Thoughts

On my way out of town last night I was thinking about being separated a few days at a time from the wife and kids. although they did not seem to be bothered that Daddy was leaving for 5 days and were not very interested in saying good bye. I was thinking about more than just the separation. i was thinking about Amy getting to appointments this week and getting the VW worked on. I was thinking about the money it costs to do a round trip and how those would eventually become farther and farther apart. My thoughts were also on selling the house, having a calling in a ward somewhere at some point. This was all of course accompanied with thoughts about my academics and time management and the work I am doing for the GA. I guess what I am getting at is this; I keep this record on here and elsewhere, so that one day far from now, When my children struggle, they might know that they are not alone. that when they become excited, encouraged, or inspired by something, that they should do whatever it takes to accomplish that thing. whether it be limited to this life or if it be pursuits that affect the life to come. I want them to read this someday and know that they can do whatever it is that they want. And when they read this, I hope that however much they may, they remember the struggle that we encountered when I left every week and went off to move our family forward. Most importantly, I want them to realize the centrality of the Atonement in all our lives. How we are able to accomplish our work so long as we set out to do His. I am grateful that this son of a type-setter is able to get a PhD. That he may do justice to the struggles of his forebearers that only sixty-five years ago were tenant farmers.
It has been said “If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress”. T'is true. If we expect to reap any sort of reward, we must undoubtedly sow the seeds that will produce said reward. We shall struggle in this life from time to time. However, we have a promise, unmovable that is affixed. We shall prevail. I am glad that this chapter in my life is teaching me a lesson that is so very plain. God be thanked for his never ending mercies. God be thanked for the infinite gift of his Only begotten Son.

In other news...

Amy and I drove down yesterday to Athens for an interview with faculty in the Department of Counselor Education and Supervision. The interview went well and they have decided to admit me into their PhD program. It looks like (much to Jaisen's chagrin) we will be moving to Athens in Aug/Sep. We checked out the town and surrounding area, bought the kids a bunch of OU shirts and headed home. We absolutley loved the area and although it may be a wee bit expensive to live there, it is going to be a great place for our family.

On the way home and more importantly, we went to Max and Erma's (My first time) in Chillicothe. Following inspiration from a post on Hamburger America , I had them dress my burger up with Bleu Cheese, Onions and BBQ sauce.

It had to be one of the BEST I have ever had. this is they way I will be eating them for a while. I should have got the bacon on it but I was trying to replicate from memory. I will have to go to schnippers and try theirs.

Overall, It was a great trip out for a burger and I enjoyed the news from OU as well.