Dear Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,

The semester is over! AMEN! Always a wonderful feeling; I don’t think that exsuberation of childhood when the last day of school arrives ever leaves us. No matter how much we have enjoyed the year or semester in this case, there is a joy in being done with something. It can now serve as a building block to bigger and better things.

Interviewed with the University Library this week for their Government Publications position and I feel it went well. Interviews have never bothered me. I actually find them rather fun. There’s something about the challenge of establishing to an organization that you are a boon, a choice oppurtunity that they dare not pass on. I don’t think I have ever not gotten a job based on the interview and have gotten a few that I might not have otherwise gotten based on the interview.

The Christmas lights are beautiful with snow as a backdrop and in many cases a cover. I have spotted a couple of snow covered evergreens where the lights beamed through that looked like something out of a storybook or Christmas special. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year where the spirit of love and mercy abounds. On that note, before I forget, I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Love,

Steve

P.S. Here are some snow and Christmas decoration photos I think you’ll enjoy.

Dear Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,

The Holiday Season is upon us and with it has come frigid cold. I now know what it feels like to live in the frozen foods section of the grocery store. I kid. This time of year gets me to thinking about traditons, specifically those associated with Christmas. I have a few: I study scriptures of the Saviors birth and life in general, Watch Classic Holiday Movies and Television Specials, and many more. Last year I started a tradition of reading a Christmas Carol. I found a cool radio renditon of it on the internet by Orson Wells from the 30’s that I think I will listen to. There are a few others that I plan on trying this year. Like anything else, Christmas is what one makes it and makes it about. So many of the memories I hold dear are from Christmases’ Past. One of my favorites is putting Christmas lights each year.

The semester is almost over. It went by rather fast, but is dragging towards the end. Only one more to go though. Yeah for me. There is a lot to be said for not letting a dream die. I have an interview with Michener Library, with whom I am interning with and I think my chances are good that I will get a position. Right now a position at the University of Hawaii sounds so much better, but Colorado is beautiful as well, when warm. Maybe Cocoa is the solution to my woes.
I’ve written three poems in the last week. It has been a few years since I last wrote one but as of the other night I have had a rush of inspiration. The story: I literally woke up out of a dead sleep with lines running through my head. I wrote them down and couldn’t go back to sleep until I finished it. Inspiration is a wonderful experience. It is like magic when something comes to you out of thin air. It is a gift. I often feel the inspiration of the Holy Ghost is similar, in terms of being a gift anyways. The difference is that one must be prepared and its influence come when one is prepared to listen and obey. Wait a minute, may they are the same.

With that a bid you adieu. I hope the Savior’s birth and his adventual atonement is at the foremost of your thoughts in this giving season. I love you all and pray this season finds you fulfilled and happy.

Love,
Steve

Adam's Suit

Here's a joke I like:

Ancient Artifact?

A little boy opened the big, old family Bible with fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree. The leaf had been pressed in between pages. "Momma, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With astonishment in his voice, the young boy answered:"It's Adam's suit!"

Dear Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,

It was an inspiring Sunday starting with but going beyond fast and testimony meeting. Bishop Bagley spoke of his mission and how it shaped and directed his life. He spoke of how not a day goes by that he doesn’t reflect on his mission in some fashion. I agree so much with that sentiment. I sat there and thought to myself how the same was true in my life. It is an experience that truly serves as a foundation in life giving guidance and direction to all that occurs afterward. It truly is a map to what lies ahead. I served my mission in Los Angeles and as I have shared before, I treasure the opportunity I had to interact with so many different cultures.

Some of the challenges we face in life feel like pushing against a wall. I myself wonder sometimes if progress is made but when I look back I am amazed at the growth that is experienced. Brother Toy drew that analogy in Sunday school. He is always so inspired in what he shares. I couldn’t help but think of the pioneers as they crossed the plains. So many gave their all and kept pushing but didn’t have the opportunity to reach the Salt Lake Valley. It was not in vein though. They truly pushed down the walls of adversity and it is upon their devotion, faith and obedience that the some much of what allows the gospel to flourish is built. Brother Toy selected Come, Come ye Saints as the opening song in Priesthood. I felt it was inspired and very fitting to sing that song. The last verse to me says it all:

And should we die before our journey's through, Happy day! all is well! We then are free from toil and sorrow, too; With the just we shall dwell! But if our lives are spared again To see the Saints their rest obtain, O how we'll make this chorus swell-- All is well! all is well!

More often than not it is more about the journey than the destination.

Spent the latter part of the week gathering leaves. One of the piles was absolutely gynormious! I couldn’t help myself, and dove right into the pile. Spent some time cleaning out the garden as well; it produced well into October. The leaves of the strawberry patch turn such a wonderful shade of red. I think the colors of fall are almost as beautiful as those of the Spring. With that thought I bid you adieu and wish you all well. I pray your families are safe and prosper and flourish.

Love,

Steve

Dear Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,

My beloved Rockies appear to be down for the count but have come a long way as an organization. It is part of life to challenge ourselves and see how we measure up against the best. It allows for growth and maturity. He who does not participate in a fear of failure has already lost and if you must always win to feel satisfaction with self, that speaks more to ego than character. My hats off to the Boston Red Sox, a class organization, who owe much of their success to the talent developed within their farm system. For almost three weeks I let my beard grow afraid to shave less the Rockies lose. Having lost on Monday, I shaved my beard. Rocktober has been a blast and will be filed away with all of my other wonderful baseball memories.

About a month ago, Senator Harry Reid spoke to the student body of BYU during their monthly forum. I think well of the Senator as he is a fellow alumni of Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada. Basic was actually the original name of the city of Henderson, named after the Basic Magnesium plant which brought the town into existence during World War II. In his address he spoke of J. Marlin Walker, a wonderful man with a booming voice, who taught Spanish at the high school when Harry was there as well as I. He was the stake president of my youth and I have vivid memories of listening to him speak, a figure larger than life who didn’t need a microphone to be heard. Memories are wonderful things.

I have been applying for library jobs as spring will be here before we know. The Weld Library District in Greeley is opening up two new libraries: one in Fredrick and another in Erie and UNC has a library technician opening. I have applied for all and hope I get some bites.

With that, I pray all is well with each of you.

Love,

Steve

Just a Thought...

So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way.

President Gordon B. Hinckley
October 2007 General Conference

Dear Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,

It is cold and dreary here on the front range. It is perfect sleep in weather. The kind where you cozy up under a pile of blankets and make like a bear. See you in the Spring! The boys of summer are still on the field so Summer isn’t completely gone, at least in my heart anyways. How ‘bout them Rockies. As we speak they are currently up 4-1 in the seventh inning of game three. If they hold on we’ll be up in the series 3-0. Nice! Oh yes, and no flying water bottles at Coors Field.

Wasn’t conference inspiring. I have been listening to the sessions again on my mp3 this week; it amazes me how conference always feels tailored just to me. I think I’m in love with Sister Beck. I’ve listened to her speak a few times and I an just so impressed with what she has to say. That was quite the empowering, “tell it like it is” address on motherhood. Some in the world don’t know what there are missing out on. It made me want to be a Mom except for that whole giving birth thing.

Registered for Spring class today. My last! Oh, Joy! I will so be looking forward to Spring. Graduation and Baseball! Does it get any better? For now, I am mired in the heart of the Fall semester. I have a whole Gloria Gaynor vibe going on. I always like to keep a few steps ahead, which has served me well.

Oh yes, and Friday marked my 36th birthday. Mom made a yummy coconut cake for the occasion. Good eats. I took a picture and will post it on my Weblog. Come on people please look at my blog and listen to my podcast. I beg of you, it won’t be hazardous to your heath to listen to my soothing tones. There’s lots of primo stuff. Received a brand new set of scriptures for my birthday. A moment of sad failure has come upon me as I retire my scriptures of almost 15 years. They have served me well and have been worn out. Goodbye faithful friend. My new set for not at least feel like an interloper. That shall pass.

With that, I wish you all well and pray this finds you healthy and happy. Go Rockies!


Love,

Steve

Dear Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,

I was especially touched by conference. I was truly moved as Elder Nelson stood behind Elder Wirthlin as he was struggling at the podium. I couldn’t help but think of the admonition to strengthen the feeble knees and to lift one another, sharing one another’s burdens. It was symbolic to me of the grace the Savior’s atonement provides, as it lifts each of us, usually through the service we offer one another. When I think of the Savior I most often picture him as he washed the Apostles feet; it’s all about service. I don’t think there is any other way to come to know how crucial the grace and magnifying power of the Savior’s atonement is in our lives then in lifting one another and recognizing that we do not and cannot stand alone. Our works in and of themselves are not what will exalt us, but they are the manifestation of our faith, the opportunity for us to have the spirit witness unto us the reality of the atonement and the tool by which our compassion and love grows, as we come to recognize how utterly dependent we are on the Savior and our Heavenly for everything we are and have. Service is the daily manifestation of the atonement’s reality and influence in our lives.

Have you ever have a moment in your day when it comes to you, the sweet and reassuring witness of the spirit of the truthfulness of the gospel? I had one of those moments today. I was walking home from the library and a peaceful and inspiring thought came to my mind that the church is true. I’ve had that experience on many occasions and I always appreciate how it makes me feel; a peace and reassurance that comes that cannot be put into words. The knowledge of the reality of the Savior and his atonement and truthfulness of his gospel is a part of me. That knowledge has allowed me to believe in myself even when I really didn’t believe in myself. It has allowed me to pick myself up when I have fallen and to reach higher when I have flourished, but most importantly it has inspired me to know who I am and that I am not alone.

With that I wish you all well and pray all is well with you. Take care.

Love,

Steve

The U.S. as World Leader

It is important for the U.S. to begin once again to act out of confidence and not fear. These thoughts are shared by Roger Cohen in his ED/OP column today. It dovetails nicely with Thomas Friedman's column yesterday. Terrorism and the events of 9/11 are horrific,but we cannot continue to think violence and anger are the cure all. Hope is what makes America great and that is what we must be a beacon of not Thuggery. Call me an internationalist, which in many circles is looked down upon, but we must remember our great legacy of lifting up those who have fallen even if the fault of their dire straits lie in their own hands. Compassion and hope are not handouts, but consist in reaching down to lift another; imbracing the potention of humanity and magnifying those individuals to become true to the best within themselves. America is not about building walls, leaving children behind or leaving our valient soldiers overworked,unprotected and undersupplied.

(Check out my blog from September 27 entitled, "China and Russia: Resources and Aid" which can be seen as a companion peice to this blog.)

Dear Friends and Family

Dear Friends and Family,

Lots of homework this past week but as always I have been able to stay on tope of things. Actually having the opportunity to spend part of my day in a library setting has really inspired me and spark my enthusiasm for something I already love and enjoy. It always feels good to have things that inspire one in life and I certainly have that. I love the world of books and all that goes with that sort of environment. John Grisham just came out with another book, “Playing for Pizza”, that I am just dying to read. David Halberstam’s “Coldest Winter” about the Korean War is another one I am looking forward to reading. I’m a big fan: I wrote my Senior Seminar capstone thesis paper on his reporting during the Vietnam. There are always more books than time sadly.

I’ve had a lot of fun canning this fall. There just something therapeutic about the entire process. I’ve been wanting to take the concept of Razzleberry Pie, give it a kick and turn it into a jam. In that vein, yesterday I made my first batch of RazzleDazzleBerry Jam. It was wonderful. It is deliciously sweet with a wonderful afterburn. In an effort to find additional uses for our overabundance of Summer Squash and Zucchini Mom bottled some Summer Squash and Zucchini pickles. They look delicious. Click on the hyper links to see the pictures

I’ve been having lots of fun with my blog and discovering all kinds of fun little widgets. Just the word makes them sound fun. I have combined all of my separate links that were listed on the bottom of my email onto my blog, so if you are looking for my photos page, just click on the blog. I have also created a link for my newly mounted podcast. It is a blast to play with all of these gadgets and learn new stuff and to just experiment. Even if I am the only one who looks at it, I am really enjoying myself.

It is a little known fact, but I am a big fan of bluegrass. My friend Steffani purchased an Allison Krauss Greatest Hits Album back in 1995 and played ‘When You Say Nothing at All” quite a bit. I loved the song and there began my interest. Sometimes when I am working on the computer I go to BluegrassCountry.Org website and listen to their radio station on line. It is very calming music in a way. I am a huge fan of the sound of a violin/fiddle, the mandolin, and banjo. Slide and Steel Guitars hit the spot too. Check out the site, you’ll enjoy it. I was killing time at Borders last week and listened to some samples of a CD by Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs. It had some nice tunes. My musical tastes are pretty eclectic; I enjoy anything that has a good sound to it.

The Rockies will play the Padres to decide who will win the wildcard tomorrow. Last week was some of the most exciting baseball I have watched in quite awhile. It is exciting to see the team do so well. I’ll be rooting for them tomorrow. After losing to Arizona on Friday 4-2, The no class Diamondbacks decided to celebrate their clinching a playoff birth on the field at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks were then soundly trounced 11-4 the next day. No wonder no one in Arizona goes to see this team. Go Rockies! Thanks for indulging my baseball banter. I love the game. I have written major research papers in the past on the history of baseball in Japan and Asia in general, Roberto Clemente, and the history of baseball in Latin America, plus I’ve read more books on the history of baseball than I care to remember. I have also watched Ken Burn’s baseball at least twice. I am a junkie! Somebody stop me! When I get into something I really get into it and my love started at an early age.

With that, I bid you adieu. I hope all is going well and that you enjoy reading a brief glimpse into my life each week. Take care.

Love,

Steve

Dangerous Influences: China and Russia - Resources and Aid

The United States, in many eyes, is the world power. This, in many ways is true, but this country is not alone in the ability to have an influence on the world or do we, as a nation, alone hold all power in regards to economic power and natural resources. Many would like us to return to our isolationist ways and to act unilaterally. This is arrogance pure and simple. The United States must learn to work together with other world powers through dialogue and communication, not be so controlling in nature. The following two articles are insightful on how an unhealthy influence has been gained by Russia through their vast Oil resources and China through aid provided without any thought or consideration of human rights violations by recipients. This influence is allowed to develop when the United States is viewed as a Bully instead of a friend. It puts the World in a dangerous place when Democracy has lost face and efficacy.

Dear Family, Friends and the Undecided

Dear Family, Friends and the Undecided,

The Fall semester is in full swing, for which I am glad. I enjoy being able to get to the meat of something and be able to just bear down and get things accomplished. My internship at Michener Library is going well. I am currently involved in a project that allows me to spend a quite a bit of time not only on the computer but also in the stacks. I’ve always enjoyed spending time in the stacks of any library. It is quite an adventure to be able to read the stacks and just discover what is in the collection. Often times an individual will come across a title that sparks their interest by nature of serendipitous discovery. I am a total library geek, always have been, always will be.

The garden continues to flourish. Mom and I bottled some Habanero Jelly and Strawberry and Rhubarb Jam this week. It is the most wonderful stuff on both counts. I took some pictures and will post them on my photo page sometime this week for those who are interested. After mowing the lawn yesterday, I felt energetic and picked the grapes of the grapevines. There were quite a few, and it made my grateful for all of the migrant workers that spend their days picking much more than I did. No field work for me thank you. I enjoy the process, but I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to pick acre upon acre in the hot sun. Steinbeck wrote so truthfully and poetically of those who worked the land, of their strength and the abuses and manipulation they suffered through. His is one of my favorite authors for that reason. Anyway, we got the juice from the grapes so they can be used for jelly and other delicious things. All of the grapes were extra sweet, especially those of the white variety. There are picture of the grapes I will also be posting on my photo page.

I finished Potter! It took me two months, as I believe in savoring a book. I know there are those of you out there that read it in 15 minutes, and al I have to say to you is, good for you. To each their own I always say. It saddens me that people don’t take the time to enjoy anything anymore. It is always about how fast something can get done or be done. I guess that is why I like baseball. The one thing it is not is fast. Speaking of baseball, the Rockies have won 8 in a row. Good for them. The team has been lousy in recent years, because the organization made the commitment to build the organization from the bottom up. A truly great team is one that builds itself from homegrown talent, and invests its time and energy in its farm system. Now that that investment is paying off, all of the fair-weather Denver fans are returning. For years, everyone clamored for the Blake Street Bombers, but as fun as they were to watch, that team was never going to truly compete for anything. It is fun to watch

And on that sanctimonious note, I bid you adieu. I hope all of you had and will have a wonderful week, and that life is treating you well.

Love,

Steve

Scrubs - Poop Song

Poop Humor! The twelve year old inside of me finds this hilarious as does the 35 year old.

Pioneer Stock

Another good name for this post would have been pet peeves. All too often I here members of the church do a bit of historical name dropping, as if somehow this connects them on a more personal level to the gospel, but their commitment and engagement to the gospel ends there,; a fact that is little more than a historical footnote . Most likely, I am being a bit judgemental and cynical as it is in my nature, but I am a big believer in each of us being a link, organically mentored by those we allow to have influence on our lives. If we do not allow ourselves to be influenced, whether by the spirit or by faithful examples all around us, we are dead spiritually and hardened. In reality, this life is all about hope and exaltation, the two great gifts the atonement which are made manifest in our daily lifes through a focus on growth and progression. If dropping a name is to be able to say "look at me, I go way back" then don't bother, but if it isto recognize your roots because they have made you seek to be stronger and more devoted to the gospel, serving as mentors and templates on how you have chosen to live your life, than that's wonderful and inspiring. That being said though, those pioneers that crossed the plains and mountains to find a home to be able to live their faith free of persecution are not the only pioneers. As much as I love them and will forever be inspired by their faith and testimony, I am just as inspired both members who are the only members in their family, or community, and those in far off locations that face political and cultural pressure, who are breaking new ground. It is special to be decended from pioneer stock and something to be proud of, but should never be used to make ourselves appear self important, instead it should lead us to live lives of admiration and devotion to them and center ourselves on the Savior and the truthfulness of the fulness of the gospel, that one day we may serve as modern day pioneers to far distant generation. Anyone is a pioneer who helps this gospel to go forth, to find new ground, have greater influence, and find new souls Our pioneering efforts helping those individuals discover new vistas, horizons and hopes in their lives and the lives of their families, cultures and societies.

Dear Family, Friends, and the Undecided

Dear Family, Friends, and the Undecided,

A few of you have inquired why I include the undecided in my greeting, and here is the answer: some that receive this may not know me very well, or are just getting a handle on who I am (as I am); hence a decision has not yet been made on what exactly to classify me as. Some may have a few categories of there own such as: Crazy Loon, Crank or my personal favorite of Space Cadet. (Don’t ask me the difference between Crazy Loon and Space Cadet; it is a very fine line.) With that out of the way, how are all of you? I must say, it has been wonderful how many of you I have heard from this week. I love each of you for different reasons, and some I have not seen face to face in a very long time, so to have an opportunity to share a glimpse into your life is something I treasure. There is so much each and everyday that I see, observe or come in contact with that I desire to share with each of you. In that vein, I created a blog in which to share. Consider this as my own version of product placement: PLEASE VIEW MY BLOG. (By the way, this letter is also posted there weekly) There is tons of cool stuff that you will enjoy, besides my blathering on. As a favor to me, tell me what you think. Also, I purchased a digital camera awhile ago so all of you would have a chance to view some of the things I make reference to on occasion. (HINT: This is another plug) Links to both can be found under the signature of my email.

I enjoy vegetable gardening very much, and this is my favorite part of the year, the harvest. It is a culmination of a summer of hard work and tender loving care. It helps the scriptures to come alive and strikes a practical and far reaching note that remains with an individual. It has shown me the importance nourishing one another and protecting against life’s storms. Most rewarding is partaking of the fruit that is blessed to flourish due to these efforts. Nothing tastes better than fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden. This weekend we made Salsa, a tradition of sorts. I also had a chance to roast some peppers. Debra, my sister, usually leads the charge in terms of bottling and managing our bounty but as he is in New Mexico, we have soldiered on without her. She is still crying about not having access to fresh tomatoes. (The sacrifices we are called to make in life.) There are pictures of the garden included with my photos if any of you are interested.

Note that I am not a parent, but is there anything better than children? During sacrament today, Brett Lyman’s son would sneak up on me while I wasn’t paying attention and then giggle when I would catch him. Brother Adam’s youngest and I were having a gay old time making faces at one another and playing peek-a-boo. It is the smiles and enthusiasm of those young ones that breathe new life and hope into my life. As they partake of the sacrament, it becomes quite the event. I think sacrament cups were designed for the pure entertainment of three year olds.

School is going well. I am immersing myself this semester; I am so taken with the material I am studying this semester. So many exciting things are happening in the world of information. It fills me with a desire to further continue my education, especially in terms of history. I love to study the lives of individuals and societies and how they have shaped each of our lives. I am spending part of my time as of late seeking out a job, preparing for life after school. I would love to stay in Colorado, but am open to positions throughout the West. My future is filled with new adventures that I am looking forward to. Who knows where I will end up, but I will most definitely be glad to be there.

In closing, any of you that have written me who I have not yet replied to, don’t worry, I will write you as soon as I can. If you could do me a favor, feel free to pass this along to anyone who knows me that you feel might enjoy knowing what’s going on in my life. As always, my love and prayers go out to each of you, and I miss you dearly. Take care.


Love,

Steve

P.S. I read the following in a biography of President Joseph Fielding Smith that I feel expresses with succinctness how I feel about the importance of the written word:

Let a person hear a sermon or lecture or lesson, and no matter how good it is or how impressed he may be with it at the moment, a day or two later he is hard pressed to remember even what the subject of it was. Not so with words in print, and particularly a book. A book is there today, tomorrow and forever. It can be kept, handled, read and referred to as often as a person has need. It is lasting. If it is of value to begin with, then it is of lasting value, an influence for good through the years. Jobs, positions come and go, no matter how well or poorly filled, and who has occupied them the yesterday is forgotten tomorrow. But the book, the Word continues on.

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.
The Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, page 210

Hugh Laurie-The Sophisticated Song

I can relate to Mister Laurie's diddy.

Beware of Expired Yogurt!

Is there anything as wonderfully twisted as British Humor? I think not.

ZZZZZZZ...........

Just thought I would check in. The semester is in full swing and I am ahead of the wave known as studying and projects. I am the Big Kahuna and hope I don't crash and burn trying to ride the pipeline. The air has turned cool, so welcome relief after a long, hot summer. I have threatened many times to aquire a kiddie pool in which to cool myself. Where are my floaties? My brain is fried after a long week and the most apatizing word that comes to mind is sleep. Oh, the sweet ectasy of the z! Is there anything better than a cool evening, snuggled under a blanket, fast asleep in hibernation. Guess I am easy to please. A couple of sleeping funnies. I woke up once upon a night, terrified that someone was in my room. No, worries though, it was only Mr. Jordan, the life sized cardboard cutout of the famed ballplayer. Even funnier, more than once, as I have gotten up to use the restroom I have accidently ran into a shut bedroom door. Good thing I have such a hard head.

O bed! O bed! delicious bed! That heaven upon earth to the weary head.

~Thomas Hood, Miss Kilmansegg - Her Dream

And if tonight my soul may find her peace in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,and in the morning wake like a new-opened flowerthen I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.

~D.H. Lawrence

America To The Rescue!

I apologize for the language in advance. The fact that this timeline is a reality is so warped and short sighted one doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.

U2 Super Bowl halftime show 2002 - 9/11 Tribute

Some Thoughts on 9/11

I can't think of those towers coming down without being overtaken with a heavy heart. It was on that day six years ago that I first came to experience pure hate and evil. It was on that day that I came to know, without a doubt, that Satan was very much a reality, devoid of any light or humanity. It was on that day that came to the understanding that there were only two seeds that such a occurence could plant in one's heart and mind, either one of anger and intolerance or of understanding and compassion. I thought of Christ as he was mocked, scourged and spat upon and his words rang true with a clarity never before experienced, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." It was on that day I knew that my life should be spent respecting differences and building on commonalities, learning to listen, forgive, and seeking to understand; constructing a spirit of unity, instead of a creating chasum of alienation. I cried the day the scroll arose behind U2 during the Super Bowl halftime how. It was a touching, sincere moment in what is usually a superficial occurence.

R.I.P. Monkey

I recieved some sad news today. About ten years ago I lived in a house with several roommates, one of them by the name of Monica. It came to my attention today that she passed away in July, just short of 31. It appears that she had began to struggle with both achohol and drugs, and this in turn led her to her demise. I have not visited with or been in contact with Monica since those days so many days ago, but I have fond memories of her and the time I was able to spend around her. She had a mischevious laugh and a few enduring quirks. For example, she had a Lion that she was very attached to. Adam, Joe and I once put the Lion out the window on roof, and another time bindfolded the creature, as he was being kidnapped. Also, she always had a stash of candy in her drawer. I never pass a bag of Halloween candy without thinking of her, as I will continue to do. It makes me sad to hear of her passing, but pray that she will find peace and happiness on the other side of the veil. She had so much to offer, and pray that she will come to know how much she was loved and how special she was.

Dear Family, Friends and the Undecided

Dear Family, Friends, and the Undecided,

Where did the summer go? School is back in swing, and I am excited to be on the road to finishing my Masters in the Spring. Life without school, what a wonderful thought. I doubt it will last long though. I have such a thirst for knowledge and have grown to love academic pursuits. It seems as if I have a natural curiosity that leads me on an endless pursuit to gain grater understanding, and simply to discover knew things. I do my best to read as much as I can to fulfill this need, much cheaper than a formal education.

Right now I have an internship at Michener Library on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado. It has been a blast gaining practical experience in my field. For those of you who don’t know or have forgotten, I am working on a Masters of Library Science and Information Resources through a virtual degree program offered by the University of Arizona in Tucson. (Side note I don’t really get a chance to root for the Wildcats because in football I root for BYU and basketball UNLV) I have a particular interest in Academic Libraries. My B.A. is in History from UNC, where I focused on Social and Modern History, with a particular interest in Germany, The Soviet Union, Modern Russia and its former Satellites, and the Cold War with its many ramifications. I have a great deal of interest in Foreign Affairs as you can imagine. The point is, I enjoy the academic setting and the opportunity that working at an Academic Library can give me to further my studies in History. Learning a bit of German and Russian is a stepping stone, but who knows what the future may hold.

On a different note, the gospel means so much to me and the older I get, the more I appreciate what I have, and what I know. I know that Christ lives, and that his infinite atonement is a living reality, that plays an integral part in my life every moment of everyday. It is through the Savior, hat my faith, when manifest in action and in a perfect brightness of hope is magnified 100 fold and I can see him in everything I do with perfect clarity. Sometimes a peace comes over me that fills my heart with joy and mind with an eternal perspective. Elder Scott visited not too long ago, and as he spoke, I knew, without a doubt in my mind that prophets are in the land. What a precious gift the companionship of the Holy Ghost is.

I have such a passion for studying the gospel and for that matter teaching the ordinance and principles that lie therein. I can think of nothing more uplifting and inspiring than when both learner and teacher are both taught and edified by the Spirit of Truth. It truly causes one to rejoice and to know of the perfect love Christ has for us as we see things as they truly are. If I could have a permanent calling in the church it would be as a teacher. Come to think of it, I do as a Home Teacher, beyond that though, there is nothing I have more enjoyable than stepping in a gospel classroom, no matter the size or age and feeling the Spirit.

I want each of you to know that I love you very much, no matter the distance in time we have seen each other or distance we share geographically. Once a person has had an influence on one’s life that influence and memory remains and becomes a part of you. Thank you for everything you do and are and have done for me and for the lives you have chosen to lead. Until next week.

Take Care,

Steve

The Word of the Day Is: Procrastination

Why procrastination one may ask? I guess the best place to start is by telling the story behind the title? About a year ago, I set the goal to crawl out of my hermit hole and t once again make contact with the world. True story, once upon a time I was a fairly sociable person who enjoyed the company of others, and all of the wonderful things that come with surrounding yourself with those that you love and admire. With age though, has come the habit of isolating myself and creating my own private world. Often times I come accross as being much more serious, stoic and stiff than I truly am. Point is, I set the goal to reach beyond myself to reconnect with the world out site, to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and let the current ones know how grateful I am for them, and their examples.

That, to me, is a key compentent ofthe gospel, the relationships we cultivate with one another, the interaction of thought and emotion. simply put it is what I consider the D&C 50 principle, that we are hear to teach one another in a spirit of truth, whether that be through service, ordinance, or as often is the case, through our compassion and boldness. We are mentors to one another and come to personally know Christ in come to know one another, put aside our own selfish interests at times in the interest and needs of another. It is aboutcarrying our cross, denying oneself of thing of only a mere temporal worth. It is looking to Christ in every action and deed. That is what is meant t be taught by the spirit of truth and is when one truly comes to know what it means to rejoice and be edified together.

Back to the goal, a goal isn't much use until it is broken down into operational peices. The first peice was to write a letter, as often as I could to check in. Addition peices were to use the wonderful social technology of the Web 2.0 to let all of you into my wonderful world. In that spirit, I began my blog, and posted pictures online, and began to work on my website. This is where procrastination comes in. I could make 100 excuses, but I won't. The vision remained in my mind, but faith, without works is dead. It is in that vien, that I am recommitting myself to my goal. That is the splendid thing about goals: you can always revisit them.