December 2008

As the end of this year approaches, it is a good time for me to reflect upon the events of the past year.

A lot of good things happened.

Our oldest daughter and her family moved back to Utah, close to family, after having lived in Athens, Georgia for the past 7 years. It is great to have them close.

Our youngest son married a beautiful young lady this past year. We love and admire her, and we are glad to welcome her into the family.

Our youngest daughter graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in musical theater. We are so proud of her and of her many accomplishments.

Our oldest grandson turned 8 this year. He became a cub scout, got baptized and is doing well in school.

All of the family is healthy and doing well. Challenges exist, but we are working to make those challenges be a benefit to us.

We are so grateful for family and for the associations that we have with them.

I started teaching math, science and chemistry at a private High School. The experience has been wonderful. I love watching these young people work and learn. The glow on their faces when they accomplish good things is priceless.

A lot has changed this past year. A new administration is preparing to take office in the United States. Many corporations have gone into bankruptcy. A lot of people have lost their jobs, their life's savings and their retirement prospects.

I believe that there is a silver lining to the economic turmoil that we have all experienced. It is humility. With humility comes meekness. With righteous leadership, that humility and meekness should translate into greater prosperity.

The economic crisis has created a moment of retrospection, where each of us can take an accounting of our current state of being, and ask the questions: What did I do right? What could I have done better? And what will I do to build upon this experience to improve the future for myself and for others?

My hope and prayer is that the world will capitalize on this humility and be better off for the experience.