Safe Haven

I'm here...

2012-02-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

I was looking through old text messages a couple days ago and noticed something interesting in my text conversations with my kids. Of the dozens of messages displayed there was one phrase that occurred more than any other: "I'm here." While there are certainly explanations for why this phrase was so common, I started to understand the underlying meaning of that phrase in my relationship with my kids. As they are striving towards adulthood and independence, there are still times when my children need reassurance that they have a lifeline to home and safety. They need to know that someone loves them regardless of their decisions and circumstances. This feeling of belonging is central to our identity. Interestingly, that message of availability is just as helpful to the giver as to the receiver. Making ourselves available to a friend or loved one increases our love for them and reinforces our connection to the Divine. I believe that we all need that reassurance and connection to our families and our Heavenly Father. Every time we communicate with a family member, the underlying message in that communication should be, "I'm here." I feel confident that if we could see a transcript of all of our prayers and the corresponding answers, we would find that the most common response we receive from Heaven is, "I'm here..." We can take comfort in His abiding presence, awareness, and love for each of us individually.

God's Hands

2011-12-19T12:10:00.003-07:00

I have been looking for new employment for about a month nowand I’m learning a lot of lessons. First of all, I have been reminded of a lessonfrom my missionary service. I knocked on thousands of doors and talked tothousands of people on city streets between the errands they were running. Ican only think of a few people who accepted our message from that type of work.The vast majority of the baptisms I experienced were the result of referralsfrom church members. These were people who had been prepared for years tolisten to and accept the message we shared. Most of my success came from beingin the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I worked hard atthe things I knew how to do, only to have success drop into my lap with nodirect correlation to the finished work.

The job search is remarkably similar in that the successfulsearch will come from being in the right place, at the right time, with theright people. It will come from networking. However, those opportunities willnot be discovered or successfully resolved without doing the ineffective, mind-numbingonline applications and the unsuccessful networking that can bringdiscouragement and feelings of rejection and hopelessness. We must pay theprice for success by doing the things that keep us sharp.

While we can choose our feelings, shunning self-destructivediscouragement, sometimes God sends angels to bear us up and restore hope andconfidence. During this time away from the workplace, I have chaperoned fieldtrips, attended concerts and participated in basketball practices with my kids.My wife and my children have never judged me or treated me poorly after findingout about my job loss. In fact, they have expressed feelings of optimism andpeace about our future. They support me and love me regardless of what I doprofessionally. They are angels.

I had an inspired neighbor beg me to sing in the churchchoir in preparation for the Christmas program next week. Singing thatbeautiful music lifted my soul and reminded me that there is One who knows usby name and who sees our needs. Another neighbor approached me yesterday andhanded me an envelope with cash in it, explaining that he has been laid offthree times at Thanksgiving/Christmastime and wanted to express his empathy forour situation. My sister prepared a beautiful meal for us and gave it to usquietly at our family Christmas party last night. The knowledge that this neighborand my sister were thinking about us and were ready to give of their resourcesso generously touched me profoundly. This morning, another neighbor followed theinspiration to call me just after I read another rejection email (one of manyto come), helping me avoid self-destructive feelings and activities. These areall examples to me of God using people around me as His hands to minister to mein my time of need. Thankfully, each of these people possesses a listeningheart and acted on the thoughts and feelings encouraging them to serve.

2011-11-21T09:25:00.001-07:00

Time of Thanksgiving

In the past two weeks I have had two admirable neighbors pass away. They were extraordinary in the way they gave quiet, unassuming service to people around them. They touched hundreds, if not thousands, of people individually, without fanfare or thought of reward. One experience will always remain with me.

A little over seven years ago, my wife was involved in an auto-pedestrian accident that left her off her feet for 12 weeks after a week in the hospital and surgery to give her an "$10k" leg. One of these neighbors found a way to "break in" to our house while we were in the hospital and organized a crew that cleaned our house from top to bottom, including a mountain of laundry and dirty dishes. She then organized a group of people to come to our house every week day for 12 weeks to sit with my wife, watch my 18 month old daughter, help with any needs and to bring in meals. Her quiet enthusiasm was infectious as people would have minor arguments over who would get to help my wife on a given day. One neighbor stayed overnight at my home during a time where I had to go out of town for work towards the end of the 12 weeks. Our lives were so touched and blessed by this neighbor, our sweet family and all who served us so generously and selflessly during a time of enormous need.

A group of psychology students were challenged to "measure" the amount of happiness they felt and its duration after performing acts of service, compared to doing other things they thought would give them happiness (e.g. going to a movie, buying something, hanging out with friends, etc.). Surprisingly to them, they all reported that the feelings of happiness were greater and lasted longer after giving simple service than after any of the more selfish pursuits of pleasure in which they engaged.

We all benefit from acts of kindness and service, whether we give or receive that service. As we count our blessings at this time of Thanksgiving and ponder the generosity of those who quietly serve, may we seek for opportunities to help others and to be the answer to their heartfelt prayers for assistance.

My family 2011: Top-Maddie, Steve, Chris
Bottom-Tracy, Mike, Sarah

2011-09-06T17:24:00.002-06:00

We've had a busy summer this year; unfortunately we weren't always busy with fun things. We spent a least a full week with our Honda in the shop at the dealership for recalls and warranty work. Tracy spent days in doctor offices for herself and the kids; x-rays, blood work, poking, prodding, and mostly waiting. She waited in the BIG waiting room and then in the lonely, smaller waiting room (examination room). We waited in grocery lines, airport lines, movie lines, customs & immigration lines, washroom lines (or queues) and in traffic lines.

Life these days seems entail a lot of waiting. It would seem wise to do your best to choose when you are going to wait and what you will do while waiting. I love that I can download books to my smartphone, as well as favorite music. I have also become a Twitter addict during those times when I have just a few minutes and want to keep my mind engaged. Best of all, we can reach out to people around us, cementing current relationships or creating new ones. We are all fellow travelers in this life and there is no need feel isolated by waiting in silence. Take time to notice your surroundings; to smell the roses. You will be amazed by the beauty around you.

Leadership and Self-Deception: Movie | Berrett-Koehler Publishers

2011-05-16T09:26:00.000-06:00

This link leads to a short video that describes the need for the Arbinger Institute and the book: Leadership and Self-Deception: Movie Berrett-Koehler Publishers

When did this happen?

2011-04-29T12:24:00.004-06:00

My oldest, Chris, is attending his first prom tomorrow! Yesterday, we went to check on his tuxedo (not ready) and ordered a corsage for his date at Orem Floral. Later, I took him over to the high school for a drivers education class. The question I keep asking myself is, "when did this happen?" He was just little "a few weeks" ago. Suddenly, he's dating, driving the family van through the canyon between St. George and Nevada, needs a new razor, wears a man-sized suit and talks about his future education and career! One other question keeps nagging me: were my parents and my in-laws this clueless when their oldest turned sixteen?

People warned me this would happen. When Chris was a baby, I remember saying out loud that I couldn't wait until...(you can fill in the blank with whatever step was next in his progression) My Father-in-law looked at me very seriously and said that I should NEVER say those words again in relation to my children because they grow up so fast. He told me to enjoy every day and every stage and not to look forward in that way. I really appreciated that advice and have taken it seriously. I believe the result has been that I have felt enormous joy in each new accomplishment. In fact, because of that attitude, my children have become increasingly interesting and entertaining as they have gotten older.

I will say, this latest development caught me a little off-guard and has made me feel a little more "senior" than I'm ready to admit. Tracy believes that because our spirits are eternal that we really don't age very much during our short time in mortality. That may explain why I still feel like I'm pretty close to the same age as my older kids; even if they see me as ancient. I am really enjoying parenting--both the challenges and the rewards.

Speaking of rewards, I had the honor of ordaining Chris to the office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood almost two weeks ago in our home. The Bishop, the Stake President and most of the family were present. Last Saturday I watched Chris baptize Sarah and then I confirmed her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Afterwards, Chris shared his experience of standing in the baptismal font with Sarah and pronouncing the baptismal prayer and thanked me for helping him to prepare spiritually for that experience. It was one of those life-changing experiences. I thought back to my first experience of performing that type of saving ordinance during my mission and felt intense gratitude that Chris was experiencing something similar at such a young age. It was a great pay-off for me as a father. I'm certain that our Heavenly Father feels similar emotions as he watches us progress.

(For any who read this who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I apologize for my use of unfamiliar vernacular. If you ask, I would be happy to answer questions about this last paragraph, as would any member of the church in your acquaintence.)

Rescuer or rescued?

2010-12-27T12:35:00.003-07:00

Just before Christmas my parents came to visit. We had several concerts for my children over the course of a couple days, so Mom & Dad decided to stay overnight. After the Wednesday night concert, my Dad parked in the driveway because in the city they live in, one is not allowed to leave a car parked on the street over night. Because we still had errands to run that night and we expected an early start the next day, I decided to move their car out to the street (which is not illegal where we live). While walking back into the house on this brisk December night, I heard a voice cry out for help. I couldn't see anyone in the vicinity and thought that maybe it was one of the neighbors talking to a family member. As I approached the door of my home, I heard the voice again, insistently crying out for help. I decided to investigate.

As I walked down the street to the east, I saw a neighbor lying on her back in her driveway, struggling to sit up. Next to her was an overturned garbage container that I assumed she was trying to take to the street. As I approached, I could tell that she was in considerable pain and would not be able to get back to her house. When she saw me, she expressed gratitude that someone had heard her cries for help and explained that she had slipped on some ice in the driveway and had fallen on her foot and couldn't get up. I stood her up on her good foot and we started walking/hopping to the front door. Ultimately, I had to pick her up and carry her into the house to a comfortable spot on the couch in the living room. She asked me to get her phone and while in the kitchen I stopped and took some frozen fruit out of the freezer to put on her now, very swollen foot. I asked her what else I could do for her and typical of any good, young mother, she asked me if I could wash her little girls' hands before I left. They had been eating frozen blueberries when she went outside to throw away a dirty diaper. I took care of the girls and asked if I could take her to the hospital, which she declined. After she called her mother to come care for the little girls, I left her there in the living room and called upon my secret weapon of service: my wife Tracy. She quickly went and assessed the situation and created a plan of action. After making sure the girls were cared for by another family member who just happened to show up at the perfect time, Tracy took her to the hospital, made sure that the doctors treated their new patient with respect and even told the doctor exactly what was injured (broken metatarsals 2-4) without seeing an x-ray.

So, what is the take-away for me from this experience? First, that there are no coincidences in life. I left the house at the exact moment I needed to leave so that I would be in a position to help this neighbor in need. She told me that she had only fallen a few seconds before I arrived. I am convinced, that if I hadn't been there, someone else would have been inspired to walk outside within a few minutes. Second, that sometimes a rescuer needs the rescue just as much as the rescued. Giving that kind of service filled my heart with joy and gratitude at a time when I really needed it. I am not saying that this happened to her so that I would be blessed in some cosmic sense. However, I do believe that God can use our particular circumstances to bless our lives as collateral edification. Finally, I am grateful for a caring wife who doesn't take "no" as an answer when someone is in need. I knew that despite any protests of "being okay" from this neighbor would be met with loving, persistent service until her immediate needs were met. It is nice to have that kind of confidence in someone.

My Review of Performance Pullover Quarter Zip

2010-07-07T12:41:00.001-06:00

Originally submitted at SCOTTEVEST, Inc.

""""

There's a reason this pullover is Scotts favorite! The Q-Zip blends the functionality of a jacket and the comfort of a t-shirt. With 3 hidden pockets, you'll have enough room to comfortably

I love my Q-Zip!

By mbrousseau22 from Orem, UT on 7/7/2010

Sizing: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Comfortable, Attractive Design, Warm, Versatile, Great Color, Stylish, Lightweight

Best Uses: Daily Use, Travel, Going Out

Describe Yourself: Classic Dresser

I travel a great deal as part of my profession and decided to try the Q-Zip instead of a light sweater or sweatshirt. I was impressed with the look of the shirt when I received it and found that I wear it for layering every chance I get, not just for travel. I bought a green and a black shirt and liked them so much that I bought a bunch more that I could give away as gifts to some of my co-workers and subordinates with our company logo. The reviews have all been excellent. Thank you for making innovative, high-quality products.

(legalese)

My Review of Hidden Cargo Pants

2010-07-07T12:34:00.001-06:00

Originally submitted at SCOTTEVEST, Inc.

""""

You'll want to wear these pants every day! Featuring 11 hidden pockets and compartments, they offer the carrying space of cargo pants and shorts, yet are streamlined to look like regular khaki...

Hidden Cargo Pants

Great pants!
By mbrousseau22 from Orem, UT on 7/7/2010

4out of 5
Waist: Feels true to size
Inseam: Feels true to length
Pros: Quality Material, Attractive Design, Comfortable
Best Uses: Travel, Casual Wear, Business Casual, Office
Describe Yourself: Bargain Shopper, Career, Classic
I bought a pair of the black hidden cargo pants a few weeks ago and used them immediately on a trip the next day. The pants fit right out of the box and were very comfortable. The pockets do exactly what they are advertised to do: they carry a lot of stuff without making it obvious. The draw string, while useful for some, is a little thick and awkward and can stick out of the pockets. Also, one set of magnetic closures doesn't meet up where it should making one of the hidden pockets bulge open slightly. However, the magnetic closures didn't adversely affect phones or credit cards, though you do have to remember not to put hotel room card in close proximity to your cell phone in an adjacent pocket. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase.
(legalese)

Joy in my posterity

2010-03-22T14:43:00.005-06:00

Last month, all four of my kids were in a production of "Annie" at the Jr. High School. It was so well done! Let me first say that CVJHS does some amazing things in their arts programs! The drama, art and music departments have top-notch teachers who really love their work and just as importantly, love the kids. I grew up playing sports year 'round, so the arts are unfamiliar territory for me. I am so impressed by teachers who care more about the other lessons the kids are learning (tolerance, kindness, honesty, hard work, etc) than they do about just taking a paycheck. Now on to my real reason for writing.

Over the past few weeks, I watched this production of "Annie". I saw three of my kids prepare for "federation" judgment on the piano. I also witnessed Chris give a beautiful talk in church and prepare for a patriarchal blessing (subject for another blog). I listened to Maddie play her first piano solo in church. At the same time, all of the kids struggled to keep up with school work, but all have made the honor roll despite their absolutely crazy schedules. During this time, my work has never been more challenging and demanding--sometimes really discouraging. Yet, I have never felt more fulfilled.

I believe that at least part of our reason for being here on earth is to struggle through the ups and downs of life in a family. Our families provide love, shelter, instruction and protection as children. As parents, our families provide joy. I'm not talking about happiness; that's different. Life in a family is full of challenges, disappointment and sometimes tragedy. Through it all, if we remain faithful to our covenants and commitments, faithful to the people we love, we can find joy in our family. If you want to see joy, watch the face of a parent whose child is performing in a concert or an athletic event. Their eyes light up, they smile and sometimes (unfortunately in my case) even have tears in their eyes. Watch the faces of new parents (or grandparents) holding a newborn who hasn't done a thing for them except hit their health care deductible, and you will see joy. Tracy was asked to give a 12 minute talk at a Stake Conference a couple weeks ago. About 3,000 people heard her speak of the kindness shown to her after her auto-pedestrian accident five years ago. I felt great joy watching her address that group so graciously. She gave a wonderful "sermon" that only she could have given. My reason for writing this blog today is as a reminder for myself to cherish my family and to keep my covenants and promises. I want to remind myself that the sacrifices required of me as a husband and father lead to some very big pay-offs in God's currency: joy.

2010-03-08T16:01:00.002-07:00
I found this great article in an email from the Harvard Business Review:

The Mark of a Great Leader

3:31 PM Friday February 19, 2010 | Comments (40)

Years ago, when most organizations were based on the hierarchical business model of the Industrial Age, great leaders were those who were unemotional, rational, even mechanistic. Those days are gone. Today's leader, especially one who is in charge of a dynamic, global organization, finds himself or herself in desperate need of one key trait — self-awareness.

An organization's success today depends on such a variety of talents and skills that no one leader could possibly be gifted in simultaneously. There are technological issues, global issues, financial issues, human resource issues, leadership issues, employee issues, legal issues, and more. A leader who is self-aware enough to know that he or she is not adept at everything is one who has taken the first step toward being a great leader.

This sort of personal mastery entails having a heightened understanding of one's own behavior, motivators, and competencies — and having "emotional intelligence" — to monitor and manage one's emotional responses in a variety of situations. This variety of situations is not limited to the home office, or the boardroom. It is of a global nature, across cultures which are very different and can be difficult to navigate, especially for those who are not comfortable, knowledgeable, or willing to admit their individual strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has a shortcoming or two — leaders who are willing to admit these, who strive to improve, and who seek out a consulting team to fill in the gaps will 1) encourage followers to do the same and 2) make room for others whose talents lie where theirs don't.

Have you ever worked with a micro-manager? This is someone who thinks he or she needs to be involved in everything that happens within the company. These leaders are closing out the talents of others by not divesting themselves from the day-to-day problem-solving activities of the company. Great leaders let go of the day-to-day, problem-solving activities of the company. Rather, they choose to maximize strategic and relationship-building efforts. These contribute to the forward momentum of the company rather than causing a "bottleneck" at the leader's desk. No one person should do it all — and if they are self-aware, most people will realize that they really aren't capable nor knowledgeable enough to do it all.

Do you recognize the difference between what you need to do versus what you should pass along to your team? Does your boss?

Following is a short list of things you can do to achieve self-awareness and personal mastery in leadership.

·-Monitor your performance. Note areas in which you excel and need improvement. Communicate these to your team.

·-Realize that failures and mistakes are just one step on the road to success.
-Recognize that being aware of the impact that your behavior has on other people is a critical leadership skill.

·-Remember that when criticism is difficult to accept, there is probably some truth to it.

·-And, finally, learn to give yourself and others credit for improving.

Readers: Have you worked for or known a great leader? What made him or her great?

hawaii 09 kids.jpg

2010-03-03T23:55:00.001-07:00

I have to try out this mobile blogging utility! This picture is from our family vacation to Kaui, Hawaii last September. We had a wonderful time together (in part because I left/forgot my blackberry charging at home). It was an unforgettable trip made possible in part by the Burtons who let us use their Marriott timeshare for only the cost of cleaning it. We are so appreciative! I truly loved that time with my family exploring the "garden island" and building our relationships. I have great kids and an even better spouse!

2009-08-27T11:18:00.006-06:00

2009 has been a busy year! I have visited most of the countries I work with during the year (Russia, Ukraine, Canada, UK) as well as a couple new countries (Cyprus, Belarus). I plan to visit Israel before the year is finished as well. It has been an up and down year for our business at NSP. A mature market, Canada, is experiencing their third straight record year, while Israel and Russia have struggled due to war, regulatory changes and a strong US dollar. Hopefully I'm learning all of the lessons I need to learn this year in order to make future years successful.

Evolution (both individual and organizational) is a key to survival in this world. I keep a replica of an Allosaurus claw on my desk to remind me of the importance of evolution. The Allosaurus was the king of the world in its day; a fierce carnivore who terrified other creatures. However, where is the Allosaurus today? Because it couldn't adapt to changing conditions, this once dominant dinosaur is now extinct. I believe people, companies, industries, countries, etc. are the same way. We each have opportunities to re-invent ourselves or to evolve that make us better people, more empathetic and wiser. Squandering those opportunities to improve ourselves leads to a lack of progression and eventually to obsolescence.

My family is changing as well. My fourteen year old son grew from 5'4" to 6'1" in about eighteen months and had his voice drop from alto to baritone. My twelve year old daughter looks more like a woman every day and is starting junior high school. As a parent, I also have to learn to adapt to changing conditions. What worked on my son five years ago, no longer works. In fact, what worked on my oldest has never worked on my second, third or fourth child! They all bring their unique challenges as well as their unique abilities and joy to the family. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have to change or evolve.

Trying to catch up!

2009-02-18T10:17:00.006-07:00

Since my trip to Switzerland with Tracy I have had the opportunity or obligation to travel to a few more destinations. In September I traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, formerly known as Leningrad, to Stratford-upon-Avon, England (birthplace of William Shakespeare) twice, Whistler, Canada, Bournemouth, England, Peterborough, England, Toronto, Canada and Kiev, Ukraine--all on business for Nature's Sunshine Products. I found St. Petersburg of particular interest as it was my first visit to that part of Russia. I learned that St. Petersburg used to be the capital of Russia, but that the Russian government decided that it would be too hard to defend where it sits right by the sea. It is a beautiful coastal city with European architecture that was home to both Catherine the Great and Peter the Great. (I have wondered if there would ever be a Peter the Mediocre--I guess there once was an Ivan the Terrible...) During that trip, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of nearly 12,000 people at a big celebration of Nature's Sunshine and then made a brief presentation to about 2,000 doctors and practitioners the next day in a sold out theatre. It was a wonderful experience. On Saturday I had the opportunity to address about 1,700 of our customers in Kiev, Ukraine.

During these experiences I am often treated very warmly by the attendees; some even want photographs with me and my autograph on their program. I often receive generous compliments about the presentations I give as well. It would be tempting to think that these compliments and requests for photos or autographs are because I am such a great man or a great speaker. However, I have realized that people treat me this way on these tours because they love what I represent: Nature's Sunshine Products. This company and its products have changed their lives in meaningful ways. I saw similar experiences working for XanGo and Neways. I have come to understand that the industry I am in can be dangerous to the soul for those who start "to believe their own press" or who take these compliments too seriously. How can you relate to those who rely on you at home as a father and husband or as a supervisor at work if start to believe that you are that much better than those around you? I believe that the need to stay grounded in reality is not just a problem for people of high profile in my industry but for people of high profile in any industry. As a society we consistently try to deify our celebrities, sports heroes and politicians and we are usually let down when these people start to believe the press and can't live up to our expectations. The Bible says that "pride goeth before the fall" and if we take an honest look at our society, we'll see that there might not be a truer statement. Celebrity brings a feeling of invincibility and power to some and a feeling of paranoid vulerability to others. They feel such pressure to perform that they resort to cheating and cover-ups to retain our affection. Examples include the former governor of Illinois, Alex Rodriguez, Heath Ledger and many others--too many to name in this blog.

I write this to help people see that if you are in a high profile position you need to stay humble and grounded. A sincere belief in God can bring this humility. Surrounding yourself with people who love you enough to tell you the truth helps too. To those who worship our mortal heroes I would ask that you reconsider putting your hope and belief in the arm of flesh. Treat people of position, power or ability like your neighbors with respect and kindness, rather than with a bowed knee.

Switzerland

2008-08-18T15:41:00.004-06:00

I had the opportunity to travel to Lucerne, Switzerland with my wife to host some of Nature's Sunshine Products' biggest customers from around the world. We had a wonderful time getting to know a few new people and getting reacquainted with friends from last year's Top Achievers Club (TAC) participants. During the stay in Lucerne we were able to visit the Stanserhorn, Mount Rigi, the capital city of Bern, and Interlaken. The amazing thing about this country, aside from its fastidious cleanliness is that each time you turn a corner, there is a new, beautiful, postcard-esque vista. Unfortunately, the dollar is very weak at the moment (about 1:1 with the Swiss Franc) so spending money in Switzerland is uncomfortable.

I was very proud of Tracy during this trip for several reasons. First, she conducted herself with her usual grace and friendliness. People from all walks of life are drawn to her open, non-judgmental personality and her authenticity. They find themselves eagerly sharing details about their lives that they would rarely share, even with the closest friends. Secondly, she spoke German throughout the trip, despite the Swiss proclivity for English. She spoke with confidence and command of the language even though it has been over fifteen years since she last spoke the language regularly. Lastly, Tracy attended church by herself on Sunday, the first day after our arrival. She called the church Sunday morning, conferred with the Concierge for directions, exchanged some currency and took the bus to church. On top of that, she was asked to interpret two of the three meetings she attended for an American couple who were new to the area! What a woman! It is such a blessing to have married an intelligent, refined, cultured and drop-dead gorgeous woman of accomplishment. She even does cross-word puzzles in ink! What a genius! I honestly don't know where I would be in life without her.

The Swiss are also a very talented group of people. From the beginning of their school careers, they are required to learn German, French and English. Many also learn Italian and other world languages like Russian and Chinese. They seem to be a very disciplined people who have created structure in their culture in every area from the lack of litter on their streets to their intricate banking rules. They are students of other cultures and strive to make their country a welcoming place. I'm certain that their neutrality has been achieved at a heavy price. If I ever earn enough to own a European summer home, Switzerland is certainly at the top of the list of places to look into.

Recent Travels (cont.)

2008-05-21T12:05:00.004-06:00

Immediately following the trip to Warsaw, Poland I had the opportunity to meet with NSP distributors in Budapest, Hungary. What a beautiful city! You can tell that it was once one of the crown jewel cities of eastern Europe. This first picture is of the royal palace and it happens to be the view from my window at the Intercontinental Hotel on the Danube River. The food was lovely, the scenery was gorgeous and the atmosphere was very peaceful and calm.

During the last year and a half it has been really interesting to visit various countries in the region. I have been to the Ukraine, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. I have come to appreciate the oppressive effects of occupation by German and Russian military forces. People everywhere want the freedom of self-determination. They long for a connection to their ancestors and to the good things produced by their fore bearers. It makes me appreciate in another context the meaning of the words we use. When the press calls the US military and 'occupying force' in Iraq and when they accuse our government of empire-building they are trying to link present events to past events in a bias-forming and an emotionally charged and ultimately inaccurate way. To my knowledge, when our soldiers have fought overseas, we have asked only for a little land wherewith to bury our dead, not for fealty or subservience. It is indeed sobering to think of the time, treasures and progress lost to 20th century colonialism and totalitarianism.

Recent Travels

2008-05-20T22:43:00.004-06:00

In April I met with General Managers from Nature's Sunshine Canada, UK/Ireland and Israel along with several of my Utah-based co-workers in Warsaw, Poland. The picture to the right is of me in front of the Presidential Palace in the Warsaw Old Town. We spent several days working together on various projects, reporting on Q1 successes and challenges, and looking forward through the rest of 2008. I have a deep appreciation for the people I work with. They are people of character and personality who work extremely hard at their jobs.

I was touched by the modern (WWII) history of Polish people and the Uprising of 1946. German forces occupied Poland during much of the war. Almost every monument or reminder of Polish history and culture was destroyed by the Nazis, erasing the past of a people who have made considerable contributions to the world of music, art and literature. Then their Russian "liberators" (quotes were added by our Polish guide during our tour) fought the Germans, not on German soil, but on Polish soil, razing most of Old Warsaw. Our guide spoke with a great deal of sarcasm and disdain for both occupying army and explained to us that Warsaw has the "newest old town" of any capital city in Europe. During WWII, more than 800,000 Warsaw inhabitants died in the work camps and concentration camps--about half of that number were Jewish.

It is good to see that the city and the country are again growing and thriving. People there seemed well-educated and polite and, as usual, I was amazed by how many people speak English proficiently. We will be opening a new subsidiary there in the near future so I anticipate traveling there again soon. The Poles are extremely proud of their heritage and eager to reestablish themselves as producers of culture and commerce--not just consumers. Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to spend time in a beautiful country.

Parenting Chris

2008-03-21T14:22:00.002-06:00
I wanted to quickly share an experience I had recently with my twelve, almost thirteen, year old son Chris. We had planned for months to attend a Boy Scout camp-out called the Klondike during the first weekend in February. During the weeks leading up the the event, we had purchased Chris a new parka, thermals, gloves, etc. to prepare him for the cold weather in the Wasatch mountains of northern Utah. The day before the Klondike, my niece Sophia, his cousin passed away at eight months old. We were all devastated. Originally, the funeral was planned for the following Monday, but that Friday morning, the family decided to hold the funeral on Saturday morning. I realized that there was really no way that we could take all of our equipment to the Klondike in Payson Canyon, stay the night and then get up early enough to pack our gear and get our family to Salt Lake City in time for the funeral. As I explained the situation to Chris he became distraught over the thought of missing out on an experience that he had been anticipating for months. I presented several options to him and gave him time to think things over. Chris tried negotiating with Tracy, who told him to seek the help of our Heavenly Father in determining where he was most needed.

About an hour before our scheduled departure Chris tearfully approached me with the compromise that we could go up with the troop, have dinner, help with the set up and spend the evening with group. Then we could return home that night, sleep in our own beds and prepare the next morning for the funeral and other family events on Saturday. This would allow him at least some participation with his friends and full participation with the family. He told me that he believed that the family was more important than his activity with his friends and that he wanted to be there to support his aunt and uncle. I was so proud of Chris that day! I thought he exhibited great maturity and wisdom in reaching what I believe was the right decision.

A friend of mine would call this a "guided discovery" experience for Chris and a very important step in his development towards adulthood. Life is full of sacrifices; giving up something good for something better or giving up something better for something 'best.' We attended the funeral as a family that Saturday in complete unity. We mourned together and offered comfort to the parents of the deceased. It was an important experience that will bind our family (nuclear and extended) for the rest of our lives. I thank God for his guidance and inspiration during these times of decision in life.

As a side note, my parents and each of my siblings attended at least part of the services that day in support of the Parker and Burton families (my in-laws). I was so proud to be a part of the Brousseau family and felt more loved and supported than at any other point in my life. I am so grateful to have been raised in such a wonderful family and to have married into an equally wonderful family!

New LDS website

2008-03-03T10:40:00.003-07:00
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has just released news of a new website at http://www.jesuschrist.lds.org. This website is one that can be used at home and as a place to send people who have questions about the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Hopefully people of all faiths will find useful information on this site that will build faith and edify.

My Testimony

2008-02-28T19:32:00.003-07:00

My testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ started in my childhood. In 1975 David Yandow and his family introduced my parents to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a summer visit to our home in Vermont. The first time we attended church we attended meetings in the morning at the Burlington Ward and sacrament meeting that afternoon at the Sharon Ward. Between meetings we toured the Joseph Smith birthplace and memorial. At that sacrament meeting, two elders spoke. They expressed deep love for their families and touching testimonies of Jesus Christ. I remember wanting to be like them. During the ensuing months we met with several sets of missionaries, including two elderly sisters who taught us to sing "I am a Child of God." That song still touches my heart and influences my decisions.

One year after my parents were baptized we drove over one thousand miles to the Washington Temple in Washington D.C. My mother was eight and a half months pregnant with her fourth child. The quiet of the temple impressed me, as did the very tall automatic doors. My siblings and I were cared for in the temple nursery by a Sister Smith, whose sister was the missionary in Vermont who taught our family to sing "I am a Child of God." (Small world, isn't it?) She dressed us in white clothes and took us to the sealing room to meet our parents. At the conclusion of the ceremony, I told my parents that we were theirs forever. I felt a tender spirit that day as we looked into the opposing mirrors and saw our family reflection repeated endlessly.

A year later I was baptized by my father. My bishop, Larry Hugo, gave me a small tile square from the crumbling baptismal font as a reminder of the day. I felt a certain warmth and approval from heaven that day. These experiences and many others from my youth formed the foundation of my testimony. My parents had a great influence on me growing up. Even during times of questioning, I never doubted their testimonies. This gave me the determination to seek answers to my questions in the scriptures and in prayer.

During my adolescence I had several significant spiritual witnesses of the truthfulness of the gospel. I attended youth temple trips to Washington D.C. each year that strengthened my testimony. My favorite part of those trips was the testimony meeting we would have during the return bus trip. We would take turns going to the front of the bus and using the PA system on the bus to share our feelings about the work we had just done.

Another experience took place during cross-country season my senior year in high school. I went on a training run late in the season with two teammates; one was the defending state champion and the other finished in the top ten runners in the state that year. We were instructed by our coach to run a loop around our town that was eight miles long. To keep things interesting, the coach had marked the beginning and ending of three one-mile segments spaced throughout the course. He wanted us to complete each mile in under five minutes and twenty seconds. A little over half way through the run, just after completing the second of the three timed mile segments I started to feel very tired. I started contemplating the promises associated with the Word of Wisdom and wondered why I could feel so tired when the promises were so clear. As we approached the last timed mile and the end of our workout, I made a pact with our Heavenly Father. I determined that in an effort to test the Word of Wisdom I would run that last mile at a sprint pace. If I survived the run, I would know of the truthfulness of the promise. Not only did I complete the mile in under four and a half minutes, but I felt a surge of energy that filled my body and made me feel like I could complete the entire workout all over again. I felt tremendous joy and confidence in the Lord that day.

About one year later, I had started my first year at BYU and shared a room in Deseret Towers Q-Hall with a young man from my stake named Bill Tufts. I had been set apart as an Elder in the Melchezidek Priesthood before moving to Utah and had been subsequently called as a counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency in my BYU ward. This was a time of decision making for me. I was away from home for the first time and I was surrounded by people either returning from the mission field or deciding to leave for missionary service. Naturally I questioned my desire to serve a mission. I knew that my parents wanted me to go, but I felt that I lacked a confirmation that the Lord wanted me to serve. I spent weeks talking to returned missionaries, praying and studying the scriptures. Then one day President Ezra Taft Benson came to speak at BYU. I could tell that he had entered the building long before he appeared on the floor of the Marriott Center by the spirit I felt. As he walked onto the Marriott floor, a hush fell over the congregation and then spontaneously the group began to sing "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet." As tears streamed down my face I received a sure witness that I was in the presence of a true prophet of God. Later that night, I knelt at my bedside and said a thankful prayer that lasted for some time. The longer I prayed, the faster things for which I was grateful came to my mind. After a certain amount of time, things came to my mind so fast that my lips could no longer keep pace. At the end of this prayer, I asked Heavenly Father if my serving a mission was His will and then I retired to bed. In the middle of the night I was awakened by a voice that told me to read my Book of Mormon. Not knowing where to read, I opened the book at random to 2 Nephi chapter thirty and started to read. Verses three through eight seemed to leap off the page as I read Nephi's prophesy that many of the Gentiles would read Nephi's words and take them throughout the world to the remnant of his seed and teach them of Jesus Christ. This experience convinced me that I needed to serve a mission and served as a pattern from that day forward as one of the Lord's methods for communicating personal revelation to me.

During my eight weeks in the Missionary Training Center I had one of my most significant spiritual experiences. During one of our evening classes our teacher, Scott Lloyd, taught us about the Plan of Salvation. I had been praying for humility for several days and that night had a revelation open to my mind. I was permitted to see myself as I really was, not as I wanted to think I was. I was grieved by what I saw; so much so that I started to weep right there in the classroom, seated at my desk. I realized that I was not the person I pretended to be or wanted to be. I felt unworthy of the blessings the Lord had given me, including the blessing of being an ambassador for Jesus Christ on the earth. I felt absolutely miserable and ashamed before God. Then, after some time passed I felt a warmth envelop my shoulders, almost like an arm being wrapped around me. I heard a voice in my mind that filled me with comfort that said to me, "This is what you are; but I know what you can be." Instantly, my grief was replaced by a feeling that I was loved and my weeping only increased. At this point, however, my tears were joyful and grateful for a loving Savior who suffered and died that I might live and realize my divine potential. That experience changed my life forever. From that time forward I rededicated my life to living correctly and to serving the Lord to the best of my ability. My mission provided many other experiences that improved my understanding and deepened my love for my God. I will be eternally grateful for that opportunity to focus all of my energy and effort on serving the Lord and my fellowman.

Current News

2008-02-28T19:00:00.002-07:00
I am married to the beautiful and talented Tracy Burton from Salt Lake City (Highland High School, BYU, WordPerfect, Novell) and we have four beautiful children: Chris (13), Madeline (11), Stephen (8) and Sarah (5). We were married in 1992 in the LDS temple in Salt Lake City by Elder Robert D. Wells emeritus member of the First Quorum of Seventy. We are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and we believe that the Lord has blessed us richly during our sixteen years of marriage.

You may notice that I have included our family mission statement at the top of the main page of this blog. This beautiful statement is the result of several extended-family gatherings and it has been adopted by the families of the children of Joe and Kathy Brousseau. It means a great deal to us all. I have also included a picture of the family crest the Brousseaus have adopted under the picture of my family. The two mountains symbolize the mountains of Vermont and Utah, the temple (or mountain of the Lord) and the traits of being steadfast and immovable. The rising sun symbolizes the risen Lord Jesus Christ, the morning of the resurrection and the hope of tomorrow. The colors represent loyalty (blue), truth & light (yellow) and growth (green). Again, this is a symbol that means a great deal to our family.

Currently, I am working for a company called Nature's Sunshine Products (NSP) as their Area Director for Canada, Europe and the Middle East. My work took me to thirteen different countries last year: Canada, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Haiti, UK, Italy, the Vatican, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Israel and Russia. I spoke to groups as large as 10,000 people (Kiev, Ukraine), floated in the Dead Sea and walked where Jesus walked in Jerusalem and Nazareth. So far this year I have visited Canada, Israel, Jordan and the UK. I am really enjoying my work for NSP. It is great to work for a company with high standards for products and employee behavior and in a place where I trust my boss and co-workers.

Life is Good!

Introduction

2008-02-28T13:27:00.001-07:00
A co-worker talked me into creating a blog so here it goes. To introduce myself and my family I should start at the beginning. I was born and raised a 'green mountain boy' in Essex Junction, Vermont. I loved growing up in Vermont. We lived a relatively sheltered life with good friends and fun times. I attended school at the Summit Street School, Fleming School, Albert D. Lawton middle school (the oldest middle school in America) and I graduated from Essex Junction High School in 1987. During High School I lettered in three sports (Cross-Country, Basketball and Baseball), spent three years on the Student Council, and was voted Most Spirited and Friendliest in my senior class. I also had the privilege of representing my school at Boy's State where I was elected the Vermont Boy's State Treasurer and the first alternate to represent the state at Boy's Nation. Despite the awards and apparent popularity I enjoyed in my youth, I was also regarded by my peers as a little different or weird because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormon church. (www.lds.org) I was rarely teased about my beliefs and in fact most people seemed to respect my beliefs to the point that on occasion, people would rush to my rescue if someone offered me alcohol or tobacco at parties. I'll write more about my childhood and adolescence later.

Following high school I attended Brigham Young University for one scholastically tumultuous, but socially extraordinary year. I lived in the now-razed Deseret Towers. I tried out for both the baseball and basketball teams my freshmen year. I was cut from the baseball tryouts at the end of the last day--I think I was the last player cut! I was offered an opportunity to play with the BYU JV team, but turned it down because of the number of scholarship players they had at my position. I played intramural hoops instead and our team finished in second place in the 3A division.

Following my first year at BYU I returned home to Vermont and worked for about six months before leaving on an LDS mission to Geneva, Switzerland! I was able to use and improve the French I had studied from Jr. High through my first year in college. My mission was one of the most important, life-altering experiences I will ever have. There is rarely a day that goes by without thoughts of lessons learned during that two-year adventure. I will write more reflections about my mission and finish getting you, the readers, up to date on my life. I think this is going to be a great experience.