Rain

The body is an amazing instrument. Usually the expansive repertoire of bodily generated noises is first fully explored at camp in some fashion or another. Not all are uplifting, not all worth sharing, yet some have an enduring and lasting quality to them. One such noise generator is that of rain. The attached clip of a choir creating rain is better than I ever did at camp but hey, I never recorded mine, who actually knows how it would compare.

Minnesota

Some Blog postings are exquisitely written and tryuly cover a meaningful subject in an inclusive way. This is one - link here.

Guess Who

Our favorite visitor dropped in for a few days.
WooHoo!!!!

Conference Week-end

Conference week end in Salt Lake City is a most singular event. Thousand descend on the Conference Center for the bi-annual gathering seeking guidance, direction, and inspiration. With Brigham & Evan we were able to attend Saturday morning and Saturday night’s sessions in the Center. Like any event center type activity people were looking for seats with their signs hoping to gain admission, the difference being no cash is exchanged. The themes I identified which most resonated with me were: Loving our god, families and neighbors in a meaningful and significant way coupled with the flip side of avoiding anger and contention; following the spirit in all things particularly the need to be independently in tune in our rapid pace, rapidly changing world.; and recognizing the reality of God..

Going to the priesthood session Saturday night and to dinner afterward was a delight. Though I enjoyed the additions of Oliver and Ben; I dearly missed Blair, Parker and my own dear Dad.

Hospitality

Props to John and TJ – Oliver and Kristin not only for the food and beds they shared with me but for their ongoing hospitality and safe harbors they offer to my boys while in Utah.

In-Laws

You often hear the lament of in-laws, of this, that, or the other thing that acts as a barrier of meaningful relationships between families that become involved with each other through marriage. I had the opportunity of visiting with my mother-in-law, brother-in-law, his wife and kids and was reminded how fortunate I have been indeed in that regard – they are great people. In them I see attributes they commonly share with Rindy, and I see how she became the incredible woman, wife, friend, and mother that she is. I shared several uninterrupted hours with Bettie, as she shared stories of growing up in the Blair family in Ogden, about her parents her siblings Marion, Bob, Ed, Seth Karen, & Margaret. And then of college at Weber State, working at Lockheed in southern California and joining the Waves during WWII; of her career at the registrar’s office at Weber and more. What a determined, talented, intelligent, gifted & congenial woman – no surprise Rindy shares those attributes.

Later that night I chatted and visited with John and TJ and as I reflect back on the stories told in context of my years of knowing them I note that they are among the kindest, most accepting, sacrificing giving people I know. They can truly be measured as showing their love not only in their talk but in their walk. Again a shared attribute with Rindy.

Indeed, I am fortunate that not only do I like my in-laws but I am grateful to them for whom and what they are and how they show up. Interestingly enough I see the same blessing in Blair’s life. He has great in-laws that made for a great daughter – his wife – and our daughter in law. In-laws; it’s a good thing.

Mission du Quebec

In each person’s life several defining activities or events are foundational to all others. One of mine has been and is my two-year service as a missionary for the Church in Quebec Canada. A clear output was my grounding in the gospel of Jesus Christ and all that entails regarding my orientation, doctrinal alignment, focus, and values. Equally transparent are the learnings in discipline, commitment, hard work in challenging times, and relationship building. Perhaps less obvious experiences from the mission taught me: how to be a good partner to my spouse, how to lead effective, how to be an effective follower, how to work with youth, how to focus my studies and more.

Interestingly Friday I had lunch with two mission friends, one of whom I had not seen in decades. As the memories came flooding back, and as we shared the ebb and flow of the passing years I was once again reminded of how strong a link is forged with those with whom you share a spiritual bond. Physical and intellectual friendship can osculate with time but a spiritual bond deepens even when left unattended for a time. I relish my mission: all that it taught me, all that it made of me, and all those who helped me become. It truly is one of those seminal events.



Afterward had the opportunity to attend the Bountiful Temple. A beautiful temple, an incredibly beautiful celestial room. But lacking the intimacy of Chicago or St Paul.

Google

i had the opportunity to travel to California for a Google conference. it was well worth the effort to enjoy learning more on the economy, their tools,and analytics,clearly the best presenter was Avinash Kaushik who has both an unique style and view on analytics. His first rule being a classic "don't stink" that's a good rule; more of this on my other blog.

Watertown Drop-by

and so from a quick trip to Minnesota we made a quick trip to meet Dean Evan and visit his sister and parents - the photos are the essay

A FEW MORE