jayosmond.com Blog

5-28-06

Posted in May Blog by Administrator on the May 29th, 2006

I have had a beautiful day today! I seem to be learning to relax more, and enjoy things better.
Eric gave a great lesson to our home teaching families. It was about the difference of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. He used a flashlight, a fan, a radio, and a computer, as part of his lesson, to help him teach. I was thrilled to see him grow in his testimony.
Jason has been contemplating his Patriarcle Blessing. He is really striving to set objectives, which are like stepping stones, toward those great goals emphasized in his blessing.
Marcus is into Scouting, Geography, and Nintendo. He keeps us all going!
My wife and I are becoming closer. We communicate a lot better, and are finding quite a few things that we like to do together–like gardening, watching silly movies, or just sitting and talking on our outdoor chairs.
I heard a great quote: “If the Gospel is true, what else matters?” My mother once said, “Every religion has truth in it, but the fullness of the Gospel, encompasses ALL truth.”  She studied so much (not just about Mormonism) about why people believe the way they do, and how religion plays such a big part of our lives. She emphasized the importance of being balanced, and being positive in life. She loved truth no matter where it was found, and most of all, she loved people and lived what she preached!  I look forward to taking my family to her gravesite tomorrow, after visiting Father (or “Deeda” as some of us call him–that’s daddy backwards).

36 Comments

5-21-06

Posted in May Blog by Administrator on the May 22nd, 2006

This has really been a whirlwind week!  I have found great strength in the scriptures this week, as challenging situations have come my way. It baffles me, how some people just like to be negative, and fail to see how the power of a good attitude can quickly help to bring resolve to a tough problem.
Kandi and I have been working hard this year to stay positive and help our boys learn to think and act in ways and that build happy feelings and love, rather than tear down and degrade. The following little chart is a helpful way sometimes, to jump-start a negative attitude:
Handy Little Chart –
God has a positive answer:
You say:  “It’s impossible” – God says:  All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say:  “I’m too tired” – God says:  I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say:  “Nobody really loves me” – God says:  I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)
You say:  “I can’t go on” – God says:  My grace is sufficient (11 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say:  “I can’t figure things out” – God says:  I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say:  “I can’t do it” – God says:  You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say:  “I’m not able” – God says:  I am able (11 Corinthians 9:8)
You say:  “It’s not worth it” – God says:  It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
You say:  “I can’t forgive myself” – God says:  I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say:  “I can’t manage” – God says:  I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say”  “I’m afraid” – God says:  I have not given you a spirit of fear (11 Timothy 1:7)
You say:  “I’m always worried and frustrated” – God says:  Cast all your cares on me (1 Peter 5:7)
You say:  “I’m not smart enough” – God says:  I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)
You say:  “I feel all alone” – God says:  I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Believe God is there just for you.

42 Comments

5-14-06

Posted in May Blog by Administrator on the May 15th, 2006
It has been a crazy week. It started very early, trying to pack. Then, Wayne called me at the airport, and told me something broke in his engine, and he may not make the flight. He didn’t. Then, the next day we were in Branson shooting a series about the shows and entertainers up there.  It was a long day, but we made it through. I saw a couple of my sweet friends at the theatre, and had a nice talk. They made me feel good about writing in my journal. They said it made them feel good, and that it was just like talking in person. That is my goal. I want to write to you, as I would talk to you face to face.
We flew home the next day on Wednesday, and took some time to get some projects done.
It’s now Sunday, 10:00 PM — Mothers Day, and what a beautiful day it has been. I’m reminded of that peaceful day, when we were all at my mother’s gravesite a couple of years ago. There were about 75 (or more) people standing around. The ceremony was calming, but was interrupted by two unusual butterflies. The person in charge of the cemetary said it was very uncommon to have butterflies this time of year.  He also indicated that he had never seen those kind before.  Everyone there watched as these two flew over to father, surrounded him, then flew over the grave. They fluttered for a few seconds, circled around the kids, then off they went.  (I’m so glad there are witnesses to this story, because it is hard to believe – but true!)
My sister and I were talking a couple of weeks ago, and she told me that mother, before her stroke, was working on a blanket to give her as a present. I couldn’t believe it, but it is patterned after butterflies! I believe mother instigated those butterflies somehow, as a symbol of her love for us that day!
I just want to thank all of you, who loved my mother. She loved you (and still does) so much.  My mother-in-law reminds me of her. I hope she reads this, because I have a great love and respect for her.  Kandilyn took her for a weekend, to just relax, go to the temple, watch a movie, and have fun.
I want to thank my wife this day, for her love and concern for our boys. She is a wonderful mother, and a tremendous partner.
35 Comments

5-8-06

Posted in May Blog by Administrator on the May 8th, 2006

Dear friends:
 
Thank you for your comments about this journal. If it wasn’t for you (and knowing that you’re reading this), I wouldn’t have the motivation to write every week. It really helps me to sit down on Sundays and collect my thoughts and feelings about the week, and memories of the past. So, thank you for helping me do this.
I just don’t know where the time goes these days. So many things happen each day, that it’s hard to keep track of things.  It’s been a great week! I have had time to “really” visit with my wife, and each of the boys, about important issues that concern them, as well as me.
We (my family, and Jimmy and Zak, also Tina Salmon), were over at father’s room at the hospital tonight. Jimmy and I gave him a blessing. Father then wanted to give all of us a blessing. There wasn’t one of us that had a dry eye afterwards.
It has always amazed me how unselfish my parents have been. Even in a situation that justifies thinking about themselves, they have just talked about and concerned themselves with us. Everytime I visit him, father seems so happy and peaceful. I am thankful he is enduring well. I always ask my father (when I first see him) if he is being a good boy? You can see the twinkle in his eye when I say that. He hasn’t lost his sense of humor either. (The staff calls him “King George.” They all love him and treat him like he treats them.)
When it was time to leave, I gave him a kiss and told him how much I loved him. He said, “Well of course you do, because I’m full of love for you!” We both chuckled, and said goodbye. This time, it was much harder to leave.
 

37 Comments

5-1-06

Posted in May Blog by Administrator on the May 1st, 2006
I just got back from the hospital with Kandilyn, Jason, and his sweet friend Kim. Father is doing better. He is alert, aware of what’s going on, and his memory is good. The only problem is that his speech has deteriorated to the point that it’s hard to understand him. However, about halfway through a mumbled conversation, he stopped, grabbed my hand, and told Jason (just as clear as clear) “I want you to know how much I love your dad!”
I couldn’t hold back the tears, and gave my father a kiss and a hug. That hug seemed to freeze-frame in my mind to something he said and did way back in time. I remember my father giving me a big, tight hug and saying, “never forget that.”  I have never forgotten that, nor will I forget that one tonight!
It’s hard to see your parents get old, but that’s part of the Lord’s plan. There is a purpose and a season for everything. I will be in that situation someday. I just hope my kids love and respect Kandi and me, as much as we both respect our parents.
Family is so important!
At home, walking up the stairs, I see Eric with his electric organ and his bird on his shoulder. Then, looking over in the corner, noticing Marcus crouched over like the cat, and then turning over just as the cat did.  I asked him what he was doing. He said, “I’m playing copy cat.” Then walked into the other room, and there’s Kandilyn and Jason, having a good visit. These all are priceless memories for me. There are so many situations that go unrecorded, but in my mind they are not forgotten.
Eric has behaved well this week. He has been taking good notes in school (part of his discipline for the mess up on the cruise).
Jason has really grown up lately. He is trying to help around the house, and be in on time for family prayer and scripture study.
Marcus has been working hard on his garden, and can’t wait for it all to grow!
Kandilyn and I have been trying to communicate better, and to be more sensitive to each other’s feelings.
Life is good, hard, fun, challenging, and never boring! 
34 Comments