The King James Bible & beyond

I spent many hours of the last three days learning.  My favorite class focused on the Apostle Paul.

I must backtrack.  Monday afternoon I had a fever of 104.9 - kind of worried the doctor.  I got an antibiotic shot, more oral antibiotics and probiotics to try and prevent a recurrence of last year's problems.  She let me go when they got the fever down to 103.9 (with instructions to go to the ER if I got worse rather than better).  Instead I opted for and received a Priesthood blessing.  I was able to make it to Provo by 10:00 PM Monday night.  Nothing short of miraculous.  Attending Education Week is the high point of my summer every year and I couldn't bear to miss it - besides I had already paid the very nominal registration fee and bed in the dorm.

Besides coming to better understand the New Testament (something that will help me in my Gospel Doctrine teaching) I also renewed my testimony that the Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ.  How blessed we are to have these scriptures which have come to us at great peril and sacrifice. 

By Thursday night my head was so full of information and I was so overcome by things in my life (both wonderful and challenging) I could not even sleep 30 minutes the whole night.  I lost my last Ambien I brought for the trip, knowing I don't sleep well outside my own bed/home.  (Note to self:  always take more than I think I need).  My poor Alabama roommate was a light sleeper and my insomnia didn't help her either.  She was telling me how in "the South" the majority believe we (Mormons) are going to hell.  I knew this but my optimism keeps me thinking things will change as people really learn about us.  This was also kind of ironic because I finished reading "The Help" on this trip too (a book I highly recommend).  Something about the southerners I guess.  The author pointed out some of the ironies of the various types of prejudice and discrimination.  It's not all about color.

I came home early today so I could attend my friend's beautiful wedding in the Bountiful temple.  This was a second time marriage for both and it was so amazing!  They also have received miracles that brought them to where they are now. Even after having only a 3 hour nap today for my only sleep in the past 36 hours I'm still not able to sleep.  But, I have the Ambien so at least there's a good chance I'll sleep soon.   This week has been a much needed spiritual rejuvenation. It's what I need to keep going when things are rough.

Anyway, back to "normal" - whatever that is - and preparing my Sunday School lesson.  I hope I'm a better teacher for what I've gained this week.

One of the instructors made the comment that our failing economy is merely a symptom of our failing moral society.  Scriptures and history books have shown that every great society has experienced such breakdown after their rise in wealth and corruption.  We can only put a bandaid on the sore by "fixing" the economy.  What we need is to fix the breakdown in America. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana) 

Elizabeth

Elizabeth means survivor to me.

Elizabeth Smart, now famous as a survivor of horrendous abuse and kidnapping will be working for ABC News.  Read more here.  She is beautiful and a real role model for other young women.  She is now fluent in French due to her LDS mission to Paris, France, and she is completing her college education.  Congratulations, Elizabeth!  Desnews article here.

Photo Deseret News

Another hero of mine is also named Elizabeth.  Liz Murray is now well-known for her story From Homeless to Harvard.  I heard her speak at a national conference I attended in Virginia and was moved by her story of overcoming tremendous odds to become someone great.   She also sponsored Blessings in a Backpack - a program where backpacks are filled for kids whose only real meals are government provided school breakfasts and lunches.  At the end of the school week they get food in a backpack so they won't be hungry on weekends.

Survivor!

Making a difference in Utah

There are lots of good people.  Sometimes they seem to get plowed under by the bad ones but we get reminders every once in a while - good Samaritans sometimes unnoticed, rarely in the headlines.  Pamela Atkinson is one woman who advocates for children, the poor and the homeless in Utah.  A native of England, she grew up impoverished, but recognized education as her way out and overcame barriers and self-esteem issues to rise above to make a difference.  I am often exposed to members of my own faith who are generous humanitarians and good examples, but of course they are in all walks of life and Pam, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, works WITH the LDS church to help people.  She is a wonderful example of Christian service.  I'll put some links to articles below, realizing that newspaper articles don't last forever.  If you see this, check them out while they're there.

Last Friday I heard a few words by Pamela at the Global Health Conference at BYU.  In attendance were also leaders and experts from outside Utah (John Hopkins University) who seemed relieved that they could actually talk about Jesus Christ as an example in a public setting such as this.  These days it's uncommon - they don't dare!  I was moved by Pam's words, "Care about people; not just for them - there is a difference!"  She also admonished us to not let issues get in the way of relationships.  She is an excellent example of that.  She has served on both the state Board of Regents and the School Board and in many leadership positions in business and community - currently on the Deseret News Editorial Advisory Board. See introduction of members here.

Some of her comments on issues:

"I believe in teamwork, and I must be part of a dozen teams. I love how much I learn from other people. I try to keep my mind open all the time, and I love to be able to say, 'I never thought of it that way.' "

[She agreed to work on the anti-porn issue because] "I've known so many people whose lives were being ruined by what I call a scourge."

"To overcome divisiveness, I look for commonalities. I find many similarities between LDS values and my values. If one concentrates on commonalities, difficulties take care of themselves.""Sometimes, barriers in life are meant to be tackled and taken down."

Give $5 by text/phone to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund
Last Sunday, Blake Moore (a member of my ward and Stake Young Men Leader) said in his Sacrament Meeting talk, "I am a tool and I want to be a well-used tool."  He is.  So is Pamela.  I am impressed!   Of course that is not the goal of these or any of God's humble servants. Sometimes awesome really is the right word.

DesNews - Award for Pamela
DesNews - Pamela - kings and paupers
UT Historical Society - Unity in Utah

Peace

I agree with Becky Thomas (a columnist at MormonTimes)about what is most desired.  It's not all about fun and material comforts don't bring peace.  Here are her desires in this realm:

The peace of a clear conscience, the peace of no contention, the peace of not offending others, the peace that what I am doing is in sync with my Heavenly Father's will, the peace of knowing that he has not forgotten me, the peace that fills the unrest, sadness and questions of a broken heart.

Dr. Elia says of stress: 

Long-term exposure to stress can make us physically sick or lead to emotional and mental breakdowns. Basically, mismanagement of stress is a long-term neglect of our needs. When I suggest to my clients they need to take a day or two off to reassess their direction in their life, or company, or family I get the typical push-back response: "I can't afford to do it," to which I reply, "You can't afford NOT to do it!"

After another bout with illness - keeping me in bed for five days (and so out of character for me) - I realize I need to deal with this one myself.  I am letting go of toxic relationships and ignoring people who are ridiculous, selfish and needy, including some immature adults and those with personality disorders that border on those of BDM - so recently in the news.  It's not even worth saying his name or feeding into his self-importance.  I would much rather speak the name of Elizabeth Smart who will live in history and who is such a wonderful example for young women everywhere.  I plan to focus my time and energy on these people and not waste my time on those who are so out of touch with reality there is no reason, logic or common sense.  Dealing with such people is harmful to my health.

In other news,  "Christine O'Donnell's TV ad declaration, "I'm not a witch" during her U.S. Senate campaign topped this year's best quotes, according to a Yale University librarian.  Read here.  And a friend of mine, Harold Nolte made number two on the New Yorker's Top Ten Would Be Words list.  Read here.  Anyway, there are plenty of good things going on out there.  I have the best kids and grandkids, the greatest ward family, friends and neighbors.  I am grateful for this.

And, in case you were wondering or perhaps questioned how they could possibly enforce this - "U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson found that Congress could not order individuals to buy health insurance"Read here. 

"Neither the Supreme Court nor any federal circuit court of appeals has extended Commerce Clause powers to compel an individual to involuntarily enter the stream of commerce by purchasing a commodity in the private market," he wrote. "In doing so, enactment of the [individual mandate] exceeds the Commerce Clause powers vested in Congress under Article I [of the Constitution.]

My opinion - either do universal health care as it is done in Japan or other countries where it works or don't; but you don't do it half-way and pass laws requiring the impossible.  As an example of how messed up this country is - they are starting to charge for basic services such as police and fire (if used) - basically removing it from the public domain where everyone gets the benefit and adding others, because of course "the Government" can't take care of everything.

Global village

Once again tragedy is turned into triumph by people who care. Read this article about African Albino children here.

Also, so grateful for the combined efforts, love and worldwide caring that resulted in the safe rescue of the 33 miners in Chile! I can only imagine...

Other news: The professional blog piece of the Doctor's Lounge printed my article in the academic section. You can read it here.

Another hero

I love her words, "I am not my body." She's another example of someone living the "unexpected" life. I have been watching her blog (it's on my sidebar too)

I loved this editorial printed in the Trib

Of course he's not the first, but he's a President that many young people relate to. I happen to believe that people in leadership positions have an obligation to be good role models. Obviously nobody's perfect and people mess up - even leaders. But, there are some things you CAN control. If the President were to quit smoking, he could send a powerful message to young people and current smokers - it CAN be done. In fact it is done by many every day. There couldn't be a better time with all we know about the health risks involved in tobacco products and with smoking cessation aids available, media attention that would be given to his success and efforts to reduce second-hand smoke in the public awareness.

Tobacco is a powerful addiction, but sometimes this kind of pressure comes with the job. But, doing hard things, not just talking about them, is what makes greatness. How many people get such an opportunity? You don't get to be a bad role model by choice, Mr. President. You sought the office and with it comes lots of responsibility. This is a relatively small thing you can do to make a big difference. That's my plea and it is shared by this writer, Courtland Milloy of the Washington Post.

Clearly mindful of the image issues smoking may cause, Obama has been careful to keep images of him with what health advocates call "cancer sticks" out of the newspapers.

Some anti-smoking advocates want Obama to come forward even more publicly to discuss his habit.

"I think it would be an enormous first step forward if he would come all the way out of the closet and say, 'I smoke, I wish I didn't, I plan on quitting again, I've tried this many times,'" said Cheryl Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation. "Because if you dig deep behind the story, my guess is that's probably the reality, that he wants to quit and has tried many times." (ABC News)

Media priorities - did you hear about this hero?

Major Ed (Too Tall) Freeman is mentioned in "We were soldiers and young", a book which was made into a movie with Mel Gibson as Col Moore.

You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley. November 11, 1965. LZ X-ray , Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then - over the machine gun noise - you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter. You look up to see an unarmed Huey. But ... it doesn't seem real because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire anyway. Even after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses. And, he kept coming back!! 13 more times!! He took about 30 of you and your buddies out who would never have gotten out. Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise , Idaho . May God Rest His Soul. I bet you didn't hear about this hero's passing, but we've sure seen a whole bunch about Michael Jackson and Tiger Woods. . . Medal of Honor Winner Ed Freeman Shame on the American media !!!

The Blind Side - Five Stars

Some of my kids and I went to the movies - yeah, real theater and overpriced popcorn! We actually planned to see New Moon before it left the theaters but the only one still showing it canceled that showing due to a burned out bulb - apparently they have to have someone special come in to fix it. (I guess they concentrate on the popcorn LOL). So, Blind Side was a "wanna see" and we had driven all the way to West Valley so we went and were not disappointed. The funny thing was I'm a Tim McGraw fan and didn't even realize he played the dad. Didn't recognize him without the hat and beard.

I love Sandra Bullock and I was surprised at how much I liked her as a blonde!! I'm so glad she produced this picture. I found it moving and inspirational. I had heard some critics saying it was the stereotyped "poor black kid rescued by rich white person" but good is good, compassion is compassion and I think more rich people of any race should help lift others. Imagine the good O.J. could have done. If only some of the millions being made by celebrities and athletes could be funneled to worthy causes.

I also heard Ms Bullock made a GENEROUS donation to Haiti health efforts so she walks the talk. (Oh, yeah, that's why we love her so much!) Many others have also done much in giving time and money, even those people who are struggling themselves. Every little bit helps.

The real winner of the Nobel Peace Prize!

Thanks to Sheila for sharing this. What an amazing picture that says it all!

John Gebhardt's wife, Mindy, said that this little girl's entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head...but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John's hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing.

He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do.

James Gates U. S. Navy

Stand for Something

Pause the playlist on the right to hear.

Eleanor Roosevelt - Born Oct 11, 1884

Selected Eleanor Roosevelt Quotations

• You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

• No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

• Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.

• The word liberal comes from the word free. We must cherish and honor the word free or it will cease to apply to us.

• When you know to laugh and when to look upon things as too absurd to take seriously, the other person is ashamed to carry through even if he was serious about it.

• It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.

• What is to give light must endure the burning.

• Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

• For it isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.

• When all is said and done, and statesmen discuss the future of the world, the fact remains that people fight these wars.

• When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?

• Too often the great decisions are originated and given form in bodies made up wholly of men, or so completely dominated by them that whatever of special value women have to offer is shunted aside without expression.

• Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president.

• It was a wife's duty to be interested in whatever interested her husband, whether it was politics, books, or a particular dish for dinner.

• Friendship with oneself is all important because without it one cannot be friends with anybody else in the world.

• You can't move so fast that you try to change the mores faster than people can accept it. That doesn't mean you do nothing, but it means that you do the things that need to be done according to priority.

• The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Eleanor had many feelings of inadequacy, some stemming from put-downs by her controlling mother-in-law, Sara Delano Roosevelt. She was not beautiful in the worldly sense, though the picture of her as a school girl (above) shows physical loveliness. But she was a kind, generous and intelligent woman with her own political influence, especially for social reform. Some of her feelings of doubt likely came from her husband's affair with Lucy Mercer. Her early years also contributed to her self-esteem issues.

Orphaned at ten, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt grew up without any real family identity or sense of acceptance. Her mother had been cold to her; her father, though more loving and closer to young Eleanor, often disappointed her. His behavior, including drinking heavily, led to his being banished from the family home well before his death.

In spite of all this, Eleanor achieved greatness and had influence in the world. She is one of my heroes, rising above the challenges and trials of life and putting others' needs ahead of her own.

A little inspiration!

Click on the post title for a caring mom whose health conditions (even with insurance) have forced her into tough times - very sad situation.

Modern-day Helen

With the addition of modern-day technological assistance, this high-achieving teen is becoming all she can be and then some. She performed in her high school play, singing and dancing. She reads two forms of braille and knows sign language. She is beautiful, inside and out.

Click the post title to read the story of Burgon Jensen. I love Doug Robinson's writing, but I've noticed they don't always keep the articles available long-term so read it quick before it disappears! (published Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009)

One of her poems:

"Who Am I?"

I'm known by most as the "Blind Girl,"

By others "The girl that can't see."

When I walk, I walk with the aid of a cane,

But that's all people really know about me.

You may see me walking unnoticed somewhere

Or maybe just sitting alone

My courage is constantly tested,

And my flame of hope is frequently blown.

You may see me smiling at nothing,

And usually I don't say a word,

But please don't get the wrong impression,

Because this doesn't mean I'm unheard,

I'm willing to speak to those who listen,

I'm willing to listen to those who speak,

I want to help those who stand in the shadows,

I want to give hope to the weak

I was sent here with eyes that couldn't possibly judge

To teach people the meaning of the word sincere

Because in the end, what you see can often deceive you

And things aren't always what they appear,

So now you know my story,

Why I'm called "The Blind Girl."

By others "The girl that can't see"

When I walk, I walk with the aid of a cane

But now you know so much more about me.

— Burgon Jensen

A modern-day hero

It's always inspiring to read of Mother Teresa type people. Every once in a while someone's remarkable contributions to mankind are brought to my attention and I know these are just a few examples representing so many others. When selfishness abounds in the world, it does my heart good.

Click here to read about one amazing young woman who is making a difference with orphans in China and who is experiencing the unexpected life - not what she planned, but apparently what God planned for her.

Becky Thomas wrote in the Bloggernacle, "Whether we are divorced, without a spouse, without children or with specific challenges that we never anticipated, we can find great joy and mobility in our lives. It's all in our perception as to whether we sink or swim! Now go get your suit on and start swimming!"

Vote!

Cast your vote for the most influential American here.

Interesting list with lots of greats, but Johnny Carson? Nice enough guy, but really!

Teaching Children Responsibility - my $.02

When Jon was three I participated in Joy School in the neighborhood. Richard and Lynda Eyre (parents of 9) created the program and it was a principle-driven curriculum for preschoolers. Parents of the kids took turns teaching and manual, music, etc. were provided regularly for a small fee (much less than regular preschool).

Each month or so they would introduce a new value, or Joy - thus the name Joy School. The idea was great. I can't say I felt good in my role as preschool teacher. Not only was it not my niche; I had a very fussy newborn who had to be held constantly. Home schooling under those conditions was less than ideal.

I read this article and was reminded of the Eyres' book, Teaching Your Children Responsibility - a natural offshoot of Teaching Your Children Joy. (Click on the post title to read the full article referenced here). An excerpt is below. This is a principle I think is lacking in this generation - actually in the world. We find excuses for our behavior, refuse to let natural consequences cause our children pain (even though that is the best way for them to learn), and society has come to accept this as the norm. The result is a wimpy, "victim" mentality all around us. Look at our current economy and the big financiers, not only blaming and being the victim, but expecting a bail out.

I made my children experience natural (and sometimes induced) consequences, often unpleasant to them at the time. For this, they may blame me the rest of their lives but, hey, they need someone to blame when life isn't perfect - it might as well be the mom, right? If it helped them to develop character, become honest, responsible citizens and stay out of jail, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and other addictions or evils then I'll accept the blame. Was I a perfect parent? Absolutely not. Do I have regrets? Sure - mostly in not spending more one-on-one time, not being more loving and nurturing, more skilled in effective and consistent (but also loving) discipline and maybe not being able to provide them with a few more comforts (not everything, because we're not here for comfort and ease). But, I'm pretty proud of my kids. Sometimes I'm sure it was in spite of, rather than because of, me.

Now I see them struggling with their own issues; their own children. They have to make hard decisions, and like all parents, they wish to protect their children from pain and often natural consequences that are hard or that might make them unpopular. They don't want their children to hurt, and sometimes in the process they may exacerbate their handicaps and weaknesses, assisting in allowing them to become victims. Sometimes in my opinion, they may be too strict. I'm happy to know that none of them are being abused. I just hope they are learning the responsibility they need to survive in this life. I often see them, as parents, doing better than we did, but they definitely do things differently. Every parent has this stewardship and hopefully they take their role seriously, consider the long-term consequences and benefits of appropriate discipline and education. I do know that in our present morality-lacking society, they need lots of tools to help them cope as adults when parents are not there to protect or defend them. When they deal with the knocks of life, I hope they will be ready. Life comes with lots of disappointments and they can be victims or, like Helen Keller and so many others, even overcome huge "handicaps" or setbacks or disadvantages. As long as Helen's parents coddled and felt sorry for her, she could not progress. Once they allowed her to live with boundaries and expectations, she excelled and became one of the great American heroes. There are lots of stories, books, movies and other examples of people overcoming great odds to BE great. I would encourage all parents to make these stories on of their guides for parenting, especially when their children have disadvantages. Show the kids how they can overcome difficulty. They will need these skills later in their lives.

I've never been one to sit back quietly without expressing my own opinions. And I'm old-fashioned enough to believe kids can learn from their parents at any age, because experience is a wonderful teacher.

Becky Thomas, Mormon Times

"I have seen family members play the role of a victim, as children will continue to blame their parents, or justify holding grudges, or feel sorry for themselves for their childhood, or make excuses for their lack of compassion. My dad used to always tell me and my brothers, "I will take responsibility for any mistakes I made parenting you, until the age of 30, after that you can't blame me any more." Though he shared that in jest, I saw the truth in what he said. It is easy for family members to continue to play the role of a victim their entire lives.

I will never forget one young man who was caught shoplifting. When the police approached his parents, they excused his behavior by saying they should have bought him what he wanted for Christmas, so he would not have had to shoplift.

If we are making excuses for our children, blaming or justifying their behavior, ("he picked up the vulgar language or bad habits from his friends"; "they don't want to go to church because the others have offended them"; "he is failing his class because of the teacher") or feeling sorry for them (because she didn't get asked to the prom, or because he wasn't invited to the birthday party, or because she didn't make cheerleading, or because he never gets to play in the game), we are sending a message that they are a victim. They will not feel a need to change, or take personal responsibility in any area of their life. After all, they think they are a victim.

If we embrace the mentality of a victim and decide that we have no power to act, but to be acted upon, we abdicate the last of our freedoms as we turn all power over to everyone else. This mentality stops change and progress.

Whether we are the President of the United States or a 3-year-old learning to swim, if we are blaming, or making excuses, or justifying our actions, or feeling sorry for ourselves, we have slowed down our progress immensely.

This concept of personal responsibility is one of the most defining principles to anyone who is living the unexpected life. It is the principle that determines whether we progress, move forward and grow on the route we travel. It is the principle that we pass on to our children. It is the principle that makes the difference whether we succeed or if we are happy. It is a principle of freedom."

Tribute to a contributor

Steve and I had the privilege of attending local hero and philanthropist Larry H. Miller's funeral yesterday at the Energy Solutions Arena (known better by its previous name, The Delta Center) which he made happen, along with his other financial risks he took for the community such as buying the Jazz so we could keep them in Utah.

It was a very touching service, attended by a number of well-known, non-to-well-known, dignitaries, friends and fans. There was a little woman sitting alone in the section over from me who wore a Jazz sweatshirt, that looked like it had been well-loved and proudly worn for a while - my guess is at Jazz games. Larry helped many worthwhile endeavors including BYU and the U. He gave hundreds of college scholarships and endowed gifts to nearly every local college, though he, himself, was a dropout early in his career at the University of Utah.

Yet he once tried to talk his son Bryan out of attending business school. There was no use for an advanced degree, Bryan remembered, if a businessman had common sense, worked hard and knew his addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. "He proved that," Bryan said.

I really agree with the common sense part since that's not something that can be taught in school and I've witnessed many graduate-degree recipients who still lack common sense, never seem to notice what goes on around them, don't learn from history, buy in to political rhetoric even when clearly contrary to basic economics and who couldn't balance their own checkbooks.

Larry H. Miller may have lost the battle with type 2 diabetes when he died Feb. 20, but, friends and family reiterated at his funeral Saturday, he "won the war."

"He felt it was his responsibility to do as much good as his assets would allow," said Carisa Miller, who started off her grandfather's funeral by reading his obituary to a crowd of several hundred. "He coined and lived by the phrase, 'Go about doing good until there is too much good in the world.' "

As she recounted his life, Carisa Miller made no mention of the world-class racetrack, the motor sports park, or the NBA franchise her grandfather constructed during his lifetime. She didn't talk about his 42 car dealerships, his movie production company, his restaurants or even his philanthropic organizations. Instead, Carisa Miller — as well as subsequent speakers — called to mind the more personal triumphs in Larry Miller's family life.

"He was a man who lived well, laughed often and loved much," said Karen Miller, his only daughter. "He gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children."

"Yes, Utah knows this guy," said Elder M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, playing off Larry Miller's television advertising campaign. "And we love him."

Larry Miller frequently went out of his way to help those less fortunate than he, said LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, who named the businessman as a personal friend and confidant.

Once, President Monson recalled, when a local burger joint was in danger of closing, Larry Miller set the owner up with new, rent-free property so he could continue making the "best burgers in town."

"Those kinds of things — the little things Larry did every day — weren't in the newspapers," Monson said. "If we will just remember not to overlook the forlorn, not to shun a person who has no friends, but rather open wide our hearts and souls, everywhere we go we'll have an opportunity to pay tribute to Larry." (Elizabeth Stuart - DesNews)

I borrowed some photos from the Deseret News. Click on the post title for the actual article and credits. Eventually they'll probably not have it available but the pictures are done by Deseret News photographers.

John Stockton hugging Gail at the viewing on FridayThere was a wonderful display in the lobby at the Arena with photos from Larry's past and even a Jazz car.

Jeff Hornacek, former Jazz team member and nice guy!

Karl Malone - I love to see a grown man cry (when it's not because the Jazz are losing!) - the other half of "Stockton to Malone." An amazing sculpture of the two of them has a permanent home outside the arena.
Karl and Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan. John Stockton (Jazz superstar), Greg Ostertag, other former Jazz stars were also there.
A UHP Trooper salutes. There was a huge motorcade of police motorcycle escorts leading from the ESA to the Salt Lake City Cemetery. You could just imagine them hearing, "Gentlemen, start your engines" and the cycles and cars all started at once. (I was glad these officers were busy because my car was parked in a two hour streetside and I wasn't sure if it was enforced on Saturday but I couldn't get to the car if I'd wanted to because of the parade).
Included in the procession were cars from Larry's private collection. He loved everything to do with cars and his dealership earned him the money to do the great things he did. He began his career as a parts store clerk. It's a Rags to Riches story like all Americans appreciate.
Larry's wife, Gail, son Greg (who is now at the Larry Miller helm) and family. I enjoyed Greg sharing a story that tells of Larry's personality. H described his father as a "nickel shooter," who reused sticky tabs and once passed up an open space in front of Siegfried's Deli downtown when the two were out for lunch. When Greg asked if he had changed his mind about going there for lunch Larry answered, "No, I'm looking for a parking meter with some time on it."
Greg arranged to paint his casket to match his beloved Ford Cobra, complete with racing stripe. All 21 of his grandchildren spoke of something they loved or loved to remember about their Grandpa. The LDS First presidency was in attendance along with many other Church leaders. One of Miller's projects was financing The Joseph Smith Papers. When M. Russell Ballard spoke about him he said that as the days went on and his physical trials increased, their talks became more and more spiritual in nature. The family emphasized the man who loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, was devout in his faith and who loved to have fun with his family.
Current Jazz team - they sat on the home bench in his honor.
Home of the Jazz - the place he built and loved to be.
Son, Greg and the "Cobra Casket." I come from a racing family but I didn't realize there's a whole Cobra following out there. A number of men were in attendance wearing their blue and white Cobra jackets.
Greg driving the Cobra and the other children following behind in his other cars.
Tribute from the Jazz.
Miller was buried in the Salt Lake City cemetery with a 21-gun salute. Greg wore a Jazz jersey with his father's No. 9 to Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Larry H. Miller is a fine example of a life well lived.

Click here to see some interesting trivia about Larry. LHM
Photos were from Deseret News online desnews.com

Presidents Day

I prefer to think of the day as Lincoln and Washington memorial day because, while all the presidents deserve respect for taking on such a difficult challenge, none come close to the greatness of these two who should be revered above the rest.

Just days after the nation honored the 200th anniversary of his birth, 65 historians ranked Abraham Lincoln as the nation's best president. After Lincoln, the academics rated George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt and Harry Truman as the best leaders overall. Rankings vary as people are influenced by today's issues so the others fluctuate considerably.

In retrospect, often we find the value of one leader to be greater than it seemed when they actually served. Especially with regard to economics, we can often see where hard and unpopular decisions of the day actually paved the way for better times often credited for the leader that followed them. When historians study the issues they realize those hard decisions were the real reason for the success. Of course popularity and personality also influence the public views of greatness as well. But, the more I study of Lincoln and Washington, the more I realize they are truly as significant to America as we have claimed, if not more so. Myths and legends that painted them bigger than life are insignificant ways Americans choose to revere them and to teach values to their children (the cherry tree, etc.) but in the greater matters, reality is that they were heros worth reverence.

In honoring Washington, it is important to remember how he gave dignity to the new role of president. He made it clear he was not royalty, as the new nation's people might have expected, given their past, but his demeanor demanded respect and taught the new nation how the role should be honored.

I hate what has happened in the more recent past in regard to showing respect for the office. Rocky Anderson, former Mayor of Salt Lake city organized rallies against President Bush. This is unspeakable and an embarrassment to Utah, Salt Lake City and America, regardless of how you feel about the current leader.

President Washington also taught us that stepping down after two terms, even at the height of popularity, was the right path for the nation. He understood at the founding of the nation that the role of president was not to be a lifetime occupation and that it was important to the new republic to have rotating leadership and ongoing elections by the people for this ultimate leadership position.

May we never forget and ever teach our children about these national heroes.