Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Tagged

First, an acknowledgment. I realize this is my second post today. This is two more posts than I typically write in a week. Who knows, perhaps a trend is developing.

Jill tagged me back in September, after having been tagged by friends and family to share a little info about herself. Thought I should finally respond.


4 Jobs I've Had
Construction Worker
Glass Intaller
Portuguese Teacher
Financial Consultant

4 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over Again
Any of the films in the Bourne Trilogy
Any of the films in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Most of the Abbot and Costello Films
Waking Ned Devine

4 Places I Have Lived
West Jordan, Utah
Hackettstown, New Jersey
Jacksonville, Florida
Iguacu Falls, Brazil

4 Favorite Places to Visit
Anywhere with family
The Rocky Mountains
London
Italy & Germany (would like to someday)

4 Favorite Desserts
Ice Cream
Trifle
Chocolate Mint Cake
Texas Sheet Cake

4 Favorite Dinners
Beef Stroganoff
10 oz. medium well filet with crab or shrimp
Hamburger Soup
Beef Enchiladas - homemade

4 Websites I Visit Daily
childsplayground.blogspot.com
www.forceprotection.net
CNN.com
LDS.org

4 Hobbies
Tennis
Reading
Writing
Traveling

Times and Seasons

The other day I watched a press conference held at the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen were bringing the media up to speed on various DoD programs and developments related to the war in Iraq and other operations throughout the world. The camera would pan from the reporters to Gates and Mullen. Whomever was speaking was identified by a title block at the bottom of the screen. I realized as things progressed that I had personally worked with the majority of the press reps in the room - correspondents from NBC, ABC, Fox, CNN as well as the print and radio folks - Associated Press, Defense News, National Public Radio.

Four years ago, I hadn't even the slightest inkling that my profession would involve working heavily with the press. My understanding and respect for the motivations, processes, and roles of both have increased exponentially. A report that takes all of 30 seconds of airtime during the evening news typically involves several months of behind-the-scenes pitching and persistence, planning and persistence, coordination and persistence, patience and persistence, and persistence. Then, overarching this massive effort is the elusive and usually uncontrollable tipping point of "timing," that mysterious trifecta when the public interest and subsequent media focus is actually inclined toward your product and message. When that perfect storm hits, the floodgates open, and it is a great ride.

Through close personal friends and business associates, I have also come to have a much greater appreciation and understanding of the men and women of the military, and the military itself as an organization. The role they play in safeguarding our national security and being a responsible neighbor in the global community is remarkable. No one individual or organization makes perfect decisions, but I know that there are legions of people who care deeply about this country and who are willing to lay everything on the line to support and defend it. I have seen reports from Iraq that stand as poignant, powerful evidence of this. I have spoken to Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Guardsmen and felt their commitment, dedication, and resolve firsthand. I express the utmost respect and admiration for these noble souls and gratitude for their willing sacrifices.

I have a sense that I'll look back on these experiences and the early years of my career and realize better than I now do the substance and significance of the work in which I have been engaged. None of this is intended to be boastful, only reflective of how sometimes the most remarkable events of life come not as the result of specific, conscious planning. Rather, there are times and seasons leading to experiences that are the result of trying to do what is right for the right reasons, and having faith that in seeking to do good, a beautiful life will unfold in a way that works together for your best good.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

I feel deeply grateful and energized in contemplating the recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that took place a week ago. This two-day conference for members of the LDS church throughout the world and all who wish to participate gives a precious opportunity to gather and listen to the teachings and counsel of living prophets and apostles of God.

I am grateful that our Heavenly Father has allowed the fulness of His gospel to be restored to the earth, and that the same organization that existed during Christ's earthly ministry is on the earth today. I am grateful that my family and I don't have to have doubt and fear in darkness, but rather know that men are called and given authority to teach eternal truths that help us understand the quintessential questions of life: Where do I come from?; Why I am here?; and, Where I am going?

In equal measure, I am grateful to have heard the powerful testimonies of the leaders of the Church concerning Jesus Christ, and His role as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. I am grateful to know and to understand that the two barriers that keep us from returning to the presence of Heavenly Father when this life is through, those of sin and death, are overcome through the atoning sacrifice of Christ and our faithfulness in keeping His commandments and taking upon us His holy name.

I am grateful for the brightness of hope, the catalyst for joy, and the inspiration to move forward in faith that my knowledge and testimony of these truths provides. I am grateful that Father sends the Holy Ghost to reaffirm these truths and to give guidance, peace, and direction and keep me and my family (as we listen and obey) moving in the right direction.

I am grateful for the abundance of evidence of God's love in my life and in the lives of my family and friends. I know that He loves His children, and invites them to approach Him in prayer and share the feelings of their hearts with Him and work out the concerns and hopes and challenges and joys of life with Him. As God's prophet in our day, President Gordon B. Hinckley, has taught, I am grateful for the wonderful and humbling opportunity and invitation to develop a kinship with my Heavenly Father.

I am grateful that the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the only true and living Church on the earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that God lives. I know that His Son, Jesus Christ, was the only perfect Man to walk the earth and that it is by and through His merits, mercy, and grace that I may be cleansed from sin and be given eternal life with my family. I know that this is real and true through the confirmation received from the Holy Ghost, and I know that every person on this earth can receive this same confirmation.

I am grateful for the Lord's apostles today who have reiterated that members of the LDS Church are Christian in every way. We worship Christ as our Savior and Redeemer and perfect Exemplar. We talk of Him, we worship Him, we emulate Him, we testify of Him, we teach our children of Him, and we know that it is only under His name that we may be saved.

I am grateful for my precious family - my sweetheart, little prince, and the new baby and rejoice in the knowledge that death will not end our relationships, but that through God's Plan of Salvation and the central role of Jesus Christ in that plan, I can enjoy and be in their presence forever.

I am energized to stand taller and to know that I can improve and be a better man, husband, father, son, brother, servant, friend and neighbor because of what I have heard and what I have felt during General Conference. I am grateful that I can read, watch, and listen to the addresses of the men and women who lead the affairs of the Church throughout the world and renew the inspiration and influx of energy to do my part in contributing to the work of the Lord in my home and among those with whom I associate.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

The Knife Thrower

I was in a meeting not long ago when my employer told me about a conversation he'd had with a client we service. He said that he told this client to (figuratively speaking) throw as many knives as possible as quickly as possible at me - and that I would be able to catch each one. This had an unexpectedly profound effect on me.

In a more recent meeting, disbelief was expressed when it was discovered that a group of 14 and 15-year-olds did not have a clear orientation or vision as to what they wanted to do with their lives or what they wanted to be when they "grew up."

Stringing together these two seemingly unrelated observations, I have thought both consciously and subconsciously about the direction of my life. Do I really know what I "want to be"? I am heavily engaged in my professional obligations, a host of extracurricular activities, and Church responsibilities. For the most part, I enjoy and feel confident in what I do. Do I know for sure that I will always do what I am currently doing? Do I know exactly where I will be in five years, in ten? I don't think so.

I do know that, sooner than later, I want to become the knife thrower.

I also know that, as I put Ryan to bed tonight, one thing is sure and will always be so. What will define me is my role as a father to my precious son and the new baby, and as a husband companion to my beautiful wife.

And you know what? Really, that's all I need to know.