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!