Onward Christian Soliders

Sorry if this post isn't as good.  Blogger deleted the entire post just before I went to publish.  Nothing like a little frustration to start the post but I did get inspiration after waiting this week through the election results and avoiding most social media sites...

I bet you sang the title (or now are singing it in your head).  This week has been obviously unique from most as the United States again elected a President to fill the Executive Branch of our government.  I don't have any need to go further than that except to say that whether or not you are happy about the election results, none of that matters.  Seriously.  This is hardly a blip in the vast radar screen of time and all eternity.  What does matter is that you are faithful in your prayers and your service to your fellow man.  And that you treat your fellow man with the same love Jesus Christ gave as part two of the greatest commandment.  During this year and many years previous since the institution of Social Media, I have found a few falsehoods that should be brought up in regards to loving your fellow man:

1.  Facts and Laws PROVE things
I take you back to your 6-8th grade of science.  We learn all about predictions, theories, and laws.  Yeah, I still have to dust off that section of my brain too.  That one experiment you did for the fair PROVED potatoes produce electricity/baking soda causes explosions right?  Right?  Well, it produced an often repeatable result.  But you started with the question, "What will happen if..." and made a prediction.  You merely represented a possibility of action.  Stay with me and ponder this while we move on to fact...

Facts are data.  Seriously that easy.  Number of people in my household at 5:54 PM is x.  Crickets chirp at x chirps per minute at x temperature.

Laws are rubrics to piece together facts.  Laws are longstanding theories but still require interpretation and... they can change!  Even the Lord has had laws enabled that were fulfilled (Law of Moses anyone?).

Don't be wooed into this pattern of "(Group stereotype) is DESTROYED by this fact" I see so often these days.  Facts are data.  Laws are rubrics.  Only the Lord can establish commandments.

2. America is divided.
Yes, America has division.  But everywhere has divisions.  Are you married?  You have divisions.  But America is not choosing sides.  You can choose more than two options in life.  Remember "Good, Better, Best"?  It still applies.

We see a lot of bad things daily (or nightly depending on the shift).  But you can't judge the world by instances.  ALL of the people you meet are Children of God.  Some are choosing different paths than you but that doesn't make you divided.  Some of the people you deem as worthy representatives, others find distasteful or worse, evil.  We are all in different stages of life and the gradient of opinions is greater than the easy "choose the left or right" we all see.

America is full of strong-willed people like many other countries.  The Lord has humbled us many times and we see often the swallowing of pride to unify and uplift each other.  Be that quiet side of the social media that serves to serve, not to make a YouTube Top 10.  Be the representative for what is good behind our flag.

So what have we learned?  Hopefully something beneficial and spiritual.  I was unexpectantly moved to tears today while singing the 3rd verse of the Star Spangled Banner (we had a Hymn Sing sacrament meeting... ask if you don't know what that is).  I struggled through the 2nd verse but was completely overcome by the lyrics by the last:

"Oh, thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

I actually am tearing up again reading this.  THIS is what America is.  THIS is what we fight for every time we load up and move out.

Don't despair, LEOs.  We may have losses (including again today).  Your mourning band is wearing out as is mine.  But we trust in God.  We fight for goodness and love of our fellow man.  Keep going.

God bless this country to allow us to keep serving each other and the world.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Politics and Religion Together?!

November is on it's way so my preface is promoting.  I am doing another Reader's Choice and Spouse questions post by the end of November/first of December.  Please forward your questions from yourself, your spouse, or other LEOs.  The most anonymous way is actually commenting (disregard the previous post about email unless you are like all of us with a "burner email").  I have the settings moved to ensure you have anonymity.  And personally, I like that idea.  I will also post the questions posed (and edit/generalize again for anonymity) so we can all answer each other with more than my meager experience.  Sorry for the interruption of post....

Many of you have been fully aware of the political banter happening between some members of our church and certain political parties.  I am not putting any of the full details here because obviously I want you to be uplifted after reading, not more likely to delete this website from your browsing history.  I honestly think a lot of that is just a joke.  The enjoyment I see is the activity of our members in whichever party or group they subscribe to and the outreach to make informed and appropriate decisions.  Some decisions are difficult.  We may feel forced to pick poor choices.  We may feel like nothing we choose matters.  But let me remind you that you are a part of this Earth. And in so being, you are a part of the decisions and voices for good.

Take a look at 3 Nephi 9.  Here the world as the Nephites know it has be utterly let desolate.  Cities have been leveled.  The survivors are mourning and fearing.  Then, the voice of the Lord offers comfort and a question I was left reflecting thanks to my Gospel Doctrine instructor today:

(Verse 13) "O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"

These are the survivors of terrible tragedy.  These are the more righteous of the people of the Earth.  Any yet they are told to repent of their sins and be converted.  This is a reminder to us all that being on a list of the one true church does not mean we are all set.  We have to be constantly growing in the gospel.  We have to keep progressing.  And we have to be a part of the betterment of others.  Isn't that why you took this career?  Don't give up.  Christ isn't here yet.  And if you take anything from this verse, even if He was here, we aren't done yet.  Your participation in the betterment of this Earth is required if you wish to stay on the right hand of God.  Don't give into the politics.

Now of course I am suggesting discussing both Taboo Topic #1 (Politics) and Taboo Topic #2 (Religion).  Take a deep breath.  Its only taboo because people fear having an opinion and being themselves.  Don't get suckered into anger and don't give into the quietness of fear.  You are part of this Earth!  Now study up on the topics and vote for the people and items YOU discern as best with the assistance of the spirit.  And when you finish, go back to the service you do both at work and not.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

A-Type is only a type

At times, I have always wondered if I am some anomaly in the law enforcement world.  I do enjoy catching "dirtbags," but the concept of being a sheepdog like an attack German Shepard has always been a little foreign to me.  Don't get me wrong, the need to act is not something to compromise.  Safety for sure.  But the need to be a billy club welding authoritarian seems a little much for an 8-12 hour shift.  Thus the title of this post: A-Type is only a type.

Think about the Lord's personality.  He was firm and loving at the same time.  We can be the same.  We can counsel and love while still upholding the laws and consequences of actions.  I have definitely been guilty of letting passion overtake my emotions.  Nothing drives anger more than presumed "righteous" retaliation.  No one should feel less for allowing anger for misdeeds done to the innocent.  But it is when we let that anger fester beyond reasonable that our loss of control can turn situations far worse.  I should have prefaced this entire block by saying I am not suggesting what you personally are doing is wrong.  In fact, I believe pretty much all of you reading are in fact doing right by the Lord and your fellow man.  I am merely putting into your mind the need of constant re-evaluation.

This world we live in can be a cruel judge of character.  23.999 hours a day, LEOs around the world successfully protect the public from the evil out there.  You perform tremendous work even through stress, persecution, and sleep deprivation.  You serve when you are sick, when you are hungry, when you are depressed.  You watch over the community in areas where you are at a ration greater than 1000 citizens per 1 LEO.  And you do all this without a single blemish.  Until the one .0005 second incident when you lost sight.  Then all of the years of work is wiped away to put your blemish on display.  We have seen a lot of this thanks to the wonderful and ever changing age of information.  You could still find yourself in this position regardless of what you do, but maybe this small reminder will help decrease your odds.

Ok, now back to the encouragement.  You are your own type.  While we all share qualities befitting a LEO, those qualities are only one part of you.  B-Z types are all still needed.  Do not let anger or fear guide your life.  Practice safety and your verbal judo.  Counsel after custody.  Use all of the talents the Lord has blessed you with.  And remember still the spiritual nature of your talents.  There are many type of sheepdogs in the world (seriously, look it up.  There are a ton).  Be the one Heavenly Father has prepared you to be.

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

PS I am hoping to do another round of both the Reader's Choice and Spouse questions.  The goal is to have the posts by Thanksgiving.  Please forward your questions from other LEOs if they are too afraid to post.  The most anonymous way is emailing me (because I know that was a concern last go around).  I will also post the questions posed to all of you for answering (again, email for anonymity) so we can all learn together.  Thank you.

How are you really?

Today's question is one I have been pondering since General Conference more heavily.  While I would love to dive into the different conference talks, I think that is inspiration best left to you to gain personally.  So after this, go read another talk because this one was amazing.

So how are you doing?  Probably a question up there with, "what's up?" or "how about this weather?" but this time you are reading it... and I actually think you should think about it.  Many might respond, "surviving" or "pretty good" but those answers are lame and not productive in anything more than moving on to the next subject.  Are you feeling downtrodden?  Maybe angry?  Having a trial day?  Or maybe you are having a great time and the world is just peachy.  Maybe you are happy or excited.  Is your mind calling to attention now how you are really doing?  Good.  Let's begin.

The world judges state of mind by others.  Some choose to be optimistic, some pessimistic, some scientific, some existential, and so on.  None of these are how you are really doing.  No accommodation or reprimanding from work can say how you are doing.  The only way you can see how you are doing is by comparing to yourself.  You are your rubric.  You are the graph and chart of your well-being.

Let me hammer this home: you are the only person that matters when it comes to your progression or regression.  Period.  Get off Facebook, Pintrest, Twitter and the like for comparison.  Stop looking at others lives and how great they are compared to you.  Take advice with a grain of salt (yes even mine).  Dive into the scriptures for guidance.  Seek for the spirit in your study and prayers.  Ask the Lord to assist you in your personal advancement.  Be inspired from doctrine.  Go back and review conference (seriously, it was awesome).  Now let's review:

- You are your only comparison standard.  If you are progressing or not, improve and continue.
- Stop using other comparisons not approved by the Lord.  This is a long-term hike, not a race.
- Ask yourself, "how am I doing, really?" often and answer honestly.  It's ok if you use the blow-off comments discussed when it isn't you asking.

I hope this self-reflection helps.  One last piece of advice... with the reminder that I am not the prophet or a set of scriptural doctrine: you are doing better than you think. 

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Tears may fall but good people still rise

Nothing hurts worse than an amazing week followed by tragedy. We were truly blessed by our Prophets and Apostles last weekend. Nothing I would have written could have compared to the amazing spirit felt listening. And yet from that day on, our mourning bands and moments of silence were abruptly and reluctantly returned to the forefront.  And here we are again, trying to find good in a lone and dreary world. Here is my small contribution to your healing:

Satan thrives on your fear and hate. He wants you to be angry and hardened towards those who do ill. Contrast that with what Heavenly Father and Jesus desire. We are here to find joy. This is not to say bad things won't happen, because we are all free to make choices. And others are free to make choices. Sometimes tragedy happens. But as I was reminded in General Conference, this is not the end. We are preparing our lives for our Eternal life.

Don't let bad things crush you. Rise above the filth. Rise above the hate. Rise above the smut. Eliminate the sources of your pain. Replace your time spent digging into the dirt of the world with articles of God. Chatter at work and among friends will happen, but steer the conversation toward something productive. Serve and teach. Live and love. You are the good men and women willing to fight evil so do so to the fullest!

Remember that you are a child of God. He cares about your feelings. Reach out to him.

May you find peace in the whirlwind. Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Refocus and Remember

I have unfortunately not been able recently to post last week again due to recent events and some personal ones.  Thankfully, most of the events have been weighted toward good rather than sadness.  But the newsfeeds we are being bombarded by seem to be heavily toward criticism, anger, sadness and the like.  LEOs, we have certainly been tested these past few weeks.  Please don't be downhearted.  As with many of the saints of old, trials are normal.  Hatred of good is always present.  misunderstanding and unrighteous judgement are and will continue to exist.  For those in mourning, realize this life has always been a short one.  Why bring up these less-than-inspiring facts?  Because we don't rely on a worldly understanding of morality, judgement, or plan.  Our plan relies on those who are actually reliable: the Godhead.

I was listening to April's General Conference and came across the talk "Always Remember Him."  While not all of the talk is specific to this post, I really enjoyed a return to basic principles and my testimony was truly strengthened.  There was a story discussing the seemingly unfairness that sometimes accompanies us in this life.  The story discusses a woman who had a desire to to become a journalist but was told she would work in the sewers.  I am not going to spoil it because you MUST read it to fully get the truths and testimony behind it.  Read it.  Seriously.  Back to my point...

This story ended with the following:

"She told me, “I feel I should treat that man better than he treated me—but I do not have that strength.” Sometimes that strength is not within us, but it can be found in remembering the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

When trust is betrayed, dreams shattered, hearts broken and broken again, when we want justice and need mercy, when our fists clench and our tears flow, when we need to know what to hold onto and what to let go of, we can always remember Him. Life is not as cruel as it can sometimes seem. His infinite compassion can help us find our way, truth, and life.

When we remember His words and example, we will not give or take offense."

I was struck by this (especially the middle paragraph).  I have felt this pain.  We all have.  We have all cried for true justice.  We have all cried for mercy.  But life is in fact not as unfair as we perceive.  And though maybe currently we feel our pleas are on deaf ears, sometimes that comfort needs to begin with our own humility and diligence.

I was pondering the temporal bickering recently and coming up with quick jabs of response and possible ways to verbally combat the injustice and hatred.  Now of course, I realize the stupidity of my quest in that airing all the "facts" and "dirty laundry" of others rarely if ever would actually solve anything.  While in my "planning phase," thankfully, the Lord stepped in.  I was caught up thinking of some of the spiritual needs I had neglected.  I prayed and pondered ways to improve my own self.  Of course, it started as a way to gain spiritual fodder to combat the bickering.  Meanwhile, my mind was brought along a long standing question I had.  The Lord helped me find and gain revelation to answer a question I had near 15 years ago.  It was mind-blowing!  I hadn't felt that kind of genuine joy in study/understanding since midway through my mission.  This isn't to say I haven't had great inspiration, but not as many due to my own diligence.

Only after this great experience did I realize this was actually an answer to my real goal of finding joy in the trials.  I had wanted to combat the bickering but really, I needed to find joy in the turmoil often described as life.  The Lord reminded me, much like the General Conference talk, that there is a plan.  It is a Plan of Happiness.  Some days require enduring some (or a lot) of unpleasantness.  But that is not the point of life.  The point of life is to gain a body, be tested to increase ourselves, and return to our Father in Heaven ready to continue our Eternal progression.  We are not here to win a race, indulge in pleasure, or prove we are the best.  It is not to show our power, or prove we are more righteous.  We are all children of God and therefore everyone is a brother or sister to each other.  What good family would let each other be in misery if they could help them out of it?

So let's all take a pause from the "____ DESTROYS ____ and their position with this video" and move toward uplifting each other.  Change the angry subject to something productive.  Reach out and provide service.  Don't give up LEOs.  You are precious in the sight of the Lord.  All His children are.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Heroes Never Die

LEOs, today is a solemn one. I am sure all of you know the memories that are flooding back today. Some of you started this career due to today's events 15 years ago. Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when it happened. Terror. Panic. Anger. Sadness. All those feelings satan wants us to live by. Maybe you questioned your beliefs. Maybe you pondered revenge. Maybe you just thought it wasn't real. But all of you stepped up to meet the opposition and serve.

Today, we honor the sacrifice of heroes and more importantly the recognition that all people have the potential for greatness and empathy if given the chance. 15 years ago we bonded. Political rivals, high school bullies, racisms, family feuds, and the likes all disappeared in an instant for common concern for each other. We gave comfort. We cried together. We prayed together. We served together.

15 years is a long time to remember back to. Traumatic incidents will burn images in our minds but even those memories can fade with time. Let's remember our heroes. Ponder their sacrifice. Realize some gave their lives in a perfect emulation of our Savior. Pray for peace but also go and publish it. "Never Forget" is more than a special phrase meant to encourage unity. "Never Forget" is a plea, and one we find often in the scriptures. Never forget all the sacrifices others have given but if you do, remember. You are all the protectors against evil. Now go chase the wolves away from His sheep.

Mourn then take courage.

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Righteous Warrior

Today, I had the chance to listen to and participate in the "War Scriptures" in Alma (Lesson 31).  Read them.  They are a great reminder.  In fact, let me show you a bit from the Study Guide I found:

"How can you apply [principles of the gospel learned in Alma] in dealing with conflict...

a. Fight only for righteous reasons

b. Have no hate toward your enemies; seek their best interest as well as your own

c. Live righteously and trust in God

d. Follow righteous and wise leaders"

Okay, on the ... it said "in your personal life" but I thought it was good advice for ALL conflict.  Now, I am sure you can all come to your own conclusions and I had a few of my own.  But the list here is the part I really felt impressed to remind all of us about.  So I will go in order:

a. We chose and were directed to this career.  Our reasons are to protect our community, our families, and our rights.  You can insert a myriad of other reasons here, just make sure you have those on the ready and on your mind.  I carry a 3"x5" card with my list.

b. This is hard.  The world constantly tells us lots of hypocritical information on this matter.  But the Lord is clear: Love thy neighbor as thyself.  Thankfully there is some clarification that we can still seek our own best interest.  It is hard to love dirtbags in the heat of the moment.  Heck, it his hard to love good people in the heat of bad moments too.  It doesn't mean justice shouldn't be sought.  It just means that mercy, understanding, counseling, and other worthy interests should also be applied.

c. Living a life centered in the gospel should take a lifetime.  The problem is that we don't know when that timer is up so basically we need to be worthy constantly.  Or at the bare minimum, working full-hearted toward that point.  No "sandbagging" like some of those really salty beat partners.  And trust in God is really easy to say.  I mean, we even print it on all kinds of government and monetary items.  But trust is earned through trying.  Sometimes I think people get bent out of shape about Heavenly Father because they put their trust in an outcome, not His will.  And trust in God often takes more time than the time it takes to trust that the sun will come up.  So we need to use our faith in His plan to build that trust.

d. Everyone has an opinion about today's leadership inside and outside the church.  We do it with every use of force video.  We do it with every new brass promotion.  We do it with every new recruit and trainee.  The Monday Morning Quarterbacking rules the secular world.  Everyone has an opinion about why someone performed a task.  My encouragement is to do exactly as it simply states: follow righteous and wise leaders.  These leaders show us ways we can improve ourselves.  These leaders help us lead righteously and wisely.  And since we are on this topic specifically...

GENERAL CONFERENCE IS IN LESS THAN A MONTH

Loud enough?  Good.  I know most of us will likely have to miss some or all of the actual broadcast.  But that should never be an excuse not to prepare.  And we should all take on this commitment:
Read or listen to prior conferences every day until conference.  Take that commitment and know that you will be blessed with that one thing you have been stuck on.  I know it works and I am taking the commitment too.  Seriously, no slacking.  Follow your righteous and wise leaders. 

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Jumpstart

So this week I am attempting to make up for my absence last week. We get busy sometimes and I am using that general excuse. Moving on...

Are we in atrophy in the gospel? Harsh I know. But really are we in atrophy? Are you feeling the spirit?

Some of you out there are fresh in the LEO world and others are old salty dogs. And the rest of you fall somewhere in between. But no matter where you fall in that category, all of us need a reality check and to update ourselves. Just because you were taught one way doesn't mean that's the only way. And also just because you've always done it a certain way doesn't mean that's the best way.  And so it works the same with the gospel.

I know I've had to seriously ponder this recently.  Are we coasting or are we progressing? Of course the hope is that we're never digressing. But even if you are, there's ways to get back.

Start by jumpstarting yourself. Heck, you have enough time to read this take some extra time to read some scriptures! Ponder your fast offerings. Ponder your tithing. Get your family prayers in order. But more than anything commit yourself to something. And if what you're committing yourself to seems weak, step it up and go bigger!

Also, don't worry if it seems daunting. I've had to do this process a ton of times and I'm clearly not there yet. The reasoning behind my bluntness is to bring about the observance of self. Sounds pretty touchy-feely but if you are unaware of where you're lacking then you can't ever hope to improve. Even reading this you probably have already thought of what you need to do. Write it down and do it. Writing this just now made me think of another thing to do so I will take my own advice.  And just as the Missionaries would say, you're going to have to keep yourself accountable. So make a date for you to check with yourself to see if you're still improving.

I hope this helps. I also hope today's post makes up for my lack of post last week. And I hope nobody takes offense to my bluntness. Though I imagine you are pretty thick skinned by now.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Two Masters, One Advantage

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed the Spouse Q&A.  I certainly want to keep that up!  Keep up the comments!

So today's issues are still out there.  Don't even bother getting on a media feed right now for further proof.  Sometimes I feel like the world is just screaming over and over again.  There is a definite dichotomy in our world.  And yet, the dichotomy is not so severe that people can't just to the other side.  Seriously, you aren't set in any ways you can't jump out of.  Yes it is true that you cannot serve two masters.  And yes if you aren't serving the Lord, you are serving Satan.  BUT... you can decide what side you are always.

Today, I had a lesson in listening.  Some spiritual words and thoughts I really felt the spirit.  I loved every minute of the lesson.  Some issues, I was not paying attention.  I missed the mark and had to be reminded of the reason I was there.  Yes I can be specific but today I will be cryptic.  Sorry.  Point is, neither of my choices was the end.  None of the good or bad choices were the end.  I am still making choices as you read.  Including the choice to make sure to complete my thoughts before it is Monday and you all get upset that I forgot to update the blog again.  But back to the post...

Satan really likes it when we feel like our options have run out.  That trapped feeling means we often react with "primal" instincts instead of strategy.  Satan wants us to be reacting instead of acting.  He wants us to forget to take a breath and go condition black.  That's when we make mistakes and stray off the course... to the wrong master.

Now we have some advantages with that "primal" instinct with all the training in our line of work.  We can take a deep breath.  We have partners tap us out.  We have tools and we often use them.  Even the worst training scar can be removed.  It takes a ton of effort and often support, but we can do it.  So let's apply that.  Satan wants us to mess up and spiral.  He wants us so distracted on our shortcomings and fears that we don't reach back out for help.  He wants us to think that no one is looking out for us.  No back up, just reactionary movements.  Christ sunk lower that all of us so he could lift us up.  Christ provided a way even when we make all the wrong turns.  He continually reaches out to us.

Satan is at a disadvantage.  Even if he manages to get you on the wrong path, you can still repent and come back.  Even when you made a horrible choice, you can make things right.  Even when the world screams, "Pick a side! No, pick this side!" you can take a breath and make a smart choice.  Don't go code black.  The opposition is losing.  Badly.  It only seems like Satan is winning because we can't see the end.  You always have the advantage of either doing good and continue good, or messing up and trying to do better.  I know you all don't fear much in the field.  So stop fearing off the field.

LEOs, know how much your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ care about you personally.  Nothing can take your testimony away from you, you can only let it fade.  Dust it off, strap it on, and go to work.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Spouse Q&A (Part 1)

Well, I was happy to get some good responses and hopefully I will get some more for the next set!  Thank you to those who added input.  I only selected a few for this post so if you don't see yours, I will likely address it on the next one.  And if you are still shy about it, don't be.  I would venture to say your questions are not exclusive to your family alone.  Ok, not to the Q&A...

My spouse is in the academy/long distance training.  What ways can I support them knowing I am doing a lot of work on my end too?

It is pretty easy to see that any intense training can be strenuous on marriages and individuals.  Really, they are designed for that purpose.  Long distance training can be just as stressful as availability is limited and sometimes time differences makes it worse.

First, know that your work as a spouse is just as important as your LEOs.  In a Celestial Marriage, you are both help-meets to each other.  So make sure that you both communicate that your work is difficult but that you are working through it together.  Taking time to let each other vent a bit often helps, just make sure it isn't a competition.  Bring up jokes.  Read scripture together.  Go through the joyful parts of the day.  Most importantly, continue to find that spiritual connection with Heavenly Father together.

Once you are both on a more elevated conversation, the concerns and "tough topics" are likely to be handled appropriately... like the reminder that you actually would like a break or a chance to rest too.  From experience, both the academy and long distance training (for lack of better word) blows.  Yes, there is great learning, but that separation from spouse and being constantly occupied by something other than fun texts or calls between my spouse and I really was the greater stress.  But knowing I had an amazing spouse at home temporarily holding both ends of the yoke empowered me and I have tried to keep that in mind any time work is stressful and I just want to complain.  You all do great work to keep your family strong and I salute your service!

Previous to this career, a text or a call rarely went unanswered.  Now, I become fearful when that unanswered text goes for hours.  I often fear the worse.  What can I do?

Great question and probably a terrifying one for all spouses, especially with more recent events.  I previously sat in a cubicle with all the time in the world to send thousands of texts to my spouse.  I now work in the evening and that usually means my other half goes to sleep before I am done with my shift.  There are days when I can text or call without any issue.  Of course, there are other days where it is inappropriate or impossible to text or call.

I have some suggestions, but you need to find what works for you.  Have a Family Counsel about it and come up with a few ideas to help.  I have had a hot call come out right off the bat which takes hours to complete.  By then, my spouse is asleep (or trying to be).  I still send the "I'm ok.  Hot call sorry" text even knowing it could wake my spouse.  LEOs, make sure you add something about your call so it isn't construed as a "hey what's up?" text!

Remember too that if you haven't had the "uncomfortable talk" about the worst case scenario, have it.  No one likes talking about wills in normal life, but without it, a lot of unwanted issues come up.  Take the time to discuss and end it with a prayer together.  The Lord always strengthens.  I would also add that an unanswered text is more likely than not a simple reason rather than that worse case scenario.

If you feel comfortable, have your spouse introduce and get phone numbers of beat partners or Sergeants.  Yes this is a little more intrusive, but if it has taken some time to get a text back, it is possible someone with a less hot call can verify your LEO is ok.  Plus, don't you want to get to know the people your LEO looks to for back up?

My LEO is different with this career than they used to be.  They seem more distracted/angry/gloomy/dark/distant/aggressive/etc.  Is there any way to fix this?

Can you tell I got a lot of these?  I am sure there were other vernaculars used but I just wanted you all to see that you are not alone in this concern.  It is easy for LEOs to blame it on the job.  I have done it too.  The reality is most of the time it is a mix of job training and unresolved stress.  Yes we sit in dark corners of the room scanning for threats.  That is part of the job.  But the anti-social attribute is not.  The new "battle plan" for every occasion it probably normal.  The negative outlook isn't.  Basically it boils down to safety measure vs learned behavior.  Have a family counsel and discuss it.  PTSD is real.  Depression from the terrible things LEOs see is real.  Exhaustion is real.  But it is up to the both of you to discuss and identify the differences and adapt to some of the new changes.

Will you tell my LEO I love her/him?
Ok, sure!  Haha, I had to add that one in.  LEOs, your spouse loves you.  So give 'em a big ol' smooch and a hug.  Or text them that you will (and follow through).  We are nothing without our partners while on the job but we are even less than nothing without our Eternal Partners.  Remember, they are the reason you do what you do.

Thank you for all those who submitted questions.  I really can't do all this myself so if something inspired you, email or comment me.  You might have better advice than I can give!  I hope this is one of many Q&A's in the future.  Let's keep the conversation going and the communication open.  Take courage, LEOs.  And for goodness' sake, be grateful for your spouse!

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Prayers and Action

Ok everyone, this is the last week to submit your questions.  So if you are reading this now, text your husband or wife for a quick question.  I know, I know, its an extra step, but you never know who it could help.  (See this post for the full details).  Back to the blog...

So LDS.org had a great article recently from a blogger about #PrayforAmerica and what the real meaning is.  If you didn't read it, here is a summation:

This world needs more than a vain repetition.  It needs men and women of faith.  It needs those who will stand up for truth and righteousness even when evil and sadness surround us.

So in the article's inspired theme, I will add a prayer and a testimony.
I pray that we can heal from the pain we have felt over these last few months.  I feel like my black mourning band has seen more time on my badge than should ever do.  I pray we can be uplifted by the revelation of our Lord.  I pray that we will feel the power of the gospel to teach and bless others.  I pray that the Lord will bless your families and protect them from the evil in the world.

I bear my testimony that the Lord has a plan for us.  Even in the darkest hour, the Lord is there.  Those who struggle to understand this concept need love and encouragement to show them the truth.  We are all children of God.  I know this to be true.  Even the worst person you know matters to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I testify that you matter to the Lord.  Your service in your career along with your faithfulness in the gospel provide hope and guidance for this world.  I testify that this gospel is the only way you can find the complete happiness the Lord has promised all His children.  I testify that Jesus Christ loves you (even if you don't love yourself).

I hope you find the joy this week.  Commit yourself to do something more than wishing on a star and I know you will find the joy.  Remember, faith without works is dead!

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Readers' Choice Topic - Alone

While I await more responses for my Q&A for spouses, I have gotten a lot of questions from readers about what to do when they are faced with a lack of support from their family, friends, church members, or their community.  Seriously, this is like the number one question brought up to me.  So if you feel you are alone in this, I encourage you to write me.  Your concerns and advice actually help me answer questions others have and are the reason this blog has as many topics as it does. (My email is at the bottom of the page under profile)

I think most of us feel the duty of our jobs and see it as a honorable and valiant service to our fellow man.  If you are in an especially Mormon population, you probably see the "American spirit" of first responder jobs in the media or over the pulpit.  And yet after we begin this job, all the "atta-boy" and "what a noble profession" turns into, "Can't you tell your work you need few Sundays off?" or "You shouldn't be so aggressive at work" or "How are you supposed to raise a family with your schedule?"  Where did that support go?

The reality is that while as a whole there are standards to live by, but sometimes those get blended into a culture.  I think some people (myself included) have at one time or another looked at the "standard" LDS household:

NOT the real family.  These people are probably nothing like what I describe below...

Met the LDS standard family.  Husband and wife in the temple a few months after his mission.  Only LDS schools for them.  Children right away and career immediately for Dad.
Dad works at a 9-5 steady job with personal interaction at work, but no moral conflict with his work activities.  He maintains a quiet and pleasant demeanor and probably works under a great boss who understands he needs time off for family at the drop of a hat.  No weekend work is done because he only chooses a profession that refuses to do so.  He is home to assist with a large family of well behaved children, and holds a "major" church calling which he performs again with no work conflict.  Heck, he might even work for the church offices or something.  He has friends but only "Christian" ones or "more religious" ones.  Debating with friends is off limits.
Mom is a stay-at-home wife and mother who raises her kids to go to a school that is morally righteous.  She does not work because that would be against an undocumented commandment to be at home with the kids full time.  She holds a large calling and ensures that any of her "free time" is spent only in service and scripture study.  She hosts several blogs but only works on them while the children are asleep or studying.  She refuses to interact with anyone that might question the morals of her family.

Ok, a little extreme.  And really this says nothing about them other than an outward appearance.  This family is not standard.  This family is culture.  But culture is not a standard.

Think of the 4th Article of Faith.  Those are the standards.  I would venture to say that most of you have not and will likely never meet the above listed mold.  And even if you did, that is not important.  What is important is your relationship with Heavenly Father.  What is important is your personal growth toward Eternal Life.  Repentance is important.  The Family Proclamation is important.  Your life and your family's life should be based on the Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel, not an idealistic idea.

If you are still worried you are doing something contrary, put it to this rubric:

1 - Are you (and your spouse for those married) counseling consistently with the Lord?

All of us are working in the same direction, just on our own personal growth path.  If what you are doing is looked at by others as wrong or different, that matters extremely little (unless what you are doing is actually wrong, of which you pretty much already know you are doing it incorrectly).  What matters is that you are in the solid triangle of you, your spouse, and the Lord.  No spouse?  Make it a solid rod of you and the Lord.  Just as no one can tell you what your testimony is, no one can make life decisions for you.

2 - Are you studying, not just searching, the gospel principles?

This blog is not doctrine.  Even some of the greatest literature written is not doctrine.  The scriptures and gospel teachings which are in harmony with Latter-Day revelation and prophets are doctrine.  Go to your Heavenly Father in active prayer AND searching of these works for guidance and you will find answers and comfort.

3 - Are you actively participating in the work of the Lord?

Again, I have had many of you contact me discussing very personal and difficult struggles.  One of the common themes is a fear of not fitting in or a lack of support (especially with recent events).  My answer (and one reiterated by all the prophets): participate!  Sign up for the activity you know you could do, but have to rearrange a few calendar items.  Volunteer to host a family for dinner.  Take the calling, or offer yourself for a calling.  If you only expect to be acted upon, you will likely be left wanting.

4 - Where is your faith at?

Believe in the Lord.  Believe in His plan.  Know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are on your side.  Build your testimony of the Lord, not in temporal things.  If you need more faith, exercise it.  LDS.org puts a lot of information on the website weekly and if you haven't looked at it, there is a ton of relevant, actual gospel principles taught. Only you know what needs to be improved in your life so ponder and reflect on what you need.

I hope this helps ease some of the anguish I read.  If not, message me!  We are all in this world together for a reason.  And if there is one last thing I could say to you on this matter (at least for this post), it is that I care about all of you.  In fact, I would venture a guess that everyone else reading this blog besides you cares about you as well.  Don't despair.  Take courage!

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Never Forget... Who

Today is another day of those lumps in the throat and the uncomfortable conversations with loved ones.  I have always found it healing to find ways to make myself and others decompress from these kind of days through laughter but today, I will take another approach I also know well.  Because let's face it, laughter alone is not going to bring comfort.

On my way to a Ward Council meeting, I was met with the newest tragedy in Baton Rouge.  Having a friend who's spouse works there, I felt that pit-in-the-stomach feeling.  I (like many of us) tried to re-engage myself in the work to avoid lingering on the pain.  Days like today often bring more prayer and pondering.

I prepared for the sacrament sometime later and finally looked at the bulletin my kids had tossed around most of the meeting.  On the front were these words:

Never forget, even for an instant, Who you serve and Who is in charge. -Elder Oaks

Never forget.  This morning, I slipped up and forgot.  I forgot that there is a Godhead continually molding myself and anyone willing into something better.  I forgot that the pain and the struggle of this life was already suffered by our Savior.  I forgot that my Heavenly Father knows where we should be going and all that He asks is to have faith in His plan and do it.

And guess what?  Heavenly Father didn't stop there.  Next up was Sunday school where we discussed the plight of Alma and Amulek in prison under the most terrible conditions.  They cried out, "How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance." (Alma 14:26)  I was reminded of Joseph Smith's cry of a similar plight.  I pondered the cries of those lost to this kind of hate.  I pondered the cries of the children and spouses left behind.  And then again, my child grabbed the bulletin and tossed it next to me.  Never forget.

I forgot, but the Lord still has a plan.  We don't have to despair.  We can repent of our shortcomings because that is how we get better.  Never forget is the goal, but it is only when we no longer care to remember that our lives truly fall into despair.


So my fellow LEOs, mourn with those that mourn.  Comfort those who stand in need of comfort.  Dig deeper in your faith.  Serve with more earnest in righteousness.  And never forget... unless you do, then try again.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

If you haven't talked to your spouse or know someone who has an officer spouse with questions, please send them to this blog.  Don't know what the heck I am talking about?  Go to the previous post Here.  I am hoping to get some good discussion and spiritual uplifting from all of you but I only have one spouse (contrary to what some outside our faith would believe).

Spouse Q&A (Well the gathering part for now)

Seeing as I posted earlier, I thought it would be nice to get some real interaction.  So this week, have a heart to heart and ask your spouse what questions they have had while you have been employed in such a great cause.  You can email (contact is listed but if you get lost, its under my profile) or use the comment area to ask.  After we get the questions, I will post what I can so we can all work together to better ourselves, our relationships, and our closeness to the Lord.  The post may not be for a week or so in case some people are sheepish (bad pun) about responding.  If you know someone who has a burning question they could be answered by all of our experience, direct them here or send it in for them.  This blog was made for all of us!

Stay strong out there.  The Lord loves you and supports you.  Find comfort in that small but important fact.

Godspeed, LEOs.

Peace in War

I needed to post today. No fanfare, no pictures, nothing more than a few paragraphs to help in some small, little way to ease the pain everyone is feeling. All the death and mourning these past days makes me feel like the description of the wailing in darkness found in 3 Nephi before the Lord's arrival. But today reiterated a few verses I have had burned in my mind ever since reading it:

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.

And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:26-27

I think all of us have been thinking what Joseph Smith said:

"O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?

Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?

O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol--stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.

Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.

Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever."
Doctrine and Covenants 121:1-6

But the Lord responded already to Joseph and to us in verse 7-10:
"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."

We all are hurting but we can find peace in each other. Everyone matters to the Lord and we should matter to each other. Take courage, search the scriptures, have faith, and serve others.

May we mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.
Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Let Freedom Ring

Tomorrow is Independence Day.  Many of us will have to work this weekend and a day cleaning up a lot of weird and predictable calls: fireworks (usually comes out as shots heard), drunk in public, arguing, underage shenanigans, etc.  Some of us will be lucky enough to enjoy a family or friend party to celebrate.  Either way, let me take a moment to help us re-center what this holiday should represent and how better we can fulfill it.

We came to this earth having fought for freedoms before the earth was in existence.  This holiday may be for a single country to officially celebrate, but this was no coincidence or happenstance of people saying, "enough!"  This day represents the culmination of all the Lord's works in bringing a country he could re-instate His church in.  And represents a wave of change for His gospel to be founded worldwide.  We will always have issues with the secular world on freedoms.  But we are not secular beings only.  There is a spiritual purpose to our existence and our callings.

Many men and women died bringing about this day of celebration.  But they did not die in vain.  They now prepare to enter their Eternal glory.   It is up to each one of us to stand up to fight for the freedom of agency.  It has been the core fight of Satan to get us to a point where our agency is used for evil.  Fight back as the warriors of old have done.  Many knew they would never see that glorious day of the resurrection while they still took breath on earth.  Many lived in times where they were hunted down and slaughtered for their beliefs.  Many watched all their family perish from the evils of the world.  And yet, they still fought for freedom.  Not just for the place we now call the USA, but for all mankind.  This is why (I believe) we have taken on tyrants and mobs in places the USA has had no reason to be in.  To further the availability for others to make choices. 

Again, I will say that the USA is not perfect and has made some poor choices even recently.  Poor choices however just further the evidence of a Heavenly Father who knows His children and makes me proud to see "In God We Trust" on my currency.  We must trust that the Lord is leading us.  We must trust that our faithful observance to the Plan of Happiness/Salvation will not only help us grow, but help all of our siblings here on this huge planet.  Agency matters to this plan.  We matter to this plan.

So take whatever time you can tomorrow and ponder the reasons you are proud to have and protect freedom.  Ponder the sacrifices made for our freedoms (not just the ones we read about in high school).  God bless America!

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Peaceful Officer

In the world today, we are constantly bombarded with hate.  Political, Religious, Gender, Ethnic, and every other possible variation.  We are constantly told how meaningless we are as people, as workers, and as devout churchgoers.  Every media page (no matter what side they sway with) seems to lead their banter with how much worse the other side is doing things.  And we all know it is wrong.  Yet Satan is extremely successful in getting us into the mix.  Maybe it starts as a good backing of something like our apostles and prophets have encouraged us to support.  Then we get a backlash.  Then we defend righteously.  Then the personal attacks.  Then we are in a full on debate, in the wrong way.  Boom.  We are now just as bad as the ones we were trying not to be like.

Remember this one?

So how do we deal with this?  Let's face it: we have the type of job that begs to be ridiculed.  We are part of a religion that also seems to do the same.  Add to that a protective warrior mentality, and it seems the odds are stacked against us.  But we are also the kind of people who thrive in adversity.  Look at the many prophets and church leaders in the scriptures.  Look at the pioneers (both the 1800's and currently in other countries).  Look especially to the Savior.

Have you read some of the leading/set-up questions those who sought to belittle the Lord?  Sound familiar?  How about the treatment they gave the Savior even though he took upon their sins?  The Lord taught and served with righteousness even when it was unpopular.  He did not stoop to their level.  He taught with meekness and understanding but also firmness and unapologetic.  And here is the key to why He could: He was 100% in the right.

Let that sink in.  On any of the recent arguments you have been dragged into, can you say with 100% surety that you were right?  Perhaps this is why the bearing of testimony is more powerful than anything else.  I am 100% sure that the Savior died for our sins and leads us toward Eternal Life with our Father in Heaven.  I am 100% sure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith through proper authority from God.  I KNOW with 100% surety that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  So if it is any of those questions, I can literally testify of the previously mentioned.  And you can too.

The rest of the topics in this world are definitely worth noting, but not arguing.  Be involved but not the problem.  Publish peace.  Testify of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And if you get stuck or frustrated, step back and excuse yourself, say a prayer, search for answers in the doctrine, and ponder whether or not to re-enter the ring for that topic.  Sometimes it is worth moving on.

I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, including LEOs.  Through it we can heal all the ails of the world.  It won't happen in a day, but the more we are Peace Officers on and off duty, the faster you hasten the work of the Lord.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Fathers

Well today is Father's Day and I'm sure those who are or have fathers, this is the shower-with-gifts-and-love day.  My post today is a reflection post on what fathers are and should always be. (I will make sure I do Mother's Day next year... please hold me accountable for that!)

I know and am in close contact with my own father.  He shares many great qualities with probably many of your fathers or father-figures.  For those of you who know the attributes of a scout, he is all of those.  For those of you who don't, he has the greater portion of Christlike attributes.  While I could also say what he lacks, I'm not going to post that as it is the mote in my eye if I do.

Blah blah, my dad, LDS Sheepdog.  What is the point?

Ok, sorry I just really love my dad.  And we all should love the man we call "Dad."  The are a mortal man trying to emulate an immortal, perfect father.  The world would have them appear as a bumbling, unintelligent digbat only fueled by passion and fear of getting caught.  I know this by the ever shrinking number of appropriate Father's Day cards and the garbage shows I see on TV.  But those fathers are not actual fathers.  They are all the world's idea of a marital placeholder or parental obligate.  We in this church know they are the Presider, Provider, and Protector of our homes.  We know they hold sacred keys to our lives.  They are very intelligent and close to the spirit.  I was reminded of this in today's message from a 12 year old.

This young man said he knows his mother and his biological father are no longer together.  He knows it is difficult to talk about because he has a step-dad now who has to somehow fill a role that his biological father is not able to.  One thing he said that really struck me and made me ponder my own relationship with my father was this: He said his step father works really had to be a spiritual leader and a provider.  His work is often in the heat and difficult.  So when his step-dad is short with him or not as "fun," sometimes he has to stop and think about what his step-dad has been through before he decides to judge his step-dad as less than the father he is.

Isn't this really what we all should be striving for?  Understanding a father who is doing all he can to make our lives into the best possible.  Our Father in Heaven may be perfect, but he is bestowing the sacred duty of his authority in a mortal man.  Mistakes happen.  Sometimes we have to rely on other figures.  But the role of fathers remains.  Some of us will be fathers in this life.  Some of us may be a father-figure for someone.  All of us need to uphold and encourage the sacred role of fathers.  Want to see the fastest way to make our work turn more into PR and less into military?  Encourage and support families.  Become the father figure (or encourage someone to be one).

Happy Father's Day to all you imperfect people out there!  Courage LEOs!

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Working on the Sabbath (part 2)

Note: This is part 2 of an interactive posting.  Please add your input so this can continue to uplift others through your experiences.

I was reminded of a scripture the other day while at work:

"Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (D&C 81:5)

This was encouraging to me.  This is the plan the Lord has for us.  We are here to serve.

Jesus Christ spent his time in service.  He served on the weekday, and the weekends.  He dropped his wants for others.  He sacrificed himself for all of us.  To those who truly loved him, he was (and is) a hero.  To others (including the public), he was a terrible person who could not be trusted.

If there is one lesson from Christ's ministry for those who have to work it is his healing on the Sabbath.  I have heard people misuse this to justify behavior.  Good for them.  But this story is much more meaningful to all of those who must work on the Sabbath.

Often we are criticized by others (including some in our religious circle) for working on this day.  But let's take a look at what we are doing vs. what the Lord would have us do:

-Healed the sick
-Counseled
-Taught
-Stood for righteousness
-Served

Now us:

-Respond to emergencies
-Teach and enforce law
-Stand for the weak
-Console and counsel victims and suspects
-Serve

Yes I am sure one could sway this to any work done on the Sabbath but I feel this comparison is important.  If you must work on this day, do it the way the Lord would.  Make today a special day by treating it special.  Do good to them that hurt you.  Practice your Christ-like attributes more.  Do good and have courage to follow spiritual promptings

As was previously stated, "...succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."  They need you.  Fight evil with your goodness.  Conquer the foe who prey on the Lord's sheep.  This is the office the Lord has appointed you.  Stand strong.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

PS Today a tragic event occurred that makes our blood want to boil.  Instead, take today to love your family.  Take a new pledge to protect and serve better.  We are there to stand as the warriors of old for righteousness and love of all man.  If there was ever a more pertinent point to the need for good men and women like yourselves, this is it.  Please read the statement here from the Church Newsroom and prepare your household in the Lord.

Warrior Challenge

How many of you are starting to feel like we are being squeezed even harder by the world?  I know seeing the horrific events of officers in the news and the bad mouthing coming from some of the public has really made me feel pretty well crushed recently.  It is hard trying to do what is right when we are undermined for our duty.  So LEOs, this post is for you.

This last week was Memorial Day.  I felt somber reading the stories of these warriors.  They gave the ultimate sacrifice on this earth for us. I know that despite all the "new" findings random people find, they did good.  They were good men and women who fought for the liberty of all.

LEOs, you are doing good.  Whatever issues you are facing, face them with the Lord.  Off track?  Fight to get back.  Missing the spirit?  Dig deep into the gospel.  It is too simple not to go for it.  But let me again reiterate: YOU ARE DOING GOOD!

The Lord has chosen all of us on this earth to serve a wise purpose and come back to Him.  You have a special talent that makes you different from more than just the public, but to even your coworkers.  You fight alongside many of the the other great warriors like Mormon, Moroni, Moses, and probably many other "M" named gospel-followers.  You work to find balance in work, home, AND church.  You seek for the good things of the earth even when the most evil on the earth almost literally is in front of you.  You understand the comfort the spirit holds in the the darkness.  You are the publisher of peace.  You are the Lord's tools.  You matter.

Still not feeling it?  Here is your challenge.  Before your next shift, go through your gospel library app (c'mon, we all know you use that way more), and find a righteous warrior.  Your choice from time and location.  I love Old Testament but I do enjoy some Book of Mormon ones.  Read what they did.  read how they overcame challenges.  Then get on your knees and ask the Lord for a better understanding of how this applies to you.  I promise you will find some bit of closure from the issue you are facing.  Will you take the challenge?

We are needed in this world no matter who wants to regulate or harm us.  We protect the Lord's sheep.  We pull them from the terrors of the world back into the fold.  Take courage and the challenge.

Godspeed LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Family Sheepdog

Since this Sunday is a 5th Sunday, our ward discussed Elder Ballard's "Family Councils" talk from General Conference.  I have discussed this topic for weeks now in class and in my home and I really wanted to dive into the topic and the important roles of our families.  (Please read the talk, it will change your family life if followed)

I have never owned a dog but have had plenty of friends with them.  I have met quite a few K9 units and their dogs.  What the good dogs do for the family is protect and provide joy.  They are often fiercely loyal and have taken on all kinds of threats to protect the family.  They have no fear of danger and they still want to snuggle and play, even when they have been yelled at and belittled.  Pretty great example of love right?

Now here is the topic EVERY officer has had to discuss: family relations.  How many briefing room side-discussions, locker talk, and other conversations have been on this?  I feel it is almost every single day at work and sometimes multiple times.  Divorce, separations, child problems, selfishness and the like run rampant.  Now I doubt all of these "water cooler conversations" is the truth, but imagine how upsetting your spouse or child would feel if they happened to see or hear the footage from your camera/mic as you are belittling their feelings?  The one line I despise hearing is how a spouse/child shouldn't be complaining because the officer has had a far worse/taxing day.  This never has been true.  This talk about who's life is more important goes against the entire Family Proclamation.

This attitude of self-service carries from work to the home really easily.  That quick fuse from dealing with "boneheads" all day can be easy to light.  The idea that (barring a superior's opinion) your way is the right way can be transferred across work and home time.  This is more boneheaded than any person you encounter on the streets.  Your life is just as important as each of your family members.  No more, no less.  Your marriage was to be a help-meet not a President and Vice-President.  Your children are your stewardship, not your minions.  So why do you think your day was/is more significant?  I am pretty sure Jesus Christ didn't do some miracles and then say, "Hey, come wash my feet and make me some food.  It's been a long day and and I'm the Savior."

Just like the rest of the gospel principles, the strengthening of our families comes together over time with hard-work and dedication.  Put forth the effort and see the fruits of the gospel flourish in your home.

We all hope the day we have to go to the call we have been dreading (child, partner, or other horrible circumstance) our family is there to surround us with love and support.  A piece of advice from a officer who is of a different faith: on the last day you remove your badge and uniform, if your home is empty because your career was full, what will you really have done in 30 years?

I have one EXCEPT to add.  In the event of something traumatic, please, please, please get help from your family, trained counselors, and coworkers.  There are many out there who find themselves slipping because they take the other extreme of never asking for help.  The advice and counsel in the gospel is working together, not suppressing.

Sorry that this post is more for reflection than for just uplifting.  Sometimes, we have to take on the hard truths to progress.  It keeps us humble.  So be fiercely loyal to your family.  Be the person that others ask for counsel in private, after the public heckling in the locker room ends.  Show your spouse and kids what real heroes stand for.  And read the talk.  It's still on the homepage of LDS.org for at least today.

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

Ride-Along Reflections

Ok, I'm sorry about this being on Monday instead of my normal deadline of Sunday.  My good excuse was I was indexing and got carried away with WWII and Civil War enlistments.

So I recently had the privilege of taking a Young Men's Priest on a ride-along as he had turned 18 and had been asking for months.  I made sure he had all his ducks in a row and was ready as Midnights was not the easiest to go on as a High Schooler.  Especially since there would not really be any dance parties or potential dates included.  Just me and him for the full shift until the sun showed up.

I warned him that likely the conversations from my partners and the like would be closer to a High School bathroom gossip conversation than church.  I warned him that there would likely be heckling back and forth but the "guys" (we don't only have men on the team) were really nice and helpful.

The night went quite smoothly and he got to see a good mix of calls and stops.  We got to chat with all my partners at the end as it was our Friday and the new shift was already fielding the end of our day calls.  I actually drove him there and home (at his mother's request) so we were able to have an even deeper conversation.  Let me just let all of you know: if you are concerned about the "rising generation" and only look at the juveniles you book, look to our YM/YW kids.  They are strong.  They face huge obstacles just like all of us.  And yet, they show their strength of the gospel with the right encouragement.

What really blew my mind is my own reflection of High School.  I remember the foul conversations and peer pressures.  I remember the trials, the strain, the fears.  And yet, I felt the need to "warn" my ride-along of the same.  Maybe it is due to my "parental instincts" trying to protect him from the inevitable.  Maybe it is because I felt embarrassed to be in such company.  Either way, I was making a judgement that was not truly for me to make.

My reflection (as I hope you all take time to do the same) is on our daily lives.  Would we act the same way without that ride-along?

Reflected long enough?  We all know what we should do.  Now it us just a matter of putting it into practice.  Peer pressure, trials and fear are just as present now as they were in High School.  Take some time and re-commit to your covenants.  Remember, the real person sitting passenger is the Holy Ghost, but only as long as you travel the paths He can be with you for.

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog

The Back Corner Table

I like many (if not all) of you have had my patterns changed through this career.  Admittedly, I drive faster.  I also have my head on a swivel more, scan faces, and base my reasons for staying in a public place on threats rather than the menu or line.  And I know the place we feel the most comfortable in a restaurant is that back corner table with lower lighting, easy escape access, good cover, and full visibility of all the entry points.  Our spouses and friends have probably made a comment about it.  But man, do we love that little nook of security while we try to enjoy a meal.

Yeah, I'll take that one... way back there

That back table has added a challenge to me.  I have always been that free spirit, outdoor, social butterfly, likes everything, be anywhere person.  I have almost always taken personality quizzes and career quizzes in school telling me that's what kind of person I am.  And of course a bunch of quizzes with consistent answers for me definitely scratches the "scientific method" itch I have.  While I don't subscribe to this being a fate for obvious reasons, I do think that the gospel has helped mold my inherent personality and talents with its power into the person I am.  The Lord loves to take our talents to stretch and grow us.  So when I completed the academy, I faced a new challenge: I was thrown into the "always watch your six" mentality. Pretty contrary to the whole "social saints movement" right?  I honestly felt so two-faced with this. At church and in the comfort of mine or a friend's home, I was outgoing and "normal" at least for me. Outside if that, I was the guy tactically positioned and quietly observing. This dichotomy had been bugging me for over a year and I really felt further from the spirit.  So to steal from scriptural verbiage: "what is to be done?"
First, let me add that this experience is only my own.  You may have a different path to the same solution (and please let us all know because this would be an odd world if everyone was like me).  Second, NEVER give up tactics.  You have been trained to protect and serve.  Your life matters to the Lord.  Ok, back to the question.

We have been taught to seek guidance from the scriptures and the Lord.  I will add that there are very few occupations that have a closer physical similarity to our career than the Book of Mormon.  We are trying to become like the righteous warriors of old.  What greater motivation than that of the Army of Helaman?  What a better leader than Mormon or Moroni?  These men had the Lord on their side.  And while the world would teach you that they had the Spirit because they were called as prophets, we have the same potential to be the Lord's vessel.  Did they lead by hiding in a corner?  Well, maybe Moroni was a bit pushed into one but that was due to the end of a dispensation, not our reality.  So no, they didn't.  Did they sacrifice virtues for tactics?  NEVER.  In fact, the best example of what NOT to do by disregarding spiritual AND tactical advantages is found in Alma 47.

Cool story, bro, but what does that have to do with us?

The "stories" are for us!  We need to know what others have done to comprehend the fact that the Lord will uphold us.  Heck, that's why I started this blog.  I was taught that we can balance both the safety of the shadows with the brightness of the gospel.  One of the ways I found worked in maintaining balance was to revert back to my missionary days.  I studied (not read) my scriptures and petitioned (not prayed) to the Lord.  I went out of my way to talk to strangers.  I looked for opportunities to serve.  I felt the fear of man quickly turn to the trust in the Lord.  Turns out, all the great righteous warriors did the same.  They had full trust in the Lord, even in the face of death.  So why be scared?  There is plenty of room at the corner table.  And I realized that the Lord also creates opportunities for us to bring others to the gospel in our profession.  What a better way to fill the corner table than with sheepdogs like us right?

Sorry for the basic answers but isn't that what tactics are all about?  How many gun drills do you do drawing from your holster?  Or how about role playing stops?  Or reviewing past reports to make sure our current reports contain all the right information?  Life is basic.  It is made for our happiness and the happiness of all those who inhabit it.  It is made for us to learn and grow to be like our Heavenly Father.  So our answers to questions are basic (though not always easy).  Study, Ponder, Pray/Plea, and all the other basics.  Now go do some drills!

Godspeed, LEOs.

-LDS Sheepdog