Facebook

Within the last couple of weeks I have set up my own Facebook page and found myself interacting with family much more frequently than in the past. I look forward to going on the page and seeing what is happening in the lives of those I love.

I have also enjoyed searching on names of friends I've lost touch with. What a great way to keep in touch. It's non-invasive and and easy. I know I sound completely sophomoric, but I suppose that's basically my state when it comes to utilizing the internet for personal purposes. Anyway, I've been so pleased with the ease and enjoyment of Facebook that it turned my thoughts to my long-neglected blog. Who knows whether I will carve out the time to be more consistent with this blog, but for now I have a desire to write.

So, a couple of things.

First, and most important, today was a bit of a rough day. This past week has been quarter-end close, which means that I worked about 70 hours Mon - Fri. For many people that is probably a normal routine, but for me it is not. I dread these couple of weeks every quarter, and the stress of quarter close generally seems to get the better of me. Couple that with the fact that Brenna is essentially on bed rest currently, and things are stressful in the two dominant portions of my life--family and work. Savannah, Hunter and Madison often are wonderful children, but with their mom not really able to get off the couch and with their dad not home at all during the week, it was difficult for them as well. Despite the amazing help from numerous dear friends in our ward, the house was in a general state of disrepair this morning, and there were many household tasks to be done.

In an effort to cut this entry a bit short, I will sum up by saying that I became very frustrated today and let my anger spill over into the way I spoke to my children. I was unnecessarily loud and harsh. I let my temper get the better of me, and my children had to put up with their dad verbally expressing his displeasure.

Fortunately, I went to Priesthood session this evening, and, as usual, President Hinckley was the concluding speaker. His surprise topic was anger. He admonished the brethren and encouraged us to be in control of our emotions--for the good of those around us and ourselves. He may as well have been speaking directly to me. I came home with a renewed desire to always stay in control and speak kind words. President Hinckley rightly pointed out that the small frustrations that crop up simply aren't worth the long-term ramifications of anger. He also rebutted any possible reference to Christ's anger when cleansing the temple. He indicated the cleansing of the temple was a rebuke rather than an uncontrolled outburst of anger. I suppose right-thinking people could debate that, but I believe President Hinckley is correct. Consequently, I need to improve (as if I didn't already know). My goal is to take it to heart and apply the gospel more fully. Temper and sarcasm have always been regrettable aspects of my personality. But the beautiful thing about the gospel and the atonement is that it allows, in fact it requires, people to change. It always offers hope!

Now that I think about it, I guess I'll stop there for tonight. The other topic I was going to mention is too superficial to include here after what I have written above. I'll come back to it in the future.

Being a husband and dad is the greatest thing in the world. I pray that the Father will work with me to help me become better in both areas.