Christian or not . . . Part II

I'm a Christian. And I don't depend on a dictionary or biblical definition to define who or what I believe in. I certainly don't rely upon some outspoken, blowhard to judge my heart and soul. Boy this sounds like déjà vu.

If you recall, in October of this year the Rev. Robert Jeffress felt it necessary to open his pie hole and aid the derailment of Rick Perry's campaign by calling Mormons a cult and non-Christians. Repackaged and rerun for this past Christmas holiday comes this nugget from the Rev. Brad Atkins: "Conservatives can process and pray their way through the issue of forgiveness toward a Christian that has had infidelity in their life, but will struggle to understand how anyone could be a Mormon and call themselves 'Christian.'"

Think on this will you: define a fish? Answers might include "stinky, gross, water, scales, healthy, fins" among others. And while each person's definition might be similar, are we talking a red fish, a blue fish, or a brown fish. They might be picturing a saltwater fish instead of freshwater fish. And for others they might choose red Swedish Fish. The point here is while we are all picturing a fish, even if they look different, none of us would argue that one's definition of a fish is wrong. Well, being a Christian is a personal choice or decision. It is something one does by living Christ's teachings; regardless one's definition. According to some, one Christian can differ from another in the same congregation.

Claiming that Rev. Jeffress or Rev. Atkins are frogmen from Mars doesn't make this true just because I say they are, even if I can find a coalition of like-minded people to agree. It is merely opinion. It is left to the individual to choose to believe or not. But we can run DNA tests and use other examinations to make an accurate determinations. Being a Christian, again, is a personal matter. What I feel and believe in my heart and soul isn't open to interpretation, regardless whether or not I measure up to someone else's definition.

In this case Mr. Atkins was referring to Newt Gingrich's infidelities and Mitt Romney's Mormonism. And if you haven't guessed by now, I too am a Mormon. But here Gingrich only has to seek forgiveness from his wife, his family affected by his infidelities, his ecclesiastical leader, and God. I can't grant his forgiveness as he has done nothing to me. But Romney's Mormonism, and I can't believe this is still considered an issue by some, again shouldn't have anything to do with electing a president. Apparently his being a Mormon wasn't enough of an issue to prevent him from being elected governor of Massachusetts; from successfully saving and running the 2002 Winter Olympics; managing several successful businesses; and from being a worthy and honorable husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend to so many. Disagree with him all you want, but for the love of God, please learn to separate biases from reality.

I guess everything I wrote above doesn't really matter to some, though. If considering Mormons as not Christians helps one sleep at night, go right ahead. I'm going to continue being a Mormon and a Christian. I'm sleeping just fine.

*For the record, I don't consider these men frogmen from Mars. Not yet anyhow.

Be Good!

I am . . . Santa Claus!

I believe in Santa Claus. I really do. You don’t? Find it all a little farfetched? Having a hard time balancing Santa with the true Christmas spirit? Well he's easier to believe in than believing in an honest politician or a temporary tax increase. But I guess I can understand your difficulty.

Well, take a moment and consider this experience from my past.

In December of 1999 my mind and time was occupied with studying, classes, friends, and dating. I was more concerned with the next test or if she would say “yes” than I was with other more pressing matters of the day.

A week or two before Christmas, my brother-in-law Paul called with a unique request. As the manager of a furniture/electronics store, he had advertised that the store would host Santa Claus each weekend leading up to Christmas. Apparently as they couldn’t get the real Santa, they had hired someone to fill in. The gentlemen they hired fit the costume almost too well, but failed in other aspects of the role: eating the candy intended for visiting children; falling asleep with the beard off; and a strong, offensive odor emitting from his ample, wobbly frame.

Paul was new to our family and in the year he’d known me, it seems he failed to recognize that my 6’4” build and lack of any weight clearly weren’t ideal Santa material - a bowl full of jelly weighed more than I did. Add in my youthful, 25-year-old face, weak at best “ho, ho, ho,” and inexperience at mascoting, the image doesn’t exactly conjure up memories of the perfect Santa. But here he was pleading with me to fill the role of Santa Claus. Sensing the desperateness in his voice, I relented –well, enough to come by and at least inspect the outfit anyhow. I’d never worn a Santa costume before; it might be fun. And the extra cash they promised piqued my interest.

I arrived at the store and instantly found that in order to pull off the look, we were going to need a lot of padded help by way of pillows and blankets. With the Santa-red pants and jacket on, I was excited to attach the ever so important iconic, white beard. But what to my wondering eyes should appear, then red and green stained candy cane whiskers . . . where my mouth was to go. Last week’s Santa apparently found slurping down a candy cane with the beard on was appropriate. At this point walking away would have been all too easy and equally justified, but standing there dressed as Santa, the image began to become clearer. I would have been more at ease if the synthetic hair could have been autoclaved, but nevertheless I left with Paul's assurance that the beard would once again gleam white when I arrived the next morning.

I apprehensively, but excitedly arrived for my 4-hour shift and we proceeded to fill the vast voids of the costume with pillows where my thin, wiry frame didn't quite do the job. Before too long the laborious job was nearly complete, with only the beard and hat remaining to complete the masquerade. I nervously grabbed the beard to find sweet, sweet white hair had replaced juicy red and green candy cane drippings. The beard did reak strongly of bleach and the stringy, fiberglass spun fibers annoyingly invaded my mouth, but the tradeoff was a welcome one. 


The job complete, I emerged from the back room for all to see. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t see my feet. I had face full of hair. And I had reached the age of senior citizenry . . . 

                   . . . I was Santa Claus!

The day turned out to be a quiet one. All told there were maybe a few last-minute Christmas shoppers who visited the store. At most they smiled or muttered a casual “Hi Santa,” as they completed their transactions. I spent most of my time outside waving to cars and actually enjoyed every minute of filling in for the man from the North Pole.

At one point a car loaded with some large Polynesian men pulled up. Fearing the worst, I was relieved when I found they simply wanted to say hi to Santa.  From several passing came some rather offensive gestures. Who waves to Santa like that? And Oh and my appearance may have indirectly caused a fender bender.

Shortly before my shift was complete, a well dressed woman arrived to make a purchase. Upon completing her transaction, she stopped to say hello. I stood to greet her and recognizing she wished to speak with me as opposed to Santa, I removed the beard. She asked if I would be there if she returned in 20 minutes or so. Smiling, I assured her I would be.

True to her word, this shopper arrived with two small children and an older daughter. With bulging eyes and toothless grins, the two smaller children were now in the presence of “the big man. The head honcho. The connection . . .” the man himself. These children were in awe. Obscured behind the curly beard, no one could see the ear-to-ear grin on my face. Suddenly the beard’s bleachy odor of and annoying wispy hairs ceased to bother me. My reservations at lacking an adequate “ho, ho, ho” disappeared too. I was Santa.

The children sat on my lap and told me their Christmas dreams. They inquired about Rudolph and all of the other reindeer. They questioned me about a bruise my thumb sported. They cared about me and I, I mean Santa cared about them. Santa was even serenaded with a Christmas carol or two. I ate up every minute of their encounter with Santa Claus.

As children are prone to do, the many treats, coloring books, and the many televisions in the store stole their attention. With the distraction, their mother drew near to Santa and with tears in her eyes, expressed her gratitude for my performance. She then explained that she and her husband were in the midst of a bitter divorce. Out of spite and anger, he had informed their innocent children that Santa Claus did not exist. In an attempt to prove that he did indeed exist, this dedicated mother had brought her children to meet Santa Claus. Their faith restored, and mine as well, I wished them a Merry Christmas - wishing I could do more.

Such an experience left me profoundly changed. Santa Claus was real once again and maybe the jolly man and the true Christmas spirit could peaceably coexist after all. I pondered the notion on my drive home. It occurred to me that Santa is in many ways, Christ-like. Regardless the many different images of Santa Claus, common to most nations and cultures is his love for children and their love for him. Summed up perfectly, read the follwing comparison from President James E. Faust:

“No one can measure the effect of an unselfish act of kindness. By small, simple things great things do indeed come to pass. Of course gifts given and gifts received make Christmas special. For many children Christmas Eve is a very long night as they look forward with eager anticipation to the gifts Santa brings, which is why children love Santa Claus. Let me share what someone once said about Santa Claus: ‘First of all, he's a joyous individual. People are attracted to joyous individuals as filings are attracted to a magnet. Next, Santa Claus is interested in making others happy. He increases the happy moments in the life of everyone he meets. He loves his work; he gets fun out of his job. He is childlike, simple, humble, sincere, and forgiving. Finally, he is a giver. His philosophy is to give himself away in service. He is a friend to everyone. He smiles. Perhaps you and I could attain greater happiness if we emulated Santa Claus a little more, for his way is the way of the Infant Jesus also.’” ***

I’m certainly not suggesting we replace the donkey or a shepherd figurine with a kneeling Santa in the manger, but maybe we can find a way to allow room for both Christ and Santa during this Christmas season.


Be Good!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

***The Man Who Would Be Santa. James E Faust  - First Presidency Christmas Devotional. December 06, 1998. 

For a comparison between Jesus Christ and Santa, follow this link: http://www.cuttingedge.org/News/n1132.cfm

Standing Outside Your Bubble

We all have those days and weeks, even months when batteries need a recharge; where a vacation is long overdue - those Groundhog Day moments. Minutes, hours and days, when, despite our greatest efforts and desires, life just seems to be lacking a certain excitement.

By genetic disposition, we are creatures of habit. We find safety and happiness following routines and predictable patterns. Comfort zones are certainly comfortable, but do we truly live bubbled up withing their confines? While such approaches to life might provide an element of security, we rarely experience any true challenge or find room for growth. If we are here to experience joy, happiness, and growth, should we not incorporate some excitement as well?

I recall the overwhelming feeling of monotony and repetition weighing me down during the 10^th month of my mission to Switzerland. Every day was the same: arise, shower, breakfast, study, tracting, street contacting, call backs, lunch, tracting, street contacting, dinner, bed. Of course there was the occasional dinner appointment and discussion to be taught. But on the whole, each day was lacking any real excitement. While Swiss Winters aren’t horrible we did not see the sun for about two months. Now I loved my mission and came home with so much more than I left with. However, all this frustration came to a head one December morning. During this moment, some choice words of the Prophet Joseph Smith came to mind: “If you kept your bow constantly tied and string taut, your bow would lose its spring.” In other words, if you don’t take a break and rest now and then, you won’t be near as productive and efficient as you could be. So have a little fun. Do something different. 

So while not working was not an option, we decided to mix up the morning routine. We chose to change cooking habits. New unique, but effective directions were chosen to get from place to place. Study patterns changed. While we didn’t experience any amazing results, we did see one: our attitudes changed.

Lately I have felt a bit flat. That something is missing and that each day is a carbon copy of the one before. As such I have decided to incorporate some of the following (I will add to these as I uncover them). Now this isn't about doing opposites. It's about doing things differently than normally done. Breaking out of the routine of daily life. Life should be exciting and adventurous, even during the most mundane and simple moments:

• Rearrange your bedroom, aka: feng shui.
• As part of the above rearrangement, turn the hangers around in your closet.
• Wake up five minutes earlier (or more preferably 5 minutes later).
• Take a longer/shorter/more scenic route, etc. to get to work or play.
• Try new foods or try old foods. Fast one day.
• Sleep in a sleeping bag on your bed.
• Buy a goldfish or even goldfishes.
• Try and do something hard or challenging.
• Eat breakfast first then shower or the other way around. Or take a bath.
• Try doing things left-handed
• Take a cold shower instead of a hot one. 
• Get off the couch and Turn The TV OFF! 
• Go on a hike.
• Say hello to someone you might be interested in . . .  instead of avoiding them.
• If always a follower, become a leader. Maybe leaders are born, not made - prove them wrong.
• Barbecue during the winter months. I rarely need a reason to grill a steak.
• Call a do over, ask for a mulligan, hit reset. In other words, try again or try some more. Keep on trying! Even try anything!
• Take a chance! Risk it! 

Be Good!

Pick a Lane, will ya Buddy!

I felt it was time to have a little fun and mix things up. This is actually a continued post from October 2011, with a few new additions.

Note: in no way am I claiming that my driving technique is the best approach (but you'd be wrong to think otherwise). I'm not suggesting you even adhere to how I drive (although you should). So don't take it personal (but you might). This post is intended to be a bit sarcastic, a bit anal, but it's also just a fun way to vent. Some of these are actual UT laws, while the rest, their just meant to make me happy.

Now then, it has become very clear to me, that the biggest problem with the way other people drive is they don't drive like me (of course the biggest problem with other people in general is that they aren't like me - and yes, I'm kidding). So I've come up with a list of the driving habits of those around me that drive me insane: 

• Please people, be aware of what is not only ahead of you, but what is behind you. While you generally aren't responsible for what happens behind you, you are not the only one on the road. I know, shocker. And you know, even if it is the other driver's fault, I still don't want my car mashed.
• Drive consistently. How often do you get behind a car going, say 5 mph under the speed limit, then finally when you can legally and safely pass, does the driver change lanes and speed up or exit? Or they drive fast, they drive slow, fast, slow, brake, fast, brake, brake, brake, slow . . . make up your mind and pick a speed already!
•  If you come across an accident, don't become a part of it. Get over and out of the way. And while you’re at it, keep moving. Unless you are a first responder to an accident, there is little to nothing you can do to help. Quit adding to the problem. And for crying out loud, if you see a police car off to the side of the road, lights flashing, if there is a free lane to move to and if you can do so, move over! In Utah, at least, it is the law. I''d even suggest moving over for even a stranded motorist.
• If you suddenly feel the need to cut me off, at least have the decency to quickly match my speed. I really don't care to unexpectedly discover from my near miss with your bumper that you ran Ragnar, rode LOTOJA, or that your other car is a broom. Move! I mean that is great you have the sticker to prove your athletic achievements, but I really don't care.
• Continuing from above: if I let you in and I usually will (usually), match my speed. Don't suddenly slow down and decide now is the time for a pleasure drive.
• And while we're here, take your leisurely Sunday drives on Sunday - not Monday morning, during rush hour (or any other day/time for that matter . . . including Sunday).
• Don't tailgate me, especially when the car in front of me and the car in front of them and the car in front of them and the car . . . (you get the picture) can't go any faster than we are currently going. Of course don't tailgate me even if there isn't someone in front of me. 
• When the sign says merge, merge! Don't wait until you have passed a hundred more cars, nearly clipping everyone's side mirrors as you whip by and with no more road left, to then slow down, even stopping, before you finally use your turn signal, and try to force your way in.
• Use your turn signal. You paid for it when you bought the car. I don't recall the dealer saying, "Alright, so for an additional $100 I'll throw in the optional turn signal package - we're talking both left AND right blinkers." And if you do use them (but you should), use them before you make your turn or merge into a new lane.
• Know where you are going and prepare/plan ahead. Oh how frightening it can be to see a tricked-out 4x4, 3/4-ton diesel beast suddenly emerge from the HOV lane, violently bearing down on you, to then scream through the other three lanes in an attempt to exit the freeway.
• If the speed limit reads 65, go 75. Okay, maybe that one shouldn't be open to interpretation. At least go the speed limit. And at the very least go with the flow of traffic (warning: you can still be ticketed going with the flow, if the flow is exceeding the speed limit).  
• So your car is the first car at a red light. The light turns green. GO! So your car is the second car at a red light. The light turns green. GO! So your car . . . again I think you get the picture.  There are plenty of people behind you hoping to make that same light. In Europe, if you aren't gassing through the intersection the second the light turns green, they are laying on the horn to get you to move. I'm suggesting more patience, but don't dally through.
• That hairy creature in the back of your truck, that would be your dog, he is not a couch, a barbecue grill, or a mattress. Bring him into the cab or leave him home. The roadway makes a horrible airbag for any pet. If you want to leave your seat belt off, fine (but you really shouldn't). Just don't punish your dog for your stupidity.
• And speaking of that couch, mattress, or barbecue grill, and while we're at it, let's add a sewing machine and lawn chair . . . tie them down. When they say "share the road," I don't think they meant sharing everything with the road.
• Much like the blinkers being a non-optional feature to your car, so too are the seat belts. Just by way of review: they are attached to the inner sides of both the front and back seats. They often do match the color of your car's interior, so they might blend in. Let's wear them. Again it is the law here in UT.
• When you notice someone needing to change lanes (unless they didn't merge a mile back when they should have) let them in. Don't speed up so they can't change lanes. And don't pretend you didn't see them either. 
• When I let you change lanes or exit a parking lot onto the main road, acknowledge my kind gesture with a hand wave. I'll even show my appreciation with a head nod or raise of the eyes.
• Control your anger. People, there are drivers out there with guns in their cars. I appreciate the fact that you may have just been cut off. But that sweet little grandma who nearly dinged you, she may be packing heat. And keep your fingers to yourself.
• Stow the makeup away, put your beverage down, and quit texting. The worst I ever saw was a woman sticking her left leg out her window, a soda in her left hand, steering with her right hand . . . while smoking! I wasn't sure whether I was impressed or frightened. 
• Don't cut in front of big rigs. Your Smart car is basically a bug to one of these behemoths. Stay alive.

Let's take the next exit and park for a moment now. Okay. 

• Truth be told, the stalls in parking lots today just don't seem big enough to deal with the larger vehicles on the road. That said, can we please just use one stall per car? I get that you love your 1982 rust-colored Datsun (oh wait, that's just rust, sorry) or your 1976 Chevy Chevette, but c'mon. I don't care for a new pinstripe of pea green on my car. So if you do park next to me, please, please, don't ding my doors. While I may not drive a luxury sedan, I do like my car.
• 30 minute parking means 30 minute parking. I know you are only going to be a few minutes, but so am I. 
• Practice the "every other one" method when exiting a sporting event or concert. Simply put it goes like this: I go, you go, I go, you go. Brilliant approach and we all win, even if your team just lost.
• If you want lung cancer, be my guest; smoke your brains out while you drive. But please, please, please do not light up when kids are with you. You addiction shouldn't be their killer.
• Don't Drink and Drive! Enough said!

Special thanks to the Utah Driver Handbook.

Just so we are clear, again much of the above was just a sarcastic and fun approach - the highlights and joy that is mine as I drive from home to work and back.

Christian or Not . . . Part 1

Just when I think life is beginning to make sense, someone or something comes along and gently attempts to tell me that I haven't a clue. In this case a skinny Dallas-based Evangelical preacher.

You see I am a Mormon. Actually I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those adhering to the faith are also called Mormons.

Recently Robert Jeffress, the above mentioned skinny Dallas-based Evangelical preacher, informed his parishioners and the world for that matter, that myself and 14,000,000 other Mormons are not Christians. But he didn't stop there, oh no. You see according to Mr. Jeffress I also belong to a cult. Interesting. Now I've always known we were a "peculiar people," that we were at the very least culturally unique from other faiths (funeral potatoes, green jello, "Oh my heck!"). But I find it interesting that this preacher somehow possesses the ability to discern my relationship between Jesus Christ and myself; a relationship that is personal between Christ and each of us.

Applying his litmus test for what makes one a Christian, I actually sound an awful lot like a Christian. As a result I'm failing to understand how choosing to be honest with my fellowmen, raising a family, serving the poor, sick and widowed, honoring my elders, and a myriad of other noble and righteous deeds somehow disqualifies me from being a Christian.

Ultimately I ask, "What does it matter?" By this I mean, if I were to stand before Jesus Christ tomorrow, having accepted Him as my Savior, would He deny me because I don't fit a biblical definition of a Christian? Hasn't the biblical text been pilfered over the years anyhow? 

Sometimes it feels more as if what Evangelicals are more upset with isn't that we worship differently than they do, but that we are doing so successfully. And this frightens them - that they don't have the market cornered on righteous living. 

I would also add that my relationship with the Savior differs from that of my immediate family as well as fellow Latter-day Saints. But I would equally argue that Mr. Jeffress' relationship with Christ doesn't perfectly match that of his parishioners. Why? Because as mentioned earlier, it is a personal relationship. So while a definition of Christ from person-to-person might be nearly similar, my experience in applying Christ-like principles and living a Christ-like life does differ. Ask anyone who has accepted the Atonement in their lives and how personal that experience is. And look at the thousands upon thousands of different artistic representations of Jesus Christ. Why so many? Because we all see Him in a deeply, personal way. We see Him as He applies to our life - independent of definitions and skinny, Dallas-based Evangelical preachers. 

I have and do repent when I have sinned and I trust Him to forgive me. In fact the Atonement plays a central role in the LDS faith as Christ is our faith. 

But I digress. Everything I'm saying here is void and empty as I am not a Christian. My baptism somehow prevents me from being a Christian. My good deeds are of no worth to me or those receiving them. My faith and trust in His redeeming love isn't valid either I suppose. In fact, why try anymore? 

So go ahead, tell me I'm not a Christian. But personally I don't need anyone or a definition telling me who or what I am. Or in this case, what I am not.


Be Good!

Remembering September 11, 2001

This entry will most likely be one of many blog entries around the world remembering and honoring those who died 10 years ago in the horrific attacks on this country. I debated describing my feelings and where I was when the news broke. But this isn't about me nor should it be. I have no connection to the innocent men, women, and children lost this day. I don't even know anyone who perished at the hands of evil ideologies. But many of us still feel a connection. We are Americans! This is our country! God bless her!

Simply put, let us remember the victims, both living and dead, of these attacks. 


Be Good!

My Drawings

I wanted to repost this entry from my last blog. I humbly present one of my casual hobbies: drawing. I drew these over the years and felt the desire to share some talents the Lord has blessed me with. 

I love the intensity of a tiger's eye. Of course my experience with real tigers has been confined to zoo experiences. Usually a pretty safe encounter.

Very few animals are as noble and regal as the lion. This pose exemplifies their beauty and strength.

I drew this from another drawing. Composition goes to Rien Poortvliet, a Dutch artist. The pose is one that shows a playful and "gentle" side of the tiger.

Another awesome pose! Plus I am a BYU Cougars fan. So, you know.

My first attempt at an elephant. I like parts of the drawing, but I feel I definitely have room for improvement.

These are just some of many I've drawn. I have more to show and share. I also take requests.

Be Good!

I'm Back or at Least My Blog is

I found it! After much searching, including a Google search using the following random words: random thoughts blog, grandpa, byu, chinese, christmas - I found my old blog. And yes I should have capitalized Chinese and Christmas. Well I didn't.

Here is a link to it: http://mgehring.blogspot.com/ Sadly the good folks at Blogger won't allow me to access it anymore. Apparently I couldn't provide enough info to prove that I am me.

Be Good!

Self Improvement . . .

Let's see, where to being? I haven't blogged in about three years, but I recently came across a blog that really inspired me (shout out to kellyolivia). So one might wonder (if anyone is reading this blog and knew I had a previous blog) what happened to my old blog? To which I might reply, "That is a good question." That blog fell victim to disinterest, loss of time, and a new computer. I tried to retrieve it, but the powers that be have some interesting requirements to reclaim lost blogs. So here we go again.

Today I was pondering whether or not I wanted to blog again. Clearly the answer is . . . maybe. At least one entry to start with. After deciding I would at least give it a try, I next needed something to write about. As I sat pondering the topic, it occurred to me that I am trying to be more positive in life; looking for areas of improvement. And lists seem to be really popular. So this blog's entry, as you may have already read is: "Self Improvement." Clever? No, probably not. Effective? Maybe. Oh, and this list actually started as, "I Want . . ." but I felt it was neither positive nor direct enough. Then it morphed into "I will" which is fitting, but I didn't care for that title much. We'll see how long this new title remains . . .

1. I will no longer say, "I don't care" especially when and if I do care about something important. If something bothers me, I will do something about it. If I agree or disagree with an idea or if I have an opinion, I will express it. But I will pick my battles and be open to other thoughts and attitudes. And I will accept the fact that it is okay to be wrong - I don't have the market cornered on being right. That said, I also won't interject my thoughts when not warranted or solicited. 
2. I will demand 100% honesty from myself! And I will actually live this goal. Enough said.
3. I'll express any unhappy feelings and emotions, but I will not dwell on them. And I will not drag anyone down with me. Even if they choose to become a part of the problem or the solution. I will not sap the energy of others or be a drain on their happiness.
4. I will compliment people when in the moment. Not later when it no longer matters or is of benefit to the individual.
5. I will man-up and be the man I want to be, but more importantly, I will be the man a future wife and children need me to be. And even more importantly, I will be the man the Lord expects me to be.
6. I will say "I know" instead of "I believe" when it applies and it usually applies - especially regarding my testimony.
7. I will expect perfection from myself, but still recognize that is alright to come short.
8. I will be more tolerant of others. But I don't like the word tolerance-to me it is temporary. It isn't lasting. Tolerance is merely something we practice only when forced to. Once that person or idea is no longer relevant, we resort back to old habits or notions.
9. I will challenge myself to do that which is challenging. Yes, I purposefully chose to use the word challenge twice. In other words, I choose to do hard things.
10. I will use the phrase "I am sorry" when apologizing; not the weaker "I'm sorry" or the heart-lacking "sorry." Of course I will try to avoid offending anyone. But in as much as some look to be offended and I am not perfect (see #7), it is inevitable that someone will have hurt feelings.
11. I will not make a woman cry because of my insensitivity or disrespect. I only want to see tears of joy.
12. I will not buy into the notion of entitlement. While no one gets anywhere in life without help, I will continue to work for what I get. At the same time I will not allow pride to prevent someone from helping me.
13. I will fight for the underdog and defend the weak.
14. I will eventually think of more than 14 "I Wills" but for tonight, 14 is a start. And yes I recognize that #3 is an "I'll" instead of an "I will" but I chose not to correct it-putting #7 into effect.
15. I will willingly accept blame to maintain a friendship (even a family friend) even when I am right.
16. I will be more accountable for my actions and become a greater steward.
17. I will define who I am. The world will not!
18. I will do my part to bring the return of traditional family and American values.
19. I will cease making excuses; whether to myself or to others. Enough said.
20. I will stop using the word "hate." I probably will still use it unintentionally, but instead of "hate" I will use "dislike" or the equivalent. Yes, they all pretty much mean the same thing, but they sound less negative. There is too much hate in the world today.
21. I will never be apologetic for my beliefs. I love my religion so I live my religion.
22. I will express my love to those most dear to me and I will do so even when not apologizing. In addition, I will tack on the "I" to the "love you" thereby creating the far unused "I love you." 
23. I will recognize my talents and I will not be afraid to share them.
24. I will strive to become a Master Man. I want to stand apart from the rest of the pack.
25. I will look for opportunities to help, to serve, to be more Christ-like. 
26. I will . . . I will not say, "Whatever." Seriously. Show something once in a while. That sound of indifference, to me and in me, comes off as lazy. Maybe it isn't a big deal, but I think from now on in "whatever" situations, I'll find something else to say. At the very least I just won't say, "Whatever."
27. I will . . .

Be Good!