It seems quiet here with everyone gone ... so, I went to work, bishopric meeting, and went on a short walk ... http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/06/115.html

Y'all come back soon now :)

Memorial Day - We Shall Never Forget

Thank you to my friend and former college roommate Craig Oakford for posting this reflective memorial.  It is certainly worth the six minutes of pondering of the collective sacrifices that have been made by so many to give us what we enjoy today.

http://oakford.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/remembering-4/




It was a wonderful day with grandchildren, nephews, niece, and more!  Willyne's brisket, potato salad, special beans, double frosting German chocolate cake, and lemonade didn't hurt either.  I enjoyed my nap outside.  I got lots of grandchild hugs.  It was a great day.

By evening, just Doug Jr was left with Willyne and I.  We watched the movie "The Queen" together which we enjoyed, and then I finished my day with my friend Terreeeblay ... http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/114.html

Thanks to you all!

There Are Fig Trees In La Verkin

For those of you who were in Gospel Doctrine class with the tortoise as guest instructor today, you know we had a good discussion of several parables taught by Jesus about the importance of avoiding hypocrisy and doing the right things for the right reasons ...

One of those parables was that of the fig tree (see Matt 21:17-22).  I have always felt this was a great example of faith, and the power of the Lord.  In preparing for the lesson, I came to realize the fig tree was also a symbol of hypocrisy ... it gave the appearance of looking lush, full of leaves, and presumably fruit ... but in this case, no fruit.  I had always thought of fig trees more as bushes, and was impressed by the pictures of large, lush fig trees that Jesus saw and referred to in the Holy Land.

I thought others in the class would be impressed too ... well, we got temporarily diverted into a horticulture discussion and I learned much more about fig trees in La Verkin.  Thanks for putting up with me everyone.  I do believe it all ended well ... :)

28 May 11

Picture of the day!

Riley livin' the dream!

The weekly Series 3 walk will be Monday, find out why (and about the walk I did take today) at http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/113.html

A "Dad is Great" T-Shirt Day

When You Don't Know What To Say ... Jesus Knows


Here are a few thoughts I had this morning as I read Matthew 22:15-46
 
http://ibelieve-dougbeecher.blogspot.com/2011/05/when-you-dont-know-what-to-say-jesus.html

We also had a tortoise weigh-in tonight, if you're curious, the details are at http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/112.html

I also wore my "Dad is Great" t-shirt in the inaugural trip down our new slide this evening.  It is a fast ride, as you can see ...

26 May 11

Today in the "I Believe" blog we have "The Stone".  http://ibelieve-dougbeecher.blogspot.com/2011/05/stone.html

We also have day 27 of series 2B with our dear friend Terreeeblay. http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/111.html

25 May 11

My walk tonight was with Terreeeblay, shorter with more climbing:  http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/110.html

My thought for today is from Matthew 21:1-11 ... http://ibelieve-dougbeecher.blogspot.com/2011/05/triumphal-entry.html

The tortoise is smiling!

A Discussion I Hope You'll Have With Me

Would You Like To Help Me?


I was asked a couple days ago to substitute teach in the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School this coming week on the topic "Woe unto you ... Hypocrites". The scriptures referred to in this lesson include:

John 12:1-8, 12:12-18
Matt 21:1-11, 21:23-46, 22:15-46, 23, 26:6-13
Mark 11-12, 14:3-9
Luke 11:37-51, 19:29-48, 20

The teacher's helps for the lesson encouraging reading each passage at least three times. It encourages: "The first time, read it [each passage] to comprehend what the passages contain. Then study it more carefully, looking for principles, doctrines, and significant events. Then read it again, determining which passages will best meet class members' needs and planning ways to discuss those passages.

I hope to write my notes as I do this here, sharing them with you. Will you help me by reading, pondering, and praying about them too, then sharing insights you receive as a comment here (http://ibelieve-dougbeecher.blogspot.com/2011/05/would-you-like-to-help-me.html)?  I have one to share now as a start if you do...

I also have notes from today's walk at http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/109.html.

Hills, Roadrunner, Sweet Vidalias, and Alaska Highway Memories -- Exciting Times!

Hills and Roadrunner

I took Willyne's Denali over to Roadrunner this morning and took the hilly way home ... you can read about it by clicking on http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/108.html

Priorities and Onion Peeling

I deeply love my wife Willyne. I have been married to her for thirty-three years. Her smile that captivated me when I met her is a window into her soul. As time passes, I become more and more appreciative of the depth and many layers of the goodness that her outer smile reflects.

One of the things that I admire about her is her urgent desire to truly follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. To do this, she studies, she prays, and she tries to live each day according to the principles He taught and that she learns through her study and prayers. She will be the first person to tell you she is not perfect. As she gradually gets closer to the Lord through reading the words of apostles and prophets, through prayer, and by striving to live consistently with that, she becomes more aware of things she could have done better and more desirous to make amends with anyone she might have offended.

In a way she is on a journey that might be compared to peeling an onion. It would have to be a sweet Vidalia onion to have any merit as a comparison.  If you'd like to find out why, click on
http://tinyurl.com/3fx7vxu to keep reading about it.

Alaska Highway Memories

I came home and started preparing for a 10 am appointment at the office, when the phone rang and changed my day.  My client wanted to move our meeting to tomorrow.  I don't think it was five minutes later when it became evident that supplies we needed to keep the backyard project going were needed now, not a few days from now.  Willyne needed to be here to continue being orchestra conductor, cheerleader, creative thinker, problem solver, and serious multitasker.  Seeing what was at hand, I volunteered to go to St. George to get a load of building supplies.

My plan was to rent a truck from Lowe's for $19 and drive the supplies back to the house.  But ... much of the trex boards are 16 feet long.  Even with the trunk down, the boards would stick out 5 inches longer than the law permits.  Lowe's truck became unavailable.  I have to think on my feet at this point.  If I don't come up with a solution I have to wait several days for them to deliver ... while I have workers at my house now.

The solution (drumroll) ...

A 26 foot U-Haul truck.  Yes, they have a 17 foot model, but that includes 3 feet of "Mama's Attic" overhang space so the actual truck bed is 14 feet ... not long enough for 16 foot boards.

It made me think of the Alaska Highway.  Even on that adventure, the truck was "only" 24 feet long.  But, just think, at least they have automatic transmissions now ...

It was a long, good, exciting day.  And now, I'm going to rest.  I tell Willyne every day that I don't know how she does it!!!

The Secret to Being In A Good Mood When You Go To The Dentist

I had a great day.  Even sitting in the dentist's chair, yes, it was a pain while I was there, but Hugh did a good job and made the 1 1/2 hours not seem that long.  Now that's a good trick.

I also was blessed to go to the temple this afternoon ... now you see why I was in such a good mood when I got to the dentist. It didn't hurt getting to see Willyne before and after the temple -- she was right across the street at the family history library and I couldn't resist ...   Plus I read Elder Packer and Elder Nelson's talks from the Saturday afternoon session of last month's general conference.  They were both very good, and Elder Nelson's touched a nerve of something I've been pondering for awhile, so I commented on it at http://ibelieve-dougbeecher.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-do-we-need-such-resilient-faith.html.  Josh has already added an insightful comment to that article, be sure to scroll down and see that too.

And ... you can read about today's walk at http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/105.html

I'm smiling tonight!

18 May 11 (Habits Are Strong Things)

We've had eleven years to get used to having numbers for years that are usually smaller than the numbers for days in a date ... but I had forty-seven years to get used to it the other way, so it still feels a little strange.  What was I thinking? that this would be year 111?

Our church came out with its "new" hymn book in 1985.  I still hear the name of the song we are going to sing and instinctively head for its page number in the "old" book, until I either hear the page number I'm supposed to go to, happen to look up at the number at the front of the chapel, ... or get there and have an "aha" moment.

Yesterday, I was headed to St. George and had 3 errands to run on three corners of the same intersection in Hurricane before getting on the highway.  I passed the turn to the first one, because I am so used to the path to the second one that I went directly there.  I realized what I had done at the signal light.  At that point I decided the best course was to make the order 2, 3, 1.

OK.  So I did 2 and 3 and was back at the signal light headed to do 1.  When I got to the turn, I now instinctively drove back towards my office, from which I had started this adventure.  I was two doors from my office and a block past my turn when I realized what I had done.  U turn time.

Yes, I did make the intended turn once thing 1 (with apologies to my dear friend Dr. Seuss) was done, and successfully made it on to the highway, to St. George, and back.

I can hear Benjamin say I'm old now.  OK, I admit it.  I have reached the point in life where I know more people younger than me than those older than me.  I guess that means something.

It means that habits are strong things, and the famous sign at the IBM offices with one word in very large letters "THINK" is an important reminder to me.  But I was also reading in the BYU Today magazine today, and saw a wonderful picture of a beaming 90 year old Marjorie Hinckley receiving a honorary doctorate of humane letters from President Bateman in 2000.  There is much remaining to do, and I'm excited to do it, one tortoise step after another.

Is there anyone younger than me out there that will admit to doing crazy things out of force of habit ... ? 

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PS - Terreeeblay helped me stay energetic tonight, check out http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/104.html

17 May 11

I enjoyed my day.  I walked (see http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/103.html), worked, took minutes at Bishopric meeting, and read some General Conference talks from the Saturday morning session.  I read one while eating breakfast, another at lunch, listened to one while driving, and read two while visiting with Terreeeblay.  It is very nice each way.  Yes, it makes the time pass quicker with Terreeeblay, and yes, I still feel the spirit as I read on the treadmill.

By the way, am I the only one who sweats much more walking the same distance, speed, and time on the treadmill as I do outside?

Hope your day was good too!

I'm Feeling Good

I've been reading in the Book of Mormon while primarily focusing on the New Testament this year.  As I have been reading in Alma 32-33 recently, and looking at the Institute manual as well, I have had some thoughts that blessed me that I thought might bless you as well.  Click here to read them:

http://ibelieve-dougbeecher.blogspot.com/2011/05/sweet-random-thoughts-on-faith.html

Reading this made me feel good, and so did this walk:  http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/102.html

Happy 30th birthday, Darin!

A Shoutout to Patton's Army

Please help my friend Ellen Patton & her army as they bike for 3 year old Keith in the 17th Annual Boston Brain Tumor Ride.  You can read more and see pictures as well at:  http://tinyurl.com/3n8axn3.  Her blog is a good read (not to mention eye candy if you enjoy photography as an artistic impression of a well lived life).

Mostly this was a work day.  Saturdays are the day I try to get lots done in the quiet.  I have come to really cherish quiet times to diligently get a lot done ... there just aren't enough of them!

I got a walk in this morning.  Tried to pick a place with as little vegetation as possible to reduce the allergy impact this time of year.  I think I did OK.  A description and a picture I took along the way await you if you visit Terreeeblay by clicking on http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/101.html.

The walk helped -- I was more alert and energetic after that as I attacked the piles of paper at my desk.  Willyne, Sarah, and Rachel will all be glad to know that I have preserved my cherished piece of visible desk for over a month now :)

13 May 11

Some thoughts for today ...

"God..imparteth his word..unto men..women also..little children..have words given unto them..which confound the wise&..learned."Alma 32:22-3  (I enjoyed reading this today for several reasons, among them the reference to women and little children in addition to men.  I believe the prophets thought that was so obvious they didn't repeat it very frequently)




"It seems odd to me that so many Liberals (including our president) oppose the concept of American Exceptionalism." - Janie Johnson.  (Remember my discussion of oxymorons a few days ago?  Liberals often prefer to be labelled "Progressives".  Seems to me that to be progressive you would want people to be exceptional and to have the opportunities available to do it.  So the question could be put ... you wish to be called progressive, please define what being progressive is to you ...)

Today is Friday the 13th.  As a "glass half full - passionately smiling tortoise" I've always thought this was a lucky day, and when Benjamin came along 28 years ago on Friday the 13th, that reinforced the thought!  So my walk was dedicated to him today, read about it at http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/100.html

Happy Graduation and Birthday to Danielle

Here's some pictures of our great day together!











 

And if you'd like even more pictures, the Terreeeblay blog has them today too!  (Unbelievable I know ... you'd better take a look at my tribute to the St George Ironman today. A 2 mile scenic walk up the La Verkin Overlook trail. See pictures at http://tinyurl.com/442cbm3)

Doug's Graduation

It's interesting to me how the unexpected has a way of happening.  I reserved this day on my calendar a couple months ago, thinking I would be at SUU watching Danielle graduate.  Doug had already opted not to walk at the last graduation ceremony, and has his degree framed and on his wall.  So I didn't think there would be a scheduling conflict.

Dinner with Mom

Willyne and I took my mother out for dinner tonight to kick off Mother's Day weekend, here's a few pictures!

It's What We Agreed To Do!

My post today is primarily in other blogs, please click on the links and enjoy!

I Believe:

And Make The Best Of It  (http://tinyurl.com/6zm89k7)

It's What We Agreed To Do!

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Terreeeblay's Tales: http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/93.html

The Smile That Won My Heart

S

... just keeps getting better and better every year. 

Happy anniversary, sweeetheart, thanks for sharing your heart with mine!           

                                          

PS - Terreeeblay is back ... http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/92.html

Back to Work

I was able to make it through half my phone messages when I got back today, hopefully I'll do the rest tomorrow.  Today's bright spot?  Walking with Willyne!

http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/91.html

A Touching Visit With Carl Bloch

I am a glass half full kind of person, so I will focus my comments on this eventful day on a wonderful experience I shared with Willyne and her mother Floryne on our way home from Dillon's eagle court of honor and Braden's ordination yesterday.

We had reserved tickets at 10 am to the Carl Bloch exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art.

No pictures were allowed inside, so I will describe the experience by showing this picture of us outside, and by saying how deeply touched I was with the level of detail and feeling that is evident in these Brother Bloch's work.  No, he wasn't a member of my church.  But that seems the most appropriate title for him, Brother Bloch.  One example was his painting of the mother at dawn's early light, still at the bedside of her daughter grieving her loss the night before.  Christ is walking in the room, about to perform a wonderful miracle.  The mother has no idea what is about to happen.  You feel like you are experiencing it with her. 

Every painting was like that.  When we walked out, I commented to Willyne and Floryne that I felt like I had just been to the temple.  The spirit there was that strong.

If you would like to know more about Brother Bloch or about this exhibit, here is one place you might go:

http://carlbloch.byu.edu/

Another good thing has just happened.  Technically we just heard about it very late last night.  The reality of it is still sinking in today.  It certainly evokes a whole different set of feelings than those I just described.

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Osama Bin Laden is dead.  We still have many more terrorists to deal with, but this was a very important one.  In a very real way, it feels like it must have felt when World War II ended and there was some closure on the great loss at Pearl Harbor.  This time it was the great loss of 9-11. 

As you probably have heard me say, I was with Willyne and all of our children at the World Trade Center on July 5, 2001, just two months before 9-11.  We still feel the loss of the friends we made that day.  We have been back to what can only be described as the hole in the ground and in the heart of the city more than once since then.

It is certainly better that this one man is gone than the many more he would have wanted to harm.

I hope we continue to stop everyone who is allied with him.

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Doug, Josh, and Benjamin, you will be glad to know I continued walking -- see

 http://terreeeblay.blogspot.com/2011/05/90.html

Pictures of A Great Day With Thom, Braden, and Dillon

I was blessed to attend my nephew Dillon Despain's Eagle Court of Honor, held at his LDS ward building in Woods Cross, Utah.

Dillon with his table of pictures and certificates of everything he did to earn his Eagle Scout award

Dillon's brother Cody.  Have you ever heard "The Star Spangled Banner" on an electric guitar?

Dillon with his parents.  Pamela has mother's pins from eight sons!

Six of Dillon's brothers along with his parents, grandmother, and sister-in-law enjoy the moment!

Did I say Dillon plays the bugle?  You know I had to include that picture!

Kevin and Cody surprise Dillon and carry him to the Eagles' Nest (biggest one I have ever seen, by the way)

Enjoying Sunday dinner with the Despains.  Thanks Pamela and Phillip!

The happy  mother, grandmother, and aunt!

We attended sacrament meeting with Uncle Thom at the Arlington Hills Care Center Branch (part of the Salt Lake Emigration Stake).  We also participated in Braden's ordination as a Priest.  It was a great day!