To Learn More

January of last year, I had been listening to a public radio station, hearing commercial encouragement to, “Learn more at (whatever) dot com.”  (Posted about it.)  Now it’s still the thing — maybe more so.  What would life be like without the Internet and instant access?  (Really a rhetorical question.)

This year we can get a restaurant menu by scanning a QR (Quick Response) code on the table … instead of having a friendly waitress bring one with a smile and suggestions.  (The tip may be the same.)  QR codes are now ubiquitous (everywhere) … to help us learn more … using a smartphone as usual.

FamilySearch Centers let you do it on Discover big screens to see ancestors, famous relatives, and facts about the year you were born.  It goes on … and discoveries are emailed to you.  Then ice cream may be served at the snack bar — one reason I will go to learn more.

Recharging

Are you old enough to remember personal devices that did not need recharging?  As a teenager I had a solar-powered transistor radio that only worked in the sun or artificial light.  Most of my life I enjoyed radios plugged into an electrical outlet (and had no Internet connection!)  In the 20th Century we had telephones cabled to a wall.  Until a few years ago, my favorite wristwatches ran on a battery that never died.  Starting with a “portable” in 1982, my computers were simply plugged into an outlet.  My wife Kay and I used disposable cameras for many years, being careful with our choice of subjects. 

Now it’s a challenge for me to keep everything recharged: my phone, watch, radio, laptop computer, Bluetooth headphone, desk lamp, flashlights, and camera (for a major project).  The list could go on.

More importantly, I need daily recharging physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Especially for Kay, recall our favorite place for renewal: Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast.  Exercise, rest, continuing education, service to others, prayer and scripture study work for me at home in Ogden.  Recharging should be so simple. 

Gratitude on Friday

Every day is full of miracles and blessings from Heavenly Father to help us endure and be happy.  Today goes way beyond the common “Thank goodness it’s Friday.”

Good Friday commemorates the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who atoned for all sins and pains of mankind, and died on the cross for us.  My eternal companion Kay & I are forever grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and for His Resurrection.  Because of Him, families are forever.  I deeply feel gratitude on this Friday.  We know Christ, The Lamb of God, lives and loves all of Heavenly Father’s children. 

Transcribed & Discarded

As assigned by Sister Johnson in personal history class at FamilySearch Center 2/28/24, I wrote a memory of school activity.  Discarding the handwritten scrap today, I decided to transcribe and post it for future digital reference.  ( I’ve done that with a few other scraps of paper since 2010.)

Lowell Elementary, where my father began his education, had huge playgrounds.  As a student there, I joined small groups of friends playing hopscotch, marbles, and baseball.  Bryant Junior High School and East High School were different.  I don’t recall seeing any playgrounds or sports at Bryant.  At East High, of course, I watched the amazing athletes and cheerleaders on the football field and basketball court.  I was lucky to count some of them as friends.

As a serious student, I was more into math and music — another story to write. 

Family history for Pi Day

As you know, the popular number pi is “… the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.”  — PiDay.org

Kay’s legendary fresh peach pie!

Grandmother Cannon’s gooseberry pie with plenty of sugar. 

Variety of pies at Hinckley Family Thanksgiving dinners.

( I could go on about my favorite pies.)

Our Kanab kids always celebrate special occasions including Pi Day … with its corresponding sweet treat.

Enjoy!

A Matter of Momentum

My favorite, like magic for my old age: running up and down stairs, two steps at a time.  Keeping up momentum that way since my youth.  Power walking — same effect.  My senior kick scooter, a Razor purchased three years ago, carefully going downhill, with momentum from gravity.  A new habit of rollerblading every Monday — my senior balance exercise, as I call it.

In junior high school, I did well in classes, but keeping up momentum for homework after walking miles uphill was a challenge for me.  My neighbor cousin, who walked home with me, wanted to get his done immediately.  David couldn’t relate to my procrastination.  Lingering at my house on his way home, he encouraged me to get started.  I’m grateful for his sacrificing some momentum to help a close friend improve.

The process of becoming a minimalist is served by momentum.  As I’ve previously confessed, overcoming OC collecting is a constant battle for me since a turnaround ten years ago.  I am happy to be blessed now with visible progress in this matter of momentum.

Listening to Love Too

A year ago on that special day, Tuesday the 14th, I was imagining how many love songs are repeated for Valentine’s Day.  Then I suggested imagining the sound of silence while “listening” to the love in your heart.  I still like to think one owns that music as something purely personal.

A favorite quote i often share:

“Music has power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power.”

Daily Joy, p.31, c.2020, by Russell M. Nelson

A memory cherished today as in years past: my sweetheart Kay & I enjoyed many moments of silence while listening to love together.  We are blessed to own that ongoing experience ... without end.