The Sublime Roundabout

For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 Who are you? I think that we, in the Latter-Day Saint tradition, are fairly good at understanding the need to read the scriptures and to pray fervently. But how are we at thinking about what we've read? The injunction from the Savior is to read, ponder, and pray. We seem to skip the second step. Because, let's be honest, it's hard. We have so many distractions, so many things demanding our mental attention - even value-added things - that we find ourselves at the end of our day with our bodies tired and our minds full, but with no spiritual rejuvenation. Our physical bodies are a good example of this. Food we eat does not pass immediately from our mouth to our (ahem) nether regions. It spends time inside of us. Our bodies are specifically designed to garner every possible nutrient from the things we put in our mouth. Some things don't even pass into our stomach before being assimilated for immediate use by the ...

I really like the band REM. One of my favorite songs by them is "Losing My Religion". Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if-UzXIQ5vw The haunting line that ends this song is, "That was just a dream, just a dream, just a dream... dream...." I am also (continuing) reading the Brothers Karamazov, wherein the youngest son (Alyosha) experiences the kind of religious crisis that the song indicates. I'm aware that this is kind of a double meaning, where "losing one's religion" is a kind of euphemism for becoming uncouth or angered. But this song has a particularly interest for me in the context of someone experiencing an emotional upheaval. Many things can bring us to this stage. For some (including Alyosha), the death of a loved one brings it on. For others, it may be failing health. Others may be affected by crime or other tragedy in the world. Regardless of how it comes, or what triggers it, it represents a real crisis in o...

So. School starts again today, which means I'm back on my regular schedule. It goes something like this: 5:30 AM - Get up 5:40 AM - Head to the gym 5:50 AM - Cardio 6:15 AM - Weights 6:30 AM - Head home 6:40 AM - Shower/eat (I usually can't eat much because I feel pretty pukey after the ab exercises...) 7:15 (ish) AM - Drop Ammon off @ school 7:30 (ish) AM - Scripture study @ my office (included in this is my blog time - it helps me ponder some of the things I've read)... 8:00 AM - Work 12:00 PM - Lunch 1:00 PM - Work 5:oo PM - Head home Now things become a little different. Most Mondays I have either City Council or Planning and Zoning meetings. This means that we typically have Family Home Evening on Sunday nights - which is not preferable, but it works well for our family. Tuesdays Youngshin will frequently have a discussion group (which I fully endorse) and that means I get to spend time with the kids. Wednesdays is always Youth activity nights, and I try to spend time ...

I was 13 once, too. I really was. I know it may seem impossible to believe - I've never been that young while you were around. But I was. I also know that things are different for you than they were for me. But some things about being 13 never change. You're now officially a teenager. Teenagers struggle to find independence and self-assertion. They struggle with self-esteem and self-worth. They struggle with the changing role of their parents. And friends. And other role models, who become increasingly important. They struggle with hormones and curiosity and temptations. Somehow, things that never were tempting or interesting before suddenly become very interesting and enticing. I know. I did. Everyone I know has done so, too. But believe me when I say that you will survive. You are a powerful young man, intelligent, fun, and attractive (not only in looks, but more importantly in personality). People of good intent and pure heart want to be with you because you are like them. A...

I know it's been a while since I've updated y'all, so sit tight - there's a lot going on at the Park! (The pics WERE in order on my computer, but for some reason didn't upload in the correct order. Sorry for the organization!) This is the entrance sign Main play area There are several pictures like this. One of the main purposes we wanted to accomplish with the park was related to drainage. Drainage continues to be of great importance. Our designers found innovative ways to incorporate drainage into the aesthetics of the park. The bridges provide connection across small ponds that will be wet all year, providing beauty and function. In this you'll see the interior of the main pavilion on the south part of the park. The craftsmanship in the tongue and groove decking on the ceiling is truly beautiful, as is the woodwork on the gable ends. This is the area between the small concessions stand and restroom near the main pavilion. The trellis work provides a natural t...