Just wanted to make a proclamation to the whole world how much I love life! I am so blessed beyond anything I could have every imagined. It seems as if the windows of heaven are continually opening and pooring out more and more. Sometimes it is a wonder why, I definitely don’t feel like I deserve any of these blessings. Especially that I have done anything at all for them. However, I am very grateful to heaven and my dearest Father for the regard and love. In a score of ways uncounted the world comes together in such a way for the benefit of all, but I recognize openly sometimes how much the cosmos seem to be just in line for me. My heart swells, my soul cries thanks. I have been recognized since I was young. Who knows what I am expected to do with these blessings or how exactly they are to be applied. I know Father will continue to clear the path before me and remove the stumblingblocks to which he is able. Everything always just falls into place. Individuals I can bless, and who can bless me are all about me. Indeed, it seems that the windows of heaven are open, thanks to tithing too. The Atonement is real, the power of Christ is real, the power of the Holy Ghost is ever present. It is we who must come in tune with these things. Life is amazing, what a privilege to come here and receive a body, learn faith, and gain experience! All thanks to Thee.
Author: Sagacity
Updates
Yesterday I entered part of an e-mail I typed to Amanda’s mom. I wrote it pretty quickly and it is not very well organized. However, it did throw out quite a few ideas of which I thought were interesting. It was also good to write them again and have a good review. However, since, I have to think about some of the principles and make little corrections. A couple of which are below. These are the more blatant ones.
No perfect law. Obviously there is. In this world though with so many people and differing aspects, perfect law cannot be agreed upon and instituted through democratic government. Over time common law might achieve something closer, but in the US our statutory law will not.
Another correction, the individual was protected by the Constitution. Those protections were from the government itself in the original Bill of Rights. The laws of the judiciary were organized in 1791, but to what extent I am not sure. I would have to do more homework, so those statements could be false. I am not familiar with the history of murder law, but if I remember right, those laws were determined by the states and local communities.
E-mail to a friend’s Mom
I now have a few minutes while I am waiting for some papers to be signed. Never had a stimulating political conversation huh? That is really too bad. For me, there is nothing which does not have a political twist, perspective, or base to it. For me it is all political. Politics in its basest form is how people organize themselves. For example, the way a family organizes to get the dishes done is a form of government and politics had a role to play. Granted most do not think about it, and usually make unwise political theory or decisions in even those easy forms, it is in our every day life. The gospel is full of law. Do this, this is the outcome. Don’t do this, this is the outcome. The reasoning behind most of the eternal law is fascinating. While not highly political, our working within that system is still a form of politics. The scriptures seems to indicate to us that the law is even older than God. God lives according to law. However, there is no beginning and no end to the law, or to God for that matter. In my mind, the one cannot exist without the other. However, it makes complete sense that the law made God, just as it will make us Gods. Now with all this law, government, and politics is another closely related field, that of economics. Economics is the study of why decisions are made and the incentives that relate. While in todays speak, it is usually referred to as dealing with money, but economics is much more than that. The reason why I chose a Italian BMT over the American BLT at Subway can even be looked at through economics. The incentives, the efficiency, the opportunity cost, and much more in every part of our lives. Every decision, every thought, when weighed out is all determined and understood by the laws (there is that word again…government…politics…eternity…) of economics. To me it is even more than all that. The saying goes, you write a book about the Hopi, you write a book about Hopi Religion. You write a book about Hopi farming, you write a book about Hopi Religion. To me it is the same way. Like D&C 88 says, there is no space in which there is not a kingdom, and there is no kingdom in which there is not law. I am paraphrasing from memory so you will have to forgive me if I slaughter it. The kingdom of the gospel entails all, some of which includes law, politics, and economics. Understand those kingdoms and their laws, and you will begin to understand the rest. Therefore, in all and everything I see, it is based upon those foundations. There is nothing which is not one of those.
It is all fascinating to me to determine and think about the options. Now, this is all just the economics side, and there is more to it than that. As with politics, there is the whole I was going to be late. How fast could I drive, would I get caught, if so, what would I say to the police officer. Could I change those laws. Why were those laws put into place. How will God treat me if I break those laws. Are the laws necessary. Economics comes very much into play. Is it in my interest to keep those laws. If I break them, are the consequences worth it to me. What about the damages that could be sustained to my pocketbook, insurance, record, time, even car if there was an accident. Granted most individuals do not think about these things every time a decision is made. We learn to make the decisions which are most efficient over time. Hayek says that is where moral code comes from, the basis of decisions which create the greatest efficiency for society.
While I may not think about these things all the time, any moment somebody says something that does not seem quite right, I then go into analytical mode. Yep, I sit down and starty analyzing. Much of the current law I think has some inherent problems. However, there will never be perfect law organized by men. But bright line rules have been established for ages. A recent phenomenon is the questioning of those bright line rules. More ominous is the question of the law being applied to individuals rather than society. It is highly dangerous state to get into and one that will be the capsizing of our system. Somehow we have become very interested in the law rather than generally, but how it applies to individuals.
For example, the right to privacy. Nowhere is that a right protected in the Constitution. Somehow though, it appears to become a Constitutional Doctrine. Never was the individual rights in the original Constitution. One of the first works of Congress of our nation was the laying out of the Bill of Rights. Some of which were individual rights, but still very general. The law was for the governing of society, not for individuals. They were to do that by themselves. The turn has become one which is dangerous and very slowing to a society. For example, Mormons which are supposed to be the most friendly people to the Constitution are constantly wanting to change it in relation to a score of things. Something never intended by the founders. It just doesn’t make sense. However, we don’t think of those things. Somehow it appears we have divorced religion and government and politics. We are all religion, however, sadly, I fear many don’t even understand why its laws are put into place. Granted, much of it is still required of faith. Don’t get me wrong, I do not claim to know all things.
Anyhow, back off the tangent. Once a person can start to outline God, his kingdom, his laws, and the principles thereof, all else begins to fall into place. All truth is circumscribed into one great whole. Of course it is the gospel.
We’re taught some examples of politics in school, but not the application nor the principles. You saw and heard arguments built off of politics, probably not very good themselves, and were turned off of it. Just like another religion doesn’t hold any sway on you. You know better. But like the old rag doll, you hang to it until a new better one comes along. Then you leave the old one behind. I don’t know if you have been searching for this specific knowledge, but you have not been enlivened by it. Otherwise you could not forget it nor leave it alone.
With these things comes the history. Once the principles are understood then the history of the application of those principles becomes fascinating. How, when, where and why of those laws all become part of the gig. Why did it not work, did it appear to work, would it have worked? How did people live their lives, all that becomes our learning. The principles are then backed up, supported, and sustained by those past examples, or they are not. If they are, one must make sure they relate. Association does not always mean causation.
Somehow in todays society each things they are a light unto themselves. They would be their own candle and care not for those around us. However, each of us are a part of the divine and we cannot get anywhere without the help and aid of those around. We cannot be saved by ourselves. That is clearly taught. The other is that a soul cannot be saved in ignorance. Those two things should give us a clear indication of how we are to live our lives. Constantly in pursuit of knowledge, light, understanding, and the principles thereof. The other, is that it must come through one another. We must be seeking to learn of others, learn of their experiences. The classic cliche, A smart man learns from his experiences, a wise man learns from other’s experiences. Trial and error by ourselves all our lives is such a waste of time. When those around us and who have gone before have probably done the same thing. I find other people’s lives fascinating to learn from them. In many instances, you will find out from how I internalize things, is that I literally live a part of their life. I feel it, I know it, I understand to an extent what they did. Brigham Young has always been such an amazing man to me. I feel like I know the man and can understand him. That understanding has come to form some of who I am and determine how I would act. I find it much easier from autobiographies and personal stories of a person rather than second hand. Biographies usually are boring to me, but autobiographies are amazing. There is something about the outline of a persons life that moves me as well. The ever linking and connections between each of us as members of the human race. What a fascinating thing. Anyhow history is not a bygone era. It is the now, and just to be determined. Those people are not gone, the Spirit world is right here. Why not learn from their example. Somehow time tends to put things in proper perspective. So many things of the present are convoluted, but with the comparison of time and history, they become much more clear.
Perhaps this will give you some basis of why I love to learn about other people. Especially those who so heavily influence the people around them. Like Senator Smoot, Senator Wheeler, Senator Church, Senator Borah, and Senator Thomas. President Roosevelt, President Roosevelt, President Wilson, President Harding, President Truman, and President Lincoln. President Smith, President Young, President Taylor, President Woodruff, President Snow, President Smith, and so forth. Especially in the lives of today. Governor Ross, Governor Andrus, Governor Steunenberg, and so forth.
For example, the right to privacy. Nowhere is that a right protected in the Constitution. Somehow though, it appears to become a Constitutional Doctrine. Never was the individual rights in the original Constitution. One of the first works of Congress of our nation was the laying out of the Bill of Rights. Some of which were individual rights, but still very general. The law was for the governing of society, not for individuals. They were to do that by themselves. The turn has become one which is dangerous and very slowing to a society. For example, Mormons which are supposed to be the most friendly people to the Constitution are constantly wanting to change it in relation to a score of things. Something never intended by the founders. It just doesn’t make sense. However, we don’t think of those things. Somehow it appears we have divorced religion and government and politics. We are all religion, however, sadly, I fear many don’t even understand why its laws are put into place. Granted, much of it is still required of faith. Don’t get me wrong, I do not claim to know all things.
Anyhow, back off the tangent. Once a person can start to outline God, his kingdom, his laws, and the principles thereof, all else begins to fall into place. All truth is circumscribed into one great whole. Of course it is the gospel.
We’re taught some examples of politics in school, but not the application nor the principles. You saw and heard arguments built off of politics, probably not very good themselves, and were turned off of it. Just like another religion doesn’t hold any sway on you. You know better. But like the old rag doll, you hang to it until a new better one comes along. Then you leave the old one behind. I don’t know if you have been searching for this specific knowledge, but you have not been enlivened by it. Otherwise you could not forget it nor leave it alone.
With these things comes the history. Once the principles are understood then the history of the application of those principles becomes fascinating. How, when, where and why of those laws all become part of the gig. Why did it not work, did it appear to work, would it have worked? How did people live their lives, all that becomes our learning. The principles are then backed up, supported, and sustained by those past examples, or they are not. If they are, one must make sure they relate. Association does not always mean causation.
Somehow in todays society each things they are a light unto themselves. They would be their own candle and care not for those around us. However, each of us are a part of the divine and we cannot get anywhere without the help and aid of those around. We cannot be saved by ourselves. That is clearly taught. The other is that a soul cannot be saved in ignorance. Those two things should give us a clear indication of how we are to live our lives. Constantly in pursuit of knowledge, light, understanding, and the principles thereof. The other, is that it must come through one another. We must be seeking to learn of others, learn of their experiences. The classic cliche, A smart man learns from his experiences, a wise man learns from other’s experiences. Trial and error by ourselves all our lives is such a waste of time. When those around us and who have gone before have probably done the same thing. I find other people’s lives fascinating to learn from them. In many instances, you will find out from how I internalize things, is that I literally live a part of their life. I feel it, I know it, I understand to an extent what they did. Brigham Young has always been such an amazing man to me. I feel like I know the man and can understand him. That understanding has come to form some of who I am and determine how I would act. I find it much easier from autobiographies and personal stories of a person rather than second hand. Biographies usually are boring to me, but autobiographies are amazing. There is something about the outline of a persons life that moves me as well. The ever linking and connections between each of us as members of the human race. What a fascinating thing. Anyhow history is not a bygone era. It is the now, and just to be determined. Those people are not gone, the Spirit world is right here. Why not learn from their example. Somehow time tends to put things in proper perspective. So many things of the present are convoluted, but with the comparison of time and history, they become much more clear.
Perhaps this will give you some basis of why I love to learn about other people. Especially those who so heavily influence the people around them. Like Senator Smoot, Senator Wheeler, Senator Church, Senator Borah, and Senator Thomas. President Roosevelt, President Roosevelt, President Wilson, President Harding, President Truman, and President Lincoln. President Smith, President Young, President Taylor, President Woodruff, President Snow, President Smith, and so forth. Especially in the lives of today. Governor Ross, Governor Andrus, Governor Steunenberg, and so forth.
Lunch with History
Out to lunch. What an amazing lunch. Just had lunch with a man who worked as a personal associate to a former Governor of Idaho, Cecil D Andrus. Marc Johnson was the Press Secretary and Chief of Staff to Governor Andrus. What a fascinating lunch. Marc is currently writing a book on Senator Wheeler of Montana. What a great discussion. We discussed Senator Borah, Senator R Smoot, Senator Thomas, Senator Church, Governor Kempthorne, President Wilson, President F Roosevelt, Governor Steunenberg, Governor Ross and more. We discussed politics in Idaho, Utah, Montana, and the US. Chatted about the current Supreme Court appointment and the state of the court. It was all fascinating. He let me borrow a book on Idaho Governors. Also a newspaper clipping on the 1936 race of Borah and Ross. There is so much to learn and so much to gain. What a history in the specifics of individual lives. The assassination of Governor Steunenberg. The political debate in seating Senator Reed Smoot of Utah. There is so much to learn and do. Marc also told me of his life and how he came to Boise. Born in Nebraska and raised in South Dakota. He came to Boise to work in journalism after his boss transferred from South Dakota to here. Met his wife here as well. Interesting how each and every life have their own story. So much to learn, so little time to do it in. I have so much to learn.
Dear Journal
I don’t know if this is a good thing or not. In many cases, I think this little blog can remove some of the excess and useless from my hand written journal. While I have become increasingly slack in hand writing, I find this is much more easy to type on my break at work or to throw out a few ideas from time to time. Perhaps the time consumption of writing useless ramblings and thought testing in the hard copy can be removed. I don’t know if the posterity would have appreciated this maintained in the journal or not, but we will have to see. I could hope, but I don’t think what I am writing now could last through the centuries as perhaps a book could. But by that time, the day to day concerns and mundane thoughts will not be of value anyhow. They will probably be so foreign to most that they would find it utterly boring. Unless of course, they are steeped in the traditions of our day and understand a glimmer of what it was I thought was somewhat important.
We never hear of the concerns or latest political ramblings of Rome. I have no idea if they ever passed a CAFTA of sorts, something that is taking up mega amounts of time for me here at work. Idaho does not want CAFTA. Minnesota does not want CAFTA. They both have the sugar beet industry to lose. Florida and Louisiana don’t want it either for it causes blows to their sugar cane industry. However, I do not think that is enough to stall it in the House. While there are problems with tribunals in the pact, and other problems, I think it will end up going the way of a passing vote. It is always so interesting. I find myself in the midst of a terrible battle. One that is not just political, but goes further. It extends to the parts of the soul, and the age old questions of what is good and right. I know many people say that this is something that really doesn’t matter in the long run, but it does. There is nothing temporal which is not also spiritual. Temporal is only an extention of spiritual. The principle behind these issues is still very real, and one that extends to the dawnings of time. The question is this. We are to be independent as far as we possibly can. In all things. Hence comes the conservative slant. We believe in being sustained as much as we can individually, then to help out our families and communities. After that, it extends to the state, and then to the whole world. Families are organized together into communities, and communities in this country into counties. However this order of things has been diminished and is now the state moreso. States (in the US) combine to form the United States, one large state. Nation seems to have the wrong definition, something I would apply more to the community or county. The culmination of all these creates the populace of the world and our interactions.
The market works purely in this form, trade breaks down barriers, and all things are governed according to need and the invisible hand. You can sense some of my political theory background coming out here. This would be considered the far right, the purist, and those who are basically libertarian. Everything is to work from the base up. The forming of a state, and of these united states are a social compact for the benefit of all. From my understanding, government is only to do for the people what they grant it power to do for them. Therefore, government is not to do something that the people are not willing to do for themselves. I would protect my life. Government has that capability to do that for me so I don’t have to worry about it. I would protect my property, those things I can claim as my own. Therefore government may do that for me as well. There is always the sticky idea of defining property and regulating who gets what, but I think that was pretty well defined by the market and to some degree still is. That is the roll of government. To aid in those things, communication must be preserved, transportation enabled, and forces which would undermine the happy association with my peers. Everything beyond is out of the scope of government. I think most of the problems we are facing today deal with the overstepping of those bounds. That would be the ideal world. Yep, there would be inequality, but you know, it would be taken care of on the community level. If it is community wide, the counties or states would reach to help out neighboring and so forth. I do believe humans are naturally good. If there is greed, I believe the market would help remove it and if not, they would find themselves destitute and poor. However, our audacity to believe we understand things better than the laws of eternity have caused us to stick our fingers into the pots and undermine everything. Now the other side is that humans are not capable of taking care of themselves and need a big brother. I obviously am throwing the other side of the spectrum out. It is our job to reach out and make sure each are living their life to the fullest. It takes a few who are well learned and understanding to say what those things are because they know best. Therefore all must be told what to do, how to do it, how often, and in all the details. This is a very centralized theory, while the other is decentralized. One claims all understanding, the other claims each knows for themselves. One states that human kind is naturally ignorant, the other that humans have certain innate gifts of understanding. The poles are great and hard to mix. These two far opposites battle in the middle for the ground and neither is ever quite winning.
I believe in the conservative, free market, libertarian, decentralized mode of things. I think free trade is a great thing. Something to be lauded and heralded to the world. It will serve more to break down the barriers of culture and religion than anything else I can think of. Now where government has already become involved we have adapted and don’t like drastic change. The market does provide constance and change is incremental and small. The authoritative approach brings drastic and painful changes. We have relied on government so much that the removal of these barriers will affect broad spectrums of our society. Where if we had not messed with these things, we would not be facing this issue. Nobody ever heard the wagon maker union calling for subsidies and high taxes on autos because it was ruining their way of life. Nobody ever heard the candle and lantern makers posing for special incentives and help of the government. New inventions, new ways of life, the future was bright and great opportunity awaited them. The wheel makers moved on to auto wheels or were left destitute. The market required a continuing education, and did not allow for stagnant individuals. You had to work or you had none. If you could not work, then those who could help if it was obvious reached out their hand. If you had no hope, many took their own lives or pined away in misery. Those who have faith and hope march forward ever into uncharted territory. Whether for themselves or for others. Electricity has revolutionized the world. Those who were destroyed by electricity either adapted or they were left behind. Yes, it might be painful, but life itself is painful. Learn to grab the bull by the horns and wrestle it to your benefit. Have a classic back yard bar-b-que when you have worked things in your favor. Yep, that bull might be big, it might be a mean one, but call on family and community. There is nothing that is too big that concerted effort cannot conquer.
Somehow the bull is always to be slaughtered by the community now. And when it is not, we cry foul. We avoid the pain of work and endure the pain of hunger. The pain of work is much less nagging and can actually be enjoyable, much more than the pains of hunger ever were. Yet somehow we cry and bring about our pity party. I did not have the opportunity to have first pick of the last killed calf.
So what about specialization. That is all great. I believe if someone else can kill the calf and butcher it better than me is more than allowed to do so. But to receive of their work and effort, there must be something I can be doing that would be of value to them. Now I understand money has made this bargain much more easily made, but there is something I can do. Whether I am good at it or not, maybe it is just something nobody else wants to do. There is always work to do, and that pain we might as well do. Whether it be low or high, it needs to be done, so why whine, get to it. If you are the best darn nose picker in the world and somebody else wants those ores, then you will be rewarded for your job. Do it well, and the better the reward.
So here we are, back in Idaho. Free trade will remove the old no longer useful or efficient occupations and require ingenuity for those who would like to work. In saying all that, I hate to see the complete uprooting of an entire way of life. Granted, it exists because of government, but it is my life. It is the way I grew up. It is how life is. My allowing CAFTA will destroy all I have ever known and break apart the communities and way of life. Some of my best friends will be left destitute and without hope of a future, partially because of their own unwillingness to adapt and learn.
If all this rambling on theory is not enough, this is what is worse. That we have the capability to determine these things. Our government and we as a people have allowed government to get to this stage. Yep, you and me. I suppose much more on our ancestors, but we allow and even perpetuate this way of life. Not just for ourselves, but in our government. What ever is to be done? Must we wait for great grievances or even the failure of our system before we make true amends? Anyhow my break is well over. Whatever shall we do. I am afraid most people don’t care enough to worry about it, so I suppose those who believe we are dumb ride for the day. While those who believe in the independence of the individual either must be obvious or watch with a degree of terror. Perhaps we deserve to be ruled by the few and an elitest group, after all, we allowed it.
Pictures Explained
I thought I would take the opportunity to explain the pictures which are in the album to the right. The British pictures are from the blessed land of Northern England and Wales. I served as a missionary in Northern England in 1998-2000. While there I served in the vicinity of Manchester and Liverpool the whole time. The exact areas were Moreton on the Wirral Peninsula, Hyde near Aston-under-Lyne, Eccles (West Manchester/Salford), Runcorn, Wigan. These pictures were taken during a trip back to Britain during the summer of 2003. While I visited Wales several times on the mission, this was my first real get to know the area trip. Conwy, Caernarven, Harlech, and others were the only castles we visited. I traveled there with a friend and mission companion, Brad Hales, and his sister, Amy. It was a trip not to be forgotten and I hope to make it back in the next few years. I thought there were some pictures of London in there, but apparently not. None of England made it either, I will have to fix that situation.
The next set of pictures are of Amanda and me. The most amazing girl in the world. Not only because she loves me, but as she is just that, amazing. There are pictures of her and I at my Sister’s wedding, note the classy 1956 Dodge Coronet. If anyone is interested in purchasing it for a reasonable price, let me know. It needs a little work, but sure looks and runs great. There is a pic after the 4th of July Water Parade in Kaysville, Utah. Then there are pictures from Spring Formal at Utah State University 2005.
In May 2005, I went with a Hemsley Family (Amanda’s family) traditional fishing weekend. It was a totally new experience for me. I have never fly fished before. In fact, I had not fished for probably 15 years. Not really into the whole fishing game. It was very fun, fascinating, and terribly beautiful. It was a good chance to bond with the future in-laws. I need to learn how to clean a fish, perhaps we can save that for next year, if I am invited. We also did a little rafting on the trip, some of which photos you wil see.
While I was living in Logan and in the year 2003 we organized a Manti Temple trip. In the end, only five ended up going out of the 20 who committed. Never mind, we enjoyed ourselves. Brian and Karene on the trip found it so wonderful, they fell in love and were married later. Some of Karene’s family were from Fountain Green so we got to meet them as well. The Manti Temple is an impressive structure. I think it will need some renovating in upcoming years, but a magnificent monument to the pioneers who went before us. It has not been renovated and modernized like the Logan Temple was. In my opinion, they ruined the Logan Temple. Especially where it was considered the more grand of the two similarly designed temples. Oh well. Life moves on. I have family from Spring City, Wales, Ephraim, and other areas of the San Pete Valley. I could do without the sometimes troublesome smell of turkeys. What a beautiful valley.
The last bunch of current photos is of cars. Yep, some of the loves of my life. I have not done much with cars recently, but I used to quite a bit. There is a 1956 Dodge Coronet which was owned by my mother. She purchased it off a Dr. Karchner, who delivered me as a baby. It is still in my possession. I will have to one day work on fully restoring it, or finding a home for it. I just can’t stand to see it sit. The 1955 International R-100 pickup was fully restored. I drove it for my Senior Year in high school at Minico in Rupert. I had it until 2001 when I sold it to John Tanner of Hollywood, California. I doubled the money of which I paid for it, but I had that much in the pickup. A rebuilt engine, and then the restoration after my sister rolled it in 1998. I do still have a 1949 GMC pickup which has just finished being restored. We are looking to sell it at the moment. I also have a 1946 Chevrolet pickup which is all torn apart ready to begin a restoration. I need to divest myself of these autos really. I just am so sentimental, plus I can’t keep them. They require upkeep, maintenance, and other expensive help. With getting married and all, I should get rid of them. I can’t move to Virginia with them. Oh well. Someday I know I will kick myself for doing so, especially where I see so many of my friends parents doing the same. Well, I am totally rambling, so I am going to close this little entry.
Enjoy the photos. Perhaps I will put some more up sooner than later.
Our Potential
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
– Nelson Mandela
– Nelson Mandela
Too bad really more people don’t realize this. What a pitiful waste and shame.
Heritage
I am an Idaho boy from the farm land. Interested in politics and law. I love to learn the diversity of operations of all aspects of life. While I am not as aggressive in pursuing that information as I probably should be, I have found great joy in what I have learned. Coming from a home which is broken, but yet somehow set the stage for a great foundation. While the parents were not role models, yet they were in so many ways. My mother just let a few weaknesses, especially that of bitterness and negativity take over her life. It in the end ruined all she had. I have a connection with the land and find I can connect with nature. The desert somehow is where the greatest bond comes. I find it in the mountains and other places, but the desert speaks to me. It lives and I feel it move. I have such a wide variety of interests I wonder where to start. My hobbies are far and wide, but mostly are connected with history; of any type. Somehow I find that I cannot comprehend the present without the past. I struggle with where to hand facts without the branch to which they belong. Somehow I can deal with branches barely, but trees and forests are much more manageable. I have a family I admire, but yet provide the greatest learning opportunities. I have learned from many other people who are continually blessing my life. I hope that I may be as great a blessing to them as they are to me. I have a blessed love in my life right now. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. We are engaged to be married on the 20th of December. We are waiting until then for my return from Washington DC. I will be in DC for 4 months. I love her more than everything. Nothing else matters to me anymore. Besides the Gospel, she is the center of my universe. I adore and worship her to the extent I am allowed by the Gospel and personal capability. She is my greatest blessing. She reminds me so much of the relationship I had with my sweet grandmother. The relationship was amazing with her. However this one is far beyond anything I could have ever experienced with her. The relationship with Alcyone is deeper, more beautiful, magnified, and more expansive. Plus with the added attributes that accompany physical contact. A kiss from her is far exceeding anything I could have or should have felt with my Grandma. Alcyone is so beautiful. I am amazed at her beauty every time I see her. She doesn’t believe me, but even after she has awakened in the morning, I find her still stunningly beautiful. Besides all the physical attraction, there is a bond which runs deep and spiritual. We understand and think alike, even when we don’t speak. In fact, we don’t even have to be near each other. I awake in the night and know of her. Anyhow, life is wonderful. I love it. I am blessed beyond anything I could ever ask for. Right now life consists of CAFTA, working hard for new contacts for the business I work for, and living to see my love. Oh, I am doing online courses as well as trying to get my insurance license. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I anticipate it with joy. I am thrilled for the ways my life has been directed. I hope that I have handled the situations as fully as I could have and Father will continue to bless me. Well, I will sign off. I love life, I love the world, I love the Lord, and I hope to gain the most of life.
Sagacity 