A thought struck me this week as I continued pondering on relationships. Actually, a few did. I'll share a couple.
Firstly, while thinking so deeply about interpersonal relationships, I noted that I've not really set forth nor have I set out what I'm looking for. Quite frankly I almost had no idea which qualities I want in a spouse. I love the counsel to aim high. But the other side is to not limit my opportunities, which comes by setting a bar or a standard. Pardon me for being blunt, but I'll not sell myself short in relationships, especially when it comes to choosing a spouse. Though I may look high and low, far and wide to find one, I will find one. So my bar shall be a little high, but I will not demand perfection or that she "fit the mold". Who am I to demand immediate perfection and not be forgiving or understanding when I am none of those things myself? Or what of the understanding and forgiveness that has been extended to me? Should I make it vain? I should think not. Rather I will be forgiving and understanding of another's past with the hope for the same. So here are a few things I'd like in a companion:
1-wants a temple marriage, as in nothing less will do.
2-will attend the temple with me as regularly as possible
3-will be faithful to me because I'll die before betraying her
4-can tolerate some of my short-comings and willing to counsel me with regard as to the best way to change them
5-strong testimony of Jesus, the Restoration, the priesthood, and the Book of Mormon
6-wants to serve a couple mission later in life
7-appreciative of all styles of music, can find the beauty in them but preferably with a love for motivating, uplifting and inspiring music (not necessarily church music because patriotic music meets said qualifications, truly romantic music can move one to love, etc...)
8-an understanding that I am a child at heart. I like to play with Legos (have for over 20 years now), go to parks TO PLAY on the jungle gym stuff, and animated movies (these also should be uplifting, inspiring or motivating).
9-wants a family and is willing to help me raise one
10-willing to live frugally, without many frills and nice things in life. I'm not one to want an expensive car, huge house with a gigantic lawn, a boat etc.
11-seeks out personal revelation to guide her life
Those qualities are pretty much a must. The following would be considered perks or bonuses if also embodied in the same person:
1-a returned missionary
2-plays piano (I'll work hard to provide one in the home one day)
3-lovely face (note face, not "hot bod" or such non-sense)
4-accepting and expects to receive chivalry
5-enjoys books, fiction and non-fiction, LDS fiction would be nice
Once more I state, I do not demand that she fit these qualifications perfectly or even mostly. Boiled down to the essentials, I want a wife who will be faithful first to the Lord and second to me. Now this is not a want ad either. I accept referals when offered but sometimes I'm slow at contacting them. I do believe that I'm in Saratoga Springs for a reason and that much of my time and attention needs to be devoted here :) there is no congregation near so important nor is there a group of people so important to me right now as this singles ward that I attend.
Showing posts with label a little more about me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a little more about me. Show all posts
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Music brings beauty into life
Of the many topics that I feel strongly about, music would be among the top five. A small disclaimer I shall make note of first and foremost. I do not wish to establish my opinion as doctrine here. I will share my feelings, thoughts, and, yes, my opinion on music.
Last week I mentioned that I do not like to surrender my ability to choose what music will play. I don't like giving that freedom to a radio DJ whose values most likely are not even close to my own. This week I wish to mention the qualities that I look for in songs.
Firstly, I like music that has lyrics that elevate my thoughts to a new plane of thinking. I thoroughly enjoy uplifting lyrics. Sometimes I want to remember my covenants as a church member. Sometimes I want something that is fun. Sometimes, many times in fact, I want something that draws me closer to the Lord (hard to find any of these on a typical radio station, wouldn't you agree?).
When it comes to romantic lyrics, I like them to be about the action of love. Remembering anniversaries and important dates, bringing home flowers, valuing family above all else. Such words are hard to find most days. With regard to past relationships, sometimes I want to avoid romantic songs because they stir up those old emotions. Digging up those feelings doesn't help me move forward in life. Depending on my mood and thoughts that day, I may elect to listen to a romantically touching song or change to another composition.
When I hear lyrics that complain of a lost relationship or the related pain I often hope that the composer finds resolution. If not, I'll leave the song alone. I want my pain to be resolved. I don't want to wallow in it.
When my lyrical desires are met I often look at style (genre). Is it played in good taste? Is there a musical part that is overpowering everything else? Are the parts balanced? Is the melody somehow inspiring? Some of my music is instrumental and that is especially when I start to listen to the parts. I want to hear the individual instruments playing.
To speak the utmost truth, those are the major qualities I examine when I listen to music. I like to appreciate music. Rock often gives me a headache because much of rock slaughters one or the other requirement (sometimes both).
I would like to share some of the most profound and interesting lyrics I have heard (title, artist, and album are in parenthesis).
"Lord I need to know, my mind is playing games again, you're right where you have always been" (I will Rest in You, Mindy Gledhill, The Sum of All Grace)
"Have I blown all my chances to be less like the captive and more like the free?" (A Little More Like Thee,same)
"Oh great God, are you small enough?" (Small Enough, same)
"If anybody asks, I'm making friends at last with my reflection in the glass...I'm like a fire in the night, I'm burning up with all my might. Don't wanna flicker out of sick and fade into the morning light..." (Feather in the Wind, Mindy Gledhill, Feather in the Wind)
"I'm free to jump, free to fall, free to let it roll away when I drop the ball" (Falling and Flying, same)
"You will change the stars much faster if you trust yourself to open your own door, keep pushin' on" (Keep Pushin' On, Eclipse, For Show)
"The view I love the most is my front porch lookin' in" (Front Porch Lookin' In, Lonestar, The Greatest Hits)
I think those will suffice for now. When I remember more, I'll post them as well.
Last week I mentioned that I do not like to surrender my ability to choose what music will play. I don't like giving that freedom to a radio DJ whose values most likely are not even close to my own. This week I wish to mention the qualities that I look for in songs.
Firstly, I like music that has lyrics that elevate my thoughts to a new plane of thinking. I thoroughly enjoy uplifting lyrics. Sometimes I want to remember my covenants as a church member. Sometimes I want something that is fun. Sometimes, many times in fact, I want something that draws me closer to the Lord (hard to find any of these on a typical radio station, wouldn't you agree?).
When it comes to romantic lyrics, I like them to be about the action of love. Remembering anniversaries and important dates, bringing home flowers, valuing family above all else. Such words are hard to find most days. With regard to past relationships, sometimes I want to avoid romantic songs because they stir up those old emotions. Digging up those feelings doesn't help me move forward in life. Depending on my mood and thoughts that day, I may elect to listen to a romantically touching song or change to another composition.
When I hear lyrics that complain of a lost relationship or the related pain I often hope that the composer finds resolution. If not, I'll leave the song alone. I want my pain to be resolved. I don't want to wallow in it.
When my lyrical desires are met I often look at style (genre). Is it played in good taste? Is there a musical part that is overpowering everything else? Are the parts balanced? Is the melody somehow inspiring? Some of my music is instrumental and that is especially when I start to listen to the parts. I want to hear the individual instruments playing.
To speak the utmost truth, those are the major qualities I examine when I listen to music. I like to appreciate music. Rock often gives me a headache because much of rock slaughters one or the other requirement (sometimes both).
I would like to share some of the most profound and interesting lyrics I have heard (title, artist, and album are in parenthesis).
"Lord I need to know, my mind is playing games again, you're right where you have always been" (I will Rest in You, Mindy Gledhill, The Sum of All Grace)
"Have I blown all my chances to be less like the captive and more like the free?" (A Little More Like Thee,same)
"Oh great God, are you small enough?" (Small Enough, same)
"If anybody asks, I'm making friends at last with my reflection in the glass...I'm like a fire in the night, I'm burning up with all my might. Don't wanna flicker out of sick and fade into the morning light..." (Feather in the Wind, Mindy Gledhill, Feather in the Wind)
"I'm free to jump, free to fall, free to let it roll away when I drop the ball" (Falling and Flying, same)
"You will change the stars much faster if you trust yourself to open your own door, keep pushin' on" (Keep Pushin' On, Eclipse, For Show)
"The view I love the most is my front porch lookin' in" (Front Porch Lookin' In, Lonestar, The Greatest Hits)
I think those will suffice for now. When I remember more, I'll post them as well.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
This one will probably have a little of everything
So this post just might be the longest I'll write and my thoughts suggest parts will relate to all the topics and labels on this blog. My thoughts have become poignant and I hope that I can express what I would like to here.
While at a friend's home to play Rock Band last week I mentioned I was unfamiliar with all the songs listed. One person responded, "Don't you listen to the radio?" I kept my silence, but the question evoked some profound thoughts. I don't listen to broadcast radio unless I'm listening to the news, weather, or the KSL talk shows with Doug Wright or Sean Hannedy. The depth of my thoughts continued when I asked myself "Why?" The reason roles back to my resistance to surrender my moral agency. I will choose. I don't like the radio because most often I find myself listening to the music that others, including the host, like. I don't like surrendering my ability to choose what music will play to someone I do not know. I won't let someone who probably doesn't hold at least some of my same values choose what I will hear. I WILL CHOOSE!!! I don't use cruise control because I will choose my speed and I will maintain it. I will not surrender myself to a faulty electronic system. Even watching TV can become tiresome for me because I'm choosing who will select my programming. Moral agency is the greatest God-given gift that each and every individual has, second to the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't remember the battle nor the details of it, but it is recorded that there was a war in Heaven over this principle. I felt strongly enough about moral agency that I fought for it. I won't surrender it to a bottle, a substance, a form of electronic equipment, or a person who, for all intensive purposes, is unknown to me.
Some days ago I received a phone call from a dear friend, one that I wasn't expecting nor did I want. Afterward, I felt to say this:
"Lord, put me through the refiner's fire and make me pure
Put me on the front lines of the battle, I'll fight for you.
Let the challenge and trial come
Let the rain pour down in torrents
My home is built upon your Rock.
I pray that Thou wouldst help me pick anchors that are strong.
May my selected armor be Thy armor.
While in the fire, grant me patience to bear.
Let me come out of the flame having become holy
May war lead me to lean on Thy ample arm
I hope trial will remind me to be humble.
I'll go through the fire, just be with me while I'm there."
Last night I had the awesome opportunity to go to the Oquirrh Mountain temple. My brisk pace took me in the front door quickly and there awaited a sister. "Do you have a reservation?" I didn't flinch nor did I despair when I responded that I did not. "Can you change [your clothes] quickly?" I answered in the affirmative. "You're in luck then because we can fit you into the 6:30 session." I almost did not believe the divine providence. The Lord wanted me to be there. My favorite part of going to the temple is being in the Celestial room. It's special in that place and I love being there. Especially since I feel closest to the Lord there, close enough to talk to Him. Before returning home, I purchased a notebook in which I shall write down my feelings and thoughts while I'm there.
A while ago I posted a list of recently purchased music from the iTunes store. Here are a few more:
Next Door to Eden (Album) - Drew Reese
A Good Man - Emerson Drive
Amarillo Sky - Jason Aldean
My Front Porch Lookin' In - Lonestar
There are more, but I'll not list them. There are enough of them. Eight days ago I was working, in the snowstorm no less, when the chorus lyrics of Amarillo Sky came to mind:
"Lord I never complain and I never ask why
Please don't let my dreams run dry
Underneath, underneath this Amarillo sky."
I stopped complaining about the cold wind and the falling snow. I kept singing to myself those words to uplift myself.
I don't believe in fairy-tale romances. I'm not Prince Charming nor do I ride a white horse. I'm not seeking a princess locked in a tower. I don't intend on fighting any dragons along the way (intentions and actions do not always match...) In terms of love and romance I rely on doctrine as taught by the prophet and his counselors and the twelve apostles. I rely on their teachings with regard to dating. Establish a friendship. Go out, just the two. Stop hanging out. If she says no or breaks up, move on. Feelings of love will remain, of course. That's normal. Move forward with life because it'll get better. I decided that I shouldn't worry that my emotional reactions are not typical. After all, I'm atypical myself. Everything I do will be different for what other people do.
While at a friend's home to play Rock Band last week I mentioned I was unfamiliar with all the songs listed. One person responded, "Don't you listen to the radio?" I kept my silence, but the question evoked some profound thoughts. I don't listen to broadcast radio unless I'm listening to the news, weather, or the KSL talk shows with Doug Wright or Sean Hannedy. The depth of my thoughts continued when I asked myself "Why?" The reason roles back to my resistance to surrender my moral agency. I will choose. I don't like the radio because most often I find myself listening to the music that others, including the host, like. I don't like surrendering my ability to choose what music will play to someone I do not know. I won't let someone who probably doesn't hold at least some of my same values choose what I will hear. I WILL CHOOSE!!! I don't use cruise control because I will choose my speed and I will maintain it. I will not surrender myself to a faulty electronic system. Even watching TV can become tiresome for me because I'm choosing who will select my programming. Moral agency is the greatest God-given gift that each and every individual has, second to the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't remember the battle nor the details of it, but it is recorded that there was a war in Heaven over this principle. I felt strongly enough about moral agency that I fought for it. I won't surrender it to a bottle, a substance, a form of electronic equipment, or a person who, for all intensive purposes, is unknown to me.
Some days ago I received a phone call from a dear friend, one that I wasn't expecting nor did I want. Afterward, I felt to say this:
"Lord, put me through the refiner's fire and make me pure
Put me on the front lines of the battle, I'll fight for you.
Let the challenge and trial come
Let the rain pour down in torrents
My home is built upon your Rock.
I pray that Thou wouldst help me pick anchors that are strong.
May my selected armor be Thy armor.
While in the fire, grant me patience to bear.
Let me come out of the flame having become holy
May war lead me to lean on Thy ample arm
I hope trial will remind me to be humble.
I'll go through the fire, just be with me while I'm there."
Last night I had the awesome opportunity to go to the Oquirrh Mountain temple. My brisk pace took me in the front door quickly and there awaited a sister. "Do you have a reservation?" I didn't flinch nor did I despair when I responded that I did not. "Can you change [your clothes] quickly?" I answered in the affirmative. "You're in luck then because we can fit you into the 6:30 session." I almost did not believe the divine providence. The Lord wanted me to be there. My favorite part of going to the temple is being in the Celestial room. It's special in that place and I love being there. Especially since I feel closest to the Lord there, close enough to talk to Him. Before returning home, I purchased a notebook in which I shall write down my feelings and thoughts while I'm there.
A while ago I posted a list of recently purchased music from the iTunes store. Here are a few more:
Next Door to Eden (Album) - Drew Reese
A Good Man - Emerson Drive
Amarillo Sky - Jason Aldean
My Front Porch Lookin' In - Lonestar
There are more, but I'll not list them. There are enough of them. Eight days ago I was working, in the snowstorm no less, when the chorus lyrics of Amarillo Sky came to mind:
"Lord I never complain and I never ask why
Please don't let my dreams run dry
Underneath, underneath this Amarillo sky."
I stopped complaining about the cold wind and the falling snow. I kept singing to myself those words to uplift myself.
I don't believe in fairy-tale romances. I'm not Prince Charming nor do I ride a white horse. I'm not seeking a princess locked in a tower. I don't intend on fighting any dragons along the way (intentions and actions do not always match...) In terms of love and romance I rely on doctrine as taught by the prophet and his counselors and the twelve apostles. I rely on their teachings with regard to dating. Establish a friendship. Go out, just the two. Stop hanging out. If she says no or breaks up, move on. Feelings of love will remain, of course. That's normal. Move forward with life because it'll get better. I decided that I shouldn't worry that my emotional reactions are not typical. After all, I'm atypical myself. Everything I do will be different for what other people do.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A continuation of the last blog...
Did I fail to mention that because some of my best friends have moved away a new opportunity has arisen? Being that I attend an LDS Young Single Adult ward there are many many new people with whom I can speak and visit. There are many new friendships that can be cultivated and developed. This is a golden opportunity. I'm excited at the prospects of making new friends and touching new lives.
So why do I still feel a little hesitant this time? I love meeting new people and making new friends. I almost revel the same and in the change that comes with newness. I think it's because I'm beginning to feel a stronger loyalty to someone. I'm starting to hold back a little because I found someone that just seemed to complete me...and I'm still hanging onto that person.
On another note, I've decided that I like the iTunes store. In the last couple of months I've found a few songs that I had heard long ago or with which I have some association with a strong memory. This made me happy, very happy. Almost jubilant in fact. I didn't think I would honestly find these songs or find them available for purchase and personal enjoyment. When I did find them I wasn't very hesitant in paying a whole $.99 per song.
So here's a list of the songs I've purchased recently
Perfect-Maren Ord
Sarah-Maren Ord
All I Want-Maren Ord
Beautiful-Maren Ord
Swallow-Maren Ord
Harsh Words-Maren Ord
Just Like You-Maren Ord
Tonight-Maren Ord
Relate To-Maren Ord
Waiting-Maren Ord
Speak-Maren Ord
Everyday-Maren Ord
(I bought the whole album in case you're wondering)
Amigo Apaixonado-Victor e Leo
Healing Waters-????
Book of Days-Enya
Only If-Enya
Paint the Sky With Stars-Enya
Storms in Africa-Enya
The Celts-Enya
I'm a music junkie. I like easy-listening music, but on occasion I can "rock-out". I'll write all about that stuff next time.
So why do I still feel a little hesitant this time? I love meeting new people and making new friends. I almost revel the same and in the change that comes with newness. I think it's because I'm beginning to feel a stronger loyalty to someone. I'm starting to hold back a little because I found someone that just seemed to complete me...and I'm still hanging onto that person.
On another note, I've decided that I like the iTunes store. In the last couple of months I've found a few songs that I had heard long ago or with which I have some association with a strong memory. This made me happy, very happy. Almost jubilant in fact. I didn't think I would honestly find these songs or find them available for purchase and personal enjoyment. When I did find them I wasn't very hesitant in paying a whole $.99 per song.
So here's a list of the songs I've purchased recently
Perfect-Maren Ord
Sarah-Maren Ord
All I Want-Maren Ord
Beautiful-Maren Ord
Swallow-Maren Ord
Harsh Words-Maren Ord
Just Like You-Maren Ord
Tonight-Maren Ord
Relate To-Maren Ord
Waiting-Maren Ord
Speak-Maren Ord
Everyday-Maren Ord
(I bought the whole album in case you're wondering)
Amigo Apaixonado-Victor e Leo
Healing Waters-????
Book of Days-Enya
Only If-Enya
Paint the Sky With Stars-Enya
Storms in Africa-Enya
The Celts-Enya
I'm a music junkie. I like easy-listening music, but on occasion I can "rock-out". I'll write all about that stuff next time.
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