So it's been a while... and this isn't really something that I have viewed from my window, but it is something I wish to share...

I got an email the other day from my younger brother (Mark) who is serving a mission in NY. He wrote about a recent experience he had that I found rather touching and inspirational. I thought you might enjoy it too…

To me, this serves as a testimony of the truth of God’s plan, and that we are not alone in the work the Lord has for us to do. Our loved ones that have passed on can still be with us, and can help us as we live our lives. How lucky we are to have a loving Father who has created a way for us to be together as families forever, no matter what tragedies may occur! How wonderful it is to have the knowledge our Father's plan, a Father who loves all his children and blesses our lives so very much!!!

Mark wrote:

“…for some reason this week Brandon was on my mind more than ever! I talked about him to everyone and I was not sure why I was, I prayed for him on the other side that he might be able to reach to others doing his missionary work. I understand that his birthday was this week and I knew he was standing by my side helping me. In fact helping me so much that we talked to a lady that believed in original sin, I asked her if I could tell her something and she agreed, at that moment something filled me and I testified to her that what she believed in was an abomination and a mockery before God. I know that babies are born perfect into this world and that our God would never thrust a baby to hell, they are perfect and they inherit the Celestial Kingdom, and all that their father in heaven has for them. While doing this, this lady backed up to a chair nearby and sat down, she could not speak nor did she dare. The spirit testified to her that what the lord had me say to her that day was true; she was rebuked and could not deny it. I love that the lord provides a way for families to be together again and that Brandon will always be Alison’s son and Todd’s son as well. He will always be forever and ever in our lives, what a great blessing that we have!”

Just a little background on “Brandon"... (for those that don't know who he is)

Brandon was the first nephew/grandson born into our family… the son of our oldest sister, Alison. Brandon was born April 19, 2005, about 5 or so weeks pre-mature. The week before he was born, Alison gained an unusually large amount of weight in a very short time. This of course alarmed her and the doctors so much that they proceeded to run tests to see what was happening. Although they didn’t know what it was, it was apparent that something was very wrong. They decided to do an emergency c-section to get him out so they could figure out what was happening. When he was brought into this world, he was estimated to weigh around 13 lbs, not a typical weight for a pre-mature baby. He was so swollen and filled with fluids that his eyes (including his eye lashes) were not even visible. Within the first few hours, Brandon’s tiny heart stopped multiple times. The medical team was able to revive him each time as they flew him to Primary Children’s Hospital.

Once there, Brandon was put on life support machines and kept under close 24-hour watch and care. His condition was so severe that doctors didn’t expect him to make it through the night. As hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks, Brandon’s health actually appeared to slowly improve. The swelling began to go down and a few weeks after he was born, Brandon was able to open his eyes for the first time. It remained somewhat unclear as to what had caused all of this, but for a while it appeared he would beat it. It took a few weeks for Brandon to become stable enough for his mother to even be able to hold him in her arms for the very first time. His weight eventually returned to a fairly normal infant weight and there was finally some normal color in his skin.

Unfortunately, these improvements didn’t last long. Brandon’s fragile body had gone through more than it could handle. His organs began to shut down one by one, and the trauma he had suffered had left him severely brain-damaged. In the end, 5 weeks after his birth (on his original due date), Brandon took his last few breathes of life while being held in the loving arms of his mother, surrounded by his family.

Brandon would be 4 years-old now, the oldest of what would now be 5 nephews/grandsons. His memory serves as a wonderful reminder of what blessings the gospel has to offer all of us!

Although his time here with us was short, the positive impact he has had on our lives continues to have an impact, not only for us, but for others as well... as is evident in Mark's experience. I am sure that the lady Mark encountered felt the power and sincerity in his words due, in part, to his experience with Brandon and the testimony derived from it. There is no telling how significant the role of even these "little ones" can be in bringing about the Lord's work. As the Lord has said, "through small and simple things are greater things brought to pass". Brandon was small, but his short life, his brief trial-laden journey continues to bring to pass great things.

May we always acknowledge and be grateful for those precious things in our lives, no matter how long they are with us. May we stand strong in our trails, enduring with the faith and knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father, who only wants what is best for us, His precious children. A Father that loves us so much, that He would not suffer any of his little ones to be lost on account of another's transgressions or sins. May we see the greater picture and continually move forward with faith, love and hope, trusting in the Lord in all His glory and mercy. Let us remember those that have traveled the path before us, and let us lay down a framework of righteousness for those who are to follow.


Happy (belated) Birthday Brandon!!!

As cool as it is to watch storms slowly roll in and see the sow long before it actually reaches here, it can also be rather scary. In fact, today, I felt I was taken into the Neverending Story and was stuck witnessing The Nothing as is slowly devoured Payson, Spanish Fork and then Springville. It was unstoppable as it continued creeping towards Provo, taking it's furious rage out on the Novell building... so much for the giant TV screens.

I suddenly found myself crying out for Atreyu to come with his luckdragon, Falkor, and save us all from this wretched evil, just as the empress had done in the movie...

...a little side note: when I was younger I totally had a crush on the empress girl... she was so hot!... (back to the story)

...but then I realized that this was not the movie and that it was just a snow storm passing through. At that point I decided to stop yelling and screaming. (I'll admit, my co-workers' angry requests for me to "shut-up" played a small part in that)

phew... that was a close one!

It never fails to amaze me when I witness the "courage" and "determination" (both said sarcastically) of some people to be part of traffic... despite the fact that they aren't in a vehicle. They almost insist on crossing or even walking down the center of the street at the most inconvenient time. I am not sure why there are so many of them wondering around the corner of 100 S. & University Ave... hmmm.... perhaps it could be that there is a state liquor store a couple blocks away. Love them spirits!

Welcome back my dearest haze
Welcome back indeed!
It's been a little while
since my view you did impede.

Where did you go? What did you do?...
While you were gone away.
Now that you're back, is it for good?
Do you really plan to stay?

Without you I could see it all,
the details far and near
I'd view the mountains, lake and towns
and do so really clear.

I must admit I like you lots,
in a platonic sort of way,
but I wouldn't mind it if you chose
to slowly drift away.

May I suggest a trip for you
in a land far far away?
I think you'd like the coastline of
the San Francisco Bay.

You could meet my other friend
I call him Mr. Fog.
And if you're lucky you could meet
the famous LA Smog!

There is no rush, just take your time
before moving on my friend,
I have no worries you'll be back
to visit me again.

... on a more serious note...

I have always enjoyed the opportunity to behold the gentle nature and the equally astounding grandeur found when clear, crisp skies of blue fall atop the smooth yet chiseled snow-blanketed mountains.

There is a deep sense of calm and lightness that seems to permeate the soul, welcoming and inviting feelings of peace, relaxation, and harmony. It entices the mind to examine and ponder upon this majestic creation, this masterpiece and symphonic union between the harsh bitterness of winter snow, the unforgiving and merciless terrain of the rocky slopes and the life giving light and warmth, shimmering down unimpeded from the heavens above.

There aren't many scenes such as this one in my mundanely busy life which require and even demand my loyal attention the way this blissful setting does. But I am glad that it does and that it has. For in this moment, where a smile enters my heart and overwhelming emotions of gratitude manifest as gleams in the corners of my eyes, I am experiencing a new understanding of the meaning of His words, "Be still, and know that I am God".

After sitting here for the last several months looking at the broadside of the Novell building, I have just come up with what might be soon known as the coolest daddy-o idea to ever hit happy valley! The following is my thought chain and the evolution of my glorious idea...

"Hmm, that building is right smack dab in the middle of my view and it's not that exciting. It's not even that big either. It's what, 6 maybe 7 stories tall? Psssh! I am currently located higher than that!

It needs to be more entertaining in someway. Ooh! Perhaps a big ol' blazing fire would be fun to watch! Uh, nah. That's probably too dangerous for those within the actual building, and not very fun for them. Hmmm.

Ah ha! Scratch your Buddha belly and color my nose hairs mauve, I just got a brilliant idea!

Novell is a "technical" company right?
(the many voices in my head chime in, "Yes")

And they make a good amount of money right?
(again the voices agree, "Yes")

Well, they have a long, plain, boring building that needs a little "umph" right?
(this time only the leader of the 'voices union' answers, "Perhaps, but only if our desires are met")

(here's the totally fabulo-so idea)

Well, why don't they just turn that whole side of the building into a giant TV screen and play movies all day for everyone (specifically me) to watch?!!
(at this point the leader of the union declares their desires met and all the voices once again start merrily shouting things such as, "Great idea!", "I knew I chose the right head", "That's smarts", "I'm a Scorpio", "That's the best idea ever", "Everyone loves a big fat TV", "Give this cowboy a raise", " I find NCIS to be a very enjoyable program", "Yummy, pickles", "Do you really want to hurt me..." and other such things)

Then it's settled, I officially have a good idea."
(end thought chain now)


Now to implement my stupendous idea....

Maybe I can get James to contact his boss or someone else there to get it started. I'll have to ask him the next time I see him.

Well whatdaya know!!! There is now white smoke coming from what looks to be Payson. Take that Spanish Fork!!! Looks like you can learn a thing or two about pope picking from Payson ... because they apparently just picked a new one. Ah, that is an inspiration for a new riddle... "How many popes could Payson pick if Payson could pick popes?"... classic!

Congrats Payson, I always knew you could do it! (even though I am still not sure why you did it, nor where you got the permission to do so.)

Ya know, to me Payson has always seemed like a far off land... a "foreign" land of sorts. It's almost like Manti, but not as popular. Manti is that magical, mystical place far away with the big temple on the hill and all the fantasy creatures also known as turkeys. Everyone knows and likes Manti... not so much Payson.

Also, Payson is like Provo's younger, less talented, less popular, nerdier brother... with the big coke-bottle glasses, pocket protector and suspenders. In high school Provo was voted, "Most likely to succeed", "Best smile" and "Most athletic", whereas Payson was voted, "Most likely to be forgotten".

FYI - Manti was voted "Best eyes" and "Most likely to hold an ongoing pageant that would attract all sorts or protesters that don't really have a point to their protest other than the fact they disagree with everyone about everything". Manti was also part of the "Cutest couple", but broke up with Sandy shortly after graduation.

So again I say, congrats to Payson! Way to prove everyone from high school wrong! You and your new pope will surely be noticed now... "forgotten", my eye!!!

A new dawn has... um... dawned(?)... yeah, uh, anyway... there's a new cool dude in town, and his name is Pope-a-licious Payson. Word!

There is black smoke arising into the air from somewhere in the Spanish Fork area. I have never seen smoke there before, so I doubt it's from a smoke stack or anything of the sort.

At first I thought that maybe the people of Spanish Fork were choosing a new pope, and since they were yet unable to decide, they were letting the rest of us know that the process continues still by giving smoke signals. But then I realized that the people in Spanish Fork don't choose new popes, so it's obviously from something else.

I'll have to watch the news tonight and see if they mention it.

Whoa.. it's gone now! Hmmm.... very interesting. They might not choose new popes... but apparently they DO do black magic.

Thanks to the recent storms, the haze has mostly cleared and I can now see the whirly-twirly guardians of the Spanish Fork canyon... kinda... despite being in plain sight they have learned to camouflage themselves against the snow-laced mountains. They never were the types to draw attention to themselves. Even back in school they sat quietly in the back.

Welcome back my dear friends of the south... Long time no spin!

So earlier today I saw a crow-like bird flying by the window. It appeared to be clasping something within it's razor sharp, flesh-ripping, super sonic, pan-handling talons, but I couldn't quite make out what the object was. It appeared to be a glove or some sort of winter-ish accessory. It was quite a unique thing to witness... sadly, it still wasn't enough for me. I would like to have also witnessed the random person now running around with one really cold hand. Maybe someday...maybe.

On your mark! Get set...

Let the out-sights begin! (Get it? "out-sights" is a play-on word stemming from "insights", but reversed since I am looking outside)