but what mom did was to make sure that we played fair, were honest, and were good kids.  I know…. yet I still do my best to make her proud of me. I have siblings that make sure we show appreciation to our parents, especially our mother. Is she perfect? When we are children we always think of our mothers this way.

         So what makes a mother the fountain of knowledge, the one that nurses us to health that listens to our problems that consoles us when loves tramples our hearts?         “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.” ¹ A good nurturer carries power and influence. The Latin word nutrire, from which the English word nurture originates, means “to suckle or nourish,” or, in the full interpretation, “to feed, foster, care for, or rear.” True power is found in the hands of a worthy nurturer, especially at mealtimes.         Mothers, who are “primarily responsible for the nurture of their children,” can be a powerful force for strengthening families when they use mealtimes to gather loved ones. They follow the example of the Savior to calm, teach, and help their families remember important things as they feed, cultivate, educate, and rear at the consecrated tables in their homes.

         I have been very fortunate to have the mother I have. She has taught me many very simple and complex things. How to tie a shoelace, how to write words, to be accountable for my actions…to color, to cook, to work and to read among many.

         My best friends mom, growing up in 1^st ward, was a great example of mom to me. In fact I called her mom. It is a term of endearment, and many women, regardless of whether they have children or not, have this term bestowed upon them. Because these women take the time to nurture, listen and guide us.

         There are many women that are not my mother that have profound influence on my life. My mother-in-law has shown me what Mary the mother of Christ showed, that you could show forth love and compassion after you lose a loved one. The same with my sister as she lost a son. Or a daughter-in-law that cares for three kids while their dad is far away. Think of all the pioneer mothers that lost loved ones as they forever journeyed westward. They all have persevered. Can you imagine the anguish that Eve felt as a son destroyed another son, and yet went on? Christ like love.

         Mothers have the capacity to forgive like no others. To listen, to heal, to give comfort to their “children”. I would venture to say that all of another, or us, at one time have had love shown forth to us by a woman that was not our mother.

        

From the Teachings of Joseph F. Smith

A mother’s influence extends from generation to generation.

He goes on to say……….How I love and cherish true motherhood! Nothing beneath the celestial kingdom can surpass my deathless love for the sweet, true, noble, soul who gave me birth—my own, own, mother! O she was good! She was true! She was pure! She was indeed a Saint! A royal daughter of God! To her I owe my very existence as also my success in life, coupled with the favor and mercy of God! ²         

As a rule the mothers in Zion, the mothers of Israel, are the very best women that live in the world, the best that can be found anywhere. … The good influence that a good mother exercises over her children is like leaven cast into the measure of meal, that will leaven the whole lump; and as far as her influence extends, not only to her own children, but to the associates of her children, it is felt, and good is the result accomplished by it.

And, sisters, you do not know how far your influence extends. A mother that is successful in raising a good boy, or girl, to imitate her example and to follow her precepts through life, sows the seeds of virtue, honor and integrity and of righteousness in their hearts that will be felt through all their career in life; and wherever that boy or girl goes, as man or woman, in whatever society they mingle, the good effects of the example of that mother upon them will be felt; and it will never die, because it will extend from them to their children from generation to generation. And especially do we hope for this in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ³

Motherhood lies at the foundation of happiness in the home, and of prosperity in the nation. God has laid upon men and women very sacred obligations with respect to motherhood. ⁵

I think that the best mothers in the world should be found, and consistently found, among the Latter-day Saints. I believe the best wives in all the world are found among the Latter-day Saints. I do not know of any other women in the world that have the same conception of wifehood and motherhood that the Latter-day Saints possess. Our associations are not exclusively intended for this life. … We live for time and for eternity. We form associations and relations for time and all eternity. Our affections and our desires are found fitted and prepared to endure not only throughout the temporal or mortal life, but through all eternity. ⁶

In the home the mother is the principal disciplinarian in early child life, and her influence and discipline determine in a great measure the ability of her children to assume in manhood and womanhood the larger governments in church and state. ¹⁰

I most sincerely hope that the mothers of Israel will guard very zealously and very carefully the lives of their daughters and of their sons. I would if I had it in my power make it possible for all mothers to have the joy and the unspeakable satisfaction of rearing their sons and their daughters above the reproach of men and above the power of sin. ¹¹

I look upon these mothers in Zion, who have been endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, who have been born again, … the daughters of Israel have been born of the water and of the Spirit, and they have been endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands of those who had authority to convey that power and that gift to the daughters of Zion, as well as to the sons of Zion. I believe that every mother has the right to … know what to do in her family and in her sphere, over her children, in their guidance and direction; and that mother and every mother possessing that spirit has the gift of revelation, the gift of inspiration and the gift of knowledge, which is the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of discernment, a gift of God to them, to govern their households and lead their children in the path of righteousness and truth. ¹⁷

^{I think of my sweet wife, the mother of our children when I read these words. The countless hours on bended knee and immersed in scripture in their behalf. For good and bad. Giving thanks and seeking inspiration..}

In an excerpt from our recent conference Elder Bradley Foster of the Seventy had this to say about mothers

         Brothers and sisters, in a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying. Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has issued a plea for us to go rescue those of our loved ones who may be lost. With the help of priesthood leaders, parents must continue to go back and find their lost ones, assuring them there will always be a “home” within the family and the Church, waiting for their return. We never know when a heart may be turned. We never know when a soul may be weary and worn out by the world. When that happens, it seems our children almost always turn first toward Mother, with emotions like those expressed in a poem by Elizabeth Akers Allen:

Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years!

I am so weary of toil and of tears, …

Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue,

Mother, O mother, my heart calls for you! …

Over my heart, in the days that are flown,

No love like mother-love ever has shone; …

None like a mother can charm away pain

From the sick soul and the world-weary brain.

Slumber’s soft calms o’er my heavy lids creep;

Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep!

Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers’ love is because it typifies the love of our Savior. As President Joseph F. Smith said, “The love of a true mother comes nearer [to] being like the love of God than any other kind of love” (“The Love of Mother,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1910, 278).

As in all things, the Savior set the perfect example in the love He showed for His earthly mother. In the final, most pivotal moment of His mortal life—after the anguish of Gethsemane, the mock trial, the crown of thorns, the heavy cross to which He was brutally nailed—Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother, Mary, who had come to be with her Son. His final act of love before He died was to ensure that His mother would be cared for, saying to His disciple, “Behold thy mother!” And from that point on the disciple took her unto his home. As the scriptures say, then Jesus knew that “all things were now accomplished,” and He bowed His head and died (see John 19:27–28, 30).

Cherish and embrace, or call, your sweet mother if you are fortunate to still have her on this earth. If not, remember her embrace, her love for you, and cherish those memories and share them with those around you.

Bless you dear sweet sisters for the sweet mothers you are. The sacred influence you have upon those around you, especially children.  Listen to the Spirit, guide and comfort, do not hesitate to listen. As a woman in Zion you can have profound effect on those around you. Be a mother in our ward, our stake your family and for eternity…

A vivid imagination

As long as I can remember my mind has always been out there on the brink of the edge in thought and sometimes in action. I am a prankster to a certain extreme and a storyteller to the consternation of many….but my children loved the weaving of tales as youngsters. Many a bedtime was spent in magical kingdoms and bounding over the western prairie.

You see with a daughter and a son I made sure that I told stories that intrigued them as well as interested their individual character. So, is this a gene pool mystery? (I remember vividly the story of “The Bear Went Over The Mountain” that my dad would read to me at bedtime.) Or is it a God given talent to recite prose spontaneously? My wish is that I had at least recorded some of these stories…I have tried to write down at least the main characters for future tales and possibly children’s books (short story series). I pray that the river of thought never dries. That I will be able to tell a tale or two till I pass from this earth. I have grandkids that enjoy being with ”Papa’. Better not waste any time or thought. Once upon a time….

What are your favorite story telling times? Remember the sound of your parents telling you a bedtime story? Your time to reflect

A glimpse was all it took….

I can still remember the first time that I saw my wife’s face. I was rounding the corner inside the southwest corner of the 13^th street church building. It was Stake conference and Pennie was helping her mom with the junior primary kids(when we still did that). I remember thinking how cute and then a flash of she must be married and then went on my way.
The next glimpse was at a stake dance and I made sure I had a dance with her…we danced to Color My World by Chicago, how prophetic…because from then on she has brought a rainbow of changes to my life. She was very, and still is, very instrumental in helping me becoming active in church after many years of inactivity. There was reason and purpose I had never had before….we dated, and saw each other (we both worked downtown and we car pooled) every day for the next year and a half. I finally asked her to marry me and she said…NO! What? She needed some time and space, so she moved to Logan, Utah and I stayed here…started preparing for a mission( I was 27 at the time)..lot of work and I stayed in touch with Pennie. I had prayed for an answer as to what to do next…go on a mission or ask Pennie to marry me one more time. I asked her and she said yes this time….and the saga began.

A glimpse was all it took for me to know happiness… and joy. Joy, such a small word for all it encompasses….but that will be another point of reflection in the future.

Ever had a glimpse into your future you want to share?

What are you reading? Kindle or pages?

So, I see the fascination with the Kindle or any digital book reading device…but I really worry about where we are headed in reading.

What about the sheer joy of going to your school library, or downtown, and seeing the mass of books and thinking where do I start. The first time you pick out a classic and feel the heft of the volume…wondering what it took to conjure this story of a Great White Whale… or where and when will we conquer space and Go From The Earth to the Moon….Authors that make us appreciate the turning of a page…not scrolling down.

And what of all the light in the face…don’t we get enough of that from TV…so pick up a book, put the Kindle away and support many people at the same time.

Take them into consideration…the artist and designers that come up with compelling covers and illustrations to help your imagination come to life. And all the librarians in the world…what will happen to them? And the book publishers and promoters and… you get the picture.

I love reading…the thought of being able to download hundreds of books into one device is a compelling thought. To pack all that literature in a small package that you can take anywhere, without breaking the back. Sit and scroll.

So, what do you say? The book or the digital device…which way do you turn, or scroll for that matter?

Serving our nation...and the world

This is on my mind constantly, what with my oldest son having just joined the US ARMY. I am humbled by his choice. Is it any easy one? Is it a difficult one? The answer to that has been manifest thousands of time over, ever since the first soldiers were called to serve in the Revolutionary War. Why did they step forward? To preserve their nations freedoms. A choice not to be taken lightly. But one to be applauded. Are their different reasons to serve? As there are different men and women that serve, yes. But the underlying truth in all their decisions is that they are willing to serve in what ever capacity is needed.
Now, in my day we had the draft. We waited to be called. I remember watching the TV in the ‘60’s waiting to see if my number was drawn. Lo and behold it was drawn...the last of the numbers at that time. I received my “Congratulations” letter and went and joined the USAF the next day. I made my choice then and served to the best of my ability for the next 4 years. It was basically at the end of the Viet Nam era, so most was a peacetime service.
The Eppersons and extended family have been serving our country for some time now. My father, father-in-law and many uncles and aunts served in WWII. I have many in laws, son-in-law, and cousins that have served from the Korean conflict to now in Afghanistan. 2 nephews, and at least one cousin now serve. And many friends. Friends have that lost loved ones.
I have letters from an ancestor that served in the Union army during the Civil War. I always thought that name ironic, because war is anything but civil. He talks through the letter about his experience in a prison camp, his love for his wife and family and concerns for them. Not once does he mention any regrets, only concerns.
I have often wondered what it was like for my own father as he sloshed through the jungles of the Pacific. Was he scared, did he lose any buddies, what he was thinking about back home. What were his dreams at that time as he sat huddled in a foxhole thousands of miles from home. Did he think of his mom...that I know at least. He turned down a Purple Heart as to make sure she did not know he was wounded. What about those that serve from my family now? Do they dream of being home with their loved ones...sure. So why do they do it?
The answer is different for all. What we need to be aware of is that they are willing to go forth to make sure ours, and the world freedoms are not tread on. Be proud. Be careful in what you say about their choice. And be grateful they are there.
Proud of my son, family and friends? Yes. So grateful for the honor they bestow upon me and the world. To them I will always salute.

Snow in Wichita, the cold and memories

Well we finally have some snow worth talking about…time to sled, and build snow forts and throw snowballs….

Big snow and cold in Wichita has always been fun. From sledding down the “original” Wichita hill at the now Indian Center site or ice skating at the frozen over “pond’ at the flooded parking lot at West Riverside Athletic Fields. To dad towing us behind the car on sleds…we lived through that….to building gigantic snowmen, having neighborhood snowball fights and just making snow angels in the front lawn of the house.

Now we have the hill near The Palace…what a blast that has been for my kids and hopefully grand kids soon…this video is of a young Spencer and friend Mike enjoying the hill at the Palace..

Now I can say that I did enjoy my winter times in NY and all the sledding and ice skating there…teenage years and a lot of Youth snow parties.. .fun times,,,cracking the whip was a blast on the ponds in the parks (cold enough to skate on ponds there).

Make your own snow memories and share some with me….enjoy the snow!

Children's first steps

Today I witnessed for the first time Lexie, on of my grand daughters, walk. And quite a walk it was...pretty fast and lasted for awhile. Of course she has 2 big brothers and needs to keep up...but to see this tiny little girl, so much on her own, makes me realize how fast our progression is on earth. Wasn't it just the other day her dad was taking his first step...those steps that propel us on a journey that will last an eternity. Try and remember what it was like for you at that time. If your parents are able, ask them to help you remember. Put yourself in your childrens steps and think of how much they depend on your guidance, balance and knowledge. Make their first steps memorable and in doing so you will see just how far those steps will take them. Their first ones will leave a footprint on your heart.

The Fallen Tree

In 1975 I was stationed at Ramstein AFB in Germany. I occupied a space in the NCO barracks with a friend named Rusty. We had many adventures, but the one I will share was a telling one of how darkness can obscure the obvious.

Rusty, Matthews and I always took a path from our barracks to a Chinese restaurant and the theatre on the other side of the base. We traveled this path at blazing speed at many different times of the day. This time was to be different. As we headed for a night out, we ran helter skelter down the path in the dark of night. This was a path surrounded by tall pines, with very little light from street lights or the moon. I was in the lead, Rusty just behind and Matthews pretty close to him. As I hit the middle of the path, I was knocked for a loop by a tree that had fallen across the path sometime that day. I did my best to yell to the other guys and warn them, but the next thing I knew they had both hit the tree and landed right on top of me...how many times we had run that path and never an obstacle in our way...just a simple act had made the difference...well we picked our selves up, banged up a little, dusted our selves off and went on our way. Did we give it another thought to warn others of impending injury...not then? How many times do we go through life, just walking the same old path, not paying attention to what can loom in the darkness. When those pitfalls are placed before us, to we blindly fall over, injure ourselves...spiritually and physically...do we strive to pay attention to the promptings of not just relying on what is always in our path, but to be aware of what can fall in our paths. Beware of your fallen trees....you will never know when they might trip you up.

Why a ’98 TALON is like life

Sometimes the door you want to open will not, no matter what the effort. But if you back off, have a little patience, observe and try again with a different approach, it will open.

When a head gasket blows, there is considerable angst, a lot of steam to blow off and a matter of knowing how to solve the problem. So it is with anger. A cooling off period after the initial blow up, and solving the situation with help from prayer.

Sometimes the heat doesn’t get as warm as I would like and I need to put on more layers, be patient, endure the winter cold in the knowledge that spring will eventually come. When new people you come in contact with don’t “warm up” to you from the beginning, it will take the layers of time, and love to persevere and wait for them to realize just you are like a breath of fresh spring air.

I love this car, no matter the trials it has for me. I do my best to take car of it in the hopes it will get me down many a road in the future. How are your daily travels going? What different obstacles are placed in your way. Reflect with us. Please.

15 minutes to spare? Here’s some ideas…

Take a walk with your spouse

Long distance call to a relative

Say a prayer and then listen quietly for an answer

Take a break from home stuff to play with the kids

Read a short story to someone

Make a daily journal entry

Take the time to blog

Look up an ancestor

Get in touch with someone from the past on social media

Write a letter

Write a thank you note

Exercise hard

Eat some fruit, s l o w l y

Clean your room

Google something you don’t know

Donate old clothes to a shelter

Enjoy a PBJ sandwich & milk with you kids

Write a love note to your spouse or a loved one

Sit down and really listen to someone without speaking

Bet you have some interesting things yourself…let me know and post them

PS 15 minutes is how long it took me to jot this down

Holiday Greetings text

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from the Epperson's,
Tim, Pennie, and Spencer

This has been a couple of eventful years for us here. 2 grand daughters in
the space of a few months. Alex and Megan brought us Alexis Lee, and Levi
and Alyssa, Aubrey Liana. With their boys that means 6 grandkids, Isaac,
Eric, Brodie and Conner, Alexis and Aubrey. They are all doing well.
The year 2010 has brought much more news. Alex has joined USARMY, active
duty and will report for basic in February 2011. Gone for at least 3 months.
Plenty in store for his family this next year, that Eagle Scout rank bumped
him to an E-3. Megan is doing well and looking at staying busy (read 3
kids!) while Alex is gone...plenty of service opportunities there. Wonderful
kids, great parents looking to the future...Brodie loves all books and is
such a talker and known for those blue eyes. Conner is the dancer and such a
charmer. Lexie has us all eating out of her hand and is a little princess.
So grateful we have these three so close. What a chance to see their little
faces change.
Levi and Alyssa and brood have made the change of address from Spanish Fork
to Orem. Great opportunity and very close commute for Levi. Great house and beautiful and spacious backyard, with basement apartment for added income.. Alyssa is teaching piano lessons. Wasn't it just the other day she was sitting down for HER first lesson...... I regress in memory...Isaac started Kindergarten this year and Eric loves pre-school...so that leaves
Aubrey with Alyssa alone most of the day... nine months old and already walking! We only get to see them a few times each year but they are memorable times, outdoors and enjoying Utah together. Those boys love the outdoors.
Spencer turned 16 this year and a personality explosion happened. Ordained
a Priest. He's doing very well in school, went on 2 scouting Hi-adventures (Matagorda
Island off the Texas coast, and Teton Base in Wyoming). Monsoon storms to
whitewater rafting and a lot of traveling. He just became an Eagle
Scout...yes! Will wait for his brother to come back from basic to have the Court of Honor.
He loves going on team-ups with the missionaries. Seems to have
grown a foot recently. He loves working out, playing video games and teasing his mom. Seminary is our start of the day, and we usually end the night talking before bedtime. His passion is swimming and hard work in construction. Has much ambition in that field. Plenty of
friends and loves the church social scene, very involved on the Stake level.
Pennie is now involved in the Cub scouting side of life as a Den leader.
The boys love her, can you blame them..... Still making 4:30am wake up call
for work at Collection, Etc. Etc, Etc, etc..... She has plenty to do with 6
grandkids and so many projects around the house.
The house...storms the last couple of years have had us put on a new
roof, trim the trees, get rid of unwanted evergreens and try and keep the
fence up. The pool will need a new liner this year but is needed, as we love
all to hang out here in the summer months.
Well, that leaves me 30 years at The Eagle, will move to a new assignment
this year sometime in the News department working on the Presentation Team.
Outsourcing some positions in our department made me look around and was
presented with this opportunity. Started a part time job at the local Arena
this year and am having a blast working the concerts and events. Still
involved a little in scouting, okay a lot scouting, with Council and
district levels and our troop on the committee. Love the outdoors and is my
escape, but really paid the price this summer with the Hi-adventure to
Texas ended up in a battle with old oyster shells and it led to 15 stitches
in my hands. Nice birthday present.
We love you all; wish the merriest of Christmas and a very happy 2011 NewYear. The Gospel is true and so are our friends.

Holiday Greetings

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from the Epperson's,
Tim, Pennie, and Spencer

This has been a couple of eventful years for us here. 2 grand daughters in
the space of a few months. Alex and Megan brought us Alexis Lee, and Levi
and Alyssa, Aubrey Liana. With their boys that means 6 grandkids, Isaac,
Eric, Brodie and Conner, Alexis and Aubrey. They are all doing well.
The year 2010 has brought much more news. Alex has joined USARMY, active
duty and will report for basic in February 2011. Gone for at least 3 months.
Plenty in store for his family this next year, that Eagle Scout rank bumped
him to an E-3. Megan is doing well and looking at staying busy (read 3
kids!) while Alex is gone...plenty of service opportunities there. Wonderful
kids, great parents looking to the future...Brodie loves all books and is
such a talker and known for those blue eyes. Conner is the dancer and such a
charmer. Lexie has us all eating out of her hand and is a little princess.
So grateful we have these three so close. What a chance to see their little
faces change.
Levi and Alyssa and brood have made the change of address from Spanish Fork
to Orem. Great opportunity and very close commute for Levi. Great house and beautiful and spacious backyard, with basement apartment for added income.. Alyssa is teaching piano lessons. Wasn't it just the other day she was sitting down for HER first lesson...... I regress in memory...Isaac started Kindergarten this year and Eric loves pre-school...so that leaves
Aubrey with Alyssa alone most of the day... nine months old and already walking! We only get to see them a few times each year but they are memorable times, outdoors and enjoying Utah together. Those boys love the outdoors.
Spencer turned 16 this year and a personality explosion happened. Ordained
a Priest. He's doing very well in school, went on 2 scouting Hi-adventures (Matagorda
Island off the Texas coast, and Teton Base in Wyoming). Monsoon storms to
whitewater rafting and a lot of traveling. He just became an Eagle
Scout...yes! Will wait for his brother to come back from basic to have the Court of Honor.
He loves going on team-ups with the missionaries. Seems to have
grown a foot recently. He loves working out, playing video games and teasing his mom. Seminary is our start of the day, and we usually end the night talking before bedtime. His passion is swimming and hard work in construction. Has much ambition in that field. Plenty of
friends and loves the church social scene, very involved on the Stake level.
Pennie is now involved in the Cub scouting side of life as a Den leader.
The boys love her, can you blame them..... Still making 4:30am wake up call
for work at Collection, Etc. Etc, Etc, etc..... She has plenty to do with 6
grandkids and so many projects around the house.
The house...storms the last couple of years have had us put on a new
roof, trim the trees, get rid of unwanted evergreens and try and keep the
fence up. The pool will need a new liner this year but is needed, as we love
all to hang out here in the summer months.
Well, that leaves me. 30 years at The Eagle, will move to a new assignment
this year sometime in the News department working on the Presentation Team.
Outsourcing some positions in our department made me look around and was
presented with this opportunity. Started a part time job at the local Arena
this year and am having a blast working the concerts and events. Still
involved a little in scouting, okay a lot scouting, with Council and
district levels and our troop on the committee. Love the outdoors and is my
escape, but really paid the price this summer with the Hi-adventure to
Texas ended up in a battle with old oyster shells and it led to 15 stitches
in my hands. Nice birthday present.
We love you all; wish the merriest of Christmas and a very happy 2011 NewYear. The Gospel is true and so are our friends.

2010 Retrospect

2010 retrospect...The simple joy that Pennie brings to me when she just says my name.....so thankful for the times that Conner says Papa and puts his arms out to me, when Brodie wants me to read to him, the smiles I get from Lexie. When Isaac calls me on his own just to talk, Eric's teasing me and speaking Spanish over the phone. When Megan will call to ask me to watch the kids. That I have children that are grown and have memories of traditions and joy. That Alex has the desire to improve himself and commit to serving his nation and the world. That Alyssa will call just to talk to her dad. When my kids say "I love you to dad". For Levi taking such good care of his family. That I have Vera in my life. That I can still call my parents and just talk... That I have a loving Heavenly Father that knows who I really am, and a Savior, even Jesus Christ, that has died for me...that I can rely on the Holy Ghost for guidance...that I really do have wonderful friends..that my siblings still love me, regardless of my actions...that I am employed, have a wonderful home and food on the table...that I really do like to serve others..that I have 2 sons that are Eagle Scouts, despite the odds... for a wonderful wife that I love and inspires me to be better...for the simple act of forgiveness and repentence...that Alyssa and Megan desire to be good and loving mothers...for my great health..for my talents that I strive to continue to improve upon...the loss of friends and what it has taught me about appreciation..so much to be thankful for and looking forward to what 2011 will bring. Cherish your loved ones and hold them close.

Celebrate the journey

I saw that my daughter posted something about her Anniversary to Superman and as I reflected the time, I could still see her sweet face looking up at me and screaming bloody murder, because her mom had left me with her alone....if I saw my face from that vantage point I would also...she was so young and so was I ...where was I going with that...so her reflection made me think about my Anniversary. 30 years at The Wichita Eagle. Wow! Have I seen changes. From paste up of the paper to all digital imaging. The Linotype to computer age. From over 700 employees to 450. I have been acquainted with over 6 different Publishers and Ad Directors, 2 different corporations, count less friends that have come and gone. Marriages, children, divorces....earth shaking world and local events. Shameless self-promoting of my family....and myself in ads, TV and billboard. My kids will never forget the photo shoots that brought them fortune and fame....at least their friends chuckles and an occasional trip to Taco Bell. What a journey...and the best is yet to come....new ventures and exploration of my abilities. Abilities and talents that have led to garnering over 100 various advertising and marketing awards. Some even international. I have been blessed to have enjoyed all of this. But change is on the horizon.... I will post more later. Many friends have traversed these waters and found the adversity and struggles have forged strength. 30 years and counting...did I mention the 5 weeks of vacation every year.....be grateful for what you have and don't stumble in the challenges that you will face ahead... celebrate your journey as I do mine. Has yours been affected lately by the economy?

What would you do....

....to make a difference in the world if you had all the resources needed at your disposal?

father and child reflection

Just the other day I was returning home from work and decided to go to the store to pickup something to munch on..this was about 11:30pm. As I pulled into the parking lot I observed in the car parked next to me, still running, a man sitting in the front seat looking at his phone or Ipod and jumping from app to app. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement in the backseat. It was a young person, maybe a son or daughter, playing on a electronic device. I could see the illuminated screen.... I went into the store and returned about 5 minutes later to find the car still there and the people in it still engrossed in their electronic world. I got in the car, and sat there for awhile just observing...and in the whole time I was there there appeared no verbal conversation between the individuals...now maybe they were texting each other, but it seemed to me to be a sad commentary on this high paced, electronic gadgetry world we live in.
My youngest is 16 and we still have verbal conversation, though it needs to be jumpstarted by me a little more often now days...but when younger my kids and I would talk, share thoughts and feelings when an opportunity like this was afforded. I did not want to pass up those time because I knew how fleeting they are. I still miss constant conversations with my oldest kids, though they are usually bombarded by some kind of message at least once a week. One is half way across the country and the other nearby, but thanks to the electronic and digital age I can communicate quickly. So, there are advantages of this age, but it comes with responsibility to see that we don't lose touch with true feelings and emotion that is present when we verbally communicate. Make sure you reach out and stay in touch with your kids, but try the old fashioned way of walking, driving and sharing time and conversation together. It will lift you in a way that no electronic device can...shocking isn't it!
When was the last time you talked face to face with your kids? Have a story you would like to share....unloaded it here for all to share

A Wonderful Message

> The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
> shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
>
> We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.We have
> bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We
> have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more
> experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
>
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too
> little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired,
> read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.We have multiplied our
> possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
> hate too often.
>
> We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added
years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and
> back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered
> outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
>
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom,
> but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but
> accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to
> hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less
> and less.
>
> These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
> two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days
> of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands,
> overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to
> kill.
>
> It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the
stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time
> when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
>
> Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going
> to be around forever.
>
> Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because
> that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
>
>
> Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
> only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
>
> Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
> but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
> from deep inside of you.
>
> Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will
> not be there again.
>
> Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious
> thoughts in your mind.
>
> AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
> Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
> that take our breath away.
>
> George Carlin
>
> Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and
> 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
>
>

Disposable society

Growing up with a dad from the depression era is truly a blessed event. My dad could, and still does, fix anything. Automotive, electrical, plumbing, construction, gadgets, whatever. In his day and age you fixed again and again until it was worn out, then you used those parts to fix other things. It was the same with clothes. You patched, darned and sewed until it was proper to wear. The skills that our "greatest generation" have are dwindling. We are prone to throw out instead of repair. Why? It is easier to replace instead of repair, and more cost effective in a lot of situations. Computer, video and electronic repair is staggering in cost. The systems are so complex you would have to have degree to know how to fix them. This all has consequence that are far beyond the simple money issues. What about our bulging land fills? Are we really greening the future when we dispose instead of recycle. Learn at least where to take old equipment for recycling. Better yet, learn how to fix things. Find a skilled friend that will teach you a new skill in home or automotive repairs. You will find that when you do start taking a part in this movement you will find more "disposable" income at your fingertips, to invest in your future. So, my dad attempted to teach me a thing or two...some caught on, some skipped a generation to my children. I am reaping the benefits now. What skill was passed on to you? Tell us your story.

Who would'a thunk....

...that at 57 I would be working as a graphic designer for the local newspaper...not me. I had even been a paperboy. I had different aspirations growing up, from working in zoology, architecture, teaching history, to being a restaurant owner. The US government threw me a loop in October of 1972... I was drafted, joined the USAF the next day and shipped out to San Antonio on Dec. 7th. My day of infamy. It changed my whole life...I really had no idea what I was going to do with my life when I graduated...well, an idea...but how was a big factor. This way I had a few years to figure it out and get paid for school on the old GI Bill when I got out, if that was my decision...and almost 4 years later it was...now what? 1976....lot going on...school in 77...so what does this have to do with anything....do not let circumstances dictate who or what you will become... Make a plan now...most LDS young men know that at 19 they will serve a mission for Jesus Christ. So, do you have any idea what happens after that? School, marriage, family, career of making ends meet and finding happiness at the same time.....try to look at the future and envision your life...make the happiness available, have a career that will provide a living for your family comfortably and able to have time to spend with them. So look at what you really enjoy in life now...build upon it, make your dreams happen and don't let others control your destiny. As for me, I do love what I do...nothing like working in a creative advertising atmosphere and making a living at it. I am truly blessed, and circumstances that were beyond my control had a lot to do with it, up to a certain point.... So get it in gear! Living your "dream"? Tell us your story...

TIME is so precious...how is yours spent?

One of our most touching books is called: To A Child Love Is Spelled...T-I-M-E.

TIME IS THE RAW MATERIAL of your relationship with your child and must be guarded at all costs. It's true what they say: a bucket with a hole in it gets just as empty as a bucket that is deliberately kicked over. Life will shout a thousand demands to take you away from time spent with your child. If you permit the urgent to rule, you will lose time you can never recover.

What happens in the changing life of your child today will never be repeated. All the gold in the world cannot buy back either the little delights of the day or the big pleasures that happen without announcement or a plan. You simply have to be there.

Today, I'd like to share the introduction that was written by Lance. Here's a warning: Once you read it, you'll never forget it! It can grab your heart and not let go!



The Introduction from

To a Child, Love is Spelled T-I-M-E
by Mac Anderson and Lance Wubbels

In the faint light of the attic, an old man, tall and stooped, bent his great frame and made his way to a stack of boxes that sat near one of the little half-windows. Brushing aside a wisp of cobwebs, he tilted the top box toward the light and began to carefully lift out one old photograph album after another. Eyes once bright but now dim searched longingly for the source that had drawn him here.

It began with the fond recollection of the love of his life, long gone, and somewhere in these albums was a photo of her he hoped to rediscover.

Silent as a mouse, he patiently opened the long-buried treasures and soon was lost in a sea of memories. Although his world had not stopped spinning when his wife left it, the past was more alive in his heart than his present aloneness.

Setting aside one of the dusty albums, he pulled from the box what appeared to be a journal from his grown son's childhood. He could not recall ever having seen it before, or that his son had ever kept a journal.

Why did Elizabeth always save the children's old junk? he wondered, shaking his white head.

Opening the yellowed pages, he glanced over a short entry, and his lips curved in an unconscious smile. Even his eyes brightened as he read the words that spoke clear and sweet to his soul.

It was the voice of the little boy who had grown up far too fast in this very house, and whose voice had grown fainter and fainter over the years. In the utter silence of the attic, the words of a guileless six-year-old worked their magic and carried the old man back to a time almost totally forgotten.

Entry after entry stirred a sentimental hunger in his heart like the longing a gardener feels in the winter for the fragrance of spring flowers. But it was accompanied by the painful memory that his son's simple recollections of those days were far different from his own. But how different?

Reminded that he had kept a daily journal of his business activities over the years, he closed his son's journal and turned to leave, having forgotten the cherished photo that originally triggered his search.

Hunched over to keep from bumping his head on the rafters, the old man stepped to the wooden stairway and made his descent, then headed down a carpeted stairway that led to the den.

Opening a glass cabinet door, he reached in and pulled out an old business journal. Turning, he sat down at his desk and placed the two journals beside each other.

His was leather bound and engraved neatly with his name in gold, while his son's was tattered and the name "Jimmy" had been nearly scuffed from its surface. He ran a long skinny finger over the letters, as though he could restore what had been worn away with time and use.

As he opened his journal, the old man's eyes fell upon an inscription that stood out because it was so brief in comparison to other days. In his own neat handwriting were these words:

Wasted the whole day fishing with Jimmy. Didn't catch a thing.

With a deep sigh and a shaking hand, he took Jimmy's journal and found the boy's entry for the same day, June 4. Large scrawling letters pressed deeply in the paper read:

Went fishing with my dad. Best day of my life.

Will the one of best day's of your children's life be yours? What are some of your "best days" experiences with your parents? Please share and bring a smile to all that read and rekindled that spark.