I have a lot of dreams in my life and A lot of ambitions. However, I've never aspired to become a wealthy man and really don't think that I ever will be. I of course want to make enough money to support a family and have enough time and resources to serve in the Church and help those in need, but I don't need an excess amount of anything and I hope that I can be generous with the little I'll have.
With that being said, I sure hope and pray that I can find a beautiful, and considerate girl someday that will be willing to scrape out an existence in pure poverty. :) Well, we won't be destitute, I can promise her that and I'll always work as hard as possible to make sure that she has all that she needs, but I won't be able to give her castles or kingdoms. This poem I wrote means a lot to me because it comes sincerely from my heart. I hope that it illustrates that there are far, far more important things than money, or material objects. I pray that it shows that love is strong, and real in any circumstance, and that It can endure the most dismal of financial situations.
It was a cold day in Canada on my Mission when I wrote this. I was just about to return home, and I was so unsure of so many things. I had so many questions, and so many insecurities. Where was I going to work? How was I going to have any money? How would I get around? How would I afford anything? What was I going to do for school? How would I pay for it?
It seemed that I had little by way of prospects, and with 1 Canadian Toonie and 1 Loonie (3 Canadian dollars in total) to my name, I wondered how I could ever make it. I of course dream of someday being in love with a wonderful girl and making a beautiful life for her, but how could I possible ever make it? As I read of a similar thought process of Elder Jeffery R. Holland, when returning from his mission I was inspired. In that talk he quoted Winston Churchill when he said "I have nothing to offer, but blood, toil, tears, and sweat" Elder Holland commented further and said "I thought to myself, I have as much blood, tears, and sweat as anyone" When I read that I determined in my mind... I do as well and let's go bleed, cry, and work it out. So here I am, trying to work my best, giving all I have for a future like this. :)
"Not Much"
I've counted it up, and it's really not much
It's just a few dollars, some knick knacks and such
An old beater car with an old broken heater,
A whole heap of people saying "How will he feed her?"
I've counted it up, and it's almost too much
between the water, and heat, and the housing and such
temporally speaking I don't have much to give
I could barely provide what we'd need just to live
I've counted it up, and i'm not a safe bet
there will be lots of comforts and things you won't get
I can't guarantee a luxurious way,
we probably will struggle just about every day
But i've counted it up, and i've got more than enough
ambition and desire, among other stuff
if nothing else, I know this is true
There could never be anyone who loves you more than I do!
I can give you my efforts and work towards dreams,
be the first to the bedroom when our little one screams
be the first out the door when we forget garbage day,
sing you love songs and cook dinner when you've had a bad day.
And then when we're struggling i'll just take your hand,
and i'll tell you our hopes, and the dreams that we've planned
and i'll give you a kiss and assure it's okay,
and then go out and work, so it happens that way.
YES, I've counted it up, and it's really not much
for vacations and cars, and nice clothing and such.
But, I really don't care if I have all those things
or half of the stuff they say money can bring
We may never have much, but I promise you love
and a life filled with goodness, and consent from above
and as for those critics, We'll quiet those folk
We may always be poor, but we'll never be broke.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
My Vow
I always carry with me in a pocket or bag, a little black moleskin notebook. Throughout the day, as I have thoughts, or bits of inspiration, usually things that are only significant to me, I write in my little black book.
It was a darker day on my mission, when I was especially frustrated, with the work, the people, other missionaries, myself. A day when I was struggling to decide what I would make of myself, and who it was that I wanted to be. It seemed so easy to just coast through my mission, through my life. It was a day I witnessed people participate in some of the most demeaning actions towards their fellow brethre, belittling them, devaluing their God given worth. I remember as I sat on the side of a road that day I scribbled out some thoughts about who it is that I wanted to be. These thoughts turned into this poem, and then this poem eventually became the foundation of the creed that I have decided will dictate my life.
It was a darker day on my mission, when I was especially frustrated, with the work, the people, other missionaries, myself. A day when I was struggling to decide what I would make of myself, and who it was that I wanted to be. It seemed so easy to just coast through my mission, through my life. It was a day I witnessed people participate in some of the most demeaning actions towards their fellow brethre, belittling them, devaluing their God given worth. I remember as I sat on the side of a road that day I scribbled out some thoughts about who it is that I wanted to be. These thoughts turned into this poem, and then this poem eventually became the foundation of the creed that I have decided will dictate my life.
I vow today to fight for truth,
for love, for hope, for faith, and youth
To always stand on the side of good
to learn to love, that which man should
To always smile when the sun is gone,
to apply my brain, my heart, my brawn
To lift all those who look for light
to sit with those in their darkest night
To always be going in the way I should
To ever be pondering "have I done all I could?"
To wear out my love, for the life of the soul
to put in the time and the effort and toll
To never tear down but to always make stronger
my brother in need who cannot stand much longer
To not only speak, but to say and to live
to not keep for myself, what I can and should give
To hesitate never when faced with a choice
to sacrifice all when I hear needy voice
I Vow today to take a stand,
against burying virtue in the dust and sand
I vow not to idle when I see goodness mocked
when purities trampled and kindness is knocked
When that which is vulgar is disguised as the clean
When masses accept the dirty, filthy, obscene.
When the perceptions of most, find false right in the wrong
when evil creeps into speech action and song
When the wholesome's considered cheap tawdry and naught,
when men flee to their comforts, when there are wars to be fought
When few, if any,will take a stand,
I Will not flinch! But I'll be a good man!
Who will not give into the popular view
but will cherish and give, all I have to the true
And if I exaust my whole life, without rest
just trying and doing and seeking what's best
I may never change, the hearts of the more
but perhaps I could be, as a wave on the shore.
that consistently comes to beat upon land,
and with each pursuit chips away at the sand
and washes away just a bit at a time
all the rubbish, and driftwood, the waste and the slime
This is my vow to be steady and sure
to be diligent, righteous and not only endure
but to thrive and to battle and fight for the truth
For love, and for faith, and for, hope, and for youth.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
This, I believe, is all I need For my philosophy and creed.
Credo is a Latin word that means "I believe" many Latin based languages use a form of this word in the same way. In Spanish you would say "Creo" in French "Crois" and in Italian they just use the original Latin word. In English the word is Creed, and it is a word that I feel, and fear is used far too seldom. It is a word that implies something noble, something strong, and something unbreakable. It seems to me to be a word of or philosophy that embodies goal setting, and eternal progression. A creed as the Websters dictionary defines is "any system or codification of belief or of opinion." in my mind it is a standard of living, a manifestation of belief, and in a way a sort of vow to yourself to uphold certain moral, and ethical standards.
I would like to include two inspiring items concerning Creeds, the first is the Creed of an Apostle, who later became known as the "Prophet of Christ like love." His name was George Albert Smith, and upon his call to the Quorum of the Twelve he felt inadequate, and decided that he needed to sit down and write out a creed, something that he would stand for, something that would dictate the course of his life, his behavior, and his decisions.... It's a really beautiful piece of writing, and the man that he was at the end of his life reflected that he was very successful in the execution of his set standard of living. Here I include his beautiful creed.
The Creed of George Albert Smith
"I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.
I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.
I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.
I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and happy life.
I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals, but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.
I would live by the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.
I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.
I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.
I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the success of all the children of my Heavenly Father.
I would not be an enemy to any living soul.
Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but a blessed privilege to disseminate the truth."
(Elder George Albert Smith, Improvement Era, Vol. 5, March 1932, p. 295; paragraphing added).
Another item I would like to include is a beautiful poem written by one of my favorite poets Edgar A. Guest. It is the basis of the title of this blog, and is an inspiring piece of literature as well.
My Creed ~ Edgar A. Guest
To live as gently as I can;
To be, no matter where, a man;
To take what comes of good or ill
And cling to faith and honor still;
To do my best, and let that stand
The record of my brain and hand;
And then, should failure come to me,
Still work and hope for victory.
To have no secret place wherein
I stoop unseen to shame or sin;
To be the same when I'm alone
As when my every deed is known;
To live undaunted, unafraid
Of any step that I have made;
To be without pretense or sham
Exactly what men think I am.
To leave some simple mark behind
To keep my having lived in mind;
If enmity to aught I show,
To be an honest, generous foe,
To play my little part, nor whine
That greater honors are not mine.
This, I believe, is all I need
For my philosophy and creed.
I pray that I may embody some of these traits, and that I might be a man who would uphold such ideals, and standards.
In my next post I will share my own personal creed, and what I pray I might become.
I would like to include two inspiring items concerning Creeds, the first is the Creed of an Apostle, who later became known as the "Prophet of Christ like love." His name was George Albert Smith, and upon his call to the Quorum of the Twelve he felt inadequate, and decided that he needed to sit down and write out a creed, something that he would stand for, something that would dictate the course of his life, his behavior, and his decisions.... It's a really beautiful piece of writing, and the man that he was at the end of his life reflected that he was very successful in the execution of his set standard of living. Here I include his beautiful creed.
The Creed of George Albert Smith
"I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.
I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.
I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.
I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and happy life.
I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals, but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.
I would live by the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.
I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.
I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.
I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the success of all the children of my Heavenly Father.
I would not be an enemy to any living soul.
Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but a blessed privilege to disseminate the truth."
(Elder George Albert Smith, Improvement Era, Vol. 5, March 1932, p. 295; paragraphing added).
Another item I would like to include is a beautiful poem written by one of my favorite poets Edgar A. Guest. It is the basis of the title of this blog, and is an inspiring piece of literature as well.
My Creed ~ Edgar A. Guest
To live as gently as I can;
To be, no matter where, a man;
To take what comes of good or ill
And cling to faith and honor still;
To do my best, and let that stand
The record of my brain and hand;
And then, should failure come to me,
Still work and hope for victory.
To have no secret place wherein
I stoop unseen to shame or sin;
To be the same when I'm alone
As when my every deed is known;
To live undaunted, unafraid
Of any step that I have made;
To be without pretense or sham
Exactly what men think I am.
To leave some simple mark behind
To keep my having lived in mind;
If enmity to aught I show,
To be an honest, generous foe,
To play my little part, nor whine
That greater honors are not mine.
This, I believe, is all I need
For my philosophy and creed.
I pray that I may embody some of these traits, and that I might be a man who would uphold such ideals, and standards.
In my next post I will share my own personal creed, and what I pray I might become.
Why the Blog? Why ever the Blog?
A new blog I believe merits a new introduction of ones self, and I believe a firm justification or defense for it's existence. For many reasons, some for the sake of courtesy, others for the sake of vanity, and in this case for the reason of looking for an outlet in which I can verbally restate, and recommit to a persona that I've always wished that I could embody beyond the realms of my simple thoughts, or my wordy declarations. I've always been fairly good at wordy declaration, yet have always seemed to fall a little behind the mark when it came to the actual personification of my idealistic views. Essentially, I wish to share some thoughts, more for myself than for anyone else on some of the things that I have come to love, come to cherish, and have come to dream I could be.
Now you sometimes wonder, "He says that he shares these thoughts for himself, why is it necessary then for him to publicly post a blog smack in the heart of the internet, and post it on his facebook, and etc. etc. etc.? Can't he just simply think his own thoughts in the privacy of his own mind, and leave the rest of the innocent cyberspace users alone?" Well, I have definitely thought about that in the past, I've wondered why so many people waste so much time talking about who knows what on their facebook status, or why it is that when you decide something, or create a new thought, or set a new goal that we feel the insatiable desire to log in, and share with 1,000 people these thoughts, desires, and dreams? I think we are more than aware that 975 of those 1,000 don't care about the 10 pounds you dream of losing, or the quote from a man deceased for over 200 years, or anything else you could possibly concoct in the deepest depths of your free thinking spirit and soul. I've found it an interesting topic as i've reflected on the motive that makes up these posts i've considered several possibilities, most of which I feel are true contributors to one of the most trendy actions that possess this generation.
I could never begin to claim to understand why people post things, or what their motives in doing so are. I could ever only begin to express why I post things, and although I am perhaps a little odd, and maybe not the average poster, I do believe that some of my desires for posting things are shared by at least some of the general public. I'd like to examine for a minute why I share with the world these thoughts, why I've ever posted anything on Facebook, and I suppose why this Blog has come into existence.
My insatiable desire to be loved-
I believe with all my heart that an innate and natural characteristic implanted within all of us by a Divine creator is the insatiable desire to be loved. To feel that other beings care about you, will protect you, and will consider your well being. "You're nobody til somebody loves you", "Love is like oxygen" "All you need is love" "Yea it is the love of God... The most desirable above all things... yea, and the mos joyous to the soul." I believe fully in all of these popular sayings, and because all of them are true, here are some of the posts and tactics I've used to receive this love.
My desire to give love, and in return receive love.
In my opinion the healthiest, and most effective way of meeting our human need for love is by abundantly giving it. As we express our love our experience disseminating it in turns increases our depth of understanding concerning the topic in general. It's like the old adage that mentions the best learning method is teaching, I can't tell it to you off the top of my head, and I'm too lazy to move my mouse over to Google so I'll keep going, you know what I'm talking about. :) When we explain our love, and express our love we begin what has caused that love within us, and our ability to see what would then in turn be the most adequate way of receiving love increases! Also, an interesting insight is that it is often the giving of love that turns out to be the most lovable characteristic of all! Another thing I'd like to mention is that loving is a skill, a gift, and a treasure that must be practiced, consciously sought after, and found. It's something that like piano playing, or dancing, or football throwing improves the more you do it. I also mention, that one of the most endearing, and worthwhile saving graces of Facebook is that I observe a healthy dose, and many opportunities seized to express love, and receive love in a healthy way. That is a great thing my friends, truly great.
The power of public affirmation of your thoughts, and words
Another reason that I've posted is to simply validate my thoughts, and dreams. I am at times so unsure of my thoughts, so unsure of my pursuits, so unsure of whether I'm no the right mental, and life path that I need affirmation. An easy way to get it is to appeal to the Facebook masses by posting these thoughts and gauging the response. It's a non threatening environment in which I can measure the masses acceptance of my mind. It's incredible how non threatening it actually is considering the fact that you are sharing what you think with thousands of people... It's kind of like this I suppose... You are naked in the middle of time square alone... really awkward. You are in the middle of time square and everyone is naked... awesome! This is a common practice of mine, to take a thought I am unsure of and put it up to a Facebook vote. A vote in which no one really knows that they are participating in, however that little "Like" button determines more than we know.
The power of personal affirmation when publicly posted
There is something powerful about posting something publicly that really helps your own thoughts, it kind of rallies you to actually achieve what you've dreamed. It's a public verbalization. In a way it's a sort of accountability tactic. You've declared to everyone that the game is on, that you've cast the die. It makes it somewhat official, and somewhat empowering that you've actually gone public with it. I suppose this is the main of all reasons that I post things online. I like when things are official, I like when I am held accountable, and I feel that publicly announcing things creates both of these qualities.
Essentially all of those reasons make up the motives for this blog, It's a search for love, it at times will probably be a search for pity, it's got a little or a lot of ego mixed in, and at times I will share my love for those whom I love truly, and the things even that I really love. But most of all, I need an outlet to focus my thoughts, and share my ideals mainly with myself, but have them publicly and officially announced as well. :) anyways, til next time.
Now you sometimes wonder, "He says that he shares these thoughts for himself, why is it necessary then for him to publicly post a blog smack in the heart of the internet, and post it on his facebook, and etc. etc. etc.? Can't he just simply think his own thoughts in the privacy of his own mind, and leave the rest of the innocent cyberspace users alone?" Well, I have definitely thought about that in the past, I've wondered why so many people waste so much time talking about who knows what on their facebook status, or why it is that when you decide something, or create a new thought, or set a new goal that we feel the insatiable desire to log in, and share with 1,000 people these thoughts, desires, and dreams? I think we are more than aware that 975 of those 1,000 don't care about the 10 pounds you dream of losing, or the quote from a man deceased for over 200 years, or anything else you could possibly concoct in the deepest depths of your free thinking spirit and soul. I've found it an interesting topic as i've reflected on the motive that makes up these posts i've considered several possibilities, most of which I feel are true contributors to one of the most trendy actions that possess this generation.
I could never begin to claim to understand why people post things, or what their motives in doing so are. I could ever only begin to express why I post things, and although I am perhaps a little odd, and maybe not the average poster, I do believe that some of my desires for posting things are shared by at least some of the general public. I'd like to examine for a minute why I share with the world these thoughts, why I've ever posted anything on Facebook, and I suppose why this Blog has come into existence.
My insatiable desire to be loved-
I believe with all my heart that an innate and natural characteristic implanted within all of us by a Divine creator is the insatiable desire to be loved. To feel that other beings care about you, will protect you, and will consider your well being. "You're nobody til somebody loves you", "Love is like oxygen" "All you need is love" "Yea it is the love of God... The most desirable above all things... yea, and the mos joyous to the soul." I believe fully in all of these popular sayings, and because all of them are true, here are some of the posts and tactics I've used to receive this love.
- On hard days I've posted my trials so that I might evoke the empathy of my Facebook friends, that I might draw love out of them for my own personal use, and consumption. Times that I've done this I've drawn some comfort, but not much, and I've felt some love, but not much. I'd like to talk more about love in another post, but for now I'll continue. This I feel has been my cheapest way of seeking love, love created through pity I feel is the least rewarding, and satisfying, and can often bring no love at all, and leave you really down.
- At other times I have sought to feed my ego. Ego is a tricky item, that is deadly if not monitored or properly maintained. It's a very hungry entity, that feed mainly on love, and recognition. If there was ever a way to kill love, or compassion, and suck feelings of admiration out of a room it is by an ego with a healthy appetite. I am definitely guilty of posting things in order to gain recognition, in order to make people think that I was funny, or that I was witty, or that I was deep, or sensitive.
My desire to give love, and in return receive love.
In my opinion the healthiest, and most effective way of meeting our human need for love is by abundantly giving it. As we express our love our experience disseminating it in turns increases our depth of understanding concerning the topic in general. It's like the old adage that mentions the best learning method is teaching, I can't tell it to you off the top of my head, and I'm too lazy to move my mouse over to Google so I'll keep going, you know what I'm talking about. :) When we explain our love, and express our love we begin what has caused that love within us, and our ability to see what would then in turn be the most adequate way of receiving love increases! Also, an interesting insight is that it is often the giving of love that turns out to be the most lovable characteristic of all! Another thing I'd like to mention is that loving is a skill, a gift, and a treasure that must be practiced, consciously sought after, and found. It's something that like piano playing, or dancing, or football throwing improves the more you do it. I also mention, that one of the most endearing, and worthwhile saving graces of Facebook is that I observe a healthy dose, and many opportunities seized to express love, and receive love in a healthy way. That is a great thing my friends, truly great.
The power of public affirmation of your thoughts, and words
Another reason that I've posted is to simply validate my thoughts, and dreams. I am at times so unsure of my thoughts, so unsure of my pursuits, so unsure of whether I'm no the right mental, and life path that I need affirmation. An easy way to get it is to appeal to the Facebook masses by posting these thoughts and gauging the response. It's a non threatening environment in which I can measure the masses acceptance of my mind. It's incredible how non threatening it actually is considering the fact that you are sharing what you think with thousands of people... It's kind of like this I suppose... You are naked in the middle of time square alone... really awkward. You are in the middle of time square and everyone is naked... awesome! This is a common practice of mine, to take a thought I am unsure of and put it up to a Facebook vote. A vote in which no one really knows that they are participating in, however that little "Like" button determines more than we know.
The power of personal affirmation when publicly posted
There is something powerful about posting something publicly that really helps your own thoughts, it kind of rallies you to actually achieve what you've dreamed. It's a public verbalization. In a way it's a sort of accountability tactic. You've declared to everyone that the game is on, that you've cast the die. It makes it somewhat official, and somewhat empowering that you've actually gone public with it. I suppose this is the main of all reasons that I post things online. I like when things are official, I like when I am held accountable, and I feel that publicly announcing things creates both of these qualities.
Essentially all of those reasons make up the motives for this blog, It's a search for love, it at times will probably be a search for pity, it's got a little or a lot of ego mixed in, and at times I will share my love for those whom I love truly, and the things even that I really love. But most of all, I need an outlet to focus my thoughts, and share my ideals mainly with myself, but have them publicly and officially announced as well. :) anyways, til next time.
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