Diamond #11

This past weekend Camie, Lachlynn, and I went down to Gettysburg, PA. It was a very somber place, almost a sacred feeling permeated the battlefields. I was overcome with reverence for the men who would lay down their lives fighting for their country. Now I know that I have already published a post about America, and freedom, however, I felt that it is appropriate to take a moment and honor the men and women who give their lives fighting for this great country. As I we were driving listening to our auto tour, I couldn't help but think of the individual soldiers. The tour talked about how at night, during the three days of battle, the air was filled with the screams of pain, and cries for home. Many of the soldiers were only 18 or 19. I tend to think that maybe the politics behind the war wasn't the reason these boys were fighting. I doubt many of them knew all of the politics behind the war, but what they did know was the founding principles of this great nation. The basic belief and attitude of "what can I do for my country", (NOT what my country can do for me). I honor those men. Those that fought in the bloodiest battle on American soil, and anyone, man or woman, who is willing to fight for their country. My Grampy was one of those men, he fought in WWII. I think if he were here right now he would say that it was a privileged to serve his country. I hope and pray for that attitude to stay with us today and that we ask ourselves What can I do for my Country. If the majority of Americans keep that spirit alive then we will be able to uphold this quote from the Gettysburg Address: " that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. "

Diamond #10

While watching a popular T.V. show last night this diamond hit me harder than any diamond ever has. Camie and I have been following the sad story of John and Kate plus eight. After what has seemed like forever, they finally announced last night that they are separating. It broke my heart to see two people who once were deeply in love now feel like there is no way to work things out. Camie and I have always enjoyed watching the show to see what it is like to raise sextuplets and twins. But last night I decided that I can't watch it anymore. During the entire hour long episode I didn't feel one good or uplifting feeling, in fact I felt quite the opposite. I felt so sad and depressed and I didn't like it. By no means is John and Kate the only couple whose divorce is exploited for ratings or viewers. All I know is I have never seen any article in any magazine that celebrates the marriages that last (at least not very often). Those people who have weathered the storms that life throws and stayed together through it all. So this Diamond is dedicated to Karl and Blanche Welker Logan. Karl and Blanche were married 70 years ago on June 23, 1939 in the Salt Lake Temple. Parents of seven children, they have 28 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Why is there no reality T.V. show about them? It could be called 70 years and counting, or maybe Karl and Blanche plus 80. Now I found out about Karl and Blanche through the church news published June 20, 2009. Not exactly the 10 million viewers that watched the sad relationship of John and Kate come to an end last night on cable. Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about this post. I hope to not be offensive to anyone, including John and Kate. That is not my purpose. My purpose is to celebrate and bring light to true accomplishment where it is due. 70 years is a long long time, and it has always been and still is one of my life goals to make it into the church news "milestones of togetherness" column. So Camie you better buckle down because like it or not we are in this for the long haul. Well in conclusion I just want to say here's to you Karl and Blanche way to be an example to all married couples everywhere of a marriage that lasts. Karl and Blanche's marriage is truly a diamond amongst black velvet.

Diamond #9

I know it has been awhile since I posted but things have been kind of busy. This Diamond holds a special place in my heart because of the time I spent there as a missionary. Spain is trully a wonderfull place filled with tradition, culture, and great people. I met some of my closest friends on my mission, and I learned more in those two years about myself, the gospel, and people in genral, than I had in my previous 19 years. I loved being out there and preaching the gospel. Testifing of the importance of Christ and His church. The people of Spain are truly a great people. I miss them. So heres to Spain. I will never forget the 2 years I spent walking your streets, and talking to your people. Spain truly is a Diamond for me.