I See You

I see you.

Not the you that everyone else sees,

wrapped in protective layers so thick

even you've forgotten what's underneath.

I see the real you.

I know you.

Better than anyone else ever has

or ever will.

I knew you when you were young,

before you needlessly took the weight of the world

upon your shoulders.

I knew you when you were happy,

when your whole life was in front of you

and nothing could stop you from living your dreams.

I want nothing more than for you to be happy again,

the way you were before.

I know your heart.

Come closer, close your eyes,

listen to my words,

and I will tell you what I see in you.

I see hope. I see faith.

I see love that is stronger than fear.

I want you to believe in yourself

the way I believe in you.

Do not fear the consequences of vulnerability,

for I will not harm you.

The time for running and hiding is past.

The time to open your eyes, see the world as it is,

and love it anyway,

is now.

The time to open your eyes, see yourself as you are,

and love yourself anyway,

is now.

Tear down your walls,

come out of your self-made prison,

and let your light shine.

Listen to the quiet pleadings

of my gentle voice

and remember who you are.

Lighthouse

There is a lighthouse standing on a hill,

high above the shore.

It is a beacon for every wanderer,

lit with the flames of eternal fire.

There is an open invitation

to those who wander in darkness,

to come to the light

and be healed.

But many are lost in shadow

and cannot see the light.

Or, if they can see it,

they do not understand its saving power.

Faithful servants must carry the message

and reach out to those who are lost.

Through their caring words and actions

they can reflect the light of heaven.

Empty souls are waiting,

hungry for truth

to fill their hearts

and restore their lives.

There is a lighthouse standing on a hill,

high above the shore.

It is a beacon for every wanderer,

lit with the flames of eternal fire.

Sunrise

My love will find you

wherever you are.

It will follow you to the ends of the earth

and into the unseen realms beyond this world,

wrapping you in its protective comfort

and filling the void in your heart

It will wake you each morning with a kiss,

picking you up

and twirling you around

until your cheeks are red

with laughter

It will tuck you in each night

with a story and a song,

and a promise to be there for you

when the sun rises.

Immortal

You were created in the fires

of a celestial forge

and wrapped in the warmth

of a father's love

Spiritual birth

in a heavenly home

endowed with light

immortal as the stars

Sent to a place

of darkness and despair

to bring hope

to a fallen world

Forgetting

your inherited divinity

Allowing darkness

to overwhelm you

But it does not change

who you are inside

Every fall is an opportunity

to get back up and finish the race

Looking at yourself

and seeing only weakness

But I see

your immeasurable strength

Fearing

the darkness

And not realizing

the darkness fears you more

Let your light

shine through the night

filling hearts

and changing lives

Someday your soul

will return in glory

to its birthplace

among the stars

Falling Into You

I love to see your beautiful face,

And be safely wrapped in your loving embrace.

I love to surrender and let myself fall into you,

getting lost in a dream that’s too real to be true.

You still hold my heart when you hold my hand;

when I long for comfort, you understand.

I love to feel the warmth of your kiss,

when you touch my soul I ache with bliss.

You are my angel, my light on the shore;

you are the one I will always adore.

You are my friend, so tender and kind—

and our hearts are forever intertwined.

The Woods Where We Walked

Long years ago, but still fresh in my memory

you and I would meet along forested paths

and wander, hand in hand, through the trees

It was a place of solace, the woods where we walked

a moss-covered fortress hiding us within its walls.

Ancient trees towered above like silent sentries

while sun and shadow chased each other

across a canvas of green and gold.

As the seasons came and went

we wandered deeper into the forest,

trying to understand its beauty and wildness.

Then, clinging to each other more tightly than before,

we sensed that something was about to change.

Fire.

Raging and powerful, uncontainable and unalterable.

It moved through our woods like an angry orange sea.

We tried to run, tried to fight, tried to hold on

But nothing could quench the burning thirst.

Ashes.

A new world, a new life

A dream, a thought, a whisper: a journey home.

Green grass, saplings, rebirth.

Beauty restored.

Wandering through the new growth, I cross your path.

A wave, a smile, a laugh.

The fire that tore our world apart

Was just what we needed to make a new start.

The Beauty that Clings to You

I taste the beauty that clings to you

and I am filled

I drink from the fountain of your light

and I am satisfied

I bathe in your love

and I am changed

I touch you

and I am healed

I surrender to you

and I am reborn

I walk with you

and I am renewed

I praise you

and I am lifted higher

I honor you

and I am purified

I confess you

and I am forgiven

I come to you in weakness

and you strengthen me

I reach for you in desperation

and you embrace me

I give you my brokenness

and I receive your wholeness

I live for you

who died for me

All I Need

Take it.

Take it all.

It was never really mine anyway.

If there is anything standing between us,

if there is anything keeping me from you,

then take it

I trust you with my heart,

my soul, my life

and my salvation.

In the past

when you've taken things from me,

I've been angry and hurt.

But no more.

Now I see that you simply want

what is best for me,

and when I cling to other things

it keeps me from feeling your love

and serving you as I ought

So take it,

take it all,

and when I have nothing left

then I will finally realize

that you are all I need.

Angel

I once felt empty

and alone

Without purpose or hope,

lost and forlorn

It felt like everything

had been taken from me,

and it seemed that happiness

was just a dream

But then I felt

another's grasp;

warmth and strength

in a loving clasp

God didn't leave me

out in the cold:

He sent an angel

to save my soul

Now my purpose,

I can finally see,

is to do for others

what was done for me

Light on a Hill

Starlight.

Shines through the night.

From the heavens above,

to the earth below.

All the light that God provides

comes from stars.

From glistening points of light in the midnight sky,

to the warmth of the sun.

From the moon that reflects its light,

to you: God's brightest star.

You were made to shine.

It is your sole purpose,

and the darkness of the world

will only be overcome

when you take your rightful place

as a light on a hill,

inspiring others to lift their eyes to heaven

and embrace God’s glory.

Surrender

I prayed for my burden to be removed,

and instead you made it light.

I prayed for an escape from tribulation,

and instead you gave me strength to endure.

I prayed for an end to the storms around me,

and instead you sent me inner peace.

I prayed for an end to my suffering,

and instead you sent me a friend.

If you'd given me exactly what I'd asked for

I would have missed out

on the greater blessings you had in store.

Thank you for answering my prayers

in your own way and your own time.

Your wisdom is greater than my own,

and I surrender to you.

Light of Hope

I used to walk in darkness

not knowing I was blind

I used to long for something

I thought I'd never find

I used to pray, not knowing

if anyone would hear

I used to live my life in chains

held captive by my fear

And then you came,

you set me free

you saw the light

inside of me

In darkest night

you heard my prayer

And now I know

you're always there

you gave me faith

I'm not afraid

your light of hope

will never fade

The Light of Dawn

Hidden deep within your soul

there is a source of power.

You may not even know it's there

until your darkest hour.

It sleeps until the need is clear,

when every hope is gone;

then shines across the blackened sky

just like the light of dawn.

When you're feeling lost and broken,

God knows just who you are.

Through the long, dark night of life

He'll be your guiding star.

His unseen hand directs you

and protects you as you grow.

He's on your side forever

and He'll never let you go.

Break Free

Time to break free

from the prison that I've built

with my own two willing hands—

not with iron, brick or steel,

but with fear's constricting bands

Time to break free

from what others think I am,

from the doubts in my own mind;

become the glory that I feel,

tear down walls I'm trapped behind

Time to break free,

time to live the life I want,

let the sun shine on my face

reflecting light through dark and waste—

find my meaning, find my place.

Embers Remain

If sunshine fades to night

and stars fall from the sky

If peace is taken from the earth

and gold and silver lose their worth

If ashes fall like pouring rain

still the embers will remain

If there are no songs left to sing

and sweetest dreams come to nothing

If fire consumes all we hold dear

and darkness leaves us frozen with fear

If ashes fall like pouring rain

still the embers will remain

If journeys take us so far from home

that we've nowhere left to go

If emptiness fills every breath

as we walk in the shadow of death

If ashes fall like pouring rain

still the embers will remain

Come fire, come rain, come sadness and pain:

still the embers will remain

Though the world itself be burned away

yet our love will never fade

Though ashes fall like pouring rain

glowing embers will remain

Etched in Starlight

Walking in quiet whispers,
Stepping carefully in the hush.
Compelled to reverence
By the stillness of peace.

To be once-blessed is a gift;
to be twice-blessed is a miracle.
To drink from such golden light for a lifetime
Is to live in a world of dreams.

My heart overflows with gratitude
For memories etched in starlight,
Smiles that say what words cannot,
And truths left unchanged by passing years.

Star

For far too long I wandered strange roads
with empty hands and empty heart,
each passing year
taking me further from you.

When my journey led to nowhere
and my soul was burdened with care,
I fell to my knees
in anguished confusion.

Tired of fighting,
I finally let go of my wounded pride
and looked up.
That's when I saw
that you had never left me.
You were still there,
just as you have always been,
a light in the darkness.

I ran from you
when I should have run toward you.
I let go
when I should have held on,
and I thought only of myself
when I should have thought only of you.

But you welcomed me back with open arms
like the prodigal son that I am.
Your light guided me home,
and in your acceptance
I found a part of me that I'd forgotten,
but you remembered.

You showed me what it means
to forgive the deepest hurts,
and to be a true friend.
You healed my broken heart,
and now I can heal my broken life.

Stay close, sweet star,
and let your light burn bright.
With you in my sky
I can make it through
the darkest night.

Seasons

When the snows of winter begin to recede
leaving white caps
atop mossy green mountains,
the world is fresh and new
and the changing of seasons
brings the promise of miracles yet to come.
It is a time of hope and rebirth,
of wonders that are and may be.
It is a beginning of joy.

 As the sun continues to warm 

the once-frozen ground,
the promises of spring are fulfilled.
Bright red geraniums adorn
well-manicured lawns,
while lush green foliage
clings to the trees.
It is a time for adventure,
friendship
and freedom. A time for a deepening
of roots.

When the nights begin to cool
and the leaves catch fire,
spreading red and gold hues
across a tapestry of anticipation,
memories rest quietly
on sunburnt lips
while the sharp smell of crisp wood
drifts across the stars
and a season of closeness
and connection
and celebration
begins.

Then the silent snows of winter arrive,
filling the world with beauty
and covering everything with crystal white,
just as our love covers us
like a comforting blanket,
softening the edges of our difficult days
and filling our empty places
while we await the return of spring.

Dance

I step towards you
and you step towards me,
arms open.
I gaze into your beautiful eyes
and everything around us
begins to fade.
I hold you close
while we move through the crowd
in perfect time
to the rhythm of our hearts.
First I lead, then you
as we adjust our steps
to match the ever-changing tempo,
learning as we go.
Now we step forward,
now we step back
laughing and twirling
in comfortable symmetry.
One moment leaves us breathless,
the next wondering what new joys await us.
Perhaps the music will stop
at the end of this song,
or perhaps the band will play on.
All I know is that you're here with me now
and I'm in the mood
to dance. 

Shatter Me

I stand strong, resisting the storm.

When the rains come I grit my teeth,

refusing to yield even an inch.

I consider my obstinance a virtue,

and hold on to my pride

like a drowning man clinging to an anchor

I was made to dance with the wind

and yet I sit like a stone,

day after day,

unmoved

Open my eyes,

great God,

and show me the joys of surrender

Shatter me,

oh Lord,

and let my brokenness

lead me to your wholeness.

The River

The river was high that spring, running swiftly over unseen stones and hurtling forward so recklessly that I knew it would devour anything—or anyone—in its path. Had I been looking at this scene from a bridge, or the safety of a high riverbank, the swiftness of the river might have been dismissed as just another uninteresting phenomenon. But from my vantage point inches above the rushing water, I was consumed by the fear rising within me. Clinging to what was left of the riverbank retaining wall my friends and I had been happily scuttling across moments before, I felt the full impact of my foolish decision to play in such a precarious place.

On the far side of the wall, Marc had made it most of the way across and was able to climb to safety. Next to me clung my Vietnamese friend Sun, his face bloodied and his hands glued to the stones by some supernatural power as he hovered dangerously close to the angry white foam. In a single moment, the adrenaline running through my veins triggered a “flight” response, and I raced to the top of the riverbank. Hearts pounding, Marc and I fled the scene as though we were being pursued by demons.

Not once did it occur to us that Sun was in mortal danger. In our seven year old minds, the greatest danger lay in what our parents would say if they ever found out where we had been playing. Death was not a part of our world.

But death is a part of the real world, and the only thing standing between Sun and his Maker was a fisherman on a nearby bridge. He watched the scene unfold and chose to risk his life to keep a seven year old boy with a broken nose from being swept away by the furious current. Someday I would like to meet that fisherman and thank him from the bottom of my heart. For now, perhaps, the greatest thanks I can give is to follow his example and reach out to others who need rescuing. 

Teacher's Quorum President

23 Aug 1992

Today has probably been just about the best day of my life. I'll never forget this day. I received a call from the bishop's secretary saying the bishop wanted to see me at noon. I went there and I had no idea what it was about. He asked me if I would like to serve as the teacher's quorum president. I said I would love to. Then I felt really happy, and I couldn't wait to tell Brenda.

I went to church and felt the spirit almost the whole time. Then I came home and we had an excellent turkey dinner.

15th Birthday

17 Sep 1992

Yesterday was my birthday, so I thought I'd write about it. I woke up late and had my mom give me a ride to school. On the way we stopped at McDonald's because I was starving. I got to seminary a little late.

School went well and then I came to swim at Provo High, but I forgot my suits.

My parents bought me two tapes for my birthday - Yanni and David Arkenstone.

Today was a good day too. I had a good day in school, and did quite well on my French test. Then I came swimming.

My First Testimony

27 Sep 1992

In sacrament meeting for the first time in my life, I bore my testimony. I felt the strongest prompting I have ever felt in my entire life, and hard as I tried, I couldn't ignore it.

Today was a marvelous day. I'm really happy.

The Book of Mormon

12 Nov 1992

I just finished reading the book of Mormon for the first time in my entire life. I have been reading it off and on since about March. I feel really good right now. It was also Brenda's 17th birthday and I went over to her house and had a really enjoyable evening with her and her family. I need to get to bed, but I just thought I'd take some time to write this down.

Patriarchal Blessing

12 Nov 1995

Today I received my patriarchal blessing. As I walked into the room I was overcome with the spirit and felt an overwhelming desire to hug the Stake Patriarch. He truly is a man of God. He gave the blessing, spoke about my mission and my marriage, declared me of the loins of Ephraim, and sealed the blessing of coming forth in the First Resurrection clothed in glory upon my head. After the blessing he put his arm around me and squeezed my shoulder, and told me that very few have given him the impressions he felt from me. He said much was expected of me, and that I would have the opportunity to bless many lives, within and without the gospel. He told me I was born of goodly parents. How great is the glory and the spirit of God.

Calling

4 Dec 1995

A few days ago I prayed for a calling, and yesterday I was set apart as 1st Assistant in the Priest's quorum. For the last few weeks I have prayed for peace (which I feel very strongly right now) and when I was set apart, Bishop Thompson blessed me with peace in my life. The Lord does hear and answer prayers. I have been blessed with many opportunities that are helping me to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and mentally. I am also blessed with trials, but I know the Lord loves me and is watching over me closely. Lately I have been hurting but I have found comfort when I pray and spend time near the temple. I have also found comfort and joy in service, and look forward to the many opportunities my new calling willing bring. When I am hurt, I often pray for a solution to my problems. But whenever a solution is not possible, I feel so good inside and full of the love of God, that the problem pales when compared to my joy. Surely my broken heart is being bound up with peace (“A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”). I feel I should end this entry with my testimony: I know without reservation that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know God loves me, and He hears and answers prayers. I know Joseph Smith restored the true and only Gospel, that of Jesus Christ. I know that God lives and loves me.

Mission Prep

6 Dec 1995

Today was the last day of Brother Ed's mission prep class, marking also my last class with Susan. It was a wonderful experience. It was the first time I have actually been on time to class, and there was a reason for it. We watched “Labor of Love” and afterwards sang “We are as the Armies of Helaman” in tribute to Brother Ed. It was a very spiritually uplifting experience. Afterwards Bro. Ed told us about his 5 daughters singing that song at his son's funeral, and what that song meant to him. He then bore a beautiful and pure testimony, and invited others to do the same, which they did. I have been struggling with discouragement the past few days, and these wonderful people told me exactly what I needed to hear. One after another, they spoke of pain and sorrow in their lives, but that it had somehow been swallowed up in the joy of Christ. After one of the most solemnly sacred testimony meetings I have been privileged to attend, Bro. Ed said a beautiful prayer that touched all our hearts. Also, previously to that, somebody, while bearing her testimony, brought up the question, “What would you do if the Savior came right here, right now?” She answered her own question simply yet powerfully, “I would HIT the floor.”

I am so thankful for the gospel, and the intense joy that I have felt this day. I know God loves me, and He will never abandon me. As I prepare now to read my scriptures, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for them. I have been given so much, and every gift I receive from the Lord will be used to benefit the lives of others, just as Brother Ed has done. 

Eagle Court of Honor

8 Dec 1995

Yesterday was my Eagle court of honor. My grandpa came, my family, Kim and Cassie, Jon and Evan and Donna, my scout leaders, and there were many others. It was a wonderful evening. My dad got up and gave a moving speech about me. He said repeatedly, “He knows what he is doing.” I am so glad I took the time to earn my egale. It was a night I will not soon forget.

Christmas Caroling

21 Dec 1995

It finally snowed this morning. Right now I am sitting in my car outside because Novell is having a fire drill. Last night I was starting to feel the pain of discouragement, and I made my way to the temple where I was inspired to sing “How Firm a Foundation.” I knew that the Lord was speaking to me through the words of the hymn. He spoke of the happiness and joy that come from putting trust in the Lord, and told me He would never forsake me. After I got home, I read my patriarchal blessing, and near the end it talks about the beauty and joy of the world and that I am blessed to feel that joy in my own soul. God knows exactly what I need, and gives it to me. My soul is filled with gratitude. I love my Heavenly Father with all my heart.

Later that same day: 
I just got back from Christmas caroling with the YM/YW in our ward. I had a wonderful time. Before we left the church to go caroling, one of the new young women's leaders introduced herself, and a few minutes later asked me to sit down by her and her husband. She told me that she could see by my countenance that I was living the gospel and that I was doing a really good job. Wow! I am grateful for people who care enough to compliment/praise others. It really lifted my spirits. It just goes to show that the Lord answers prayers through other people. I love the gospel and am so grateful for my testimony.

7 Months Old

2 Nov 1997

Well, my daughter turned 7 mos. old today! She now weights 17 lbs., and last week she cut her first tooth. It sure is sharp! Next Tuesday (Nov. 4th) is election day. I had given up on the prospect of voting, since I have been so busy lately, but I felt strongly that I should vote. So I went to the county building at lunch one day and registered. I met someone who gave me some advice on how to get more involved in politics. I am excited to vote, and hope to be much more politically involved next year. I was able to go to the library one night and learn a little about each candidate. I have prayerfully considered who to vote for, and hope I am following the spirit in my decision.

This week has been very eventful at work. We were able to get most of the Finance Department computers upgraded to Desktop 97 (no easy task). It also looks like I may be traveling a little next year at the first of the year (blech!) I hope my wife will be able to support me, even though I may be away from home for a little while.

School is going very well. I am enjoying my classes and learning a lot. I have somehow been able to find time to get my homework done, and have been able to stay caught up.

Today at church we had a wonderful lesson about the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. It was very powerful, and strengthened my testmiony that he as a prophet of God. I also found time today to be with my family quite a bit–-weekends are very nice for that.

I should also mention that I was praying last week, and felt very strongly that my sins had been forgiven. What a wonderful blessing. I feel like I have really turned my life around in the past few months.

First Birthday

12 April 1998

I can't remember if I've said much about my life and daily routine in my journal, so I thought I'd take a moment to tell a little about myself. I am 20 years old, and my life is full of responsibilities, all of which I am grateful for. To illustrated, I am: working full-time, attending school full-time at Provo College, a home teacher, a nursery leader, and a choir member. These responsibilities occupy the bulk of my time, but more important than any of these, I am a husband and a father. I look forward to graduating school and spending more time with my family, though I probably still have nearly 3 years before I will graduate.

My job is, for the most part, very fulfilling. I am enjoying increased responsibility as I work towards becoming less focused on my computer (technical) skills and more focused on business and leadership skills. School is helping me in this. I never thought I would find myself saying this, but school is wonderful! I have never been so intellectually stimulated. My mind is sharper, my perceptions clearer, and my decisions are better. Until the day I die, I will be a strong proponent of education.

Education is more than possessing a mind filled with knowledge. It is more than memorizing facts and getting good grades. When I was at UVSC [now UVU] for a short time about a year and a half ago, I had a teacher who gave us this bit if wisdom: “Education is more than just knowing the answers; it's knowing where to find the answers.” After having attended school for a time, and learning for myself, I would like to add this to the information he gave us: “Education is also knowing WHEN to find the answers.” That may not make a lot of sense, but let me explain briefly. The mind must be kept sharp, through study, so that it can recognize problems that demand solutions, and notice details and gain insights about people and things that most uneducated/untrained minds wouldn't notice or think twice about. Once the mind has identified a problem, it can then begin to search for solutions.

One last note about the power of knowledge. I read the following poem at the library, on a poster, and since reading it have come to believe it:

The more you read, the more you know. 
The more you know, the smarter you grow. 
The smarter you grow, THE STRONGER YOUR VOICE 
WHEN SPEAKING YOUR MIND 
OR MAKING YOUR CHOICE

I look forward to the day when I will graduate, but I will never really graduate because I will continue to learn. College has taught me the value of critical thinking, continuously having a sharp mind and using it. It's been a great experience.

We celebrated my daughter's 1st birthday last week. She is wonderful, and I'm excited to see her learning and developing so much. I am very proud to be her dad.

My wife and I saw the movie Titanic again last week. It was Wednesday night, and it was just before I was to go to the temple (Thursday morning). For some reason, beginning with watching that movie [there are some inappropriate parts–-but it is still a moving story], I was filled with the Spirit. The most powerful memory of watching the movie this time was the reunion at the end of the movie after they had both died. As I pondered that beautiful scene, I thought of the many blessed reunions that are made possible by a loving Heavenly Father.

Next week I will have the opportunity to watch my cousin be sealed for eternity. It will be a wonderful experience!

Graduation Speech

7 Nov 1998

This is the text of the speech I gave when I graduated from Provo College with my Associate's Degree in Business Management:

Education is Worthless.

This is the belief I held for several years throughout junior high, high school, and beyond. But I had an experience about a year and a half ago that changed my mind.

I was working at Novell at the time, and I had the opportunity to apply for a better job at Nu Skin, just here next to the Tabernacle. And, I thought I had everything I needed for the position. I had experience, certification, skills and abilities. I even knew the interviewer. But day after day went by, week after week, and I didn't hear anything. Finally, after three months, I was offered a position, but with the understanding that I would go to school. So the day I started my new job at Nu Skin was the day I started school at Provo College. And I found out later that I almost didn't get the job at all, because I didn't have a college degree. And if I had had a college degree, I probably could've come in at a higher salary.

Up until this time, I had thought that I could get by, and be successful, without a diploma. I was wrong. So I'd like to share with you a few insights that I've gained about education.

Not long after I started school at Provo College, I was talking with my grandpa on the phone. And my grandpa didn't go to college, but I think he wishes he had; so he strongly encourages his kids and his grandkids to go to school. And he said to me, “It's not so much the education that matters. It's the diploma.” And, this isn't to say that education and learning aren't important, they are. But, from an employer perspective, it's not just what you know, it's what you show. And if you can show a diploma, you'll be rewarded.

To illustrated: I recently received a promotion at Nu Skin that I wouldn't even meet the minimum requirements for if I weren't here receiving this degree today. But there are still a lot of doors that are closed to me, because I don't have a Bachelor's degree. This is why I plan to continue my education when I start at the University of Phoenix next month.

I had a teacher out at UVSC–and I went to UVSC for three weeks before becoming an official dropout–but I did get something out of the experience. I had a teacher, who actually now teaches at Provo College, who said that education isn't just knowing the answers, it's knowing where to find the answers. And I didn't write it down, but it had enough impact on me that I still remember it more than two years later.

It's true that some classes do require you to know the answers–so you can pass the test, so you can make the grade. So you go home, the night before the exam, you cram the information into your brain, you spit it out on the test, hope you never have to see the thing again. Some call it “scholastic regurgitation.” But according to Herbert Spencer, the goal of education should be, ”…to prepare us for complete living.” And by this standard, scholastic regurgitation, or just knowing the answers, doesn't qualify. But teaching people to teach themselves, or teaching them where to find the answers, does prepare them for complete living.

I'd like to share with you one last insight by reading a quote from a book by Richard Paul Evans called The Locket. “The most difficult of decisions are often not the ones in which we cannot determine the correct course, rather the ones in which we are certain of the path but fear the journey.”

Education is a long, difficult, and expensive journey. A journey which for some ends today; for others, this is just the beginning. But when we have reached our chosen destination, we will be able to look back and say, unequivocally, to those who wish to follow in our footsteps, that …

Education is Priceless.

International Incident

12 Feb 2002

WELL, I made my first mistake as a goal judge today. No international incidents resulted, thanks to instant replay, but the puck hit the back crossbar and left the goal so quickly that I didn't see it. I also wasn't looking directly at the goal (as I should have been) and that was partly to blame. I'll do better tomorrow! In today's game, the Latvia men's team lost to Germany 4 to 1. Tomorrow I have two games. It will be a long day, but fun!

When I got home I watched the video of the game described above. After the goal was scored the announcers said, “Wasn't that a goal? I think that was a goal. But the light didn't go on. Why didn't the light go on? I think it was a goal.” I was so glad no one knew my name that day :)

I also got really sick during the Olympics, about as sick as I have ever been, but I wasn't about to miss my games. So I dragged myself to the hockey rink and pretend to be feeling fine while I performed my duties as a goal judge, then dragged myself home and lay on the couch until my next game. Gail and the kids were sick too, so I had to drive myself there and back. It was rough, but worth it!