Great book! Highly recommended for everyone, except maybe small children, don't want to give them nightmares.
The thoughts and feelings of me, Nathan. They should not be taken as factual and may draw incorrect conclusions. In other words, I may change my mind from time to time about what I believe. These are the thoughts of a man figuring out his life and the role God has in it.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Don't judge this book by the big name on the cover…
Great book! Highly recommended for everyone, except maybe small children, don't want to give them nightmares.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
This is not political!
Before you delete this or just pass it by out of fear I am talking about politics, just remember my rule for what counts as politics: If it is written or spoken with intent to raise public approval of ones self or another, or a cause above that which is morally responsible then it is political. I give two examples:
1. Marriage — it comes from a religious background and has always solely been practiced that way. It wasn't until people took it and made it part of government that it became politicized. Now when we talk of marriage we walk on eggshells and tip toe around it out of a misguided fear of someone not wanting to participate according to the rules given by the One who brought it to us in the first place. I say phewy. Marriage came from God (religion) and is subject to the rules of that person or institution. Therefore, another arrangement made out side of religious reasons is not marriage. I don't care if you are male and female or male and male it's the same rule. (Probably upset some one there, gosh darn political correctness, always getting in the way of what is true)
2. Abortion — This one clearly lies with when life begins, not with women's right to choose. Why do I say this? I look at the moral rule. We all agree that killing another living breathing human being is murder and is despicable, worst crime ever. So if life is at conception or is at first heartbeat then the answer is clear. Another argument made is potential of life. If that is the moral rule then any form of birth control is morally wrong and is up there with other sexual sins. At conception suggests that the moment the deed is done you should have hope of new life. Heartbeat means life, definite life, it may not be self sustained but who's life is? I think from these examples and many more I didn't list it's safe to say anytime after conception is morally wrong. (Oops I did it again, ticked off more people)
I am giving these to illustrate a trend I see in the world. EVERYTHING is politicized. Any current or breaking news story is tied to politics if it involves a political figure. Healthcare has become a political nightmare. Any social program i.e. food stamps, cash assistance, retirement what ever it may be, have all been tied to politics. One person or party trying desperately to gain favor over the other. Sometimes out and out lying or telling half truths. Bringing us to the point where it's all political regardless of what is said. It stopped being about truth and character, morals are in important. It's all who can turn crisis into opportunity or curry favor with the masses. It's become repulsive. Turning people off to what is happening in the world around them. The political connotations be thrown in our faces on every news channel and article. It wasn't always like this, was it? There must have been a time when both negative and positive news went toward evidence of character, not used for the persuasion of one person over another.
I want to get to that kind of world, one where people can look at the 'fruit' of others and can see the true character of someone, not the dressed up version that we are fed every day. I hate how people are turned away because everything is perceived as political. Everything is not political. Everything is 'fruit'. Our job is to sort the fruit and put it where it belongs. If its bad, it doesn't match the moral compass we got from God, it should be discarded (attributed to the character of the person or organization).
Before any one can disagree with where morals come from, they come out of religious texts. Specifically the Jewish and Arab writings are among the oldest. Others all point to someone greater than man. But, I suppose man is that he may justify himself to himself in all the days of his life. So believe what you will. I choose the moral code given by God over moral relativism (the idea that man is justified in his actions simply because of ignorance or differing beliefs). I like to think I choose the bare morals in their simplest form (not perfectly and not every time). I am human, and am selfish, a lot. I am usually thinking of myself most of the time. I am also very typical, translation, I am not alone. Most people when it comes to morals can justify why it doesn't apply to their situation (Moral relativism).
So now to what may seem political to some but to others like myself it's not.
Our nations founding fathers were God fearing people who were rooted with deep faith in God. George Washington set the pace and the standard for the office of president. He is the reason presidents only serve 2 terms. It wasn't law when he was in office and against public insistence, after two terms he stepped down. For a time no one dared try to run for more than that. Soon, as the memory of George Washington was fading, congress wrote a bill that was signed mandating term limits for that office. This was done some say for political reasons, but I think it was a statement that no one is better than Washington, he is the standard we should be looking to for leadership. Someone with impeccable character. Washington was a reluctant servant, but he had a hard set of core beliefs, morals, he couldn't sit down and do nothing when his nation needed him.
If you have made it this far in reading, congratulations! I know it wasn't easy, for those who didn't, oh well, they will never know what they missed. I just wanted to write this stuff so others would understand my method of thinking and hopefully be encouraged to stand by the morals we have been given, look to the character of others and take note that its not all about politics. It's about sorting through the fruit and throwing out the bad.
– Nate
1. Marriage — it comes from a religious background and has always solely been practiced that way. It wasn't until people took it and made it part of government that it became politicized. Now when we talk of marriage we walk on eggshells and tip toe around it out of a misguided fear of someone not wanting to participate according to the rules given by the One who brought it to us in the first place. I say phewy. Marriage came from God (religion) and is subject to the rules of that person or institution. Therefore, another arrangement made out side of religious reasons is not marriage. I don't care if you are male and female or male and male it's the same rule. (Probably upset some one there, gosh darn political correctness, always getting in the way of what is true)
2. Abortion — This one clearly lies with when life begins, not with women's right to choose. Why do I say this? I look at the moral rule. We all agree that killing another living breathing human being is murder and is despicable, worst crime ever. So if life is at conception or is at first heartbeat then the answer is clear. Another argument made is potential of life. If that is the moral rule then any form of birth control is morally wrong and is up there with other sexual sins. At conception suggests that the moment the deed is done you should have hope of new life. Heartbeat means life, definite life, it may not be self sustained but who's life is? I think from these examples and many more I didn't list it's safe to say anytime after conception is morally wrong. (Oops I did it again, ticked off more people)
I am giving these to illustrate a trend I see in the world. EVERYTHING is politicized. Any current or breaking news story is tied to politics if it involves a political figure. Healthcare has become a political nightmare. Any social program i.e. food stamps, cash assistance, retirement what ever it may be, have all been tied to politics. One person or party trying desperately to gain favor over the other. Sometimes out and out lying or telling half truths. Bringing us to the point where it's all political regardless of what is said. It stopped being about truth and character, morals are in important. It's all who can turn crisis into opportunity or curry favor with the masses. It's become repulsive. Turning people off to what is happening in the world around them. The political connotations be thrown in our faces on every news channel and article. It wasn't always like this, was it? There must have been a time when both negative and positive news went toward evidence of character, not used for the persuasion of one person over another.
I want to get to that kind of world, one where people can look at the 'fruit' of others and can see the true character of someone, not the dressed up version that we are fed every day. I hate how people are turned away because everything is perceived as political. Everything is not political. Everything is 'fruit'. Our job is to sort the fruit and put it where it belongs. If its bad, it doesn't match the moral compass we got from God, it should be discarded (attributed to the character of the person or organization).
Before any one can disagree with where morals come from, they come out of religious texts. Specifically the Jewish and Arab writings are among the oldest. Others all point to someone greater than man. But, I suppose man is that he may justify himself to himself in all the days of his life. So believe what you will. I choose the moral code given by God over moral relativism (the idea that man is justified in his actions simply because of ignorance or differing beliefs). I like to think I choose the bare morals in their simplest form (not perfectly and not every time). I am human, and am selfish, a lot. I am usually thinking of myself most of the time. I am also very typical, translation, I am not alone. Most people when it comes to morals can justify why it doesn't apply to their situation (Moral relativism).
So now to what may seem political to some but to others like myself it's not.
Our nations founding fathers were God fearing people who were rooted with deep faith in God. George Washington set the pace and the standard for the office of president. He is the reason presidents only serve 2 terms. It wasn't law when he was in office and against public insistence, after two terms he stepped down. For a time no one dared try to run for more than that. Soon, as the memory of George Washington was fading, congress wrote a bill that was signed mandating term limits for that office. This was done some say for political reasons, but I think it was a statement that no one is better than Washington, he is the standard we should be looking to for leadership. Someone with impeccable character. Washington was a reluctant servant, but he had a hard set of core beliefs, morals, he couldn't sit down and do nothing when his nation needed him.
If you have made it this far in reading, congratulations! I know it wasn't easy, for those who didn't, oh well, they will never know what they missed. I just wanted to write this stuff so others would understand my method of thinking and hopefully be encouraged to stand by the morals we have been given, look to the character of others and take note that its not all about politics. It's about sorting through the fruit and throwing out the bad.
– Nate
Sunday, July 29, 2012
We got flooded
It rained and now we have a lake house, we even have to drive through a river to get there.
Monday, July 9, 2012
More new styles!
Both the Wife and K colored their hair. K being blonde came out really red and wife being darker came out a deep reddish auburn. 
Sunday, July 8, 2012
New format for the blog…
I decided a picture was worth a thousand words. So I am going to include more pictures and less words in future post. Enjoy! ü
The look of pure terror on G.T.'s and T's faces is priceless! Ö
This was one of the smallest and weakest coasters at knoebels.
The look of pure terror on G.T.'s and T's faces is priceless! Ö
This was one of the smallest and weakest coasters at knoebels.
T got a new hair due!
T went to her grandma T's house to sleep over and came home with a perm. She loves the new look, she said she won't do it again because it was burny. 
Sunday, March 11, 2012
New car
I went out with my mom to look at cars and found a really good buy. Now I don't give my cars names, but in this case we will just call it a blue berry (all you phsyc fans will recognize that as Gus' car, but as you can see it fits for mine also)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Rumors...
First let me dispel the rumors. News of my untimely death have been greatly exaggerated (I know it's prolly to soon for that kind of a joke, but is appropriate anyway?)
To answer the first question, why are there rumors? Last night I rolled my truck. I was apparently too tired to make a 15 minute drive because half way there I closed my eyes just long enough to go off the road. When I opened them it was far to late to correct my course and I went right into the canal. Rolling head over tail. Landing on its wheels facing the opposite direction.
Needless to say I didn't make it to work and will be taking some time off. Miraculously aside from a few scrapes and a pain in the neck (not caused by my children) I am otherwise unscathed.
Well that's it for now.
UPDATE:
Today I took all my stuff out of the truck and took some pictures posted below.
To answer the first question, why are there rumors? Last night I rolled my truck. I was apparently too tired to make a 15 minute drive because half way there I closed my eyes just long enough to go off the road. When I opened them it was far to late to correct my course and I went right into the canal. Rolling head over tail. Landing on its wheels facing the opposite direction.
Needless to say I didn't make it to work and will be taking some time off. Miraculously aside from a few scrapes and a pain in the neck (not caused by my children) I am otherwise unscathed.
Well that's it for now.
UPDATE:
Today I took all my stuff out of the truck and took some pictures posted below.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Asking The Right Questions....
Today I was again reminded of the importance of talking one with another as opposed to using text to communicate. I received a text message from someone, who will remain nameless, asking a simple question, "Why can't anyone go into the temple?"
I quickly sent off a reply, "Anyone can go into the temple, they just need to meet the requirements that have been set by God. Just like anyone can go to heaven as long as they have done what God asks of them."
As I reflected on what had transpired I was struck by a horrific thought, "I had just cheated the one asking the question." Not only was the asker cheated but I was also. If my Redeemer has taught anything from his youth on up it is that simply answering the question is not always the best thing. In His youth, he taught in the temple. He did this primarily by asking questions and then listening to the responses. Probably forming the questions to help guide the conversation so that the participants of the conversation would search within themselves and the written words of the prophets for the answers. Thus were they amazed by His answers.
By simply answering the question I missed the opportunity for both of us to be edified by the spirit. So in a sense I cheated us of the experience that awaited both of us had I taken the time to ask questions of the seeker.
Now back to what I started with, text rather than speaking one with another. I have felt as we move to a world where we communicate primarily by text that we only get half the message. So it has been difficult for me to transition to this medium of conversation. Text is stripped naked of all of all emotion and visual queues or body language. This makes it impossible to tell what someone meant by a comment whether it was said in jest or as an intended insult. Whether some one is angry or disappointed. As a result we have invented short little things like faces or acronyms to convey our intent. Is m reminded of the wisdom of Nephi in his gentle reminder, "neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (2 Nephi, 33:1)
How much better, if I but asked and drew out the answer, guiding the seeker to his own answer using the words of the prophets. The seeker would have likely walked away with a renewed sense of well being and a greater understanding of God's will. When learning things and seeking them out ourselves we hold to he answers in times of trial much more than of the answers are simply given.
I quickly sent off a reply, "Anyone can go into the temple, they just need to meet the requirements that have been set by God. Just like anyone can go to heaven as long as they have done what God asks of them."
As I reflected on what had transpired I was struck by a horrific thought, "I had just cheated the one asking the question." Not only was the asker cheated but I was also. If my Redeemer has taught anything from his youth on up it is that simply answering the question is not always the best thing. In His youth, he taught in the temple. He did this primarily by asking questions and then listening to the responses. Probably forming the questions to help guide the conversation so that the participants of the conversation would search within themselves and the written words of the prophets for the answers. Thus were they amazed by His answers.
By simply answering the question I missed the opportunity for both of us to be edified by the spirit. So in a sense I cheated us of the experience that awaited both of us had I taken the time to ask questions of the seeker.
Now back to what I started with, text rather than speaking one with another. I have felt as we move to a world where we communicate primarily by text that we only get half the message. So it has been difficult for me to transition to this medium of conversation. Text is stripped naked of all of all emotion and visual queues or body language. This makes it impossible to tell what someone meant by a comment whether it was said in jest or as an intended insult. Whether some one is angry or disappointed. As a result we have invented short little things like faces or acronyms to convey our intent. Is m reminded of the wisdom of Nephi in his gentle reminder, "neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (2 Nephi, 33:1)
How much better, if I but asked and drew out the answer, guiding the seeker to his own answer using the words of the prophets. The seeker would have likely walked away with a renewed sense of well being and a greater understanding of God's will. When learning things and seeking them out ourselves we hold to he answers in times of trial much more than of the answers are simply given.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Just a couple of things...
Ever since L learned the word "down" he has used it synonymously with up. I admit, it's cute and I would love for it to continue forever. However, after T's whole "hushoo" debacle in kindergarten, I know it can't continue with out correction. That being said, I guess you all are wondering what the hushoo thing is all about. When T was a toddler she couldn't say tissue, what came out was hushoo. We never corrected her but also began calling them hushoos. (It was way too cute) as you can imagine, going to school and asking your teacher for a hushoo gets you nothing but blank stares and one heck of a frustrating moment for a kindergartner who just wants to wipe her nose. Lesson learned. Now to L's story, he is famous for walking up to us, putting his arms outstretched high in the air and saying, "I want down." My reply is always the same, "But you are already down. You are so far down you can't go anymore." This gets me, "I want down, Daddy." This routine has gotten chuckles from people as the are walking by us at the store. He has now learned the word "up" but hasn't figured out that that is the right way of saying what he wants. We still have a few years to work on it.
I have been doing some soul searching for a while now, and as a result been rereading books I have read before (shocker I know), and listening to past General Conferences again. 'The Miracle of Forgiveness' is a great book. The first time I read it, I couldn't get all the way thru it. I thought it was painting a very bleak outlook. Just about everything a person does or doesn't do is a sin. And our mission? To master all of them and be perfect.(A daunting task, to say the least) Let's just say, the wicked take the truth to be hard. Attitude has a lot to with everything. This time, I find it is a book of hope, sure we all mess up and these are many of the ways we screw it all up, but there is hope.
As I was listening to the priesthood session from the last conference, it struck me that it was a calling out to ready ourselves for what is coming. To take part in the blessings and power of the priesthood. To go forth, boldly with the spirit of God, working miracles, and using all the keys and powers of the priesthood. It sounded like a call to arms, and wield the power the holding the priesthood endows. At one point, while President Monson was speaking he pounded the podium. To me it seemed out of frustration for having to say the same things over and over again. As I read Isaiah in 1 Nephi 20:5-8, this is not new. The Lord speaking thru Isaiah says:
5 And I have even from the beginning declared to thee; before it came to pass I showed them thee; and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them.
6 Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them? And that I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them.
8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time thine ear was not opened...
This is a first for me, I have never understood anything I read from Isaiah. This time I got it and learned something I had never considered before about the way he communicates. He's very poetic, and repeats himself a lot in varying ways. He tells you that God said this and then proceeds to tell you which God by using all his names. He also speaks in conversation style sometimes keeping you on your toes. The key for me was read slowly.
That being said, one of the lessons I learned from 'The Miracle of Forgiveness' it is necessary to completely change your surroundings and life when trying to break habits and correct your life. So while I am not going to move change is happening ;)
I have been doing some soul searching for a while now, and as a result been rereading books I have read before (shocker I know), and listening to past General Conferences again. 'The Miracle of Forgiveness' is a great book. The first time I read it, I couldn't get all the way thru it. I thought it was painting a very bleak outlook. Just about everything a person does or doesn't do is a sin. And our mission? To master all of them and be perfect.(A daunting task, to say the least) Let's just say, the wicked take the truth to be hard. Attitude has a lot to with everything. This time, I find it is a book of hope, sure we all mess up and these are many of the ways we screw it all up, but there is hope.
As I was listening to the priesthood session from the last conference, it struck me that it was a calling out to ready ourselves for what is coming. To take part in the blessings and power of the priesthood. To go forth, boldly with the spirit of God, working miracles, and using all the keys and powers of the priesthood. It sounded like a call to arms, and wield the power the holding the priesthood endows. At one point, while President Monson was speaking he pounded the podium. To me it seemed out of frustration for having to say the same things over and over again. As I read Isaiah in 1 Nephi 20:5-8, this is not new. The Lord speaking thru Isaiah says:
5 And I have even from the beginning declared to thee; before it came to pass I showed them thee; and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them.
6 Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them? And that I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them.
8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time thine ear was not opened...
This is a first for me, I have never understood anything I read from Isaiah. This time I got it and learned something I had never considered before about the way he communicates. He's very poetic, and repeats himself a lot in varying ways. He tells you that God said this and then proceeds to tell you which God by using all his names. He also speaks in conversation style sometimes keeping you on your toes. The key for me was read slowly.
That being said, one of the lessons I learned from 'The Miracle of Forgiveness' it is necessary to completely change your surroundings and life when trying to break habits and correct your life. So while I am not going to move change is happening ;)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wait, What?!?!?!
Yes it's very disappointing and I can scarcely believe it. But these things are true.
First.
After much thought and consideration. Comparing qualities, morals and ideology. I finally arrived at a decision as to which of the several presidential hopefuls I like enough to through my support to. I hadn't given any money to my choice as its the primary and I wouldn't want to be wasting my money if they dropped out before my primary. In this case it was Michele Bachman. She came in nearly last in Iowa with only Huntsman with behind her. After such a poor showing she suspended her campaign. Guess I move to my very close second choice, Rick Santorum. He did very well in Iowa, hopefully well enough to get momentum for the rest of the race.
Second and third: news from apple
The iPad 2 is going to drop in price this year. Now before you go and celebrate, it's only because of the release of the iPad 3. Or so the rumors go.
A new battery has been invented and patented by Apple. It's a hydrogen battery. It's rechargeable and performs much better than the lithium. Did I mention it's smaller too? This battery may be what the electric car people have been waiting for.
Fourth
Had a great time with family for the new year celebrations. I got to see everyone and even say hello to IZ. The kids love the gift from Mel and family. They play with it constantly until play turn to bickory (is that right?) and we take it away and force them to go play something else or go outside. It was a hand-me-down that started with Mush and family destined to fall into the hands of CK, IZ's and Julzes first born. (I can only hope it lasts long enough ;-) Also, I hope everyone is fine with you blog names I put a ton of thought into them :-p)
First.
After much thought and consideration. Comparing qualities, morals and ideology. I finally arrived at a decision as to which of the several presidential hopefuls I like enough to through my support to. I hadn't given any money to my choice as its the primary and I wouldn't want to be wasting my money if they dropped out before my primary. In this case it was Michele Bachman. She came in nearly last in Iowa with only Huntsman with behind her. After such a poor showing she suspended her campaign. Guess I move to my very close second choice, Rick Santorum. He did very well in Iowa, hopefully well enough to get momentum for the rest of the race.
Second and third: news from apple
The iPad 2 is going to drop in price this year. Now before you go and celebrate, it's only because of the release of the iPad 3. Or so the rumors go.
A new battery has been invented and patented by Apple. It's a hydrogen battery. It's rechargeable and performs much better than the lithium. Did I mention it's smaller too? This battery may be what the electric car people have been waiting for.
Fourth
Had a great time with family for the new year celebrations. I got to see everyone and even say hello to IZ. The kids love the gift from Mel and family. They play with it constantly until play turn to bickory (is that right?) and we take it away and force them to go play something else or go outside. It was a hand-me-down that started with Mush and family destined to fall into the hands of CK, IZ's and Julzes first born. (I can only hope it lasts long enough ;-) Also, I hope everyone is fine with you blog names I put a ton of thought into them :-p)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year, New Me???
Toward the latter part of the year, I found myself with the desire to change myself. To unplug from the addiction that is amusement, living in the fantasy world the television and Internet bring into our lives. So cut the tv shows I watch both on tv and the internet. As I examine the lives of those that I consider successful they have at least one main thing in common they watch little to no tv, seeking their amusements else where, seeking first family and personal growth through engaging activity.
As the new year commences, I find myself continuing to look for different results than I had in previous years. To get new results requires different actions. With this in mind I am again (as current tv shows are in hiatus from winter break) going to cut the television shows I watch. I will spend more time with the words of the prophets. Seeking first the well being others than my own (yes I tend to be very selfish) I will seek to be a participant in life rather than the casual observer.
While these seem general and many may say I have these qualities already, I feel there is a great amount of room for improvement. For those that think this is too general, or this is too small -- rest assured, as it took 40 years to build the salt lake temple and 40 years of wondering the wilderness for the Jews, it may well take the sum total of both those events for even I to reach perfection ;-p
As I observe my children, it is evident that they take far too much after me and so the example that they look to needs to show them a better way.
As the new year commences, I find myself continuing to look for different results than I had in previous years. To get new results requires different actions. With this in mind I am again (as current tv shows are in hiatus from winter break) going to cut the television shows I watch. I will spend more time with the words of the prophets. Seeking first the well being others than my own (yes I tend to be very selfish) I will seek to be a participant in life rather than the casual observer.
While these seem general and many may say I have these qualities already, I feel there is a great amount of room for improvement. For those that think this is too general, or this is too small -- rest assured, as it took 40 years to build the salt lake temple and 40 years of wondering the wilderness for the Jews, it may well take the sum total of both those events for even I to reach perfection ;-p
As I observe my children, it is evident that they take far too much after me and so the example that they look to needs to show them a better way.
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