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