Learning from our own experiences

I know this may sound like something that would be a no-brainer, but it has been a struggle for Snow White and I to allow the dwarfs to learn and to mature.  The difficulty arises when we feel like we don't want to allow them to receive the natural consequences of their choices (mostly the bad ones).  We have come to realize that rescuing our dwarfs in this manner is not the best idea.

We weren't born to avoid consequences.  There was a time when I misused a power tool.  I disengaged the safety mechanism.  I new the risk, I made the wrong choice.  The consequence of it was that I received a very nasty injury.  It was a little too late to say, "but that isn't fair", or "Can i have a different consequence?"  I would have loved to avoid the consequence of my bad choice, but that isn't how life works. Sure, sometimes we get lucky and seem to avoid the result of a bad choice.  It seems to catch us in the end.

When we were recently visiting a justice center, there were some youth there who had made some bad choices.  The parents of these youth were also making what we thought was also a bad choice.  They were simply paying the fines incurred by the misconduct of their children.  Now, I say to myself, "How will the children learn to be responsible for their actions if their parents bail them out?"  I have realized that if my dwarfs make bad choices, it isn't my responsibility nor my desire to "bail them out".  I certainly don't have that kind of money, and have a hard enough time paying for my own mistakes.

Everyone has a different way of recognizing the difference between a good choice or a bad one.  I tend to learn from my own experiences.  I certainly haven't disabled the safety mechanism on my power tool since that injury.  See, I really can be taught.  I hope to allow my children all the opportunity that I can so that they can learn for themselves.

PC

Sickness and the New Dishwasher

One word... Strep
       +
Two words ...  Ineffective dishwasher
       =
Three words ... One tough week.


I suppose it could have been worse, although I did spend 4 hours installing a new dishwasher on Saturday.  At lease one-third of the time was spent running a new power line from the circuit breaker to the dishwasher.  When the previous owners replaced the dishwasher they didn't bother to get the electrical circuit up to code.  (it was still wired with just 2 12-gauge wires with no ground)

The new dishwasher so quiet and beautiful.  To think, we can now play games or read books together in the kitchen with the dishwasher running.  (weird isn't it)

PC

Change, One of Few Constants

People change, I know because I am a person, and (thankfully) I am not the same person I was 10 years ago. In fact, I hope I'm not the same person I was a year, or even a month ago.  What am I here for except to change?  Ultimately I hope I am changing for the good and not the other way.

I recently attended a conference that I had signed up for strictly for selfish personal reasons.  When I arrived, I very quickly realized that I need to change my focus and instead of focusing on the reason for which I had enlisted, I changed my focus to a more (I believe) selfless  motive.  Once that happened I believe I enjoyed the conference much more than I would have.

Change happens.

Even dwarfs change.  Yup.. they get bigger. This is one of the things that I wish I could change.  I suppose they would never grow up and produce grandchildren if the didn't change at least a little. Well, I can't very well stop it so I'd better grin and bear it.  Someone has told me on numerous occasions that "these are the best years of your life"  Well,  I believe it!  As much as I don't want the dwarfs to grow up and change.  I'll do my best to enjoy them when I can.

PC

No wonder

As I look at the two youngest dwarfs neither of whom are quite 8 years old yet, and I compare them to the older dwarfs (i know i really shouldn't compare my children, but there it is anyway), I can't help but notice how obvious it is that we should and must "become as little children." They are so full of love, happiness, sincerity, frankness, virtue, humility, trustfulness. In them there is no deception. They are truly their best selves.

I look at myself, now growing older and hopefully wiser. I think and wonder how it is that I can ever hope to become more like a little child. How do I achieve those same traits that I had as a child? I have acquired a bit of knowledge with my experiences that I hope will aid me in my efforts to become as a little child.

I am afraid that as we age, we separate ourselves more from the pure love of Christ and that we lose sight of Him in whose image we were created. What a sad position that this puts us in as humans.

PC

6,578,932 and counting

No that really isn't the exact number of my blessings, and it probably doesn't even come close.

Yesterday, while Stealth and I helping cut firewood with my Dad, i lost my balance for a fraction of a second and ended up with a large cut in my right foreleg. As you can see it takes up about 6-7 inches on the top of my thigh. Now you wonder, how was this a blessing? I could enumerate a number of reasons, but it all comes down to this. I could have cut off my leg.

Immediately after the accident I applied direct pressure to the injure, but I was also upset that my whole day had been ruined and concerned about how fast it would take for me to heal. Dad went to fetch some towels to use as a bandage, and I limped to the side porch. After this was bandaged, up all three of us went to the hospital. Stealth stayed with me while Dad went to get Snow White.

I'm no anatomy or medical expert, and the makeup of the leg is unfamiliar to me. I was hopeful that my leg hadn't been permanently damaged. After examination by the medical experts, it was discovered that most of the damage was to my upper and lower layers of skin and only slight damage to the muscle.

Boy, what a blessing! Although painful and inconvenient it is certainly much better than it could have been. I am constantly being amazed at God's bounteous blessings and constant watch over me and my family. It is wonderful to know that He is ever watchful and constantly aware of me and of all others. I suppose it is because He is perfect that He can be ever mindful of all His creations. Oh the wonder mercy, kindness and love that He shows to us! Please remember that he is ever aware of all that we do and are, as well as all of those things that we could be.

PC

Honestly!!

You've heard it before, and you'll probably hear it again. Honesty is the best policy. Not only is it the best policy, I would argue (if needed) that it is the only policy.

We recently purchased a use microwave oven from a free local listing service that is made available through one of the local news companies. Users post items for sale, and submit contact information. Well, this particular listing was for a never used microwave that was considerably larger than most. After we brought it home, and started using it for about 3 weeks, we discovered that the door switch was faulty and the oven would turn on when opened. This is not normally a desirable feature to have on your microwave. We called the manufacturer in the hopes that it was a simple fix. After they had the necessary information (serial number etc...) they inquired about how long we had it, and when we had purchased it etc.. It took only a moment, but I truthfully explained to them the situation and how we had acquired it. It was amazing, but they said that they would send me a warranty letter for this one repair.

I was shocked! I did not expect this from the manufacturer, to tell the truth, I didn't know what to expect, but definitely not a free repair. It certainly pays to be honest.

PC

When the King Speaks, Listen

This is good counsel anytime you are living in a kingdom. You'd better listen to what The King tells you to do.
Over a month ago, a catalyst of change was activated. This was due to PC's employment. He was mandated to take a 5% pay cut for the first quarter of 2010. This prompted him to consider his options.
He has been working for his current employer for almost 9 years. In the course of those nine years there have been only 5 (or less) annual cost of living adjustments. None in the last 3 years, and yet the non-salary benefits continue to be decreased or the cost of such continue to increase.
He has applied at a number of places, but the place that appeals to him the most is with the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in their Family Search department in Orem, Ut. Both He and Snow White have had strong feelings that a move is in the works and when we asked The King if that is what he was prompting them to do, the answer was an unmistakable yes. We are looking now to purchase a different abode in Utah County.
There have been miracles performed on our behalf. With the limited funds that we were able to acquire to fix up the castle, we have been able to install new countertops in the kitchen, remodel a bathroom, paint most of the interior, install 100 yds of new carpet, and repaint the exterior siding, gables, soffits and facia. All that remains is to clean up the yard, and finish a few other tasks. The castle will then be ready to sell.

Today we returned from looking at homes in Utah County. There were two that appealed to us. One is in a cul-de-sac and has a 25% finished basement on .35 acres. The other is 100% finished, no basment on .28 acres. We will see if The King can still influence us as we seek for His help and guidance in this matter.

Most of the dwarves (not so dwarvish any more) are handling the prospect of moving just fine. Others are demonstrating a lamanitish attitude. We'll see how things work out. We feel that this move is for the best and are gearing up for it by packing up all unnecessary items and moving them out to the garage.

All our love
-- PC