So this week I've spent the week in Texas with mom! It's been a pretty exciting week. Yesterday mom and dad let me take the boys to a movie. We went and watched Oz, the great and powerful. Pretty good show, but I learned a couple of things in the process:
1) its going to be a very rare occasion when I tell me children to "get whatever snacks they want". Yeah, the bill for snacks ran up to about sixty dollars. I was floored.
2) I felt a lot like Rachel and I were parents. Getting everyone there safe, organizing everyone to get snacks, and ushering everyone into the movie, I really felt like a parent. That's not easy. I felt like after I become a parent, the things that make me happy are going to be completely different than the things that make me happy now. I feel like seeing my kids happy is what is going to make me happy
I am starting to believe that everyone has innate goodness in them. I have a couple of stories I think are funny. First one was with my little brothers at home. Rachel and I took Jaidon and Jordan to see once on this island. A standard musical for the younger generation. Both Jaidon and Jordan were "too cool" to go, and only went because I encouraged them to go. But by the end, BOTH of them loved it and were glued to their seats.
Same thing happened when we went to see Oz, the great and powerful. The only reason the boys consented to go see Oz, the great and powerful was because Rachel and I don't like the same types of movies they like. So yeah, no one was all that excited, but by the end, both Blake and John (the two youngest) were glued to their seats. When Oz kisses the good witch of the south, blake yelled, "just kiss her already!". So funny. When Oz scared the evil witches away, John clapped. Super funny. But yeah, I think that people are naturally born different than the world. All of us are better than the circumstances surrounding us.
Found out I'm not as young as I used to be, either. Exercised with Dillan, Blake, and John this week. I was the slowest (but steadiest) runner of the three. I physically couldn't run as fast as they could. Then, the next day, I did muscle workouts with the younger two. I tried really hard to push the boys, but ended up killing myself in the process. This is why i'm going to be consistent about exercising. I want to get in shape. I'm going to do it.
Last thought, I realized this week that spending quality time with people is a proactive endeavor. If you don't make time for it, it doesn't happen. Clear as mud? The times I made the effort to spend time with the family was wonderful! had the funnest time playing charades. The young bucks got their butts' kicked by the married folks ;) Super fun :)
Well, until next time. Love all of you!!!
Michael White
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Hey again! just sending you a quick weekly update!
So yeah, not much new has been happening lately, except for the job hunt. I'm graduating college in May, so its been time to look for a job. I have a few places that still look promising.
I may have a shot at a place called Xactware where my really good friend works. That would be a sweet job.
I interviewed at a place right by Thanksgiving Point called SolutionReach. The atmosphere is really chill, and I'd enjoy working there I think.
Most I'm just really tired of being 2 1/2 hours away from the family. I feel so drawn to home, and I can't go home very often. We're ready to move back home.
Other places that might work out: The Church. I ran into them at a career fair today, and it seems promising! Super excited. Hill Air Force base in Ogden might also be a place where I could.
Haha, shoot we're just keeping our fingers crossed at this point. Just because one place looks promising doesn't mean much. I wouldn't feel comfortable placing all of my chips in one place, so we're working as hard as we can to do otherwise.
Well, as far as other things that have been new, I've been really enlightened about Marriage and my wife. Probably the best thing about getting married, period, is realizing that a wonderful woman like my wife has trusted me with everything. I get the honor of knowing what she thinks, how she feels, what her opinions are, and what means the very most to her. It means so much to me to know where she stands on all of the big things. As the days go on I marvel at what a thrill it is to be married to Rachel Virginia White. She's given herself to me, trusted me with everything. Rachel's so loving and nurturing that only places pressure on one of us. I love my wife, and I love how the Lord has granted me more knowledge about this.
That's about it for now. I can bear witness that the Lord gives us the strength to do things if we will simply seek them. The Lord asked me, a long time ago, to develop a few simple habits; exercise, meaningful scripture study, and working on the 12-Steps every day. I've been off and on, not really doing it as well as I should. He wants everyday. Well, he gave me a witness, after I was able to receive it, that the spiritual strength I get from doing those things is immeasurable. The question isn't, how can I find time to do them, the question is, how can I not? I have been much more consistent, and oh my goodness, I just feel wonderful.
Well, talk to you later everyone; thanks for letting me ramble!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Lots of travel and learning
Hey everyone! I've learned a lot of life lessons these past couple of weeks, and I would like to share them with you if I could.
The first experience happened a couple of weeks ago, as I was driving home from Provo. Rachel's mom had the chance to be in a podcast about near death experiences. I start listening to it. Pretty soon in my curiosity was really piqued. These people were talking mainly about actual experiences they've had when they've died, etc ... I've died before, and I wish I remember what I saw, so naturally I got really into it.
One guy said something really interesting that stuck with me. He said that before I had his experience, he thought that praying involved "getting on his knees and saying stuff". He then said that when he prays now, what he does is he is quiet and allows the chance for light and truth to enter his heart.
So ... I tried it. The rest of the way home, I was still, and listened. The Lord prompted me to bring my concerns to him, and I did. It resulted in learning a lot about things I can do to help other people. A lot of things. I was blown away by how powerful just being still was. I remember when I was a lot more of a rebel being still was something I never. How could I? The guilt of doing the things the Lord wouldn't want me to do would come back to haunt me.
when I got home, I was so happy, and Rachel and I enjoyed a blissful evening of just being together.
The other experience I wanted to share happened last Tuesday. I had the chance of spending the day in Salt Lake, as Rachel had a concert in Kingsburry Hall with the U of U Symphony. As I was visiting my grandma Hyatt, she told me how, for 38 years, her husband, Dallas, has written her love notes, bought her flowers, and in short did little things like that to show his wife he loves her. Grandma Hyatt does indeed feel loved. So much in fact, that there's never ever even a doubt in her mind.
I think about how sometimes I do that for my wife. Mostly I do chores around the house to show her that I love her. Well, I got thinking about how each time Rachel gets happy and feels loved, but what effect would it have on me if I were to step up my game, and be consistent for the rest of forever? The impact of little things that I don't think are too big of a deal would be become astronomical. This has left a deep impression on my mind.
Oh, and it was really fun to try and make coffee with my grandma. I really hope we put enough coffee beans in the pot :)
This lesson was strengthened as I visited my Uncle Maurice. My uncle Maurice is one of the greatest men I know. To the world, it may seem like he's a little rough around the edges, but like the people I care about the most, I couldn't care less what the world might think. He has a heart of gold. When I was growing up, I remember every holiday, birthday, Christmas, I would get a card from him. One day how much that meant hit me. Dad expressed his respect for Maurice for being so consistent in telling me he loved me. Once again, that idea of being consistent sunk deep into my heart.
I now have a much deeper desire to step up my game as a husband, to do more, and to be consistent. My personal witness of Elder Ballard's conference talk about beehives. The Lord has done a lot more to teach me about things His leaders say than I comprehend, I think. He has the most interesting way of getting things he wants me to now to sink into my heart.
Anyways, I love you guys, and I'm really grateful that I had the chance to talk about this. I hope you get something from it. I know I did.
Michael White
The first experience happened a couple of weeks ago, as I was driving home from Provo. Rachel's mom had the chance to be in a podcast about near death experiences. I start listening to it. Pretty soon in my curiosity was really piqued. These people were talking mainly about actual experiences they've had when they've died, etc ... I've died before, and I wish I remember what I saw, so naturally I got really into it.
One guy said something really interesting that stuck with me. He said that before I had his experience, he thought that praying involved "getting on his knees and saying stuff". He then said that when he prays now, what he does is he is quiet and allows the chance for light and truth to enter his heart.
So ... I tried it. The rest of the way home, I was still, and listened. The Lord prompted me to bring my concerns to him, and I did. It resulted in learning a lot about things I can do to help other people. A lot of things. I was blown away by how powerful just being still was. I remember when I was a lot more of a rebel being still was something I never. How could I? The guilt of doing the things the Lord wouldn't want me to do would come back to haunt me.
when I got home, I was so happy, and Rachel and I enjoyed a blissful evening of just being together.
The other experience I wanted to share happened last Tuesday. I had the chance of spending the day in Salt Lake, as Rachel had a concert in Kingsburry Hall with the U of U Symphony. As I was visiting my grandma Hyatt, she told me how, for 38 years, her husband, Dallas, has written her love notes, bought her flowers, and in short did little things like that to show his wife he loves her. Grandma Hyatt does indeed feel loved. So much in fact, that there's never ever even a doubt in her mind.
I think about how sometimes I do that for my wife. Mostly I do chores around the house to show her that I love her. Well, I got thinking about how each time Rachel gets happy and feels loved, but what effect would it have on me if I were to step up my game, and be consistent for the rest of forever? The impact of little things that I don't think are too big of a deal would be become astronomical. This has left a deep impression on my mind.
Oh, and it was really fun to try and make coffee with my grandma. I really hope we put enough coffee beans in the pot :)
This lesson was strengthened as I visited my Uncle Maurice. My uncle Maurice is one of the greatest men I know. To the world, it may seem like he's a little rough around the edges, but like the people I care about the most, I couldn't care less what the world might think. He has a heart of gold. When I was growing up, I remember every holiday, birthday, Christmas, I would get a card from him. One day how much that meant hit me. Dad expressed his respect for Maurice for being so consistent in telling me he loved me. Once again, that idea of being consistent sunk deep into my heart.
I now have a much deeper desire to step up my game as a husband, to do more, and to be consistent. My personal witness of Elder Ballard's conference talk about beehives. The Lord has done a lot more to teach me about things His leaders say than I comprehend, I think. He has the most interesting way of getting things he wants me to now to sink into my heart.
Anyways, I love you guys, and I'm really grateful that I had the chance to talk about this. I hope you get something from it. I know I did.
Michael White
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Almost Graduated!
Hey everyone! Figured I'd update my blog; it's been a while.
So, work is actually getting really really fun! Training had been slow. I prayed to Father and He inspired me to really take charge of my training. I spread myself far and wide, asking for work, and now I'm getting my own jobs, start to finish. This feels like the beginning of the rest of my internship. Starting now, I'm experienced enough to take on me own jobs; I look forward to work more and more every day.
This semester had proved to be a different sort of challenge. I'm not in any programming classes, so I figured this semester would be cake. Well, instead of programming assignments, I have readings due in all of my classes each period. So I'm actually a lot busier than I was. At first it was hard, but I have adjusted to it.
The biggest shocker, though, is my ethics class. I was "so" excited about it. It's a philosophy class, though, so we started reading a book from Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics. Turns out the whole premise of the book is that the more good actions you make, the better of a person you are, the happier you'll be. Cool, right? This book just screamed Gospel to me.
I haven't been disappointed, not in the least. It's been the coolest book, And it's my favorite class. Here's some of the things I learned:
-Being good and being happy are the same thing, as being good allows us to experience joys that transcend physical pleasure
-we become good by consistently choosing to do good things; the things we choose to do become a part of who we are
-There are certain actions that are always wrong, and will never lead to happiness
-the characteristic of humans that make us special is our ability to reason, to make rational choices.
Like I said, cool book, huh? I've marveled and how close to the Gospel Aristotle hit, and I've eaten it up, it's been so edifying
I'll end with something I've noticed about my marriage. First, I have a great wife. Every days a good day because I get one more day with her. I've learned though that my attitude has had a profound difference on both of us, and vice versa. As I am happy, it is so much easier for Rachel to be happy, etc. The Lord loves us, and continues to be good to us. Well, I'll talk to you later!!!
So, work is actually getting really really fun! Training had been slow. I prayed to Father and He inspired me to really take charge of my training. I spread myself far and wide, asking for work, and now I'm getting my own jobs, start to finish. This feels like the beginning of the rest of my internship. Starting now, I'm experienced enough to take on me own jobs; I look forward to work more and more every day.
This semester had proved to be a different sort of challenge. I'm not in any programming classes, so I figured this semester would be cake. Well, instead of programming assignments, I have readings due in all of my classes each period. So I'm actually a lot busier than I was. At first it was hard, but I have adjusted to it.
The biggest shocker, though, is my ethics class. I was "so" excited about it. It's a philosophy class, though, so we started reading a book from Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics. Turns out the whole premise of the book is that the more good actions you make, the better of a person you are, the happier you'll be. Cool, right? This book just screamed Gospel to me.
I haven't been disappointed, not in the least. It's been the coolest book, And it's my favorite class. Here's some of the things I learned:
-Being good and being happy are the same thing, as being good allows us to experience joys that transcend physical pleasure
-we become good by consistently choosing to do good things; the things we choose to do become a part of who we are
-There are certain actions that are always wrong, and will never lead to happiness
-the characteristic of humans that make us special is our ability to reason, to make rational choices.
Like I said, cool book, huh? I've marveled and how close to the Gospel Aristotle hit, and I've eaten it up, it's been so edifying
I'll end with something I've noticed about my marriage. First, I have a great wife. Every days a good day because I get one more day with her. I've learned though that my attitude has had a profound difference on both of us, and vice versa. As I am happy, it is so much easier for Rachel to be happy, etc. The Lord loves us, and continues to be good to us. Well, I'll talk to you later!!!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas and Work
Blog
So, I'm really bad at blogging, but here goes anyways! I wanted to give you guys a brief low down of what's been going on In my lately.
First thing that's pretty new is I now work as a programmer at RRDonnelley. I've worked there for about a month now. I was super stoked to get the job :) I'm really excited for the experience, and the income is proving to be a BIG blessing.
When I first got there, I wasn't sure what to expect, but now the job, I'm discovering, is right up my alley. I've been prepared well, and my boss assures me I'm doing well so far.
When I first started working, I was really, really nervous about working while going to school. How on earth was I supposed to have the time to do that? Well, funny thing, we've started to go to bed early an wake up early. We still don't have as much time for God as we'd like, but we do have enough time. I didn't think I could do it, but It happened :)
I'm also starting to enjoy work. The time flies pretty quickly now. Not much checking the clock, waiting very impatiently to go home.
The other thing that has been happening is the Christmas season. It's been busy to say the least. Been working hard on a couple of particular gifts; ill write about them later! I've been so focused on getting the people I care about the right gifts so much, and getting everything ready, that I haven't really had much time to think about much else. I'm super excited, though, to have a few days to just spend time with my family.
It been an interesting experience, to reflect for a few minutes and realize I've been completely lost in doing what The Lord would have me do; namely, spending time with those I love. You know what I mean? Makes me think I need to spend a few minutes really thinking about what the Christmas season is really all about. Well, talk to you later!!!
Michael
So, I'm really bad at blogging, but here goes anyways! I wanted to give you guys a brief low down of what's been going on In my lately.
First thing that's pretty new is I now work as a programmer at RRDonnelley. I've worked there for about a month now. I was super stoked to get the job :) I'm really excited for the experience, and the income is proving to be a BIG blessing.
When I first got there, I wasn't sure what to expect, but now the job, I'm discovering, is right up my alley. I've been prepared well, and my boss assures me I'm doing well so far.
When I first started working, I was really, really nervous about working while going to school. How on earth was I supposed to have the time to do that? Well, funny thing, we've started to go to bed early an wake up early. We still don't have as much time for God as we'd like, but we do have enough time. I didn't think I could do it, but It happened :)
I'm also starting to enjoy work. The time flies pretty quickly now. Not much checking the clock, waiting very impatiently to go home.
The other thing that has been happening is the Christmas season. It's been busy to say the least. Been working hard on a couple of particular gifts; ill write about them later! I've been so focused on getting the people I care about the right gifts so much, and getting everything ready, that I haven't really had much time to think about much else. I'm super excited, though, to have a few days to just spend time with my family.
It been an interesting experience, to reflect for a few minutes and realize I've been completely lost in doing what The Lord would have me do; namely, spending time with those I love. You know what I mean? Makes me think I need to spend a few minutes really thinking about what the Christmas season is really all about. Well, talk to you later!!!
Michael
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Change in Life's Course
So yesterday has thrown my life's plans through a loop. My plan in life was to get my master's in CS, then go and get an MBA and a doctorate in Business from BYU, then start my career. Now I'm really not sure. Yesterday morning was a startling reminder of how much I need to focus on school. I didn't do so well on a test. To make the day better, I also found out that I'm not going to be an institute teacher. On top of that, the Business College was advertising their one year MBA program. All of a sudden I was questioning what I wanted to do with me life.
Today I'm going to meet with the advisor for the one year MBA program, and see what happens. Rachel has one year of school left, and it seems like a really good opportunity to walk out of USU with a Master's Degree, as my wife will be here anyways.
Truthfully, I really don't know where my career is going to take me. I've felt the last couple of days that The Lord is putting forth His hand and is guiding me to those things that He would have me do; that he's letting me know what He wants me to be, one step at a time.
I would love less debt (I'll have to take loans out to go to graduate school, I'm pretty sure), but I also need to obtain as much education as possible. But yeah, as it stands right now, I'm going to go straight for my MBA and see where The Lord takes me. I'm going to keep an open mind and heart so I can be guided by The Lord in what I should do.
I tell you what, getting married is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I surely do love my wife. Every single day, I marvel at how beautiful she is, how radiant she is, how pure she is, and how grateful I am for her love. Someone is our ward said that marriage agrees with us. I concur. Marriage is one of the greatest things ever. Spending every possible moment with my best friend every day hasn't proved to be a hassle; it has proved to be one of the greatest joys of my life.
Anyways, that's what's new. I am currently working as a computer science tutor. I have spent a lot of time learning and growing, and every day I am seeing improvement. Its really exciting to see. I am so grateful The Lord saw fit to bless me with some needed finanical assistance while at the same time giving me the chance to really strengthen my core knowledge of Computer Science.
I love you guys; thanks for the chance to keep in touch with you. Technology truly is amazing, as is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love you!!!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Hey there everyone!!!! I am so bad at keeping a blog, but I decided that I'm going to make time to do it, especially since its a great way to let everyone I care about informed about my life.
I've had an interesting experience I wanted to share with everyone today. Since the summer, I've been mulling over whether or not I wanted to work while I was at school. We seem to have just enough to take care of our needs as of right now, so I haven't been sure. However, once I finally decided to get a job, The Lord confirmed to me that I am on the right path ... I think.
Right after I decided I wanted a job, a tutor position opened up in the computer science tutor lab. Guess who got hired? this guy did!!! I don't even need to work any evenings!!!!
After I got the job, I learned why I got the job. When I first started going through the CS program, I didn't really understand what's going on or apply myself as I should have. As such, the information mostly didn't stick. Well, as a tutor, I am going to be teaching other people those basics. I feel like one reason I am a tutor is because The Lord is providing me the opportunity to actually master the fundamentals that google has compensated for up until this point. Am I excited? Oh you bet!
I decided on something. I've gone to all of the teachers that teach CS one and two, and a going to be doing the assignments the students are doing. This is how I'm going to master those fundamentals, plus it will make much more able to tutor the students. When I'm at work, I'm only at work, and I'm really excited about it :)
What else is going on in my life? Not a whole lot. I'm going through e seminary teaching program to keep my options open. It's been a great class. Mostly I'm just supporting Rachel. She's busy, so The Lord is keeping my schedule more open so I have time to cook and clean and support my wife when she needs it; she's really busy after all.
I most definitely love my wife most dearly. I am so happy to be with her. Life is pretty peaceful and just plain good, and that's pretty much it. Until next week!!!
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