Leadership, Love and Me

Greetings.

Here again to tell you bald is beautiful (if you have no options) and sunsets on the mountain are beautiful even if you do have options. Back at the office from a fantastic weekend with my sweetheart. Today I focused on plans for the Leadership Conference, giving the Leadership Principle for the Directors call, coordinating with several Leaders from across the country and planning for Reunion opening night. Yes, it was a very full day, just like yours, and I hope you enjoyed your busyness as much as I did.

The day’s focus on Leadership left me with some impressions. First, how vitally important good leaders are in our business and our lives. They are often the “spark plug” to our understanding, commitments and action. And they play an important catalytic role in our success. I was also struck with the reality that even leaders need leaders, who need leaders and so on. This means that all leaders are ultimately followers, empowered by leaders' influence, training and expectations. I thought about our ultimate life leader, even the Savior Jesus Christ and how His leadership taught us how to live and lead. His training was simple -- it was His gospel of love. That gospel He also called His yoke. A yoke is something we use to lighten or balance our load. It makes it easier to carry. This gave way to the thought that great leaders provide yokes for their team members. They show the way to use the yoke (system) by doing it (example) and then they teach the principles and practical practices of using the yoke. He and they teach us how to be and how to achieve our purpose in business and in life.

It is also clear that we are all leaders and leading – self, children, team members and strangers. We must be careful to do the right things. If we teach incorrect principles, by precept or example, we may set in place false assumptions that may lead to false traditions and roads that do not lead our followers to success or happiness. So, I am examining my leadership and my principles to make certain that I am not following false principles or traditions, and that I am teaching only truth and correct principles. I invite my associates to consider doing the same thing. This is akin to sharpening your leadership saw.

On another front, the last couple of days I have been focusing on my sweetheart and her relentless service, love and support. I have noticed, more clearly, her countless services, kindnesses and how she is the perfect helpmete for me. Further, I have come to understand how much of what she does is unsung, unrecognized, even by those she serves most – me. So, I am committed to notice, recognize, thank and help her more. Perhaps this “leadership” will encourage my men readers and friends to “follow” my lead. I suspect the results will pay great dividends to both of us.

Regarding my health journey, tomorrow it's a visit to a blood work specialist in northern Utah, on Thursday an evaluation for bone marrow (or stem cell) transplant, implant, therapies and then Friday, back to my new friend Chemo. The weekend will be interesting indeed. Your continued thoughts, prayers and good will be muchly appreciated as I enter this uncharted path. Thanks, in advance!

Remember, lead in truth, love in gratitude and pray in faith.

Onward and upward.

Love, Doug




Personal, but not Private: Answers in Hindsight

Greetings again!

I feel great, physically and more. I feel filled with gratitude, clarity and focus on the days and the long-term priorities of my life and our purpose. May I share my weekend with you, up front and personal, to the end that you may find vicarious understanding and clarity in your own life and yearnings? I know I do so at the risk of being misunderstood. Again, this is personal, very personal, but I feel compelled to not keep it private.

One night while laying in the hospital, a simple thought came into my mind briefly enough for me to recognize the thought. It was, Mantle Cell is my friend. That was all. I did not reject the the thought as crazy or ridiculous. I simply acknowledged that the thought had come to me. It had not been created in my thinking process. It had just come. I have come to know that most personal revelation (inspiration - answers to prayer) come in this way. A quiet, simple thought comes and leaves me (us) with the option of what to do with the thought -- accept and consider it or reject and discard it. So, Mantle Cell Leukemia was my friend? The obvious follow on thought was that you do not fight a friend. Rather, you acknowledge and embrace the friend.

I determined that the battle was not against cancer, rather, the battle, quest, was for health. So, I proceed to eat and live as healthy as I know how, without becoming radical nor fanatical. A friend introduced me to a green drink product that Judy and I are now both using and believe it is helping in our race for greater health. As we teach in Dream Team, more clean water, deep breathing, mild large muscle exercise (walking at this point -- next, hiking), good nutrition and adequate sleep, rest and moments of sweet calm stillness. This then is our non-battle with the disease. We'll let all of our combined prayers fight that battle. And in wisdom will work with the doctors' skills for that role in the process. That is the strategy.

The weekend was warm and wonder-filled. Life here on the the mountain is teeming everywhere. The snow is gone at our elevation, the leaves will be out next week and the hummingbirds are returning in mass. Little yellow and white ground flowers are building a carpet of beauty and wonder. If you were here we would lay on our bellies and get our noses close to the tiny miracles of life. Then we would raise our heads (my bald head) and we would hear the songs of the birds as they declare their territorial nesting and feeding rights. And we would laugh at the child-like squabbling of the hummingbirds as they try to exert their claim over the flowers and the feeders. And we would laugh. Remember the HM family invitation for all new Executives to join us here for just such revelry.

Saturday I walked to the knoll behind the lodge and sat facing the sunset over the mountain. It is such a great place to breathe, ponder and pray. And I did.

Then I cranked up one of the ATVs and took Judy for a ride around the area and some brief visits with our maintain friends who were here for the weekend. And we remembered how good it is to have the gift of friends. Then a quiet, simple dinner with my sweetheart, a little eyes gazing, scriptures, prayers and the restful full night's sleep. So good.

Sunday morning brought sweet Sabbath study and a return to our tiny church on the mountain. Hugs and love from friends who had focused their faith and prayers in my behalf these past three weeks overflowed. I taught the priesthood lesson and a joy-filled potluck lunch following the services. Fellowship is healing.

Now for the personal insights and confessions. I hope the openness is not uncomfortable.

For a very long time, years, I have in the private recesses of my thoughts and prayers had concerns over the contributions of my life in contrast to the blessings, talents and my yearning to make a difference. I have often felt that it was just not enough -- on several fronts. And my sins and shortcomings were not other than the general variety that most of us deal with in our fallen, mortal state. Nonetheless, mine haunted me and I worried that they had and were removing me from greater opportunity to serve and make a meaningful contribution. I know that may come across as naive and over zealous, but it is true, I thought, and I worried long and much about it -- particularly during the last year. It was cankering (cancering) my soul.

Simultaneously to this thorn in my heart, I was also heavy with the awareness that I was living largely without joy. That is to say, I was so busy doing the tasks, of admittedly good things, yet lightheartedness (not light mindedness) and laughter and personal play were missing from my life. And therefore I was not able to fully share in the joy of life, even the joy I was striving to create for my family and others. Fishing trips, ATV rides, feasts, lessons, work -- project after project -- task after task, were facilitations to creating joy for others. But I was not smelling the roses. I wasn't pausing enough and partaking of the joy that was all around me. I was always two projects ahead, two days, weeks, months, years of tasks ahead in my mind. I was looking beyond the moment and its own priceless harvest of joy to the creation of the next event. I felt it and my family saw it. I think this sickness of task orientation may affect (infect) many, if not most, men. We are fixers -- next, next, next. Again, I felt the sickness and had been praying earnestly about it during the last several months. I needed healing.

Then came my friend, Mantle Cell Leukemia. And then came yesterday and the night of new thoughts. And it came. The medicine and answers to my honest cries for help both for contribution and for joy had been ever so graciously administered by a loving God in the form of cancer - Mantle Cell. It stopped me, shall we say, "dead in my tracks" (tasks) and held my "busy"ness at bay. It stopped my rush and gave me the ever so needed pause to see and to understand.

And now my understanding and vision is crystal clear. Their is no greater contribution that I can make with my talents, and my time, than that which I am doing in forwarding the cause of heritage making -- practical family history -- and bringing mothers home with the understanding of how to build their children's life foundations and heritage. It is enough and more. I shall not want more than you, my Mantle Cell friend.

In the quiet moments in the hospital and more since as I have begged for forgiveness of the impact of the rush of my life on my sweetheart -- as I have gazed in her eyes, held her close, walked hand-in-hand and talked, really talked and really listened -- as we have pondered our future and its uncertain days and trials -- together, I have found the joy I had passed by and that now I savor and live for. Now I see, feel and have found the joy that is all around me and I will not miss again partaking in the feasts I help to create. Nor will I be slow to cherish the feast of life the Lord and others set before me. And I will become as a little child, filled with amazement, life, trust and joy. Thank you my friend, Mantle Cell. And thank you dear Father for the answers to my needs, my weakness and my pleas.

And thank you for allowing me to share. In the sharing, there is further healing. And I sincerely hope that for those who read, they may find, vicarious healing, meaning and answers and direction for the balm so readily available to each of us.

I do so look forward to the continuing gifts of my new friend and companion for all he has to teach me. And with His and your permission, I look forward to sharing that journey and adventure with you.

Onward and Upward!

Love - Doug

Back to Our Mountain Home - We Waltzed in the Moonlight

Greetings.

I am sorry to report that there have been glitches in the blogging tool and a couple of postings have been lost - sorry. There were, I think some valuable insights, but recreating them seems now back looking instead of forward. So I will move on and tell you about a most wonderful night and day.

I find myself continuing to wake in the wee hours, rested sufficient to appreciate the moments of think, meditation and reflection. Last night I found myself contemplating the interest and contributions of the many who have come to my rescue with prayers, thoughts, cards, visits, calls and thoughts. What an amazing thing and testimony of the human spirit to reach out and to help. Truly there is an element of the Good Samaritan in each of us and an extra portion seems to be resident among our family, friends and associates.

As I considered these acts of kindness, I was drawn to those whose service and gift centered on the gift of food and feeding. How I remember looking at that hospital breakfast - a small muffin and 1/2 cup of oatmeal. I knew I still had some life in me because I didn't know whether to cry or just chuck the tray across the room. I might have had I had the energy to try!

Then, Thursday, a special friend brought a feast of specially prepared salads that were delicious, good and such a relief from the institutional food of the hospital. Then once more, that night before the Friday I was to be released, the Friday when life seemed to be fading and one foot was reaching across the veil, that night, Rebecca Carter came back and brought in what might well have been my last supper. It was an incredible feast, a dinner prepared by the skill of her sweetheart that was so savory and good!

And as I reflected on the gift and the talent that was surely his good and hers, I realized in a deeply profound way how our gifts of service with our talents, be they great or small is perceived by the masses as "unto one of the least of these, you do it unto me." Then when I was released, no doubt blessed by that meal's nourishment and enjoyment, I went to the condo and a neighbor I had never met, brought in dinner that was good, kind and a gift of love, support and a blessing.

So be it the gift of music bestowed by my children and grandchild in those first challenging days, so enjoyed and healing, the gift of presence from concerned and loving friends, or these special gifts of talent and service-seasoned meals, I have been blessed and inspired by what we can do to reach out and bless. I look froward to being a better giver in the days ahead. Those were the thoughts and lessons of the night. Thank you Rebecca and each of you. Your gifts will be multiplied.

The Dawn of a Perfect Day

After the lessons of the night, the dawn found Judy and I strolling through the beautiful temple grounds of the Provo Temple. The flowers and fragrances were energizing and calming -- interesting combination. Then we went inside for a couple of hours of service and came out uplifted and ready for the other adventures of the day.

I was at the office a little early to great the staff and learned that a major breakthrough had been achieved in the technology of our business for speed and reliability of the Heritage Makers service. Wow! Another gift of talents to appreciate.

Then I had appointments with a nutritional counselor, long-time friend and associate Steve Smith who helped me get set for the needed improvement in whole-food nutrition that will support me in my new resolve to live with more focus on a healthy lifestyle and foods. He introduced me the URI products. I am sure I will be sharing my experience with this product as time goes on.

Then it was to see the doctor for blood work. Ever notice how long it takes to get in - beyond the appointment? Then I remembered I was not the only one who was calling on his service and that this was one more exercise in developing patience. The wait for the doctor was therefore healing to my impatience. After a brief stop at the store for some groceries, we drove toward our home for the first time in over three weeks.

As we approached Diamond Fork Canyon, where I had conducted Youth Conference Survival and Handcart programs for literally thousands of young people and church groups in the '70s, I suggested to Judy that we go into the canyon and look for spring watercress. As we drove through the canyon to check the springs, I realized that I had not been back into the canyon for many years. My mind was flooded with the memories of hundreds of days and a sea of faces of people I had helped lead, taught to build matchless fires, to climb the mountain, to rappel down the cliffs, walk alone in the night and to focus on the weightier matters of life, of family, of personal spirituality, of confidence and of forward thinking. Savoring those moments was sweet and tender.

The canyon was dressed in its spring beauty - just for me I am sure. It was another gift of joy for the day of my return home.

As we climbed the hill and dropped into our little mountain cover of aspens, my heart stretched and I knew again how sweet coming home is. We set the groceries on the counter and went to the front porch swing. It became a magical moment as the nesting bluebirds welcomed us back as they darted back and forth from the nesting box just a few yards from the swing. We were watching Rocky, the rock chuck, nibbling off the fresh new growth of greens when we were buzzed by hummingbirds already back from their hiatus to warmer climbs. Again they buzzed as if to say "well, we are back, where's the welcoming feeders?" Judy got the hint and retrieved the feeders filled with fresh (fake) nectar. Spring is indeed back to the mountain and so are we.

We walked around the property hand-in-hand to check the effects of the long winter on the little seedling trees we had planted, four, five, six and seven years ago. The growing season and water are in short supply here on the mountain and many of the surviving trees are yet barely taller than when they were seedlings. But a precious few have withstood the challenge of the environment and are thriving.

Then our good friend John Ward came by and we had a good talk about our friends on the mountain and the Association. Again I was reminded about how good friends are and how sweet their association is. I find this special friend often in my thoughts and hopes for joy in living.

Then it was a simple dinner with my sweetheart as the last of the day faded over the west mountain and the blue sky was replaced by a brilliant bright full moon. The aspens and the hills were illuminated by its glow - wonderful!

Then to cap the evening, Judy put on her favorite Josh Grobin music. We listened to his great gift of voice and then I took my sweetheart's hand and we waltzed in the moonlight.
This moment, opportunity, gift was not lost. The day was perfect, full and sweet. I look forward to the next dance.

More tomorrow. 'Til then, Onward and Upward!
Doug

Home at last!

Greetings,

One of my favorite sci-fi movies is “Number 5 Alive." I recommend it, I am Alive! Thanks especially to my two young friends, Teague and Jake—out of the mouths of babes, a little child shall lead them.

I was released at 12:30 PM after having the dialysis lines and central lines removed.
Though I had to arrive at the executive meetings still in PJs, I greeted the Heritage Makers staff at 1:30 with a brief overview of my situation, my resolve, and a reminder of the incredible privilege and responsibility we have working together. We spoke of our commitment and excitement to step the pace of service to our consultant and client base. We spoke to the cause of heritage, mothers in homes, and children with a clear understanding of their importance and potential.

Then the executive moved into strategic discussions about further advances in Heritage Studio, products and simplifying the story booking and heritage making process. It was wonderful to be back, although I was weak and tired quickly. Oh there are exciting things ahead for all of us as we continue to work more on the breath of life into HM. Yes, it too is “ALIVE."

Tonight I sleep in my own bed with no pricks, prods, IVs and urinals… Hallelujah! I look forward to sweet dreams and further insights into the goodness of God, life, and my wonderful Heritage Makers family. I anticipate dreams of the many new Heritage Makers that will be joining you, us, in the weeks and the months ahead. The adventure is alive, and so am I. Thank you, once again, for your continuing love, support, faith and dedication. Until tomorrow's post, onward and upward!

Love,

Doug

Sunday

Greetings and Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful Mothers!

I continue to recover from the rituximab fire storm and anticipate being released from the hospital tomorrow. Not certain how the weeks and months ahead will transpire but have great hopes and faith that energy and health will be sufficient to carry on. Continued clarity is developing on the simplicity of life and its many blessings and those things that challenge the simplicity and recognition of those blessings is becoming abundantly clear.

How vitally important it is for us to inoculate our children with an awareness of who they are, their values and heritage to protect them against the enemy of all families. And then we must help them remember, remember, remember that they are loved, loved, loved. So such is our goal, our challenge and our opportunity and we will carry on, carry on, carry on. Until tomorrow… Onward and Upward!

Doug

Saturday: The Sun Shines Through

Greetings,

Still here, although yesterday there were there moments when I feared I would not be. The rituximab biological treatment created what the doctors referred to as a fire storm throughout my body. As the treatment targeted the massive lymphoma, killing the cells—the cells released toxic chemicals into my body. I had convulsions, shakes, and nausea beyond my ability to cope. I passed out into the arms of family and medical personal. It was a long 24 hours, but sometime in the wee morning hours, after a moment, I was fairly sure that my time had come. I awoke again to another newness of life and a greater sense of calm surrender—sweet surrender.

I continue to be amazed at the organization, professionalism, capability, and care of my physicians and hospital staff, but mostly, I have come to understand the quiet power in the melodic voices of my children singing by my bedside. They sing the songs of faith, love, and the simple purity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so blessed.

I find myself wanting to use what little strength I have to respond back to those of you who are noting and responding to the blog. There have been so many sweet cards -- beautiful gifts of kindness, and outpouring of love. I fear I might forget to mention every one, so I mention the many with special appreciation. Thank you. Thank you for particularly those moments when you bring me into your home, family, and private prayers.

As I look forward to the days ahead, not fully certain of the challenges that lie ahead, I am caught with thoughtful fascination about what will transpire in my mind, from my writing, from the business, from my associates, all these marvelous elements/components of my life are in motion, and I am quite confident to worthy and significant contributions. There is a special place on top of the mountain that I have taken a few of you on the four wheelers where the panoramic view of vistas hold back the world and create a setting similar, I am sure, to where the early disciples sat at the Master’s feet as He explained the simple truths of His gospel, love, kindness, and the attitudes of which we should treat and love one another. I too, would be so blessed to invite His sheep to that mountain meadow to speak of Him and how we might better serve Him by serving one another, especially helping mothers help their children come to know Him, and trust Him, and serve Him.

As we write our stories, let’s remember to infuse them, whenever possible, with gospel principles, attitudes, and perspectives. As we continue to build our own heritage of joyful family life and a legacy of heritage making, let us find joy and reality in this tool of building lasting legacies for families.

Onward and upward-- together! I love you.

Doug

Lest We Look Beyond the Marks

(A day late on this post due to the processes--Post for Thursday)

Greetings,

Again, such out pouring of love, concern, faith continues to strengthen me and bring the miracle of healing in many dimensions in my life. Last night as I lay pondering the ceiling, the simple story thread moved through my mind. I share that with you today as my post and my blessing.

Lest We Look Beyond the Marks

It was the last lecture on the Book of Romans and the entire congregation was excited for the sermon. He was a masterful teacher, a gifted scholar with degrees in ancient language –Greek, Hebrews and Latin. He had studied far and was known wide for his excellence in preparation and historical accuracy. He could hold the parishioners spellbound on the explanation of a single verse. Some said his gift was as if he had stood beside Paul as he spoke the original words. He was so filled with understanding. This would be a wonderful sermon.

The crowd gathered early. The seats were nearly filled. Near the back a young man quietly seated himself on the isle. He had been in attendance during earlier sermons and had even caught the eye of the noted preacher as he nodded appreciation for the presentation. He was young mid-thirties, clean with soft light cotton pants and shirt. He fit right in with the happy eclectic group of couples, singles families and churchgoers.

Then following a beautiful and inspiring vocal from the choir the opening prayer was offered. They prayed for the meeting and gave reverent gratitude for the building and the sacrifice of the people who had come together to build and care for the edifice. And they prayed in gratitude for the preparation of the great teacher and doctor who was prepared to help them walk in greater understanding of the gospel and of its author. As they said amen a frail little man came through the door where he had paused for the prayer. He was no stranger here although he had not been well enough to attend the recent sermons. He had been one of them, for many years.

He would not miss this important evening of worship. He told his wife he must leave her again at the graveside to get to the meeting on time. He often visited the cemetery before church to reflect and remember. He had spent much time in faithful service with his dear one before her passing and now he longed for her to be with him for the fellowship and the meeting. But, it would not be long before he joined her - he knew.

He, like the others had prepared himself with extra scripture reading for tonight. He had found himself reading the account of Simeon who was faithful and devote and who was told he would not see death until he had seen the Christ. Oh that devote men in this age could meet the master-- he had thought. But tonight, he would get a little closer through the preparation and diligence of the great preacher who had come to know Paul’s word so well. The little man took one of the few remaining seats at the back of the room as the great theologian opened his text.

The sermon was superb, breathtaking, everything everyone had hoped it would be. He opened the words from perspectives of dialect, historical perspective, cultural nuances and gave a true account of Paul’s words to the Romans. Copious notes were taken, insightful responses from members of the congregation were shared as powerful insight and understanding flowed from the pulpit. It was magnificent!

As the text closed a resounding amen brought the parishioners to their feet and the throng pushed forward to congratulate and greet the preacher. The old man too, moved on feeble feet forward to join them, but his cane slipped and he fell forward nearly at the feet of the young man with the soft cotton pants. The crowd did not see his pain nor his embarrassment as they hurried on to the stage.

Bending to raise him, the young man gently helped him up. As he looked into the eyes of his rescuer, the old man’s gaze met an expression of gentle love. It seemed so familiar. What -- were these not the eyes, were these not they, even the eyes Simeon had beheld? He could not speak as the crowd pressed past. Then, those bracing gentle hands drew the little man’s face close to his and he smiled acknowledging, as he helped him to his feet. The old man released his tight grip on the young man’s scarred hands and a tear ran down his aged cheek as the rescuer turned and stepped through the door and from the crowd...

When He came to the Synagogues they knew about Him, but they did not know Him. May what we have been told about Him not prevent us from knowing Him so that when we fall-- we will recognize His hands and His eyes as he lifts us to His love.

Onward and Upward.

Doug