On April 6, 1917 (exactly 100 years ago today) the United States of America officially entered into the Great War, now known as World War One.  President Woodrow Wilson would go on to sell this as a “war to end war”.

That worked out well…

Oh wait, it didn’t.

It dramatically changed the balance of power in Europe, bankrupted Germany through the draconian and impossible “Treaty of Versailles”, which arguably helped facilitate the rise of Nazism and various other European power struggles that culminated in a second world war just 20 years later.

But then again, have any (of the wars) that America has pursued during the last century started, continued, or ended well?  Nope.

“But good sir!  Harrumph!  You must not be talking about World War Two, that was the “good war”!  America saved the world from Nazis and Imperial Japan!  America was forced into it, they were attacked!

Sadly I used to believe that too.  Hear me out on this one.

What were the unintended consequences of Allied victory in WWII?

In Europe, the Third Reich was disposed of, and in it’s place the scope of communism expanded massively.

In Asia (ex-Japan), the Imperial Japanese were replaced by, guess who?  Communists.

So yes, it was indeed a great victory for some, but mostly for communists.

For everyone else it left close to 60 million dead.  Hundreds of millions impoverished.  Countries swimming in war debts.  Orphans, widows, cripples (both physically and psychologically scarred), etc.

For nearly 50 years after the conclusion of WWII, the US engaged in a series of hot wars against communist regimes (Korea, Vietnam/Cambodia, Central America) costing millions more lives, in the midst of the Cold War with Russia.

Mao’s “great leap forward” took the lives of 45+ million of his own countrymen in China.

It’s doubtful Mao would have had the power he did (if any) had the US not entered WWII.  Of course this is speculation on my part, and I’m not saying that bad things would not have happened, but Mao and the communist rise in China are an unintended consequence (a very extreme one unfortunately) of the US entry into that war.

Since the Cold War ended, the US has been in various middle-eastern and African conflicts and let’s not forget the disaster in Kosovo.

To my own shame, I even allowed myself to be convinced that Bush was right about Iraq (Father and Son).

I was a child when HW invaded, but I was old enough to know better when W invaded.  Why was I so blind?  I think it is because I had been successfully propagandized.

First, I wanted to be an Air Force pilot when I was a kid.  I love the F-16s, then the “stealth” planes came.  How cool were those?

Later, I loved watching documentaries on WWII.  It was such a fascinating time and such an epic struggle.  But was it moral?  It seemed like it… good vs. evil right?

I mean, we were the good guys, right?

Propaganda is something those totalitarian regimes would employ, not the good ole’ USA, and even if America did, it was for good purposes, right?  Someone had to pay for the war, those war bonds weren’t going to sell themselves, right?

Maybe that’s why propaganda is so much more effective in the US.  People expect it from their totalitarian overlords, but this is the land of the free, home of the brave, we have a free press, it doesn’t happen here.  Right?

I wish that were true.

No, 100 years ago Wilson lead the charge into a European conflict that America never should have touched, not in a hundred years…

A much more important individual said something of great value nearly 2000 years ago, he said “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

In fact, everything Jesus taught denoted that we should turn the other cheek, pray for our enemies, and make peace with them whenever an opportunity should present itself.

This has not been US policy for the last century.

Our fore-fathers would be ashamed.

“Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations — entangling alliances with none.” -Thomas Jefferson

“The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.” -George Washington

Beyond the obviously grisly results of unnecessary war, what are the other consequences?

More importantly, what are the unseen consequences?

What do I mean by unseen?  This is where we simply don’t know, but can with very little imagination have some conception.

Think of all the people that were killed during wars this past century.  How many of those people would have gone on to do great things?  Be great inventors, innovators, teachers, doctors, engineers, etc.?

What would their children, grandchildren, etc. have done?  We will never know.

What could have been done with all the capital that was destroyed by bombs?  What if all those homes, factories, roads, bridges, etc. had not been destroyed?  What if all those tanks, planes, bullets, and bombs never have had to have been designed and manufactured?  What great things would have been produced by the minds and hands that were otherwise occupied in simply rebuilding their cities?  We’ll never know.

What could have been done by individuals who would have been allowed to keep a much larger portion of their pay, rather than paying down national debts for decades after each war?  What would people do if their money had greater purchasing power because the nation was unencumbered by said debts?

This is the unseen.

I regret allowing myself to be conned into supporting unnecessary wars.  I vow that I will do my best to avoid this in the future.

Imagine the US bringing home all of it’s military assets from overseas.  The US has no natural enemies in this hemisphere, we are on good terms with Canada, and despite recent rhetoric the US is also on reasonable terms with Mexico and most other countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Could the past 100 years have seen relative peace here in the USA absent sending our troops overseas?  I think it could have.

Our economy would have been that much mightier and those two huge moats on the east and west would have been solid allies too.

Unfortunately, greed and the desire for power drive the ambitions of those who care little for soldiers, their families, and civilians alike.

The past century has been an Imperial American century, whether we care for that term or not, it is correct.  With US assets in MOST countries of the world, and US government influence very prominent in those same countries, the American Imperial empire is perhaps the most powerful in history.

America should not be an empire and should not act as the world police.  Otherwise, this next century will likely be more of the same.  Only this century will include weapons that are far more deadly and dangerous than before.

Maybe our kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids will see a more peaceful 2117, but if individuals don’t stand against the continuing drumbeat for war and foreign intervention, perhaps there will be unnecessarily far fewer great-grandchildren to enjoy 2117; and perhaps it will be a far less prosperous society, because of a new American century of elective war.

A brief return to elective wars America pursued from the past century, specifically WWII:

While it is true that Japan “fired the first shot”, what you were not taught about in school were all the ultra-aggressive actions taken by FDR’s administration leading up to Pearl Harbor.  FDR wanted Japan to fire the first shot.

There were a series of embargos placed on Japan and Japanese assets that were frozen or seized by the US prior to Pearl Harbor.  The biggest perhaps was the oil embargo, which effectively brought Japanese industry (and it’s military) to it’s knees.

Japan made the mistake of being taunted into firing this first shot, and while FDR knew Pearl Harbor was imminent, he wanted it.

FDR got his war, he got both of them (Asia and Europe).

Americans paid for it, with blood and treasure.

The world paid for it too.  Dearly.

I believe war is only justified when it truly is defensive.  It must abide the non-aggression principle.  Defending against a foreign invasion.  Defending against internal enemies to liberty.

But not electively sending our sons and daughters to foreign theaters of war.

 

 

 

 

Perhaps having just watched “Braveheart” I’m desirous to write about the quintessential ideal of freedom.  Not in an abstract sense, but in a real and absolute one, one that will bring me to elaborate somewhat regarding the importance of the Easter holiday.

Here are some “Braveheart” quotes:

“Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it.”  -Malcolm Wallace to his son William

“There’s a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.”  -William Wallace

“Every man dies, not every man really lives.”  -William Wallace

What does it truly mean to be free?  Why is freedom so critical?

Freedom comes in many forms.  Generally when speaking about freedom our thoughts turn to our natural God-given rights.  Inherent rights.

Politicians do not grant rights.  They can only attempt to take them away.  Laws can be made, but ultimately they are only legitimate when they serve to protect all humanity in their natural rights.

Thomas Jefferson eloquently summarized this truth in the “Declaration of Independence” writing:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Life:  God has given us life.  We have been placed in this sphere to have experiences, to learn between good and evil.  We should be free from threats on our lives or of violence, whether by an individual or groups of individuals.

Liberty:  Individuals should be able to pursue life as they see fit, insofar as they abide the “non-aggression principle”, in that their actions are defined as not initiating or threatening the use of any and/or all forcible interference with another individual or individual’s property.

The Pursuit of Happiness:  I think it is critical that Jefferson chose the words “pursuit of Happiness” rather than simply “Happiness”.  Jefferson understood the most basic tenet of having liberty: some will use their liberty wisely, others will not.  Success is never guaranteed when it comes to liberty, only the chance to be able to choose for yourself.

With liberty and choice come the consequences of every person’s path.  We are free to choose our desired course of action, but we don’t get to choose the consequences that naturally follow from such actions.  Every action has a consequence.  Some will succeed, others will fail.

Ultimately though, freedom begets success.  Freedom enables empowerment.  Freedom becomes creation.

On the other hand, failure (absent force or coercion) comes undone, gives way to entropy, and is ultimately left aside.

But success begets success.

This is why a truly capitalist system is superior to others.

Why is that?

(Absent coercive means) it provides goods and services that are needful, effective, efficient, utilitarian, valuable, viable, entertaining and/or that bring various form of enjoyment (to name a few) at a price the market will permit.

The most successful and affordable goods or services being provided become perpetuated, and ultimately improved and/or replaced, through the crucible of competition.

Conversely, failure is not rewarded and therefore not perpetuated.

Of course, our modern economy often doesn’t work this way.  Many who fail may be “bailed out” by hapless taxpayers.  Others whose lobbyists and lawyers dominate will also act as vampires on (the again) hapless tax serfs.

This is just speaking to an economic/political system.

But when true freedom prevails, in any system, while risky, the possibilities that freedom engenders are truly infinite.

As a Christian, I believe that God placed us on earth to learn to choose good and eschew evil.  He knew that we would make mistakes in this process.  Those mistakes (sins) would separate us spiritually from God forever; being impure, we would not be able to abide with him in his perfection.

This life is a finite period granted to us in which to act, then ultimately we all succumb to death.

For these reasons he sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of man (if they accept him as their Savior) and to overcome death through his literal resurrection from the dead.  Christ overcame death for all mankind, that we may be restored to perfected immortal bodies, and live on.  He suffered for our sins so that we may be purified and be able to abide the glory of God and progress to become like him, if we so choose.

In these ways we have been granted TRUE freedom.  Freedom to make mistakes.  The ability to overcome and be forgiven of those mistakes.  And freedom from death.  The ability to live on.  Freedom to choose our eternal destiny.  To have eternal progression.

Ultimately he wants us to become like him, to always choose good, becoming filled with pure intelligence, which is light and truth.

We are his children.  He has the power to elevate us to become like him.  But only through freedom.  Although he passionately desires for us to ultimately choose correctly (so that he may share with us all that he has), he will never force us to make correct choices.

That is the reason he placed us here on earth, the whole point of our existence, to become eternally exalted by exercising freedom and liberty in this life and the next.

Whatever opportunities are denied to us in this life, will be given in the next.

I have felt Christ’s love.  I have REALLY felt it.  For me it is UNDENIABLE.  It is PERFECT.

God will give us every possible chance to succeed eternally.  Because of his love, he gave us his perfect son.  They are the authors of our freedom.

We get to determine our own destiny, however it is only possible because as John 3:16 states:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

That scripture gives me hope and makes me feel loved.  As Easter approaches it has been on my mind and in my heart.  I hope it resonates with you too.

And remember…

“Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it.”

 

 

 

Perhaps this particular entry has a dual focus.  Partly discussing how amazing the human body actually is, and also discussing the need for it to be challenged and how to do just that.

As I was contemplating human biology, anatomy, and physiology (yes sometimes I actually do marvel at those things), I have the feeling and my experiences have lead me to understand that my body needs to be challenged in many different ways to achieve high and lasting levels of health.

To further elaborate the point I will give you a few examples that I have either seen or experienced personally and hope will be of some use.

Cold showers.  I know, I know, where am I going with cold showers, right?

I learned the joy (and fear) of cold showers many years ago as an LDS missionary in the Dominican Republic.  Logic would have it that showering with cool water in an otherwise hot and muggy environment would be pleasurable.

But no, at least for me, no cold shower is initially enjoyable; it is just shocking to the system.  However, after the initial shock has worn off, it is wonderfully refreshing.

Upon returning to the US I remember the joys of again experiencing a hot shower.  Yes, hot showers are great too, don’t get me wrong.

Years later I decided to incorporate cold showers into my daily routine.  But how would I do this, as I love hot showers so much?  Here was my compromise:

Beginning and middle of the shower is hot (well, comfortably hot).  The last 2-3 minutes I put it on the coldest setting.

The initial jolt is not pleasant at all (especially when you are first getting accustomed to cold showers), but it’s not so bad after the first 10-20 seconds and ends up being wonderfully refreshing.

It is well documented that athletes, particularly professional football players will lay in tubs of ice water to speed up their recovery times between weekly games.  Due to the high impact nature of the game, many players insist this is necessary for recovery by the following Sunday’s game.

I’m no football player (foosball yes), but I do feel better both physically and mentally when I have my cold showers.

Why is something that is initially unpleasant so good for my body?  I believe it’s because the body is contrarian and has robust responses to virtually any challenge it encounters.

Another slightly masochistic way I have found additional health and mental/spiritual benefits is through fasting.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (of which I am) and many other religions practice fasting in some form or another.  In my church, we are encouraged (if able) to attempt to go 24 hours without food or water the first Sunday of each month.  While I will discuss specifics about the physical benefits, there are some amazing spiritual and psychological benefits to fasting too.

Just the ability to abstain from something as basic and necessary as food and water instills the ability to abstain from vices and other short-term desires than draw dire long-term consequences.

But physically, regarding the human body, fasting initially seems like a bad idea.  Certainly it’s an uncomfortable one and while it is uncomfortable, through that discomfort many health benefits are achieved.  Improved insulin resistance, for example:

After diminishing it’s glycogen stores, the body is forced into a ketogenic state where it must then convert body fat to replenish the lost energy stores.  Additionally, the body releases multiples of it’s normal levels of human-growth hormone, which assists with a number of physiological processes.  The digestive system gets a bit of a break and can rebalance it’s functions.

I feel better after I fast, even if I don’t feel great when I am fasting.

The body needs to be challenged.  A body in a state of consistent stasis begins to experience various maladies.

That brings me to fitness.  A few years ago, after reading a number of articles about the benefits of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) I decided to incorporate it into my regular exercise routine (I mostly follow a body-building regime via weightlifting and cardio exercise).

The HIIT sessions are by-far my most difficult and intense workouts.  While I do somewhat dread the workout, I also look forward to them the most, because it is truly both physically and mentally challenging and produces an amazing mind altering effect.

This is the feeling about 30 minutes to 2 hours after doing HIIT, and it is like a drug (not that I know, haha), the endorphins and whatever other chemicals and hormones the body begins to produce/release to help me recover from the intense exercise are wonderful!

I honestly feel like I’m on top of the world both mentally and physically.  I also feel great after my normal workouts, but the HIIT does something above and beyond.  I’m sure this is similar to what runners refer to as “runners high”.

Now, regarding germs:  I know that people who are in overly sterilized and filtered environments often have weakened immune systems and struggle with allergies, especially babies that have little exposure early on.

Human impulse is to sanitize everything.  While I believe it is good to be clean, and there is no need to unnecessarily expose oneself to something harmful, I try not to be too extreme with sanitization and also ensure that I am getting at least a healthy share of probiotics (good bacteria).

Interestingly enough, a good mix of natural probiotic foods have a balance of about 85/15 good/bad bacteria.  I thought that was fascinating, why would it have any bad bacteria?!?

Our bodies are designed to overcome problems, sickness, to rebuild and then fortify broken-down muscles, to revitalize and make more efficient our cardiovascular system when it is stressed by exercise.

The opposite, indulgence, all to often creates hazard, weakness, and sickness.  High consumption of sugar for example:

The body craves it, loves it, but doesn’t need it.

Being sedentary also has it’s pitfalls.  Sometimes it feels great to relax, especially when you’ve earned it.  But if relaxing is all you do, your body quickly begins to have a number of health issues.

We’re often told to “stay out of the sun” or make sure you have sunscreen on when you are outside.  But guess what?  The most efficient way to produce Vitamin D is from sunlight!  Not only that, but being in the sun has a verifiably positive effect on mood.

I get it, too much of anything can ultimately be bad.  But our bodies are designed to resist and regenerate.  The human body desires to be challenged, and often thrives in the face of challenge.

I’ve tried to stop babying myself.

I get it.  It’s a balancing act.  Eating healthy most of the time, but having a “cheat meal” some of the time, then occasionally no food at all.  Work out regularly (pushing yourself hard on occasions), and enjoy some rest days in between.  Get some sun, just not too much.

And yes, enjoy the hot shower, then hit me with the cold!

One of the thoughts that I’ve often had is that as humans, we romanticize the past; sometimes to the extent of putting on blinders.

I’m an optimist, and I can understand this perspective, but sometimes it nicely filters the cyclicality of life and helps us forget that there have always been forces for good and evil prevalent in every generation.

Times may change, but human nature does not.  Still we say:  Remember when this?  Remember when that?   Back in my day we did this… Back in my day you’d never hear of that…

Greatest generation!  Those millennials!

I’m sure you can think of several examples off the top of your head too.

But human nature and human action are both complex and yet simple.

There are forces for good, people who genuinely want to improve the world, empower those around them, are kind, have hope, work hard, innovate, are honest, serve others, etc.

Conversely there are forces for evil, some who will claw for their needs and lusts in a Machiavellian “the ends justifies the means mentality”.  Those who wish to control others, subjugate them, steal, are vicious, dishonest, or simply do various evil things.

Of course, the world is a gray-scale of individuals pulled by the two opposing sides, but undeniably there are those to emulate and those to repudiate.

A hallowed time for many is the period of the American Revolutionary War.  Certainly there were many genuinely good, moral, steadfast, and inspired individuals.

But what some forget is that those of stated generation suffered many maladies similar to those we associate more with modern times.

In the late 1700’s, in New England for example, there were drunkards and morphine addicts.  There was violence, brawling, and yes even dueling.  There were sexual predators, sex addicts who frequented brothels and otherwise loitered in Boston’s “red-light” districts.  And of course, there was the abominable practice of slavery (a rejection of liberty in an absolute sense).  Sadly, even New England was scarred by this practice.

Opposing such behaviors stood many brave men and women who were beacons of light, truth, hope, liberty, and empowerment to help their fellow man overcome and be healed from the above mentioned behaviors and institutions.

It was an epic time to be alive, and amazing history unfolded which has materially changed the world.

While today finds us with very advanced technologies, surreal prosperity, and endless fountains of truth to be found, there are dark corners of the internet, forces pushing for eternal militarized conflict, and a blitz to censor free speech under the pathetic guise of “politically correct”/ “PC” culture.

Perhaps more significantly there is also the pervasive disintegration of the family unit as the base for morality training and temporal security.

In it’s place has arisen the hegemonic monster, the State.  Yes, there have always been governments.  But generally the actions of government were limited in that it had difficulty replacing family functions on a large scale.

What am I referring to?  Take for example our welfare society, today this includes various government sponsors programs, i.e. Social Security, Medicare, Welfare, Food Stamps (EBT cards), Disability, Medicaid, Section 8 Rental Assistance, and many other programs.

What is the outcome of all these government programs and institutions?  We still have poverty.  But the family unit is now in comparative shambles.  Why?  Because previous generations would place the responsibility of many of these things on the father of the family or on extended family in difficult circumstances.

Now that the government has given notice of taking over these responsibilities, many fathers who previously felt an obligation (whether through social pressure from their community or hopefully pressure they put on themselves) to care for wife and children, now (all too often) defer to the state to handle such critical responsibilities.

How do children and single mothers fare when the father has abandoned them?  Generally not well.  While a determined woman and/or child can accomplish great feats and even match or exceed others from nuclear families, the fact is that statistically it is far more difficult and less likely that they will.

More of these children will be impoverished.  More will be imprisoned.  More will have addictions.

Also, prior to massive government social programs for the elderly, parents would raise more children; in part, they were realizing that they would need children to take care of them in their old age.  With the state handling elder care to a much greater extent, many couples elect to have fewer children or no children at all.

Previously, individuals, churches, corporations and others would donate to fund hospitals, medicinal treatment for the poor and elderly, food and clothing given for the downtrodden as well.

While many wonderful individuals and organizations still do these things, it’s far less prominent in society as the state has in many ways destroyed true charity.

True charity is when someone gives or does something voluntarily from the goodness of their heart.

Both giver and recipient are empowered and lifted by such acts.

When the state steals from Peter to pay Paul, it robs the act of charity, crushing what would otherwise be uplifting, and instead creates resentment from those who involuntarily pay huge taxes and simultaneously creates entitlement among the recipients of such state run “benefits”.

Separately, the massive US military, and it’s companion military-industrial complex, both hallowed by many, is sadly a very real destroyer of families too.

Men (and an increasing percentage of women) thrown into the fog of war often experience and/or do horrible things; all while physically separated for long stretches at a time from their spouses and children.

They often come back broken physically, mentally, emotionally, and sadly many times don’t even come back.

For what?

For some powerful interest to hope to control or profit off something that wasn’t previously in their control or didn’t previously pad their pockets.

I’m speaking broadly, but the above examples happen all to frequently.

Oops, I just did it myself.  Back in the good old days when government was smaller, when the US didn’t police the world…

While the challenges change, there are forces for good and evil in every generation.

As I’ve mentioned in a prior post, the future is bright, there is so much force for good today.

So many avenues to pursue truth, to reach out to others, to seek peace, to improve oneself, to empower those around you.  It starts with being determined to make an impact in some area of life I control.

I’m unlikely to change the world.  But maybe I can positively impact somebody today.

I hope I can be a benefactor to this generation, particularly the individuals whose lives I actually touch.

I also hope to learn from the past; maybe I can then make my kids and grandkids world a little bit better.

They will have the option to themselves choose good and eschew evil.

The very same challenge of every generation before theirs.

 

 

 

Voy a intentar escribir algo en español.

No es mi idioma natal, pues me perdonas cualquier equivocación.

Les voy a contar del Huracán David, uno y dos.

Los que viven en República Dominicana seguro han escuchado de tal Huracán (si no vivieron el paso del mismo) y están pensando: “¿Uno y dos?  Sólo había uno mi amigo…”

Bueno déjame explicarlo.

Pues, para contarlo en breve, David aterrizó en la República Dominicana, un tormento monstruoso categoría 5, el 31 de Agosto del 1979.

Dejo más de 2,000 muertos y era extremadamente impactante.

Pasó por el mismo Santo Domingo y luego atravesó la isla causando mucha inundación y destrucción.

Menos de 4 Semanas después nació David Paredes, nombrado por dicho huracán.

Luego les explico porque le menciono.

Yo llegué a la República Dominicana en Julio de 1999.  Estaba haciendo una misión por la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (también conocido por el apelativo de “Mormones”).

Cuando llegué sólo tenía dos meses de aprendizaje intensivo del idioma española, mejor dicho, no sabia nada.

Empecé en un barrio llamado Mendoza, en Las Américas, parte de Santo Domingo.  Conocí muchas personas bastante buenas y amigables en esta área, pero la verdad es que lo estaba pasado bastante deprimido.

Hasta entonces me causaba dificultad acostumbrarme a las nuevas situaciones, y para mi lo que estaba pasando era un gran cambio.

Sentía que no podía expresarme bien, me hacía falta mi familia y amigos, estaba sudando como un recién llegado al infierno (jaja, imagínense el verano en RD y andando en pleno sol en las calles del capital), y no pensaba que estaba impactando a nadie.

Esto lo sufrí mucho, porque sentía que realmente Dios me había llamado para servir en éste misión y pensaba yo que no estaba cumpliendola como debía.

Pasaron dos meses, llegué a una área nueva, Villa Mella, en el norte de Santo Domingo.

Despues de casi un mes en Villa Mella estaba aún mas desesperado.

Hablé con mi presidente de la misión, creía que tal vez tendría que rendir y volver a mi casa.

Creí que estaba fracasando.  No quería ir a mi casa, pero no veía como superar.

Mi presidente de la misión, Robert Johns, me dijo “¿Crees que un profeta de Dios te haya llamado a servir en este misión?”  Le contesté que “Si.”  Luego me dijo “Entonces TIENES que hacerlo, aunque sean 24 meses del infierno.”

Esto llegó al mismo centro de mi alma.  Y yo sabía que tenía que seguir para adelante.

Pero me dijo mi presidente “Pero no van a ser 24 meses del infierno, las cosas van a mejorar, y pasarás tiempos buenos tambien.  He estado trabajando en conseguirte una ayuda, lo que estoy llamando el programa.  Sabrás más dentro de poco.”

Bueno, me puse una firme determinación de perdurar a pesar de las circunstancias inmediatas, porque lo que estaba haciendo era correcto.

Como una semana después había una transferencia e iba yo a tener un compañero nuevo.  Los misioneros Mormones andan en dos, el que te corresponde en el momento es tu “compañero”.

Se aterriza el Segundo Huracán David:

Cuando me di cuenta de que iba a tener un nuevo compañero, y que “el programa” de que me habló mi presidente no era algo escrito, mejor, fue un hombre Dominicano, admito que tenía un poco de temor.

Pues, hasta entonces me habían puesto con otros misioneros Americanos, y ahora iba a ser obligado a comunicarme en español nada más (yo creía), sin alguien que me tradujera cualquier cosa que no comprendía.

Pero se me fue mi temor en un instante la primera vez que le vi a David Paredes luego que me ganó como amigo con sólo su sonrisa.  Los que conocen a David sabrán de que estoy hablando.

Paredes y yo andamos juntos como compañeros de la misión por los próximos 4 meses.

Le debo a él mi fundación de español.  El sabía mucho inglés también, y le podía preguntar mucho de como decir cosas, también que él me explicara lo que significaban muchas cosas que no entendía, pero principalmente hablamos en español y perdí mi vergüenza y aprendí mucho.

Pero me enseñó Paredes muchas otras cosas preciosas también.

Por ejemplo, como gozar la vida diaria, como tratar a las personas, como tener paciencia, como reírse y divertirse, y como apoyar el uno al otro.  La forma en que lo hizo David, era un arte, natural y sin esfuerzo.

Claro, había otras personas que me habían ayudado hasta entonces con todo esto, pero mi enfoce no es en ellos hoy, sino David.

El Segundo Huracán David no era algo destructivo.

Al contrario, cuando impactó, en vez de destrucción, dejó por su camino un hombre reconstruido y más fuerte (yo).

En vez de destruir vida, me enseñó como mejor vivir (y gozar) la vida, y como auxiliarles a otras personas en sus vidas.

En vez de inundación, un fuente de amistad que brinda sus buenas aguas hasta el día de hoy.

Dios nos manda el auxilio que necesitamos, y muchas veces las bendiciones más potentes llegan a través de un hermano o una hermana.

Somos todos hijos literales de nuestro Padre Celestial.  Y somos todos hermanos y hermanas.

¿Pero somos hermanos o hermanas veridicos?

¿Estamos siendo una bendición para las personas quiénes nos rodean?

Por su ejemplo, David siempre me ha inspirado ser un verdadero hermano a los demás.

Le agradezco a Dios que por mi gran amigo, mi vida ha sido bendecido desde entonces.

Gracias a ti también.  Seguro que eres alguien que me ha impactado en formas buenas si estás leyendo esto.

Ojalá que yo puedo ser una bendición en tu vida y en las vidas de las personas que yo puedo alcanzar.

 

 

 

 

 

I should be asleep right now…

But the future is so bright that it’s hard to close my eyes…

Like anyone, sometimes current events, the news, personal struggles, and other issues get me down.  I do try to keep up with what’s happening and ensure potential contingencies.

At a certain point though, I don’t remember exactly when (maybe it was a process I’ve always been going through), I decided that I must not worry about things I have no control over.

Yes, I can prepare myself, but why waste mental and emotional energy on anything that is out of my control?

More importantly, I can search out the good things in this world.  There are SO many.

I see this as the most incredible, most amazing time to be alive, and guess what?  Things are just getting better.

Some of the modern tools that get most maligned are also the greatest tools for good, for spreading joy, and empowering individuals to become better.

Some personal examples from recent memory:

About two years ago, I came across a YouTube video “The 10,000 Calorie a Day Sumo Diet”.

After watching, I was interested to know more about Sumo Wrestling.  I had remembered seeing it years ago on cable.

Long story short, I’ve since become a huge fan of Sumo, I watch daily recaps, matches, and highlights throughout the 15 day tournaments that happen every two months, via different YouTube channels.

This past January, a Sumo Wrestler named Kisenosato won the tournament and became a Yokozuna (the highest rank in Sumo).

He had been toiling away for years working toward that promotion; in fact it was his 89th tournament that he finally won, after years of frustration in the shadows of Hakuho (arguably the greatest Sumo of all-time).

Kisenosato had finished second place 12 times.

After Kisenosato won he was in tears.  I was in tears.

Who would have thought two years ago that I would have such a love for this sport and feel such an emotional attachment to one of the athletes, that I could be brought to tears?

Isn’t that amazing?  20 years ago that would be impossible, unless I was living in Japan or had some obscure satellite channel that I watched in the middle of the night.  Even then unless it was translated to English I wouldn’t have much hope.

So thank you YouTube, and more importantly, thank you to the individuals that bring amazing things to YouTube.

I was a long-time Facebook holdout.  I do worry about privacy issues of course, but having been on Facebook for a few months I can see the massive utility for good it holds.

So many wonderful posts, so many people that share joyful things, amazing accomplishments, etc.  Being able to reconnect with friends and family.

I get that there is a lot of negativity too, or potential for viewing others lives through a filtered lens.  But if you are looking for good in the world, there is so much to be found.

The internet, social media, electronic devices all have huge risks and potential for negative outcomes.  But they are just tools.

These tools can also be used for empowerment, knowledge, joy, gratitude, guidance, friendship, and empathy; just to name a few.

This age is the age of personal empowerment.

Am I using the tools I have to positively impact the world?  Am I using these same tools to be positively impacted?  I’m trying.

When I eschew what’s wrong with the world and grasp for what is beautiful, I FIND it.

When I find it, I’m elevated.

Sometimes, I even cry for joy.

Even when it’s a 385 pound guy defeating his 340 pound rival, in a far away land, to finally ascend to the top rank in his profession, after years of difficulty and disappointment.

How great is that?!?

 

 

 

I was reading something recently that discussed learning from failure.  As I contemplated this, it made me think of how grateful I am for failure.  Yes grateful…

Not that I enjoy failing.  But in an odd way, I kind of do.

Failure allows you to set benchmarks.  Failure reveals your current limitations and weaknesses.  Failure can show you what to change.

Generally the road to success and improvement is paved with failure.  What’s critical is that one learns from and leverages failure.  If you don’t learn from it or grow from it, then yes, failure is just failure.

Here are some examples from my own life:

I love to lift weights.  Yes, I know what you’re thinking…despite my diminutive frame, I actually like weightlifting.

To grow or strengthen a muscle you have to first break it down.  Often this requires taking that muscle or group of muscles to the point of failure.

My favorite lift is the deadlift, which is a very simple lift.  When attempting a maximum, there is a high chance of failure.  Usually this means not even getting the weight off the ground.  I have had the joy of this failure many times.

I look ridiculous when I can’t even budge the weight.  But when I finally get a new personal best it feels amazing, especially when I’ve previously failed.

That’s the gym.  I’ve failed at far more serious things too.

I failed at my marriage.  I won’t bore you with the details, but alas after 14 years of marriage…failure.

I believe I’m learning from it.

I want to do so much better.  There are so many things I can improve at and utilize to make me better at relationships and in all my interactions with others.

I read “The 5 Love Languages”.  I’m glad I have that information to utilize.  I’ve read a number of articles, I’ve evaluated myself, my weaknesses and strengths.  I’m getting better.  I can’t let failure go to waste, especially for the serious things in life.

I failed so many times as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Early on in my mission I wanted to go home.  I had always wanted to go on a mission and I knew that Jesus Christ is my savior.  I believed I was doing what was right.

About 6 months into my 24 month mission and I was in total despair.  I was lost.  Even though I didn’t want to, I thought I was going to return home.

I talked to the President of my mission.  He knew my heart and thoughts even before I told him.  He then knew what I needed to hear.  He asked me if I believed that I was called by a prophet of God to my mission.  I did.

He told me something that I’ve never forgotten: “Then even if it means 24 months of hell, you need to do it!”  He knew that I didn’t have a physical or psychological impediment to being there, I just needed to have the raw determination to be there, even if it was hell.

He also told me: “But it won’t be 24 months of hell, things WILL get better.”

He was right on all accounts.  Things did get better, much better!  In fact, my life is completely different (in many positive ways) because I was thereafter determined to stay on my mission, come hell or high water.

I had to accept that I was human, far from perfect, and failure was an option; but that didn’t mean quitting.  It just meant being steadfast in overcoming failure and pushing forward, because I knew that what I was doing what was right.

I hope that I continue to learn and improve, even if it is through the crucible of failure.  I can’t let fear of failure determine my path.

I need to do what I believe is best, what is right, regardless of how failure may impact me going forward.

What are your thoughts?  Have you had failures in life that have impacted you beneficially?

Have you had a spectacular failure that it just too good not to share?  Feel free to comment!

 

I have so many things that I would like to write about.  With only one post in the books you wouldn’t think that I would already have writer’s block.  But I did…

Until about 4 minutes ago.  Yep, that’s when it just hit me: write about gratitude for others.  Seems like a good idea.

My favorite talk that I ever gave (in church) was about gratitude.  That was gratitude broadly.

Today I want to talk about being grateful for people.

I’m not going to list off a bunch of people (I know I would forget so many that should be mentioned).

Some will be obvious, and perhaps there is no way around that, so if you don’t get a deserving nod from me, then hopefully I’ve already told you how thankful I am (for you)!

Obviously we don’t exist independent of others and their actions.  We all needed parents to exist.  First spiritually, then physically.

Dad, Mom, I am thankful for you.

Our parents are with us from the beginning, they lovingly sacrifice for us physically, mentally, emotionally, and continue to do this ’til the day they die, and even after (my mother passed away 13 years ago and you can’t convince me that she is not actively securing help for me).

I get it, not all parents fit the above mold, but most do.  I think that’s why God told us to “honor your father and your mother”.

Children.  I am so lucky to be a father.  Having my two children has given me insight into the meaning of godly love.  This is a love that has no pre-condition.  It just is.  It is also very unique to each individual child.

Similarly, I believe that God loves each individual in a way that is perfect and yet unique to that person.

I have felt that love; it IS perfect and beautiful beyond description.  It’s power is boundless and infinite.

The parent model can be extended up (and ultimately down) generation after generation.  We wouldn’t exist without grandparents, great grandparents, etc.

Beyond life, just how much do we have because of these individuals?

How many of our traditions, our moral values, our technological and infrastructural capital is indebted to the many generations before us?

Not just those immediately related to us, but others throughout history that have been positive benefactors to us all:

Inventors, builders, healers, teachers, risk takers, etc… Look at all of our modern convenience, relative safety, and stability-  Someone, somewhere had a hand it each piece of it.

What about the peacemakers?  How many of us would not even exist if there weren’t peacemakers in this world.

Siblings.  Not everyone has siblings and many turn out just fine without them (perhaps even better, wink-wink).

My Grandpa (mom’s dad) had no siblings, and guess what?  Great man!

However, I myself am a much better person because of my siblings.  They lift me up, they look out for me.  They are kind to me.  They are defensive of me.  I know they love me.  We share so many fond memories.  They make me laugh.  There is a value that is unspeakable.

I try to teach my kids such principles.  You are your brother’s keeper.  Keep your brother!  No refunds!

Even if he’s sometimes an eccentric weirdo like me.  Friends will come and go, but family is forever.

While friends may come and go, true friends will always impact you for good; even if that impact happens in a short timeframe of life.

I have been amazed at how strong, impactful friendships can come about in just minutes.

Some people are so genuinely kind, helpful, empathetic, loving, charitable, and friendly (just to name a few endearing traits) that lasting friendships can spring to life in an instant.

Often by just sharing a thought or kind words.

Others are tried and tested over many years.  I’m grateful for both.  Both can serve vital functions.

Total strangers.

Sometimes just a kind smile, maybe a courteous driver that simply lets you in.  Often the kind people we encounter as customers or professionals (that we may never see or talk to again), but who are genuinely trying their best.  Thank you.

I realize I’m leaving out so many people, I am grateful for many others too.

I’m grateful that you read to the end.  Thank YOU!

 

I think the only material resolution I had this year was to start writing again.  This meant starting a blog.

You may ask “Start writing again?  Did I miss your first blog?”

No you didn’t.  But in a way you did.

I did (for at least 17 years) carry on a very enjoyable correspondence with my late cousin, Jason Facer.

We would discuss myriad topics.  Sports, with emphasis on Baseball and Boxing.  Politics.  History.  Personal matters.  Movies.  Fitness, especially bodybuilding, weightlifting, and nutrition.  Religion.  Science.  Just about anything that we found fascinating, and we enjoyed so many similar fascinations.

Jason died on the 4th of July last year (2016).

Jason has always been my inspiration for writing.  The likelihood is you have not have heard of him; but for me, and I mean this with all of my heart, he was the greatest writer I ever read.  Period.  You may think that is exaggeration on my part, perhaps a personal bias, but I believe it.

He inspired me to write better.  To think deeper.  To analyze more thoroughly.

He would never put me down for not being on his level; rather he always complimented me on merit and yet wouldn’t hesitate to disagree with me, if he felt differently.  I loved that.

He had many contrarian ideas.  I disagreed with him on many things.  But the thing is, that I too have many contrarian ideas.

We had some wonderful correspondence.  Even our texting brought needed relief, it was always good to know I had someone to bounce virtually ANY idea off of.

I miss Jason.  I miss writing.

Now I will write again.  I hope you can read this from the heavens above Jason.

There is a power to writing.  Everyone lives, dies, and ultimately returns to their maker.

Ideas, words, can live on long after we’ve departed this earth life.

Truth can never be stamped out.  Truth is eternal.  God is the embodiment of all truth, power, goodness, justice, and mercy.  He is Eternal.

I dedicate this blog to the quest for uncovering truth, to finding contrarian thoughts and ideas that are true, while having some fun too.

I hope it helps you in some way.  I know it will be therapeutic for me.

Godspeed Jason, I’ll be thinking of you as I begin a new chapter in my life, my entry into the blogosphere…hopefully I don’t incinerate upon entry!

 

 

This is your very first post. Click the Edit link to modify or delete it, or start a new post. If you like, use this post to tell readers why you started this blog and what you plan to do with it.