In a World Full of Change...

The greatest comfort in my life is knowing that no matter what happens, I will always be me. No judgment, responsibility or expectation can unwillingly change who I am so long as I do not lose sight of my character.

Thomas Stanley Jr

The Cradle of Humanity

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through."

- Harold B. Lee, 11th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -

A Thought...

Reality will slap you in the face, but sometimes you just need to slap reality in the face.

Thomas Stanley Jr

Everything Will Work Out In Time

Accepting uncertainty is really the only way to fully stop worrying. Accept the things that don't work out and continue on living. Ask yourself, 'Am I putting the past behind me and looking to a brighter future, or am I so concerned with what I could have done better that my future seems hopeless?' Everything will work out in time.

Thomas Stanley Jr

A World of Purpose and Focus

I've always imagined my ideal world to be a mix between the sixteenth century and the twenty-first century. Could you imagine a world full of the elegance of the sixteenth century and the technology and fashion of today? It would be a dream come true!

Our world today has lost every touch of elegance and respect that once existed in the old world. In Mary Hoffman's "City of Stars," a teenage girl finds herself in a sixteenth century Italy existing in a parallel world to her own; the twenty-first century London. She realized "in spite of the noise and bustle, her world...suddenly seemed thin - a meaningless jumble of events and busyness without purpose and focus," compared to "the formal design and many rules" of the sixteenth century Italy.

I love the century we live in because of our neat fashions and advanced technology (especially in medicine). I would never think of giving up such advancement. However, in my ideal world, I would make the "formal design and many rules" from the old world to be a part of our world. It would be a time of elegant, grand Balls where dancing is an art; not some mess of heads, arms, and legs looking like people are having seizures. Balls were the social life of the young people in the old world. How neat is that? Life for young people, rich or poor, would be less confusing with much more meaning and focus as they are given a chance through apprenticeships to learn a trade...not through a university costing thousands of dollars.

It would be a time when courtship isn't so confusing. A date is simply a walk through the gardens, an evening at a ball or supper with the parents, days of sitting on the porch or near the water fountain talking and enjoying nature. Today, it seems as if money and activities must be a part of courtship to show how fun you are to be around, thereby excluding those without money to spare and those who may not enjoy such activities. In old times, all that mattered for guys was that they had a respectable trade, personality, and loved and respected the girl and her family with all his heart.

In my ideal world, people wouldn't think about walking by others with their heads down and shoulders slumped. Everybody would stand tall and greet others with a bow, at formal events, or a tip of a hat or nod of the head, if passing by.

I couldn't agree more with Mary Hoffman's character, Georgia, when she thought, "in spite of the noise and bustle, her world...suddenly seemed thin - a meaningless jumble of events and busyness without purpose and focus."

Thomas Stanley Jr

The Perfect Team

As the noblest of God's creations, Horse and Man share a special bond. Each holds a special level of trust in the other, creating the perfect team.

Thomas Stanley Jr

An Optimist's View on Happiness

I was once asked by a wise man, "Son, are you happy?"

I half smiled and responded, "I'm alright."

The man regarded me for a moment as if he could see right through me and asked, "Just alright, huh? Tell me, when do you plan on being happy?"

I chuckled a bit and said, "Well, you know, when things actually start workin' out for me."

The man paused for a moment, obviously displeased with my answer. He then asked me, "Son, How in the world will you be happy then if you are not happy now?"

"I'm not sure I understand," I said, unsure of where he was going with this.

"Let me explain, the man said, "You and I are here right now speaking with each other. We are not existing in the past, nor in the future. We exist now!"

"Okay?" I said, still not quite understanding.

Seeing the confusion on my face, the man continued, "You, my friend, are striving to live in the future. You are hoping for happiness; looking forward to it, even. Yet, you forget that you can be happy now, even amidst all the struggles you currently face. Our future is based off the lessons we learn in the present. If you do not learn to be happy now, I can promise you, you will not be happy then!

I fought to hold back the single tear falling down my cheek, with no avail, as my new friend finished lecturing me. All I said as I looked him directly in the eyes was, "Thank you!"

He tipped his hat to me and said, "My pleasure!" as he got up and walked away.

I thought long and hard about these words from a wise man who understood what life is truly all about. I learned that life is about those happy moments we are living in now. Yes, we live for the future and the happiness it will bring. But, we must learn to be happy now before we can be happy then!

Thomas Stanley Jr