My favorite Posts not in the top ten

While I am at my daughter's wedding having one of those top experiences in our life, I thought I would put together this list of some of my favorite posts that are not in the top ten.  I have noticed recently lots of folks like to check out my top viewed posts but often missing some really thoughtful posts that have been published when as many folks were not looking.  I hope you check them out and enjoy them, but maybe even better find some inspiration in them for you in your life.

So here are my top ten favorite posts that are not in the top ten:  [click on the title of the post to go check it out]

1.  That's What friends are for:  have you ever caught a friend in an embarrassing moment? 

2.  How can hate be so close to love?: Kids sometimes hate their parents, just before they love them more.

3. Try Me, Prove Me and see who I really am:  Difficulties and hardships bring out the real us for all to see.

4. Though Provoking Song by Sissel: I love her voice and this song gets me to thinking.

5. The Great Ones Will be Lost No More: Will the day come that the best people will not be lost to us?

6.  The Kiss that Opened Some eyes: My first daughter's wedding and facial reactions.

7. Rise Up oh Men of God: Manly Man Training #3: Let us be what God wants us to be.

8.  From a distance: the value of our life can be obscured when we are to close but from a distance...

9.  Eyes Wide Open: Before marriage keep your eyes wide open after marriage half shut.

10: Every Voice Needed: Guest Blog: All of our contributions in life are needed, keep singing.

 So these are some of my favorites.  I hope you enjoy them.  I shouldn't be too long recuperating from the wedding so come back soon to see what else is floating around in my head. 

Monday Music #11 Aselin Debison: Love So Rare

With my second daughter getting married this week, my thoughts turned to a great song by Aselin Debison who is a Canadian singer.  She was young when she started her singing career and to be honest I haven't seen much available from her recently, but this song is a stunner for Dad's who have daughters.  This particular video of it is touching in and of itself as she is singing to her own Dad. 

Aselin started singing when quite young so in the pictures you will notice a distinct difference in her age.  She is currently attending a University in Canada and is engaged to be married soon.  I note that her birthday is coming up later this month. 

Aselin Debison: Love So Rare

Surely every Dad would like to believe he has had a positive influence on his daughters.  As my own daughter prepares to be married I hope that she will be able to develop her relationship with her husband but that we will be able to maintain a good and fruitful relationship with me, her Dad.  This is for you--all four of my girls.

Like a tiny seed firmly in the soil
Nurtured with a love I think so rare
Given room to breathe, given time to see
It’s now so clear to me
You were there, you were there

When I was just a flower afraid out in the forest
Hiding from the shadows all alone
I knew you’d be along, my faith in you was strong
Like our favourite song
To lead me home, you led me home

And with each changing season
I grow a little stronger
Rising up to touch the open sky
And if I gave you a reason
not to hold me any longer
You gave me a thousand reasons why

You are my steady oak standing tall and strong
Protecting me with everything you have
And I know deep inside
I would not have survived
Without you by my side
Oh and I .... I love you dad

(Bruce Guthro) © 2002 Wall Street Publishing Ltd. (SOCAN)

Manly Man Training #16: Be a follower of Peace

Our world would not likely be characterized by many people as peaceful.  Of course there are the wars and rumors of wars, those fighting for different rights inside countries, even religious groups angry and threatening because of offense. 

Aside from that many if not most people lack peaceful feelings in their life.  They are worried about jobs, relationships, children and families.  Many homes are without peace as arguments and frustration, tense silence and tears of fear chase peace from many hearts.  

As Manly men we are required to be purveyors of peace.  We need to deal in peace of all kinds.  We need to pursue peace in our own lives and then carry that peace into the homes of those in need of it, including our own.

Sometimes we believe that keeping our mouth shut will keep the peace.  But then what happens in our minds and hearts while we ignore and pretend that their is peace where there is not?  

macabre Artwork by WK Interact

Other men believe hot protestations, with argumentative shouting and even violence will bring about peace.  It does not.

Even viewing and participating in supposed cathartic activities (i.e. sports, games etc.) to act out the mayhem and chaos inside us will not leave us peaceful.  

Art by Akiane

The way to peace is through the Prince of Peace.  He alone has the peace that can change us individually, as families and towns, states, countries and the world.  No other plan for peace can be successful.  Though many of us try our best, and have great plans and ideas, we must all allow the Savior to work his peace in our hearts so it can be expressed in the world.

Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

We must do the actions of peace.  We must learn, then try, then repent until we get it.  It will be a process which will cleanse and purify us and our families.  It will provide us peace for the future, including the eternities, and for now.  It will provide us with peace when things go our way and we have enough money to meet our needs and to spare as well as when the job is lost and the mortgage goes unpaid.  It will provide peace as we sit through a brilliant spiritual church meeting and when we have the chaotic family home evening.  It will provide peace when in a neighborhood that is well protected and calm as well as in the midst of a war.  That peace resides in us and is felt and noticed by others.  That peace is not just based on the fickle circumstances of today but the certain verities of eternity.

Brethren let us seek to find and feel that peace and then spread it to those around us, this world needs us and as manly men the Lord depends on us.