"Swing on monkey bars" - Fujiya & Miyagi

*This post is dedicated to my Pops.

This is us at my graduation, which is also the most recent picture I have of The Man.

So when I graduated from BYU, my parents blessed me with a new (used) computer, a Sony laptop. However, when Paul came home from his mission, he too needed a computer. Being the genius I am, I convinced my parents they should give me their brand new 24" iMac (which they never used anyway and which holds way more music than that laptop--speaking of which, check out this song and it's freaking sweet video), and I could give Paul my laptop, so they could save some money. This little scheme took almost a full year to accomplish, but alas, here I am typing away on my iMac.

As I was perusing the few files that my parents actually saved on here, I came across a really cool one: my dad's scripture journal from one of his scripture studies. Months later I am finally getting around to reading it. I was so impressed with my dad's testimony! He was called about a year ago into the Louisville Temple Presidency, and here are some of his thoughts that he titled, "What I've Learned From My New Calling."

"What Have I Learned in My New Calling?
Things I have learned previously, intellectually.
Now the Spirit has taught me with a different perspective.

The thoughts of my calling are reflected in the personal love, trust and confidence I feel from our Savior as I attend and serve in the House of The Lord. There are many more brethren in this stake who could be in my place in this calling. What I have come to realize is that the Lord has given me a learning experience that I need to help me progress. I can honestly say I am learning more about my weaknesses and my need to be more obedient. I am learning how the Lord knows each one of us and knows how best each calling helps us grow stronger and closer to Him. I wish I could have appreciated it more when I was called to be the primary teacher, the elders quorum counselor or any other myriad of callings I have had in my past. Even though I have been told that before, and I knew it intellectually before, the Spirit has driven the point home into my heart.

It is also amazing how much it costs to run a Temple. I do not mean the monetary cost alone. But I marvel at the sacrifice made by the ordinance workers and office staff that often drive for hours to serve in the temple each day. I am amazed at the volunteers, with large growing families, who clean, garden and maintain the building on their spare time. This could be interpreted as a marvelous work and a wonder! Whether the work is done for those on this side of the veil or the other, the Lord does not differentiate between His children.


As a Temple Presidency as well as the temple ordinance workers, we are taught to ensure everyone has a spiritual experience every time they come to the Temple. We treat everyone as if they are doing their best when performing the ordinances. Everyone who enters the temple should feel the same way. We need to take these principles and apply them outside the Temple. Think what the world would be like if we treated everyone outside the walls of the temple as if everything they did was their best. We would not be as judgmental, nor as quick to condemn. If we could look upon others and respect and love others as we do outside of the temple as we do inside the temple, think of how great the world would be. "

There is more, but it may be too personal. I am so grateful for good, intelligent parents who didn't give in when I tried to get away with being stupid. My dad and mom are great examples of what it means to have faith, and I can't express in words how invaluable those examples have been for me to rely on in times of self doubt. I tell you, the longer I work with my kids in state's custody, the more I am scared to be a parent.

So thanks mom and dad, for not screwing up.
And I know you're reading this, you're not fooling anyone.