The Blessings of Trying

There countless times in my life where I've wanted to give up, whether it be at a sport, a specific skill, or an award I wanted to earn, my parents kept me at it.

I learned that no matter how hard my task, no matter how high the wall was, I was able to climb that wall using my ingenuity or strength, and sometimes both.

One of my favorite scriptures, "Nephi 3:7" (I don't think I could ever pick a favorite, if you know what I mean.) quotes "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they my accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

My parents instilled in me the principle of constant progression, and taught me to appreciate the fruits of my labor.

Now, as I have matured, (though still far from "mature") I look back and thank them in my head, or verbally for what they did for me.

My parents have taught me most everything I know, (directly or indirectly) and I could never repay them completely.

I hope that we all open our eyes to see the beauties and wonders of this world and the lives we partake of, and take advantage of all of the opprotunities we have been given.

Never stop trying.

Love you all,
Dallin H.

A Hopeful Thought for the Future

Although most people know this subconsciously, they never really think about their NEED for love, family, and companionship. They just understand that they WANT it.

I hope that, in the future, I can find a woman who is humble, independant, intelligent, organized, has a love for God, has a knowledge of her and other's worth, and loves others regardless of what they may have done.

"Dallin..." "I'm up" "Good. Get ready, the kids have already got up and dressed." My wife says, as her lips open into the beautiful smile I fall in love with everytime I see it.

I got out of bed and looked out the window as the first rays of the sun started to open themselves up to the world in the distant sky.

"Thursday." I thought with a smile. "Today we go to the temple with our two oldest children, their friends, and their friends' families." I walked into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and finished the daily routines that may be simple, but help ground and discipline our minds and bodies and allow for clear and focused thoughts in this crazy, fast paced world we live in.

I got dressed and walked out into the kitchen to see her standing there, preparing the food that we would need for our day at the Temple. I silently sneaked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, put my face in her hair and stood there, rocking back and forth, to a song that ears would never hear, but that the heart would sing for all eternity. Then, the thought that had occured to me so many times before, but that always seemed magnified every time it came back to me, "I'm happy now. Now that I have what so many need and desire. Love, companionship, and a family of my own." and the best part was... I knew she was thinking it too.

Note: In this thought, my wife was preparing the food of her own volition. I'm not a sexist stereotyping hooligan, I promise. :)