Courage to live a better life!

Just prior to my departure to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I wrote in 1979 a personal statement that would be the basis for the direction I took in life during these last 35 years. I did it with the hope it would guide me in critical decisions.

As a convert to the Church, I acquired a profound desire to be a better person in this world, a more committed Christian and to walk the path of mortality with purpose, this was the motivation to write these lines that would provide me inspiration, reference, and courage to live a better life!

When I met Filomena, my sweetheart, I felt impressed to share it with her prior to our marriage, these simple words took us to very meaningful conversations and discussions about what both of us would want for our future family and what values and principles would guide and help us raise our children, with her input we updated this statement to become "ours" to guide us in our personal and family goals.

Personal and Family Statement

Keep Christ's teachings at the center of our lives

In life's decisions, our spouse always comes first

Provide our children the best possible education

Live within our means and generate savings

Do not just inspire but bless and mentor others

Defend values and principles of integrity

Pursue always continuous improvement

Have you considered what are the important things you want to achieve in life?

Comments

Do you really know how to do that?

This winter in Europe the trend for clothing and other accessories is knitting , it is all over in display at the most popular stores in Germany. This was something we use to see when we were in our teens, the only difference then is, that it was produced by our mothers and grandmothers, today they are made most likely somewhere in a factory in Asia . In a walk downtown Frankfurt, Germany the other day my wife said, "I would like to stop to buy some knitting needles and some wool, I would like to knit a scarf" , with a surprised expression I said, "do you know how to do that?" She replied in a mild tone, "my mom did, and my grandmother as well, and they taught me when I was young" , to which I then somewhat unconvinced I said, "OK... why not!" For next couple of days I saw her knitting at a fast pace and things began quickly to take shape and form, first a base for some plates, next a couple of flowers, then a trendy scarf ju

What about spiritual prosperity?

Miguel & João - Salt Lake City, Oct 2011 Many have looked at prosperity solely from a financial perspective, thus to prosper in this narrow vision of things one looks only to the external signs of wealth and consequently soon after the focus becomes on material possessions or the fix idea of having them. Inevitably this arrangement leads to feelings of envy, greed and selfishness and creates an enormous distance between us and the needs of our fellow men, including our families as time is not allocated any longer to what matters most but to what we want the most. What about spiritual prosperity? A clear understanding that we are children of an Heavenly Father that loves us, that He has a plan of happiness for us which through the atonement of Jesus Christ and our faithfulness allows us to return to Him, and an understanding that He gave us commandments to help us face the adversities of life will guide us to a path of gratitude for everything we have, even when

Snow in the Friedberger Watchtower

The Friedberger Watchtower was constructed in 1478 to replace an existing watchtower from 1350. It belongs to the last watchtowers of its kind ever to be reconstructed by the local army. It was built in late Gothic style and stands proud on the highest point in Bornheim . Furthermore it has a rectangular military yard including a kitchen and a well-room. The Watchtower was only called upon once to fulfil its purpose: In 1546, during the Schmalcaldic War, the local people of Frankfurt defended themselves against Charles V´s Imperial Troops. In 1634 during the 30 Years War , both the tower and military yard were burnt down and destroyed by surrounding Croatian forces. Three years later, in 1637,the Watchtower was rebuilt. After such time, it no longer had a military function. In the beginning, it served as customs station and afterwards as a fire station. Today is a know restaurant! The structure survived the Second World War without any major damage and today is a known restauran

Family Snippets

Search This Blog