Texas, Tornadoes, and Teaching the Gospel

Today on the way to school, Lincoln and I had a very interesting conversation.  It went something like this...
Lincoln:  When I go on a mission I want to go to Texas.
Me:  Really?  Uncle Daniel went there.  That would be cool if you went there too!
Lincoln:  Yeah.  When I go I am going to be a tornado watcher guy.
Me:  That would be awesome!  I actually think that missionaries spend their time teaching the gospel to people.
Lincoln:  I would do both.  When a tornado comes I would say, "Quick!  Quick!  Get in the basement!  And remember, God loves you very much!"
I love the things he comes up with. 

My Dad is Courageous

A couple of years ago I watched a movie called Courageous.  Its was such a great movie that I recommended it to my family to watch.  My Dad watched the movie and it had a pretty big impact on him.  Following the movie he sent this email to all of us.  I love the words in the email.  I want to keep it forever. 

Dear Michael, Shannon, Tori, and Daniel,

 

I just watched a movie recommended by Shannon called Courageous. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to watch it.

 

Needless to say, since I am writing to you, the movie had an impact on me; and as a result I need to make sure you know where I stand.

 

If you have ever wondered if I love you, love your mom, love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I apologize for leaving you wondering. I should say it more; probably hoped my actions would speak louder than words. I love each of you, I love your mom more than you can imagine. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior.

 

If you have ever wondered if I would be there for you at any time and any place, I apologize for leaving you wondering. I always will be. My family is my life. Without you and your mom, I would be nothing.

 

I'm so proud of you and proud to say I am your father. Being your father has been easy; not because I'm good at it, rather because you are all so good. I know I have made mistakes and ask your forgiveness for those.

 

If I have been successful as a father, it is because of your mother. She has taught me so much and made me the person I am. I wish I was half the parent she is.

 

My desire is to be better. My desire is to continue to be a better father than I have been, and a good grandfather to your children.

 

I plan to continue to learn and apply what I learn. And I hope you will help me by letting me know what I need to do to be better.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Love,

 

Dad

 

His words were so beautiful and impacted me so much I felt compelled to respond to my sweet daddy.

Dad,

Rest assured, I have never wondered whether you love me, mom or Heavenly Father and Jesus.  You are the best daddy I could ever imagine.  I love you so much.  I've heard a saying that goes, "a daddy is a girl's first love."  I think of you when I hear that and I absolutely think it's true.  You taught me at a young age what I wanted in a man.  You are wonderful and I love you so much, Daddy.

Love, Shannon

 

Back to It

My mom and dad were here over the last couple of days. Gosh, I love them so much. They are so loving and kind. My mom shows her love in the obvious ways; Hugs, loving words, gifts, service etc. Although dad gives hugs and loving words as well, as I have grown older I have noticed his way of showing love to his children is a bit different. At times Dad shows his love by issuing challenges to us that will help us become better people. Dad and I spoke in an impromptu conversation in the hallway about the need to keep a journal. He admitted that his journal keeping habits have not been very good and that he will be starting again. I admitted the same. He challenged me to do better job at keeping a journal. I accepted the challenge and since my blog is my journal, I'm back at it!

So much has happened I the last 6 months. Lincoln graduated from Kindergarten and we sold our home in La Verkin. We are currently living in St. George in a rental home while our new home in Hurricane is being built. We can't wait!  

Lincoln is now in first grade at Heritage Elementary. He is doing great! I am also back in the classroom teaching 4th grade at Heritage. We are having a great year. David is still at Southwest Behavioral Health doing the data managing. We are happy, healthy, and doing awesome!

I am so thankful for my family both immediate and extended. David and Lincoln are two of the greatest blessings in my life. I am so blessed and because of that I know my Heavenly Father loves me. 

So I will be back to the blog again. Enjoy!