My Time Matters

Sometimes, ecclesiastical boundaries need to change. That happened today and I am now part of a congregation that has a new bishop (LDS edition of what many see as a pastor). I won't be in this new congregation for very long, but I am grateful for the opportunities I will have in the next little while to do what I can to support it and be a good asset.

Great Customer Service

I really appreciate people who work customer service jobs, especially since I've had several such jobs before. Today, while shopping at a smaller store, the employees couldn't get a storage closet to open to show a few pieces of their merchandise to show for us. The workers had a very cheerful, positive outlook on it, and we all laughed about it. My experience at that shop was very positive and successful, mostly because of the employees there, even though the closet was still stuck closed when I left the shop.

I am grateful for good, personal, genuine customer service employees.

Nerdy Conversations

When a few old veterans chat about old war airplanes...

When a couple of millennials become giddy when they encounter a Charizard on Pokemon GO...

When a couple of men on Top Gear drone on about the wonders of an old V8 engine...

When a few co-workers talk about the use of the oxford comma...

In such times, I grin like a nerdy fool, because in such times, people are having a nerdy conversation. They are speaking in an accepted set of jargon and vernacular language about a topic they mutually love and appreciate and have expertise in. I appreciate witnessing and participating in such moments. I am grateful for nerdy conversations.

Cheap, Healthy Vending Machine Snacks

At BYU, and now at my workplace, there are vending machines with all kinds of food. I've been making a greater effort to eat healthy, and it turns out that my work has plenty of cheap, healthy snacks available. It also has a lot of candy and soda, but thank goodness those aren't the only options. I am grateful for cheap, healthy food in vending machines.

Hot Glue Gun

Have I never expressed gratitude for these things before? Well, I think they're great. Today, I got to apply hot glue to a stick to make it more like a wand (like from the Harry Potter world). The glue was the perfect material to pain over and create ideal wand handle texture. This is just one of the many wonderful applications possible with hot glue guns.

I Can Lift tables

A few managers at work were setting up a big party this afternoon, and they needed all the tables they could get...from the big room in the other side of the building. I was recruited, along with several other guys, to go up the stairs, grab heavy tables, go down the stairs, encounter more stairs, and drop them off in the party room. The party will happen tomorrow, and I'm excited for it. I'm glad I could help set things up.So today, I am grateful that I am able to help lift tables.

Efficient Supervisors

There is a lot of change going on in my life, but that is nothing new. I feel like I have been moving and changing ever since I finished high school. Some changes frustrate me at first, and others excite me. One positive change is happening at work in which the supervisors have started to show us employees that our jobs will change a little bit. The way we do things is going to change in order to be more efficient. I am excited for these particular changes, and I am grateful for my supervisors and the work they do to improve the work that the rest of us do.

Music That Makes Chores Therapeutic

If I have a nice playlist of music playing, I can enjoy just about any chore. Though I try to avoid laboring on the Sabbath day, there was some cleaning in my kitchen and in my room that needed to happen. When I worked on that during some free time, I put on some reverent music. I am grateful for the times I get to work with my hands while keeping my mind free to think and to ponder.

Home Firewords

I got to go to a fun party where the host family set off fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Fireworks were going off throughout the neighborhood as well, and it was all quite impressive (there was also this romantic couple being all cuddly, so fireworks were definitely going off there).

Professional fireworks shows are incredible, but home fireworks shows (where fireworks are legal) are special because it's a colorful adventure right at home with loved ones instead of something far off. I am grateful for the smaller home fireworks.

Cool Runnings!

I'm not a huge follower of sports, and there aren't many sports movies that I've really enjoyed or felt inspired by. One of those few is Cool Runnings. I enjoyed watching it tonight with friends, and appreciated for the umpteenth time all the jokes, quotable quotes, and overcome obstacles that lead to the triumphant ending. I am grateful for Cool Runnings and the inspiring story it gives.

An Honest, Respectful, Positive Paradigm

Today, I noticed that a friend posted something political on social media and that there were a bunch of comments on it. This friend responded to a strongly opposed commenter with an attitude of respect, honesty, and positivity. He frankly shared his opinion, and thanked his friends for sharing his. I replied to my friend's comment, thanking him for his refreshing approach. I am grateful for people who approach online dialogues with that sort of honest, positive, and respectful paradigm. I wish more people did that.

I've thought about what I write online. There have been many times when I wanted to say something about something, especially when I'm frustrated by someone else's words. Sometimes, I get into the habit of hating the haters, the naysayers, the ones who declare how awful or stupid something is. This feels so good in the moment but in the end...it still involves me being angry or hateful.

Sometimes I sit in front of my computer for many minutes, wondering what I could say in my blog for the day. Some days are harder than others because I've decided long ago to focus only on a positive perspective in this blog. But, I can always find something, and that's something. :)

As people around me continue to contend about politics, as well as the "correct" way to fully preserve our life and liberty, I continue my pursuit of happiness. :)

Help a Trainer Out

In the extraordinarily popular mobile app game, Pokemon GO, players can choose to join one of three teams: Team Valor (Red), Team Instinct (Yellow), and Team Mystic (Blue). I've heard some people engage in some "trash talk" against opposing teams. Although I've chosen one of those teams, I don't really care about this supposed rivalry (especially since there seems to be more supposed animosity between Red and Blue, with Yellow being less popular...don't ask me why...I have no idea).

Anyway, during a break at work, I found a rare pokemon and caught it. I showed my co-workers what I caught, and one of them (who is on an opposing team) was so excited to catch one too. She thanked me for pointing it out. I replied that I'm always happy to help a fellow pokemon trainer, even if they are on an opposing team. I'm always grateful to be able to help, even for silly fun things like this. :)

Free to Speak, Free to Respond

I worry about the country. I don't even know if I can say I'm more right wing or left wing (but I am a huuuge fan of The West Wing...Bartlett for President!). I get frustrated with all the negativity and foreboding I see and hear almost every day. But, I am grateful to live in a place where people feel free to speak their minds. Better yet, I am free to choose my response, if any.

So, here's my response to the things that frustrate me:

I seek truth.
I believe in goodness.
I am confident that both will win in the end.

Enjoying Reality

Sometimes, when things are boring, tiring, or generally unenjoyable, it's easy for me to retreat to daydreams, to escape to stories or music or memories that I find in my mind. But today, I am grateful for the times I didn't escape and focused on reality, because I made good progress while at work, and was spiritually fed at a casual gathering of church friends.

I am grateful that reality can be more fulfilling than daydreams.

Awake and Receptive, Despite All Odds

Last night, I went to a concert, and it took a few hours for me to get back to my apartment. After sleeping from 2:30am-8:30am, I was exhausted as I made my way to church. But, I tried to focus on the messages and lessons. I think it was a miracle I didn't actually fall asleep. Moreover, I felt enlightened and spiritually refreshed before I started to walk back to my place. Even with the late night, I was able to remain awake and receptive at church. I am grateful that I was able to get something out of my Sabbath day, against all odds.

Terrible Compliment

Are you familiar with the feeling of delivering a tremendously good pun at the right time? Well, after a friend nearly tripped on a power cord, I put in a "plug" for electrical cord safety. Another friend's response: "That is the worst pun I've ever heard!" 

It was the greatest compliment I have ever received in my pun exploits.

I am grateful for a terrible compliment. :)

Friends from DC Internships

Among the many things I'm grateful for from my DC experience is a great group of friends. I've had many intelligent conversations with them, and many great times. I got to wish one of those friends best of luck on his next step in life, and it was great to see him, and other friends, and chat for a while. I see these "DC friends" here and there, and I am always grateful for the times I do.

Better, More Positve Goodbyes

I had to say goodbye to someone today, because they were leaving my life. Well, I could run into them again, but we no longer see each other every day. Change and goodbyes have always been hard for me, but as I look forward to a promising future, I realize that such changes have become easier for me to accept. I used to cry, a lot, when I was a kid (I once cried when my parents sold our old couch, a bit embarrassing in retrospect.). Now, I can encounter such goodbye moments with gratitude, thanking the person for the goodness they've shared with me. I am grateful that goodbyes can be good.

P.S.--I also really appreciate the fact that "goodbye" comes from the phrase "God Be With Ye," which was written as "godbwye," and now we have "goodbye." How encouraging! How positive! How kind!

Getting to Work on Time

Sometimes, it's hard for me to get up as early as I need to in order to make it on the right bus to get to work. It still feels early for me, and I've had a few near-misses. But, I've been able to make it every day, in spite of it all. Plus, the buses have proven to be quite reliable. I am grateful that I have been able to get to work on time each day.

Budding Editor, Getting Better

I currently work in a team of a couple dozen editors, looking over hundreds of short articles every week. Because we go through a lot of material, we have an editing checklist to go through for each article, and each editor is reviewed each week on how well they implement that checklist.

After a few weeks at the job, I felt like I got the system figured out, but my weekly reviews seemed to show otherwise. I was not doing as well, or being as consistent, as I thought I was in my editing work. Though this got a bit frustrating, I was surrounded by friendly and encouraging co-workers.

This leads up to this week, when my most recent review saw noticeable improvement! I was happy to see that I was starting to make progress. Though I still have much to improve in my job as an editor, I am grateful to see that I am on the right track.

Pokemon GO

I might as well join most of my friends on the internet and get it over with: I am grateful for Pokemon GO. The concept of the game thrills me, and I find it exciting to walk around town on a bit of a treasure hunt, surrounded by several others captured in the same world. This is fantasy turned real.

Of course, I know some accidents and tragedies have happened in the past few days related to this game. But, I think most of what this game brings to the world is positive. Niantic Inc. has done a very good job so far, and they will continue to improve, just as we all continue to individually improve, if we so choose.

Well, that Geodude outside is tempting, but I'd better get to sleep. Another time, dude.

Proclamation Statement #29: "We Call Upon Responsible Citizens..."

"We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

I am grateful for what has been done in cities, states, and nations to help and protect families. I hope and pray that the family institution will continue to be essential for each of us.

P.S.--This is the final statement from The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Tomorrow, I will return to expressing gratitude for things I see and have each day.

Proclamation Statement #28: "Further, We Warn..."

"Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

If we don't have our families, what do we have left? We see so much in our nation and in our world that we'd like to fix, that we wish we could make right. Alas, such wide-sweeping issues exist in our circles of concern, to use some business-related terms, as opposed to our own circles of influence.

So, what can we do to help change the world for the better? We can try to change our individual worlds, our families, for the better. The statement above is saying that family organizations are essential to a good society, because--I believe--no government can truly match the powerful positive impact on an individual's life that a family can.

Proclamation Statement #27: "We Warn..."

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God."

As the Proclamation starts to wrap up, the authors issue some warning and council, including what is said in this statement. I am grateful for the belief that there is a life after death, and that everyone will see God again. Also, I believe each person will be held accountable for their actions and their character, based on their individual knowledge, abilities, and circumstances.

Proclamation Statement #26: "Extended Families"

"Extended families should lend support when needed."

Today's statement mentions extended family, and I am very grateful for my extended family. I am grateful for the time I can spend with them, as well as my other communications with them. This statement shows that no family unit exists in isolation. We all exist in a large family. Isn't it wonderful? :)

Proclamation Statement #25: "Individual Adaptation"

"Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation."

I am very grateful for this statement in the Proclamation. God understands our individual circumstances. This statement tells me that I should not feel pressured into trying to fit some "perfect" or "ideal" mold that I see in that Jones family over there that doesn't seem to have any problems.

Furthermore, it should be made clear that this statement is referring to the roles of mothers and fathers in the home. Previous statements have said that fathers should preside, provide, and protect, while mothers should nurture. This isn't always entirely possible, and in such situations, individual adaptation is needed.

Proclamation Statement #24: "Obligated...As Equal Partners"

"In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

I am so grateful for this statement, because it says that the father shouldn't only provide and protect, and the mother shouldn't only nurture. Both spouses are meant to work together, to help each other. I'm sure marriage is wonderful. The happiest married people I know have told me or shown me so. I have also heard that it takes a lot of work. It takes your whole self. In fact, it takes two whole selves, two people giving it their all, to make a marriage and family succeed. I believe this can only happen when the husband and the wife are considered equal, side-by-side, and completely complimentary parts of a whole family.

Proclamation Statement #23: "Mothers Are..."

"Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children."

In a world focused on gender equality (with all of its positive and negative effects), is motherhood worth the sacrifice of some career or other opportunities? I believe it is. I believe that sincere, caring, loving mothers are extraordinary. When it comes to the overall happiness and well-being, a nation full of good mothers is just as great, if not greater, than the influence of any government on the future of a people. I am grateful for mothers. I am grateful that humans are not just subject to forces of nature, but are profoundly affected by the nurture of mothers in the homes.

Proclamation Statement #22: "By Divine Design, Fathers Are..."

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."

In a world focused on gender equality (with all of its positive and negative effects), are fathers really necessary? I say yes! I know there are statistics out there about the positive impact fathers can have on children's lives. Also, fathers are still considered the traditional breadwinners of a home. But the best fathers I've seen (including my own) didn't just work hard to provide and protect, they also presided. I take this to mean that they cared deeply about the family, working with the mother to take the lead in the emotional, mental, and spiritual well being of the whole family.

True fathers truly deserve their own day (which we observed a few weeks ago). They deserve tremendous respect and love. I believe that I will be the best man I can be if I can be a wonderful husband and father for my future family. I am grateful that I have been surrounded by good examples of fatherhood for many years.

Proclamation Statement #21: "Established and Maintained on Principles"

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

This continues yesterday's statement about the universal principles that help families to be happy and successful. Today's statement is more specific. These principles encourage selflessness, a connection with God, a connection with something bigger than ourselves, and a balance of the whole self. Children and parents all benefit when guided by such principles, and I am grateful to see so many examples of such families.

Proclamation Statement #20: "Happiness in Family Life is Most likely to Be Achieved When..."

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."

I am grateful for the teachings of Jesus Christ. I believe His deeds, His words, and His sacrifice show each of us how to be the best human beings we can possibly be.

I would also like to point out that this Proclamation statement says "the teachings of Jesus Christ." It doesn't say you have to necessarily be a Christian. There are happy families all over the world, with many different world and religious views. The teachings of Jesus Christ are universal. They include principles we can all agree are good, including kindness, respect, compassion, humility, trust, service, hope, and love. Any family that follows such universal principles can be happy in any circumstances.