Dec 5, 2006
A Simple Life
As I pick up my son to give him a hug before leaving for work this morning, he wrapped his little arms around my neck, rested his head on my shoulder, and patted my back. My simple life exceeds that of a king, for my heart is truly full.
Jun 19, 2006
A New Day
Life is ever changing as we all know. Yesterday was my first Fathers Day and it was great to be with the family, play horseshoes and just hang out and enjoy that which is family.
This morning while playing with my son before going to work, I couldnt help but look into his beautiful eyes as he smile up at me and feel as though today was the first day of the rest of my life. This new life will be shaped by a selfless love, for I can no long make choice in my life without thinking of how it will affect him. Each time I pick him up and hold him to my chest my capacity to love is stretched. I do not know what life will bring nor do I fear it, but I do know that today is a new day... may I use it well.
This morning while playing with my son before going to work, I couldnt help but look into his beautiful eyes as he smile up at me and feel as though today was the first day of the rest of my life. This new life will be shaped by a selfless love, for I can no long make choice in my life without thinking of how it will affect him. Each time I pick him up and hold him to my chest my capacity to love is stretched. I do not know what life will bring nor do I fear it, but I do know that today is a new day... may I use it well.
Jun 12, 2006
Fires of Friendship
The most effective method of extinguishing a campfire is to first knock it down and separate the burning logs before dumping water on them. Once separated from one another, if a log continues to hold a flame, it will slowly burn itself out. However, if these logs are again united in a cluster, they can rekindle one another, and conditions are optimal for small flames to grow once more. It is now possible for a brilliant fire to warm your soul as no single log can.
Fires may require your attention to maintain, but I'd rather sit around a campfire than a smoldering smoky log any day.
Fires may require your attention to maintain, but I'd rather sit around a campfire than a smoldering smoky log any day.
Feb 8, 2006
Nature Bequeaths Stillness
I long to live a simple life, where I can relax into the peaceful flow of nature. I would plant trees, tend the land, build a patio, hang a humming bird feeder, and generally create an environment where I may sit with friends and release life's troubles.
I remember long hours at my Grandfathers ranch where I would ride horses through the hills, go on long walks through the fields, or just sit on the hillside and soak in the atmosphere. How I miss my grandparents and the carefree days of youth.
Just before the ranch was sold, I remember taking a raft my cousin, brother and I had built, out onto the pond. For several hours I floated out there; so clearly do I remember lying on the old wooden planks and feeling the warmth of the sun on my back. Looking down into the depths of the water, I watched with fascination as the streams of light danced into darkness.
Enticed by the cool water, I crawl forward and slide headlong into its depths. As I don't float, I slowly sink into the dark embrace, suspended in weightless silence. Relaxing my body I feel a calm peace as time slows and passes unnoticed. There is nothing to do here, nothing to think; and I understand why submersion is symbolic of death.
Eventually my lunges insist upon my ascension. Kicking upward I feel the cool flow of water over my body as light finds me once more. Taking air into my lungs my body must now work to keep me afloat; but I do not wish to return to the raft which will carry me back to shore, back to a reality where I must leave this place behind.
I hope to have such an environment for my children, family, friends, and loved ones. I can not imagine life with out it.
I remember long hours at my Grandfathers ranch where I would ride horses through the hills, go on long walks through the fields, or just sit on the hillside and soak in the atmosphere. How I miss my grandparents and the carefree days of youth.
Just before the ranch was sold, I remember taking a raft my cousin, brother and I had built, out onto the pond. For several hours I floated out there; so clearly do I remember lying on the old wooden planks and feeling the warmth of the sun on my back. Looking down into the depths of the water, I watched with fascination as the streams of light danced into darkness.
Enticed by the cool water, I crawl forward and slide headlong into its depths. As I don't float, I slowly sink into the dark embrace, suspended in weightless silence. Relaxing my body I feel a calm peace as time slows and passes unnoticed. There is nothing to do here, nothing to think; and I understand why submersion is symbolic of death.
Eventually my lunges insist upon my ascension. Kicking upward I feel the cool flow of water over my body as light finds me once more. Taking air into my lungs my body must now work to keep me afloat; but I do not wish to return to the raft which will carry me back to shore, back to a reality where I must leave this place behind.
I hope to have such an environment for my children, family, friends, and loved ones. I can not imagine life with out it.
Jan 1, 2006
Bio of Ben
I was raised in a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
My family network is large, close, and loud; making for some interesting events. I spent the majority of our youth playing around on my Grandfathers ranch with my brothers and cousins; building forts in the hay-barn, fishing, horseback riding, 4 wheeling, and all the other mischievous kids can get into. I have many great memories.
I didn’t do so well in school. I was a punk, got into fights, and basically spent my school years screwing around and doing my best not to learn anything. I now regret not being nicer and making more friends. I guess I had anger issues.
Despite my bad attitude and all the concerns my peers may have had for me, I maintained strong personal beliefs. I remember having this obsession with self-mastery, which only left me feeling frustrated. I'm sure no one would have guessed I was spiritual, but when I prayed I simply knew there was a God who loved me. I can only imagine how differently things would have turned out for me if not for this anchor of faith.
My dating life was moderate… nothing too wild to report; I mostly liked to flirt. I eventually ended up with this tall sexy brunette. I loved everything about her. She was a wild girl who knew how to make me open up and share my deep dark secrets. Turns out they weren’t as deep or as dark as I thought.
Eventually I came of age and went forth to serve a church mission; not because it was expected of me, but because I had developed a personal testimony of the gospel. In fact my Bishop even said I was the last guy he expected to serve a mission. So off I went to serve for two long years.
During this time I did a lot of growing up, but more important I learned to love others and respect their beliefs. I may not have been the ideal missionary, but I was sincere in my efforts. In the last area I served, before coming home, I met a girl I shared an attraction with. I was not allowed to date, but we did kiss a time or two.
A few months after returning home from my mission, this girl showed up to “go to college.” We went on a few dates, but I soon realized she was not the one for me. It was the sexy brunette from before my mission who still had my heart. Our connection was still very strong and after a year of dating we got married.
I worked as a plumber, framer, carpenter, roofer, rock mason, painter, table busser, cashier, and cabinetmaker. Finally, with the encouragement of my wife, I went to college, earning a degree in Multimedia. If nothing else, my college experience taught me that I really could do well in school. I finished with a GPA of 3.6
From 2000 to 2005 I worked for an online aviation program for the college. I created graphics, designed the website, and created instructional animations. I spent some time teaching instructional design at ITT Tech. Worked at a software company recording podcasts and building tutorials. I helped establish a start-up company creating online aviation courses for high schools and published some online courses for the FAA. But I eventually moved out of state and put my skills to work in very different arena.
As for my marriage, it started off rocky as we got used to living with each. This was made all the more difficult as we dealt with fertility treatments trying to have a baby. We eventually adopting a perfect baby boy, sold our rental property and moved out of state, where I put my skills to work in very different arena (from the education field, to commercial, to government contract work). Though marriage is never perfect and far from easy, it has gotten better.
We also adopted through the foster care program. My wife and children are my life. They have truly taught me how to love.
I'm hesitant to even include this in the blog, but I guess it helps put some things into context.
My family network is large, close, and loud; making for some interesting events. I spent the majority of our youth playing around on my Grandfathers ranch with my brothers and cousins; building forts in the hay-barn, fishing, horseback riding, 4 wheeling, and all the other mischievous kids can get into. I have many great memories.
I didn’t do so well in school. I was a punk, got into fights, and basically spent my school years screwing around and doing my best not to learn anything. I now regret not being nicer and making more friends. I guess I had anger issues.
Despite my bad attitude and all the concerns my peers may have had for me, I maintained strong personal beliefs. I remember having this obsession with self-mastery, which only left me feeling frustrated. I'm sure no one would have guessed I was spiritual, but when I prayed I simply knew there was a God who loved me. I can only imagine how differently things would have turned out for me if not for this anchor of faith.
My dating life was moderate… nothing too wild to report; I mostly liked to flirt. I eventually ended up with this tall sexy brunette. I loved everything about her. She was a wild girl who knew how to make me open up and share my deep dark secrets. Turns out they weren’t as deep or as dark as I thought.
Eventually I came of age and went forth to serve a church mission; not because it was expected of me, but because I had developed a personal testimony of the gospel. In fact my Bishop even said I was the last guy he expected to serve a mission. So off I went to serve for two long years.
During this time I did a lot of growing up, but more important I learned to love others and respect their beliefs. I may not have been the ideal missionary, but I was sincere in my efforts. In the last area I served, before coming home, I met a girl I shared an attraction with. I was not allowed to date, but we did kiss a time or two.
A few months after returning home from my mission, this girl showed up to “go to college.” We went on a few dates, but I soon realized she was not the one for me. It was the sexy brunette from before my mission who still had my heart. Our connection was still very strong and after a year of dating we got married.
I worked as a plumber, framer, carpenter, roofer, rock mason, painter, table busser, cashier, and cabinetmaker. Finally, with the encouragement of my wife, I went to college, earning a degree in Multimedia. If nothing else, my college experience taught me that I really could do well in school. I finished with a GPA of 3.6
From 2000 to 2005 I worked for an online aviation program for the college. I created graphics, designed the website, and created instructional animations. I spent some time teaching instructional design at ITT Tech. Worked at a software company recording podcasts and building tutorials. I helped establish a start-up company creating online aviation courses for high schools and published some online courses for the FAA. But I eventually moved out of state and put my skills to work in very different arena.
As for my marriage, it started off rocky as we got used to living with each. This was made all the more difficult as we dealt with fertility treatments trying to have a baby. We eventually adopting a perfect baby boy, sold our rental property and moved out of state, where I put my skills to work in very different arena (from the education field, to commercial, to government contract work). Though marriage is never perfect and far from easy, it has gotten better.
We also adopted through the foster care program. My wife and children are my life. They have truly taught me how to love.
I'm hesitant to even include this in the blog, but I guess it helps put some things into context.
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